Cyprian of Carthage,
The Epistles of Cyprian
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Epistle XVIII.142 Oxford ed.: Ep. xxiv. a.d. 250.
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-presbyters143 [The community of this term, presbyters, has been noted. See p. 156, supra.] 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 they144 “Some” would seem to be correct (Goldhorn); but it has no authority. who, after having sacrificed,145 [i.e., to idols, or the imperial image.] 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 presbyter146 “Presbyterium subministrabat;” assisted, probably as vicar or curate. 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.147 [A very touching incident, dramatically narrated.] 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.
ARGUMENTUM.---Cum lapsorum quidam, nova urgente 0271Bpersecutione, Christum confessi essent atque 0272Aadeo antequam in exsilium proficiscerentur, pacem peterent, consulit Cyprianum Caldonius an pax illis danda foret.
Cypriano et compresbyteris Carthagini consistentibus Caldonius salutem. Necessitas temporum facit ut non temere pacem demus. Sed oportebat vobis scribere, quoniam ii qui, posteaquam sacrificaverunt, iterato tenti, extorres sunt facti. Videntur ergo mihi abluisse prius delictum dum possessiones et domos dimittunt, et poenitentiam agentes Christum sequuntur. Ergo Felix, qui presbyterium subministrabat sub Decimo, proximus mihi vinculis (plenius cognovi eumdem Felicem), Victoria conjunx ejus et Lucius fideles extorres facti reliquerunt possessiones, quas nunc fiscus tenet. Sed 0272B et mulier nomine Bona, quae tracta est a marito 0273A ad sacrificandum, quae conscientia non commissi, sed quia tenentes manus ejus ipsi sacrificaverunt, coepit dicere contra, Non feci, vos fecistis; sic et ipsa extorris facta est. Cum ergo universi pacem peterent dicentes: Recuperavimus fidem quam amiseramus, poenitentiam agentes, et Christum publice sumus confessi; quamvis mihi videantur debere pacem accipere, tamen ad consilium vestrum eos dimisi, ne videar aliquid temere praesumere. Si quid ergo ex communi consilio placuerit, scribite mihi. Salutate nostros. Vos nostri. Opto vos, fratres charissimi, semper bene valere.