and seen some pleasing objects, have
given and attached themselves to them. For my own part, I have not been
able
to attach myself to them, and, considering how strongly it appears that
there is something else than what I see, I have examined whether this God
has not left some sign of Himself.
I see many contradictory religions, and consequently all false save one.
Each wants to be believed on its own authority, and threatens unbelievers.
I
do not therefore believe them. Every one can say this; every one can call
himself a prophet. But I see that Christian religion wherein prophecies
are
fulfilled; and that is what every one cannot do.
694. And what crowns all this is prediction, so that it should not be said
that it is chance which has done it?
Whosoever, having only a week to live, will not find out that it is
expedient to believe that all this is not a stroke of chance...
Now, if the passions had no hold on us, a week and a hundred years would
amount to the same thing.
695. Prophecies.--Great Pan is dead.
696. Susceperunt verbum *** omni aviditate, scrutantes Scripturas, si ita
se
haberent.[138]
697. Prodita lege. Impleta cerne. Implenda collige.[139]
698. We understand the prophecies only when we see the events happen. Thus
the proofs of retreat, discretion, silence, etc., are proofs only to those
who know and believe them.
Joseph so internal in a law so external.
Outward penances dispose to inward, as humiliations
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