Philonis Judaei Opera Omnia (Vol. 8)

PHIL. OF IUD. ON PROV. BOOK I. §. 17 — 20.
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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 destruction, why should I not concede that the greater ones also and even the elements themselves—I mean heaven and earth—are destined to be destroyed, since all already agree concerning the corruption of the parts?

§. 18. And first, not having invented a private opinion for myself, but having set out to treat these things with a certain plan, I shall speak most clearly concerning the earth and the air, considering the natural affection of the air no less than observing that it itself now experiences various passions, and again returns to health: whence also, by the judgment of physicians, it is established that diseases arise through its commutations; since they have said that bodies existing in the world languish through its natural participation. Who, therefore, is subject to disease, tempest, and corruption—why should it not also be deprived of life at last? P. A.

§. 19. If anyone, however, thinks that the air is immortal, so that he says this will remain perpetual, how, I ask, can mortals be accustomed to die in an immortal body? They who are accustomed to be perpetually saturated by vital air and to draw it in? For if bodies transferred elsewhere were to die, where they would not have immortal air beside them, it would be easy to say that this is the cause of dying: if indeed it seems to me foolish and insane to think that immortal life can be found in a mortal body. Yet since all things are of the same nature, already created bodies assume the variation of corruption due to them, when He who created them wishes to bring dissolution upon them.

§. 20. Furthermore, concerning the dissolution of the world and the condition of creatures, even the wise man among the Greeks