Dialogue Against the Marcionites, Exhortation to Martyrdom (Wettstein 1674)

By what reasons I was moved to this, with what aids I was helped, and in what manner and how far I attempted this, I have revealed in a special Preface to the Reader. I aimed at this one thing: that I might comply with the provocations of learned men who were awakening the Origenian writings as if from their tombs, and that we might share what little the shelves of our libraries contain for the public use of others, hoping to stimulate those who can do greater and more numerous things with our willingness. Furthermore, I know from my own experience the limitations of my own talents and the insufficient strength of my age, which might appear hardly fit for adorning such things according to their dignity and restoring them to their former brilliance.

But the less protection I find in myself, the more earnestly I see that I must implore Your patronage, MOST MAGNIFICENT AND PRUDENT MEN. Therefore, I humbly ask that you, who have hitherto provided for piety and good letters in this city and the Athenaeum of the Rauraci the Latin name for Basel with all care and solicitude—so that in peace the true recognition and worship of God, along with the more elegant studies, might hold their place—might now also receive these present small works of the right-thinking Origen (for who would seek the patronage of errors?), and my own slender effort in them, with your accustomed benevolence. I ask that you might keep them safe from biting envy and not disdain to add heart to my endeavors for greater and more solid things.

Not only has confidence in Your Magnificence and Ampleness led me to seek such patronage, but your ineffable humanity and the singular benevolence recently shown toward me compel me to this, if I may desire to be counted as a man and a grateful one. Especially your propensity, MAGNIFICENT CONSUL BURCARD, you who are the Best and Greatest Patron of letters and literary men, toward me and my studies; to which a certain kindred inclination of the MOST HONORABLE CONSUL CRUG responds with equal kindness—a propensity I can never celebrate enough,

While I am mindful of myself, while the Spirit governs these limbs.

For when the Professorship of Oratory in our Academy became vacant, by divine guidance and the votes of the most honorable men of both orders, and especially yours, MOST DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARCHS, you conferred it upon me.