Section 271
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240 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. versant with the studies of the Greeks, especially those thai were pursuing philosophy, I was resolved to examine both the opinions of the heretics, and those works of the philosophers which pretend to speak of truth. This we have also done, in imitation of Pantsenus, by whom so many have been benefited before us, and who was not meanly furnished with erudition like this. In this I have also followed the example of Heraclas, who has now a seat in the presbytery of Alexandria, who I have found persevered five years with a teacher of philosophy before I began to attend to these studies. Wherefore, also, as he had before used a common dress, he threw it aside, and assuming the habit of philosophers, he retains it even until now. He also still continues to criticise the works of the Greeks with great dili gence." These remarks were made by Origen, when he defended himself for his application to the study of the Greeks. About the same time, also, whilst he was staying at Alexan dria, a soldier arriving, handed a letter both to Demetrius, the bishop of the place, and to the prefect of Egypt, from the governor of Arabia ; the purport of which was that he should send Origen to him, in all haste, in order to communicate to him his doctrine. Wherefore he was sent by them. But, ere long, having finished the objects of his visit, he again returned to Alexandria. Some time after, however, when a considerable war broke out in the city, he made his escape out of the city ; and not thinking it would be safe to stay in Egypt, came to Palestine, and took up his abode in Cesarea. There he was also requested by the bishops to expound the sacred Scriptures publicly in the church, although he had not yet obtained the priesthood by the imposition of hands. This might also be shown, from what was written to Demetrius respecting him, by Alexander bishop of Jerusalem, and Theoctistus bishop of Cesarea, who defended him in the following man ner : — " He has added (.. e. Demetrius) to his letter, that this was never before either heard or done, that laymen should deli ver discourses in the presence of the bishops. I know not how it happens that he is here evidently so far from the truth. For, Demetrius is here addressed, by way of respect, in the third person.