PROCLUS, THE PLATONIC SUCCESSOR

auditors of the Gods, is a most manifest
demonstration of the existence of Providence,
in answer to whatever
a In the version of Morbeka ostendes; for which it is
necessary to read ostendens.
[2] opposes it according to the conceptions of
the multitude, and is sufficient 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 the 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 doubt, 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 a . Let us, therefore,
interrogate ourselves, and doubting, in the
secret recesses of the soul, endeavour to
exercise ourselves in the solution of doubts,
considering it as of no consequence whether
we discuss, or whether we do not, what has
been said by those prior to us; 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 our
common leader, who is said to insert
anticipations of common conceptions in every
soul.
1. And prior to everything else, let us
investigate whether Providence extends to all
things, to
a The latter part of this sentence in the version of
Morbeka is, " et non solum de foris recipere de his
sermories nolente." But for nolente I read volente.