6.7

Since, then, they all come from one Creator according to their intellectual substance, while through their flight from God great diversity has arisen among them because of their different works, all these names have been added to them according to the work of each. Thus some are now called archangels, others thrones, dominions, powers, and cherubim. These names were added to them because they kept the will of their Creator. Again, because of the offense of other movements, it became necessary to name others according to their evil inventions: devil and Satan. Others were called demons and evil spirits, even spirits of the world, winds of error, and princes of this age; and many other distinctions exist among them.

Again, those who opposed them in this heavy body in which we dwell were themselves named: some patriarchs, others prophets, kings, priests, judges, and apostles; and many others were chosen because of their excellent way of life. All these names were added to them, whether male or female, because of the differences in their works and according to their rank, for all are from one.

Therefore whoever sins against his neighbor sins against himself, and whoever does evil to his neighbor makes himself evil. Likewise, whoever does good to his neighbor does good to himself. But who could ever sin against God, or who could ever refresh Him? Who has ever served Him, or who could ever bless Him so that He should need that blessing? Who could honor Him as He deserves to be honored, or exalt Him as He is exalted?

Therefore, while we are clothed in this heavy body, let us awaken God within ourselves by urging one another. By doing this, let us make manifest the substance of His compassion toward us. Let us not be lovers of ourselves, or else we shall share in their unstable lot. For whoever knows himself knows everyone. Therefore it is written, “He who called all things out of nothing, that they might be.” By this they mean the intellectual nature, hidden in this corruptible body, existing from the beginning and subject to His rebuke. And whoever is able to love himself likewise loves everyone.