the Pythagoreans which comprehendeth [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], the contrary combinations of the principles of unity and division, was the root of the two contrary Manichaean Powers. These Pythagoras learned from the Egyptians, who be∣sides a good principle own'd Typhon (called also Seth, Bebon, and Smy) a principle of Evil and Tyranny.
For Manes, he strain'd the conceit of the Pythagore∣an Soul of the World to such a degree of extravagance, that he plac'd a perceptive spirit, (as Epiphanius no∣teth) in every Creature. He would not so much as break his Bread, or cut a Pot-herb, though he had cru∣elty enough to eat them. For certainly if Bread were still alive after grinding and baking, it remained so in the broken pieces of it. But how wild a flight does mans fancy take, when it moves it self only upon its own wings!
I do not recall any passage in History which sheweth concerning this monstrous Heretick, that he either prayed or sacrificed to this principle of evil. If he did neither, he yet made an Idol of it by exalting it in his mind, to that undue supremacy. And on the other hand, he turned the Author of all good into another Idol. For as we are instructed by Theodoret in his first Book of Heretical Fables, he confined that Principle to three quarters of the World, bestowing the Sou∣thern parts upon Matter, the dark Principle, or the De∣vil. He likewise sacrilegiously robbed God of that part of his Providence which dispenseth righteous judg∣ments. Further, as the same Theodoret relateth, he some∣times called the Sun and Moon his Deities. Sometimes he called the Sun, Christ; and prov'd it as Enthusiasts prove their Dreams, by the Eclipse it suffered at his Crucifixion. Sometimes he maintained them to be two Ships which conveyed the Souls which depart hence,