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ABOUT this time Ambrose, who held the heresy of Valentinus, was
convinced by Origen's presentation of the truth, and, as if his mind
were illumined by light, he accepted the orthodox doctrine of the
Church. Many others also, drawn by the fame of Origen's learning,
which resounded everywhere, came to him to make trial of his skill in
sacred literature. And a great many heretics, and not a few of the
most distinguished philosophers, studied under him diligently,
receiving instruction from him not only in divine things, but also in
secular philosophy. For when he perceived that any persons had
superior intelligence he instructed them also in philosophic branches,
in geometry, arithmetic, and other preparatory studies, and then
advanced to the systems of the philosophers and explained their
writings. And he made observations and comments upon each of them, so
that he became celebrated as a great philosopher even among the Greeks
themselves. And he instructed many of the less learned in the common
school branches, saying that these would be no small help to them in
the study and understanding of the Divine Scriptures. On this
account he considered it especially necessary for himself to be skilled
in secular and philosophic learning.
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