A Source Book for Ancient Church History - Mirrors

§ 44. Neo-Platonism 225translated much from all the Neo-Platonists, but his otherbooks are very scarce. Porphyry's Epistula ad Marcellam,trans. by Alice Zimmern, London, 1896.Porphyry, Ep. ad Marcellam, 16-19. Porphyrii philosophiPlatonici opuscula tria, rec. A. Nauck, Leipsic, 1860.The letter is addressed to Marcella by her husband, thephilosopher Porphyry. It gives a good idea of the religiousand ethical character of Neo-Platonism. For the metaphysicalaspects see Plotinus, translated by T. Taylor. Porphyry was,after Plotinus, the greatest of the Neo-Platonists, and brought [203]out most clearly those religious elements which were rivals toChristianity. His attack upon Christianity was keen and bitter,and he was consequently especially hated by the Christians.He died at Rome 304.Ch. 16. You will honor God best when you form your soul toresemble him. This likeness is only by virtue; for only virtuedraws the soul upward toward its own kind. There is nothinggreater with God than virtue; but God is greater than virtue. ButGod strengthens him who does what is good; but of evil deeds awicked demon is the instigator. Therefore the wicked soul fleesfrom God and wishes that the foreknowledge of God did notexist; and from the divine law which punishes all wickedness itshrinks away completely. But a wise man's soul is in harmonywith God, ever sees Him, ever is with Him. But if that whichrules takes pleasure in that which is ruled, then God cares for thewise and provides for him; and therefore is the wise man blessed,because he is under the protection of God. It is not the discoursesof the wise man which are honorable before God, but his works;for the wise man, even when he keeps silence, honors God, butthe ignorant man, even in praying and sacrificing, dishonors theDivinity. So the wise man alone is a priest, alone is dear to God,alone knows how to pray.