(33:16) There is no
need for me to repeat what I said in the note to [xvii] . (17) But, for
of my opponents, I will show further, that although it be granted that will
appertains to the essence of God, it nevertheless follows from his
perfection, that things could not have been by him created other than they
are, or in a different order; this is easily proved, if we reflect on what
our opponents themselves concede, namely, that it depends solely on the
decree and will of God, that each thing is what it is. (18) If it were
otherwise, God would not be the cause of all things. (19) Further, that
all the decrees of God have been ratified from all eternity by God himself.
(33:20) If it were otherwise, God would be convicted of imperfection or
change. (21) But in eternity there is no such thing as when, before, or
after; hence it follows solely from the perfection of God, that God never
can decree, or never could have decreed anything but what is; that (God did
not exist before his decrees, and would not exist without them. (22) But,
it is said, supposing that God had made a different universe, or had
ordained other decrees from all eternity concerning nature and her order,
we could not therefore conclude any imperfection in God. (23) But persons
who say this must admit that God can change his decrees. (24) For if God
had ordained any decrees concerning nature and her order, different from
those which he has ordained--in other words, if he had willed and conceived
something different concerning nature--he would perforce have had a
different intellect from that which he has, and also a different will:
(33:25) But if it were allowable to assign to God a different intellect
and a different will, without any change in his essence or his perfection,
what would there be to prevent him changing the decrees which he has made
concerning created things, and nevertheless remaining perfect? (26) For
his intellect and will concerning things created and their order are the
same, in respect to his essence and perfection, however they be conceived.
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