Book V - Snyder Bible

The Preaching of Simeon Kefa 75
institutions of their sect each one of those who aspire after
admittance into the number, hoping that he may be deemed
worthy to be put into the place of the deceased, when, as we
have said, any one dies. Therefore Dositheus, being greatly
urged by this man, introduced Simon when a vacancy occurred
among the num
Chapter IX: Simon Magus: His Profession
they call Luna; and he confided all things to us as his friends:
how he was a magician, and how he loved Luna, and how, being
desirous of glory, he was unwilling to enjoy her ingloriously,
but that he was waiting patiently till he could enjoy her
honorably; yet so if we also would conspire with him towards
the accomplishment of his desires. And he promised that, as a
reward of this service, he would cause us to be invested with
the highest honors, and we should be believed by men to be
the chief place upon me, Simon, who by magic art am able to
show many signs and prodigies, by means of which either my
glory or our sect may be established. For I am able to render
myself invisible to those who wish to lay hold of me, and again
to be visible when I am willing to be seen. If I wish to flee, I can
dig through the mountains, and pass through rocks as if they
were clay. If I should throw myself headlong from a lofty
mountain, I should be borne unhurt to the earth, as if I were
held up; when bound, I can loose myself, and bind those who
had bound me; being shut up in prison, I can make the barriers
open of their own accord; I can render statues animated,
so that those who see suppose that they are men. I can make
new trees suddenly spring up, and produce sprouts at once. I
can throw myself into the fire, and not be burnt; I can change
my countenance, so that I cannot be recognized; but I can
show people that I have two faces. I shall change myself into a
sheep or a goat; I shall make a beard to grow upon little boys; I
shall ascend by flight into the air; I shall exhibit abundance of
gold, and shall make and unmake kings. I shall be worshipped