Paraphrasis in Dionysium Areopagitam

contrary to worth, and not at all fitting. And immediately he brings in the examples, and he shows further that the Demophilus there had done [something similar]. Uzziah did well to offer incense, even if it was contrary to worth. The demons spoke truly, theologizing about Jesus, even if it was not permitted for them to say such things; but you have acted contrary to worth, and you have not performed what is fitting, having insulted a priest who receives those who repent. See from the old law how each one shall be in the order of his ministry, and [the text] defines the following, and again the Lord was angered with anger because Uzzah acted rashly, wishing to set the ark upright; and the sister of Moses, Miriam, becomes leprous; and concerning the sons of Sceva, as it is carried in the Acts, that neither believing in Christ nor having been ordained, they were exorcising the demons, which was permitted to the exorcists only. And again, the impious man sacrificing a calf is considered as one killing a dog, God not accepting the ambitious sacrifice because of the unworthiness of the one offering it. And again, behold the justice of God, that even when some say, "Did we not perform this and that in Your name?" He answers, "I do not know you." So it is gathered from all these things that it is not permissible to pursue even just things unless it is according to worth; for the lawgiver Moses teaches this in Deuteronomy, saying, "Justice, you shall pursue justice." And again, the wonderful Sirach commands you, "Do not seek things higher than you, and do not search out things deeper than you."

He introduces an opposition, as if from Demophilus, that there will henceforth be impiety among the priests if they are not examined, nor are others correcting them, and he will risk dishonoring God by those who boast in the law through the transgression of the law. I, however, shall apologize for this in the first place; for it is not...