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prior to their own proper essence, they immediately possess the Gods, which [latently] pre-existed in it.
Through these things, therefore, we have shown that the whole of this division is false; that the method [employed by you] of investigating peculiarities is irrational; and that to suppose the government of the Gods is fixed in a certain place, is by no means to apprehend the whole essence and power which is in them. It would have been proper, therefore, to have omitted the opposite inquiry made by you, about this distribution of more excellent natures, as not contradicting in any respect true conceptions. Because, however, it is necessary rather to direct the attention to true science, but not to dispute with men, on this account, we also shall adapt the present inquiry to a certain rational and theological apprehension.
I consider you, therefore, as asking, for it is your inquiry, "Why, since the Gods dwell in the heavens alone, there are invocations by theurgists of terrestrial and subterranean Gods?" For
