DISSERTATION I.

WHAT GOD IS ACCORDING TO PLATO.

In disputing concerning dæmonsIntermediate beings between gods and humans in Platonic philosophy., I can bear the opposition of arguments, I can endure the contention, and I do not think that the conduct of one who doubts—whether by himself or with another—concerning the existence, essence, and magnitude of a dæmoniacal nature, is in any respect dire, erroneous, or absurd. For here, indeed, the name is uncertain*; the essence of that which is investigated is hidden, and its power is the subject of doubt. But now, in speaking of divinity, how shall I act? By what beauty of words, by what light from the clearest titles, or by what harmony of composition shall I be able to exhibit to myself and others that which is being investigated?

* Concerning the name and essence of a dæmoniacal nature, see the notes to Dissertation 26, "On the Dæmon of Socrates." I shall only observe here that we have a clearer knowledge of divinity than of those intermediate beings which connect the human with a divine nature; because the light of superior principles irradiates more strongly through sublimity of power than that of subordinate ones. This is just as, with respect to physical vision, we do not perceive many things situated on the earth, but we see the inerratic sphereinerratic sphereThe fixed stars or the celestial sphere that does not wander. and the stars it contains through the powerful light they emit.