118. Synesius had previously represented his own
disqualifications (Epist. cv. p. 246-250). He loved profane
studies and profane sports; he was incapable of supporting a
life of celibacy; he disbelieved the resurrection; and he
refused to preach fables to the people, unless he might be
permitted to philosophise at home, Theophilus, primate of
Egypt, who knew his merit, accepted this extraordinary
compromise. See the Life of Synesius in Tillemont, Mem.
Eccles. tom. xii p. 499-554