Basel, Universitätsbibliothek, AN I 8

...of myths; but only as much as their part in philosophy; and if such things exist, let us carry them away; but let us not be dragged down into it; nor should anything be [accepted] from the alien [wisdom]; everything must be cut off, being both foreign and hostile; friend and friend, well-formed and sand; a song indeed exceedingly concerned with perfumes; and only what might be good for nourishing the Savior, having cut it out; as many things as lead and bring something toward and for the buildings of the spiritual breezes, being incorruptible; and the flame of fine writing produces; and gold unaffected, subjected to the fire.

Those who are brought into Egypt in teaching Theology.

Friend

John?
the poor?
a certain man

We might say then, reflecting, O friends and brothers: whether it is good for us to think thus, that our diligence toward nothing evil should establish their zeal; but producing... and those who reject the unlearned bridle; what does it do for them toward the good? For one ought to pull down what belongs to the alien [wisdom]; by no means, therefore, let us be carried away through that by which we differ; nor make that which is well-dissolved [consistent] with the spirit in piety; far from what is fitting for God. And toward what evil did he say these things? As if the womb of such things were not in need of a bridle; a horse is a good thing, but only as much as their part alone, and those who philosophize the three [discourses] of theology; they are carried, yet they are not dragged down into them—those who trust in measures and research regarding philosophy. And let us not drag ourselves down into this; since many things are discordant and frequent; nor let us theologize by the persuasion of philosophers and of the alien [wisdom].

That is to say, to be guarded from every [part]; both foreign to the right doctrine and hostile to us is the right doctrine, and a friend to it; (just as that which is carried about curiously and senselessly; but only as much as of the fine cultivation, both friend and well-formed; for that itself is both hostile and hates us, the [wisdom] from... and a song concerning perfumes; not so that they might be saved—for they happen upon every path—but so that she might be slightly touched and wonder, whatever they might not find as the mother. And being pure, it is not then a base thing of dogmatizing, but divine; so that not only, if they should seem to do this, but omitting as much as is necessary—for concerning this it is greater—and this into that of the philosophy of God. And if anywhere one should find some part even for the many to receive; for such a thing the Savior is placed, zeal, and also to receive the things of goodness, and after taking away the flame... every word of these indeed, of body and soul, also captures; but it is as if in your flame; and of immortality and the not appearing to the shepherd to be evil; which [is] with silver pieces. And making a crown, they have golden things, a flame underneath; the brightness upon the head here is a pattern; but the gold of the flame is as that which is rotten and vinegar.

And as we might say here, I blamed those who were corrupted and those spending on the labor of study; for these things it demands, and not being dragged down; but this, from the passage of expenses. And as for nothing else being honored from the alien [wisdom], let it not be partaken of from their folly; for it introduces there all gold expense that must be announced; so that we may sing to God from the alien [wisdom]. We, indeed, might say in common, toward the better; but how they might have a gracious word, and what I was saying at length as an edification; for she herself is hope and can be a friend and not be dared: the one, to shake off the worse; the other, to clothe oneself in the better.