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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2012
On the cornerstones of the Torah, i.e., the foundations and pillars upon which the House of God is established. Through their existence, the existence of a Law ordered from God (may He be blessed) is conceivable; whereas if one of them is lacking, the entire Law falls, God forbid.
Upon investigation, we find there to be six cornerstones of the Torah: First, God's knowledge of existents; second, His providence for them; third, His ability; fourth prophecy; fifth, choice; sixth, the final end [of the Law].
There are six, for since the Law is a voluntary act from a commander, i.e., the agent, to one commanded, i.e., the patient, it follows of necessity that the agent is knowing, willing, and able, and that the patient is willing and choosing, not compelled or coerced. And since an act from the agent to the patient cannot fail to establish some relation between them, it follows that there will be a relation and certain conjunction between them, namely, prophecy. And since every act aims towards an end, whether that act be natural or artificial, or, certainly, voluntary and from an infinitely perfect agent, this perfect act cannot fail to be for an important end. For this reason we have seen fit to divide this treatise into six principles.
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