If Origen was, as Porphyry
acquainted
with the church at Rome, visited the
(ap.
(ap.
William Smith - 1844 - Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities - c
1845, p.
7.
) Books 24 and 25 treat of 8vo.
, which is more complete than the preceding.
anatomy, and may perhaps be the work translated | Rasarius united the "Synopsis ad Eustathium,"
3 with his
## p. 46 (#62) ##############################################
46
ORIGENES.
ORIGENES.
the “ Euporista ad Eunapium," and the nineteen but these obviously landatory interpretations of it
books of the Collecta Medicinalia” that were render it improbable that Origen assumed it him-
then discovered (including the two treatises “ De self, as a boastful temper does not appear to bare
Laqueis ” and “ De Machinamentis "), and pub been at all characteristic of him. The names
lished them together, with the title “ Oribasii quae “ Chalcenterus " Xarxévtepos (“ brasen-bowels ")
restant Omnia,” Basil. 1557, 3 vols. 8vo. They given him by Jerome (1. c. ), and “ Chalceutes"
are also to be found in H. Stephani “Medicae Xahkeutns (* brasier "), and “Syntactes ” Evv.
Artis Principes,” Paris, 1567, fol. The pieces en: TáxTTS (“Composer ") conferred upon him by
titled “ De Victus Ratione, per quodlibet Anni others (Epiph. Haeres. lxiii. l; and Tillemont.
Tempus” (Basil
. 1528, fol. ) and De Simplici- | Mém. vol. iii. p. 497), appear to have been mere
bus " (Argent. 1533, fol. ) are probably extracted epithets, expressive of his assiduity. As he was
from his larger works.
in his seventeenth year, at the time of his father's
Oribasius is said by Suidas to have been the death, which occurred apparently in April 203
author of some other works which are now lost, (Huet. Orijenian. i. 8), in the persecution which
viz. 1. Tepi Bagia elas, De Regno ; 2. Nepl Malov, began in the tenth year of the reign of the
De Affectibus ; and 3. Mpòs Tous 'Atropoūvtas TÊ Emperor Severus, his birth must be fixed in or
Platpūv, Ad illos quibus Medicorum Copia non about A. D. 186. The year 187, given in the
datur (or perhaps rather Ad Medicos dubitantes, Chronicon Paschale, is too late ; and 185, given
vel inopes Consilii), which last has been conjectured by most modern writers, too early. His father
to have been the same work as the “ Euporista ad was Leonides (ewvions), a devout Christian of
Eunapium," mentioned above.
Alexandria. Suidas (s. v. 'Opigerns) calls him
Besides these works, a commentary on the bishop ;” but his authority, unsupported by any
Aphorisms of Hippocrates goes under the name of ancient testimony, is insufficient to prove his epis-
Oribasius, but is undoubtedly spurious. It was copal character. Porphyry (apud Euseb. H. E.
first published in Latin by J. Guinterius Ander- vi. 19) speaks of Origen, with whom he claimed
nacus, Paris, 1533, 8vo. , and has been thrice re- to have been acquainted in early life, as having
printed. It is probable that the work does not been educated a heathen, and afterwards converted
exist in Greek, and that it was written by a person to Christianity; but, as his acquaintance with Origen
who made use of a Latin translation of the - Syn- was apparently very slight, and when Origen was an
opsis ad Eustathium,” and who composed it with old man, his authority in such a matter is of little
the intention of passing it off as the genuine work weight. Leonides gave his son a careful education,
of Oribasius. If so, it is a clumsy forgery, and not only in the usual branches of knowledge, but
betrays its spurious origin to the most cursory in- especially in the Scriptures, of which he made him
spector, being apparently the work of a Christian, commit to memory and recite a portion every day.
and at the same time purporting to be written at Origen was a pupil of Clement of Alexandria,
the command of Ptolemy Euergetes. It has been and he also received some instruction of Pantaenus
conjectured that it was composed by some physi- apparently after his return from India. (Pan-
cian belonging to the school of Salerno, about the TAENUS. ) He had Alexander, afterwards bishop
beginning of the fourteenth century; but this is of Jerusalem, for his early friend and fellow-
certainly too recent, as it is to be found in two student (Alex. ap. Euseb. II. E. vi. 14).
MSS. at Paris, which are supposed to belong to the In the persecution which commenced in the
tenth century. (See Littré's Hippocrates, vol. iv. tenth year of Severus (A. D. 202) Leonides was
p. 443. )
imprisoned, and after a time beheaded. Origen
A further account of Oribasius, especially of his was anxious to share with his father the glory of
medical opinions, may be found in Freind's Hist. martyrdom ; and when this desire was frustrated
of Physic, vol. i. ; Haller's Biblioth. Anat. , Biblioth. by the watchfulness of his mother, who, after
Chirurg. , Biblioth. Botan. , and Biblioth. Medic. vainly entreating him to give up his purpose, hid
Pract. ; Sprengel’s Hist
. de la Méd. ; and in J. F. C. away all his clothes, and so prevented him from
Hecker's Litterar. Annal. der gesammten Heil- leaving home, he wrote a letter to his father,
kunde, 1825, vol. i. , which last work the writer exhorting him to steadfastness, in the words “ See
has never
See also Fabric. Biblioth. Gr. I that thou changest not thy mind for our sakes. "
vol. ix. p. 451, xii. 640, xiii. 353, ed. vet. ; and | By the death of Leonides, his widow, with Origen
Choulant, Handb. der Bücherkunde für die Aeltere and six younger sons, was reduced to destitution,
Medicin.
(W. A. G. ] the property of the martyr haring been confiscated.
ORIGENES ('Npeyévms), one of the most emi- Origen was, however, received into the house of a
nent of the early Christian writers, not only for wealthy female, then living at Alexandria, who had,
his intellectual powers and attainments, but also among her inmates at the time, one Paul of Antioch,
for the influence exercised by him on the opinions whom she regarded as a son, who was in bad
of subsequent ages, and for the dissensions and repute on account of his beretical opinions. Ne
discussions respecting his opinions, which have ander calls him a Gnostic. His eloquence, however,
been carried on through many centuries down to attracted a considerable audience, not only of those
modern times.
who sympathised in his views, but of the orthodox ;
I. Life. Origen bore, apparently from his birth yet Origen refused to unite in prayer with him
(Euseb. H. E. vi. 14) the additional name of Ada- ** detesting," as he has somewhere expressed it,
mantius ('Adapávtis), though Epiphanius states “heretical teachings. " (Euseb. H. E. vi. 2. ) This
(Haeres. lxiv. 73) that he assumed it himself. repugnance probably quickened his efforts to be-
Doubtless, the name was regarded by the admirers come independent, and his ardent application to
of Origen as significant either of his unwearied study enabled him soon to extricate himself from
industry (Hieron. Ep. xliii. ad Marcellam, c. 1. difficulty by becoming a teacher of the branches of
vol. i. p. 190 ed Vallars. ), or of the irrefragable education comprehended under the epithet" gram-
strength of his arguments (Phot. Bill. cod. 118); ma ical” (ta ypapuatıká). (Euseb. ibid. ) Hia
seen.
## p. 47 (#63) ##############################################
ORIGENES.
;
a
ORIGENES.
47
attainments included, according to Jerome (De, fluenced to this act also by the consideration of his
Vir. Illustr. c. 54) and Gregory Thuamaturgus own youth, and by the circumstance that his
(Paneg. in Origen. c. 7, 8, 9), ethics, grammar, catechumens were of both scxes. He wished,
rhetoric, dialectics or logic, geometry, arithmetic, however, to conceal what he had done, and ap-
music, and an acquaintance with the tenets of the pears to have been much confused when it was
various philosophical sects ; to which may be added divulged ; but the bishop Demetrius, respecting
an acquaintance with the Hebrew language, a rare his motive, exhorted him to take courage, though
acquisition among the Christians of those days. he did not hesitate, at & subsequent period, to
It is probable, however, that several of these make it a matter of severe accusation against him.
attainments were made later in life than the time (Euseb. H. E. vi. 3, 8; Epiphan. Hueres. lxiv. 3 ;
of which we are now speaking. His knowledge Hieron. Epist. 65, ed. vett. , 41, ed. Benedict. , 84,
of Hebrew was most likely of later date ; from ed. Vallars. ) Origen himself (Comment. in Matt.
whom he acquired it is not clear. He often quotes tom. xv. l) afterwards repudiated this literal under-
(vid. Hieronym. in Rufin. lib. i. , Opera, vol. iv. standing of our Lord's words.
pars ii. col. 363, ed. Benedict, vol. ii. pars i. ed. With the death of Severus (A. D. 211), if not
Vallars. ) Huillus, a patriarch of the Jews, of whom before, the persecution in which Plutarchus and
nothing appears to be known ; but whether he others of Origen's catechumens had perished)
was Origen's instructor in the Hebrew language ceased ; and Origen, anxiously desiring to become
is only conjecture.
If Origen was, as Porphyry acquainted with the church at Rome, visited the
(ap. Euseb. H. E. vi. 19) and Theodoret (Graecar. imperial city during the papacy of Zephyrinus,
Affection. Curat. lib. vi. Opera, vol. iv. p. 573, ed. which extended, according to Tillemont, from
Sirmond. p. 869. ed Schulze) affirm, a hearer of A. D. 201, or 202, to 218. Tillemont and Ne-
Ammonius Saccas (AMMONIUS SACCAS), it was ander place this visit in A. D. 211 or 212. He
probably at a later period, when he attended a made however a very short stay; and when he
lecturer on philosophy, whom he does not name, returned to Alexandria (Euseb. H. E. vi. 14), find-
to gain an acquaintance with the Greek philosophy. ing himself unable to discharge alone the duties of
(Origen, ap. Euseb. H. E. vi. 19. ) Epiphanius Catechist, and to give the attention which he desired
(Hacres. liiv. 1) says that perhaps he studied to biblical studies, be gave up a part of his catechu-
at Athens; but it is not likely that he visited mens (who flocked to him from morning till evening)
that city in early life, though he was there when to the care of his early pupil Heraclas. It was pro-
he travelled into Greece many years afterward. bably about this time that he began to devote bim-
Within a very short time after he had com- self to the study of the Hebrew language (Euseb.
menced teacher of grammar, he was applied to by H. E. vi. 15, 16); and also to the study of the
some heathens who desired instruction in Chris Greek philosophy, his eminence in which is ad-
tianity. The first of those who applied to him mitted by Porphyry (ap. Euseb. H. E. vi. 19),
were Plutarchus, who suffered martyrdom at that he might instruct and refute the heretics and
Alexandria very shortly after, and his brother heathens, who, attracted by his growing reputation,
Heraclas, who became in the sequel Origen's resorted to him to test his attainments, or to profit
assistant and successor in the office of Catechist, by them. Among those who thus resorted to him
and afterward bishop of Alexandria. At the time was one Ambrosius, or Ambrose, a Valentinian,
of their application to Origen, the office of Catechist according to Eusebius (H. E. vi. 18); a Mar-
was vacant through the dispersion of the clergy cionite, or a Sabellian, according to other accounts
consequent on the persecution ; and Demetrius, the reported by Epiphanius (Haeres
. Ixiv. 3); at any
bishop, shortly after appointed Origen, though only rate a dissenter of some kind from the orthodox
in his eighteenth year, to the office. The young church ; a man of wealth, rank, and earnestness of
teacher showed a zeal and self-denial beyond his character. Origen convinced him of his error ;
years. The persecution was still raging ; but he and Ambrose, grateful for the benefit, became the
shrunk not from giving every support and encou- great supporter of Origen in his biblical labours, de-
ragement to those who suffered, frequently at the voting his wealth to his service, and supplying him
risk of his life. The number of those who resorted with more than seven amanuenses to write from
to him as Catechist continually increased ; and, his dictation, and as many transcribers to make
deeming his profession as teacher of grammar incon- fair copies of his works. (Euseb. H. E. vi. 23. )
sistent with his sacred work, he gave it up; and About this time he undertook a journey into
that he might not, in the failure of this source of Petraea, the Roman Arabia, at the request of the
income, become dependent on others, he sold all his governor of that province, who, wishing to confer
books of secular literature, and lived for many years with him on some matter not specified, had de-
on an income of four oboli a day derived from the spatched an officer with letters to the governor of
proceeds of the sale. His course of life was of the Egypt and the bishop of. Alexandria, requesting
most rigorously ascetic character. His food, and his Origen might be sent to him. After a short ab
periods of sleep, which he took, not in a bed, but sence on this business, he returned to Alexandria
on the bare ground, were restricted within the nar- It was perhaps on this visit that he heard Hippo-
rowest limits ; and, understanding literally the lytus preach (HIPPOLYTUS, No. 1). After a time
precepts of the Lord Jesus Christ, not to have two he again left Alexandria on account of a serious
coats and to take no shoes (Matt. . 10. ), he went disturbance which arose there ; and, not deeming
for many years barefoot, by wbich and by other himself safe in any part of Egypt, withdrew to
austerities he had nearly ruined his health. The Caesareia in Palestine. Huet (Origeniana, lib. i.
same ascetic disposition, and the saine tendency to c. ii. $ 6), Tillemont, and others identify the
interpret to the letter the injunctions of the Scrip- tumult (Eusebius calls it " the war ") which com-
tures, led him to a strange act of self-mutilation, in pelled Origen to quit Alexandria, with the slaugh-
obedience to what he regarded as the recommend ter of the people of that city by Caracalla (Cara:
ation of Christ (Math xix. 12. ) He was in- Calla. ] If this conjecture is admitted, it enables
## p. 48 (#64) ##############################################
48
ORIGENES.
ORIGENES.
ng to assign to Origen's removal the date A. d. | Demetrius agninst Origen from his Ecclesiastical
216. At Caesareia he received the most respectful History, on the ground that they were related in
treatment. Though not yet ordained to the priest- the Defence of Origen ('Trep 'Opigévous drologiche
hood, he was invited to expound the Scriptures, Apologia pro Origene) drawn up by Pamphilus and
and to discourse publicly in the church. Theo- Eusebius ; and the loss of this defence has deprived
ctistus, bishop of Caesareia, and Alexander, bishop us of the most trustworthy account of these trans-
of Jerusalem, the latter of whom had been a fellow- actions. However, we learn from Photius, who
student of Origen, were among the prelates at has preserved (Bibl. Cod. 118) a notice of the lost
whose invitation he was induced thus to come for work, that a council of Egyptian prelates and pres-
ward : and when Demetrius of Alexandria, who byters was held by Demetrius, in which it was
was growing jenlous of Origen, objected to it as determined that Origen should lenve Alexandring
an unheard of irregularity, that a layman should and not be allowed either to reside or to teach
preach before bishops, they vindicated him by there. His office of Catechist devolved or was
citing several precedents. It was perhaps during bestowed on bis colleague Heraclas. His ordina.
this visit to Palestine that Origen met with one of tion, however, was not invalidated, and indeed the
the Greek versions of the Old Testament, the passage in Photius seems to imply that the coun-
Editio Quinta or Sexta, which be published in his cil expressly decided that he should retain his
llcxapla, and which is said to have been found in priesthood. But Demetrius was determined that
a wine jár at Jericho. He returned to Alexandria, he should not retain it; and, in conjunction with
apparently about the end of Caracalla's reign, at certain Egyptian prelates, creatures, it would ap-
the desire of Demetrius, who sent some deacons of pear, of his own, he pronounced his degradation.
his church to hasten him home (Euseb. H. E. vi. Origen had probably, before this second sentence,
19). He returned with zeal to the discharge of retired from Alexandria into Palestine, where he
his office of Catechist, and to the diligent pursuit of was welcomed and protected, and where he taught
his biblical labours.
and preached with great reputation. It was, per-
His next journey was into Greece. Eusebius haps, mortification at having failed to crush Origen
(H. E. vi. 23) describes the occasion in general that led Demetrius to take the further step of ex-
terms, as being ecclesiastical business, but Rufinus communicating him, and to write to the bishops of
(In versione Eusebii, l. c. ) and Jerome (De Vir. all parts of the world to obtain their concurrence in
Ilustr. c. 54) more exactly describe the object as the sentence. Such was the deference already paid
being the refutation of heretics who were increasing to the see of Alexandria, and to the decision of the
there. Passing through Palestine on his way, he Egyptian bishops, that, except in Palestine and
was ordained presbyter by his friends, Theoctistus the adjacent countries, Arabia and Phoenicia, in
and Alexander, and the other bishops of that pro. Greece, and perhaps in Cappadocia, where Origen
vince, at Caesareia. This aroused again the jealousy was personally known and respected, the condem-
of Demetrius, and led to a decisive rupture between nation appears to have obtained general assent.
him and Origen, who, however, completed his jour. Even the bishop and clergy of Rome joined in the
ney, in the course of which he probably met with a general cry. (Hieron. Epist. 29, ed. Benedict. , 33,
Greek version of the 0. T. (the Seata or Quinta ed. Vallars. and apud Rufin. Inrectir. ii. 19, ed.
Editio of his Herapla), which had been discovered Vallars. ) It is probable that Origen's unpopu-
by one of his friends at Nicopolis, in Epeirus, near larity arose from the obnoxious character of some
the Promontory of Actium, on the Ambracian Gulf of his opinions, and was increased by the circum-
(Synopsis Sacrae Scripturae, Atbanasio adscripta). stance that even in his life-time (Hieron. In Rufin.
Possibly it was on this journey that Origen had the ii. 18) his writings were seriously corrupted. lt
interview with Mammaea, mother of the emperor appears also that the indiscretion of Ambrosius had
Alexander Severus, mentioned by Eusebius (H. E. published some things which were not designed for
vi. 21). Mammaea was led by the curiosity which general perusal. (Hieron. Epist. 65, ed. vett. , 41,
Origen's great reputation had excited, to solicit an ed. Benedict. , 84, ed. Vallars. c. 10. ) But what was
interview with him when she was at Antioch. the specific ground of his exile, deposition, and ex-
Tillemont places this interview at an earlier period, communication is not clear ; it is probable that the
A. D. 218, Huet in A. D. 223 ; but the date is immediate and only alleged ground was the irregu-
altogether uncertain. The journey of Origen into larity of his ordination ; and that whatever things in
Greece is placed by Eusebius, as we understand the his writings were capable of being used to his pre-
passage, in the episcopate of Pontianus at Rome, judice, were employed to excite odium against hin,
which extended from a. D. 230, or, according to and so to obtain general concurrence in the pro-
other accounts, from 233 to 235, and of Zebinus at ceedings of his opponents. Possibly the story of
Antioch from a. D. 2:28 to 237 ; but Tillemont and his apostasy, mentioned by Epiphanius, was circu-
Huet interpret the passage so as to fix the ordina- lated at the same time, and for the same objech
tion of Origen in A. D. 228, about the time when Origen was, meanwhile, secure at Caesareis,
Zebinus of Antioch succeeded Philetus. We are where he preached almost daily in the church. He
disposed to place it in A. D. 230.
wrote a letter in vindication of himself to some
On his return to Alexandria, he had to encounter friends at Alexandria, in which he complains of
the open enmity of Demetrius. The remembrance the falsification of his writings. According to
of incidents of the former part of his life was Jerome (In Rufin. ii. 18), he severely handled
revived and turned to his disadvantage. His self- (laceret) Demetrius, and “inveighed against (in-
mutilation, which had been excused at the time, rehatur) the bishops and clergy of the whole
was now urged against him; and a passage in world," expressing his disregard of their excommu-
Epiphanius (Haeres. Ixiv. 2) gives reason to think nication of him : but from some quotations from
that a charge of having offered incense to heathen the letter it appears to have been written in a
deities was also brought against him. Eusebius milder and more forgiving spirit than Jerome's
has omitted the account of the steps taken by description would lead us to expect Demetrius
W
## p. 49 (#65) ##############################################
ORIGENES.
49
ORIGENES.
died about this time. Tillemont places his death | empress Severa his wife, and other to Fabianus,
in the same year as Origen's expulsion, viz. A. v. bishop of Rome, and other leading ecclesiastics, to
231, correcting in a note the errors of Eusebius, in correct their misconceptions respecting himself.
bis Chronicon, as to the dates of these events. He made also a third journey into Arabia, where
Heraclas succeeded Demetrius ; but though he had he convinced some persons of their error in be-
been the friend, pupil, and colleague of Origen, the lieving that the soul died with the body and was
change produced no benefit to the latter : the raised again with it ; and repressed the rising
Egyptian clergy were too deeply committed to the heresy of the Elcesaitae, who asserted, among other
course into which Demetrius had led them, to allow things, that to deny the faith in a time of persecùe -
them to retract, and Origen remained in exile till tion was an act nuorally indifferent, and supported
his death. About this time he met with Gregory their beresy by a book which they affirmed to havo
Thaumaturgus, afterwards bishop of Neocaesareia fallen from heaven. (Euseb. vi. 36, 37, 38. )
[GREGORIUS THAUMATURGUS), and his brother But the life of this laborious and self-denying
Athenodorus, who were then youths pursuing their Christian was drawing near its close. With the
studies. They both became his pupils, and the reign of Decius (A. D.
anatomy, and may perhaps be the work translated | Rasarius united the "Synopsis ad Eustathium,"
3 with his
## p. 46 (#62) ##############################################
46
ORIGENES.
ORIGENES.
the “ Euporista ad Eunapium," and the nineteen but these obviously landatory interpretations of it
books of the Collecta Medicinalia” that were render it improbable that Origen assumed it him-
then discovered (including the two treatises “ De self, as a boastful temper does not appear to bare
Laqueis ” and “ De Machinamentis "), and pub been at all characteristic of him. The names
lished them together, with the title “ Oribasii quae “ Chalcenterus " Xarxévtepos (“ brasen-bowels ")
restant Omnia,” Basil. 1557, 3 vols. 8vo. They given him by Jerome (1. c. ), and “ Chalceutes"
are also to be found in H. Stephani “Medicae Xahkeutns (* brasier "), and “Syntactes ” Evv.
Artis Principes,” Paris, 1567, fol. The pieces en: TáxTTS (“Composer ") conferred upon him by
titled “ De Victus Ratione, per quodlibet Anni others (Epiph. Haeres. lxiii. l; and Tillemont.
Tempus” (Basil
. 1528, fol. ) and De Simplici- | Mém. vol. iii. p. 497), appear to have been mere
bus " (Argent. 1533, fol. ) are probably extracted epithets, expressive of his assiduity. As he was
from his larger works.
in his seventeenth year, at the time of his father's
Oribasius is said by Suidas to have been the death, which occurred apparently in April 203
author of some other works which are now lost, (Huet. Orijenian. i. 8), in the persecution which
viz. 1. Tepi Bagia elas, De Regno ; 2. Nepl Malov, began in the tenth year of the reign of the
De Affectibus ; and 3. Mpòs Tous 'Atropoūvtas TÊ Emperor Severus, his birth must be fixed in or
Platpūv, Ad illos quibus Medicorum Copia non about A. D. 186. The year 187, given in the
datur (or perhaps rather Ad Medicos dubitantes, Chronicon Paschale, is too late ; and 185, given
vel inopes Consilii), which last has been conjectured by most modern writers, too early. His father
to have been the same work as the “ Euporista ad was Leonides (ewvions), a devout Christian of
Eunapium," mentioned above.
Alexandria. Suidas (s. v. 'Opigerns) calls him
Besides these works, a commentary on the bishop ;” but his authority, unsupported by any
Aphorisms of Hippocrates goes under the name of ancient testimony, is insufficient to prove his epis-
Oribasius, but is undoubtedly spurious. It was copal character. Porphyry (apud Euseb. H. E.
first published in Latin by J. Guinterius Ander- vi. 19) speaks of Origen, with whom he claimed
nacus, Paris, 1533, 8vo. , and has been thrice re- to have been acquainted in early life, as having
printed. It is probable that the work does not been educated a heathen, and afterwards converted
exist in Greek, and that it was written by a person to Christianity; but, as his acquaintance with Origen
who made use of a Latin translation of the - Syn- was apparently very slight, and when Origen was an
opsis ad Eustathium,” and who composed it with old man, his authority in such a matter is of little
the intention of passing it off as the genuine work weight. Leonides gave his son a careful education,
of Oribasius. If so, it is a clumsy forgery, and not only in the usual branches of knowledge, but
betrays its spurious origin to the most cursory in- especially in the Scriptures, of which he made him
spector, being apparently the work of a Christian, commit to memory and recite a portion every day.
and at the same time purporting to be written at Origen was a pupil of Clement of Alexandria,
the command of Ptolemy Euergetes. It has been and he also received some instruction of Pantaenus
conjectured that it was composed by some physi- apparently after his return from India. (Pan-
cian belonging to the school of Salerno, about the TAENUS. ) He had Alexander, afterwards bishop
beginning of the fourteenth century; but this is of Jerusalem, for his early friend and fellow-
certainly too recent, as it is to be found in two student (Alex. ap. Euseb. II. E. vi. 14).
MSS. at Paris, which are supposed to belong to the In the persecution which commenced in the
tenth century. (See Littré's Hippocrates, vol. iv. tenth year of Severus (A. D. 202) Leonides was
p. 443. )
imprisoned, and after a time beheaded. Origen
A further account of Oribasius, especially of his was anxious to share with his father the glory of
medical opinions, may be found in Freind's Hist. martyrdom ; and when this desire was frustrated
of Physic, vol. i. ; Haller's Biblioth. Anat. , Biblioth. by the watchfulness of his mother, who, after
Chirurg. , Biblioth. Botan. , and Biblioth. Medic. vainly entreating him to give up his purpose, hid
Pract. ; Sprengel’s Hist
. de la Méd. ; and in J. F. C. away all his clothes, and so prevented him from
Hecker's Litterar. Annal. der gesammten Heil- leaving home, he wrote a letter to his father,
kunde, 1825, vol. i. , which last work the writer exhorting him to steadfastness, in the words “ See
has never
See also Fabric. Biblioth. Gr. I that thou changest not thy mind for our sakes. "
vol. ix. p. 451, xii. 640, xiii. 353, ed. vet. ; and | By the death of Leonides, his widow, with Origen
Choulant, Handb. der Bücherkunde für die Aeltere and six younger sons, was reduced to destitution,
Medicin.
(W. A. G. ] the property of the martyr haring been confiscated.
ORIGENES ('Npeyévms), one of the most emi- Origen was, however, received into the house of a
nent of the early Christian writers, not only for wealthy female, then living at Alexandria, who had,
his intellectual powers and attainments, but also among her inmates at the time, one Paul of Antioch,
for the influence exercised by him on the opinions whom she regarded as a son, who was in bad
of subsequent ages, and for the dissensions and repute on account of his beretical opinions. Ne
discussions respecting his opinions, which have ander calls him a Gnostic. His eloquence, however,
been carried on through many centuries down to attracted a considerable audience, not only of those
modern times.
who sympathised in his views, but of the orthodox ;
I. Life. Origen bore, apparently from his birth yet Origen refused to unite in prayer with him
(Euseb. H. E. vi. 14) the additional name of Ada- ** detesting," as he has somewhere expressed it,
mantius ('Adapávtis), though Epiphanius states “heretical teachings. " (Euseb. H. E. vi. 2. ) This
(Haeres. lxiv. 73) that he assumed it himself. repugnance probably quickened his efforts to be-
Doubtless, the name was regarded by the admirers come independent, and his ardent application to
of Origen as significant either of his unwearied study enabled him soon to extricate himself from
industry (Hieron. Ep. xliii. ad Marcellam, c. 1. difficulty by becoming a teacher of the branches of
vol. i. p. 190 ed Vallars. ), or of the irrefragable education comprehended under the epithet" gram-
strength of his arguments (Phot. Bill. cod. 118); ma ical” (ta ypapuatıká). (Euseb. ibid. ) Hia
seen.
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ORIGENES.
;
a
ORIGENES.
47
attainments included, according to Jerome (De, fluenced to this act also by the consideration of his
Vir. Illustr. c. 54) and Gregory Thuamaturgus own youth, and by the circumstance that his
(Paneg. in Origen. c. 7, 8, 9), ethics, grammar, catechumens were of both scxes. He wished,
rhetoric, dialectics or logic, geometry, arithmetic, however, to conceal what he had done, and ap-
music, and an acquaintance with the tenets of the pears to have been much confused when it was
various philosophical sects ; to which may be added divulged ; but the bishop Demetrius, respecting
an acquaintance with the Hebrew language, a rare his motive, exhorted him to take courage, though
acquisition among the Christians of those days. he did not hesitate, at & subsequent period, to
It is probable, however, that several of these make it a matter of severe accusation against him.
attainments were made later in life than the time (Euseb. H. E. vi. 3, 8; Epiphan. Hueres. lxiv. 3 ;
of which we are now speaking. His knowledge Hieron. Epist. 65, ed. vett. , 41, ed. Benedict. , 84,
of Hebrew was most likely of later date ; from ed. Vallars. ) Origen himself (Comment. in Matt.
whom he acquired it is not clear. He often quotes tom. xv. l) afterwards repudiated this literal under-
(vid. Hieronym. in Rufin. lib. i. , Opera, vol. iv. standing of our Lord's words.
pars ii. col. 363, ed. Benedict, vol. ii. pars i. ed. With the death of Severus (A. D. 211), if not
Vallars. ) Huillus, a patriarch of the Jews, of whom before, the persecution in which Plutarchus and
nothing appears to be known ; but whether he others of Origen's catechumens had perished)
was Origen's instructor in the Hebrew language ceased ; and Origen, anxiously desiring to become
is only conjecture.
If Origen was, as Porphyry acquainted with the church at Rome, visited the
(ap. Euseb. H. E. vi. 19) and Theodoret (Graecar. imperial city during the papacy of Zephyrinus,
Affection. Curat. lib. vi. Opera, vol. iv. p. 573, ed. which extended, according to Tillemont, from
Sirmond. p. 869. ed Schulze) affirm, a hearer of A. D. 201, or 202, to 218. Tillemont and Ne-
Ammonius Saccas (AMMONIUS SACCAS), it was ander place this visit in A. D. 211 or 212. He
probably at a later period, when he attended a made however a very short stay; and when he
lecturer on philosophy, whom he does not name, returned to Alexandria (Euseb. H. E. vi. 14), find-
to gain an acquaintance with the Greek philosophy. ing himself unable to discharge alone the duties of
(Origen, ap. Euseb. H. E. vi. 19. ) Epiphanius Catechist, and to give the attention which he desired
(Hacres. liiv. 1) says that perhaps he studied to biblical studies, be gave up a part of his catechu-
at Athens; but it is not likely that he visited mens (who flocked to him from morning till evening)
that city in early life, though he was there when to the care of his early pupil Heraclas. It was pro-
he travelled into Greece many years afterward. bably about this time that he began to devote bim-
Within a very short time after he had com- self to the study of the Hebrew language (Euseb.
menced teacher of grammar, he was applied to by H. E. vi. 15, 16); and also to the study of the
some heathens who desired instruction in Chris Greek philosophy, his eminence in which is ad-
tianity. The first of those who applied to him mitted by Porphyry (ap. Euseb. H. E. vi. 19),
were Plutarchus, who suffered martyrdom at that he might instruct and refute the heretics and
Alexandria very shortly after, and his brother heathens, who, attracted by his growing reputation,
Heraclas, who became in the sequel Origen's resorted to him to test his attainments, or to profit
assistant and successor in the office of Catechist, by them. Among those who thus resorted to him
and afterward bishop of Alexandria. At the time was one Ambrosius, or Ambrose, a Valentinian,
of their application to Origen, the office of Catechist according to Eusebius (H. E. vi. 18); a Mar-
was vacant through the dispersion of the clergy cionite, or a Sabellian, according to other accounts
consequent on the persecution ; and Demetrius, the reported by Epiphanius (Haeres
. Ixiv. 3); at any
bishop, shortly after appointed Origen, though only rate a dissenter of some kind from the orthodox
in his eighteenth year, to the office. The young church ; a man of wealth, rank, and earnestness of
teacher showed a zeal and self-denial beyond his character. Origen convinced him of his error ;
years. The persecution was still raging ; but he and Ambrose, grateful for the benefit, became the
shrunk not from giving every support and encou- great supporter of Origen in his biblical labours, de-
ragement to those who suffered, frequently at the voting his wealth to his service, and supplying him
risk of his life. The number of those who resorted with more than seven amanuenses to write from
to him as Catechist continually increased ; and, his dictation, and as many transcribers to make
deeming his profession as teacher of grammar incon- fair copies of his works. (Euseb. H. E. vi. 23. )
sistent with his sacred work, he gave it up; and About this time he undertook a journey into
that he might not, in the failure of this source of Petraea, the Roman Arabia, at the request of the
income, become dependent on others, he sold all his governor of that province, who, wishing to confer
books of secular literature, and lived for many years with him on some matter not specified, had de-
on an income of four oboli a day derived from the spatched an officer with letters to the governor of
proceeds of the sale. His course of life was of the Egypt and the bishop of. Alexandria, requesting
most rigorously ascetic character. His food, and his Origen might be sent to him. After a short ab
periods of sleep, which he took, not in a bed, but sence on this business, he returned to Alexandria
on the bare ground, were restricted within the nar- It was perhaps on this visit that he heard Hippo-
rowest limits ; and, understanding literally the lytus preach (HIPPOLYTUS, No. 1). After a time
precepts of the Lord Jesus Christ, not to have two he again left Alexandria on account of a serious
coats and to take no shoes (Matt. . 10. ), he went disturbance which arose there ; and, not deeming
for many years barefoot, by wbich and by other himself safe in any part of Egypt, withdrew to
austerities he had nearly ruined his health. The Caesareia in Palestine. Huet (Origeniana, lib. i.
same ascetic disposition, and the saine tendency to c. ii. $ 6), Tillemont, and others identify the
interpret to the letter the injunctions of the Scrip- tumult (Eusebius calls it " the war ") which com-
tures, led him to a strange act of self-mutilation, in pelled Origen to quit Alexandria, with the slaugh-
obedience to what he regarded as the recommend ter of the people of that city by Caracalla (Cara:
ation of Christ (Math xix. 12. ) He was in- Calla. ] If this conjecture is admitted, it enables
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48
ORIGENES.
ORIGENES.
ng to assign to Origen's removal the date A. d. | Demetrius agninst Origen from his Ecclesiastical
216. At Caesareia he received the most respectful History, on the ground that they were related in
treatment. Though not yet ordained to the priest- the Defence of Origen ('Trep 'Opigévous drologiche
hood, he was invited to expound the Scriptures, Apologia pro Origene) drawn up by Pamphilus and
and to discourse publicly in the church. Theo- Eusebius ; and the loss of this defence has deprived
ctistus, bishop of Caesareia, and Alexander, bishop us of the most trustworthy account of these trans-
of Jerusalem, the latter of whom had been a fellow- actions. However, we learn from Photius, who
student of Origen, were among the prelates at has preserved (Bibl. Cod. 118) a notice of the lost
whose invitation he was induced thus to come for work, that a council of Egyptian prelates and pres-
ward : and when Demetrius of Alexandria, who byters was held by Demetrius, in which it was
was growing jenlous of Origen, objected to it as determined that Origen should lenve Alexandring
an unheard of irregularity, that a layman should and not be allowed either to reside or to teach
preach before bishops, they vindicated him by there. His office of Catechist devolved or was
citing several precedents. It was perhaps during bestowed on bis colleague Heraclas. His ordina.
this visit to Palestine that Origen met with one of tion, however, was not invalidated, and indeed the
the Greek versions of the Old Testament, the passage in Photius seems to imply that the coun-
Editio Quinta or Sexta, which be published in his cil expressly decided that he should retain his
llcxapla, and which is said to have been found in priesthood. But Demetrius was determined that
a wine jár at Jericho. He returned to Alexandria, he should not retain it; and, in conjunction with
apparently about the end of Caracalla's reign, at certain Egyptian prelates, creatures, it would ap-
the desire of Demetrius, who sent some deacons of pear, of his own, he pronounced his degradation.
his church to hasten him home (Euseb. H. E. vi. Origen had probably, before this second sentence,
19). He returned with zeal to the discharge of retired from Alexandria into Palestine, where he
his office of Catechist, and to the diligent pursuit of was welcomed and protected, and where he taught
his biblical labours.
and preached with great reputation. It was, per-
His next journey was into Greece. Eusebius haps, mortification at having failed to crush Origen
(H. E. vi. 23) describes the occasion in general that led Demetrius to take the further step of ex-
terms, as being ecclesiastical business, but Rufinus communicating him, and to write to the bishops of
(In versione Eusebii, l. c. ) and Jerome (De Vir. all parts of the world to obtain their concurrence in
Ilustr. c. 54) more exactly describe the object as the sentence. Such was the deference already paid
being the refutation of heretics who were increasing to the see of Alexandria, and to the decision of the
there. Passing through Palestine on his way, he Egyptian bishops, that, except in Palestine and
was ordained presbyter by his friends, Theoctistus the adjacent countries, Arabia and Phoenicia, in
and Alexander, and the other bishops of that pro. Greece, and perhaps in Cappadocia, where Origen
vince, at Caesareia. This aroused again the jealousy was personally known and respected, the condem-
of Demetrius, and led to a decisive rupture between nation appears to have obtained general assent.
him and Origen, who, however, completed his jour. Even the bishop and clergy of Rome joined in the
ney, in the course of which he probably met with a general cry. (Hieron. Epist. 29, ed. Benedict. , 33,
Greek version of the 0. T. (the Seata or Quinta ed. Vallars. and apud Rufin. Inrectir. ii. 19, ed.
Editio of his Herapla), which had been discovered Vallars. ) It is probable that Origen's unpopu-
by one of his friends at Nicopolis, in Epeirus, near larity arose from the obnoxious character of some
the Promontory of Actium, on the Ambracian Gulf of his opinions, and was increased by the circum-
(Synopsis Sacrae Scripturae, Atbanasio adscripta). stance that even in his life-time (Hieron. In Rufin.
Possibly it was on this journey that Origen had the ii. 18) his writings were seriously corrupted. lt
interview with Mammaea, mother of the emperor appears also that the indiscretion of Ambrosius had
Alexander Severus, mentioned by Eusebius (H. E. published some things which were not designed for
vi. 21). Mammaea was led by the curiosity which general perusal. (Hieron. Epist. 65, ed. vett. , 41,
Origen's great reputation had excited, to solicit an ed. Benedict. , 84, ed. Vallars. c. 10. ) But what was
interview with him when she was at Antioch. the specific ground of his exile, deposition, and ex-
Tillemont places this interview at an earlier period, communication is not clear ; it is probable that the
A. D. 218, Huet in A. D. 223 ; but the date is immediate and only alleged ground was the irregu-
altogether uncertain. The journey of Origen into larity of his ordination ; and that whatever things in
Greece is placed by Eusebius, as we understand the his writings were capable of being used to his pre-
passage, in the episcopate of Pontianus at Rome, judice, were employed to excite odium against hin,
which extended from a. D. 230, or, according to and so to obtain general concurrence in the pro-
other accounts, from 233 to 235, and of Zebinus at ceedings of his opponents. Possibly the story of
Antioch from a. D. 2:28 to 237 ; but Tillemont and his apostasy, mentioned by Epiphanius, was circu-
Huet interpret the passage so as to fix the ordina- lated at the same time, and for the same objech
tion of Origen in A. D. 228, about the time when Origen was, meanwhile, secure at Caesareis,
Zebinus of Antioch succeeded Philetus. We are where he preached almost daily in the church. He
disposed to place it in A. D. 230.
wrote a letter in vindication of himself to some
On his return to Alexandria, he had to encounter friends at Alexandria, in which he complains of
the open enmity of Demetrius. The remembrance the falsification of his writings. According to
of incidents of the former part of his life was Jerome (In Rufin. ii. 18), he severely handled
revived and turned to his disadvantage. His self- (laceret) Demetrius, and “inveighed against (in-
mutilation, which had been excused at the time, rehatur) the bishops and clergy of the whole
was now urged against him; and a passage in world," expressing his disregard of their excommu-
Epiphanius (Haeres. Ixiv. 2) gives reason to think nication of him : but from some quotations from
that a charge of having offered incense to heathen the letter it appears to have been written in a
deities was also brought against him. Eusebius milder and more forgiving spirit than Jerome's
has omitted the account of the steps taken by description would lead us to expect Demetrius
W
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ORIGENES.
49
ORIGENES.
died about this time. Tillemont places his death | empress Severa his wife, and other to Fabianus,
in the same year as Origen's expulsion, viz. A. v. bishop of Rome, and other leading ecclesiastics, to
231, correcting in a note the errors of Eusebius, in correct their misconceptions respecting himself.
bis Chronicon, as to the dates of these events. He made also a third journey into Arabia, where
Heraclas succeeded Demetrius ; but though he had he convinced some persons of their error in be-
been the friend, pupil, and colleague of Origen, the lieving that the soul died with the body and was
change produced no benefit to the latter : the raised again with it ; and repressed the rising
Egyptian clergy were too deeply committed to the heresy of the Elcesaitae, who asserted, among other
course into which Demetrius had led them, to allow things, that to deny the faith in a time of persecùe -
them to retract, and Origen remained in exile till tion was an act nuorally indifferent, and supported
his death. About this time he met with Gregory their beresy by a book which they affirmed to havo
Thaumaturgus, afterwards bishop of Neocaesareia fallen from heaven. (Euseb. vi. 36, 37, 38. )
[GREGORIUS THAUMATURGUS), and his brother But the life of this laborious and self-denying
Athenodorus, who were then youths pursuing their Christian was drawing near its close. With the
studies. They both became his pupils, and the reign of Decius (A. D.
