On the Mysteries

It is therefore necessary that we now approach the present discourse. I do not think he is writing it to everyone with the same tranquility, as if coming from him; nor should it appear so to you. Since, look at the commands of certain writings, or some holy prophet’s riddles—for this has not escaped notice, that the inquiry, I think,

dismiss it, to learn simply and incompletely. But consider the things that have been said, as they are true. Since it did not appear as many-named, and some idea. Let us now distinguish this, how many they are, and what sort of the present subjects are included, and it will take on the secrets contained through the oracles. And we shall set forth the purposes, regarding which questions are sought. Some of the sources are from the purging of certain badly concealed things; others are still concerning the causes by which they are perceived within. Others, regarding cleansing for example that the opinion, we project every sort of causation. In which he also demands the whole of our mystagogia initiation into mysteries as required, for he will take it in many places. And from the differing positions—for the evil demons have handed down the religions, which are being advanced. Others are from those who do not believe, whom the rhetorician teaches, he makes his objections. In which he also holds positions against the philosophon geometrian geometry of the philosophers, making his inquiries follow them. There are also some things from the opinions of those who are not worthy, bringing an unseemly reputation into the discussion. He leads others from common assumptions. These things, then, are arranged in themselves, and fitted together in manifold ways. For it is not difficult to see the things of a certain discourse, as it is entirely complete in containing them appropriately. We, therefore, shall deliver everything with brevity, with the truth of the judgments. And we shall clearly answer yours. Some things, by unearthing the thought from ancient alogia ineffable/sacred accounts writings; others from the causes later...