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| The Heresy of the Elchasaites a Derivative One.
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Chapter XII.—The Heresy of
the Elchasaites a Derivative One.
Inasmuch as (Elchasai) considers, then, that it
would be an insult to reason that these mighty and ineffable mysteries
should be trampled under foot, or that they should be committed to
many, he advises that as valuable pearls1023
they should be preserved, expressing
himself thus: “Do not recite this account to all men, and
guard carefully these precepts, because all men are not faithful, nor
are all women straightforward.” Books containing
these (tenets), however, neither the wise men of the Egyptians secreted
in shrines, nor did Pythagoras, a sage of the Greeks, conceal them
there. For if at that time Elchasai had happened to live,
what necessity would there be that Pythagoras, or Thales, or Solon, or
the wise Plato, or even the rest of the sages of the Greeks, should
become disciples of the Egyptian priests, when they could obtain
possession of such and such wisdom from Alcibiades, as the most
astonishing interpreter of that wretched Elchasai? The
statements, therefore, that have been made for the purpose of attaining
a knowledge of the madness of these, would seem sufficient for those
endued with sound mind. And so it is, that it has not appeared
expedient to quote more of their formularies, seeing that these are
very numerous and ridiculous. Since, however, we have not omitted
those practices that have risen up in our own day, and have not
been silent as regards those prevalent before our time, it seems
proper, in order that we may pass through all their systems, and
leave nothing untold, to state what also are the (customs) of the Jews,
and what are the diversities of opinion among them, for I imagine that
these as yet remain behind for our consideration. Now,
when I have broken silence on these points, I shall pass on to the
demonstration of the Doctrine of the Truth, in order that, after the lengthened argumentative
struggle against all heresies, we, devoutly pressing forward towards
the kingdom’s crown, and believing the truth, may not be
unsettled.E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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