The Writings of Dionysius

<p>[a.d. 200-265.] The great Origen had twin children in Gregory and Dionysius. Their</p><p>lives ran in parallel lines and are said to have ended on the same day; and nobly did they</p><p>sustain the dignity and orthodoxy of the pre-eminent school which was soon to see its bright</p><p>peculiar star in Athanasius. Dionysius is supposed to have been a native of Alexandria of</p><p>heathen parentage and of a family possessed of wealth and honourable rank. Early in life</p><p>he seems to have been brought under the influence of certain presbyters; and a voice seemed</p><p>to speak to him in a vision607 encouraging him to prove all things and hold fast that which</p><p>is good. We find him at the feet of Origen a diligent pupil and afterwards as a presbyter</p><p>succeeding Heraclas (a.d. 232) as the head of the school sitting in Origen's seat. For about</p><p>fifteen years he further illuminated this illustrious chair; and then in ripe years about a.d.</p><p>246 he succeeded Heraclas again as bishop of Alexandria at that time beyond all comparison</p><p>the greatest and the most powerful See of Christendom.</p>