208. Who they are and what their nature is who acknowledge the Divine Providence, and who acknowledge man's own prudence. Those who acknowledge God and His Divine Providence are like the angels of heaven, who regard with aversion being led of themselves, and who love to be led by the Lord; and a sign that they are led by the Lord is that they love the neighbour. On the other hand, those who acknowledge nature and man's own prudence are like spirits of hell, who regard with aversion being led by the Lord and who love to be led of themselves. If they have been great men in a kingdom they wish to rule in all things; so also if they have been leaders in the Church. If they have been judges they pervert judgment and exercise arbitrary power over the laws. If they have been learned they apply scientific knowledge to confirm man's proprium and the rule of nature. If they have been merchants they act as robbers; and if they have been husbandmen they act as thieves.* They are all enemies of God and scoffers at the Divine Providence.
* Original Edition has "furfures." Tafel Latin edition (1855) and Worcester Latin edition (1899) change to "fures."