platonic. Plotinus, explaining how intellect, the second hypostasis, being or nature after the first, came into existence, says: “We call it an image because it is begotten of the One and preserves much of the nature of the One, and is very like the One, as light is like the sun”;[1] “We are to think of it as a radiance proceeding from the One * * * just as the light about and surrounding the sun is eternally generated from it.”[2] This is an explanation of the first step in creation. It is a radiation or emanation from the first principle, as light proceeds from the sun. Explaining the second step in creation in the same way, he says: “Intellect being like the One follows the example of the One and pours forth a mighty power. This power is a particular form of itself, as was the case with that which the principle prior to intellect poured forth.”[3] In like manner he explains all creation, saying: “There is then a procession from the origin of all things to the last and least of them.”[4]
These quotations teach as clearly as do those from Mrs. Eddy that creation is to be considered as an emanation from the creator and that the relation of creation to the creator is illustrated by the radiation of light from the sun. So it is established that the first and second propositions designated above are true also in Neoplatonism.
