P. A 1

OF PHILO THE JEW

ON PROVIDENCE

TO ALEXANDER

§. 1. Since I have proposed to myself to inquire exquisitely into the things that can be said about providence and to weigh the reason for each of the things that happen in the world; I thought that a mode of speaking should be sought that would befit the ears of the wise **) Or thus: that I must seek and consult ears appropriate to the wise regarding this matter. Auch., and having employed it, to undertake a disquisition on this matter: although the things about which we must inquire seemed altogether more difficult than that they could be easily comprehended and inspected. For I said to myself that it is not fitting to speak through contentious disputation, but I will strive to complete the demonstration through evidence taken from the contemplation of visible things. But how finally will we achieve our purpose if, having undertaken to treat a question of this kind, we wish to insist only on those things that fall under the eyes? Having now, therefore, set aside the inspection of these things,

) Eusebius Hist. Eccl. L. II. c. 18 had well designated in the enumeration of our Philo’s output, in the plural number τὰ περὶ Προνοίας. Those (writings) on Providence*; just as we, after the present first discourse, are about to publish the second. Auch.