Michael Psellus on the Operation of Daemons

from the shared nature of the universe, that there is but one Creator. They cannot hear that very shared nature declaring the same truth, nor can they discover through reasoning that if there were two opposing creators, there would not be that one arrangement and oneness (henosis) that binds all things together. As the Prophet says, “the ox and the ass know their master and their master's crib,” but these people bid their Master farewell and have elected the most abject of all creatures to take the place of God. “Scorched though they be with the fire,” (as the Proverb says) they still follow and precipitate themselves into that fire which has long been prepared for him and his fellow-apostates. 9: Here we see how little dependence can be placed on a faith founded on human authority, “which stands in the wisdom of man and not in the power of God.” Those who can assign no better reason for their Christianity than that it was transmitted from their fathers will become Pagans, Muslims, or Infidels when they cannot practice their religion safely, or when it is more conducive to their worldly interest to renounce it. They are also liable to be drawn into any fanciful theory that has the charm of novelty, provided it is enforced with talent and eloquence. Little reliance can be placed on any faith that is not the result of an enlightened, rational conviction. Superstition is far more influential than nominal Christianity.

TIMOTHY.—But what profit do they derive from abjuring the Divine religion received from their fathers and rushing toward certain destruction?

THRACIAN.—As to profit, I do not think they derive any. Although the demons promise them gold, possessions, and fame, you know they cannot actually provide these things. They do, however, present to the initiated phantoms and flashing appearances, which these haters of God call "visions of God." For those who wish to be spectators of them, gracious Heavens! how many shameful, unutterable, and detestable things must they witness! For everything we consider sanctioned by law, and a doctrine to be preached, and a duty to be practiced, they madly disregard. Nay, they even disregard the laws of nature.