Introduction, ch. 1 § 1—3.

A. Proof of the Divine Existence, ch. ii § 4—ch. xvi § 44.

B. The Divine Nature, ch. xvii § 45—ch. xxviii § 72.

C. Providential Government of the Universe, ch. xxix § 73—ch. lxi. § 153.

D. Providential Care for Man, ch. lxii § 154—lxvi § 167.

A. The Divine Existence proved (a) from the observation of the heavens, (b) from general consent, (c) from various recorded epiphanies, (d) from the fact of divination. §§ 4—12.

Ab. Further explained. Cleanthes derives the consensus of belief from four causes, (1) presentiments of the future (i.e. divination just treated of), (2) the blessings of life, (3) terrible and unusual phenomena of nature, (4) the order of the heavenly bodies (treated of under a). §§ 13—15.

Ae. Argument of Chrysippus : (1) the universe shows the operation of superhuman, i.e. of divine power; (2) the universe is too beautiful to be the habitation of man alone, it implies a superhuman inhabitant. §§ 16, 17.

Af. Man inhabits the lowest region of the universe; the pure ether of the higher regions is fitted for nobler inhabitants. § 17.

Ag. Still even man is gifted with reason, and this, like the grosser elements of which his body is composed, must be derived from the universe, as its source. § 18.

Ah. The universe being perfect must contain that which is essential to perfection, viz. mind. § 18.

Ai. The sympathy which unites all the parts of the universe shows that they are pervaded by one Divine Spirit. §§ 19, 20.