translation I have endeavoured to give the accurate meaning of Proclus, and to preserve as much of his manner as is possible, from an original which, as Fabricius justly observes, is "all but barbarous"*; and that the reader will find in these Treatises a demonstration of those great Platonic dogmas which Pope has so elegantly celebrated in his Essay on Man, but without attempting to prove that ihey are true. The dogmas I allude to are the following: That '* there must be somewhere, such arankasMan"*'; that "all partial evil is universal good"; and that "whatever is, is right." Hence Proclus proves by incontrovertible arguments, that evil has no real existence, but has only a shadowy subsistence, and that Divinity concealed it in the utility of good.
' ■■ Versio inculta Tateor, et lanttim non barbara, sed ex qua Griecie lingufe et Philosophim Plato n ic^e periiis pulchrasseatentUs BurlorlB perepicere, nee diflicili! ut contido erit, nee injueuadum."
' Pope also says of man, in Ihe above-mentioned philosophical poem, with oo less accuracy than elegance, that he is, " Flac'd on tliU iMbmus of a middle state, A being darkly wise and rudely great."— Epi»(. //. For man is situated between i>eings that eternally abide in the possession of real good, such as divine natures, and those that perpetually participate only ot oppaTeni good, such as brutes. Hence, ranking in the last order of ratianal essences, his wisdom majr justly be said to be dark, and Ms greatness riute.
bvGoogIc
TEN DOUBTS
PROVIDENCE, &c.
1 HE great Plato, in the tenth book of his Laws, compels us, by adftmantine arguments, as it were, to confess that Providence has an existence ; and also elsewhere in many places, as in the Timaeus, he shows* that the Demiurgus has elaborated the fabrication of things, by his providential energies, as far as to the last portion of intelligence, and this he likewise clearly asserts. But it is requisite that we should be pei-suaded by what Plato has demonstrated, and by the most efficacious attestations ^ven by the [Chaldean] oracles to the demonstrations of Plato. For I conceive that this tradition of the oracles to the worthy auditors of the Gods, is a most manifest demonstration of the existence of Providence, in answer to whatever * In iho TerrioD of Motbeka ouenda ; for which it is necesaaif
opposes it according to the conceptions of the multitude, and is sufRcieat to repel the phantasms which prevent them from believing that all things subsist conformably to the will of Providence, and to lead them from base garrulity on this subject, to tlie truth of things. And we say this, not as if we thought that what has been written on this subject by those prior to us is not worthy of great attention, but because the soul, though these things have been the occasion of donbt, and have been distinctly considered a thousand times, yet desires to hear and speak concerning them, to revolve them, and, as it were, discuss them in herself, and is not willing to receive information alone about them from others*. Let us, therefore, interrogate ourselves, and doubting, in the secret recesses of the soul, endeavour to exercise ourselves in the solution of doubts, conddering it as of no consequence whether we discuss, or whether we do not, what has been said by those prior to usj since as long as we deliver what we are persuaded is truth, we shall appear to assert and to write our own conceptions on this subject. To which may be added, that we shall have Hermes for bur common leader, who is said to insert anticipations of common conceptions in every soul.
1. And prior to everything else, let us invest!* gate whether Providence extends to all things, to
The Utter pirt of ihts unteiice in the version of Moibeka ia, " ct noQ solum de foria redpere do his sermones noknle." But tot ndetOe I read volenlt.
wholes and parts, nnd to the mostindividual things in the heavens, and under the heavens, to eternal and corruptible natures. But it is requisite that Providence should either know the desert of the tilings for which it provides, or that it should not lead all things according to their desert, in consequence of being ignorant of their worth. We must also investigate the manner in which Providence knows all things, both wholes and parts, and corruptible and eternal natures, and what the characteristic is of its knowledge. And if we are able to apprehend this, afterwards something else, and again another thing will become the subject of doubt
Considering therefore this in the first place, and involdng the common leader, Hermes, we must say that with respect to knowledge, one kind is connascent with irrationality, and is called sense or phantasy ; it also pertains to things of a partial nature, and which are not external to body, and therefore manifests that the cognitions themselves ore directed to partial essences. But another kind of knowledge is essentially inherent in the rational lifct and is called opinion and science ; differing indeed from irrational cognitions in this, that it knows universals, they, as we have said, having a perception of partial qualities alone. These two kinds of rational knowledge likewise differ from each other, because the one, viz. opinion, is the knowledge of mutable natures; but the other, viz. science, is the knowledge of things permanently
immutable. Prior to these, however, there is another knowledge, which is denominated intellectual ; of which one kind apprehends all things at once and simply, but the other is a knowledge, not of all things at once, but of one thing at a time*. And in this they differ, one being the knowledge of an intellect in every respect perfect, but the other being the knowledge of partial intellects; all intellectual essences indeed understanding all things, and in this transcending rational cognitions,- but one intellect having a total subsistence, and intellectually perceiving all things totally ; but another apprehending all things partially, because being itself partial, its intellections are also of a partial nature.
Beyond all these, however, is the knowledge of Providence, which is above intellect, and exists in the one alone, according to which every God is essentialized, and is said to attend providentially to all things, establishing himself in an energy prior to intellectual perception. By this one, therefore, according to which also he subsists, he knows all things. For if we admit that other cognitions necessarily remain connascent with the essences to which they pertain, — as, for instance, phantasy and sense, which, being irrational, belong to the irrational life, and likewise the cognitions prior to these, which are rational, as pertaining to rational souls, and the intellectual to intellectual essences, — it would be absurd not to admit, that the cogni- * And such ii the knowledge of our intellect.
tions of the Gods, so far as tbey are Gods, are defined according to an hyparxis* which is trao- Bcendently one, since from coninion conceptions we think that divinity is something better than intellect, and that the knowledge of everything is con- - fomiable to what the thing is.
l(i therefore, Providence subsists according to the one, and is that which imparts good to all things, and the good is the same with the one*', through being which it provides for all things, in this one it likewise knows the things which are the subjects of its providential energies. By the one, therefore, it possesses the power of knowing all things. To this one, however, there is no greater knowledge of wholes than of parts; of things which are according to nature, than of such as are preternatural ; of species, than of things which are without species. For as of all sensible things, it is necessary that there should be some impartible organ which forms a judgement of them, — and likewise of the forms prior to sensibles, that there should be another judiciary organ by which they are perceived ; since if the judiciary organ was divisible, and by one part of itself perceived one thing, and by another part of itself another thing, it would be just the same as if I should perceive this thing, but you that; — thus
" Hypaiiis wgnifiea Ihe lummil of the essence 'nf a thing, and is that Bccordtng to which Ihat thing jirmcipally subsists.
'' The good, according to Plato, is the same with the me. For in his Republic, be celebrates the principleof all things by iherormcr . of these appellations, and in the Parmeaidea by the latter.
also it is requisite that there should be something prior to forms, which has one knowledge both of universals and individuals ; or after what manner could it arrange them, —these indeed as' participants, but those as things participated ? To these, however, there is nothing else common than unity. Prior therefore to forms, there is something gnostic, which knows all things so far as they are one. But it is evident that this which knows according to the one, knows so far as the similar is known by the similar, I mean so far as that which proceeds from a cause is known by its cause. For everywhere, and in all these, there is t/ie one. And, indeed, every being, of whatever kind it may be, does not subsist universally ; since that which exists according to a part, is different from that which exists as a whole". Nor is everything species [or form], since there is something else which is not species ; nor is everything according to nature, since there is also that which is preternatural. But everything which can be conceived, whatever it may be, is one, in consequence of /Ae one existing above all things. If, however, there is anything which does not participate of the one, neither will it wholly participate of being, nor will it be able to participate of Providence. If, therefore, nothing escapes the one, that which knows all things from itself, will possess this knowledge throtigh a transcendency
' i. e. Whole does not subuBl universally, because some things are paru ; or in other wordB, ererylbing h not a whole, because a pari, so far ai it is a part, is not a whole.
of union* ; since it will know all things either by the one, or by that which is not the one. This latter mode of knowledge, however, is of a subordinate nature, and foreign from that of the one. By the one, therefore, Providence knows everything which is in any respect whatever one. For unity is common to all things, both to beings, and to nonbeings. [Hence Providence, as we have said) being defined according to the one and the good, and the good being prior to intellect (for intellect aspires after the good, since this is the object of desire to all beings, but the good does not aspire aitev intellect,] — this being the case, it is necessary that providential should be superior to intellectual knowledge; and in consequence of this, that Providence should know all things by its own one, through which it benefits all things, the intellectual and the non-intellectual, the vital and the non-vital, beings and non-beings, inserting iii all things the one, as a representation of its own one**.] For the
' In Morbeka's Terwon " tmialiler". But this in Ihe originBl wafl doubtlna itnutn, i, e. (vAta mr ni umtuti vn^CtXtir) accord' inj to a Irantcertilency of union.
'' The ori^iial of Ihe part within the brackets is to be found in Philoponua eontra Prod, de Muadi ^ternitale, and is aa follows i Tm 3n run vjiwsf «, u^iinu mt« ra If iwi n Mymlm ufafiffiimi, nai m myaln Wfi rii riB amt, {run ymf ifi/iTxi TJB ayniiv, muyMfTM trtm w*m, mu h-x' ru, »« « mymta,) mnym jta. mi
Thia addition, which a <Atiouelj necesurj, is coirobonled bjr the TBisioD of Moibeka, which has in this place " el mm inMU- getuia If vnvMia," &c.
one of it is not like an individual one. For tbis is the last of beings, and is inferior to that which b universal, through the participation of which it is that which it is. The one of Providence, however, is more excellent than that which is universal : for the universal is a certain one, but is not the one itself; because it is many things, and not one atone, in consequence of possessing the clifFerences of the things which it contains. But neither is the one according to which Providence exists such as a whole; for this indeed is partible ; but that as being truly one, is also truly impartible.
[In short, therefore, since we assert that this one of Providence is productive of all things, we mast also acknowledge that it is the saviour of all things ; having an hyparxis more true than all essence, and more manifest than all knowledge ; not being distributed into parts together with things which are the objects of its knowledge, nor moved about them, since these are the peculiarities of psychical* and intellectual knowledge. For every intellect is one many, both in its being and its intellectual perception ; and every soul, since it is essentialized in modon, perceives intellectually in conjunction with motion. But the one of Providence abiding in the one, is at the same time immutable and indivisible, and knows all things in a way which is eternally the same. Nor does it know man alon^ and sun, and everything else of this kind, but also every particular thing. For nothing escapes thai one, whether you speak of the being of a thing, or ' 1. 1. Pertaining to (oul.
conauler it as an object of knowledge*.] And it is said indeed, and is rightly said, that the whole circle exists centrally in the centre, since the centre is the cause, but the circle the thing caused ; and for the same reason every number subsists ihonadically in the monad. All things, however, exist in the one of Providence in a far superior manner, since it is in a much more transcendent degree one than a centre and the monad. As, therefore, if the centre had a knowledge of the circle, it would have a central knowledge of it, as it likewise has a central hypostasis, and woald not distribute itself into parts with the parts of the circle ; [thus also the transcendently united knowledge of Providence, Is a knowledge of all divisible essences in the same impartible nature, and of each of the most individual and most total things ; and as it gave subsistence to everything according to the one, so like-
The Tollowing is tlie original of the part within the brackets, and ia to be alone found in the betbre-dted work of Fhiloponua :
um fMfiirvufnt tvfatt I/^uf^j ij^tv sAfi/trvi^dfr, wu vofiiF yra/^ime rptrltrtftlw*' tB fup^tfurtr 9Hl ^Wftdit, Hfit inrwfitrtt rtfi aura, rtarair fi >■( * ^f'vx'im Mm una ymrit ix" ft liurrrac. xai y«( hw tisi
fu^m xintfunikuh i< tt r^ in ftnwt (lege ^Mrj-,) MfLentZara k/aa
' Morbeka has here aiunaitioTtm, but erroneously ; for TfmnrrtfKt should be rendered dariarem. -f' Morbeka aJso has rightly in this place manent.
wise by /he one it knows everything']. And neither is its knowledge divided with the things known; nor are the things that are known confounded on account of the profound union of knowledge. This knowledge, however, being one, comprehends indeed all the infinity of the objects of knowledge, but is transcendenUy united above all the union that is in them. Such, tberefore, is the answer to the first of the doubts concerning Providence.
2. If you are willing, however, we will direct our attention to a second object of inquiry. We say, then, that Providence knows things of a contingent nature; and by the ancients the protiindity of this doubt has been sufficiently established : (or on account of this profundity, some of them, admitting the existence of Providence, have taken away from beings the nature of what is contingent; but others, not at all contradicting the evidence which presents itself for the subsistence of contingent events, have denied that Providence extends as far as to these. Both these, however, preassume rightly that Providence exists, that the thing known is definite to the gnostic nature, and that the indefiniteness of that which is known arises
This port also witfaia the brackets, is to be found in the beforedted work of Pbilopouus, and Che original of it is as follows : lirt,
from its own nature. We however say*, that Providence knows the whole of this, in consequence of possessing a definite knowledge of the indelintte, the indefiniteneas being about to be, but not actually existing, and knowledge antecedently comprehending the cause of that which is indefinite. For Providence knows that something indefinite will take place, and looking to the cause of this, it knows the indefinite thing; and as it gave subsistence to, so likewise it knows the indefinite, not by tbe indefinite, but as it produced the indefinite by the definite : in like manner it knows the indefinite definitely, just as it knows incorporeally and without interval, that which is distended into bulk and is corporeal. And if, indeed, the reason [or productive principle] which is in seed, being one and wholly in each part of the seed, and possessing the cause of the seed, should know that there would be a separation of its productive power from itself existing indeed as the cause of a distribution into parts to that which is posterior to itself, but being itself impartible ; — in this case, it would say, I possess the whole of this partibili^ impartibly; not existing separately from either, but containing that which is subordinate in that which is more excellent ; so that neither is the distribution without a cause, nor does it pre-exist in the cause [distri- * It appears to me that in this place, immediately afler the words in Morbeka's version, "et n indeterminatum esie propter i1[ius naturam," itii requisite to add, Dicimus taoiea ut Proridenda, &c. For in what rollows, Ptocliu giTts his own opinion, and not that or Uie ancients.
butedly], but It subsists there according to caus^ aiid in its participants, according to hyparxis. And i^ indeed, it should investigate the cause of that partition, it would find it in itself, because in itself it is impartible ; but when it becomes situated in another subject, and not in itself, it is the source to them of a distribution into parts, in consequence of which eacb of the parts is not everywhere. After this manner therefore we say, that Providence being the cause of all things, knows the things of which it is the cause, has a definite knowledge both of that which is definite and of that which is indefinite, and gives generation to things which will have an Indefinite subsistence. Nor does anything impossible happen on accomit of this, [the indefiniteness existing in things posterior to Providence',] in whose knowledge diey are antecedently comprehended, and in such a way as is adapted to causes. But this is now manifest.
S. In the third place, the doubt consequent to this deserves to be considered, since it likewise requires much attention; viz. if Providence is the cause both of things definite and indefinite, whether it is the cause of both these according to one and the same thing, or according to different things. For if according to the same thing, how can it perceive in its knowledge, tliat this tiling which is pro-
' This part vitbin (he brackets is in ibe veraiou of Morbeka, " in detenninatione in iis quaa post ipsam eiistente." But for in delervunaliime, it ia necesaar; to read iadtterminaliime, confonnal)!}' to the abOTe truulau'on.
duced by it will be de(ii]ite,|but that indefinite ? But if according to dt^rent things, how will it any longer remain one in hyparxis, if this thing which pertains to it is one thing, but that another? , Invoking, therefore. Divinity to illuminate the reason which perfects our conceptions on this subject, we must say to ourselves, that Providence is established in the one [and this is the same with the good]. For everything which is of a providential nature, if we believe in common conceptions, always procures some real or some apparent good for the objects of its providential care; nor is providential anything else than beneficent energy. But we have before observed, that to impart good is the same thing as to impart unity, because the one is good, and the good is one; and this has been ten thousand times asserted. We say, therefore, that Providence is characterized by the one, or, which is the same thin^ by the good. The one of it, however, as we have before observed, is neither such as a material one, — for this is inefficacious and unprolific, because afler matterthere is nothing, — but ^Aeon^ of Providence is prolific and most efficacious, because all things are posterior to Providence. Nor is it one as that which is an individual; for this presents itself to the view in the last division of things, and is one in such a way as to be none of other things. But Providence is one as containing all thmgs, as present to all things of which it is the cause, and as the salvation of all things ; [not after the same manner as the universal which subsists in opinion, and
which some assert to be the otie*Q for this, indeed, though it comprehends the things which are under it, and imparts essence to each of them, in consequence of containing their differences causally, yet it is essentially mie many. 7%f one of Providence, however, is exempt from all the beings of which it is the productive and perfective cause, and is unreceptive of variattoti of every kind. Providence, therefore, being no one of these, but established above every specific essence^, and nevertheless producing all things according to the most profound union, possesses a power un circumscribed, and incomprehensible by all things ; so that neither can any one of the natures which subsist from it, nor alt of them taken collectively, unfold the power which pre-exists in it, or receive and comprehend the immensity of it in Its bosom. But all things being as it were absorbed by Providence, they participate of it in some way or other, according to the natural adaptation of each to this participation.
Hence tke one of Providence, being more profoundly one than every incorporeal and corporeal union, and being infinitely powerful, possesses this power in an infinitely greater d^ree than every infinite and finite power. For it is not at all wonderiiil
■ Tlie part within the brackets is in the venioa of Morbeka as follows : •■ nOD quod inopinabile dicere, ut uniienale quidam aiunt nnurn i " instead of which I read, confonnably to the above translation, non vt vntBtrtaU ftwt m (^liai'me itAnttit, et quod quidata
that in infinite powers one should be more infinite than another. For the infinite according to quantity must not be considered as existing in the one of Providence; since in quantity there is not |^ia energy} the infinitely more than the infinite. Nevertheless, everything infinite will be such to the natures which are under it, according to infinite power ; but to the natures which are prior to it it will be finite, in consequence of being bounded by them. For if it were not comprehended by the natures prior to it, neither could it be under the dominion of things more excellent than itself, and therefore would not be contained by them. If, therefore, it is contained by them though it is infinite, they predominate over it; and if they predominate over it, and it is comprehended by them, it is not infinite [with reference to them]. Neither, likewise, is it infinite to itself. For that which is infinite to itself, is incomprehensible to itself; and hence it is not able to contain, and be the saviour of itself. But every being is according to power preservative of itselfl It remains, therefore, that each of the things that are infinite, is alone infinite to the natures posterior to itself. Hence the^ infinite power of Providence, being comprehensive of all the powers of the natures which are the subjects of its providential energy, generates as well as contains them acr cording to the most profound union in the infinite depths of itself; just as it imparts to all things a union commensurate to each. For neither is the
one everywhere the same, fur instance, in incorporeal natures and in bodies ; nor in perpetual bodies, and in such as are corruptible. For the union of perpetual is greater than that of corruptible bcH dies ; or how could the former remain indissoluble* but unity perish in the other? To which also it may be added, that an incorporeal nature is more proximate to the one ; but body, on account of the infinite separation of its parts, Gills very far short of the one. Nor must it be doubted whether one thing is in a greater degree one than another; ^nce we see that everything by diminution always becomes something different from that which is prior to itself, till it proceeds to the extremity of the order to which it belongs.
Providence, therefore, existing according to transcendent union, and possessing inBnite power, some of the natures which are produced by it and partake of its beneficent energy, (though all things proceed from, and participate of Providence,} subsist according to the one, by which they are connascently bounded; but others subsist according to the infinite, indefiniteness being connascent with their essence. For imitations of the infinite which is with Providence subsist here through ind^niteness ; but the imitations of its unity, through bound. On this account, the first of the natures in the universe, and which are unchangeable, subsist according to one bound; but the natures that succeed these tend to indefiniteness, in consequence of pos-
sessing a second rank. But every infinity subsists according to the infinity of Providence, and everything definite subsists according to union. The infinity likewise which is in primary natures is vanquished by unity, and largely partakes of the one. Here too {i. e. in the sublunary region] things naturally indefinite, are subservient to such as are defiinte; and definite natures give an orderly arrangement to such as are borne along indefinitely according to an all-various transmutation. As primary natures likewise are to each other according to their mutual order, thus also such of their recipients as possess a habitude analogous to them, give completion to the world ; less excellent being suspended from more excellent beings.
What has been said, however, will become more evident by assuming that intellect produces both body and that which is incorporeal, but each of these incorporeaily, and that it knows and produces them conformably to its own nature. And as the productive principle of incorporeal natures is in intellect incorporeal, so likewise the cause of body in it is incorporeal ; the former assimilating to itself the things which are produced, but the latter, on account of diminution ' with respect to intellect, producing things more foreign to the incorporeal species. Soul itself likewise generates those vital ahd motive productive powers or forms which are in other souls ; but of those forms which fall into mat-
' The words in italioi are in Morlieka't lerMon " propter suhmii. Botuia" i but tliG original wan. I have no doitbr, lis ifui^
C,q,t,=cdbvGOOglC
ter, some it produces of a gnostic, but others of a fabricative uature. And it produces indeed all these vitally, some proceeding through life mto life, but others proceeding through life into the privation of vitality. And, in short, everything which generates, and at the same time knows that which it generates from different causes, generates and knows the thing produced by it^ by a knowledge superior to the object of its knowledge. Of the natures, however, which are produced by this cause, some are produced conformably to it, but others according to diminution. Hence, you may say that Providence, possessing through the oneof itself the cause of definite natures, but through infinity the cause of such as are indefinite, knows and generates both of them definitely; just as intellect knows and produces incorporeatly, both that which subsists according to the form of the incorporeal essence, and that which subsists according to the form of body. But you will speak rightly if you say, that of the things produced, these iiideed are definite on account of the one, but those are indefinite on account oUtifinity. For tieiiher are beings which have a necessary existence without infinity, nor such as are contingent without bound'. For the latter are entirely terminated in the bound of necessity, and the former, being eternal essences from a necessity of-natiu'e,
■ Morbeka'ivenion or ihw sentence is, " Namuecesuriis enlibus eipertibui inBniUle, neque conljngentibus termino." But for " NamaecessariiV'itisnecesKary toreadiconrormablytollieaboie
translation, tfatn nequt n
participate of infinite power •. Or whence do they derive this perpetuity, and an invariable Eamenesa of subsistence? Here, indeed, the one predominating, and, on account of this, causing that which is generated to be necessary, and being the cause of the coUigation of the infinite ; but there the infinite predominating, and causing the one to be diminished, through flying from the infinite, which runs above it, and comprehends it in its embrace^ Providence, however, possesses a knowledge of both these, though, as we have already said, its knowledge is according to that which is more excellent than the things which it knows'', and antecedently comprehending in its knowledge a power productive of the peculiarity of each, and causing this thing to be characterized by bound, but that by infinity.
Every bound, therefore, is frOm thence, and every infinity, whether in incorporeal natures, or in bodies ; and, in like manner, that which consists of both these is from thence derived. Hence also the knowledge both of simple and of composite natures is there. Just as the generations of things simple' and of things composite proceed from thence.
• This sentence in the version of Morbeka 19, " Etenim h»c p«nU tUB in eum qui necessimi tenuinum lertainale, et ills propter ipssm
iiecessarutmDatursmaternsentiaparttcipare iaGoitilTirtule." But
' For knonledge Bubsisls according to Ibe nature of that which knows, and not according to (he nature of Ibat vliicb 19 known. Thi9 is admirablf illuaCrsted by Proclus in his CorameMary on the PamenideB et PiMo. — See vol. iii. of mj translation of Plalu,
Because, likewise, the one of Providence produces every kind of bound, and every kind of infinity, antl also every whole, which consists of both these; hence, either from t/ie one prevailing, that which is produced is necessary, or from ii^nity running before bound, that which is contingent is eflected. Because, however, neither here was it lawful for the infinite to be deserted by the one, hence the contingent, as we have said, terminates in the nature of that which is necessary: and this is either in a greater degree detained by ike one, and, passing into a necessary event, becomes for a longer time definite; or, in consequence of participating oithe one in a more debiie degree, becomes necessary in a less time, but sutlers the same thing, and becomes definite. The contingent likewise imitates the infinite power of the one, but not the power of itself. For every power is the power of another thing which possesses it, but not of itself; since everything, of whatever kind it may be, which is indefinite, in consequence of not yet having a definite existence, possesses what is said to be contingent, but necessarily terminates in either being or not being; and this either prior to a greater, or prior to a less time. And this is manifested by conjectural divinations. For they are more verified in a less than in a greater time, as if the indefiniteness had now passed away. That it is requisite, however, that there should be a knowledge of the indefinite in beings superior to us, if this also ought to have nn allotted order, and not to be, as it were, adventitious to the universe.
C,q,t,=cdbvG00glt'
must be admilted at present, as being elsewhere demonstrated ; but we now alone investigate after what manner it is effected. And this likewisie will become manifest. For the universe would not be one, nor the government of it according to intellect, if this government was not definite ; and of those things of which there is the same order, there is a certain colligation.
It is necessary, however, to attribute this knowledge either to dtemons alone, — for as they are proximate to things in the sublunary region, they appear to have a knowledge of, and to preside over them, — or thb knowledge must be attributed to the Gods prior to deemons, to whom the Gods commit the providential inspection of all mundane affairs. But if we leave to daemons alone the knowledge and providential inspection of things indefinite, we must say either that they know them apart from each other, and also the subjects of their providential attention, and the natures prior to themselves, as we do, or that they have a simultaneous knowledge of both. And if, indeed, they have a knowledge of these separate from each other, in what do they difler from our souls? For these are incapable of paying attention to themselves and their own concerns, and of surveying at the same time the natures which are above them. But so far as they do not extend themselves to external objects, and yet possess a knowledge of these, we must confess that they tend to a definite knowledge of things indefinite. If, however, at the same time it is necessary
to admit that their knowledge of the natures over which they preside is derived from a reasoning process, we must also grant that they contain the forma and exemplu% of things indefinite. For Siavouc (i. e. the discursive energy of reason) is the knowledge of these. Or if we assert that this knowledge pertains to beings who energise prior to ratiocination, much more must we refer it to the Gods, from whom daemons also possess the power of divination, and the definite foreknowledge of things indefinite. For if, indeed, they perceive definite things indefinitely, we must not ascribe to them an impassivi^ which is adapted to immutable genera. For everything of thb kind requires phantasy and sense, so that in consequence of not remembering present circumstances, the soul may conjoin the assimilation of iuture events to the present and the past But if they perceive ind^nite^ things definitely, why, if we ascribe this power to dsemons, should we not admit that this in a much greater degree is possible to the Gods, so as to grant that they know temporal concerns untemporally, ind^nite things definitely, and that they provide for indefinite natures according to a definite" mode of knowledge? For if, indeed, they are unable to know things indefinite, definilely, — but this is possible to daemons, — then the
In tlie TeruoD oT Hoibeka In tlu'i place, ■■ 8i autem decenninata," after aulm it u ateanrj ta aid indtlennimta.
• The word datrrminahm ia eriduitl; vanCiig in thi* place ia tb* terrion of Horbeka; for he hat Onlj in the latter part of this wntence, "et proridere indelenninatu secundum cogoilionis mo-
Gods will be deprived of a knowledge of this kind through want of power, which is ttbsurd. And if it should be said, that they do not wish to possess this knowledge, this would be attended with a much greater absurdity than to assert that they are not able to possess it ; since, though they give subsistence to things of this kind, they would be unwilling to pay a providential attention to their own productions. Or on this hypothesis it must likewise be granted, that not all mortal natures and particulars, and everything which the world contains, were produced by the Gods. And some things, indeed, were ^immediately] febricated by the one father of the universe, but others by the mundane gods, yet through the command of their father, who at the same time through them produced these. But it is not lawful for those beings who produce other things either immediately or mediately to neglect the Gods.
If, however, the Gods loish * to provide for things indefinite definitely, and are able to effect this, they will entirely both provide for them, and at the same time that they providentially attend to, will know the desert of the subjects of their providential care. And the Gods, indeed, will possess this knowledge exemptly", extending to all things their providential attention : but dsemons, distributing into parts
Hia Teraon of M«bek> tushere "rtalunt," but Ibe true read, ing is obiiouslf vtltint.
<• Thia vord, used here by Morbeka in his version, ii "embalm }" but tbe word used by Froclui was, I have no doubt, confornubly to my lersion, ilnfivtiMf.
tlie superesseutial ilium inn (ions wliich ttiey receire from them, are allotted a different prefecture over diflerent herds of animals, as far as to the last partition, as Plato says ; so that some of them preside over men, others over lions, and others over other animals, or have dominion over plants. And still more partially, some are the inspectjve guardians of the eye, others of the liver, and others of the heart. But all things are full of Gods ; some providing for certain things, immediately, but others, as vpe have said, for other things through dsmons as media: not that the Gods are incapable of being present with all things, but ultimate natures are not able of themselves to participate such as are primary. The inaptitude of participants likewise, by insinuating itself, becomes sometimes an obstacle to the enjoyment of the beneficent influence of the Gods, and to the conscious perception of the providential interference of dsmons. That, bow-, ever, which possesses a proper adaptation, has the Gods immediately present with it, and hence knows when it is known by them ; and begins to see » Providence descending into it, the guardian care of which it was ignorant of prior to its adaptation, and which it had participated immanifestly. But if some one sleeping in the light of the sun, and being illuminated by it, should be ignorant during his sleep that he wan thus illuminated, and on waking should see himself surrounded by the solar splen-
It apjieam to. me lo be necessary In add in thia pari of Mor-
dour, he might then think that this light was not present with him before, because he, on account of his ignorance, was not present with the lighL Then, therefore, [i. e. when a thing becomes adapted to the participation of the Gods,] the indefinite also becomes definite, and is converted to divinity, with whom the indefinite subsisted definitely, and from thence derives, through paiticipation, bound. For prior to its conversion to divinity, it was indeed with reference to itself indefinite, but not such to divinity; but conformably to his nature, had with him a definite subsistence, and was known to him as a thing separated from him through its own indefiniteness, yet not so separated as to escape all bound; for in this case, falling into the abyss of nonentity, it would become latent; but it is cut off from him in such a way, as neither to be without bound, nor yet to be perfectly establislied in it. After its conversion, however, it both has a knowledge of its own indefiniteness, and of the pre-existing bound by which indefiniteness is adorned.
This will likewise follow, if we admit that good accedes to all things from Providence alone, in the same manner as intelligence proceeds from intellect, and life and vital motion from soul. But if everything which lives, in any way whatever, lives on account of soul, and everything intelligent intellectually perceives on account of intellect, it is evident that whatever participates of the good of Providence, possesses this good on account of Providence, though the participant should rank among
j:,q,t,=cdbvGoOgle
partml natures, and things which partici))ate of it only at times, and not always. For it is requisite to lead everything to its fountain, from which tlie whole series of it is derived. If anything, therefore, which the world contains is benefited', it is benefited on account of Providence; and this is not only the case with eternal, but likewise with corruptible natures ; and not only with definite, but also with such as are indefinite, whether each of these receives its proper good from Providence immediately, or through media is first benefited by it For intermediate beings do not subvert the gifts of the causes prior to themselves, but render the inaptitude of ultimate natures adapted to the parlicipatioD of such as are primary, corrobor^ ting them by their own forerunning illuminations. Hence things which are more proximate to Providence enjoy and are adorned by it in a greater d^ree ; just as we must admit from. common conceptions, that the natures which are nearer to the sun aie more illuminated by it than those which are more remote from It ; that 'the beings which are moce proximate to soul, are more vital ; and those that.are nearer to intellect, are more perfect in intellectual percepdon. For proximity is said to be thst which it is, on account of the alliance of its essence to the things to which it is near, and remoteness is entirely so denominated on account of its essential elongation from something else. It be-
• Ih Morbeka's verbioxi, for "bonifical" in Uiis place, it is neces-
ing admitted, therefore, that Providence is nothing else than that which imparts good to all things, those natures which more largely participate of it, are in a greater degree benefited and adorned. Hence it is not requisite that everything should be proximately suspended from Providence, but it is proper that intermediate natures should be sus- [)ended from those that are proximate to Providence ; for this causes the latter to enjoy the good of Providence by themselves, and the former to be in want, as it were, of other colhgations, in order to receive the good which it imparts. For if there was not a coordination of all things with reference to the one, neither would the world be one ; or if all things participated of their adorning cause after the same manner, there would not be an order of things adorned. If, therefore, there are both order and co-ordination, the former giving distinction to all things, and causing some things to be prior and others to be posterior, — but the latter converting divided natures to one good, — if this be the case, it is necessary that all things should participate of Providence, but that the participations should not be the same; that all should participate, indeed, on account of co-ordination ; but not of the same things, on account of order, which causes some things to be first, others to be second, and others to be successive to these. For, as Plato says, every power which is motive of greater, is much more motive of less things, and obtaining dominion over stronger, it will much more predominate over more
debile natures. There*, however, wilt concurring with power, it is necessary that Providence should extend its beneficeiit care to things of a less excellent nature. For it must not be said, that Providence is nble indeed, but unwilling, to effect what it is able to effect ; since whatever good men are able to accomplish, they also wish to ticcomplish. Nor is the power of Providence without will, nor its will without power; since the latter would render appetitioD vain", and the former would cause power to be imperfect.
If, however, it is requisite that Providence should extend itself to secondary, it is much more necessary that it should extend itself to primary natures. For it does not pertain to Providence to profit and adorn less excellent beings, but leave such as are more excellent destitute of itself. For if more excellent beings are not in waut of anything, they derive this superiority to any kind of indigence from Providence, which imparts to primary beings the power of being sufficient to themselves. Our common conceptions, therefore, as we have before said, necessarily proclaim, that we should assert Providence to be the cause of all good, and that we should confess that the power by which any being is sufficient to itself is thence derived, and subsists for its sake. Whether, therefore, beings are indigent, they
' i. e. with Proiidence.
' The veraioD of Morbus in tint place ii, " Hoc quidem enim tippetitum facil lerum, hoc autem Tirtutem imperftdaiD i" but for
nre allotted plenitude from Providence in a way conformable to their nature; or whether they are not indigent, they are always filled, and have sufficiency from themselves {to aarapxij) prior to the natures which are always indigent ; but at the same time they always receive from Providence an appropriate plenitude. All things, therefore, as I have said, according to the order which they possess, derive their subsistence from Providence; and of the beings which are generated, and are not always, some are essentially produced from it, and tron^ eternal beings; but others have their generaticai through eternal beings, not because Providence is indigent of things posterior to itself for the production of these, but these, in consequence of being much distant from it, requiring to the participation ofit the influence of the beings which it proximately produced. If, however, though Providence is present everywhere and in all things, yet the same good is not in all things, we ought not to be surprised. For this is the work of the most excellent Providence, to im{>art good indeed to all things, but to measure the participation of it by the desert of the recipients ; and for everydiing to receive only as much as it is able to receive, whether essence causes a difference, as in souls and bodies, (for the good of each of these is not the same, because the essence is not the same,) or whether their desert arises from energy alone, as we say, that souls differently energising, always receive from Providence different allotments. And all souls, in-
deed, have allotments from Providence; but some submit to their allotment with facility, and others with difiSculty; because they cannot be converted to Providence without obstacle. This, therefore, must be admitted. For that it is most true that there is also a particular Providence, may he assumed by directing our attention to sublunary af~ fairs, because all these contribute something to the universe, and no one of the things which it contains is superadventitious, though we are not able to peixeive the conses from which it b derived. To which it may be added, that in certain rouIs also the power of Providence is displayed. But it would be ridiculous to admit that these things thus subsist, and others do not, if all things existed after a similar manner. On this subject, however, enough has been said.
4. Respiring however, as it were, from the discussion of this head, let us consider in the fourth place, from another principle, after what manner we say the participations of the Gods ere effected : which also those who engage in the speculation of ideas are accustomed to investigate. For if the Gods always energising, the natures which are here do not always participate of them, must it not follow that the Gods would energise iu vun? Or if we do nut admit th^ they possess an eternal energy, a still greater absurdity will follow : ifit is proper - to call that which is impossible absurd. For whatever exists with the Gods, always exists with them, and prior to all time. Hence their energy does not
C,q,t,=cdbvG00glt'
take p1»ce in a part only of infinite time : for time and that which is infinite are external to the Gods. That these tilings, therefore, may also be appropriately-discussed, it must be observed, in the first place, that every participation, whether it is of eternal or of corruptible natures, is always allotted a middle order between participants and the things participated. And as a communication with the extremes is requisite to all media, it is necessary that the media should be united both with the participants and the things parlicipated ; for if the media pertained to one of these only, they would not conjoin both the extremes to each other, but being media, they subsist in the before-mentioned manner in their participants. For they proceed indeed from the things participated, but are established in the recipients of their energies; just as we say, that knowledge primarily subsists in gnostic natures, and not in the things known. For gnostic natures have to things that are known the relation of participants; since every gnostic being wishes to participate that which is known. Hence, participation having this order, and Providence being primarily participated by all things, by animate, inanimate, rational, irrational, eternal and corruptible natures, according to their several powers, — for with respect to ail the instruments of it, these are more proximately produced, but those more remotely, — this being the case, it is necessary that not only participations should indicate Providence OS the cause from which they proceed, but
also thnt there should be an antecedent aptitude in the participant, lliis aptitude, iherefere, will subsist rationally in rational, but intellectually in intellectual natures; phantastically or sensibly in those beings which live according to phantasy or sense; and essentially, and through existence alone, in those which possess being without life. But all these being instruments, and Providence using all of them, it is necessary that each of them should correspond to the power which employs each according to its proper work ; neither in its energy obscuring the peculiflr hyparxis of Providence, nor its own nature, but exhibiting one thing which is effected by both. Thus the sun transmits light to the moon, and from the moon imparts it to us ; yet the light which we receive is not such as that of the sun,u^i/e' anddry, nor like that of the moon, gross and caliginous, but is mingled from the power of that which is participated, and of the participant, and its colour is changed conformably to its energy; ■ and in many other particulars this also may be seen. Hence, Providence being placed above all beings according to divine union itself, and energising confoimably to one energy adapted to the one, everything which accedes to participates of it, and in a way conformable to its natural adaptation ; one thing indeed essentially, another vitally, an-
InMortieka'sverM'on"i:a(iii«m"i liul the true readingUdoubtlen amdidum, sgreesbly to the above iranslation. For according U> Plato, as is shown b; Proclus in Tim., the solar light it liiilic
other gnostically, and another participating of it according to all these, and being naturally perfect. One thing, likewise, always receives the beneficent illuminations of Providence, on account of its own power, and possesses a never-failing participation' of it through the infinite energy of the giver, and through its own permanent and firm habitude with reference to it; but another is a participant only sometimes, in cunsequence of not being allotted a stability of nature. Hence, on account of its debility not being always a participant, it possesses, indeed, well-being from Providence, but it is owing to the recipient that it does not always [mrticipate ; Providence being always able to give, and giving to those natures that possess the power of always receiving from it that which it imparts. Hence the participation which is effected sometimes only, is not from Providence, but from the imbecility of the participant; just as the sun, illuminating perpetually that vrhich is not always able to see its lighl^ aud which only sometimes sees, does not by its light occasion this temporary perception, but the recipient rejecting its light, deprives itself of perpetual vision, and when turned from no longer participates of the solar rays'*.
In the version of Morbeki parliliBntm ; but the true reading U doubtless pariicipaliiHiem.
That which energisea essentially does not enerpse in Taio, Iwcause Buch an energy is natural to it. Hence the perpetual emission or light from the sun. though it is not receiTed bj' opnke bodies, ii not emitted in vain, because the very nature of the sun consists In such an emission, though its light is only rec^Ted by bodies that
If, therefore, Providence [always'] energising something, only participates of it at a certain time, the thing itself diminishes its own participation, yet does not exclude the eternal energj' of Providence ; but the energy of deity remains always the same. Just as if a face standing in die same position, a mirror should at bne time receive a dear image of it, and at another, one obscure and debile, or indeed no image at all. If some one, therefore, should say, that oracles sometimes participate of Ibe Gods, ' who are the sources of divination, and soniedmes fail, becoming inefficacious, and, as it were, without spirit for a certain time, the causes of the irregularity are to be referred to the spirits that use and energise through the prophetic Gods, failing in the power of always participating of these Gods. For true oracles are those to which at^els, demons, and heroes give completion, and which are illuminated by the Crods, and by the ^lotments which have a perpetual subsistence in the universe; though certain waters and chasms of the earth cannot always participate of them on account of the instability of their nature. Or if it should be said that the virtues of sacred rites, wbidi sometimes cause statues to be animated'' and replete with divine in-
are od^ted to receive it. In lite nBtnier the eleriially beneficent illumiiiBtions of Pravidetice are not extended in vain, though, through the inaptitude of paiticipanls, they are not always eSicacioua i tor Providence is essentialiied in an, oveifloning perennial communication of good. ' Semper 'a wanting in this place in the verdon of Morbeka- " These were sUtuei of the Gods, tabricHted by (fbKif, or mstlu
bvGoogIt'
Epiration, fail in certain periods, the defect also of these, as it appears to me, ought to be ascribed to the recipients, and not to any variation in the energy of the Gods by whom these statues are inspired.
opmuort, so as to become animated, illuminated by diyinlly, and capable of delivering aracleii. These statues are alluded la by Proclud, on Ibe Timsus and Cratylua of Flalo, and by lamblichus, and tlie aathor of tbe Asclepiaa Dialogue; but an very eiplicitly mentioned by Hennias, in liis Scholia on the Ph«drua, p. 104, as follows : IIwi }i xmi aya\iix-rm Xiyitiu tjitvfisj ; « estb ^t ittfyii tu wif " Sun, 1 yt «J>»j;« iim, «i».ii rtt iXnt 1 riXirrmii iiMiueiniKra xat Tttat j^Kfflvrfifar xm evftiaXa rtfttiira ru ityaXfiartt
mi(»T. ri ^It yaj lyaiX^a, ii ai n>.triif, faiu <pl|»(, U( « iTBMll
m /at ymf t^a/am dmnsini, nii^ h raXn i/tlftfiinii. te h Mirur, in i fiu •^axu t/ipipiifim am mfyv injj « 9u», tit sima^rii itrif
'^"K"*'' *' Z'" amKafMn, rt h Mym9.fiM, ii s* ro^v, svrtt ^hi iAA^^
itkajt «« TiBf un rsv T%Ktfr*v T^Xaei^ nxt i/t^irj^a/^n. Lfi. '*Bnthoware statues said lo have an entbusiaatic energy? May v« not say, ibat a Btalue, being inanimate, does not itself enwgise about divinity; but the telestic art, purifying tbe niaiter of which the statue consists, anil placing round it certain characters and symbols, in tbs first place renders it, through diese means, animated, and causes it to recnve a certain life from tbe world i and, in the neit place, after this, it prepares the statue lo be illuminaled by a divine nature, through which it always delivers oracles, aa long as it is properly adapted. For Ihe statue, when it has been midered perfect by tbe lelesljc art, remains afterwards [endued with a propbelic power}, till it becomes entirely unadapted todivine illumination ; but (he mertal who receives the inspiring influence of Ihe Gods, receives it only at certain times, and not always. But iho cause of this is, that Ibe soul, when filled with deity, energises about It, Hence, in ceaiwquence of energiung above ita own power, it becomes weary. For it would be a God, and similar to tbe souls of the stars, if it did not become weary. But tbe statue, conbrauibly to ita participatJ*Bs,
For neither must we dare to accuse the sun as the cause of the moon being eclipsed, but we must assign as the cause of this, the conical shadow of the earth into which the moon falls. Nor, in reality, must the participation of the energies of Providence by some things at certain times only be attributed to Providence, but the cause of this must be referred to the participants, and not to that from which the
remaina illutiuDiEed. Hence the inaptitude of it entirely piocecdi into pnTationt unJefiA it is againt de ntpot perfected And reanioutcd by the mjatic operator."
Conformably to thii, Proclus also, in Tim. p. 339 and S40, ajt :
i(tin, ll» X'f^C" »"" tiftitrtn t«mM.», nXiatTii rs ayaX/ian,
evidetit that Plato etUblisbes the DemiurguB conformably lo the moit consummate of the telesta : for he exhibita him as the statuary of the world, just as before he represented him the mater of divine names, and the enunciator of diviae characlen, through which be gate perfection to the souL For thece things are eStcied by tboaa wbo are leleito in realiiy, "ho gi»B completion to ttitues, through characlen and vital names, and render them living and moving." It must be obaerved, that these leleiia were initiators into I he mysteries, and were IheurgitU, or capable of performing divine opera-
And again, in his Scholia on the Cratylus, p. 21 : Km, itnf i
ftara Tiit 3m« atnianin, naA mnlus Tuu it(ii iwittxf' rtri Sum
leaticart, through certain symbols and Bicane signatures, as»milat« statues to the Gods, and makes them adapted lo the reception of divine illuminations, so the legislative ait, according to the same assimilative power, gives subaslence to names, as the statues or iraagea of things." The excellent Sallusl, in his treatise on the
participation is derived, both to these, and to those beings that always participate. Providence, however, according to the traascendently united and in- 6nite energy of itself, b present to all things ; and of those beings which participate of it differently at different tlmeo, in consequence of tlieir possessing an incomprehensible variety, there are certain colligations, conjoining the one of Providence and the
Gods and Ihe World, in placed round statues «<
Jsmblichiu alto, in a treatise rip s^uA^uinn, on StaCues, which is unfortunateljr lost, but is menliDaed b; Ffaolius, in Biblioth. p. 554, and which Philoponus attempted to confute, sbows, "that ■tatues are divine, and full of ditine pirdcipadon. And this be demonstrates to be the case, not only nf such statues as are fashioned by the bands of men, by an occult art, and which arc dEDOminated duplet, (i. e. descended from Jupiter, or from beaven,] through the immanifeUneai of Ibe art by which they were made, — for these are of a celestial nature, — but also of such as are fashioned by anista
And, in the last place, in the A sclepian IMalo^e, which is attributed to Hennes Trismegistus, and is only eitant in a Latin translation, ascribed to Apuleius, it is stud, near the end : " Omnium
cultum relieionemque di*iiiam, invenenint artem, ijua deos effice. rent, cui intenlte adjunierunt virtulem de mundi nalura conrenientem, eunque niiacentes. Etquoniam animas facere non polerant, eTOcantei animas dsmonum, vel angelorum, eas indiderunt imaginibua Sanctis, divinisque mysteriis, per quas sola iilola et benetaciendi et malebciendi vires babere potuissent." In this extract it is clearly asserted, that the ancient Egyptians evocated the souls of dEaroom, or angels, and inserted tbem in sacred images ; and that it was through these soids atone that idols possessed the power of being beneficent or maleSc. These sacred statues are likewise alluded to in other parts of this work of Hermes.
multitude of these, the impaMsivity* of the former and ihe instabilky of the latter. H^tce, as it appears to me, of these colligations, nngels are more proximate to Providence, but heroes to beings of an unstable nature ; and diemons form the connecting link between the two, uniting the beings which participate of deity differently at different times, to the perpetually-abiding hyparxis of Providence, and multiplied natures to the one. And sometimes, indeed, the illuminations of Providence immediately extend to the beings posterior to angels, dsemens and heroes, but sometimes through these as media. For there is a great difference between illuminating some of the better genera, and the transmission of illuminalions through the better genera. For the natures to whom these illuminations are transmitted, scarcely participate of the beings which are proximately arranged above them, through the inferiority of their aptitude; but the better genera, on account of the excellence of their nature, tend upwards to the participation of superior beings, and the illuminations which they receive from thes% have the relation, as it were, of matter with reference to supernal gifts. Thus, if some one should be able to participate of geometry alone, but another'', not only of this, but also of a Bublimer theory, though not without the assistance
• The TerMon of Morbeka has in this place, "et n pmivum U-
of geometry, through which he is led upwards, antl becomes aceuitomed to an incoiporeal iwture; the former of these characters delightinj^ In geometri-
tetition to a fifth subject of inquiry, wViicb disturbs the imaginations of many, I mean, why, if Providence exists, evil has a place among beings ? For through this many are persuaded, either to deny the existence of Providence, in consequence of perceiving that evil extends to all things; or, if they admit that Providence adorns all things, they are induced to exclude evil, and to assert that all things are alone good, though certain persons think fit to call that good which is most remote from primary natures evil, for there is not any evil, which is not a less good. If, therefore, we also accord with these, there is no occasion to investigate any further what we proposed to consider. For there will not be anything evil) which, as we have said, will molest Providence. But if there is something, which in some way or other we assert to be evil, it is necessary to explain whence this is derived. For it is not proper to say that it is from Providence, from whom everything that is good proceeds; but if it is derived from another cause, if this ranks among Uie causes which originate from Providence, then again it will be requisite to refer to it this cause. For the beings which proceed from the causes that owe their existence to Providence, proceed likewise from Providence. I^ however, they are produced without Providence co-operating in their existence, we shall make two principles, one of good, and the Other of evil, and we shall not preserve Providence unmolested, since it will have something contrary
to it. Admitting, therefore, that there is sncb a thing as evil, let as consider what kind of a thing it is, without molesting the kingdom of Providence.
And in the &'st place, because evil is twofold, Mis existing in bodies, and being preternatural, but that in souls, and deviating from reason j and because that which b preternatural does not subsist in all bodies, nor in souls that rank as wholes, let us direct our attrition to the bodies in which, by the will of Providence, the preternatural exists. It is obvious, therefore, that what is preternatural, is in corruptible bodies alone : for that which is not susceptible of the preternatural, is perpetual, since the preternatural is the path to non-being. But everything which is corrupted has a place among beings. Hence, it ranks among beings, either on account of some other cause, or in order, as Timfeus says, that the universe may not be imperfect, and that primary natures may not be the last of the whole of things. For primary natures are eternal, and congenial to their cause. If evil therefore exists, it exists as that which is corruptible ; but this is, in order that there may not only be that which is eternal ; and this again in order that the universe may be perfect Hence, it is most manifest that evil subsists on account of that Providence which energises about the world, and that Providence may be entirely what it is, by causing the world to be perfect. For to this evil the end is good i since on account of good, evil was
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introduced among brings, ss contributing something requisite to the wh<de of things. For all corruption is on account of the generation of another thing, and everything which is preterniUural exists in order Uiat aoniethiog may he prodiKed which is according to, but not contrary to, nature. Hence, that is not ia every respect evil, which is for the sake of good, nor is tt unmingled with good, but bo a certain thing it is evil, viz, to that which is corrupted, and to another thing good, vie. to that which subsists on account of Uie corruption of it. Hettce, likewise, it is good to the universe, as the cause of the oorrupdon of one thing, and the generation of another. For it is necessary that ^ere should be both generation and corruption, and the universe requires both these, in order that it may be truly all% as we have frequently sud. And if, indeed, that which corrupts energises according to nature, but that which suSers, suffers pretematurally, perhaps this also suffers according to nature. For being a contrary, it is natural to it to suffer from a cimtrary, and thus it now becomes manifest to us, that on account of the most excellent Providence by which the universe is governed, that which is preternatural takes place among beings, and that it is not absolutely preternatural,
Pniclus alludes here to the foUowing words of Plato in that part of tbe UmiBus in wbicb the Demiurgus says to the junior or ■ounduie Oodi, Ii* »■ Snrs ri j, »,«( T<t< trrut irmr ^ x.r.li. tIi. " In order, iberefore, that loortiil lulures may elist, and that the unitene ma; be truly all," &g.
but is in a greater degree conformable to than cODtrarj to nature; since it is natural for that which is corruptible to be corrupted, and for that which is capable of corrupting to corrupt. And if they are contraries, it is requisite that the one should be corruptible, but the other corruptive. If, also, it is necessary that generation should always exist, it is necessary there should be contraries : for generation is from contraries. Hence, if generation is according to Providence, and that which is prior to generation is likewise according to Froridence ; and if, also, that which is preternatural subsists differently from alternate generations,— if this be the case, the preternatural is an instrument of the cause of generatitms, and gives completion to that which is natural. But let us here terminate that which does not require much discussion. Let us, therefore, pass on to the consideration of that which is preter-rational, and evil in souls, in order that we may understand how this likewise subsists according to Providence. Here, therefore, the association of certain contraries, I mean of the immortal and mortal soul, affords a place for that which is preternatural. For when that whidi is mortal in us predominates over that whicli is divine, then the generation of evil b effected in tbe soul; as, for instance, when either anger or desire predominate, in consequence of either of them suffering that which is conformable to its nature ; the one in wrath, but the other in concupiscence. For each of them suffers that which it
is naturally adapted to auflfer; bul on account of that which is essentially divine being extraneous to mortal passions, and the irrational nature existing in those beings in which this conjunction takes place, the natural union of these two becomes preternatural. Hence reason, which possessed in us the appellation of divine, is denominated preterm rational, instead of preternatural ; at the same time both the rational and irrational part of the soul, wishing to energise conformably to ihe desire of that which is natural ; the one desiring to live with . passion, but the other without passion ; and the one rationally, but the other irrationally. In the mixture, however, of both these, and in their depraved habitude with reference to each other, that which is denominated a patypostasis, or a deviation from subsistence, takes place, which as it has not a principal essence, it is evident that what is called preterrational and not preter-irrational, is not only evil, but is likewise not evil ; for it is evil to that to which a deviation from reason is not natural, but not evil to that to which the preter-rational is according to nature. For where there is not reason, nothing of this kind is evil, as in irrational animals; and this, not because to suffer through passion b according to nature, but to be vanquished by reason preternatural ; since the latter is in a greater degree conformable to nature, because reason is naturally adapted to vanquish. For when of opposites, one is better, but the other worse ; though the latter, in energising as it is adapted to energise,
suffers that which pertains to itself, yet when snbservient to the former, which is better, it is transferred to that which is above its own nature; since
preter-rational to good, in consequence of Provi' dence distributing everything into tbe world according to its desert. But, indeed, it is evident that it is good for the human soul to descend to tbe ultimate part of the world, in order that the universe may be perfect, and that it may not only be full of rational and immortal animals, and again, of such as are irrational and mortal, but likewise of the media between these, viz. rati<HiaI, and at the same time mortal animals. For a thing of this kind exists in the universe; since if these natures were wanting, the world would be truly imperfect. It is likewise manifest to every one, that in consequence of a divine soul acceding to generation, it is requisite that prior to this a mortal soul should be present with bodies ; and Uial the divine soul should not dwell in these fleshly, bony, and, in short, terrette organs. For bow is it possible that body destitute of vitality, and mingled from many things, should of itself participate <^ an incorporeal and immortal soul? How also in reality is it possible, if it were merged, in material masses, that it should not blind its Own reason, itself suffering everything which pertains to the mortal soul j perceiving indeed the passions of the body, which are the objects of sense; being captivated by imaginative forms ; desiring whatever is adapted to the wants of the bu<ly ; and wishing, by energising according to anger, to repel whatever is noxious to the mortal animal. For suffering all these, it would be corrupted in as great a degree
as the body, and its descent would bt in vain^ IhrovgA not being atsisied, but corrupted by tls recipients^ • For neither would it be possible to know the things which externally corrupt, without senge which knows particulars ; nor to desire liquid and solid aliment, without that part of the loul wbkli is th« source of all-various appetitions; nor to pursue what is mortal, without the remembrance of that which is able to hurt or assist it. By how much better, therefore, it is for that which is connected with another thing different from itself, by which also it is perhaps molested, to be thus connected, sometimes only, and not always, —by so much more beneficial is it for the soul, to direct its attention to the irrational nature, than \o become itself irratioDal. If, therefore, it is neoes.sary that the immortal soul should descend faither, that the mortal soul also should subsist on account of it,— ^nd the existence of both these is conformable to the will of Providence, — if this be the case, the preternatural'' also must be referred to the same bound of Providence, for the sake of that which is according to nature. Thus too in souls, that which is preter-rational is for the sake of that which is according to reason, that which energises preter-
The nhole of the abore which is in italics, is in the version of Matbel:s, '• it frustra utique descensus easet, non jam adjalus ab ^itisniBCipienlibu* ipsum.sedcarruptis." Bat as Proclus is here ^leaking of the rational soul, foi w^Hu it [b necessary (o read at0tila ; for ijirum, ipiam; and for porru/ilu, corruj-ta.
In Morbeka "pmrtermtioNffni" but ilia obiiouBly necessary, from whal inincdiatelf follows, to r«Ml praUr (uftrnmi.
rationally in us subsisting for tbe Bake of our rational energy. But respecting this problem enough has been said at present.
6. Consequent to this, let us direct our attention to the sixth problem. If Providence exists, — and Providence existing, it is necessary there should be that which is according to desert, — how does it happen that there is so great an inequality of human lives in the universe.'' — some tyrannizing in consequence of being depraved characters, but others being in a state of servitude, though they are virtuous? — and some, indeed, being prosperous, in consequence of having a good condition of body, living in affluence, and the like; but others, on the contrary, being deprived of these, so that worse circumstances fall to the lot of better men ? For everything of this kind appears to accuse Providence as not only here distributing equal things to things unequal, which is itself irrational, but, on the contrary, in things unequal, distributing what is worse to tlie better, and what is better to the worse ; though neitlier can it be thought that arithmetical media will accord in such cases, nor the geometrical, by which a distribution of external goodor evil is made according to the desert of those that receive it In the first place, therefore, we should say, that Providence distributes to everything that which is adapted to it, — fur tliis is admitted, — and bestows ends which accord with habits. But this being the case, it is not at all wonderful that it should give to good men what-
ever mny increase virtue; nor that depraved meni relinquiiihing the benefits with wliich virtue is surrounded, should earnestly endeavour to procure health of body, and should he solicitous to obtain wealth and power, which are wholly neglected by the good. Hence, as those who direct all their attention to apparent good, are not grieved that they are not temperate, that they are not contemplators of real being, and that their soul is mutilated^ — thus, also, neither are good men afflicted because they aie not rich, or because they are de> prived of power; but pursue virtue alone, with the possession of which they are satisfied. For iieiiber are husbandmen indignant because they do not obtain the same things as sailors ; nor sailors, because they do not reap; but both these, being intently occupied in their proper ends, if they obtain these from Providence, they are satisfied and rejoice.
We must not therefore say, that the donation of Providence is destitute of geometrical proportion ; for it is the most harmonic of all gifb, imparting to all things good, and to each that good which it shows itself qualified to obtain, viz. either true or apparent good. For this is evident, that he who pursues virtue, alwai/s obtains ike object of his desire, and lives according to virtue; but he who desires externals, does not always obtain that which is con- Joined to his ajrpetition; here, also. Providence bestowing what is adapted to habits, — to the virtuous, indeed, that which is stable, and sufficient to itself; but to those who pursue externals, that
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which is dubious and full of indigence. This, thererore, must be Uamt in the first place; bat this, in the second place, that with worthy men a deficiency of apparent good contributes to virtue; for it accustoms them to despise the body, withdraws them'from a. solicitude about appearances, mlarges their conceptions of ihe magnitude of virtue, discloses to them the inanity of those things which are believed to be good by the multitude, and exhibits to those who are able to perceive true beauty, Ikat good which is essentially venerable* and admirable in the most transcendent degree. For we do not admire the pilot's art during the tranquillity of the sea and air, but in tempest and storm ; nor virtue in an affluence of human good, but in those things which the violent attacks of fortune cannot shake.
In the third place, if we say that Providence affords instruction to those who do not live according to Providence in such distributions, we shall assert that which is not very remote from the truth. For if Providence always imparted to the good, riches, beauty of body, and power ; but to the bad, deformity, ignominy, poverty', and everything of this kind, it would indeed truly" appear that virtue, comprehending all things, possesses what is honourable, and vice what is fleeting. But now,
° The verMon of Morbeka lus in this place "peamiati" but it appears to me to be necessary to read insleail of iliKiiiiier
'' Morbeka hai here "txler;" but it sbould be, cwifoi his barturous Teruon, enter, i. e. in Gre«k, artan.
exhibiting virtue by itself alone, and vice with all its abundance, it renders the foi-nier in n gi-eater degree admirable in a worse furtune, but shows that the latter is to he in a greater degree avoided in a better fortune, and excites those that are well born to the love of virtue and the avoidance of vice ; the latter \i. e. the bad] blaming fortune on account of itself; but the former p. e. the good] truly adorning every condition : and the latter not suffering any diminution in that which is foreign to itself, but filling it with turpitude; but the former using every ' circumstance that may occur as its proper ornament. Or will not justice* blame wealth, but health intemperance*', and magnificence of soul, power? And magnanimity, indeed, adorns poverti/, but a masculine mind sorrow, and a trau' scendency of •wisdom the privation of power. If we assert, therefore, that these things thus distributed are the eruditions of Providence, we shall not wander from the truth. This, likewise, as it seems, must be said by us, that man is soul, and this has been well demonstrated ; but he is soul, using the body and the mortal form of life. And the two latter frequently oppose tlie amatory energies of the immortal soul about that which is truly good, ond require such things as may be able lo prevent
' The TcrsioD of Horbeka has here erroneously "iiguililia," in- Mmd of jutfitta.
Moit»ekB's leraion in (his place is, "lanilalem aulem mltmperantia ■" instead of which it is neceasary to tead, laiatas mttem in- IrmjKranliant.
their attacks. Thus^ for instance, affliction is requisite, that the body may not, by its wanton impulses, draw down the intellect which is in us [from the contemplation of real being] ; but poverty, that the soul may not through tcealth bellied with an intemperate Jbrm o/" life ; and the privation ofpayoer, that it may be void of ambition. Hence many worthy men have thought fit to live ia insalubrious instead of salubrious places, punishing the evil germinations of corporeal desires, and choosing rather to carry about with them a feeble instrument, than to become unwise^ by using one that is robust. But others have abandoned the riches which they possessed, in consequence of wishing to have a soul liberated from those passions which germinate through wealth. And many instances may be adduced of tiiose who have acted in this way. Tlius, Plato dwelt in an insalubrious place'', in order that he might subdue the excessive impulses of the body. But Crates abandoned bis wealth, at the same time exclaiming. Crates liberates himselffrom the sordid burden of riches 1 And other examples are recorded of the like kind.
If, therefore. Providence imparts to good men such things as they themselves affect through the
■ In niorbeki here for "de^iicert" it is necessary to read dc
^ See the fir»t book of my translation of Porphyry's treatise on Abstinence from Animal Food, in which ihis ia asserted, accompanied by many admirable observations of Porphyry, well Hortby n of the liberal reader.
Jove of virtue, independently of Providence, how can any one complain of its dispensations to those that are worthy ? And how is it possible that the donations to the wicked of wealth and power, and the like, should not rather be called punishments [than blessings] ? For these gifts call forth into energy their latent evil, in order that by punishment they may be finally purified from if.
Again, therefore, according to another mode of considering the subject, we must say, that it is the work of Providence not to comprehend in oae descriplion of persons alone the donations of allvarious good, — as neither did Plato, when instituting the most excellent city, think it fit that one genus only should be adorned with every good, but that different tilings should be distributed to different persons,^-and that this is the province of him who intends to make the whole city happy, and not one part of it alone. Because, however, souls descend into generation, it is requisite that they should have a certain experience of those evils in which they are here involved, by which they are
Sfneaius, in perfect conformity to Khat is here asserted by Frodus, says, in his eicellcnt (leatise OD Dreams, p. 141 : " Misfortunes, nbich are said to bappen contrary to our deserts, are of the grcatesl adisntage in eilirpating the affectiona by vbicb we are oqilivatcd with eitemaU- and thus the doctrine of ■ FrorideDce !■ confirmed lo the intelligent, from the very circumstancea nhich produce diffidence in the ignorant. For no place would be left far the soul 10 take her flight from the dominion of matter, if in the present sUte she lived free from the incursions of evil. Hence it is proper to believe, that the prefects of the mfeinal regions hare invented vulgar prosperities as the snares of the soul." .
excited to desire a transition from hence, to that place which is beyontl the reach of every ill. To those, therefore, who are good from themselves, tilings apparently disastrous are for this purpose sent by Providence. But as it is requisite that bad men also should participate of good, they participate indeed of a certain image of it; and the punishments inflicted by divine vengeance lead these likewise to a flight from this terrene abode. With respect also to everything which we possess, — some of these belong to us on account of the free will of our soul, some on account of our being passive to other things, and some on account of the universe alone as the cause. Hence, if those things over which we have dominion through our own energies [terminate badl^], we must accuse ourselves. For if any one becomes diseased, or is in poverty, through his own misconduct, the cause of this must be referred to him, and not to Providence. For we must not say that free will obtained the power which it possesses in the universe for the destruction, but for the salvation of its possessOT. And with respect to those things which we sufler from others, though we may unjustly suffer, we should consider that the law of the universe permits parts to act on each other according to their own impulse : for such are all things which conspire in union ; these, indeed, naturally acting and suffering, but those electivdy. Retribution',
liowever, follows both those that act well, and those that act HI. That also which suffers, suffers acconling to its desert, and what it does is not neglected by the law [of the universe]. For as it is said of beings which energise immaterially, that they produce what is contingent in an uncontingent manner, and that they do not suffer from what is contingent; thus, also, in those beings that ener^se electively, it does not appear that everything suffers from everything indiscriminately, but that only which has an opportune arrangement in the universe for this puipose. Nor does the selfmotive agent relinquish its proper motion, though it may become the instrument of the universe: for the quality of the impulse leads that which acts to retribution ; since it was not an inanimate instrument, but an instrument co-adapting itself to that which uses it. The cause, however, of those thftigs which we suffer from the universe, whether they are better or worse, must be ascribed to our desert ; and this must either be referred to the present life, ' — as if we should require, for instance, a certain bridle, as it were, (since many on account of circumstances become better,)— or it must be referred to a former life; since if those that suffer, were not worthy from the first, purification is requisite prior to the possession of virtue, — or it must be referred to a future life, Providence withdrawing us from human concerns, id order that, by considering virtue alone to be the perfection of our nature, we may establish the love of it in ourselves,
and be persuaded tliat nothing else is our proper good.
Further still, if some (me after the same manner should inquire, why equal thtngs are imparted by Providence to things unequal, according to arithmetical equality, (for this remains to Ite considered,) — as for instancy when whole cities perish, and one destruction ensues both of the good and bad, and a similar circumstance, as it appears, takes place with respect to those who are dissimilar in their habits, — in answer to this inquiry, therefore, it may I think be said, in the first place, that they do not suffer what is similar so far as they are dissimilar, but so far as they are similar ; being willing, perhaps, to inhabit the same city, to enter the same ship, to engage with others in the same battles, or act in conjunction with them In anything else, and, by thus acting, suffer with them the same calamity. Hence, so far as some of them are better, and others worse, they bear the common calamity differently; the latter, indeed, impatientlvi but the former mildly, though they perish. And afler a separation from the present life, the abode of more excellent souls receives the former, but of depraved souls the latter. In the second place. It may be said, that of such co-ordinations of those that are at the same time saved, or at the same time perish, there is an order by which they are similarly collected together in the universe, and a common period of &te, proceeding from different principles to the same end. There is likewise a concurrence of prc^ression^
whicli are either preservstive or destructive of all ; and It is requisite that of parts, in consequence of their following wholes, these should eflect and suffer something in conjunction with certain things, but those with other things of a different nature; since with us, also, the heart is sometimes so disposed that a certain part is copassive, but many parts at another time. In this universe, likewise, with respect to the less principal parts, these suffer peculiarly, but those in common from the more principal parts; and some suffer nothing from those things from which others suffer. It is not wonderful, therefore, that the motions of one of these should be conformable to Providence, but those of the other should be from necessity, in consequence of being subdued by passions.
It may also be added, in answer to those who accuse Providence of distributing equality in things unequal, that they are ignorant of the different equality of souls, which originates from many causes. For of souls which proceed frbm the same divinity, as, for instance, the sun or the moon, there is an assimilation of the former to the latter in different conditions of life, and in former periods there was a conformity in their energies. Nor is it at all wonderful that they should suffer the same thing, since this is notliing more than a retribution of actions which proceeded in common from common passions; and by how much the more amply they corresponded with each other in different circumstances, by so much the greater is the similitude of
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the incideDtal events which befall them. But in answer to those who accuse Providence on account of the inequality which takes place in the external circumstances of the good and the bad, we ask whether laudable renown, which is alone bestowed on the good, is not to be preferred to corporeal delight, to riches, and bodily health? For all bad men are inglorious and without honour, though . they may be surrounded by myriads of flatterers ; since those who estolled them when living, scorn them when dead. But those who despised good men when they were alive, admire them in a transcendent degree when they are dead. If, therefore, better men partake of the greatest of external goods [t. e. honour], how can it be any longer said, that Providence does not impart that which is according to desert, bestowing on those who desire nothing else, such things as extend only to the present life, but conferring on others those benefits which are capable of being transmitted to a future and more excellent life? For the former live according to the mortal, but the latter according to the immortal part of the soul. Hence, whatever is of a more mortal nature, is adapted to those who prefer that which is mortal in things within and external to them; but such as are more immortal, are adapted to those who prefer* that which is immortal. And thus distribution according to desert is preserved in each, through the
For " ai^ciUBna," m this place, in MorlH-ka's version, I read
anlquniinuVnii.
similitude of ihe gifts to the life of the recipients. But if to him who possesses virtue, that which is propitious is always present, and this is imparted by the Gods themselves; but the whole life of the depraved man is full of inquietude and perturbation, of brutal delights, ferocity, and the envenomed bitterness of guilt ; and if he finds no rest from these evils, which are to him inexplicable, is it not perfectly evident that Providence proclaims the former character to be deserving of things of a more excellent nature ; but that the latter, by subjugating himself to the dominion of his passions, coanumerates himself with beings inferior to the nature of man?
7. Relinquishing, therefore, any further consideration of this subject, let us pass on to those questions, which are wont to be continually a^- tated, respecUng brutes, and let us direct our attention to this seventh problem, Providence also proceeding to irrational, as well as to rational animals. What equality, therefore, is there in brutes, since some of them are well disposed, but others not; some of them possess an ill, but others a good habit of body; and according to odier such like differences they are separated from each other? Again, therefore, what equality can there be in them, since they are thus dissimilar? For of these also, as well as of men, we see that there are certain common corruptions; and It is requisite in these to contemplate the cause of the events, being persuaded that Providence extends even to the last of
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things; and likewise to consider wbat reason can be assigned for their ultimate devomtiiHi. For these are tite three particulars which occasion men to doubt respecting the administration of Providence, viz. the inequality in what happens to brutes, the common corruptions of these, and their devorstion of each other, of which it is now requisite to say something; and to discuss this in the first place as follows : Either there is some vestige of a self-motive life in brutes, and which is separable from body, or there is none ; and every species of soul which is in them is extinguished together with the body, and is assimilated to [corporeal] qualities, and to innate beat But this division being made, we shall abound with arguments, by which we may be able to show that there is a Providential dispensation in these.
If, therefore, as we have said, there is some vestige of a self-motive life in them, und a brut^ can do something worse and something better from itself— such as we say is the case with the self-motive nature, whether according to opinion, or according to truth, — if this be admitted, then we must refer to Providence their good domestication, their devoration of each other, and their common corruption, just as we refer to Providence wbat happens to men from the management of their passions, and the co-ordination which they are allotted, either according to a similitude of life, or according to mundane perioils, or according to both these. But if brutes are only corporeal, it is of no consequence if they sufifer the
same thing as a shadow all-variously transformed, and are sabject to the dominion of Fate'.
S. After this, let us consider, in the eighth place, a doubt which is very widely diffused, and occasions many to oppose the existence of Providence viz. why punishments do not Immediately follow the commission of crimes, but this happens some time after, or even after a great lapse of time? For offenders wiil be corrected in a much greater degree when they are immediately punished, than if the punishment is deferred for so long a time that they forget for what they are punished. And, indeed, they are excited to murmur at Providence, in consequence of feeling the punishment, but forgetting the offence which they had committed; In the same manner as he is affected who suflers for the crimes of others a long time after they have been committed''. In answer to this we may say, that the implanted root of wickedness causes the same energies to take plaoe in consequence of continuing inflexible by punishment, just as the earth bearing thorns, though the germs are a thousand times cut off, still produces the like. Providence, therefore, waits for an appropriate time, not such as may be pleasing to the vulgar, but such as it knows will contribute to the health of souls, and will in^
<• Here, loo, in tbe remaining pan of this eighlli question, the verdon of Morbekn Is bo t>arharous, that I bave been obliged to epitomise it.
struct many by endurance. For, together with the Gods, says Plato, Fortune and Time govern all things, whether it be requisite that some good should be imparted, or that there should be a pu* rification from something contrary to good. The cure of souls, indeed, which is called Sixi; (or justice), is more artificial than all external medicinal arts. For the cure of the soul may be said to be a divine thing, the evil which is in it being more various than that which is in bodies. Id the next place, vice is a punishment to itself and the most grievous injury the soul can sustain. Precipitate anger, also, is not a good dispensator of punishments. Plato once, being about to chastise a slave, was seen holding his hand in an elevated position for some time, and being asked why he did so, said that be was punishing his own impetuous anger. Archytas said to his servants in a field, who bad not done what he had ordered them to do, and expected to be punished for their negligence, " It is well for you that I am angry." And Theano' said to one of her servants, " If I were not angry I would chastise you." Among the Egyptians there was a law, that a pregnant woman, who was judged worthy of death, should not be put to death tiil she was delivered''. Is it, therefore, wonderful that Providence should for a lime spare those who are deserving of death, but are able to perform hot
' The wife of Pylbagoras.
'• See Flutu-ch. De sera ATUwinii tmdicta, in whieli treatise be says the same thing.
trifling, but iUustrious acUons, till they have accomplished them? If Themistocles had been immediately punished for what he did when he was a young man, who would have delivered Athens from the Persian evils* ? Who, also, would have explained the Pythian oracle? If Dionysius had perished in the beginning of his tyranny, who would have freed Sicily, which was thought to be irremediably lost, from the Chalcedonians ? If the punishment of Periander had not been deferred for a long time, who would have freed the pleasant island of Leucadia, — who would have liberated Anaxorium from its adversaries? To which may be added, that the time of deferred punishment seems long to our feeble vision, but is nothing to the eye of Providence, just aa the place, also, in which we live, and carry about these bodies, is perfectly small for the punishment of great offences; but there are many and indescribable places of punishment in the infernal regions, and excessive torments for the offenders that are there. On account of the magnitude of the punishments, likewise, the whole of them are not inflicted at once. Souls, also, are naturally adaptetl to feel remorse, which is the forerunner of their greater sufferings. For they suy, that Apollodorus the tyrant saw himself in a dream scourged and boiled by certain persons, and his heart exclaiming from the kettle, *' I am the cause of these thy torments ! " But Ptolemy, who was stise of Plutarch, in Ihia aod tbe
surnamed Thunder, thought in a dream that he was called to judjj;emeut by Seleucus, and that vultures and wolves sat there as his judges. Such are the preludes to the vicious of impending punishment.
9. Afler this, let us consider how the crimes of other persons, as, for instance, of parents of ancestors, are punished in their posterity. For tliat certain persons are said to have suffered punishment for the crimes of their ancestors, both revelations and the mysteries manifest, and certain liberating Gods are said to purify from them. In answer to this it may be said, in the first place, that every city and every genus is one animal, in a much greater degree than every man, and is more immortal and sacred'. For one tutelar deity presides over a city as over one animal, and likewise over the whole of one race; and there is one common period to a city, and also to a generation, comprehending in one boundary the life and death of each'>, as if one nature pervaded through the whole city, and every individual that it contains. And hence, one common nature extending through a whole city, and a whole race, makes each to be one. If, therefore, as we have shown, every city, and each genus of men, is a certain one, why is it wonderful that the crimes of progenitors should be
See PluUrcb in the before-ineDtioiicil Ireatiae.
Moibeka'a veruon of the concludiDg put oT this M
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punished in their posterity? Ant! the life of cities being one, has a retribution in afler-times for the better or worse deeds which it performed in prior times. For Providence not onlj rewards or punishes each of us for what we have done at another time, but considers a city as one, and a race as one ; the first agents also not being neglected. For Providence existing, it is not lawful that anything should be neglected. There is also a co-passivity of posterity with their ancestors; for the former have a reference to the latter as to a summit or leading monad, being generated from, and having a common life and nature together with them ; and hence, on account of them, they are deservedly honoured or punished. I do not, however, conceive it to be at all wonderful, if all being parts of one, and some things being co-adapted to others, not those that are near, but those that are remote, should be allotted circumstances similar to those of their ancestors. For neither is there the same similitude of all the parts to all ; but of these it is greater, and of those less. Nor is there the same proportion; for there is a greater colligation of these, but less of those; and this, not because that which is near has more similitude, but that which b more remote less'. For nothing hinders lis from admitting, that things which are more remote may
' Tb* laller part of ibis sentence is bolb derecUve and eiTonooua in Moibeka. For instead of, " et htec quidein nan, to gvod prope habtt Tf mapi out rt myus, I conceive il Decessar; te read, et htec gvidtm, nun o yuod prope habet rt nupi, aul cfood rtmotku to
be more assimilated than such as are more near. And ihis, also, is manirest from medical operations. For when the loins are diseased, phjrsicians cauterize) not the parts which are near, but those which are opposite to the loins ; and when the liver is imposthumated, they scarify the epigastrium. When, likewise, the hoofs of oxen are extremely tender, tbey anoint the tips of the horns, and not the parts which are proximate to the hoofs*. For the effect produced in them is not through the parts which are near, but through those which from co-passivity are in want of sanation. All the first delinquents, therefore, sufler punishment for their crimes; and through these, something occultly passes to their cf>-passiTe posterity. Nor do these suffer unjustly, but from a similitude of life similar things are allotted to them by Providence. If, als<^ it be re-' qubite to speak of the transmigrations of souls, and ^eir transitions into different lives, it must be admitted by those who believe in this doctrine, that souls are rewarded or punished in a posterior, for what they have done in a former life. Besides, in
' This, and the pieceding sentence, are taken Trom Ihe treatise of nutarch, Hi^ rm ir4 ran Bum 0{a!uif n/uifiv/uwi, i. e. Omceming thaevhoare liovilypuniiludly Dimnity. And the wholepaBiBgc in the original is as followa ; VMiijiitum irrtf n imt{i*j n Xf'tf HU lijuutr uri, xn yiXfii i fxtuKt iHiKn ii>«i tut irx"' rimrmn tiu
wrpar, Mia wmt ^amt U9 us rnt ^nXut /ittXtimMei r^trttXufut ra mufit rm jiifann, i.t.1. But for tj> arrij^iifn, in this exlmct, I read <m ■rTuu/UM, tht oppaBle ]mrts. Morbeka, also, has in his reruon, " ongii enim agrotastibui, mm qua profit, sed qaa ez oppOBto niiu-
human iife, the whole period of a race is anal<^u5 to a drama, different souls helng frequently intaoduced in it, and often the same souls, in order to give completion to the inevitable scene'; just as there the same playerssometimes speak in the character of Tiresias, and sometimes in that of CEdipus. Providence, however, punishes or rewards souls according to their desert, and, through a similitude of life, punishes some on account of others, as if cutting off a certain malignant root of a plant, which it could easily antecedently perceive. For a Bting is congenial to scorpions, and venom to vipers. But there is a power in llie universe which knows this prior to the percussion. After the same manner, therefore. Providence, perceiving in souls iniquity congenial to that of their ancestors, punishes them for it^ though they may not have committed the same crimes; previously destroying the similar evil in those who possess it, like a malady growing to an epilepsy. For as the excrescences of the extremities, blackness, and marks of fathers which do not appear in their immediate offspring, regerminate in their grandchildren, thus, also, the peculiarities of manners burst forth in more distant progeny, which are indeed unknown to others; but by the one of Providence, which knows all things, it must be granted that they aie known by an antecedent knowledge. The similitude, however, becomes evident through this, that it is seen to
" but Ihe originul wai, doubtless,
extend to them puniiilimeiits correspondent to tli€ crimes which their ancestors committed. But I well know that I have elsewhere discussed these particulars.
10. I shall, tlierefore, put an end to these doubt^ hy adding as a colophon, as It is said, a tenth inquiry. For Providence, by this its much celebrated unity, knowing and reducing all things to good, how are angels and dtemons said to energise, providentially; and, if you are willing, heroes likewise and souls, governing the world in conjunction with them and the Gods ? For it b requisite that we should define what the nature is of their providential energy, since it is not, like that of the Gods, characterized by the one, if we admit that a daemon, an angel, a soul, and a hero, are not the same with deity. For the hyparxis of every God, as I have before said, subsists according to the onei and this one is prior to intellect, and is the same with the good, from which also it proceeds. But unities or goodnesses are twofold, which the good itself produces, being the cause of both, and being one in a more transcendent degree. And of these unities, some indeed are self-perfect, but others are distributed in their participants. For the one and the good have a triple subsistence; viz. either according to cause, as, for instance, the first good ; since this is from itself the cause of every good, and of all unities; — or according to hyparxis, for thus every God is one and good ; — or according to participation, as, for instance, the one and the good which
Subsbts in beings, on account of which every essence is united, and every God is boiiiform, though he is a unity. The unity, however, of self-perfect natures does not belong to anything else, but pertains to itself only. But every intellect, and every soul, [)articipates of a certain one. For the one which soul, and also the one which intellect participates, possess a transcendency of union*. Thus, likewise, one all-perfect intellect is the cause of all intellects. But of the intellects which proceed from it, some are self-perfect, each being partially that which the ail-perfect intellect is totally ; one possessing the partial according to a certain thing, but another according to something else ; and this existing in the moon, but that in the sun. This, also, being distributed into some other of the forms contained in all-perfect intellect, but that being an illumination from these intellects in intellectual souls ; on which account, also, these souls are said to be intellectual according to participadon, and tend upward to the first intellect. And all souls, indeed, have the self-motive nature in common ; but those which participate of intellect, universally possess intelligence. If, therefore, we direct our attention to the first soul, and the twofold souls that proceed from it, we shall perceive that some of them are essential and separable from bodies, but others are illuminations in bodies, derived from
• InMorbeka's
lersim
tthi>
ntbeGr^
,andi
~««gnifl«
MVIOf
'an.
icmiUncy o/uwon.
essential souls ^ For that which is animated, is so through the participation of a certain soul, which some one'' calls (tmKexeia) entelecheia, and which ojay be denominated an animated bond.
Hence, there is a number proceeding from each of the principal hypostases, ^'iz. from soul, intellect, and Ike good. But this number is twofold, the one consisting of selt^perfect essences, but the other of illuminations proceeding from these selP-per-- feet beings into subordinate natures'^. Henc«,too, though angels and daemons are neither Gods nor unities simply, — and the like is true of hero^ of souls superior to ours, and also of ours, — yet they participate of certain unities, atid are profoundly united. And the first of these illuminations are those which are suspended from the Gods themselves ; the second in order are suspended from the first ; the third from the second ; and the fourth, which is our order, is suspended from illuminations which rank as the tliird. For in us, also, there is inherent a certain occult vestige of the otic, which is more divine than our intellect, and in which the soul, perfecting and establishing herselfj becomes divine, and lives, as far as it is possible for thb to be accomplished by her, a divine life. All the Gods, therefore, energise providentmlly.
For B demoDitradon o( what is h«re said by Proclus about intcUects and souls, see my traiiKlation of bis Tbeolagical ElemenU.
» It i« so colled by AristoUe in his Treatise on ibe Soul, to my (ranslation of wbich I refer the reader.
° See PropouUon64 oTiny tnm&lation of FrocIus'sTIicolo^cBl Etcmenu.
But angels, dsemons and heroes, in consequence of possessing a certain seed, an it were, of the one, exert a providential energy, not so far as tliey are viljil or intelligent, — for it is the province of soul to move, and of intellect to know, and the former characteristic property exists in all souls, and the latter in all intellects,— but they energise providentially through the one wrhich they contain. For according to that through which they imitate* the Gods, they provide for alt things. But if all the Gods primarily exert a providential energy, because they are primarily good, but souls aAer these, when they are established in unity, energise divinely, and provide for other things without habitude together with the Gods, and the genera which transcend our nature, — if this be the case, the providential energies of souls do not consist in reasonings conjectural of futurity, like those of human political (jharacters, but in illuminations in t/ie one of the soul derived from the Gods. Hence, being surrounded with the trans cendently united splendour of deity, tbey see that which is in time untemporally, that which is divisible indivisibly, and everything which is in place unlocally; and they energise not from themselves, but from the powers by which they are illuminated. And souls, indeed, are sometimes affected In this manner, but the abovementioned energy is always present with angels, daemons and heroes. On this account, likewise, ' In Morbeka's version in Uue place, for " miranlur," it is neces-
they providentially attend to subordinate natures in a Rjore excellent manner than if they energbed according to ratiocination, not in a way similar to their productions, but perceiving all things according to tie one and causally, without aay diminution of providential energy. These powers, therefore, differ, as we have said, from souls, by always attending to the objects of their care ; but they differ from tlie Gods, of whom they are the attendants, by not energising providentially according to the whole of themselves, but according to their most divine part, by wliich they are conjoined with the Gods themselves. For of the Gods, each Is a unity ; but of these, each possesses through participation a transcendency of union. Hence, each having something else besides unity, imitates through unity the divinity prior to itself, and from which it is suspended; but by something else, it lives according to another energy. And the summit of the essence of each is according to the one; but being subsists in each according to that which is not one [but united}. This, however, being known, other particulars which have I>een mentioned concerning Provi<lence may be adapted to diemons and heroes in a secondary ilegree, except that iii these also, in the same manner as in the Divinities, unity has in some of them a more total, but in others a more partial power. The ineffable principle of things, however, as it is more excellent than every power, so likewise it transcends Providence. But if some one should dare to assert, that
it providential!}' attends to all things, it must be said that this is in no other wuj than as desirable to all things, and as that for the sake of which alt things subsist, and as the cause of Providence. For the providential energies of the Gods, and of all the beings posterior to the Gods, are on account of good; and this both things themselves manifest, and also Plato, as we have said in the beginning of this discussion.
ON THE SUBSISTENCE OF EVIL.
What the nature of evil is, and whence it derives its generation, some of those who preceded us hnve investigated, and engaged in the theory' of it not superfluously, nor for the sake of something else ; but have considered whether evd itself, surveyed by itself, is, or is not; and if it is, what kind of a thing it is, and whence it proceeds into existence and hypostasis. But it will not be amiss that we also, since we have leisure, should briefly narrate what each of these has said rightly, and prior to these, what have been the speculations of the divine Plato concerning the essence of evil. For by understanding what has been asserted by these men, we shall always more easily and more nearly comprehend the subjects of investigation, and shall, as it were, enkindle a light in ourselves from these inquiries.
1. In the first place, therefore, it must he considered whether evil is, or is not. And if it isj whether it is in intellectual natures or not? And ifitisin sensibles, whether it subsists according to a principal cause, or not ? And if not, whether some kind of essence must be ^ven to it, or its existence must be considered to be wholly unsubstantial? And if it be admitted that it has some
C,q,t,=cdbvGoOglt'
kind of essence, how does it subsist, there being another principle [contrary to it]? And, further still, how Providence existing, evil exists, and whence it is derived? In short, all such particulars must be considered as we are accustomed in our Commentaries to investigate.
The beginning, therefore, according to nature, of the speculation of these things will be, whether evil ranks among beings or not? But after what manner is it possible for that to exist, which is entirely destitute of the principle of beings? For nuther is it possible fur darkness [so far as it is darkness] to participate of light, nor vice of virtue, nor evil of good. As, therefore, if light was the first cause, there would be no darknes:^ in secondary natures, as the generation of it would not be from chance, nor from anything else than theprinciple of things; so, because good is the cause of all things, it is recjuisite that evil should have no subsistence among beings. For if it is from goodness itself, how can the good* be any longer the cause of all good, when it also produces the nature of evil ? But if it does not derive its subsistence from Ike good, the good will not extend itself to all things, and will not be the principle of all beings, since evil having an arrangement among beings, will escape the progression which b from fhe good. In short, if everything which has an essential subsistence, of whatever kind it may be, deriyes this subsistence from
For "ut nyafiii" here in Morbcks'svenioD,
being; but lliatwliicb participates of being, necessarily likewise participates oithe one', since at tbe same time that a thing bas being, it is one; for the one is prior to being: and if it neither was nor will be lawful for eternal natures * to produce what they produce in any other way than in conjunction with the principles superior to themselves, — intellect indeed with life, but life with being, and all things with the one^, — if this be the case, it is again requisite that evil should suffer one of two things. * For it is necessary either that it should not at all participate of being, or that, deriving its existence in some way or other from being, it should at the same time participate of that cause which Is beyond being. And again, as consequent, and, as it were, successive to these things, it is necessary, either that there should be no principle of things, or that evil should have no existence, or that il should not have been generated as evil. For that which is deprived of being is non-being, and that which proceeds from the first cause is not evil'.* But in either way it is necessary to as»ert that evil has not anywhere an existence. And if, as we have said, the good is above being, and is the fountain of beings, because all beings and generated natures, of whatever kind they may be, desire
For lecvlU in lhi> place, in Morfaeka'c leruon, the original was doubtleaa mi ojtmii,
• See m; tranil*tion of Proclus's Theological Element! for a dcmonslTstioQ oTwbat is bere asserted.
' The punctuation of the (lart between the asterisLi. U in Murbelu'b veriioa obviousl}' very errotteoua.
good, how can evil rank among beings? For it will be excluded from such an appetition of good. If, however, it should be said that it is requisite evil should exist, because it is necessary there should be something subcontrary to good, yet being subcontrary, how can it desire a nature contrary to its own? But it is impossible for that which does not desire good to rank among beings. For on account of this desire all beings are produced and exist, and from this derive their salvation. If, therefore, evil is contrary to good, evil is not one among the number of beings*. AntI what occasion is there to be prolix. For if the one) which we also denominate the nature of the good, is beyond being, evil is beyond non-exbtence". But I mean non-existence or non>being simply considered ; for the good is better than that which is simply being.
One of two things, therefore, must follow, if nonbeing is that which is in no respect being, much more ia evil without existence, which is more debile and less permanent than perfect non-entity. For
Tliissealence in Morbeka's Ter»oii is, " Quart d malum eorttrariuvi b&Tio, malum non eit aternunu" But the word fEtemutti is here obviouslj irrelevant. InBteail of it, therefore, I substitute
' In the version of Morbekn, "ulTatpmm cue mafuin"; butit. is necessary to read, ultra ipium mm iiie malum. For as the gimit through its transcendency is beyond being, the processions tnrni it extend beyond those of being. But non-being is that in which the progressions of being terminate, and that which is non-good bounds the progresuons of the good. Hence erilis something mora debile than non-enlit;.
ivil is much more distitnt from' good iJian nonbeing. Hence that which is in no respect being, has a subsistence rather than that which is called evil. And consequently evil is much more deprived or existence than that which is in everj' respect non-entity. But if the Demiurgus, as Plato says [in the Timseus], not only produced the nature of good, but was also willing that there should be nowhere anything evil, by what contrivance is it possible evil can subsist conlrary to the will of the &bricator of all things P For it is not lawful for him to will some things, and produce others [contrafy to his willH ; since will and productive energy are simultaneous in divine essences. Hence, evil is not only contrary to the will of the Demiurgus, but is likewise unhypostntic ; not because be did not produce it, (for it is not lawful to conceive that he did,) but because he was willing, in short, that it should not exist- What, therefore, can cause evil to have an existence, after the father of all things has brought it to a perfectly non-existent state? For what is there contrary to him, and whence does it derive its being ? For that which is maletic is not from divinity, (since it is not lawful to admit that it is,) and it would be absurd to suppose that it is derived from anything else. For everything which the world contains proceeds from the father of it, either immediately — and these are self-subsistent natures — or mediately, through the energies of other superior powers.
And such is the reasoning which exterminates
evil frotn existence ; and such are the arguments which may with probability be a<Iduce<1. But he who asserts the ccmtrary to this will require us to look to the hypostasis of things, and to direct our attention to intemperance and injustice, and whatever else we are accustomed to call the evil of the soul. He will also ask us whether we call each of these good, or each of them evil. For if we adroit that each of these is good, we must necessarily say one of two things, either that virtue is not contrary to vice, the whole to the whole, and the parts likewise analogously, or thatwhatopposes good is not always evil. But what can be more contrary to common sense than each of these, or less congruous to the nature of things? For the virtues oppose the vices, and the manner in which this opposition subsists is evident from the hostile conduct of men towards each other, viz. of the unjust towards the just, and of the intemperate towards the temperate; and also from the dissension which is in souls themselves ; as when in the incontinent man reason draws one way, but passion compels another * way, and both acting in contrary directions, the better is vanquished by the worse. For what else is this, than the dissension of the temperate with the intemperate manners of the soul? And does not something else of the like kind take place in the opposition between reason and the irascible part? And is it not so in other evils, in which we perceive
discord in the soul ? For, in short, the apparent contrarieties of evil to good, by a much greater priority occultly subsist in souls tliemselves; and
. this disease of the soul then takes place, when our more excellent part, and its inherent forms which participate of good, are subdue<l by passions which are terrene and vile. The recalling these things, therefore, to our memory through many arguments cannot be considered as very foreign to the purpose.
If, however, as we have said, the vices are contrary to the virtues, but evil is entirely contrary to good, — for the nature of good is not adapted to be discordant with itself, but as being the offspring of one cause and one unity, through similitude and friendship and unity, it adheres to it, — and if beings which possess a greater portion of good are the saviours of such as possess a less degree of it, and the latter are adorned by the former as being more perfect, — if this be the case, it is necessary that the vices should not only be evil in definition, but that each of them should be really evil, and not a less good. For nowhere is a less contrary to a greater good, as neither is what is less to what is more hot, nor what is less to what is more cold. But if the vices of the soul must be confessed to be of the nature of evil, it will be shown that evil eflects something among beings; and the effective power of evil is likewise evident from this, that it is corruptive of everything. For that evil is this,
. is demonstrated by Socrates in the Republic, who
very properly says, that the good of everything is that which is preservative of everything, on which account all things desire good ; for existence anil salvation to all things are thence derived ; just as non-existence and corruption are on account of the nature of evil. Is it necessary, therefore, that nothing should be corruptive of anything?" But thus the prf^ress of generation would be stopped. For things of a corruptive nature not existing, neither is it possible that there should be corruption ; and corruption not existing, neither will there be generation, because all generation is effected through the corruption of another thing. Generation likewise not existing, the whole world will at the same time be imperfect; for it will not contain in itself the mortal genera of animals. It is, however, requisite that it should, in order (says Timseus'') that it may be sufficiently perfect. If, therefore, it is requisite, [as Plato says in the Tinifeus,] that the world should be a blessed God, it is also requisite that its similitude to all-perfect animal'^ should be perfectly preserved. And if this is necessary, it is requisite that mortal genera should give completion to the universe ; but if this, then there must be generation and corruption ; and if this also be admitted, different things must be
This sentence is not iaterrogative in Morbeka, but doubtless ought to be.
" i. e. the llniafui of Plato.
' The paradigm of the univeree is called by PUlo, in Uie Timaus, ali-ptrfect animal. Sue my translatioD of the Commentaries of Proclui on that Dialogue.
generative and corruptive of difTerent things. Fur generation and corrcption are not from the same things to all things. But the natures which are allotted generation being corruptive, are so from an innate power, and this is their evlL For the evil of that which is.generated,isacorruptive principle, primarily and essentially inherent in it- For, indeed, one thing is corruptive of the soul, but another of the body. That also which is corrupted is different from that which corrupts ; and there is not the same mode of corruption; but in one thing it is essential, and in another vital ; and in this thing essentially leading to corintption*; but in that vitally, in consequence of the life of it flying from being to non-entity. The same reasoning, therefore, will preserve for us the whole world perfect, and will give a place to evil among beings. Hence, not only will evil exist on account of good, but it will also be good for it to exist. This, therefore, which is most paradoxical, will again become more known.
If, however, it be requisite not only to acquiesce in the above reasonings, but to pursue the object of inquiry in another way, let us unfold it in the following manner. Every good which receives the difikrence of the more aAd the less, according to the more has a greater degree of perfection, and is constituted nearer to the fountain of its existence.
In Morbefca, " el hnjut guidem rubslnntii ul esst et camtjAimem ducente." But for «i I eonceife it lo be neceetsry lo read et, and far el, after esK, to read ad, conformably lo the above Itanslation.
Again, according to the less becoming debilitated and more imperfect, it recedes to the less excellent part of its unity. For with respect to the equal, also, that which approximates to itin a superlative degree, will be most allied, and, as it were, consequent to it; but that which is equal in a comparative degree, will have the second order after this; and that which is equal in a positive degree only, will possess the ultimate order [in the approximations to equality]. And the same reasoning will take place with respect to the hot and the cold, the beautiful, the great and the small. Must we not, therefore, also admit that injustice and intemperance have the more and the less ; or must we assert that all men are equally intemperate and unjust? By no means must we admit the latter. But with respect to the more and the less, must we not say, that what is less unjust is less distant from the nature of good ? And again, with respect to that which is more unjust, must we not say, that by how much the greater its possession is of injustice, by so much the more it is destitute of good? This, indeed, must be necessarily admitted. Of every good, however, whether it be less or whether it be greater, it must be granted, that when augmented it becomes nearer to the first good, and that what is perfectly good, is the same with that which is good in the most transcendent decree. Hence it is not proper to call either a greater or a less injustice good, but each of these must be denominated entirely evil. For that, indeed, which is a less good.
becomes by increase good in a greater degree ; but that wbich is unjust, when it increases does not become a greater good. Siibsisling, therefore, in a way contrary to good, how is it possible it should not rank among evils? Hence reason confidently asserts these things of the hypostasis of evil, which is also corroborated by the testimony of Plato, who not only enunciatively, but also demon strati velyi appears to have introduced the nature of evil into beings. For Socrates, in the Theaetetus, strenuously asserts that it is not possible for evils to perish ; and again says, that the existence of them is not superfluous, and, as it were, casual ; for they are necessary, and are good. But if it is good for evil to be, evil exists as Socrates says ; and thus indeed by its transition into existence, it has good for its principle.
What cause, therefore, shall we assign of the necessary existence of evil, and that contrariety of it to good, according to Socrates ? For there are, as we have elsewhere observed, both all forms, and that which is beyond forms. But divine forms are not adapted to generate immediately after themselves that which participates of essence casually; nor do they extend their energy as far only as to those beings which, without transition, are always able to enjoy them with invariable sameness ; but on account of exuberant power, and transcendent goodness, they produce orders which proximately participate of themselves, and subsist uniformly, without being mingled wilh privation. Theylike-
wise produce by their energies the last hypostases, which are incapable of remaining immaculate and intransmu table. For these cannot participate of those beings which are inseparable from wholes, and exempt from all the natures which subsist in others; and tbej' rank among participants alone'. Nor is it proper that those beings alone should exist, which always receive the impressions of divine forms, and that the last of things should not be produced, which sometimes only participate of these forms. For in Uiis case, all excellent beings would have an ultimate rank, and things which have an eternal subsistence would have a material order. Hence they would be sterile and debile, and would have all the properties which we are accustomed to ascribe to generable and corruptible natures, in the same manner as if such natures did not exist. If these things, therefore, are necessary from the omnipotent and all-beneficent energy of first causes, neither will good always subsist with invariable sameness in all tieings, nor will the generation of evil be expelled from beings. For if there is that which is sometimes able to participate of good, but again someUmes neglects a co-existence with it, there will indeed, from necessity, be a privation of participation ; but as the privation of good is not able to subsist by itself, nor can be entirely liberated from the nature of which it is the priva-
' i. e. The]' are merelj' participants, and are not participated by other things. But the beings which are inseparable trom trholeii, are participated by inferior naturea.
tion, it is after a certain manner rendered powerful by this nature, on account of its complication with the order of things contrary to good. Other privations, indeed, are alone produced by the absence of habits, assuming nothing from themselves which contributes to existence; but good, on account of the transcendent excellence of its power, gives strength even to the privation of itself. For as iii all beings the good implants the first power, so likewise every being which is perfectly good generates its own power. But, as we have said, the privation which is complicated with good, using as a remedy for the instability of its nature the power of good, becomes indeed contrary to good, yet is corroborated by its mixture with it^ and thence is enabled to oppose that which is proximate to it Nevertheless it is not aCTected in the same manner as other privatitms. For these have an existence when habit departs ; but evil, when good departs, vanishes into non-entity. For there is no sj^ecies of life so bad as to extinguish entirely the power of reason; since reason remains within, but speaks in a deblle manner, in consequence of being surrounded by all-various passions. These things, however, will be considered by us again.
But if, as we have said, it is not only requisite that the above-mentioned arguments should have been adduced, but that the doctrine concerning the existence of evil should be unfolded from the writings of Plato, what has been already delivered by us is sufficient even for those who are only able
in a moderate degree to comprehend discussions of this kind. It is fit, however, in the same manner as in a court of justice, that we should not only hear J^he arguments of the contending parties, but that we should offer some opinion of our own. Let the following, therefore, if you please, be our decision on the subject, — that evil is, as I may say, twofold ; one, and that the Brst^ being real evil, unmingled with good ; but theother not being real, nor unmingled with the nature of good. For with respect to good also, one kind is primarily good, and, as it were, good itself) and nothing else than good, being neither intellect, nor intelligence, nor truly<existing being; but another kind is mingled with other things. And good is sometimes found unmingled with privation, and sometimes is to be seen mingled with it For that which sometimes participates of what is primarily good, is complicated with what is not good ; because being itself, also, and the nature of being, is in its highest subsistence trulyexisting being ; aud being alone, but in its last subsistence, is in a certain respect comingled with nonbeing ; so that in consequence of being replete with Don-enlJty, it possesses more of non-existence than of existence. And non-being itself, which is in no respect whatever another being, and is beyond the nature which subsists accidentally, is neither able to subsist according to itself, nor according to accident For that which is true non-entity, has not existence in one way, but in another not. But the beingwhichsubsists simultaneously with non-being,
whether it be lawful to call it a privation of being, or difference, is not the same with true non-entity. For with rcHpect to non-entity, one kind is entirely deprived of being, but another kind, which subsists in intelligibles, suffers, as the Eleatic stranger [or guest] says', no ditninuticm of being. But in those things which are sometimes beings, and sometimes non-beings, non-entity is more debile then entity; but yet after a certain manner they are vanquished by being. As, therefore, with respect to non-being, if some one should ask us, whether it has an existence, or whether it has not, we should reply, that what is entirely non-being, and in no respect whatever participates of existence, is in no respect whatever being ; but, nevertheless, that nonbeing is after a certain manner to be connumerated with beings. Thus also with respect to evil, because it has a twofold subsistence, one kind being evil alone, but another not unmingled'' with good; the former has no existence whatever, in consequence of falling below being, just as the good is beyond being ; but the latter must be ranked among beings. Hence it is not deserted by being', on
Tbe Don.being of wliicb Procliu ii here (peaking, u denami.
nuledbytheElea^cguesi, in the SophisUoT Plato, (^^irrmfv, and is one of the live genera of l>eing in intelligililes. But ibete live genera are, esxnce, tamenesi, diff'erence, motion, ani iKrmanency. See my translation of the Sophists.
' " la 'yim^A^, *' hoc avUm non permixtam ad btmum f' but for permiilum, it is necessaiy to read impermixium.
' For "abcac," bcic in Moibeka'a version, it is necessary tu read
account of the intervention of good, nor by good, since it in still capable of remaining, on ivccount of being : for it is at one and the same time being and good. And that which is iti every respect evil, since it is a perfect falling off from the first good, is deservedly likewise deprived of being. For what can have a progression into beings that is unable to participate of good ? Bat that tchich is not in every respect evil, is sub-crmtrary indeed to a certain good, but not to all good. It is, however, arranged and benefited through the transcendency of the source of all good. And it is evil to those things to whick it is contrary; but it is nevertheless suspended as good from total good. For it is not lawful to act in opposition to this ; but it is requisite that all tilings should be disposed according to justice, or that they should have no existence whatever.
Plato, therefore, rightly says in the Timeeus, that so far as pertains to the demiurgic will, all things are good, and nothing is evil. But in the Thetetetus he asserts that evil cannot be destroyed, and that it has from necessity a place among beings. For all things partake of good through the will of the father J and nothing is evil with reference to his fabrication, either of real beings, or of things which are becoming to be. And darkness, indeed, which is entirely mingled with its contrary, is therefore not destitute of light; and things which are made* in the light, are on all sides terminated by it. With the sun, indeed, nothing is dark, for it gives even to darkness a debile splendour; but in the air,
darkness is a privation of the Itglit wliicli was in it. AH things, therefore, are good with the father of all ; and evil is in the natures which are not alile to remain established in good. Oo what account, however, this is necessary, we have before shown. Alier what manner] therefore, evil subsists, and after what manner it does not, is from these things evident For both those who assert that all things are good, and those who do not, speak in one respect rightly, and in another erroneously. For that all beings are good is true ; but non-being also is complicated with being. All things, therefore, are good, because there is no evil which is not adorned and mingled with good. And evil is in those beings whose nature is not adapted to remain in good in an unmingled state.
2. In the next place it is requisite to consider, in what beings evil exists, after what manner it subsists, and whence it Is derived ; because the nature of it has appeared to us to be something belonging to beings. Let us begin, therefore, from on high, and survey as far as we are able, where evil subsists.
The Gods, then, the kingdoms of the Oods, their numbers and their orders, obtun the first portion of being, or rather they preside over all beings and an intellectual essence, on which being, as it were, ' seated, they generate and rule over all things, proceed to and are present with all tilings, without being mingled with tliem, and exemptly adorn everything which the universe contains. Nor b their intel-
ligence debilitated by their providential energies, nor their paternally transcendent government dissolved by the purity of their intellections. For their intellectual energy is the same ivith their essence; and providential inspection is present with them on account of goodness, and likewise on account of their twofold power, [viz. providential and demiurgic,] not being iviUitig^ to remain in itself, but,asit were, producing into light from themselves whatever it is lawful for them to produce, viz. all beings, the genera tliat are more excellent thnn souls, souls themselves, and whatever else has a being inferior to these. For the Gods themselves, indeed, are beyond all beings, and are the measures of existence, because every being is contiuned in them, just as number is in monads. But beings proceed from them, some indeed [at the same time that they proceed from,] abiding in them, but others, through their manifold nature, falling off from the unity of the Gods, in consequence of a diminution of essence. And these latter, indeed, are placed in the order of participants, suspended from the goodness of the Gods; but the former are essentialized in good itself, and the measure of wholes, and are nothing else than the unities, and measures, and goodnesses of beings. They are likewise, if you are willing summits, and as It were Bowers, and superessential luminaries, and everything of this kind. And they are indeed participable according
to true being and the 6rst essence ; but they produce from themselves everything good and beautiful, all media, and being of every kind. As, therefore, if some one should interrogate us respecting this visible light, which the God who is the king of it, and who has an arrangement analogous to the good, scatters through the whole world, — whether it is of itself susceptive of darkness or not, our answer to him would be multifarious. For at one time we should adduce the simplicity of its nature; at another time, its continuity with the divine*' genera; and at another something else. Thus also in speaking of the Gods, we must assert that evil has no subsistence whatever in them ; and it is requisite to recollect that the Gods adorn all things, that they are not indigent of anything, and that their life is perfectly blessed and divinely exuberant. For these are our unperverted conceptions respecting them, and from these we should assume what it is requisite to assert of the Gods themselves. But souls of a fortunate destiny'', giving themselves to intellect, expanding the winged part of themselves, and being assimilated to the Gods, are permanently established in good ; and no evil is pre-
■ In Moibeks, " guondjjue aaitm tarn qua ad genera cmtimdlalem." Bai for ad genera, it is requisite to read oif gmfro dnma.
In Morlwka ■■ amrmxepAimera." But tor e]ihinieTie, which in the Greek, as the leurued FiofeBsor observes, wiu if ii/u{iai, I read tBfui(mi; fat Procliu is here speaking of that order of souls which are denoiQiaMed by the Platonisls rnxfrrm, or undefUtd. See Proclusin Tim^ and elsewhere; for this order of souls is mentioned by him in many places in his works.
sent wilh them, nor ever will be. Perrect hljarity, likewise, an innoxious life, anil the choir of the virtues, Uad such a soul to the supernal region, to the banquety and the enjoyment of delicate food*, and to a condition of being far removed from the evils which are here, not for the purpose of vanquishing these maladies, but that together with the Gods, adorning sublunary affairs according to justice, they themselves may remain established in the Gods. And though while they are filled with the contemplation of real being, they possess a latent tendency to these inferior realms, yet they do not experience that which is perfectly evil. If, therefore, there is no evil in souls which are divine, how is it possible it should exist in the Gods? For, as it is said, heat is not in snow, nor cold in fire : and hence, neither is evil in the Gods, nor is a divine nature situated in evil.
In addition, therefore, to what has been said, it must be remembered that the very essence of the Gods is established in good. For as souls are derived from that soul which ranks as a whole'', and as partial intellects are derived irom an allperfect intellect, thus also, from the first good, or rather, if it be lawful so to speak, from goodness itself and from the unity of ail good, the most pri-
' All the abore m iulio ia, ai_ Motbeka, " jua vHqvt lalem animam dttcunt ad laperiorem laaan, ad epviatiimem^m tt Jrui- (wnfln." But Fnwlus in wbat is here uid, alludes totbefollowiDg words of Plato in the Fhiedrus ; «■«> h tn wpi Inn ri wu twi
^ i. t. ai thej are derived from the soul of the world.
inary number of things tliat are gooO is derived, the being and existence of which is nothing else than unity and goodness. For neither is the essence of partial intellects anything else than intellection, nor of souls anything else than vitality. For if to all the preceding natures there is a continuetl progression from their principle, through similitude, — if this be the case, the progressions from the first unity must be primary unities, and from the one [firstj good a multitude of natures characterised by good. How, therefore, can evil, and the nature of evil, be inherent in things essentially good ? For it is not lawful that it should ; since good is measure and light; but evil is darkness and incommensurability. And the latter, indeed, is without location, and is debile; but the former is the cause of all location, and of all power. The former likewise is preservative of all things ; but the latter leads everything with which it is present to destruction, according to the order which each thing is assigned : for, as we have said, there is not the same mode of termination in all things. Whether, therefore, shall we say, it is false that the Gods are good, or shall we admit that being good they are changed ; which we assert to be the case with partial souls, these being transmuted into dilferent forms of life? In thus speaking, however, we shall assert of the existence of the Gods what is both impious and absurd. For good is not congenial with non-good ; and that which is not good is not God. Nor is that which is trans-
muted similar to the one, and to that which is better than all energy. For what similitude is there between that which subsists according to an eternal essence, and that which is prior to eternity; or between that which is established in an invariable sameness of energy, and that which is more excellent than the peculiarity of even the highest energy? Hence, there is no evil in the Gods, neither simply, nor according to time. For, in short, the eternal and time are posterior to the Gods'; since both these are essences, and subsist about essence. But the Gods are prior to essence and being. Fgr beings derive their subsistence from them, they having an hyparxis prior to being. And here, indeed, every one is good ; but truly^existing being is suspended from the good [which is the characteristic of the Gods].
Again, therefore, aller the Gods, if you are willing, let us direct our attention to the order of angels, and consider, whether we must assert this to be perfectly good, or that evil subsists in this order primarily. If, however, evil, of whatever kind it may be, is in them, how can we any longer call them the messengers of the Gods ? For alt evil, indeed, is far distant and foreign from the Goils, and is like darkness with respect to the light which is with them. It also is not only ignorant that it is itself evil, but it is ignorant of everything else, and especially of whatever is good. For it flies from
...vGoogIc
and (le&troj's itsell^ not being able to know either itself or the nature of good. But the genus which is the interpreter of the Gods, is continuous with the Gods, knows their intellect, and elucidates the divine will. This angelic genus, also, is itself a divine light, proceeding from that effulgence which is concealed in the ad^ta of deity, becoming externally manifest, and being nothing else than good primarily shining forth from the beings which eternally abide in the unfathomable depths of the one. For it is requisite that the progression of wholes should be continued; and, on account of similitude, one thing is naturally consequent to another. To the fountain, therefore, of all good, many natures characterized by good are consequent, and an occult number of unities abiding in the ine&ble fountain of deity. But the first number of preceding and proceeding natures continuous with the divine unities is that of the angelic order, which is situated, asit were, in the vestibules of the Gods, and unfolds their tiuly mystic silence. How, therefore, can evil exist in those beings whose essence consists in the eluci<)ation of good? For where there is evil, good is absent ; so far is it from being elucidated ; but it is rather concealed by the presence of a contrary nature. That, however, possesses a transcendency of union which is enunciative of the one ; and this is also the cose with whatever in a second order is enunciative prior to that energy which is in other things. Hence, the angelic tribe is in a transcendent degree assimilated to the Gods, from
which it is suspended, so that it is able, by a most manifest similitude, to unfold its peculiarity to posteiior natures.
If, also, you arc not willing to survey the beneficent order of angels in this way only, but according to another mode, consider that in all the genera, and all the numbers of beings, of whatever kind they may be, that which is allotted a first and principal order possesses good genuinely, and unmingled with evil. For it is requisite that tohat is _first in every series of things should bear the image of the first cause ,- since everywhere primary natures are analogous to this cause, and tie salvation of all things is through the participation of it. For whether you divide all beings into intellectuals and sensibles; or, again, the sensible nature into heaven and generation ; or, in like manner, the intellectual essence into soul and intellect, — you will everywhere find, that what ranks as first and most divine is unreceptive of evil. It is requisite, therefore, that not only in thes^ hut also in the triple empire of the better genera, [viz. of angels, dsmons, and heroes,] there should be the immaculate^ the intellectual, and the unmingled with evil. And this is likewise the case with everything that has a first order essentialized in good, because the progression of it takes place on account of goodness; just, again, 'as the pn^ression of dsemons is according to power, and to that which Is generative* in the
la Morbeka, " gaiimuin Dmntm ;" butfurgentniun il» neceuai? to read gnufntun.
Gods; and hence, also, they rank as media in the three genera. For power pertains to the middle*, just As intellect, and a circular conversion to the principle, pertain to the third progression, which is that of heroes ; but goodness energises in angels, and defines their existence by its own unity. How is it possible, therefore, for any one to admit that evil can enter into such natures as these ? Hence, that alone which is boniform will obtain the order of angels, but will never partake of any evil For angels are the elucidators of the Gods, are the suramit of the better genera, and their Very being is characterized by good.
Does evil, therefore, subsbt primarily in demons? For they exist in an order consequent to that of the angelic choir. There are, therefore, (tome who speak of the passions of daemons, and these, indeed^ such as are according to n^ ture, when they tragically narrate their different deaths and geoeraUons. But of other dtemons, the passions are from choice alonc^ and these tbey denominate wicked and evil dsnions, wlio defile souls through iniquity, lead them to matter, and draw them down from their celestial journey to the subterranean place. The authors of these asserUons, likewise, think that they have Plato as the patron of this doctrine, who establishes twofold exemplars in the universe ; the one divine, luminous and boniform, bnt the other without
mpotmlii;" bat Tor "iMftUiS," It h
God, dark and malefic. Of souls, also, according to them, pome tend to the former, but others to the latter, at which when they arrive, they suffer the punishment of their crimes. As, again, of those that are in Hades, some fly from the mouth of the opening which is there; but others are dragged along by Jiery and fierce phantasms, are torn on thorns, and hurled into Tartarus'. What is asserted by these men, therefore, insinuates that every such genus of daemons which is seductive, malignant and destructive of souls, is susceptive of prilAary evil, and that the nature of deemons is distinguished by good and evil. It is requisite, however, to inquire of these, if we ask them nothing else, — for the fathers of .these assertions are divine vien'', — whether are the daemons which you call evil, such to themselves; or are they not evil to themselves, but to others? For if, indeed, they are evil to themselves, one of two things must follow; either that they must remain in evil for ever, or that they are susceptive of transmutation. And if^ indeed, they are always evil, how can that which subsists from the Gods be perpetually evil ? For it is better not to exist at all, than to exist always essentially evil. But if they are changed so as to pass into different forms, they do not rank among
■ See the lOlh book of tbe Republic of Plato, neir the eai, from Hfaich what it bcre uid bj Proclus ia derived. Its verdon of Moibeka in this part is eitremel^ barbarous aad inaccurate.
•■ Among thew is Porphyry. See the 2nd book of my transtation of bis treatise oa Abedneace from Aoimal Food.
those that are essentially (Iceinons, but among those who are such only through habitude * [i. e. through proximity and alliance]. The like must be said of that which is better and worse, and has another form of life. All essential demons, hoHever, re* main so perpetually, and continue in the order which they are severally allotted. But if they are good to tliemselves, and evil to others, in consequence of leading them to a worse condition of
After amtial heroo, aa order of Kiuls follam, who pnni. matelf goTern (he affmirs of men, ■ad arc dicmonucal ■«■ rx'""' eccordiiig In haUlude or alliance, but not esaenliillf. Of this kind are ihe Nympha, llial ajnipathise with waten, Puu, with ihe fe«t of goals, and the like : and the; diSer from tfaoae powen that are euentialljof a damoniacal characteristic, inthia, that they assuma • Tanet; of ahapei (each of the othen immutabl; preserving cne form), ara gullet to various passiuna, and are the cauiea of manifold deception to mankiad. Froclus, in his Scholia od the Cialj. luaof Plato observes, 'Ori un mu Vmtti rfmyttni-ui *mi AAtHuiiai
i. f. " There are Pans with the feet of goats, and Minerval souls aatuming a variet; of shapes, and proximately governing nunkind, such Bi was the Uinerva that appeared to Ulyssei and Telemactius." Frodiu also, in Plat. Folit. p. 359, remarks concerning das. mona nmrm r^trn, as follows ; n^trtuttt )t rm nXavttut tj rut VIA T<i( aXa/uw, in irarni a'j'll&f, Ik fuin »• iun, nXXa xai T« Imitmn, J(i XaCui am rai-mf ni rftrtntiMt Jt' " M alit/^t iai/ww, varrti, « n jHfw rxTif, i "mi luraStXmi iri/uHi wMrriiu, xu amtrf rnmm
aXn/iimiHt •rm. a>^H !■ » aliarn hh aWxai aai ■^it^iw. lii ami iDXmTarr iVKunr aXnrfipTftn ra? r« itu/UHrr mu iwty tiXi^ in a^iv- 3jf Hb a^iartT ym^ rat ^uiltirf aXXa V9 ^p it mfvut MXn0iyut
rH i ifrtfurtu, 6 rat xp*f/"^^1 vwitni/ttut, a rmt jvAannr va'aatM^ j) wu i« vavn^tarjv rjH rv^^w^rtf, niii aava 'j^tAV trrir imifurtir, u h riHi iwt I m fH wr ammrHW rm nriii tm/iimf, Ii' lamvi ara-
being, ttiia is just as if some one slioulil call certain preceptors and pedagogues wicked, who, from ranking as castigators of faults, do not permit thosti frhom they superintend to pursue a better order in an unappropriate manner. Or as if some one should denominate those evil, who, standing [as guardians] before sacred places, prevent the impure vulgar from entering within the curtains, because they prohibit them from a participation of
Plilo however adds, in what he says about truth, that not only divinity, but likewise s dsnioniacal nature. !■ entiielj iritfaout falsehood, it ii neceBsary to assume bom tbU addition, tliat what uuljr possesses the tiHlure of a dmnon, and not a dtenioD according to habitude, is perfectly free from falsehood. For a dsmon according to habitude suataias aJi-Taiioufl murations, and deceives ^ose with whom he is friendly. But every esseulial dsmon, and who IS at the same time rational, is perfectly veracious ; and if he ia irtationsl, be ia unrrceptive bolh of truth and falsehood. Hence, I'laio does not say, that every dwnaatscsl and divine nature ia veradoui, but that every such nature is ailhout falielao± For all these are unreceptive of falsehood ; hut this is the case with the rational kind, as baing aaturally adapted to be alone veracious ; and with the imtional, as not being conversant with either truth or falsehood. Hence, whatever deceitful kind of damons is mentioned in history, either as secretly assuming the office of delivering oracles, or becoming obedient to invocations, or being casually present with certain persons,— every such kind pertains to those who are dKoaoDS according to habitude, proximity and alliance. But if certain persons are deceived by those who are truly [or essentially] demons, they are deceived through themselves, and not through them, as we before observed respecting Ibe Gods." To such damans as these may be applied what laQiblichus says, De Myst sect, 4. cap. 7., vii. " jin mil dtenum reguiret that hit miriliiper ihoiM be juti, becatim atcK a damaa atntmei the a/^xarance of one befangiKg ta the dimu genus ; but he ii suttervienl ta what U ui^ua, btcavie he is diprnved."
the internal rites. It is not evil, therefore, for those to remain external to these sacred places, who are not worthy to enter into them; but it is evil to be of such an order, and to deserve such prohibitions'. Hence, if of the mundane demons, some lead souls on high, but others keep the souls that are not yet able to ascend, in their own manners, we cannot justly say that either of these are evil, — either those by whom souls are separated (rcrni hence, or those by whom they are detained. For it is requisite there should be dromons, who keep in custody about the terrestrial region souls that are
' Wliat tbe Fieudo Dionjniu ujt ia ifaat part of bii treotke on the Diriae Noma in which he tbow* that there i« no >U£h thidg M evil iuelT, is vhollr derived from this treatise of Proclus, as will be erideot b; compariDg the oite with ihe other. I give the following eitract fi'om that work, u an obTious ptoof that what is said b; Pnclu* in this place, was taken fVom (hence b; Dioajaiiut Otw mfm tvit it myytXmt tm rt xMJttu sXXfl i»Adt(ur mn MftMfnagrrmr
MM3UI, Mmt ran li^r «j rtr ^CqXn THv ttuH /MBrritft*ir MwUfytmt- Mat~ Tu tiHt T« xtXm^uftii tmxft kT^Xm rt k^mt yau4mi MsXuruti^ nit rt Tutr' m^t mwu^yiritu tki ji^ir my.XM n aroy*, iLm mni^ ytnrfsu xMi rut mxt"r^ mrtrmitin. i,e. "Hence, neither ia evil in angels; unless it should be >ud that they are evil because Ifae; punith offenders. But if this be admiUed, the caMlgators of all thou who act erroneously will be evil; and consequently, (his will be the case with thoie who eiclude the profane from tbe inspection of divine mysteries. It is not, however, evil to punish (bose that deserve to be punished, but it it evil to deserve punishment. ' Nor is it evil to be deservedly eicluded from sacred mysteries, but to become d^ filed and piolkne, and unsdapted to (be paitidpation of what ia pure." Hie learned reader will find, on perusing the whole of what is said by this Dionysius concerning evil, in the above-menlianed treatise, (bat Ibe greater part of it is derived from tbe pie. sent work of PiocIub.
defiled with vice, and unnorLhy of a progression to the heavflBs. Neither^ therefore, does it appear that evil, even in tliese deemons, can rationally be found ; for they severally effect that which is conformable to their nature and always af^r the same manner. Bat this is not evil.
Again, with respect to the genus of heroes* does not, in thefirst place, the -^ry tteing of tliese consist in an essential' conversion to that which is more excellent? And, in the second place, heroes are always the causes toother things of a conversion to better natares. ■ This providential employment, therefore, ' was assigned them by the father of the universe; and if their energy is invariably the same, it is not evil.' For everything evil is naturally unstable and without locaU^; but the contrai-y is true of that which is always a whole. For perpetuity is power ; but a subsistence in capacity pertains to those things to which evil pertains'. In short, to be changed in the form of lifej in any way, causes those who suffer this change to be heroes according tO habitude, and not yet to be such as essential heroes. For every angel, dsmon and hero, who is such ess«itially, is naturally adapted always to preserve its own order, and does not subsist in one way at one time, and in a different way at another, but ener^ses always according to the nature which it has received. Further still, if anger, violent efforts, and everything of this kind which is called evil, are employed by them through a. perversion of what is
according to nature — in this case, evil in them b a disorderly use of their power, and is everywhere a departure from a perfection adapted to their essence ; for evil is impotent and imperfect, and is of a nature too debile to effect the salvation of anything. But if each in thus acting preserves itself and its own nature, and the condition which it is perpetually allotted in the universe, how can it any longer be preternatural in them thus to act ? For if it is according to nature, to them it will not be evil, if the evil to everything is that which is preternatural to it For you would not say, that fury is an evil to lions or leopards; but it is an evil to men, to whom what is most excellent is reason. To ovher beings, however, whose essence is according to intellect, it is not good to energise according to reason*. For it is requbite that evil, as we have frequently said, should not be that which is according to nature, and which in everything is the better part, — for a thing of this kind b good,— but that it should be the concomitant of a deteriorated nature. Hence a precipitate phantasy, fury, anger and pertinacity, are not unnatural to those beings to whom such things, and not reason, are essential. What, therefore, b evil to themfrom these things? But the above-mentioned particulars are impedimenls to souls, and a bond ; for to those, a tendency downward is a deviation from rectitude. For these powers do not lead to the place adapted
to themselveS] those souls which have not yet fellen into vice, because this would not be possible. But, in conformity to the laws of the universe, they punish souls that tend to a subordinate nature, and that require chastisement [as preparatory to their purification]. And these powers, indeed, in so doing act according to nature ; but the universe* uses them as instruments Tor the sanation of souls. For it also uses brutes for the devoration of men, and inanimate substances for some other natural purpose. And a stone, indeed, in falling naturally strikes that with which it meets ; for these actions are the percussions of bodies ; and the uni< verse opportunely uses the nature of these in order to give completion to the necessity of that which ought to suffer. Neither, therefore, is percussion «vil to bodies; nor, in short, is there any evil in tlie operations of things which act conformably to their own nature. But everything acts according to nature, which has no energy better than its natural energy. Hence, it is not possible to assign any more excellent energy of these heroical powers than what has been before mentioned. For this is their order; and this species of energy was assigned to them by the fabricator of the universe, for the sake of guarding the perfections of things. Hence; whatever is transacted in the boundaries of these
I/toihelut'sjenioa ottiAifaitii, "utUuraulemipMiiulorgana ad umationem amnem." But for ■' omnera" it h necessary to read, conTcHiDabtjr to Uie oboie tnuieUtJciii, omne, i. e. n ■■■>, tAe unt-
powers, contrary to their life, becomes in destined periods of time subject to their guardian care. But the period of the lime of punishment corresponds to the power of the patients; and the purgation being perfect, the mouth of the opening ' ceaSes to bellow, and all the other impediments to ascending souls are wididrawn. While the punishmeait, however, is as yet imperfect, some souls, on account of an ignorance of themselves, desire a progression upwards, and the universe leads these to what is appropriate to ^eir condition. The guardians of such, likewise, being subservient to the will of the universe, convert some to one, and others to a different kind of punishment; and employing coercion to these for a longer, but to those for a shorter time, they at length dismiss them conformably to the arrangements of the universe and its laws. We mu^t say, therefore, with respect to the Gods, and the genera superior to our species, that their conduct towards us is throngh commiserating our condition, and that there neither is any evil in them, nor ever will be. For they energise in all things conformably to the order in which each of them is arranged, and, abiding in their accustomed manner, they preserve invariably that boundary which they possess from the fabrication of things.
S. In the next place, let us direct our attention to the natures consequent to the above, and inves- Ugate whether evil is anywhere to be found in these.
If, however, it must be said, that evil has Qowhere an existence, it follows that it is neither there, nor in hnman souls. For all the above-mentioned ge^ nero are unreceptive of transmutation; I mean, of a transmutation according to their order*. For each of them is always adapted to preserve the order which it received. But the natures consequent to these [viz. human souls] possess a power of sometimes ascending, and sometimes tending to generation and a mortal nature. Of these, likewise, some are better and more divine, and, in being connected with a mortal nature, do not abandon divine knowledge; but others sustain all-various fractures and distortions of their circles^, and are replete with oblivion, habitude [to things subordinate], and evil. Let us, therefore, in tlie first place, consider the better kind of human souls. That these, then, in consequence of lieing better, do not admit in themselves any passion of human depravity, is indicated by Socrates in the Republic, where he accuses the poets of representing the ofispring of the Gods [i. e. heroes] as equally avaricious with [other] men, and replete with such evUs as we perceive to be accidental to human nature'^. If, however, as it is said, a very great part of their period consists in contemplation, in an innoxious
i. e. thej cannot be changed inio a dittercDl order.
^ tbM » asserted bj Plato in the Timcus. See m; tnuuUtioD of ibe 5th book of Frocliu on tbat Dialogue.
" Seetbe IntroductioD to theSad and 3rd booksoftbc Republic, in vol. L of mf tninBlation of Plato, in which the reader will nnd an apology Ibr what it here s«d, from Proclus.
li^ and in a secure providence of wholes in Con* junctiun with the Gods; and if, when they descend into generation, their descent is for the benefit of terrestrial souls, — some, indeed, for the purpose of procuring a good o£&pring, others for the sake of purity*, but others for the purpose of tran»- tnitling the illuminations of a divine intellect, — and i^ also, they accomplish this in conjunction with the Gods, with renown, tc^ether with the inspiration of good dsmons, and the consent of the universe, — what evil, in short, will there be in them, unless you are willing to call generation itself [or the whole of a visible nature] evil? For, as Socrates says in the [loth hook of the] Republic, it is necessary that every soul should drink" a certain measure of the cup of oblivion. With respect to oblivion, however, it is different in different souls ; in some, indeed, the habit of recollecdon being lost; but in others, remembrance in energy being alone buried [for a time, but not destroyed}. This rest of energy therefore, — habit remaining within, like a concealed light, incapable of proceeding externally on account of the adjacent darkness, — you may call oblivion, or, if you are willing, the evil of these souls. These souls, likewise, are unpassive
' Id Uorbeka, "prapariiate"; but the true reading i>, I hare no doubt, confoiiDabl; to the above troiulalioD, pro purilale.
> Moibeka's vemOD of this poit ii, " Meruumtn ftdn quaJtdam poctdi oMiBumii luceuariutii omnetit animam /acert" ; but fbr "j!ieeri" it ii requisite toretdbAert. Morbeka appears In bsie had in his MS. iTHiii instead of nui, whicb is t2ie true Tending. The words or Flalo are : Hit>» /iir tut ri rti/ Hnrtt nm e»}-iuiii una waiti
cqitizcdbvGoogle
to the perturbations which subsist about the soul in generation, and on this account we are accuse tomed to call them immaculate*; because the evils which are here cannot enter into them, though they are incapable of preserving in this terrene abode that invariable and immutable life which they led in the intellectual realms; but they permit that which is adapted to disturb them, and is unstable, to remain in the natures which are suspended from their essence. These impassive souls, too, are internally silent, as long as they are situated in tranquillity ; but when they are excited to vehement energy, then their heauty shines forth, so as to evince that they are truly the offspring of the Gods. Henc^ whether in terrene animals, or in other parts of the universe, there are generations of souls, this is the mode of descent to all of them, and as iar as to this, oblivion and evil are the r^ suit. For we say, that light is darkened, because the extraneous nature of that which surrounds it being gross and nebulous, it cannot illuminate that which is near to it. But that is perfectly involved in darkness, which cannot even be tlie saviour of itself. The descent^ therefore, of these divine souls, not destroying their internal life, gives to them a debility of energy.
See >n admicBble account of these undefiled raulg in the Scholia of Froelus on the Cntjius, in Ihe notea st the end of the 5lh volume of my Flalo; where the reader will Gad a muulalion of nearly the whole of thne moet eicellent Scholia, which are nothing more than eitracU trom a complete Commentary on that Dialogue of Plain, b; KHne one of the diiciplen of Proclui, n will be erident to the intelligent reader &om tlie peruul of them.
With respect, however, to the souls that are posterior to these, and which destroy their internal life, and TaU into an oblivion of the contemplations arising from the energies of it, — in souls of this kind there is death, an insatiable tendency to mortal concerns, adefltuiion of their viings*, anA whatever else of such souls, we are accustomed frequently to assert. For what other medium is it re(]uisite to assign between that which is unsusce{>> tibie of evil, and that which is entirely malignant, tlian a slender, and, as I may say, apparent evil? These things, therefore, must be asserted of such souls. The habit, too, of these latter tribes^ of souls is truly all-various, and is transmuted by all-various impulses and elections. Their internal powers, likewise, suffer defalcation, and their enei^ gies are attended with great labour. Being also lame and debile, they suffer all the evils in which souls are said to he involved through falling from that place, the inhabitants of which are free from sorrow, and lead a blessed life. For every soul when on high is conversant with sublime concerns', governs the whole world, and ascends, together ^ith the presiding Gods, to the contemplation of the felicitous and most perfect energy of truly ex-
See ihe Fhadrus of Plato, where it is nid that such aouls lufTet this defluiion.
."* In Morbeka, " fioiilsm outem tu f Mfl^ id etf tr#iu omnimo' ivm enttr atetBamun," &c,; but for " fiiXtt, id 4tt tr^mt," it is mcenat; to read fii>Mi, id en tribUmi.
' In Morbeka ^nai;<initi; iasteadof wbich it it requisite to retd /oniiftrAu. For Proclus here, and in wbal inmndialely' follows, •Ifaldes to what iasaid iu the Plueilnis, where tMi word is used by FUto. See Flat. Pbadr. p. S3. Edit Alt.
isting being, and surveying all the forms that it contains, is filled with the nectar which is there. For, as some one says, contemplation, prudence, and an intellectual life, are not the primary good of the beings that energise according to these; but the energy according to a divine intellect is that which is primarily good, comprehending intelligibles in the intellectual perception of itself, but encompassing sensibles by those powers which belong to the circle of difference*, and exhibiting to these also a certain portion of the most exalted good. For that which is perfectly good, not only possesses plenitude in the salvation of itself, but likewise in what it imparts to other things, and througfi the unenm/ing abundance of its energy, desires to benefit all things, and causes them to be similar to itself. But when the soul, according to both species of life", is incapable of imitating its presiding Gods, it then indeed becomes deprived of the contemplaUon of truly-existing being, and is attracted by other secondary powers, which revolve about the world. This, then, is to souls the principle of generation, and of a periodic revolution, and is the cause to them of impotency, and of a privation of the contemplative energy; and this is their evil. For there that which is sufficient to itself primarily exists, where there is that which is primarily good ;
L ff. to opiaion ; for opioion in called by FUto in&e TluneiH, thi cfrci» vf d^erenee ; just ai iamin, or Ihe discursiTe energj of reason, ii there called b; him the circU of tammta. Moriiekft's versiati of ihb part is, " JtiMent ottfcn itTit&Sia tit qua tMeriut'
■ Aecordiog to the theoretic and pisctic IHb.
and there power is transcendent, where that which is sufficient to itself subsists. This, therefore, is the ' debility of the soul, that, tailing of the perfection pertaining to the first life, it tends downwards ; but it there again acquires a power of ascending to the region from which it fell, before it siuks intpthe profundity of a material life. For there is not the same mode of debility to all things. For neither are all bodies placed in the same degree of detecioration through their distance from the power* by which they are measured and preserved. But if, as Plato says'*, the soul through an unfortunate occurrence, by which it becomes connected with generation and mortality, is filled with oblivion, and, becoming heavy, falls to the earth, then the universe", indeed, leads it to an appropriate order i but it varies the form of its life, till, as it is sud in the Timseus, following the revolution of that same and similar nature contained in its essence, it vanquishes those abundantly turbulent passions, tumultuous and irrational, which afterwards externally'^ adhere to it, and is led back to being itself and the most splendid of being.
' i.e. through their distance from the phyucol power b; which their part* are held together.
Plato Mys thia in the Fhsdnu.
' In Morbeki, " Jhtcit qtaden ipam ad amBtrdaOtm eributu omaem." But fbr omnem, it is, I conceive, obviousl; necenar; to
^ In all the printed editiom of the HmMui, the nord i£Wi^ atemid^, a wanting in this place. For it is evident from the Commentary of Proclug on that Dialogue, that it ought to be inserted. Hence, in m «vXt« 'x'^ "^ imftt r^MfnTs, ».r.k., immediately after ix^fl it is requisite to add i|a>/>h
The soul, therefore, descending from thence, arrives at the circumambient etber*, and sm'veys the souls that are there. It likewise proceeds under the throne'' of Necessity to the plun of Ohlivion, no longer contemplating such objects ias it did, when it possessed a primordial nature. For the objects of contemplation to souls when on high, were the plain of Truth, and the divine forms which it contains. The nutriment, however, as Plato says, which is adapted to the soul in its best condition of subsistence, is derived from the meadow which is there'; but the nutriment which is here, is procured through opinion. Hence, also, this terrene abode is near to the river of Oblivion, and the dire •morld^, through which the soul is filled with folly and darkness, and is surrounded with all the evils to which the mortal nature is subject. For the fractures and distortions of circles [mentioned in
■ By ItectrcumamMmtefAer, I suppose PnKJuBalludestowtut, ia wid by FI>tO near the end of the 10th book of his Repubiic, Til. ■■ that soul« descending pure from heaven, lesled (hemMlies In the meadow, u in a public auemblf," &c.
In Moibeka, " omiet aultm el mb ntceutlala lermimtm, el ab. Bubmu campum." But for ttrmmum, it is necessary to read Ihnmunt : for Frocliu here alludes to the following paaaage in the lOtJl book of PUto'i Republic: Emufii li )* ■^nnjim in nr TS» Armyxni IIMH d^p#f- Mm ii IJBUMfr JitflA/fHW, ttriilq mm ti mXKv in^Ht wsfiutttut turmmtt us n n\t Air/itf nl/rt.
' U e. ttaia the meadow in the auperoeleMial place. See the Ftuednu of Plato, lUa meadow, therefore, ia very different from Ifap drciimambient elho', mentioned in Note '.
In Morbeka, "et mutujunt Aorum dirtim." But the dfr« uurM, ia the /urtfmm lur/tti, or tigit-hatmg viorU, ntCDtioned in the Chaldean OrocUa.
the TinuEus], and wbstever introduces deatli to souls, the periods of a thousand years, the punishments of the passions, and all that is tragically said respecting the law which the universe ordains, are the consequmces of the soul's lapse into this mortal ahocle. And we shall not be able to fly from these maladies, nor to rest from labours, till rising above thiags foreign to our nature we separate from mortal nugacity, our own good and the oonlemplation of real being. We miist therefore strip ourselves of the garments with which in descending we became invested*, we must proceed naked from hence thither, must entirely purify the eye of the. soul by which we oontemplata truly-existing being, and instead of a^ise must make intellect to he the principal ruler of our internal life. Our communication indeed, and life in conjunction with a nature subordinate to our own, exhibit to us the generation of evil; and our oblivion and ignorance arise from surveying (hat which is unintellectual and dark; but our good consbts in a flight and similitude to that which is divine. For there total good exists
Fyodui here alludes U> the following beautiful passage in Porpbjr. de AbMia., lib. i. p. 27. Ankmn mft rm nkXtvt
■HtCKW/Hi, in m mi •t''X1' OXiquino ayonr^uni. i. a. " Wa mn<t iherafore diveM ouraelvte of otir nuiufidd garments, botli of itiii vifibls and fleshl; TeMount, and of ttanse vitb which we are intemallf clothedi and wtuch aie proiimata to our cuMneoui babilimeDts ; and we muat enter the stadium naked and unclothed, MtiTiug for [the moM glorioui of all prizes] (he Olympia of (he
and the fountain of all good, and there the purity of [real] being, and a felicitous life are present with perfect souls. And thus with respect to the soul which b able to asc^d to a divine nature,' and also to descend bidier, we have shown after what manner evil subsists in it, together with debility, misfortune, and everything else which we have before ntentioned. -
' With re^ct, however, to those souls, whioh are' not parts of [real] beings, but certain images and parts of a worse soul, which the Athenian stranger or guest csUs tnalefic. It is requisite to consider whether they are Unreceptive of evil, or whetherevil also exists in them, but after a different manner. If, therefore, they are indeed worse than the' souls of men, — I mean than the irOageofthe rationalsoul which is in us, — evil in them consists in not' acting conformably to nature. For in the nature* which are always chuiged according to a good and a bAd condition^of being, the good and the evil have not a uniforni subsistence ; since the good as well as the evil varies. But if, like our souls, they pertain to another soul which is' prior to them, again it is necessary that the soul, which is capable' of being better and worse, and which is also connected with the image of the rationdl soul, must sometimes tend to supernal beings, and somedmes' to generation and the abode of matter ; and that in' consequence of irraUonali^ being susp^ded from reason, that which is worse ,ip, them must consist in a discord with reaBonjiin' not receiving light
from theiic«, aitd in the incommensurability of its nature being deprived* of tbe measure which is thence derived. For this is not the power of such souls, but debility, and a defect of power. Hence, to these souli, the ascent to that which is better lakes place when some energy is resplendent in them conformable to reason, which, like a present dsemon, inspires them with an energy leading to such a progression. But again, their tendency to that which is worse is effected, when, on account of the evil condition of tbe body, or unappropriate aliment, the natural energy being vanquished, the soul is filled with a depraved habit.
In the next place, let us consider nature, and everything to which this imparts the whole of its being and existence: Vbetber, therefore, is there evil in this, or not ? And if there is, on account of what cause does it subsist ? We neither assert, therefore, nor conceive, that the nature of the universe, nor the nature Of any eternal body, departs at eny time from its own habit. But we are of opinion that abiding such as it is, it leads conformably to nature the body with which it is connected : for what else is the employment of nature, than to. preserve and perpetually retain that in which it subsists? And the same thing is effected by all causes. This nature, also, when it exists in a partover which it entirely predominates, conducts it; rightly and wisely ; but when as being partial it is.
In Morbeba, " et >t immenniraium ipnta curanlt to gvoit inie m«(r«"; but fi^r "curattte," it ia necestai; to read canntt. :
vanquished, then the whole of that which uses it thus perverted, acts in a way contrary to its native adaptation. For to nature, indeed, considered as a whole, nothing is preternatural; because all nc^ tural productive powers are derived from it. But to the nature which ranks as a part, one thing is according to, and another contrary to nature. Thus the form of 9 lion is preternatural to the nature of man, because neither the productive power of this, nor of any other species, is inherent in man, but that of man alone. And thus in every other class of beings, the productive powers of diflerent speCies are different. Hence it pertains to a partial nature to be vanquished, and to act contrary to nature, but not to the nature which Tanks as a whole, nor to anything which is eternal. For matter, when it is the subject of beings that are not eternal, is frequently vanquished by the bonds proceeding from nature, and then it adorns and as it were illuminates its own darkness and deformity, and invests itself with a foreign ornament And thus in the beings that rank as wholes, its turpitude is concealed. Hence though it subsists from a principle, it does not become known to every onSf nor even to those who have elucidated many of the secrets of nature. But the nature which exists in a part is impotent through a defect of essential power. For it is as it were a ray, impression and reason [or form] of total nature, being divided from thence, flowing downward into body, and in-
capable (^remaining unmiogled and pure, lluq, ag^n, likewise arises from the power of tbe contraries by wbich it is on all sides surrounded* For th^ tilings which are external to it are many* wd fincign to the mortal nature.
Thus then, as we have said, tiii«. parUal nature beconiing debile, and superinducing the baseness of itself, defalcates iqdeed its own energy, and causes by its own defonnity the light which pio^ ceeds from it to be darkened. For the turpitude of nature, in consequence of reason [or form] not b^ving dominion, is passion, and is iaordi(f&t« through the impptence of order ; b^ Uien reason is vanquished by that which is spbordioate to rea^^ou^ and becomes itself irrational. If, therefore, there is also in the energy of a partial nature the unjnap^ed, we shall have all thin^ according tonatar^ ^nd there will nowhere in th^se essences be eviL But if in this, one thing is an end to it, and a path according to nature, but ano[l\er thing is contrary to this, and &". impediment to nature ; and if, iqdeed, reason. is one, but the things which aredi^ ferent from it, are infinite, what else can we .say than that this is the evil of nature? For to the being to whom contemplation is good, the privation of it is evil. But to that to .whiph it is good to effect something in another thin^ and to anergic according to reason, it is evil for reason not to vanquish, and for energy not to arrive at its destined end, through being vanquished by an inferior na-
Inre. And the avil of bodies coBaists Id the tbmb! which b above them bang vanquished* bj that which is worse thaD themselveg. For corpoi^e^ turpitude arises from reason [or form] being anbdued, and the disease of body, iirom its order being (litstrfved; because beauty then exists when form vanqiusbes matter, and falls like a [luminous] flower on things deprived of form''. And with respect to health, this is produced, when the order which ia conformable to nature is stably preserved. These things, therefore, as existing in nature, extend aa far as to material bodies, and intfividual beings ; but do not extend to beings which rank as wholes ; nor must it. be admitted that they substst in iba natures which are beyond the reach t^ matiOr, For deformity, wherever it exists, isirom matter, which we 8xe accustomed to call deformity itself and die last of things, as bemg without measure^ and with-r out beauty, and as not possessing even the most delMle porticM) of sploidour. But where is inordination and the prsetematural to be found in those beings which always subsist according to nature, and which, in consequence of this, possess on invariable sameness of weU being ? Individual or par-
' For " iiamaUSt" bere, it ii aeceuar; to read vinciUfii.
The whole of thia sentence is in Morbeka's veruon as folloira : " £ffffuin turpitudo qu^ carpondia rif, ncfa ratione ; tt agriludo prdine tolalP, jveniam tt pidchriliulo pumda niiuff, ipecin iWHf jlot ipcdeiuj ngmineidiiu." But it ■pprare to me that for <■ fuamta tAndt, tpeeiei," &c, we sbould read, confonnablr to the shore tnuulalion, fufltidn malmom ruJto vindl, ^leeieietlulJlot^ckbuicaTm'
ttcalar bodies, therefore, which in matter sustain all-various mutations, sometimes, indeed, possess order and good, but sometimes not, through contraries vanquishing their nature. Bui the bodies which do not rank as particulars, and which as wholes remain always the same, and complete the measure of their nature, perpetually possess order, vanquishing inordinatian. And of the l)odies which are immaterial, some, indeed, are always numerically the same,'and always possess similar energies, and are liberated from all mortal difficulty; but others are in their nature and essence the same, yet in their energies are led to the better and the worse. And such are the organs of huroaa souls^ which have, indeed, the essential according to nature, but possess a variation according to life. And sometimes, indeed, they abide in their own beauty, and in an energy and order according to nature ; but at other times they are dispersed into aforeign re^on, are brought into a condition contrary to nature, and introduce into themselves the baseness of matter. For each organ of the soul follows the impulses of it, and in so doing sustains all-various motions, and becomes assimilated to the appetiUons of the soul. We have spoken, however, of a corporeal nature, and have shown what the evil of it is, and how in a different nature, there is a different evil.
Let us, therefore, in the next place direct our attention to matter, and consider whether it is evil or not. For it is by no means possible that evil
can happen to it, because of itself it is without quality, and formless ; is a subject, but is not in a subject; and is simple, but is not one thing in another. But if in short, as some say, it is evil, it is essentially evil. And hence, according to them, maimer is primarily evil, and is that which is odious to the Gods. For what else is evil than the want of measure and bound, and whatever besides these, is a privation of good ? For good is the measure, the bound, the end, and the perfection of all tilings. Evil, therefore, is incommensuration, — the infinite itself, the imperfect, and the indeterminate; for all these are primarily in matter, not being anything else than it ; but they are matter itself, and the very essence of it. Hence matter is primarily evil, and is the natureof evil, and the last of all things*. If also good is twofold, — one being the good itself and nothing else than good ; but another good subsists in saraething else, and is a certain good, and not primarily so,^-evil likewise will be twofold, one being evil itself, and primarily, and nothing else than evil; but another evil subsisting in something else, and being a certain evil, by a paiticipation o^ or assimilation to, evil itself. And as good itself is the first, so evil itself is the last of things. For it is not possible for anything to be belter than good, or for anything to be worse than evil ; since we say that all other things are better or worse on
All that is here said about matter b«ng primarily «ii], and evil itself, is said confonnably to the opinion of Flotinus. S« my translation of his treatiu On Ecil.
account (^ these. But matter b the last of ihingo. For everything dse is naturally adapted either to act or sufier. But good itself and evil itself are not adapted to either of these, being deprived c^ the power of both '. Hence matter is evil itself and that which is primarily evil.
I^ however, that which is preternatural in bodies arises, as we have said, irom the predominiuice of matter, — and in souls evil and debility are produced by their lapse into, and inebriation from matteri becoming assimilated to it, through the indefinites ness which subsists about it,— why, dismissing this, should we investigate any other cause, principle and fountain of these evils? But if matter is evil) we must either make good to be the cause of evil, or we must admit that there are two principles of beings. For evei^thing, of whatever kind the nature of it may be, is cither the principle of wholes, or from the principle. Matter, however, since it is from the principle, has also its progression into being from good. But if there are two principles of beings, we must admit that there are two principles opposing each other, viz. that which b primarily good, and that which is primarily evil. This, ' however, is impossible ; for there cannot be two firsts. For whence, in short, can there be two principles without a monad [from which theypro-
' Good ittelf is depriTcd of the power of acting or suffering IbTougli tBameeodeticj at nature, sb being superior to both ; but evil itself is deprived of tbis power, ihrough tbe most eitreme debilit)' oF nature.
c«ed} ? I^ indeed, each of these is a unity, it is necessary that priOT to both, there should be Me orut and one principle, through which each of these is one*. Nor can evil be produced from good. For as the cause of all that is good, ia good in a greater degree than the things of which it is the cause ; so likewise that which is generative of evil, is evil in a greater degree than the things which it produces. And on this hypothesis, how will good possess its own nature, if it is the cause of the principle of evil ? But if that which is generated, loves to be assimilated to its generator, evil itself also will be good, in consequence of possessing the form of gpod, throi^h participating of its cause. Hence good, indeed, will he evil, as the cause of evil ; but evil will be good, as being produced by good.
If> however, matter is necessary to the universe, and the world would not be in every respect a great and blessed God** without matter, bow can the nature of evil be any longer referred to matter? For evil is one thing, and that which is necessary another. And matter, indeed, is that without which it is impossible for the universe to exist ; but evil is the privation of existence. If, therefore, matter exhibits the aptitude of itself as subservient to the fabrication of the whole world, and was from the first produced as the receptacle, and, as it were, . * llib WDleDca in Morbeks U, " £1 eni'm vtnanqut duarum unumj oporiet avie ambo ene rt vnunt guo hoc ambo unum, et urwni pindphtm." But for hoc ambo, it is requidte to read, conrormably to (he atHivc translation, kirrum ulergue,
' Tbc woild ii thus denominalcd by Flato in the Timsiu.
nurse and mother of generation, [as Plato says iil the Timseus,] how can it any longer be said (o be evil, and to be that which is primariljp evil ? For we manifoldly speak of incommensurability, the infinite, and everything of this kind ; since we say that it opposes measure, b the absence and ablation of it, and is the subject of it, and, as it were, b indigent of measure and bound. But matter is not adapted to oppose, nor, in short, to produce anything, since neither is it naturally adapted to suffer, on account of its deficiency of passive power. It is not, however, an ablation of measure and bound. For it is not the same with privation, because pri-^ vation does not exist when measure and bound are present; but matter botli exists, and receives Uie representation of these. Hence the infinite of the nature of matter, and its privation of measure, are indigent of measure and bound. But being indigent of these, how can it be contrary to them? And how can it be still evil, if it is indigent of good? For evil, and in short every habit contrary to good, flies from the nature of good. But if, as Plato says [in the Timffius], matter Is the nurse'of generation, which it also desires and conceives, — in this case, matter being a mother, she will not be the cause of any evil to the natures which proceed from her, or rather, which are generated in her. But if debility and misfortune happen to souls, it is not on account of matter, because they were subject to these prior to bodies and matter. And these in a certain respect preexisted in souls, as
the rauses of evils, antecedent to matter. Or whence of the souls that follow Jupiter [to the vision of the supercelestial place] is the head of the charioteer in some of them, incapable of raising itself to this place, and of beholding, through dimness of sight, the blessed spectacles which that place contains?* How, likewise, does it happen that there is an oblivion of truly-existing being in these souls, an unfortunate occurrence'', and a tendency downward, before they are connected with matter? For the horse which participates of depravity, becomes heavy and verges to the earth. For when the soul has fallen to the earth, she then is connected with matter, and is involved in the darkness of the terrestrial realms. But prior to her lapse, she experienced debility, oblivion and evil. For we should not have departed [Irom the vision: of perfect realities] unless we had been debilitated, because, though we are distant from true being, we still aspire afler the contemplation of it.
If, therefore, tlie soul becomes debile prior to her drinking of the cup [of oblivion], but proceeds
See m; translslioD of the Fbiednis of FIsto, from which dialogue Hhpt ii bere said by Froclus is derived. ' * Wlut is here said likewise is from the FfatedruB; but form. . nxf in Mortwk*, it is Decesisrjr to read tiimixm, Ihe word used by Plato. This mirvj^ia, or un/artvnale occurrence, ia the meeting with certain malefic dtemons. For so Hermeas in his Scholia an the Phndrus explains IL— Vid. Ast. Phiedr. p. 149. The word ^fJii also employed by Plato ia tbis part, is erraneousl j translated by Motbelu exarbital. BfJv yof • nn vani I'n-w fanxi^, iti l^i* firm n hi ^«;Mih So Plato in the Phadrus.— Vid. Ait. Edit.
c,q,t,=cabvGoOg[c
into matter, after her flight from the intelligible world, debility and, in short, evil do not accede to souU on account of matter. For what can matter - effect in other things, since it hag no e&cdie power? Or how, again, can that which is void of quality, so fitr as it is void of quality, be able to act? Moreover, either' matter draws souls to itself, or souls are by themselves drawn and become separate from themselves, and impotent Hence* if they were indeed drawn from themselves, their impulse towards and appetiti<m of that which is subordinate, became evil to them ; butof this, matter was not the cause. For all Sight from a more excellent condition of being is evil, and mu^ more descent to that which is worse. And souls choosing badly through debility, suffer what such souls oi^ht to su^r. But if tbey are drawn to this by nutter, where is the self-motive nature and electitms of the soul, if we ascpbe the cause of its descent into the realms of generation to the attractions of matter, OS to a certain compulsive power ? Or after what manner, with respect to those souls which subsist in matter, do these loolc to intellect and the good, but those to generation and matter, if matter draws all of them to herself, and molests, and o&rs violence to souls while they are still in (he intelligible world? Reason, indeed, will say this, and will
For " autm" here in Morbeki'i renion, it U nccwury to T*ftd aul. Tbe puDCtuBtunt also of tbia uid Uie following leiiteacs ii enoneous, u the leuned reader will from the aiioie tnoilalioa eatiij perceiTe,
compel us to confess, not merely that matter is not evil, but that it is good, f^ving a testimony con- . trary to the assertion that matter is evil itself*.
It may seem, however, that Plato is drawn to both opinions. For in the Timseus,' indeed, when he calls matter the mother and nurse of generation, and a concause of the fabrication of the world, it is manifest to every one that he admits matter to be good. He likewise denominates the whole world a blessed Qod, and considers matter to be' a portion of the worldi But in the discourses of the Klean stranger or guest, [in the Pblidcus,} he refers the cause of the inordinadon of the universe to its subject nature. He likewise says, that the world, through its producing cause, possesses every good, but through a foriiner habi^ the contraries of these are ingenerated in it. In the Philebus, however, producing matter itself, and every nature of the infinite from t&e one, and in short assigning a divine cause of the difference between bound and )n6mty, and asserting that good, and the genera^ tion which is from deity, are effected by the parti-' eipation of dei^, be grants, that evil has nowhere ft divine origin, but that it is requisite to invesUgate other causes of it, as it is elsewhere smd, Perhaps, therefore, inordination and evil arenot on account of matter, but on account of that which is moved
• Thu KDtence in- Morbeka iB, " Hoc juidem el ista ratio diixt M e^et mm quod mm mahim, led rt bonma materiam o$leruU cnn- (mrii) mi modo ttmiKitaru," But for (emjwMBns, it sppeara to mo to be requiule agreeably lo the aboTS translaUon to read atleitant.
in n confused and disorderly manner, Fgr this is a corporeal nature, which, as the Elean guest says, is the cause of inordinaUon to the last parts of the universe. For motion subsists about a corporeal nature, matter being of itself immoveable. Nor is the body which is void of quality the first compo> site. For the first composite body, as Timseus says, is visible ; but that which is without quality is not visible. The first composite, however, witli a representation of all forms in itself, — and thes^ as it were, in a confused state, — in being moved, produces that which is inordinate. For the vestiges of diflerent forms, leading to difierent local motions, manifest the whole motion to be fluctuating and turbulent. This, therefore, is the former habit of the world. For body of itsell> not being able to retain forms, shows itself to be in its own nature unadorned, and destitute of beau^. And in wholes, indeed, reason ' [i . e. form] has dominion ; but in things which have the relation of parts, reason, on account of its debility, being vanquished by a nature contrary to itself, is led to evil, and becomes as it were irrational, in consequence of being subdued by its inferior.
After what manner, therefore, that which is prseternatural enters into bodies, will be shortly after manifest. That evil, however, is not from matter, Dor from bodies, is evident from what has been
Id Morbeko, there is nothing more in this place than, "el in Inlia quidem oblmel " ; but afler jtiidem, I concnve it to be necessary ta add nUio, coDronnnbly to the aboTe traiutation.
said. For matter is not the same will) that which is moved in n disorderly manner. But that matter must not he considered to be primarily evil, Socrates, I think, EufBciently shows in the Philebus, in which Dialogue be generates infinity from God. If, however, it must be said that matter is the infinite itself, matter, or that which is primarily infinite, is from God, For it must be admitted (hat essential infinity, depending on one cause, has a divine origin, and especially that infinity which, in conjunction with bound, is not able to produce a mixture ; since God is the cause of the subsistence and mixture of these. These, therefore, and the nature of body, so far as body, are to be referred to one leading cause, which is God; for it is he who produced the mixture. Hence neither is body nor matter evil ; for they are the progeny of deity, the former as a mixture, but the latter as infinite. In body, indeed, one thing has the relation of a fountain and of reason or form, but another thing is analogous to the infinite. For what else is the infinite in body, tfaan matter? And what else is bound in it, than form? What, likewise, is that which consists of both these, than the material world? If, therefore, all tlje natures that are generatetl, and the things of which they consist, are from bound and infinity ,^-but that which produced all these ranks as the fourth, as Plato says,— if this be the case, we must say that neither matter nor form, nor that which is mixed from both, originated from any other cause than God. But what that is
generated from tbence can be evil ? For [as Hato
says in the Laws,] it is not the province of beat to refrigerate, nor of good to produce evil. And hence, neither matter nor body must be said to be evil.
Perhaps, therefore, some one may ask us what our opinion is concerning matter, and whether we admit it to be good or to be evil, or in a certain respect each of these? Let this, then, be our decision, that matter is neither good nor evil. For if it is good, it will be an end [to which something else will be moved], and not the last of things, and will be that for the sake of which something else exists, and will be an object of desire*. For all good is a thing of this kind, because that which is primarily good is an end, is that for the sake of which all things subsist, and is desirable to all beings. But again, if matter is evil, there will he another principle of beings discordant with the cause of all good, and there will be two fabled fountains" flowing contrary to each other, one being the fountain of good, but the other of evil. And neither will the life of the Gods themselves
The puDctuatioii of tU* tentsnce in Morbeka is Tcry nroneoiu; Tot " Swe enm, ionumJiniM eril et non vlttnmiB amnnm at cti/ai gratis tl deaderabile," ^ould be, Sivt nun &inuni,jSnif tril et mm uUJMum otimhtm, &c.
■> Plodus here (llnda to tha two ressels placed bj tbe Ibnnie of Japiter, which are mentioned by Homer in Iliad 34. t. £97. Butby tbe evili of which one of tbe vessels is the fountain. Homer meant the common calamities of bunun life, whidi are not erils in realily, but. as a rerlain poet aaid,
" Are bleiungs in disgui^."
be innoxious, nor free from mortal difficulty, or from anything ^se which it is not easy to bear, and which is foreign, and, as it were, attended with molestation. I^ however, evil is not, what will that be which will have an existence accord-, ing. to it? Or is it not sufficient to repeat what has been often said, that we must assert of it an existence which is. necessary? For the nature t^ good is one thing, but the nature of evil another ; and the one is contrary to the other. And there is arwther third thing, ivhick is neither simpli) good nor evil, but necessary. For evil, indeed, leads from good, and flies from its nature; but that which ia necessary is all that it is for the sake of. good, haft a reference to it, and whatever has a generation subsists on account of it I^ therefore, generation is for the sake of good, but another thing which is evil, is for the sake of generation, — in this case we must say, that so &r as it is necessary to generation, it is an end, and is good, and must not be called [real] evil, but was produced by divinity as necessary to forms, which are incapable of being established in themselves. For it is not fit that the cause of all good should aione produce beings that are good, and who are able to generate from themselves natures characterized by good, but it is requisite that it should likewise give existence to that nature which is not simply and from itself good. This nature, however, desires good, and through this desire it gives generation to other things, and contributes to the fabrication of a sensible e
For being [itself) not cmly gives subsistence to [real j beings, but also to tbings which desire a participation of essence, and whose existence consists in the desire of having a being. Hence, that which is primarily desirable is one thing, and that which desires this another, and which, through this desire, possesses an intermediate good. But it desires what has a prior subsistence to itselt^ and for the sake of which it exists.
I^ therefore, we thus consider matter, we shall find that it is neither good nor evil, but necessary alone ; and that so far as it was produced (or the sake of good, It is good, but is not simply good. And so far, indeed, as it is the last of things, it is evil, because that is evil which is most distant from good j but simply considered, it is not evil, but, as we have said, is necessary. In short, it is not true to asseit that evil can effect anything by itselfi for that which can, is not unmingled eviM, and primarily evil. For if evil is contrary to all goodj it is requisite that it should be contrary to that which is good from itself and primarily good, prior to being contrary to the good which subsists in something else; and also that evil should be twofold, this being evil itself, but that existing in another thing. But if evil is contrary to that good which subsists in something else, much more will evil be in another thing, and will not have an existence from itself; for the good also to which evil is con-
trary, subsists in another thing, and has not a separat« existence. For n^iat that ranks among beings will be contrary to the Itrst good ? Since all beings exist on account of, and for the sake of it. But it is impossible that a contrary should derive its exbtence on account of a contrary nature. For contraries are corrupted by each other; and, in short, all contraries proceed from one summit and genus. What, however, will be contrary to that which b primarily the genus of the good? For what is beyond the nature of the good ? And what among beings will become bomc^neous to it? For it would be requisite that there should be something else about both these, of which they will participate*; aadihe good will no longer be the principle of beings, but that will be the principle which is common to both these. Hence, nothing is contrary to the fir&t good, nor to all the participants of it, but to those only which participate of it in a variable manner. Of these, however, we have before spoken, and therefore here we dismiss the discussion of matter.
Again, then, let us pass to privation, because certain persons assert this to be evil and entirely contrary to good. For, say they, it !s su£Scient to matter for form to be present with it ; but privation
Because, ai Proclus juit before obserred, contraries proceed ttoia one summit and genus. Thus, from bang itself motion aod permaaenc;, samepew and difference proceed, which ore opposed to eacb other.
is never good, since it is always malefic and contmy to fomts. And matter, indeed, aspires after good, and partakes of it ; but privation flies from good, is the cause of corruption, and, in short, is evil. I^ indeed, the first good was the same with being, and good and being were at the same time one nature it would be requisite that privation sbcwld be primarily evil, in consequence of being of itself non-entity and contrary to being. But if good is different from being, and each is not the same thing, evil also will be different firom privation. In short, with respect to inordination and inoomm en Bu ration, these, as we have said, most be assumed in one way, as the absence of measure and order ; but in another way, as naturally contrary to them. For the latter are adverse to order and measure; but the former arc only an ablation of them, and are nothing except a negation of these. For when present, they are what they are; but when absent, they leave the privations of themselves. If, therefore, evil is indeed contrary to good, and discordant with it, — but privation neither opposes the habit of which it is the privation, nor is adapted to effect anything, the essence of it, as our opponents say, being so debile and fleeting, — how can we any longer ascribe to that a malefic nature which is destitute of all e^ctive power? For that which is effective is form and power ; but privation is formless and debile, and is not power, but rather the absence of power. Hence, from
what has been said, it is evident what the beings are in which evtl exists, and what those are in which it has no existence.
Because, however, evil subsists in souls in one way, but in bodies in another, what order of them is to be sSEumed, and whence does it b^n, and how far does its dimination extend? Shall we say, that the evil of souls is greater than that of bodies; or shall we admit that the latter is the last of evils, but that the evil of the former is of a more debile nature? With respect, however, to the evil in soul, one kind extends to energy alone, but another restrains this'. And with respect to the powers of the sonl, its evil inbx>duces to some of them allvarious fractures; but to others, as Plato says, a cessation of energy. One evil, therefore, is alone an impediment of energy; but another extends as far as to power ; and another is corruptive of essence itself. And the first, indeed, is the passion of divine souls, that become connected with the realms of generation ; but the second debilitates the
' This Hmteoce in Morbeks is u follow* : " Quod Butem in animS; hoc quidtim usque od operatiotiem solum; hoc autem has obtinet;" but for hat oilinct, it is necessarjr (o read Aanc rUtiatl, For Produs here, aod iu the sentence th« ImmedUtely follovs it, alludes to what is said b; Plato in the I^sui, of the injuiy which the soul suBt^ns from the seuses. For ha there sajs, that through them [he circle of sameness, or the Tatiodnative pover, is restiained in its energies, (rm fuw tmmr ntrmntn twAmt, iMiTia imtj fUiHiu, itmtttrxn'^X,'''*" *""'*""' mwliiHi^itnfiti'ianum; ... .
sad (hat the circle of difiercDce, or the power by which we opine, sustUDi dl-taiious fractures and di'
splendour of intellect, and the last is the passion of bodies themselves. Hence, the first will be only an apparent evil ; but the last wUl be real evil, — I mean that evil which destroys the nature of the thing in which it is inherent, — and that which subsists between these, and which is the evil of power, is not adapted to effect anything in essence. In short, that which can injure greater things, is a greater evil; but essence is beyond power, and power is beyond energy. And that, indeed, which is corruptive of essence, at the same time dissipates power and energy ; but that which is corruptive of power, destroys also energy; (neither, therefore, is essence the same with power and energy, nor can energy exist after the cessation of power*;) and that which is corruptive of first power, as far as to energy, is privation, and not the contrary; but that which is corruptive of power is contrary to essence, [because essence is productive of power]. A greater evil, however, is contrary to a greater good ; and therefore the evil of souls is greater than that of bodies, not indeed of all bodies [for this is not true of such as are immaterial], but of those the power of which is naturally adapted to suffer. And the evil is less to those beings in whom there is alone a cessation of energy, since it is alone the absence and the diminution of total perfection. One evil,
' This pan wiibin the (larenthnia is In Morbeka, " Kegttr ergo nibilanlia cunt Hi, n/gw pi/Unlia poit oferatimii caiationm-" but
the true rcailing is, Neque ergo subatantia eadeai cunt iis,negtu<^- nifio poil patenliie aisnlimem.
rIso, is contrary to virtue, but another to the good of the body; and one is contrary to what is conformable to intellect, but another to what is conformable to nature. By how much better, therefore, intellect is than nature, and that which is according to intellect than that which is according to nature, by so much greater is the evil which is a deviation from intellect, (ban that which is a deviation from nature. If, however, one evil is corruptive of essence, but another of power alone, it is not' wonderful. For when of the same thing, this corrupts the essence, but that the power of it, then" that which is corruptive of essence is evil in a greater degree. But when this takes place in a difl^rent thing, and of a different nature, there is no absurdity in admitting, that what is corruptive of power, being more remote from the nature of good, exceeds in evil, as when the power of one thing is better than the essence of another. For thus the powers of the soul are said both to generate and preserve the corporeal essence [end are therefore superior to it]. Hence, Socrates in the [loth book of the] Republic says, that injuslJce'^ is not deadly to the soul by which it is possessed, which it would be if the soul was mort^. For it
' Thia seotence in Moibeka is, " Si aulem hue quidem lubilantim at carraptinum, hac autan poteiUitc solvm, mitabOei' but for "rni- TabUe," it is obviousl; necessary to read non miraiaie.
> For "lam," iu this place in Moibeka, it Is requisite to read
■ This sentence in Motbeka is, •' Hoc ergo et qui m PoH/id &t-
moTlate <Tat." But Tor lun iiere, it is necesery to read oJijuni, this being the word used by Plato in the passage above leferred to.
C,q,t,=cdbvC00gle
would rapidly lead the souls that possessed it into non-existence. Bat it is better twt to be, than to be in an evil condition ; since the/ormer is a privation of being, but the latter ^ good. Hence corporeal evil does not idly disclose to us the wickedness of souls. For one corporeal evil hy its intensity terminates in non-existence [by destroying the life of the body^ ; but another terminates iu a bad condition of being.
I^ therefore, we assert these things rightly, matter will not be primarily evil, in consequence of the reason which we have assigned. For body, which is nearer to souls than matter, is replete with a less evil than that of souls. But neither is that which is more remote from good, more good, nor that which participates more of evil, a less evil ; but in souls, indeed, the evil is greater, and in bodies less*; because the order of souls is different from the order of bodies. For of souls, those that dwell aa high are entirely pure ', but in others, there is a privation of malefic energy ; and in others, the reception of evil extends as far as to their powers [but not to their essence'']. And of bodies, some indeed are always in order ; in others, energy and
Hence, if tfaeerilofbodie9ial«stIiBDtbeeTilofaoula.the«rit of mitter also muH be leu Ihan tbat of soul, because nwtUr b one of the thJDga of which bod; conniU. Matter, therefore, ii not
This ii the cue wilh human bouIb. for their ponen become ot times vitiated, but not their essence. And the eiil of their powen consists in the piivetioD of symmetry between the rational toA innlional parts of the unil, as Pioclua elseirhere olnerves ; so that these powers are not esseDlially eril, but are evil on); kutk txui*, according to habitude, or proximity and alliance. .
power BubsiBt differently at different times; and in others, their esaence is the recipient of evil'. And such is the order of' these.
Ztibilows, intbenext'place,.that we should survey what evil itself is by itself, and what nature it possesses. Prior, however, to this, we should con- ' sider whether of evils there is some one and the same cause, or whether there is not For some say there is ; but this is denied by others. Aiid the former of these asserting that there is a fountain of evils, Irom this [Hroduce all evil, of whatever kind it may be; but the latter, contending that the principle of evil is a ni^Bc soul, say that evils are generated from hence. Others, again, ascribing the spedes of evil to an intellectual nature, which is a medium, between the two above-jnenUoned principle acknowledge that evils, as well As all other things, have from thence their progression. With respect to the authors, however, of these opinions, some form their cooclusions from other hypotheses; but others make Plato the father of their dogmas. And the latter, indeed, establishing intellectual ideas of all things, adduce what is said by Socrates in the Theeetetus in corroboration of
The celestial bodiesarealwayiinDrdeT.aDdeTpericiicenootlier BlUretioQ than ■ mutadon of figure, and ■ vaiiatJon of light. But of the Hiblunar; ipbereB, so for as tcholei, they always remain indeitiactible; but their enei^ea and powers are different at difiet«Dt timei. Hence, in the sublunary repoa there are peiiods of fertili^ and sterility, as Plato obsetres io the Republic. But the parti of sublunary bodies are the recipients of e«il, >o far as they are destructible, thxiugh this dealtuctibility contributes to the good of the
their doctrine, viz. that there are twofold paradigm:^ the one divine, but the other without deity : but the former cite the Athenian guest, who introduces two kinds of souls, the one beneficent, but the other, on the contrary, malefic; and they say that the universe is governed by the former of these souls alone, but the mortal region by both.
For, in short, if it is admitted that there is one cause of evils, it is requisite to think that this cause is either divine, or intellectual, or psychical. The 43ods, however, intellects and souls, receive the brderof cause; but of other things, some are their instruments, and others are representations and images produced in matter. In answer to those, therefore, who contend that there is a fountain of evils, what has been said is sufficient. For all the Gods, and all the fountains [or principles of things], are the causes of good ; but are not the causes, nor ever will be, of any evil. For if, as we have before said, and as Socrates in the Fhsedrus asserts, everything divine is good, beautiful and wise, it will either produce evil contrary to its nature; or everything which subsists from thence will be boniform, and the progeny of the goodness which is established iti divinity. But, as it is said, it is not the province of fire to refrigerate, nor of good to produce evil from itself. Hence, one of two things must follow ; either that evil must not be said to be evil, if it is of divine origin, or that it exists, but has not deity for its cause. It has, however, been before shown, that there is another cause of evils,
and that God is not the source of them ; as Plato also somewhere teaches, admitting that the progression of all good is from one cause, but referring the generation of evils to other causes, and not to a divine original. For everything which thence subsists is good, and therefore the whole is good. And from that which is, as it were, a cardiack or invigorating light of goodness in the Gods, another light proceeds, being a splendour and power, and part of deific power. Those blessed, however, and felicitous beings, the progeny of the Gods, are said to adorn and give measure to evils, and to bound their infinity and darkness, in consequence of that portion of good which they receive, and the power of existence which they are allotted. This adorning and arranging cause, therefore, is called the fountain of evils, not as the fountain from which they are generated,— for it is not lawful that the first causes of beings should be the principle of evils, — but [it is rather a fountain of good] as imparting to evils end and bound, and illumi- □adng their obscurity by its own beneficent light*. For evil, indeed, is infinite from pardal causes, but receives an end from wholes; and on this account it is evil to these causes, but to wholes is not evil. For the infinite in evils is not according to power, — since thus, by the infinitude of themselves,
It nppson to me that Morbeka, in his traailation of the abore sentence, has either omitted or altered Bometfaiag which Produs ■aid. For how can an adorning and arranging caute be called in an<f way tbe/aunlain afeeilt? I hiiTe therefore added [it is ratbet ■ founlaia of good].
they would participate of the nature of good, — but it ia in consequence of b defect of power. And evih are in a certain respect corroborated by good through the participation of bound.
The authors of these assertions, therefbn^ thus ctxieeiving, and bong persuaded that the generation of evils is not inordinate, make God to be the cause of the order of these. But it appears to me, that not the Barbarians only, but likewise the most eminent of the Greeks, ascribing to the Gods a knowledge of all things, — both of such as are evil, and such as are good, — ascribe the generation of things essoitially good to the Gods, and also of such as are evil, so far as they receive a portion of good, and the power of existing, in order to accomplish a certain end. J?'or, as vx have (fien mid, eml is not evil •miikoui a mixture {of good] ; but it is in one respect evil, and in another good. And so Jar, indeed, as it is good, it isjromihe Gods; but so Jar as evil, it derives its subsistence Jrom artother, and that an impotent cause, for all evil is generated on account of impotence and defect, because evil, so far as it is good', receives its hypostasb from power and [so far as it is evil from] impotence. For the power of evil is in good " [i. e. exists so far as it partakes of good]. For if evil was evil without a mistjire, and evil alone, it would
In Morbeka, " qttoniam el bmum," should be, confomuibl; to (he above (raiiBlAdoD^ qwmifim ul bimum.
'' In Morbelu, " Tpiiui enim potenlia el in ipw ;" but tbe true reading is, Iptiui emm inleruia eA in xpao [i. e. tti 6<ird].
be unknown to the God% since they are good, and are able to benefit all things, of whatever kind they may be, which derive from them their exbtence; or, in other words, they benefit everything of which they have a knowledge. For their cognitions are energetic pcnsert, and are fabricatixx qf all things, g^ ichich also theif are said to be the cognitions. Because however evil, at the same time that it is evil, is likewise good} and is more good than evil, because it is good to the universe, neither most the koowr iedge of evil 1^ the Gods be destroyed,, nor the generation of it from thence ; but it must be admitted, that the Gods both know and produce evil, so far as it is good. Hence, after the same manner that they know, they produce it ; and the causes of evils are with them powers which impart good to the nature of evil*; just as if some God should, according to forms, give a specific subsistence to intellectual powers in the forms of nature.
It is well, however, that our discussion has led us to speak of forms, and the order of forms, lest perhaps evils, and the geuerations of evils, should proceed froni these; or whence to evils also is the never-failing derlyed? For everything which perpetually exists, proceeds firom an immoveable and definite cause. I^ therefore, evil perpetually surrounds the mortal nature, what is the peipetuity of it, and whence does it originate ? For we cannot say that it proceeds from any other cause than that , * Proclus beautifully obBenea, in hia Commentarjr on the Timaui or Plolo, " that Divinity concealed evil in the utility of good."
which etemaUy subsists after the same manner, and irom an immoveable nature. But this is the nature of forms, and that which always exists Is good. And what, indeed, will be produced by intellect which is not good ? I^ therefore, intellect is good, whatever is produced conformably to it is good ; for that which is assimilated to good, is good ; but evil, so &r as evil is not adapted to be assimilated to good. We likewise say, that what is assimilated to intellectual forms, is perfect and happy; but, on the contrary, we denominate every being that is evil miserable and unhappy. Hence evil, so tar as evil, is not assimilated to intellect'; and this being the case, neither will there be in intellect paradigms of evils. For every image is the image of a paradigm/ But if Plato, also, calls forms or ideas the most divine of beings, — for the Elean stranger or guest says, that a perpetually invariable sameness of subsistence alone pertains to the most divine of all things ; — and if, as we have said, the paradigm of evils is destitute of divinity and dark, — if this be the case, how is it possible to suppose that such a nature as that which is most divine being innate in forms, evil can thence be produced*" ? If, however, - the fabricator of the universe, who contains in him-
In Moilwlu, "Nm ergo malus fuw malui aairndalar iniefleclui;" but for "nuilui qma midui," I read, confomiBbly to the •boTe IraiuUUon, malum fuil nulum.
" The latter part of this sentence in Moibeka it, "quad itiffnitam talem juUrnvminiUii tujrponenteainAe pnduteremalmn." But ibr " quod" I read quotnado ponibile est, and in consequence of tbia, make the whole sentence interrogaliTe.
self all forins, and the number of forms, was willing that evil shouJd not exbt in the universe, and likewise wieli^ to generate all things similar to himself*, and therefore free from evil, how can there still be a paradigm of eviLs? For, containing all things, he will benefit them, and will not permit anything to be in vain. For he does not indeed give subsistence to, and generate some forms, but with respect to others is barren and inefficacious ; but by his very being producing all things, his generaUve power operates with an impartible' energy. One of two things, therefore^ is necessary, either that the divine intellect should wish evils to exist, and to be generated, if it contain:! essentially the forms of these; or that, hot being willing, it should neither generate nor produce them, nor possess the forms of them in the same manner as it does ofthe mundane natures of which it is the cause
This hypothesis, however, which introduces a paradigm of evils, is not of itself sufficient to persuade Us that it is true, since it is often changed to what is contrary to truth. But it is not wonderful, i^ while asserting that evil is eternal, and admitting' that there are immoveable causes of eternal beings, we should at the same time refuse to grant that there is such a cause of evil. For that is 'properly] eternal, which has perpetually a progression into existence according to nature, but not that whidi is produced [perpetually] in any way whatever ; since it must be said, that evils revolve about a * Plato ■nerts this of the Demiurgus in the Tinrnus.
mortri nature, not in consequence of everything mortal being evil* but because these evils also are adorned by the order of the universe, and espe- - cially by the heavens. Hence these, after imparting essence to generated natures, cause them lik^ wise to participate of eternity. But to the bodies which have a rectilinear motion, they give circular periods, and impart order to things inordinate^ bound to things indednite, and goodness to everything that is evil. Everything therefore, which is according to nature* and exists always, is generated from a definite cause. But evil is not according to nature. For neither is there a producing principle of lameness in nature^ nor of a deviation from art in art How, therelbre, is it possible to investigate an immoTeaUe prindple, and a producing cause of evils in forms, since everything which derives its existence from them is a form and an end ; but the nature of evils is of itself infinite and undefined?
In the third place, therefore, let us direct our attention to the soul which we denominate malefic, and consider whether or not we must ascribe to this the cause of all evils. Shall we say, then, that as it is essentially the province of fire to beat, but not to refrigerate anything, — and of other things, there is another employment,' — so likewise it essentially pertains to this malefic soul to generate evils, and to infect with evil everything to which it is proximate? Or shall we admit that the nature of it is always good, but that its energies subsist differently according to the same order, a different
energy producing a different life? If, thorelwet it should be said ibst these inde^ are malefif* it must be granted that it js malefici not bemuse it ia an frrational soul, but because it is better than tbit^ and tbroqgh which it is good. For to this soul there is a transmutation of habit to the better and the worse. Put if, as some My, this soul is essentiall; and of itself ^vil, from whence does it derive its being? I9 it from any other lource than the demiurgic cause, and the qnundane Oods? And Uw is it possible that it shoHld not proceed from those causes, fropa which the species of the mortal life originates ? But if it proceeds from these, how can it be essentially evil? For all the progeny o( these ar^ good, and iq short, all evil is beyond essence, and is not essence ; since nothing is contrary to essence. But good is contrary to evil. And a sensible essence, indeed, is Uie image of being ; but being [t. e. real being,] is established in good, and general^ all things according to good, and nothing which is tbeoce derived is evil. It is not, howeveis wonderful, if the Athenian guest* denominates such a soul malefic, on account <^ the evil which is in
■ Fide PUt. de LeglbuB, Ub. i. The wordt of the Atlienlui gu*it la which ProoIuB here alludeit are, *' We Bhould nod therefm*, estiblub leu tfaui Hro uxila. One beneficBnt, and the other at a coDtnry nature." See vol. ii. p. 308, of my trauUfjoD of Plato. As I hara there observed, howerer, Plato, bj an evil Boul, meant the natvra or lutunl life auipanded from the rational KHit of Ibt world, and whicfa ia the proiiiiiata nil mttrit of bodlei. A> thia life without the goraniing influence of the rational coul of tl^e world, would produce nothing but confuaon and disorderly mo. tionii, it may be said, when ciHUidered a* left to itielf, to be evil.
its powers and energies, tliis evil not always re' maining, but as 1 have elsewhere observed, being made in a certain respect bonifonn, and adapting its own energies to those of a superior soul. For this latter soul is ad^ted to save itself; but the former is incapable of being converted to itself. And to the latter, indeed, since it is of a boniform nature, measure and reason are derived from itself; but to the former, from an external cause : because to body, and to all alter-motive natures, both being and well-being are on account of another, and, as it were, externally acceding cause. In short, as I may say, it is absurd to make such a soul to be the cause of evils. For neither is it the cause to body of all the evils that are in it, nor to a more excellent loul. For evil and debility are to a better soul from itself, because when it descends*, the form of the mortal life springs up together with it; but debility was allotted to iti prior to its descent into the realms of generation. For the causes of its descent were no other than debility, and an impotency of contemplating supernal natures ; since neither while we were able and at the same time willing to be established in the intelligible world, djd our flight from real being, and inordination with respect to the contemplation of it, exist; nor, in short, does the flight from the survey of it proceed from not wishing to see the spectacles in the superior [/. €. in (he supercelestial] place. For all diose that are distant from, aspire after the vision of it; * And in dnccat a awing to iu debility.
but, as Plato says [in the Phsedrus*], being impotent, they are carried round in a submerged con' dition. Hence it remains, that this arises from debility alone. For the eyes of the soul are impotent with respect to a permanent vision of the trutli and splendour which are there. By a much greater priority, tlierefore, is. evil in souls, and does not originate from a second life. Afler what manner, however, evil subsists in the former soul, and why Plato denominates it malefic, has been shown by us sufficiently for the present. For its incommensurability and indefinite nature' are contrary to measure, and to those boundaries which proceed from form ; and it neither is alone deprived of, nor desires the participation of them. If any one, therefore, looking to these things, should denominate this latter soul malefic and contrary to form, he will not assert this of it as if it was allotted a nature of this kind, but as ver^ng to that which is without measure and bound, though at the same time it is able to be drawn by itself to a more excellent nature. • 4. But if these are not the causes of evils, why do we ourselves admit that there is a cause of the generation of them? To this we reply, it must by no means be admitted that there is one cause, which of itself is the source of evils. For if there is one cause of everything that is good, there are many causes, and not one cause alone, of evils; since all things that are good, are commensurate with, simi-
\ar and friendly to each other; but^ on the contraiy, evils are neither cominenBurate with each other, ncH- with things that are good. If, therefore, one cause precedes the commensurabilily of simi' l^rs with each other, but many that of dissimilars,— for all things which are from one cause, are friendly to, and co-passive with, each other, and assemble together, some in a greater, bnt others in. a less de^ee,— if this be the case, and if there be many causes, and not one Cause only of evils, — some, indeed, to souls, but others to bodies,— frotn these, and in these, evil must be surveyed. And it appears to me that Sobrates, in the Republic, insinualjng this, denies that a divine nature is the cause of evils ; but says that other causes of th«m are to be investigated. For by this be signifies' that these causes are many, indefinite and particular. For what monad or triad, or eternally producing principle can there be of evils, the very being of which is through dissimilitude and indefiniteness as far as to an individual nature? But that which ranks fls a whole is everywhere without evil. The effective causes of evils, therefore, are these : and souls, likewise, and such forms as subsist about matter, are certain causes of this kind. For some of these lead to evil, but others being adverse to each other, afibrd a place to that which is pneter> natural in generation; since that which is according to nature to some things, is preetematurol to others. Let an instance of this, if you are willing, * In MoilMka "aeraflcanl," iiutMd «t ^gnifical.
be tbst paradigm, destitute of Diviiiity and dark* which is mentioned by Socrates in (he Tbestetus*, where be speaks oF the evils which necessarily r^ Tolve about a mortal nature, and this place of our abode. For souls when assimilated to evil beings, change their life by an assimilation to a more excellent nature. For the soul, indeed, beholds the exemplars of good, when she is converted to herself, and to beings better than herself, with whom things primarily good subust> and the summits of beings, separately established on a pure and holy foundation ; but again* she looks to the paradigms of evils, when she directs her attention to things external to, and posterior to^ herself, which are naturally inordinate, indefinite and flowing and are destitute of that good by which the eye of the soul is nourished and watered *", and Uves her own .proper life. The forms and powers of evils, therefore, are not effective, but are impotence and debiUty, and an incommensuraiile^ comtmmion with, and mixture of, similars. Nor, again, are there 'certain immoveable paradigms of evils, and which always subsist after the same manner, but such as are infinite and indeterminate and borne along in
Proclui hera alludn to tlie foUowing worda of FlMo in tbe ThcBtetui 1 nnfoluy^MTM « ^Xi •• Tf tn UriHW, n» fui turn iik iK^nmfu, «• It irfuii ■/Xwnrf H, ■■rO. Sea to\. it, at tnftzta^ Ution of Plato'* woAs, p. 59.
rfiftrmi nai nfltnu- >o FUto in (be niadnii.
In Morbeka, " cammauimUa atomnmio" ; but for " mminmwnUa," it u neccoary to read iacammmniraca.
pther, and these innumerable, things. But that Ear the sake of which something else subsists, is the least of all things to be ranked among evils. For it is not 6t that the end of evils should be good : but because souls search after good in eveiy possible way, and for the sake of this undertake all that they effect, and act badly, — on this account, some one perhaps may think that the end uf evils is good. AH things, therefore, are for the sake of this good, both such as are really good and such as are contrary to it. For we act badly through BD ignorance of our own nature, at the same time desiring good. And perhaps it will be well, neither to establish evil as a principle, nor as a paradigm according to nature, nor as of itself subsisting for its own soke. For the form and nature of evils is defect, indetermination, privation, and a mode of hypostasis, which, as it is usually said, may be rather assimilated to a parhypostasis, or deviation from subsistence. And hence, as it has been frequently observed, evil is involuntary. For how, indeed, can it be voluntary, since that which is voluntary subsists for the sake of good? But evil of itself is neither desirable, nor an object of choice to any being. These things, however, we shall elsewhere discuss. But from what has been said, it is evident that evil in souls arises from debility, and the victory of a subordinate nature; for the horse which participates of depravity, says Plato [in the Phasdrus], gravitates and tends to th^ earth.
And in bodies, it arises from the mixture of dissimilars, viz. of form, and matter which is formless, and of contrary producing powers.
It follows, therefore, that we who admit that evil is to be called a parhyp<xtasis, or deviation Jrom subsistence, should show after what manner, from the above-mentioned causes and non-causes, it subsists; since it is not possible for It to exist otherwise than as a parhypostasis. For that which is produced by a principal cause, of whatever kind it may be, has itself a principal subsistence, neither haviiig an indefinite end, nor the relation of that which alone subsists for the sake of something else', nor a progression from itself into being. And [in short,] whatever is generated from a cause, is according to nature. For without a cause, it is impossible for anything to have a generation, or to refer the order of its existence to any end. Shall we say, therefore, that evil is accidental to certain things, and that it subsists for the sake of something else, and is not derived from the first principle ? For we also energise in everything, for the sake of the participation of good, and in consequence of looking to it, and being as it were, par-
■ In Morbeka, " n cvjui gratii," nhich In tfae Greek was » iniu nv, which u opposed lo ra iS Uikk, or thaljbr tie latt D^it>Mct MAer Ihings luAu'M. For as Pioclus besutirully abaerres, in Plat. Theol. lib. ii. p. 105, T« /m yn{ ir^xrn nn rfuytuim, iniM rm /HHiim.T'h VfHviiulriUjiuHr. i.e. " The last of ihings is that which only nihaists for the sake of totnethiiig else ; but the first principle of things is that for the sake of which alone other things subsist." Hence, the itiM viv /mh> pertains to mailer, but the iS l.i»« turn, lo tlu uwffiibU principle oftkingi.
turienl' v/ith, and alwaji deBiring it Hence, in some things we act rightly; bat in othergnob For because we esteem that which is not good> [as if it were good,] we act erroneoasly ; but l}ecause in what we do, we desire to obtain good, we act rigbtlj. And our conduct, so far as pertains to what is universal, is right; but so far as pertfuns to what is particular, is wrong. Hence that which is desirable to us is one thing, and that which we obtain is another. And the one is the nature of good ; bat the other is ctnitrarj' to it. The generation, therefor^ of what is c<mtrary to good, of whatever kind it may b^ arises from the debility of the effident, and its Incommensurability to that which is e&cted. For we rightly assert that those things have a mlhsistence which proceed from a principle, and have a certain end to which their progression is directed ; but we say that those things have a detdationjrom subsistence, which neither proceed from a princijde according to nature, nor liave a definite end. But evils neither have a principal cause of their generation, — for neither the nature of that which b prseter- ■ natural, nor the reason^ of things prseter-rational, is a cause, — ^nor do they reach to an end. For everything which is generated, is generated for the sake of something [difiereot from itself]. Hence such
In Motbtlu " parimut," foi whkh ft ii aeeeuarj W read parimriMUt i in tba Greek wliHHti, an npiwvoo much lutd by Frocluh
'' JteOBHi in tb* Oraek Xtytif ugolSes in thi* place a pntbulae poatr, but whicfa, fram in imbcEilitjr, doai not merit the appellation
a getieiradon must be said to be a deviation irom subsistence, imperfect and without a scope, and also in a certain respect uncaused and indefinite. For neither is there one cause of it, nor does that which is a cause of itself, and a principal cause, effect anything, looking to evil itself, and the nature of evil. But the very contrary to this takes place. For everything which is produced, b produced for the sake of good ; but evil is extrinsically derived, and is superadvenienL The attainment indeed, of that which is appropriate, is to everything an end ; but the unattainment of it proceeds from the debili^ of the efficient, so far as it receives a nature wbidi is partly less and partly more excellent ; and in consequence of this, one part of it is different from the other. For where the one ■8, there at the same time is the good; but evil is in its nature divided and not one. For the incommensurable, the unharmonious and contrariety are in multitude ; but from these debility and indigence proceed ; because in the Gods also [who are cha* racterized by unity] there is the winged natur^ and at the same time each of the horses u good; There, however, all things are good, and from such things as are good, and not from their con^ traries ; but in other beings, there is a mixture of evil and good, multitude and a diversity of powers through which they are drawn to things of a dif-
In Moibcka, " wnvl *t <;uaruBi ulrwinfu^" but after ttlrumgae, it ii necessary to add Auniu. See the Fhadrui of PlolO, lo which Proclut in what he here sajri ■Uude*.
C,q,t,=cdbvGQOglC
f«rent nature. And among divine beings, indeecl, multitude looks to one thing, and is bounded by one species of life. But where multitude and difference shine forth, there, on account of adiminution of union, there is an indigence of power. For all power is one thing, and is that which it is from unity, and discord and discrepance arise from the appetition of one thing being dififerent from that of another. And thus we have shown after what manner the generations of evils subsist, and what that is which is called & parhypostasis, or deviation from subsistence, and whence it is derived. - 5. It must now, therefore, \x shown what evil itself is. It appears, however, to be the most dil^ ficult of all things to know what is essenUally the nature itself of evil; since all knowledge is a contact with form, and is itself a form. But evil is without Ibrm, and is as it were privation. This, perhaps, will become manifest, if, looking to good itself and the nature of what is good, we thus survey what evil itself is. For as that which is the first good, is beyond all things, so evil itself is destitute of all good; I mean so far as it is evil, and a defect and privation of good. With respect to good, therefore, how far it extends, aAer what manner it subsists, and what orders it possesses, we have elsewhel^ shown. But with respect to evil, if so far as evil it is entirely a privation of good, it follows that as evil it is destitute of the fountain of good; that as infinite it is deprived of the first bound; as debility, that it is without the power
which is in the intelligible order; that as iticommensurable, and false, and turpitude itself, it is destitute of the beautj, truth and symmetry* through which that which is mixed, and in which the unities of beings subsist ; that as being naturally without location and unstable, it is deprived of the nature and power oi eternity which abides in one^i but that as privation and without life it does not participate of the first monad of forms S and of the life which is there. And if evil is corruptive, and the cause of division to the natures with which itis present, and is imperfect, it is deprived of the perfective goodness of wholes'*. For as corruptive, indeed, it leads from existence to non-existence; as dividing, it destroys the continuity and union of being; and as imperfect, it prevents particulars from obtaining their perfection and natural order. Further still, the indefiniteness of the nature of evil, causes it to be destitute of, and to deviate from,
Proclua here Blludc* to what Plato says in tbe Philebus, tIi. " lliBt every mixture if it k rightlj made requires three tfaiags, n>. beauty, trulh md ii/iBmrln/." But that which is first miied is being iuelf; and in sjmnKtry, truth and beauty, the unities of beings subsist. See the 3rd book of my tianiUlion of Proclui tin the. Theology of Plato.
Platosajslhisof eternity in the HmnuSiSothatthe Greekof the "nmnenht <>f«rni in unn" of Morbeka is, tiu umih /tnurn
' Tie first monad of fotms is ivhst Ptalo calls, in the Timaus, mmZiHt, or anmal itntf, and is the eitiemity of the intelligible tiiid.
' vit. it is deprifed of the intelligible and at tbe same time intellectual tirdet of Gods.
the summit which possesBea transcendent union*; its infeaundity deprives it of generative **> and itt inertnass of demiargic', power. For it is the exi> elusion, debility and indefinit«ness o( every good of this kind, viz. it is a privation of the monadic cause, <^ generative power, and efficacious productimi. But if it is the oaase of dissimilitude, partition and ioordinadoo, il is evident that it is thus deficient of aaumilitativei' good, and of the impartible provideqtial inspectjon of partible natures, and of the order wbidi is necessary to impartible beings. I^ however, good does not only extend 1a these orders^ but there is also the immaculate' genus, which is efficacious and maguificent in its energies, evil will be inefficaoioQs, dark and material. Or whence will it possess each of these, and other things of a like kind, if not from privations of the above-mentboed species of good? For there good subsists, pnmarily, of which the good ihat is in us is a part
a*, eri] }■ dfititute of ib^ pwtidpatioii of the Buromit of the intdlactwl ordsTt i. «. of SaWm.
tit, Mil il deititUW f>f ■ p*rii^p#li«n of die middl* at the in- MUwMiiI efdff,, wbicb is Tiri&i uid genanitiTe.
' K tt. evil 6im not prntidpate qf tha eitremitf of the inlellectiul order, Id which the Demiurgus lubdils.
Eril elM dow nut pRrtlcipite of the good deiived trcm (he Wpei-DUDdiae order of Godi, who are chacsctenied b]r siinilituda.
The immacvlaU gnuu, il Ibe order of the awaXvrn tm, oi & tm iUi G*i*, which geniM it wad by Piwdue, in Theol, Fl4t.tib.n. lerging to lem exoelleot natural, nor destiaying iu eiewpt tnuucendencr, b; its prondential enei^es abovt tbe world."
and m image; and of which evil is the priTatioD. And what occasi<m is there to say this, since the evil also which Is in bodies, is not only a privation of the ij^ood which exists in the intelligible and intellectual orders, but also of that which prior to body is in souls. For the good which is in bodies, is a corrupt iin^|e of the good of souls. Hence, likewise, the privation of form will not be a frustration of anything dae than of intellectual power; because form is the (^spring of intellect ; and that which is productive of essence, is essentially intelr lectuaL And thus we have shown, that what is in every rei^>ect evil, is a privaUon and defect of good. Such, therrfore, bdng the nature of evil, let us in the next place show whence its contrariatf to good proceeds. For evil, indeed, is a privatkn, but not perfect privation. Hence, being co-esistent with the habit of which it is the privation, it causes it by its presence to be debile ; but fnwi the habit assumes itself power and form. In consequence of this, the privations o£ forms, being per^ feet privations, are alone the absence of habits, and are not adverse to them; but the privations of good, are adverse to, and in a certain respect contrary to, their habits. For they are not entirely impotent and inefficacious, b^og co-existent with their powers, and led as it were by them into form and energy. Plato also knowing this, says that injusUce itself, is of itself debile and inactive, but through the presence of justice both possesses power and is led to energy, not abiding in its own nature,
nor in a privation of vitality alone, because tfaat which is vital subsisting prior to evil, imparts to evil a participation of life. All life, however, is essentially power ; but evil being produced through a power which is not its own, is contrary to good, employing its own power for the purpose of re^sting good. And the greater, indeed, the inherent power is, the greater are the energies and the works of evil ; but they are less when the power is less. In the powers of nature, likewise, in bodies, the prsetieniatural then exists in a greater degree, when order is entirely dissolved. Hence, in' souls also, greater effects are produced from a less evil, but less from a greater*. For evil being destitute of its contrary" [good,] is increased, indeed, according to its turpitude and privation of form ; but being diminished according to power and energy, is debile, and at the same time inefficacious. For its strength is not from its own power, so that the power being increased, the transition would be to somediing greater; but it is from the presence of its contrary ; just as if cold should use the power of heat for the purpose of effecting its own work, vanquishing its power, and causing it to be in sub-
' For B leu evil, psnidpating moie of good, has more ponei; but a greater evil hue leas power, la consequence of participating less of good; becauae the power of evil, auch as it is, is denTed ftvm good. For evil in itself, BO far as evil, is powerless; solbat the power which it appears to have, arises ftom its mixture with good,
" In Morbeks, " Salijicata eiu'm a conlTiirio"i but the original of " nJ^iaUa " wbb, I have no doubt, ipiftKirm.
Jection to itself. Hence, there being a deficiency of the nature contrary to evil, and privation increasing in proportion to the deficiency ; and the effective energy likewise becoming more debile, through a diminution of power, the evil, indeed, is greater, but the effect produced by it is less. If, therefore, these things are rightly asserted, it inust not be said that evil [so far as evil,] either effects, or is capable of effecting anything; but both its efficiency and its power are derived from its contrary good. For good, on account of its mixture with evil, is debile and inefficacious; and evil participates of power and energy on account of the presence of good, since both subsist in one thing. Thus too, in material bodies, where one thing is contrary to another, that which is according to nature corroborates that which is prsetematural. Or whence do bodies derive a periodic measure, and an order of periods, except from natural numbers, and from that disposition which is conformable to nature? That, however, which is prfetematural debilitates that which is according to nature, the energy qfnatwe being blunted^, and the order being dissolved in which its well-being consists. Thus also in souls, evil vanquishing good**, employs the power of it for its own purposes, viz.
' 'la'i/ioAtAm,"latilanttnaluT4ad/acere"; but Tor "latiloiUe," it appean to me to be otcetury to read htiiUmlt.
'' When evil in the >oul Tanquubei good, it n becaiue thg good which is mingled with the evil, is greater than the good which it ■ubducs. For, as Proclua his well obHerved, ill the power which i* deriT«d &om good.
it uses the power of reason and its inventions for the gratification of inordinate desires. E^h, likewise, imparts to the other what pertains to its own nature; this indeed power, but ^Aa^ debility ; because evil of itself is not adapted to the possession of either energy or power. For all power is good, and all energy b an extension of power.
6. And how, indeed, is it possible to admit that evil possesses power, if it is the province of all power to preserve that in which it resides? But evil dissipates everything of which it is the evlL Hence, evil is of itself inefficacious and im)}otent ; and if, aisp, as Plato says, it is involuntary, it will be without will, and thus is deprived of the most primary triad of good, viz. of will, power and energif. For good, indeed, in its own nature, is accompanied by will, and is powerful and efficacious ; but evil is without will, and is debile and inefficacious. For neither is that vrished for by anything which is corruptive of that thing; nor is it the province of power, so far as it is power, to corrupt ; nor of energy, not to have its hypostasis according to power. But as things that are evil desire what appears to them to be good, and the evil whidi appears to them is the object of their will, <»i account of its mixMure with good ; so, likewise, power and efifecitive energy have in evil an apparent subsistence, because evil has not these essentially, nor so far as it is evil, but derives them externally, in consequence of not having itself a real subsistence, but being a deviation from subsistence. It appears, therefore, (o.me, that this is
shown by Socrates, in the Tliesetetus, to those who are capable of apprehending his meaning, viz. that evil is neither [absolutely] privation, nor contrary to good. For privation is not able to effect anything, nor, in short, is at all powerful ; nor of itself is a contrary, nor has any power or energy. Hence, wo denominate evil in a certain respect a subcontrary, because itisnotof itself entirely a perfect privation, but, together with habit, deriving from it power and energy, is constituted in the part of contrariety, and is neither perfect privation, nor contrary, but subcontrary to good. But the term parkypostasis indicates the truth concerning it to those who do not negligently attend to its meaning. It is evident, therefore, from what has been said, what the nature of evil is, and whence it is derived.
7. In the next place, let us speak of the differences of evil, and show what they are. It has, therefore, been before observed by us, that of evil, one kind is in souls, but another in bodies; and, likewise, that evil in souls is twofold, this subsisting in the irrational form of life, but ifiat in the rational part. And we now say, that in the three following things evil subsists, viz. in a partial soul, in the image ' of soul, and in the body which ranks among particulars. Hence, if the good of the rational soul is derived from its conversion to intellect, — for intellect is prior to it; — and the good of the irratioaal port is from ieaBoa,—ifbr the good ^everything II derived Jrom that ichich is proximatebf bet-
' i. & the irralioiul, which f i the imige of the talioiul ynil.
ter than itself;— 'snA again, if the good of body is a subsistence conformable to nature, — for nature is tbe principle of motion and rest to it ; — if (his be the case, it is necessary that the evil of the rational part should be in a subsistence subcontrary to intellect, but of the irrational part, in a deviation from reason ; since the good of it consists in acUng conformably to reason ; and the evil of body wilt be a prsetematural subsistence. And these three evils are inherent in the three natures, through their being subject to debility from a. diminution in the partial nature of their essence. For wholes, as we have frequently said, possess their proper good perpetually ; but evil exists in particulars and individuals, in which there is a deficiency of power, through a diminution of essence, together with division and an attenuated union. In short, there is one evil in souls, and another in bodies. And of these, tliat which is in souls is twofold ; Mi's, indeed, being a molestation of the soul arising Irom grief or some other passion ; but that being turpitude, as it is somewhere said by the Elean guest. But the turpitude of the soul is indeed ignorance and a privation of intellect, and its molestation from pa»- sion arises from discord in the soul, and an abandonment of the life which ts according to reason. And thus, evil will have a threefold subsistence; but each of these likewise is twofold. For, with respect to turpitude, one kind subsists about the diuioetic, but another about the doxastic power; because the knowledge of each is different; and in
the one, tliere is a want of scieoc^ but in the other, of art. With respect, however, to turpitude and the molestations of the soul, one kind of these subsbts ia its cognitions, and another in its impulses; For appetite is not [in its own nature} conformable to reason, — and there are many senses and precipitate ima^nations,— so that appetites oppose those whose life consists in action, and the phantasy intervening is hostile to those who ^ve themselves to the contemplative energy by destroying the purity and immateriality of the contemplations. The prteternatural, likewise is twofold*. For the turpitude which is in body is prsetematural ; since this is the debility, the defect and malady of form, the order and commensu ration of it being dissolved.
In so many ways, therefore, is evil to be divided ; because the measures also of beings are in those three principles, — nature, said and intellect. The incommensurate, likewise, is either a privation of the productive powers which are in nature, or of those which are in soul, or of those which are in intellect, and are generated by intellect. For that which adorns anything primarily is better than the thing adorned**. But I mean by this, every adorning nature which has a primary subsistence. And such in bodies, indeed, is nature; in the irrational forms of life, reas<m ; but in the rational forms, that which is prior to them, and which is intellect; and
' Le. the pnetenutunl ukei place bolb in aoul and in body.
b This sentence in Morbelu ii, "Eunim wnani mgula nuHut eti omanlit primi." But for "antantii," it is necawiry to retd
[in intellectual forms], the good*. In the image!), likewise, of the rational soul, the good which they participate is either on account of the raUonal soul [from which ifaey are suspended], or on account of the soul which dwells on high**. But whatever the natures are which are suspended from such a soul, they either [subsist on account of such a soul, or] on account of that principle which is external to them, and from which good is imparted to the beings to which it providentially attends °. But frith respect to bodies, good to some of them is derived from a partial soul, and to others, from that soul which ranks as a whole.
Some one, however, may still doubt after what mtmner evils can subsist, and whence they are derived. Providence existing. For if evil exists, how will the energy of Providence be solely directed to good? Or, if the universe is replete with the energies of Providence, how can evil subsist among beings? Some, therefore, yield to one of the reasons, viz. that all things are not from Pro-
Tlie iTords wilhia ihe brackeu are iraoting in Moibcka. Hence, after "in nUiimafiiiu avttm juod ante ipiaa," it ta requmte to add, Md m inlrllediuJidut.
In Morbeki, there is nothing more of this sentence than " IdoSi tniltm aul propter earn jua funum animam" ; but after "out," it is requisite to add, conronnahly lo the tbove version, pn^iUr ratiatia- Inn ant, &c. But b; the soul which dwells on high, ProduB meini a dame unil'
' This sentence in Moibeka is, " Quitainjue auttm tt a animi dependevlli^tttvtproplfridguodextrinKcvsprinc^vnirAqvohonunt m fHilmt pnoidclitr." But immediately after "laS," It is requisite to add, confatmabty to tlie above tramUtion, aal irmpUr tattm nni-
vidence if evil exists, and that evil is not, i( all things are from Providence and the good. For this, in the first place, perhaps, disturbs the mind, that evil is in souls. For evil considered by itself is unmingled with its contrary good, is most obscure, and nothing else than darkness ; and if it subsisted by itself, it might perhaps be an impediment to the works of Providence. But, as wehivoe frequently said, evil is not unmingled viith goodt and there is no such thing as evil itself; since it is in a certain respect, and not absolutely evil, through its participation of good. For, in short, it is not the same thing to say, that God is the cause of all things, and that he is alone the cause of all things [since other causes co-operate with him]. For the former assertion is true, but the latter not. For iDtellect is the cause of the natures posterior to itself; soul, of the beings which ore consequent to it; and nnture, of bodies, and whatever is inherent in bodies. Each (^ these, likewise, produces in a different way. For God produces primarily, and according to transcendent union ; intellect, according to an eternal energy; soul, self-motively ; and nature, through necessity. And neither is that which produces intellectually the same with that which is prior to it, uor with that which is secondary to it, so far as it is secondary. If, therefore, all things are from Providence, and no one of all things is evil, so far as it is from, and is produced by Providence, why is it wonderful that evil should have a place among beings, .so far as it subsists from soul? And the
same thing* indeed, will be evil to parUculars, but good to wholes. It will, however, be in a greater degree evil to particulars, because evil is derived from them. For not energy alone, but also that which ener^ses, possesses from Providence an ex-, cellent condition of being. Hence, in a certain respect good is iu tbem^ — I mean, in the evils which exist in the soul. And thus it will be credible that Providence does not suffer any one of these to be deprived of itself. Evil, therefore, must be admitted to be twofold; one being within the soul, and consisting either in improper imaginations, or vicious consent, or base choice; but the other subsisting externally, and becoming apparent in various actions, which are the effects either of anger or desire,
8. All such things, therefore, as these manifoldly possess good. For they are effected for the avengement of other natures. The action, also, is according to the desert of the agent; and that which acts badly, does not suffer the same punishment for every bad action, whatever it may be, nor does it require the same punishment for each. These deeds, therefore, are entirely good to thai which sixers from them : and they are also good to that whick is effective of them, so far as itfollffois or acts in conformity to wholes i but so far as it acts from itself, the deeds are evil, and detrimental to itself, anddo not give completion to the great conceptions <yf the soul. This, ho>wever, is the beginning of salvation to the patient. For in many persons, the meditated
eril remBioing within the soul is concealed, but at length ', as being base and improper, is benefited, and its nature then becomes evident when it exists in energy. This is manifested by tlie penitence and remorse of the soul, reproaching itself, as it were, for the evil deed. For the arts of physicians, also, by opening ulcers, an^ thus making the passion and the inwardly concealed cause of the dbease evident, exhibit an image of the operations of Providence, who admits both the base deeds and depraved passions, in order that the latter being changed from the conception which they had formed, and from the habit which was caused and inflated by evils, may assume the principle of a better period and life. But whatever passions are within the soul, are accompanied by the good of the evil, so far as they always lead the soul to what is proper. For it is not possible for that which chooses things of a worse nature to remain in such as are better, but it soon tends to that which is dark and base; And not actions only, but likewise without theses the elections of the soul contain in themselves [retributive] justice. For every election leads the soul to that which is similar to its choice. If, therefore, there is anything depraved and base and alheisdcal in the soul, the transferring it to that which is congenial to itself is soon attended with good, with the desert which is from Providence, and with tlie law inherent in souls, which
Tandem U omitted in this place in the nernon of Moibeka, but eiidenlly ought to hsTG been ioseitcd.
leads each of them to what is B{^ropriste. For Providence foreknows the life of the soul, and through this conjoins it to things similar to itself; but this is the same as uniting it with that which it deserves, or with that which is conformable to its difference with respect to other souls; this, again, unites it to what is imparted by Providence, and tfais' [finally] to good. I^ indeed, it were fit that souls which act unjustly should abide on high, which it is not lawful to assert, their choice would in no respect possess what is good; but beuig alone evil, it would be entirely atheistical and nnjost. But if choice soon removes the elective soul from things of a better nature, it possesses good mingled w^tfa evih For every soul naturally de- »res the supernal r^on. When soals, therefor^ descend into the realms of mortality, their choice is directed to a degraded life; but it is necessary diat eirerytbing should descend which does not [always] energise according to intellect, though the lapse Is to some souls more, and to others less, because the choice in them varies.
But after what manner is the evil that is in bodies at the same time good ? JMay we not say, tliat this to the whole is according to nature*, but to the part is prsetematural. Evil, however, is in a greater degree good to the whole than to the part, because it contributes naturally to the universe ; but so far as it is distributed into parts, it has fixtm thence
the prseternatnra]. But the evil which is in bodies is twofold, one kind existing as derormity, but another as disease. I call, however, the deformity of body everything which is not a preetematural disease of it. For monsters are the turpitudes of nature. And in nature, considered as a whole, deformity subsists naturally', because in this it is reason [t. e. a producing principle] and form ; but in a partial nature, deformity is one reason [or form], and that which is contrary to this, is to such a nature prielematDraL But in nature as a whole, all producing principles and all forms sul^ sbt naturally. And sometimes, indeed, from one species or form, that which is geierated is one thing ; for the form of man in nature may be said to generate man in a more principal manner than anything else. But sometimes many things are generated from one form ; for there is one productive principle of figure in nature, but many different kinds of figures proceed from it. And sometimes, Irom many forms oiie thing is produced ; such as are the mixtures of spedes about matter, that appear to be monsters to an individual nature, which desires to obtain, and subsists according to one form. Lastly, sometimes many things [of the same species] proceed from many forms ; for in many such things there is both equality and inequality. All species or forms, therefore, are according to
Id Morbcka, in thia plicCi after " hoc juidem lurpe leeundum wifuRun fHom," it is necessuyt'' ii^i '" noluraKfer, confbmiably to the above Uanslation. .■ •
tiKture, both such as nre unmmgled, and such asare mingled, and proceed from those producing powers which are in Nature herself, with all the variety of which she is replete. To some bodies, however, disease is according to nature; because each of these is generated that which it is said to be in a twofold respect, viz. both from a partial and a total nature. But that which is corruptible is so naturally with respect to nature considered as a whole, but is prtetematural to a partial nature'. For that into which the thing that is corrupted is transmuted, possesses a form and reason from total nature, contrary to the nature of the thing corrupted. For so far as that which is corrupted is a whole, so far the corruption of it is prtetematural ; but so far as it is a portion of the universe, the corrnptionof it is according to nature; since every whole subsists according to the form or productive principle which is in it. And thus corruption is produced from one thing, and the corruption is again the cause of the generation of another thing. ' 9. Hence, the evil which is in bodies is not unmingled evil ; but the evil of these, so far as it is from Providence, is natural ; and, in short, those things that have a generation, have it on account of good. Some one, however, may say. How is it possible for that which is perfectly good to sufler
This aeDtence in Morbeka is. " Cm-mptibile avttm nctindim naha-amgvidemlotam, pntternaturamaulemiiarticiilarem"; but immediately after " quidem ", it is necesMiy to insert ad, and also inmiedisKl)' 'ftec " nulftn ".
that which is deprived of the nature of good to remain ? For neither is it possible for evil to exist, without having the appearance of its contrary, good; because all things, and even evil itself, are for the sake of good. To this we answer, that if all things are for the sake of good, Divinity is not the cause of evils. For evil, so far as evil, is not derived from thence, but from other causes, which, as we have before observed, generate not from power, but from debility. On which account, as it appears to me, Plato*, arranging all things about the King of
' WbM is bete asserted b; Froclus is to be found in the second Epistleof Plato to Diouydus; and the wbole of the passage to which he refers is as ToUows ; *■)/ ymf tn xara rii ixmin ).rya' tux ihmic Kittiiiux^ '" rtfi rm w *fuT9v fifrmt, ffitmn in rw it mtnyfuH, ym^ IX"' "^ ^*' vutrtn fitiriXut wmn' tm, mu txufov IruA vstw^ ica/ HriM mrttt mratvMf vnf xaX^v. 3uwi^» it **^i tb ittfrt^a, kbj rpn> «p
^Xt9»utiL us rm AVTiif tuyytm, ww avJit trntrmt t^ti, -rw St &afi^u/t nfi xai in uwn, niiif trrt* rwurtt rt in f^tTm ttv^rt it ^uxK faffaXUjt
hr V ftn Til i^aiflttirirBUj rut xXn^uat nvatt etf/iHtttTi TUX"'
There ia an important diSerence between some parts of this passage BB quoted b]* Proclus, and all [be printed edilions of it, wliicfa has not been noticed by any of the editors of Plato's Works. For Proclus (in Flat. Theol. p. 103.) for i> irr<';£iu[ ira/^ has ruxm fuJf. But 1 hare no doubt that Proclus originally wrote i> nx"! watij, and that roxm fn^f is an error of the transcriber. In the ■«> cond place, in the sentence mXXm rtm n foit nirr urn, » rau ^iimv, ii.T.X., which, from what Proclus says of it, was eiidently not conudered by him as interrogative, for iEs>.a» ■ in Proclus, it is requisite to read, conformably to all the editions of Plato, tiuitn. With these
■ See this confirmed in the Treatise of Damasdus rifi A(x"-
Two Treatises of Proclus, the Platonic Successor. London, 1833. Hermetic Cloud, https://hermeticcloud.com/library/taylor-two-treatises-of-proclus/. Public-domain text reproduced in full; markup only.
Machine-read text of the Internet Archive scan twotreatisespro00taylgoog; the reading is uncorrected apart from the removal of page numbers, running heads, line-end hyphens and the scan's own marks.