374

ORIGIN OF TAKING A TEXT.

ence. But he drew a very proper connection between redemption and sanctification, and between faith and works.

Were it not for the visionary revellings in which he delighted, in a vain and deceitful philosophy which mingled itself with all his notions-had he taken the word of God only-he would have been a teacher, with his influence and learning, of, great advantage to the church; as it was, he was the instrument of spreading abroad in the church, doctrines for which there is no warrant in the word of God; and, raising up teachers of speculations like his own, to follow in

his course.

Origen busied himself to the end of his days in theological labors; and so great was his reputation, that when sixty years of age, short-hand writers were employed to take down his sermons. Synods called upon him to counsel them in matters of difficulty; and bishops, in weighty matters, called him to their aid. He was the first who introduced the custom of selecting a text, or portion of scripture, upon which to discourse in public assemblies.

Among the Christians of Arabia, a controversy existed in relation to the natural immortality of the soul; some supposing that immortality was a gift of the grace of God, that the soul died with the body, and was raised again with the body, only at the general resurrection. A great synod was called to settle this controversy, and when they were unable to agree, Origen was invited to attend; and such was his influ

HIS SUFFERINGS AND DEATH.

375

ence, that he prevailed over the opposers of the natural immortality of the soul, until they acknowledged their error, and all controversy upon the subject was brought to an end.

Towards the close of his life, his individual opinions were regarded as heretical, and opposed to the more evangelical doctrines of the gospel; but he seemed himself to study to show that he was ready to renounce every thing, even life itself, for the sake of his Lord. In the Decian persecution, which was particularly directed against the leaders of the Christian church-as those most dangerous to the state, in propagating the peculiar doctrines of ChristianityOrigen was most active, and became the object of fanatical cruelty. He was thrown into a dungeon, and his persecutors endeavored to triumph over the weakness of his age, by gradually increasing torments. But he witnessed a good confession; and after great suffering, in which he was supported by faith, he was released from confinement. But the sufferings which he underwent had shattered his health so that his death soon ensued.

Succeeded by Heraclas--Gregory, alias Theodocius-His Parentage-His Studies-Joins Origen's School at Cæsarea-Panegyric on Origen-Condition of Neocæsarea-Become their Bishop-How made Such-Condition of his Diocese His Confession of Faith-His Miracles--Their Influence upon Neocæsarea--By whom Believed--His Success-Persecutions-Gregory in Council-His Works-Dionysius Succeeds Heraclas-How Distinguished— He Reads Heathen Works-Theognostus-Origenites-Hieracas how Supported His Doctrines-Methodius-Pamphilus-The Bible Improved and Circulated-The Master and Friend of Eusebius-The Extent of Origen's Influence.

So extensive were the labors of Origen during his life, that both his writings and pupils kept alive his peculiar opinions long after his death. He was succeeded in his school by Heraclas, one of his most distinguished disciples, who became successor to Demetrius, the personal enemy of Origen. Heraclas was especially the friend of his master, holding him in great esteem to the day of his death. And such was the influence which his friends exerted, that his opinions were spread from Palestine to Cappadocia and Pontus, and while many rejected his errors, all admired his industry and extensive learning.

GREGORY, xvμrougyos, the wonderworker, was the

pupil of Origen for eight years. His original name was Theodocius, and he was born at Neocæsarea, the metropolis of Cappadocia. He was a heathen, but his family was of the higher order of society, and of considerable wealth. His father was a thorough heathen, but he died when Gregory was fourteen years of age, and his studies were not so much confined to an exclusively heathen training after that event as before. He was bred to the profession of the law, and in order to complete his education he visited Alexandria, where he spent some time to great advantage. From this city he went to Athens, where Socrates tells us he studied for some time.* But the fame of Origen, who was now at Cæsarea in Palestine, reached him, and, in company with Firmilian, who afterwards became bishop of Cæsarea, he joined his school. Here he studied Christianity and renounced his heathenism. At the expiration of his studies in Cæsarea, he delivered an eloquent panegyric upon Origen, which so exhibited his powers, that every one listened with amazement. And after his departure, Origen wrote a very encouraging letter to him, extolling his abilities and urging their constant employment in the work of spreading the Christian religion.†

After his return to Neocæsarea, he found it overgrown with idolatry and superstition, and Christianity scarcely known. The good bishop of Amasea, a

Hist. Eccl. 1, iv. c. 27. Extract in Orig. Philocal c. 13.