Divine Pymander. Asclepius

it is impossible ever to attain the height and exactness of piety original: "Piety" (devotion or religious reverence) or religion.

5. But he who learns and studies the things that exist original: "the things that are"; and how they are ordered and governed; and by whom, for what cause, and to what end; will give thanks to the Workman The Creator as to a good Father, an excellent Nurse, and a faithful Steward. And he who gives thanks shall be pious or religious; and he who is religious shall know both where the truth is and what it is. By learning that, he will become yet more and more religious.

6. For never, O son, shall—or can—that soul, which while it is in the body enlightens and lifts itself up to know and comprehend that which is good and true, slide back to the contrary. For the soul is infinitely enamored...