Book V - Snyder Bible

308
them, when any event occurs, then they adapt what they saw
in the dream to what has occurred; so also is mathematics. For
before anything is past, nothing is declared with certainty; but
afterwards they gather the causes of the event. And thus often,
when they have been at fault, and the thing has fallen out otherwise,
they take the blame to themselves, saying that it was
such and such a star which opposed, and that they did not see
it; not knowing that their error does not proceed from their
unskillfulness in their art, but from the inconsistency of the
whole system. For they do not know what those things are
which we indeed desire to do, but in regard to which we do
not indulge our desires. But we who have learned the reason
of this mystery know the cause, since, having freedom of will,
we sometimes oppose our desires, and sometimes yield to
them. And therefore the issue of human doings is uncertain,
because it depends upon freedom of will. For a mathematician
can indeed indicate the desire which a malignant power produces;
but whether the acting or the issue of this desire shall
be fulfilled or not, no one can know before the accomplishment
of the thing, because it depends upon freedom of will.
And this is why ignorant astrologers have invented to themselves
the talk about climacterics as their refuge in uncertainties,
as we showed fully yesterday.
Chapter XIII: People Admitted
If you have anything that you wish to say to this, say on.
Then my father: Nothing can be more true, my son, than what
you have stated. And while we were thus speaking among
ourselves, some one informed us that a great multitude of
people were standing outside, having assembled for the purpose
of hearing. Then Kefa ordered them to be admitted, for
the place was large and convenient. And when they had come
in, Kefa said to us: If any one of you wishes, let him address
the people and discourse concerning idolatry. To whom I
Clement answered: Your great benignity and gentleness and
patience towards all encourages us, so that we dare speak in
your presence, and ask what we please; and therefore, as I