Stromateis: Hakiki Marifet

Regarding the universe, he conceives things truly and grandly by virtue of his reception of divine teaching. Beginning with admiration of the Creation and providing proof of his own capability for receiving knowledge, he becomes a ready pupil of the Lord. Directly upon hearing of God and Providence, he believes as a consequence of the admiration he feels. Through the power of that impulse, he devotes his energies in every way to learning, doing all those things by which he can acquire the knowledge he desires. Desire blended with inquiry arises as faith advances. This is what it means to become worthy of such speculation, of such a character, and of such importance. Consequently, though disease, accident, and what is most terrible of all, death, come upon the Gnostic, he remains inflexible in soul, knowing that all such things are a necessity of creation, and that by the power of God, they become the medicine of salvation. He never cherishes resentment or harbors a grudge against anyone, even those deserving of hatred for their conduct. For he worships the Maker and loves those who share in life, pitying and praying for them on account of their ignorance. It is not in supposition or pretense that he wishes to be faithful, but in knowledge and truth, that is, in sure deed and effectual word. Wherefore he not only praises what is noble, but endeavors himself to be noble, changing by love from a good and faithful servant into a friend through the perfection of habit he has acquired in purity from true instruction and great discipline. Striving to attain the summit of knowledge, decorous in character, composed in demeanor, and fixing his eye on fair models, on the many patriarchs who have lived rightly, on the many prophets and angels, and above all, on the Lord, he loves not the good things of the world that are within his grasp.