the gnostic

And indeed the reciprocal sequence of the three virtues is found in connection with the gnostic man, who busies himself ethically and naturally and rationally about the divine.

Whether, then, it be the time which, through the seven periods numbered, restores into the highest rest, or the seven heavens, which some reckon by ascent, or even the fixed region that borders on the intelligible world, which is called the ogdoad—still he says the gnostic must rise up out of generation and sin.

So at once the soul of the wise and gnostic man, as though lodging as a guest in the body, conducts itself toward it gravely and honourably, not with passionate attachment, ready, whenever the time of departure should call, to leave the tabernacle.