35. In regard to the distribution of the
word, to mention last the first of our duties, of that divine and
exalted word, which everyone now is ready to discourse upon; if anyone
else boldly undertakes it and supposes it within the power of every
man’s intellect, I am amazed at his intelligence, not to say his
folly. To me indeed it seems no slight task, and one requiring no
little spiritual power, to give in due season S. Luke xii. 42. to
each his portion of the word, and to regulate with judgment the truth
of our opinions, which are concerned with such subjects as the world or
worlds, Worlds, i.e.
the invisible and visible, of which S. Greg. held that the former was
created before the latter. cf. Orat. xviii. 3; xxvii. 10; xxviii. 31;
xxxviii. 10; xl. 45. matter, soul, mind,
intelligent natures, better or worse, providence which holds together
and guides the universe, and seems in our experience of it to be
governed according to some principle, but one which is at variance with
those of earth and of men.