(Anthony is about to reply when Hilarion tells him in a low voice that the questioner is none other than the tremendous Origen himself; and:—)
Manes (continues). "But first they remain awhile in the Moon, where they are purified. Then they rise into the sun."
Anthony (slowly). "I do not know of anything ... which prevents us ... from believing it."
Manes. "The proper aim of every creature is the deliverance of the ray of celestial light imprisoned within matter. It finds easier escape through the medium of perfumes, spices, the aroma of warmed wine, the light things which resemble thoughts. But the acts of life retain it within its prison. The murderer shall be born again in the form of a celephus; he that kills an animal shall become that animal; if thou plantest a vine, thou shalt be thyself bound within its boughs. Food absorbs the celestial light.... Therefore abstain! fast!"
Hilarion. "Thou seest, they are temperate!"
Manes. "There is much of it in meats, less of it in herbs. Moreover the Pure Ones, by means of their great merits, despoil vegetation of this luminous essence; and, thus liberated, it reascends to its source. But through generation, animals keep it imprisoned within the flesh! Therefore, avoid women!"
Hilarion. "Admire their continence."
Manes. "Or rather contrive that they shall not create..............[3]
Anthony. "Oh—abomination!"