On the Mysteries

as if contained in the fourth book, the ancients summarized the entire knowledge regarding the gods. Philosophers, however, distinguish them by primary questions according to the ancients, clearly those which Plato and the Pythagoreans previously judged and established as philosophy. Seeking contentious opposition and to indicate something through a long, detailed process, gently and harmoniously exhorting, proceeds or of their own absurd proofs. And as much as they move toward what is commonly known to mortals, we will attempt to discuss very clearly. And those things from divine experience requiring accurate understanding .................. only of powerful words. to be purged Note: L Therefore, the entire theory therefore, they is full of worthy powers, from which one can p be engendered regarding the essence of beings. And as many as happen to be detailed, we shall always prove with comparisons to perfect ones. What is appropriate, we shall render to all, as it is consistent. Theological twice Theurgic / the theurgic ones as And we shall answer the theological? specifically matters. And whatever a philosopher might call wise, which these people examine. And we shall bring to light the faith with clarity regarding all things that exist according to the first causes L. And whatever has been said regarding the gods or rites, or L we shall dispose of accordingly, or by chance. And some things, in the same way as toward the proper end, we shall grasp by inquiries; the riddles before nine clear / regarding which I have / he says:- solving the questions. The Light, then, first, as if taken away. It is not orphaned, even if called so; for our essence itself, the innate knowledge concerning the gods, co-exists. And when? it is entirely pre-exists superior, and it pre-exists; it exists before speech and proof. They are united from the beginning toward their proper cause, and stand upon the essential knowledge of and longing for the Good. Therefore, to speak the truth, union with the divine is not knowledge, for it persists separate or in otherness. But the grasping is a self-born, indivisible knowledge of the gods, which recognizes another.