The Marrow of Ecclesiastical History, Origen
ORIGEN
The Life of Origen, who dyed Anno Christi 220.
ORigen was born Anno Christi 189.His birrth. His Father, Grand-Father, and Great Grand-Father were Christians.
He was by his Father Leonides trained up from his Infancy in the Christian Religion,His parentage, and education. and other good Literature, but especially in the knowledge of the sacred Scriptures, who demanded of him daily a certain task, and caused him to rehearse the same: and he (though a childe) rested not in the bare words of the Scripture, but sought farther into the profound sence, and meaning of them, so that divers times he would gravel his Father in the questions which he propounded to him: For this his Father checked him to his face, admonishing him not to search beyond the capacity of his years, nor beyond that the plain letter gave to understand: Yet inwardly he rejoiced greatly, yielding unto God hearty thanks, who had made him the Father of such a son: Yea, he many times uncovered the Breast of his Son as he lay asleep, and kissed it, as the Temple wherein the Holy Ghost had taken up his residence: He was called Origen Adamantius: the first name was given him for his sublime and Divine speculations,The reasons of his names. who by sweet and mellifluous Allegories, carries his Readers affections from terrene to heavenly meditations and contemplations: The second name he had from the nature of the Adamant, whose lustre and hardness giveth it renown: for such was this mans Noble and Generous minde, that he was not daunted, nor affrighted with any dangers, or afllictions whatsoever.
When he was but seventeen years old,His early desire of Martyrdom. his Father being carried to Prison, he had such a fervent minde to suffer Martyrdom with him, that he would have thrust himself into the Persecutors hands, had it not been for his Mother, who in the night time privily stole away his clothes, and his very shirt also: whereupon more for shame to be seen naked, then for fear to die, he was constrained to remain at home: Yet when he could do no more, he wrote a Letter to his Father in Prison, in which he exhorted him thus,He encourages his Father. Vide …ater, ne quid meâ causâ secus facias: See, O Father, that you do not change your resolution for my sake. After the death of his Father, and the confiscation of all his goods to the Emperor, he with his poor Mother and six Brethren were brought to such extream poverty, that he was forced to sustain himself and them by teaching a Grammar School, till at length being weary of that Profession, he wholly betook himself to the study of the Scriptures and Divinity:His studies. He also studied the Languages, and profited very much in the knowledge of Hebrew, and other Tongues, comparing the Hebrew Text with the Septuagint, as also with other Translations of Aquila, Symachus, and Theo…osion: and thus casting himself upon the Divine Providence for his subsistence,God provides for him. it pleased God, that he was entertained by a religious and rich Matron, together with his Mother, and Brethren: This Gentlewoman had also in her house at the same time a certain man of Antioch, a notable Heretick, who so plausibly demeaned himself, that she entertained him as her dear friend and son: Origen being by this means necessitated to frequent his company, shewed forth manifest proof of his cleaving to the right and true Faith:His hatred of Heresie. For when as a great multitude not only of Hereticks, but of the Orthodox also frequented the Lectures of this … (for so was his name) being counted a wise and profound man, yet Origen would never be perswaded to join with him in Prayer, detesting his Heretical Doctrines.
During this time he applyed himself to the study of Rhetorick, and other humane Learning, wherein he profited exceedingly: and so being wel accomplished with Learning, and the Catechist-School at Alexandria being void at that time, every one being forced away by the Thunderbolt of Persecution, he set upon Preaching there, being now about 18 years old.
Unto his Lectures many of the Gentiles resorted,His early Preaching. and were by Gods blessing upon his Ministry converted, as one Plutarch, who was afterwards crowned with Martyrdom, and Heracles his Brother, who afterward succeeded Demetrius in the Bishoprick of Alexandria, and many others. In this imployment he prospered exceedingly, and purchased to himself a famous name amongst all the faithful,He inconrageth the Martyrs. in that he cheerfully imbraced and incouraged all the Martyrs, not only of his acquaintance, but even such as were unknown unto him. He visited such as were in deep Dungeons and close Imprisonment, encouraged them when they were to receive their last sentence, and after their sentence pronounced yea he accompanyed them to the place of Execution, putting himself often into great danger thereby: He boldly imbraced, and kissed them at their farewel, so that once the Heathens in their furious rage had stoned him to death,Gods Providence over him. if the Divine power of God had not marvellously delivered him. And the same Divine Power and Providence of God did at many other times protect and defend him, even so oft as cannot be told, being assaulted by the Adversaries for his prompt minde, and invincible courage in publishing the Doctrine of Christ.
Yea,The Gentiles hated him extreamly. so extreamly was he hated by the Infidels, that Souldiers were oft fain to be hired to watch about his house by the multitudes of those that repaired to him to be instructed in the Christian Faith; and the Enemies rage was so vehemently bent against him for this cause, that he could not pass safely in the streets of Alexandria; he was also forced oft to change his lodging,The fruit of his Ministry. thereby to prevent the pursuers. As he taught, so he lived; and as he lived, so he taught: and Gods Grace working exceedingly with and by him, multitudes were converted to the Christian Faith by his Ministry: Hereupon Demetrius the Bishop divolved the whole charge and care of the School upon him alone, and he judging the reading of Humanity to be out of season, wholly applyed himself to Divinity-Lectures: and afterwards (his necessities being urgent) upon the advice of his friends he sold all his Authors of Humanity, which he had diligently perused, and now lay by him, to one, upon condition that he should allow him two pence a day for his maintenance, wherewith he contented himself: And to cut off all occasions of youthly concupiscence,His Chastity. all the day long he spent in the forenamed exercises, and a great part of the night he spent in meditating upon the Holy Scriptures, taking his rest only for a few hours, and that not in his bed, but on the bare ground: He used also Fasting often, and expounding the saying of our Saviour literally, would not wear two Coats, neither Shooes, but went barefoot, not taking care for the time to come with a greedy or covetous desire. He in…ired himself to cold and nakedness, and abstinence from Wine, even to the amazement of his familiar friends, and to the offence of many who would willingly have relieved his necessities: By these means he was in great danger (through weakness of limbs, and faintness of body) to have destroyed and cast away himself: Yet this his strict course of life won many, not of the common people only, but of the wise, learned and rich, to become zealous followers of his Doctrine, many of which in those times of Persecution suffered for the same, as you may see more at large in my General Martyrologie.
Having many Matrons and Virgins, who upon sundry occasions resorted to him, to prevent temptations to uncleanness, mistaking those words of our Saviour Christ,He gelded himself. There are some that make themselves Eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven sake: he gelded himself, the rather to prevent such slanderous reports as might be raised of him, to the scandal of the Gospel.
The Church of Achaia being at this time vexed with divers Heresies, Origen was singled out, and being furnished with Letters Testimonial from the Church, was sent to confute them. As he passed through Palestine, He is ordained a Presbyter.he was by the Bishops ordained a Presbyter, that thereby he might be armed with the more Authority against the Hereticks: wherein he did not run before he was sent.
But his Life and Doctrine grew so renowned and eminent, as stirred up envie in the hearts of some against him, especially in Demetrius the Bishop,He is envyed by his great friend. who had formerly loved and preferred him: So that now on the contrary, he did all he could to darken and obscure his fame: Hereupon he ript up Origens faults, and by his Writings published them to the World▪ upbraiding him especially with that rash and inconsiderate act of dismembring himself, for which he judged him unfit for the Ministerial Office: Thus in the height of Origens fame these things were divulged, and his adversary was potent, and thereupon he was forced to give way to the storm, and to yield to the importunity of his enviers,He is forced to leave Alexandria. and so left Alexandria, yet always retained his constancy and courage, Preaching the Gospel with all diligence and painfulness, striving to convert many to Christ, not troubling the Church with Schism, nor yet requiting his Adversary with ill language, but on the contrray, speaking well of his slanderers. The principal place wherein he taught was …aesarea of Palestine, where he instructed many in the Faith, and saw the fruits of his labours in the Conversion of many to God, which afterwards proved famous in the Church of Christ.He instructs the Emperours Mother. Mammaea also the Mother of Alexander Severus the Emperour hearing of his fame, sent for him to Antioch. and after she had been instructed by him in the Christian Faith, dismissed him honourably.
After this he wrote a learned Epistle to Philip the Emperour, who was deemed the first Christian King of the Romans. He reclaimed Ambrose from the heresie of the Marcionites. He never affected wealth,He reclaimed Ambrose. but contented himself in a low condition, whereas having so many and great friends, he might have abounded in wealth if he had pleased.
Afterwards he returned to Alexandria again, and laboured hard in the affairs of the Church, so that he continued above the space of 52 years, in Teaching, Writing, Confuting, Exhorting, and Expounding the Scriptures, even to the time of Decius and Gallus
Divers and great persecutions he sustained,His Persecutions. and sometimes was so eagerly pursued, that scarce any shifting of Place or Country could preserve him. In the Reign of Decius for the Doctrine of Christ he under-went bands and torments in his body, rackings with bars of Irons, Dungeons, besides terrible threats of death and burning, and divers and sundry other torments which he manfully and constantly suffered for Christ. At length hearing that some Christians were carried to an Idol-Temple to force them to Sacrifice, he out of his zeal ran thither to encourage and disswade them from it.He is ensnared. This was the opportunity which his Adversaries expected, and therefore letting go the other, they laid hold upon him, putting him to his choice, whether he would offer Incense to the Idol, or have his body defiled with a fowl and ugly Black-More, which they had prepared for the purpose. Origen being in a miserable straight, at last chose rather to offer Incense then to have his chast body polluted by so filthy a creature; Then did they presently put Incense into his trembling hands, and whilest he demurred upon it, they took his hands and caused him to throw it into the fire: whereupon they presently cryed out, Origen hath sacrificed, Origen hath sacrificed. He is Excommunicated.After which fact he was excommunicated by the Church; and so being filled with shame and sorrow, he left Alexandria and went into Judea, and when he came to Jerusalem, being well known for his learned Expositions, and gift of Utterance, he was intreated by the Ministers to bestow a Sermon upon the People in the Church and open Assembly, and after much importunity,A special Providence. being in a manner constrained thereto, he stood up, took his Bible, opened it, and the first place that he cast his eye upon was this portion of Scripture; VntoUnto the wicked saith God Why dost thous Preach my Laws, Psal. 50. 16.and takest my Covenant into thy Mouth Which Text so soon as he had read, he clapsed the Book, sat down, and burst out into abundance of tears, the whole Congregation weeping with him also, so that he was unable to say any more unto them.His torments of Conscience. After this he wandred up and down in great greif and torment of Conscience, and wrote this Lamentation:
In the bitterness and grief of mind,His Lamentation. I go about t… speak unto them Which hereafter shall read this confused writing. But how can I speak when my tongue is tyed up, and my lips dare not once move or wag? My tongue doth not his office, my throat is dryed up, and all my senses and instruments are polluted with iniquity.
But I will proceed, and first I will fall to the ground on my bare knees, and make my humble supplication unto the Saints that they will help me, filthy wretch, which by reason of my sins dare not crave ought at the hands of God.He means the living Saints. O ye Saints and blessed of God, with waterish eyes, and wet cheeks soaked in dolour and pain, I beseech you to fall down before the Seat of Almighty God, for me miserable sinner. Wo is me because of the sorrow of my heart: wo is me that my Soul is thus afflicted, wo is me that I am compassed thus on every side, and shut up in my sin, so that there is no health in me. Wo is me my Mother that ever thou broughtest me forth, for a skilful Lawyer to be overthrown in his unrighteous dealing: for a religious man to fall into extream impiety. Wo is me my Mother that broughtest me forth, a righteous man to be conversant in unrighteousness; an heir of the Kingdom of God to be now an inheritor of the Kingdom of the Devil: A Minister to be found wallowing in impiety: A man beautified with honour and dignity, to be in the end blemished with shame and ignominy, yea beset with many evils, and choaked with infamous doings. Wo is me my Mother that broughtest me forth a lofty Turret, yet suddenly thrown to the ground: a fruitful Tree, yet quickly withered; a burning light, yet forthwith darkened: A running Fountain, yet by and by dryed up. Wo is me that ever I was decked with Gifts and Graces, and now seem pityfully deprived of all: But who will minister moisture to my head? and who will give streams of tears unto mine eyes, that I may bewail my self in this my sorrowful plight? Alass O my Ministry, how shall I lament thee? O all ye my friends tender my case, and pitty my person that am so dangerously wounded? Pity me O ye all my friends▪ who am now become an abject person. Pity me O ye my friends, for that I am now with sorrow come to naught. Pity me O ye my friends, for that I have now trodden under foot the Seal and Cognizance of my Profession, and joined in league with the Devil. Pity me O ye my friends, for that I am rejected, and cast away from before the Face of God: It is for my lewd life that I am thus polluted and branded with open shame The Lord hath made and engrafted me into a fruitful vine; but instead of pleasant clusters I have brought forth pricking thorns, instead of grapes I have brought forth brambles.
But let the Wel-springs of tears be stirred up, and let my cheeks be watered: let them flow upon the Earth and moisten it, for that I am born in iniquity, and souked in sin &c. Alas what have I felt, and how am I faln? Alas how am I thus come to naught? There is no sorrow comparable to my sorrow; there is no affliction that exceedeth my affliction; no bitterness that passeth my bitterness: no lamentation more lamentable then mine; neither is there any sin greater then my sin, and there is no salve for me. Where is that good Sipherd of Souls? Where is he that went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, which salved and cured him which was wounded by the Theives? Seek me out O Lord, that am faln from the higher▪ Jerusalem: which have broken the vow I made in Baptism: which have prophaned my Cognisance in that I dealt injuriously with thy blessed Name. Al…ss that ever I was Doctor, and now occupie not the room of a Disciple! Thou knowest O Lord, that I fell against my will: whereas I went about to enlighten others, I darkened my self: when I endeavoured to bring others from death to life, I brought my self from life to death. When I minded to present others before God, presented my self before the Devil. When I desired to be found a friend and favourer of godliness, I was found a foe and furtherer of iniquity; when I set my self against the Assemblies of the wicked, and reproved their doings, there found I shame, and the most pestilent wound of the Devil. Some promised me to be Baptized: but after that I departed from them, the Devil the same night transformed himself into an Angel of Light, and said into me: When thou art up in the morning, go on, and perswade them, and bring them to God: But the Devil going before me prepared the way by whetting their wits to devise mischief against me, silly-wretch, sowing in their mindes hypocrisie, dissimulation and deceit. But I (O unhappy creature) skipping out of my bed at the dawning of the day, could not finish my wonted Devotion neither accomplish my usual Prayers, desiring that all men might be saved, and come to the knowledge of the Truth, whilest in the mean time I wrapped my self in the snares of the Devil. I gat me to those wicked men; I required of them to perform the Covenant made the night before, I silly soul not knowing their subtilty, and we came to the Baptism. O blinded heart, how didst thou not remember? O foolish minde, how didst thou not bethink thy self? O witless brain, how didst thou not understand? But it was the Devil that lulled thee asleep, and in the end slew thy unhappy and wretched Soul. He bound my power and might, and so wounded me. I answered but in a word, and became reproachfully defamed. I spake without malice, yet felt I spite. The Devil raised an assembly about me, and prononnced against me that unjust sentence, Origen hath sacrificed. O thou Devil, what hast thou done unto me? How hast thou wounded me? I bewailed sometimes the fall of Sampson, but now have I faln worse my self: I bewailed formerly the fall of Solomon, but now have I faln far worse my self: I have bewailed formerly the state of all sinners, yet now am I plunged into sin my self: Sampson had his hair cut off; but the Crown of glory is faln off my head. Sampson lost the carnal eyes of his body; but my spiritual eyes are put out. It was the williness of a woman that brought confusion upon him: but it was my tongue that brought me into this sinful condition: And as he afterwards wanted the comfort of his Earthly possessions: so my tongue by this wickedness hath deprived me of those spiritual gifts, which sometimes have flowen into me with heavenly riches. And as he endured those things by leaving the Israelites, and cleaving unto forreiners. So I going about to save notorious sinners, made my self Captive to Captives, and a bondslave unto sin. Alass my Church liveth, yet I am a Widdower. My Sons be alive, yet I am barren: Every creature rejoyceth, and I alone am desolate and sorrowfull, &c. Bewail me O ye blessed people of God, who am banished from God: Bewail me who am deprived of all goodness Bewail me who am deprived of the Holy Ghost. Bewail me who am thrust out of the Wedding Chamber of Christ. Bewail me who was once thought worthy the Kingdom of God, but am now altogether unworthy. Bewail me who am abhorred of the Angels, and severed from the Saints of God. Bewail me for that I am condemned to eternal punishments. Bewail me for that I am here on earth, and yet am tormented with the prick of conscience. I do fear death for that I am wicked. I do fear the dreadfull Day of Judgment for that I am damned for ever. I do fear the punishment, for that it is eternal. I do fear the evil Angels that oversee the punishment because they are void of mercy. I do fear out of measure all the torments; and what I shall do I wot not, being thus on every side beset with misery. If there be any man that can, I beseech him now to assist me with his earnest prayers and sorrowfull tears. For now it behoveth me to shed infinite tears for my great sin: who knoweth whether the Lord will have mercy upon me, and whether he will pitty my fall? Whether he will tender my person? Whether he will be moved with my desolation? Whether he will shew mercy unto me? Whether he will have respect to my humiliation, and incline his tender compassions towards me? I will prostrate my self before the threshold and porch of his Church, that I may intreat all people both small and great, saying unto them, Trample and tread me under foot who am the unsavory salt; tread upon me who have no taste nor savour of God: tread upon me which am fit for nothing. Now let the elders mourn, for that the staff whereon they leaned is broken. Now let the young men mourn, for that their Schoolmaster is fallen. Now let the virgins mourn, for that the advancer of virginity is defiled. Now let the Ministers mourn, for that their Patron and Defender is shamefully fallen. Wo is me that I fell so lewdly: Wo is me that I fell most dangerously, and cannot rise again. Assist me O holy Spirit, and give me grace to repent. Let the fountains of tears be opened, and gush out into streams, to see if that peradventure I may have the grace worthily & throughly to repent, and to wipe out of the Book of my conscience the accusations Printed therein against me. But thou O Lord, think not upon my polluted lips, neither weigh thou the tongue that hath uttered lewd things: but accept of my repentance, affliction, and bitter tears, the dolour of my heart and heaviness of my soul, and have mercy upon me, and raise me up out of the mire of corruption, for the puddle thereof hath even choaked me up. Wo is me, that was sometimes a pearl glistering in the golden garland of glory, but now am thrown into the dust, and trodden in the mire of contempt. Wo is me that the salt of God now lieth on the dunghill. But how great streams of lamentations shall cleanse and purifie my humble heart? Now I will address my self, and turn my talk unto God; Why hast thou lifted me up and cast me down? For as thou hast: exalted me with the Divine word of thy Heavenly wisdom, so me thinks I stick in the depth of sin which my self hath wrought. I had not committed this impiety, unless thou hadst withdrawn thine hand from me. But it is thy pleasure O Lord which art good to do all things graciously, and I on the other side being a fool have foolishly fallen. But why, O Lord, hast thou shut my mouth by thy holy Prophet David? Ha…e I been the first that sinned? Or am I the first that fell? Why hast thou thus forsaken me being desolate, and rejected and banished me from amongst thy Saints, and astonished me when I should preach thy Laws? What man is he that is born of woman, that sinneth not? What man is he that was ever conversant here on earth, and did no iniquity? Thus I say, because thou hast forsaken me. David himself who hath shut up my mouth, sinned too bad in thy sight, yet upon his repentance thou receivedst him to mercy. Peter that was a pillar, after his fall, wiped it away with salt tears, not continuing long in the puddle of his infidelity. But they in favour were thought worthy of mercy. Wo is me that I fell most wickedly. Wo is me that my adventure in this thing proved so unfortunate: But now I humbly beseech thee O Lord, call me back for that I tread a most perilous and destructive way. Grant me that good Guid and Instructer, the Holy Ghost, that I be not made a pricking Hedge-hog, and become an habitation of Devils: but that I may tread under foot the devil that trod upon me, & overcoming his sleights, may be again restored to the joys of thy salvation. Remember not, O Lord, the iniquity of thine humble suiter. Remember not, O Lord, mine iniquity, who made answer with wicked language.
Now all ye which behold my wound, tremble for fear, and take heed that ye slumber not, nor fall into the like crime: but rather let us assemble together and rendour hearts, and provoke streams of tears to gush out of our heads; for when these run and flow upon the earth, there will follow remission of sins; the pains will be avoided, and the torments shall not be felt. I mourn and am sorry from the heart-root, O ye my friends, that ever I so fell: I am fallen and am bruised, so that there is no health in me: Let the Angels lament over me because of this my dangerous fall. Let the Assemblies of the Saints lament over me, for that I am severed from their blessed societies. Let the holy Church lament over me, for that I am wofully declined. Let all the people lament over me, for that I have my deaths wound. I see the clouds in the skie shadowing the light from me, and the Sun hiding his bright beams: You all do now see that the Prophet David hath shut my mouth. I was constrained by the Bishops to speak some words of Exhortation, and taking the Book of Psalms into my hands, I prayed and opened the Book; and I lighted upon this sentence which I am ashamed to repeat, yet compelled to pronounce, Unto the wicked, saith God, Why dost thou preach my Laws, and takest my Covenant in thy mouth? But bewail me, and lament this my bitter sorrow: bewail me that am in the like case with the reprobate Jews; for that which was said unto them by the Prophet, now soundeth alike in mine ears. What shall I do that am thus beset with manifold mischiefs ? Alas O death, why dost thou linger? Herein thou doest spite and bear me malice. O Satan, what mischief hast thou wrought unto me? How hast thou pierced my breast with thy poysonous dart? Thinkst thou that my ruine will avail thee any thing at all? Thinkst thou to procure to thy self any ease or rest whilst that I am grievously tormented? Who is able to signifie unto thee whether my sins be not wiped and done away? Whether I have not escaped the pains which I grievously feared? Who is able to signifie unto thee whether I shall not again be coupled with and made a companion to the Saints? O Lord, I fall down before thy Mercy-seat, have mercy upon me who mourn thus out of measure, because I have greatly offended: I shed many salt and bitter tears, and every living creature hath lamented my miserable condition. Why hast thou broken down my hedge and strong holds? The wild Boar out of the Wood hath destroyed me, and the wild beasts of the field have eaten me up. Rid my soul, O Lord, from the roaring Lion. The Assembly of the Saints doth make intercession for me who am an unprofitable servant. Shew mercy, O Lord, to thy wandring sheep which is subject to the rending teeth of the ravenous wolf: Save me, O Lord, out of his mouth; suffer me not to become the sacrifice of sin; But send down upon me thy holy Spirit, that with his fiery countenance he may put to flight the crooked fiend of Hell, that I may be brought home again by thy Wisdom, that the Bill of Sin written against me may be blotted out, that my lamentation may cease in the evening, and that I may receive joy in the morning. Let my sackcloth be rent asunder, and gird me with joy and gladness. Let me be received again into the joy of my God: Let me be thought worthy of his Kingdom through the earnest Petitions of the Church, which sorroweth over me, and humbleth her self to Jesus Christ in my behalf: To whom with the Father, and the Holy Ghost be all glory and honour for ever and ever. Amen.
Whilst Origen was a Catechist at Alexandria, His studiousness.finding himself not sufficient, neither able alone to search out the profound mysteries of the holy Scripture, neither the interpretation and right sense thereof, because of the multitude that frequented his School from morning till night in several companies, one succeeding another, so that he wanted leisure for his private studies, he ordained Heraclas his familiar friend, who was expert in the holy Scripture and a profound Philosopher, to be his fellow-helper, committing to him the instruction of the inferior sort which were lately come to the Faith; reserving to himself the teaching of those that were farther & better entred. Having also a great desire to search out the deep mysteries of the holy Scriptures, he studied the Hebrew Tongue and bought Copies that were used amongst the Jews: He searched out also other translations besides the vulgar, as that of Aquila, of Symachus, and of Theodosion: These being compacted together in one Volume, and the Pages divided into several Columns, setting each copy against other, and adding the Hebrew to them, he published the fame, and intituled it Hexapla. When the rumour was now every where spread abroad of the same of Origen, His converts many.many learned men came to try the truth of his Doctrine, and to have experience of his utterance in preaching; yea many Hereticks and famous Philosophers resorted to him, and were converted by him.He wrote the first Commentaries on the Scriptures. Origen was the first that wrote Commentaries upon the sacred Scriptures, being earnestly sollicited thereto by Ambrose, who for his encouragement made him large allowance for his necessary expences, furnishing him with above seven swift Notaries, who wrote that which he dictated to them.
Whilest he continued at Alexandria, there came a Souldier with Letters from the Governour of Arabia to Demerius the Bishop of that Sea,He goeth into Arabia. and to the Lieutenant of Egypt, desiring them with all speed to send Origen to him, which might communicate to him some part of his Doctrine; Hereupon he took his voyage into Arabia, and instructed the Governour thereof; and hearing that Beryllus Bishop of Bostra in… Arabia taught that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, before his incarnation had no being, and that he had no proper Divinity but only his Fathers Divinity dwelling in him (about which Heresie many Bishops had dealt with him by conference and disputation, and yet could not reclaim him) Origen was sent for, who conferred with him at first to finde the ground of his opinion, after which, perceiving him not to believe aright, he rebuked him, perswaded him with reasons, convinced him by manifest proofs, and so restored him to the truth.
He wrote 22. Tomes upon the Gospel of St. John, His works, 12. upon Genesis, five upon the Lamentations of Ieremy: Annotations upon the first five and twenty Psalms; two Books of the Resurrection; one of Principal Beginnings; ten called Stromateis. He wrote also Commentaries upon Isaiah in 30. Tomes; upon Ezekiel in 25. Tomes; upon the Canticks in ten Books, &c.
Whilst Origen executed his Pastoral Office at Caesarea (which was after he had left Alexandria) many flocked to his Ministry, not only men of that Countrey, but also infinite Forreiners, who forsaking their Native soil came to be his Disciples: amongst whom were Theodorus and Athenodorus two brethren, who after they had continued with him five years, profited so much in the holy Scripture, that they were ordained Bishops in Pontus. And now Origen being above sixty years old, and much worn and wasted by reason of his incessant studies and painfull exercises, at length permitted that those things which he had publickly preached and disputed of, should by his Notaries be copied out, which before he would not suffer to be done. About the same time also he wrote his Book against Celsus the Epicure, intituled the word of truth. Then 25. Tracts upon the Gospel of St. Matthew; and 25 upon the Minor Prophets; he wrote also above an hundred Epistles.
About this time there arose some Hereticks in Arabia, He reclaims Hereticks.who taught that the soul dyeth together with the body, and that in the General Resurrection they should arise together, and be restored to life again For which cause a Synod was congregated, and Origen was sent for, who so strenuously disputed against these Hereticks, that he withdrew their seduced minds from this foul errour.
Decius succeeding Thilip in the Roman Empire,He is persecuted. raised a persecution against the Church: wherein, amongst others, Origen suffered grievous things: the spitefull Devil deadly pursuing him with his whole Troop, striving against him with all the might and sleight that could be possibly invented, so that for the Doctrine of Christ, he sustained imprisonments, torments of body, scourging at Iron stakes, stench of dark and loathsom dungeons, and for many days his feet lay stretched four spaces asunder in the stocks, all which he patiently endured, together with the terrible threats of fire, and all that the enemie could invent against him. After all which he died under Gallus and Volusianus, being 69. years old, Anno Christi 220.
It is to be wondred at,His death. what pious ejaculations, comfortable prayers and zealous exhortations he made, and gave to the Christians in the extremity of his sufferings, retaining his valour and constancy to the giving up of his Ghost.
One saith of him, Origeni nulla pars aetatis periit à studiis: That Origens whole life was a continued study. And another saith, Origenis ingenium sufficiebat ad omnia perdiscenda; that he had such pregnancy of wit that he could learn any thing: that he had a wonderfull faculty in expressing himself ex tempore, and that he was wondrous quick and able to explicate obscure places of Scripture. Jerome stiles him Magistrum Ecclesiarum post Apostolos. Another saith, Quis ex Scriptoribus qui post Origenem vixe…, non …gniter ab eo est adjutus; Who of all the writers that lived after Origen, that was not singularly holpen by his Labours?
He used to say,His sayings. That Gods Providence hath ordained all things for some end and purpose. He made not malice, and though be can restrain it, yet he will not. For if malice were not, vertue should not have a contrary, and so could not shine so clear. For the malice of Josephs Brethren was the means whereby God brought about many admirable works of his providence as the story sheweth.
Opera Origenis Tomis duobus Basiliae 1536.His works. apud Frobenium sunt edita.