XI.
THE PYTHAGOREANS.
“Of the hearers of Pythagoras some were content with his
mere authority and the master's word; others were in secret
instructed in such things as were not suitable to be disclosed
to common ears, before they were purified by obedience.”
Origen Cont. Cels, lib. i.
The Samian sage of ancient Italy
On contemplation dwelt and life divine,
And such his wisdom veil'd in mystic sign;
Yet till the God illumin'd and set free
Obedience was his door, and Faith the key,
While Silence kept the path of discipline,
Taught disputatious questions to decline,
Bright speculation, baseless theory;
Till strengthen'd by long duty, Self-control
Had purified the mirror of the soul.
But who hath such authority of rule
Save He Who is the Truth, the Word of God;
And he to whom He giveth Aaron's rod?
Such is the type of His diviner school
.
