The answer of the prophets, on whom be peace, to the Necessitarians.

The prophets said, “Yes: He hath created some qualities from which it is impossible to withdraw one's self,

And He hath (also) created qualities (which are only) accidental, so that a hated person becomes acceptable.

If you bid a stone become gold, ’tis futile; (but) if you bid copper become gold, the way (of transmuting it) exists.

If you bid sand become clay, it is incapable (of doing so); (but) if you bid earth become clay, that is possible.

He hath given (ordained to us) maladies for which there is no remedy, such as lameness, flatness of the nose, and blindness;

He hath given maladies for which there is a remedy, such as facial paralysis and headache.

These medicines He hath made for the sake of (restoring) harmony: these maladies and medicines are not in vain.

Nay, most maladies have a cure: when you seek in earnest, it will come to hand.”