In quâ necesse est ex singulis quibusque partibus quæ possunt moveri discutere. Footnote 708: Priusquam—unum efficiatur cum eo. Footnote 709: Passiones. Footnote 710: Quibus nunc quidem arguimur, nunc vero nosmet ipsos amplectimur. Footnote 711: Evacuantur. Footnote 712: Cf. Rom. viii. 2. Footnote 713: Abusive. Footnote 714: Recomponi vult. Footnote 715: Gen. iv. 10. Footnote 716: Rom. vii. 23. Footnote 717: Plus studii vel propositi. Footnote 718: Rom. viii. 7. Footnote 719: Naturaliter. CHAPTER V. THAT THE WORLD TOOK ITS BEGINNING IN TIME. 1. And now, since there is one of the articles of the church[720] which is held principally in consequence of our belief in the truth of our sacred history, viz. that this world was created and took its beginning at a certain time, and, in conformity to the cycle of time[721] decreed to all things, is to be destroyed on account of its corruption, there seems no absurdity in re-discussing a few points connected with this subject. And so far, indeed, as the credibility of Scripture is concerned, the declarations on such a matter seem easy of proof. Even the heretics, although widely opposed on many other things, yet on this appear to be at one, yielding to the authority of Scripture. Concerning, then, the creation of the world, what portion of Scripture can give us more information regarding it, than the account which Moses has transmitted respecting its origin? And although it comprehends matters of profounder significance than the mere historical narrative appears to indicate, and contains very many things that are to be spiritually understood, and employs the letter, as a kind of veil, in treating of profound and mystical subjects; nevertheless the language of the narrator shows that all visible things were created at a certain time. But with regard to the consummation of the world, Jacob is the first who gives any information, in addressing his children in the words: “Gather yourselves together unto me, ye sons of Jacob, that I may tell you what shall be in the last days,” or “after the last days.”[722] If, then, there be “last days,” or a period “succeeding the last days,” the days which had a beginning must necessarily come to an end. David, too, declares: “The heavens shall perish, but Thou shalt endure; yea, all of them shall wax old as doth a garment: as a vesture shalt Thou change them, and they shall be changed: but Thou art the same, and Thy years shall have no end.”[723] Our Lord and Saviour, indeed, in the words, “He who made them at the beginning, made them male and female,”[724] Himself bears witness that the world was created; and again, when He says, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away,”[725] He points out that they are perishable, and must come to an end. The apostle, moreover, in declaring that “the