Book V - Snyder Bible

256
was not made sooner; but whether it was made at all. For if it
is obvious that it was made, it is necessarily the work of a powerful
and supreme Creator; and if this is evident, it must be
left to the choice and judgment of that all-knowing Creator
when He should please to make it; unless indeed you think
that all this wisdom, which has constructed the immense fabric
of the world, and has given to the several objects their
forms and kinds, assigning to them a habit not only in accordance
with beauty, but also most convenient and necessary
for their future uses, unless, I say, you think that this alone has
escaped it, that it should choose a convenient season for so
magnificent a work of creation. He has doubtless a certain reason
and evident causes why, and when, and how He made the
world; but it were not proper that these should be disclosed to
those who are reluctant to inquire into and understand the
things which are placed before their eyes, and which testify of
His providence. For those things which are kept in secret and
are hidden within the senses of Wisdom, as in a royal treasury,
are laid open to none but those who have learned of Him, with
whom these things are sealed and laid up. It is Yahweh Elohim,
therefore, who made all things, and Himself was made by
none. But those who speak of nature instead of Elohim, and
declare that all things were made by nature, do not perceive
the mistake of the name which they use. For if they think that
nature is irrational, it is most foolish to suppose that a rational
creature can proceed from an irrational creator. But if it is
Reasonthat is, Logosby which it appears that all things
were made, they change the name without purpose, when
they make statements concerning the reason of the Creator. If
you have anything to say to these things, my fa
Chapter XXXV: A Contest of Hospitality.
When Niceta had
indeed, my son, have conducted your argument wisely and
vigorously; so much so, that I do not think the subject of providence
could be better treated. But as it is now late, I wish to
say some things tomorrow in answer to what you have ar-