The Pimander of Hermes Trismegistus

For it was the custom of the Egyptians (as Plato writes) to choose priests from the number of philosophers, and to choose a king from the assembly of priests. Therefore, just as he Mercury Trismegistus surpassed all philosophers in sharp wit and learning, so once he was appointed a priest, he excelled all other priests in the holiness of his life and the worship of divine things. And finally, having attained royal dignity, through the administration of laws and his great deeds, he overshadowed the glory of previous kings, so that he was deservedly called Thrice Greatest original: "ter maximus"; the Latin equivalent of the Greek "Trismegistus," signifying his excellence as the greatest philosopher, greatest priest, and greatest king.

He was the first among philosophers to turn from physical and mathematical studies to the contemplation of divine things. He was the first to dispute most wisely concerning the majesty of God, the order of demons original: "demonum"; in this context, these are intermediary spirits or "daemons" that bridge the gap between humanity and the divine, rather than necessarily evil entities, and the transmigrations of souls. Therefore, he was called the first author of theology. Orpheus followed him and held the second place in Ancient Theology original: "prisca theologia"; a Renaissance concept popularized by Ficino, suggesting a single thread of divine truth revealed by God to ancient sages.

Aglaophemus was initiated into the sacred mysteries of Orpheus. Pythagoras succeeded Aglaophemus in theology, followed by Philolaus, the teacher of our divine Plato. Thus, a single school of ancient theology, consistent with itself in every part, was forged from six theologians in a marvelous order: beginning with Mercury and fully perfected by the divine Plato.

Moreover, Mercury wrote very many books pertaining to the knowledge of divine things. In these—O immortal God!—what secret mysteries and what stupendous oracles are revealed! He speaks often not just as a philosopher, but as a prophet, and sings of things to come. A manicule (drawn hand) in the left margin points toward the concluding sentences regarding the prophecy of a new faith. He foresaw the ruin of the old religion, the rise of the new faith, and the advent Ficino implies Mercury predicted the coming of Christianity...