STRWMATEWN TETARTOS

STROMATA

BOOK FOUR

Plan for further presentation

[1] It is now necessary to proceed to the discussion of the question of martyrdom, and to tell us who may be called perfect. Let us also touch upon all the rest that has a connection with the preceding, and in particular consider whether both slave and free can be equally inclined to philosophy, regardless of what sex they are, male or female. 2 Then, having supplemented our previous discourse on faith and the ways in which it is sought, we shall undertake a discourse on symbols, in order, after a brief survey of ethical questions, to show what benefit the Greeks can derive from a knowledge of barbarian philosophy. 3 Having given due consideration to this subject, we shall concentrate on those passages of Scripture which refute some of the views of some of the Greeks and Jews. Next, we will return again to what we have already promised to set forth in the previous books of our Stromata, but we have not been able to fit all this into one discussion, because of the abundance of various topics touched upon there. [2] 1 Having expounded as far as possible all these subjects, we shall begin a discussion of the natural scientific conceptions of the Greeks and barbarians concerning the first principles, as far as this information has reached our ears, and conclude with a criticism of the most important doctrines of the philosophers. (2) Then, touching briefly upon theology, let us pass on to the prophetic traditions, thus confirming the authenticity of the Scriptures in which we have believed, and their divine origin. After this, we will be able to smash the heretical teachings step by step, contrasting them with the doctrine of one God and Lord Almighty, so openly proclaimed in the law, the prophetic writings, and the good Gospel. (3) Many obstacles await us on this path, but we shall endeavour in our work to resist all distortions, by convincing them of the contrary against their will, by the power of the Scriptures themselves.

[3:1] When we have completed all that we plan to elucidate in our discourse, and of which, if the Spirit permits us, it is most necessary to say (since it is necessary to touch upon what is preliminary knowledge before proceeding to the truth), we shall first turn to the true Gnostic doctrine of nature, and thus receive initiation into the lesser mysteries before how to move on to the greats. Thus, after the explanation and exposition of the initial principles, the interpretation of holy things in accordance with divine reason will not be hindered in any way. (2) The knowledge of nature, or rather the mystical contemplation contained in the canon of the Gnostic tradition, which is in accord with the truth, is further clarified by an appeal to cosmogony, from which the path lies to theology. 3 Wherefore we shall begin with what the prophets tell us of creation, expounding them as they go, and, as far as we can, refuting them. (4) But the whole plan can only be accomplished by the grace of God, and to the extent of the abilities which God has given us. Let us now turn to our preceding subject, having first concluded what remains to be said about ethics.

II

On the meaning of the title of the book

4, 1 Our notes, as we have often said, may seem to readers who are not very diligent and inexperienced to be too varied, and, as the title itself indicates, to consist of various pieces, woven into one carpet, so that the discourse constantly glides from one subject to another, often pointing in one direction, but thereby proving something different. 2 "Miners," says Heraclitus, "in search of gold, dig through a great deal of earth, and find very little."1 But everyone who belongs to the "golden family," even when digging up what is foreign to him, will find much in the small. In this way, the word can find a reader who is able to understand it.2 (3) In the same way, our Stromata, in the hands of a person who reads them with understanding, can be a good help to the memory and a means of helping in the search for truth. 4 The reader, however, must also make his own research. 5:1 A wise traveller, if he is in doubt as to the right choice of path, need only point out the right direction. Then he will be able to continue his journey and achieve his goal. Once a certain slave asked the Delphic priestess how he could win over his master. The Pythia answered: "If you search, you will find." (2) And yet, it seems to me that it is a difficult task to seek the hidden good,