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
Plato · en
Farther still, divinity whether it is allotted certain portions of
the universe, such as the heavens or the earth, or sacred cities and
regions, or certain groves and sacred statues, illuminates all these
externally, viz. without any alliance to the things themselves, in
the same manner as the sun externally enlightens all things with its
rays; except that in the latter instance, the illuminating cause is
locally, but in the former is impassively, unextendedly, and in short
incorporeally external. As therefore, the solar light comprehends
in itself the illuminated objects, thus also the power of the Gods,
externally comprehends its participants. And as light is present with
the air, without being essentially mingled with it; which is evident
from no light remaining in the air, when once the illuminating source
has departed, though heat is present with it when that which heated
is entirely withdrawn; thus also the light of the Gods illuminates in
a separate manner, and being firmly established in itself, pervades
totally through all things. Indeed, this visible light of the sun, is
one, continued, and is every where the same whole, so that it is not
possible for any part of it to be separated and cut off from the rest,
nor to inclose it on all sides, nor divulge it from its source. After
the same manner therefore, the whole world being partible, is divided
about the one impartible light of the Gods. But this light is one
and every where the same whole, and is impartibly present to all the
natures that are able to partake of it. It likewise fills all things
through an all-perfect power, and bounds in itself wholes, by a certain
infinite causal transcendency; is every where united to itself, and
conjoins the terminations with the beginnings of things. But all heaven
and the world imitating this light, is circularly convolved, is united
to itself, conducts the elements in their circular motion, causes all
things to be in, and tend to each other, and ends to have juxtaposition
with their principles, and produces one connexion and consent of wholes
with wholes.