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| The Old Man Does Not Believe in God or Providence.
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Chapter III.—The
Old Man Does Not Believe in God or Providence.
“The old man began to speak as
follows: ‘When I saw you after you had bathed in the sea
retire into the secret place, I went up and secretly watched what might
be your object in entering into a secret place, and when I saw you
pray, I retired;1195
| 1195 Wieseler thinks that
the reading should be: “I did not retire.” | but taking pity on
you, I waited that I might speak with you when you came out, and
prevail on you not to be led astray. For there is neither God nor
providence; but all things are subject to Genesis.1196
| 1196 Genesis is
destiny determined by the stars which rule at each man’s birth.
[Comp. iv. 12. In Recognitions, viii. 2, the long
discussion with the old man begins in the same
way.—R.] | Of this I am fully assured in
consequence of what I have myself endured, having for a long time made
a careful study of the science.1197
| 1197 μάθημα,
mathematical science specially, which was closely connected with
astrology. [Comp. Recognitions, x.
11–12.—R.] | Do
not therefore be deceived, my child. For whether you pray or not,
you must endure what is assigned to you by Genesis. For if
prayers could have done
anything or any good, I myself should now be in better
circumstances. And now, unless my needy garments mislead you, you
will not refuse to believe what I say. I was once in affluent
circumstances; I sacrificed much to the gods, I gave liberally to the
needy; and yet, though I prayed and acted piously, I was not able to
escape my destiny.’ And I said: ‘What are the
calamities you have endured?’ And he answered:
‘I need not tell you now; perhaps at the end you shall learn who
I am, and who are my parents, and into what straitened circumstances I
have fallen. But at present I wish you to become fully assured
that everything is subject to Genesis.’
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