Hortatory Address to the Greeks

The time has now come, people of Greece, that you, having been convinced by secular histories that Moses and the other prophets were much older than any of those you consider sages among you, abandon the ancient delusion of your ancestors. Read the divine histories of the prophets and learn from them the true religion. They do not present to you artful discourses or speak in a convincing and plausible manner, which is typical of those who wish to deprive you of the truth. Instead, they use simple words and expressions to declare whatever the Holy Ghost, who descended upon them, chose to teach to those who seek the true religion.

Set aside all false shame and the deep-rooted error of humankind, with all its boastful show and empty noise. Though through it, you may believe you possess all advantages, focus on what truly benefits you. You will not offend your ancestors by showing a desire to turn to what is contrary to their error, as it is likely they are now lamenting in Hades and repenting too late. If they could show you from there what has happened to them after this life ended, you would understand the dire consequences they wish to save you from.

Since it is not possible in this life for you to either learn from them or from those who falsely profess to teach philosophy, the only option left for you is to renounce the error of your ancestors and read the prophecies of the sacred writers. Do not require impeccable diction from them, for our religion is based on deeds, not words. Learn from them what will give you everlasting life. Those who unjustly taint the name of philosophy are shown to know nothing at all, as they are forced to admit, however unwillingly, since not only do they disagree with each other, but they also express their own opinions inconsistently.