Epistle XVI. [2247]
The Confessors to Cyprian.
Argument.--A Certificate Written in the Name of the Martyrs by Lucianus.
All the confessors to father [2248] Cyprian, greeting. Know that, to all, concerning whom the account of what they have done since the commission of their sin has been, in your estimation, satisfactory, we have granted peace; and we have desired that this rescript should be made known by you to the other bishops also. We bid you to have peace with the holy martyrs. Lucianus wrote this, there being present of the clergy, both an exorcist and a reader.
[2247] Oxford ed.: Ep. xxiii. a.d. 250.
[2248] "Cypriano Papæ," to "Pope" Cyprian. [An instance illustrative of what is to be found on p. 54, supra. See also Elucidation III. p. 154, supra.]
Epistle XVII. [2249]
To the Presbyters and Deacons About the Foregoing and the Following Letters.
Argument.--No Account is to Be Made of Certificates from the Martyrs Before the Peace of the Church is Restored.
Cyprian to the presbyters and deacons, his brethren, greeting. The Lord speaketh and saith, "Upon whom shall I look, but upon him that is humble and quiet, and that trembleth at my words?" [2250] Although we ought all to be this, yet especially those ought to be so who must labour, that, after their grave lapse, they may, by true penitence and absolute humility, deserve well of the Lord. Now I have read the letter of the whole body of confessors, which they wish to be made known by me to all my colleagues, and in which they requested that the peace given by themselves should be assured to those concerning whom the account of what they have done since their crime has been, in our estimation, satisfactory; which matter, as it waits for the counsel and judgment of all of us, [2251] I do not dare to prejudge, and so to assume a common cause for my own decision. And therefore, in the meantime, let us abide by the letters which I lately wrote to you, of which I have now sent a copy to many of my colleagues, [2252] who wrote in reply, that they were pleased with what I had decided, and that there must be no departure therefrom, until, peace being granted to us by the Lord, we shall be able to assemble together into one place, and to examine into the cases of individuals. But that you may know both what my colleague Caldonius wrote to me, and what I replied to him, I have enclosed with my letter a copy of each letter, the whole of which I beg you to read to our brethren, that they may be more and more settled down to patience, and not add another fault to what had hitherto been their former fault, not being willing to obey either me or the Gospel, nor allowing their cases to be examined in accordance with the letters of all the confessors. I bid you, beloved brethren, ever heartily farewell; and have me in remembrance. Salute all the brotherhood. Fare ye well!
[2249] Oxford ed.: Ep. xxvi. a.d. 250.
[2250] Isa. lxvi. 2.
[2251] [Elucidation V.]
[2252] [The affectionate and general usage of primitive bishops to seek the consensus fratrum, is noteworthy.]
Epistle XVIII. [2253]
Caldonius to Cyprian.
Argument.--When, in the Urgency of a New Persecution, Certain of the Lapsed Had Confessed Christ, and So, Before They Went Away into Exile, Sought for Peace, Caldonius Consults Cyprian as to Whether Peace Should Be Granted Them.
Caldonius to Cyprian and his fellow-presbyters [2254] abiding at Carthage, greeting. The necessity of the times induces us not hastily to grant peace. But it was well to write to you, that they [2255] who, after having sacrificed, [2256] were again tried, became exiles. And thus they seem to me to have atoned for their former crime, in that they now let go their possessions and homes, and, repenting, follow Christ. Thus Felix, who assisted in the office of presbyter [2257] under Decimus, and was very near to me in bonds (I knew that same Felix very thoroughly), Victoria, his wife, and Lucius, being faithful, were banished, and have left their possessions, which the treasury now has in keeping. Moreover, a woman, Bona by name, who was dragged by her husband to sacrifice, and (with no conscience guilty of the crime, but because those who held her hands, sacrificed) began to cry against them, "I did not do it; you it was who did it!"--was also banished. [2258] Since, therefore, all these were asking for peace, saying, "We have recovered the faith which we had lost, we have repented, and have publicly confessed Christ"--although it seems to me that they ought to receive peace,--yet I have referred them to your judgment, that I might not appear to presume anything rashly. If, therefore, you should wish me to do anything by the common decision, write to me. Greet our brethren; our brethren greet you. I bid you, beloved brethren, ever heartily farewell.
[2253] Oxford ed.: Ep. xxiv. a.d. 250.
[2254] [The community of this term, presbyters, has been noted. See p. 156, supra.]
[2255] "Some" would seem to be correct (Goldhorn); but it has no authority.
[2256] [i.e., to idols, or the imperial image.]
[2257] "Presbyterium subministrabat;" assisted, probably as vicar or curate.
[2258] [A very touching incident, dramatically narrated.]