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BERYLLUS, whom we mentioned recently as bishop of Bostra in
Arabia, turned aside from the ecclesiastical standard and attempted to
introduce ideas foreign to the faith. He dared to assert that our
Saviour and Lord did not pre-exist in a distinct form of being of his
own before his abode among men, and that he does not possess a divinity
of his own, but only that of the Father dwelling in him. Many
bishops carried on investigations and discussions with him on this
matter, and Origen having been invited with the others, went down at
first for a conference with him to ascertain his real opinion. But
when he understood his views, and perceived that they were erroneous,
having persuaded him by argument, and convinced him by demonstration,
he brought him back to the true doctrine, and restored him to his
former sound opinion. There are still extant writings of Beryllus and
of the synod held on his account, which contain the questions put to
him by Origen, and the discussions which were carried on in his
parish, as well as all the things done at that time.
The elder brethren among us s have handed down many other facts
respecting Origen which I think proper to omit, as not pertaining to
this work. But whatever it has seemed necessary to record about him
can be found in the Apology in his behalf written by us and
Pamphilus, the holy martyr of our day. We prepared this carefully
and did the work jointly on account of faultfinders.
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