The six books of Proclus, the Platonic successor, on the theology of Plato (vol. 2 of 2) : $b translated from the Greek, to which a seventh book is added, in order to supply the deficiency of another book on this subject, which was written by Proclus, but since lost, also, a translation from the Greek of Proclus' Elements of theology, to which are added a translation of the treatise of Proclus, On providence and fate, a translation of extracts from his treatise, entitled, Ten doubts concerning p
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For since that which produces is necessarily more excellent than
that which is produced, they can never be simply the same with each
other, and equal in power. But if they are not the same and equal, but
different and unequal, they are either entirely separated from each
other, or they are both united and separated. If, however, they are
entirely separated, they will not accord with each other, and no where
will that which proceeds from a cause sympathize with it. Hence neither
will one of these participate of the other, being entirely different
from it. For that which is participated, gives communion to its
participant, with reference to that of which it participates. Moreover,
it is necessary that the thing caused should participate of its cause,
as from thence possessing its essence.
But if that which is produced, is partly separated from and partly
united to its producing cause, if indeed, it suffers each of these
equally, it will equally participate and not participate. So that after
the same manner, it will both have essence and not have it from the
producing cause. And if it is more separated from than united to it,
the thing generated will be more foreign than allied to that by which
it is generated, will be more unadapted than adapted to it, and be more
deprived of, than possess sympathy with it. If, therefore, the things
which proceed from causes are allied to them according to their very
being, have sympathy with them, are naturally suspended from them, and
aspire after contact with them, desiring good, and obtaining the object
of their desire through the cause of their existence,--if this be the
case, it is evident that things produced are in a greater degree united
to their producing causes, than separated from them. Things, however,
which are more united, are more similar than dissimilar to the natures
to which they are especially united. Every producing cause, therefore,
gives subsistence to things similar to itself prior to such as are
dissimilar.
PROPOSITION XXIX.
Every progression is effected through a similitude of secondary to
first natures.
* * * * *
For if that which produces, gives subsistence to similars prior to
dissimilars, the similitude derived from the producing causes will
give subsistence to the things produced. For similars are rendered
similar through similitude, and not through dissimilitude. If,
therefore, progression in its diminution preserves a [certain] sameness
of that which is generated with that which generates, and exhibits
that which is posterior to the generator such in a secondary degree,
as the generator is primarily, it will have its subsistence through
similitude.
PROPOSITION XXX.
Every thing which is produced from a certain thing without a medium,
abides in its producing cause, and proceeds from it.
* * * * *