Dialogue XI

Summary

Continuation of the same subject. General providence in the arrangement of bodies and in the infinitely infinite combinations of the physical and the moral, the natural and the supernatural.

THEODORE. Have you, Aristes, made any mental effort to compare the first impression of motion God communicated to matter, His first steps in the universe, with the general laws of His ordinary providence and with the various works which had to be conserved and developed through the efficacy of those laws? For it is on the basis of this first impression of motion that we must turn our eyes to God's conduct. That is the viewpoint of general providence, for God never repents nor contradicts Himself. In this regard have you, then, considered the beautiful order of creatures and the simple and uniform conduct of the creator?

ARISTES. Yes, Theodore, but I am too short-sighted. I have discovered much land, but so confusedly that I do not know what to tell you. You have stationed me too high. We discover things from afar, but do not know what we are seeing. You have, as it were, lifted me above the clouds, and my head reels when I look down.

THEODORE. Very well, Aristes, let us descend a little.

THEOTIMUS. But lower down we shall see nothing.

ARISTES. Oh please, Theodore, a little more detail!

THEODORE. Let us descend, Theotimus, since Aristes desires it.