Theonas of Alexandria, Ante-Nicene Fathers Vol. VI, Epistle of Theonas… (1885)
“ If, therefore, it should happen that a believer in Christ is called to this same office, he should not despise that secular literature and those Gentile intellects which please the emperor. [1] To be praised are the poets for the greatness of their genius, the acuteness of their inventions, the aptness and lofty eloquence of their style. To be praised are the orators; to be praised also are the philosophers in their own class. ”
