Page:King Alfred's Version of the Consolations of Boethius.djvu/233

 without freedom, save angels and men. Inasmuch as other creatures are not free, they keep on with their ministry until the day of judgement; but men and angels, being free, dispense with service. What is there that men can say the divine purpose has resolved upon and not carried out? Or how can they say in excuse that they cannot do good, when it is written that God rewards each man according to his works? Why should any man therefore be idle, and not work?

M. Thou hast quite freed me from my mind's doubt as to the question I put to thee. But I would further ask thee of another matter that makes me doubt.

P. What is it?

M. I know sufficiently well that God knoweth all beforehand, both good and evil, ere it come to pass;  but I am not sure whether all that he knoweth and hath resolved shall all take place irrevocably.

P. It need not all take place irrevocably, but part of it must so happen, namely, that which is necessary for us and willed by Him. Some things, however, are of such a nature that there is no need for them, yet there is no harm in their happening, nor again in their not happening. Bethink thyself in thine own case whether thou hast ever resolved upon any thing so firmly that it seems to thee never capable of change, and that thou canst not do without it; or again, thou mayest be so uncertain in any course that it matters not to thee whether it take place or not. Many a thing