Philonis Judaei Opera Omnia (Vol. 8)

PHIL. IUD. ON PROVIDENCE. BOOK I. §. 14—17.

will he not also confess that the whole world is destined to have corruption, according to the standard of its own parts? P. For he conjectures, from the parts that have already perished, that there will be a similar dissolution even of the elements that still exist. Therefore, contemplating the nature of the universe in this way and opposing the contrary opinion, it is necessary to seek wisely and with discernment those things which lead us to the knowledge of the truth; and, setting aside prejudice, to enter upon the most certain investigation.

§. 15. Therefore, the nature of the earth and the air having been examined and weighed, you will find no difference in them from the other parts of the world, except that the whole is of one and the same nature in kind as the whole earth and the whole air; and yet for both, the end is generation and corruption. For since these things are subject to change, variation, and conversion, they also have an end and an alteration of their nature from fire; so that, consumed by long process and with all natural fertility failing, the earth no longer puts forth growth; which indeed it would have wished to have always, but could not, hindered by fire from producing sprouts, or rendered muddy by the corruption of waters, and otherwise altered by other variations. How then can those who have followed the footsteps of wisdom presume to call it immortal?

§. 16. Furthermore, I observe that the theory I have brought forward is not rejected by the discipline of the Greeks: for they have said that the sensible bodies of the world are in flux and corruption, as they are subject to place, motion, and the three dimensions length, breadth, and depth which they exhibit. P. Where those who were wiser than the rest and obtained great praise for wisdom deny that sensible bodies keep themselves in one way perpetually, as natural necessity forbids it; but that this is to be attributed rightly to God alone, namely, that He is perpetually the same.

§. 17. Lest, therefore, anyone be deceived by other sophists and think otherwise, through the investigation conducted by us with the help of inquiry, and by undoubted theory, it has been made clear by certain and evident demonstration, although it is hindered everywhere by those who use artificial words. Nor does much labor remain, if you yourself steadily assume the role of judge. For since, as I have shown, I see the parts of the world destroyed by corruption, why should I not concede that the greater parts also, and even the elements themselves—I mean heaven and earth—are to be destroyed, since all already agree on the corruption of the parts?