Section 257
The text on this page is estimated to be only 27.81% accurate
220 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. CHAPTER VIII. The resolute, act of Origen. WHILST at this time Origen was performing the office of an elementary instructor at Alexandria, he also carried a deed into effect, which would seem, indeed, rather to proceed from a youth ful understanding not yet matured ; at the same time, however, exhibiting the strongest proof of his faith and continence. For understanding this expression, " There are eunuchs who have made themselves such (who have acted the eunuch) for the. sake of the kingdom of heaven," in too literal and puerile a sense, and at the same time thinking that he would fulfil the words of our Saviour, whilst he also wished to preclude the unbelievers from all occasions of foul slander, it being necessary for him, young as he was, to converse on divine truth not only with men but with females also, he was led on to fulfil the words of our Saviour by his deeds, expecting that it would not be known to the most of his friends. But it was impossible for him, much as he wished it, to conceal such an act. And when it was at last ascertained by Demetrius, the bishop of the church there, well did he admire the courage of the deed ; and perceiving the ardour, and the soundness of his faith, he immediately exhorts him to cherish con fidence ; and at this time, indeed, urges him the more to continue in his work of instruction. Such, indeed, was his conduct then. But not long after this, the same Demetrius, seeing him doing well, great and illustrious, and celebrated among all, was over come by human infirmity, and wrote against him to the bishops throughout the world, and attempted to traduce what he hac done as a most absurd act. JThen, as the most distinguishec bishops of Palestine, and those oT Cesarea and Jerusalem, judgec Origen worthy of the first and highest honour, Jhey ordained hirr to the presbytery by the imposition of hands.) He advanced therefore, at this time, to great reputation, and obtained a cele brity among all men, and no little renown for his virtue an< wisdom ; but Demetrius, though he had no other charge to urg»