CHAPTER XII.

ON TRUE CONFIDENCE IN GOD, AND VAIN ANXIETY CONCERNING THE FUTURE; AND AGAINST THE FOLLY OF ASTROLOGERS.

WAIT everywhere on the Providence of God: in every event that occurs, lean steadfastly on Him, believing that nothing can happen without a cause, nor without a cause proceeding from the reasonable order of things. Attribute what happens neither to fortune nor to the stars. Detest the superstitious and impious fables of astrologers, who put the life, the manners, the actions and designs of man under subjection to the stars, and attempt by them to pry into and predict future events, beyond the natural properties of the elements, and of corruptible things. This temerity partakes of the remains of idolatry, and is most baneful to the Christian religion; and, for that reason, it is assiduously condemned and forbidden by the oracles of the Prophets, and the opinions of the orthodox Fathers. 30For God thus speaks by Isaias to the Chaldeans, who were familiar with the profession of this science: “Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, this hath deceived thee. Evil shall come upon thee, and thou shalt not know the rising thereof” (Is. xlvii. 10, 11). And, a little after, he saith to the city that was to be laid waste, “Let now the astrologers stand and save thee, they that gazed at the stars, and counted the months, that from them they might toll the things that skill come to thee. Behold, they are as stubble, fire kith burnt them, they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flames” (Is. xlvii. 13, 14). And by Moses it is said, “These nations hearken to soothsayers and diviners; but thou art otherwise instructed by the Lord thy God” (Deut. xviii. 14). Again, we read in Jeremias, “Be not afraid of the signs of heaven, which the heathens fear” (Jerem. x. 2). Therefore, the Christian should neither grieve nor rejoice at the vain judgments of astrologers.

And, if anyone objects that some of their predictions prove true, we answer, that many do not, and those which do, so happen by the secret dispensation of God, not by their foolish skill; though they commonly happen to those who believe in the predictions. For. as true Christians for their faith in God always receive what is for their good, so evil often happens by the just judgment of God to those who are not true Christians, in punishment for the faith they put in demons or in the professors of superstition.

The devil, however, has not the knowledge of future events; but sometimes foretells the end of things from 31the beginning, which he sees. When he beholds some one preparing for a journey into Italy, what wonder if, impelled by the malice of his nature, he looks forward, and announces that such a one is coining to Italy? And, when he sees that heavy rain is falling all over Ethiopia, is it a great thing that he should dare to promise that there will be an inundation of the Nile in Egypt? By these means the deceiver induces many to have faith in him.

Neither the predictions of astrologers, nor the wonders of magic, nor the arts or charms of Satan can effect anything against those who trust in God, and commit themselves wholly to Him. For, if they ever afflict the just, the Lord permits it for the good of the just themselves. Do thou, therefore, despising the inventions of those who foretell I know not what, either from the positions of the stars, or the examination of the countenance and the hands, turn to the Creator and Governor of the whole world; cling to Him, cast thyself upon Him.

Let nothing that happens disturb thee, whether the season be favourable or inclement; whether the fruits of the earth abound or are scarce; whether God sends peace or the sword, thou shalt not murmur; but, humbling thyself under His mighty hand, cast down thine eyes and remain tranquil, yet not without feeling. Consider not anxiously whether thou art to have much repose in this exile, whether thou art to receive the more perfect gifts of grace, whether thou art to pass from hence to purgatory, and to remain there long, or to enter straightway into heaven: but 32trust thyself entirely to thy Lord, and desire that all things that concern thee as well in the next as in the present world be disposed according to His will; loving the justice of God no less than His mercy; and esteeming it more grievous to sin, than to pay the penalties of sin.