De principis providentia

De principis providentia

Indeed, although providence is a key part of wisdom, I still consider it not unworthy to act separately in light of its eminent dignity. Therefore, providence is not only for the prince, but for all who prepare for peace. Matth. It is very fitting and appropriate for the wise, so that without this, the governance of the kingdom would not stand firm, nor would wisdom produce its effect if it were taken away. How great the fruit of providence is became clear from this: that Joseph wisely provided in Egypt against the future years of famine with such abundance. From even the smallest creatures, like the ant and the bee, which gather what they need through diligent work to sustain their lives in winter, let us take examples of providence. Hor. , Epp. Eighteen. , Not only is it necessary for living, but also for securely and happily managing time, providence is of utmost importance. Cities are fortified by walls, surrounded by moats, raised with towers, and defended by arms. To supply abundantly from food, to elevate the spirits of citizens with liberties, to excite them with frequent gifts, to educate the youth in martial exercises and business affairs, and to prepare them for harsh wars with some useful strategies under the guise of peace is the task of a wise and prudent mind. It is written, "Blessed is the city that thinks of peace in war." Not only in the things mentioned, but in all matters that are close to being acted upon, the order of all life is governed by providence. What else is agriculture, architecture, trade, or the various mechanical arts, and what is the labor of linen or wool, except for the support of life under a certain diligent providence? The Savior invites us to this virtue. For I say to you, many will seek to enter and will not be able. ,. For it is found elsewhere in the Gospel, "Look at the birds of the air," etc., and "Do not worry about tomorrow," which leads to excessive anxiety and not to providence.^✦✦ However, paying attention to the end and also considering the prior reasoning and providence can help one foresee far-off events and avoid dangerous situations through human effort, which greatly benefits both the ruler and anyone wise, but it is even more advantageous for a ruler to be cautious in many matters. Envy, too, lies beneath the principal head. Juvenal: "Some are driven by great power to envy." It plunges into a long and notable page of honors, etc. Julius Caesar, who had been the greatest among the rulers of the world, lost his empire to the sword because he had been careless in his governance, ruling for just a little over three years. For just as it is written in the Roman history, a conspiracy was made against Julius when he was with a certain friend. He replied, as if disregarding death, "I have lived long enough for nature, I have lived long enough for glory." "No," he said, "for I am already somewhat advanced in age;" but, "for glory," he added, "because I am the victor of the world." To whom he replied, "Stop, most skilled of men, do you really think you can boast of this ignorance?" Up to now, you've lived for yourself; now live for the community. . . . There are signs that precede it, and so on, from Val. Max. , I. Seven. ; Peter Comestor, History. SchoL, Lib. Machah. , cap. Sixteen. ; Eiuropius, chapter. After so many warnings and signs predicting the fall of such a great man, nonetheless, the man of exceptional strength and incomparable greatness did not escape the death that was so clearly indicated by all the signs and the impending funeral; as if, according to the mistaken opinion of some, which the poet expresses, "Each person's day stands; brief and irreparable is time" for all of life, "such misfortunes cannot be avoided. However, a more accurate opinion holds that these things often happen more due to carelessness and negligence than from any necessity or force. Anocdotes Cu! sar. Virgil. , Mn. One's appointed fate is deferred, but it should be anticipated. For Marcello, seven. . . Let them happen. For each person, there is a day that cannot be anticipated in any way, but it can easily be delayed in many different ways. There is indeed a day for everyone that cannot be missed, but it can easily be anticipated in many different ways. . ; Job 14. . It's important to note that Scripture testifies that what is to be avoided cannot be avoided, but rather must be anticipated. Otherwise, what would long preparation do, what would the horse do, and what would the weapons help? It would have been for nothing if it were said, "A long preparation for war brings swift victory." Again, what good is it for a chosen ship, for skilled sailors, and finally for calm weather and a favorable breeze? To this, Boethius says, "If everything happens by necessity, chance is lost, and free will perishes; thus, neither the sinful woman is to be blamed nor the virtuous one praised."