The Pimander of Hermes Trismegistus

...falsehood original: "mendatium". Referring to the deceptive nature of the material world that is stripped away during the soul's ascent. is implanted. Then indeed the soul, stripped of the motions of the celestial harmony, returns to its desired nature; possessing its own power, and together with those who are already there, it praises the Father. They also contribute themselves to the number of the divine Powers; having become Powers themselves, they enjoy God. And this is the highest good of those to whom the lot of knowing original: "cognoscēdi". Referring to Gnosis, or spiritual knowledge. falls: namely, to become God.

What besides these things pertains to you, except that having embraced all, you wish to be the leader of those who are worthy of your care: so that the human race, through your gift, may obtain divine salvation.

Having spoken such things, Pimander withdrew himself into the number of the divine Powers. I, however, blessing and giving thanks to the Parent of all things, rose up, already strengthened by him and taught the order of the entire nature. Having contemplated a most clear spectacle, from here I myself began to announce the beauty of piety and knowledge to men:

"O people, men born of the earth, you who have given yourselves over to drunkenness, sleep, and ignorance: live soberly! Abstain from the luxury of the belly, you who have been soothed by the rational sound." original: "rationali sono". This refers to the Logos or the divine Word that appeals to the human intellect rather than the physical senses.

They, hearing this, came together with me as one. Then again I added:

"Why, O men born of earth, do you rush headlong into death, since the ability to obtain immortality is by no means lacking to you? Recall yourselves now, you who labor in poverty, wrapped in the darkness of ignorance. Depart from the dark light; lay hold of immortality, and flee corruption."

Some of them, indeed, mocking me, went away, having been cast headlong onto the path of death; but others, prostrating themselves at my feet, prayed that I might instruct them. Raising them up, therefore, I became the leader of the human race, showing them indeed what the way original: "rō" (ratio). In this context, it means the method, reason, or path toward salvation. was...