[The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius]@TWC D-Link bookThe Consolation of Philosophy BOOK IV 26/34
Yet granted there were one who could rightly distinguish the good and bad, yet would he be able to look into the soul's inmost constitution, as it were, if we may borrow an expression used of the body? The marvel here is not unlike that which astonishes one who does not know why in health sweet things suit some constitutions, and bitter others, or why some sick men are best alleviated by mild remedies, others by severe.
But the physician who distinguishes the precise conditions and characteristics of health and sickness does not marvel.
Now, the health of the soul is nothing but righteousness, and vice is its sickness.
God, the guide and physician of the mind, it is who preserves the good and banishes the bad.
And He looks forth from the lofty watch-tower of His providence, perceives what is suited to each, and assigns what He knows to be suitable. 'This, then, is what that extraordinary mystery of the order of destiny comes to--that something is done by one who knows, whereat the ignorant are astonished.
<<Back Index Next>> D-Link book Top TWC mobile books
|