"that there are any true philosophers?" "Yes," said I, "those who love to contemplate the truth." In the Phædrus also, Plato, speaking of the truth, shows it as an idea. Now an idea is a conception of God; and this the barbarians have termed the Word of God. The words are as follow: "For one must then dare to speak the truth, especially in speaking of the truth. For the essence of the soul, being colourless, formless, and intangible, is visible only to God,[1] its guide." Now the Word issuing forth was the cause of creation: then also he generated himself, "when the Word had become flesh,"[2] that He might be seen. The righteous man will seek the discovery that flows from love, to which if he hastes he prospers. For it is said, "To him that knocketh, it shall be opened: ask, and it shall be given to you."[3] "For the violent that storm the kingdom"[4] are not so in disputatious speeches; but by continuance in a right life and unceasing prayers, are said "to take it by force," wiping away the blots left by their previous sins.
"You may obtain wickedness, even in great abundance.[5]
And him who toils God helps;
For the gifts of the Muses, hard to win,
Lie not before you, for any one to bear away."
The knowledge of ignorance is, then, the first lesson in walking according to the Word. An ignorant man has sought, and having sought, he finds the teacher; and finding has believed, and believing has hoped; and henceforward having loved, is assimilated to what was loved—endeavouring to be what he first loved. Such is the method Socrates shows Alcibiades, who thus questions: "Do you not think that I shall know about what is right otherwise?" "Yes, if you have found out." "But you don't think I have found out?" "Certainly, if you have sought." "Then you don't think that I have sought?" "Yes, if you think you do not know."[6]
