virtues, and of the whole universe of things, in which some deplorable error either of pagan philosophers or of heretics is confuted; and the result of which is, that men would rather rashly and ignorantly condemn things that are difficult and obscure, than ascertain their meaning by diligence and study. Footnote 348: Diebus quadragesimæ. Footnote 349: Dæmones. Footnote 350: Evangelicæ lucernæ lumine diabolicas ignorantiæ tenebras. Footnote 351: Salvâ fidei Catholicæ regula. Footnote 352: Comœdiarum ridiculas fabulas. CHAPTER I. [Transcriber’s Note: As described in the following footnote, the original book printed the translations from both the Latin and Greek originals. In the original book, the top of each page printed lines from the translation from the Latin, and the bottom of the page printed lines from the translation from the Greek, and the reader would be able to compare them, with the text for the numbered sections running over multiple printed pages. In this e-book, instead, the Latin translation for an entire numbered section will be printed, followed by that paragraph’s Greek translation, and then the next section.] TRANSLATED FROM LATIN OF RUFINUS. CHAPTER I. ON THE FREEDOM OF THE WILL.[353] 1. Some such opinions, we believe, ought to be entertained regarding the divine promises, when we direct our understanding to the contemplation of that eternal and infinite world, and gaze on its ineffable joy and blessedness. But as the preaching of the church includes a belief in a future and just judgment of God, which belief incites and persuades men to a good and virtuous life, and to an avoidance of sin by all possible means; and as by this it is undoubtedly indicated that it is within our own power to devote ourselves either to a life that is worthy of praise, or to one that is worthy of censure, I therefore deem it necessary to say a few words regarding the freedom of the will, seeing that this topic has been treated by very many writers in no mean style. And that we may ascertain more easily what is the freedom of the will, let us inquire into the nature of will and of desire.[354] TRANSLATION FROM THE GREEK. CHAPTER I. ON THE FREEDOM OF THE WILL[355], WITH AN EXPLANATION AND INTERPRETATION OF THOSE STATEMENTS OF SCRIPTURE WHICH APPEAR TO NULLIFY IT.