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| To the Presbyters and Deacons.
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Epistle V.2143
| 2143
Oxford ed.: Ep. xiv. a.d.
250. |
To the Presbyters and
Deacons.
Argument.—The Argument of This Letter is Nearly the Same as that of
the Preceding One, Except that the Writer Directs the Confessors Also
to Be Admonished by the Clergy of Their Duty, to Give Attention to
Humility, and Obey the Presbyters and Deacons. His Own Retirement
Incidentally Furnishes an Occasion for This.
1. Cyprian to the presbyters and deacons, his
brethren, greeting. I had wished indeed, beloved brethren, with
this my letter to greet the whole of my clergy in health and
safety. But since the stormy time which has in a great measure
overwhelmed my people, has, moreover, added this enhancement to my
sorrows, that it has touched with its desolation even a portion of the
clergy, I pray the Lord that, by the divine mercy, I may hereafter
greet you at all events as safe, who, as I have learned, stand fast
both in faith and virtue. And although some reasons might appear
to urge me to the duty of myself hastening to come to you, firstly, for
instance, because of my eagerness and desire for you, which is the
chief consideration in my prayers, and then, that we might be able to
consult together on those matters which are required by the general
advantage, in respect of the government of the Church, and having
carefully examined them with abundant counsel, might wisely arrange
them;—yet it seemed to me better, still to preserve my retreat
and my quiet for a while, with a view to other advantages connected
with the peace and safety of us all:—which advantages an account
will be given you by our beloved brother Tertullus, who, besides his
other care which he zealously bestows on divine labours, was, moreover,
the author of this counsel; that I should be cautious and moderate, and
not rashly trust myself into the sight of the public; and especially
that I should beware of that place where I had been so often inquired
for and sought after.
2. Relying, therefore, upon your love and your
piety, which I have abundantly known, in this letter I both exhort and
command you, that those of you whose presence there is least suspicious
and least perilous, should in my stead discharge my duty, in respect of doing
those things which are required for the religious administration.
In the meantime let the poor be taken care of as much and as well as
possible; but especially those who have stood with unshaken faith and
have not forsaken Christ’s flock, that, by your diligence, means
be supplied to them to enable them to bear their poverty, so that what
the troublous time has not effected in respect of their faith, may not
be accomplished by want in respect of their afflictions. Let a
more earnest care, moreover, be bestowed upon the glorious
confessors. And although I know that very many of those have been
maintained by the vow2144
| 2144 It is
thought that Cyprian here speaks of an order of men called
“Parabolani,” who systematically devoted themselves to the
service of the sick and poor and imprisoned. [Acts iv. 6,
ὁι
νεώτεροι.] |
and by the love of the brethren, yet if there be any who are in want
either of clothing or maintenance, let them be supplied, with whatever
things are necessary, as I formerly wrote to you, while they were still
kept in prison,—only let them know from you and be instructed,
and learn what, according to the authority of Scripture, the discipline
of the Church requires of them, that they ought to be humble and modest
and peaceable, that they should maintain the honour of their name, so
that those who have achieved glory by what they have testified, may
achieve glory also by their characters, and in all things seeking the
Lord’s approval, may show themselves worthy, in consummation of
their praise, to attain a heavenly crown. For there remains more
than what is yet seen to be accomplished, since it is written
“Praise not any man before his death;”2145
and again, “Be thou faithful unto
death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”2146
And the Lord also says, “He
that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.”2147
Let them
imitate the Lord, who at the very time of His passion was not more
proud, but more humble. For then He washed His disciples’
feet, saying, “If I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet,
ye ought also to wash one another’s feet. For I have given
you an example, that ye should do as I have done to
you.”2148
Let them
also follow the example of the Apostle Paul, who, after often-repeated
imprisonment, after scourging, after exposures to wild beasts, in
everything continued meek and humble; and even after his rapture to the
third heaven and paradise, he did not proudly arrogate anything to
himself when he said, “Neither did we eat any man’s bread
for nought, but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we
might not be chargeable to any of you.”2149
3. These several matters, I pray you,
suggest to our brethren. And as “he who humbleth himself
shall be exalted,”2150
now is the time when they should rather fear the ensnaring adversary,
who more eagerly attacks the man that is strongest, and becoming more
virulent, for the very reason that he is conquered, strives to overcome
his conqueror. The Lord grant that I may soon both see them
again, and by salutary exhortation may establish their minds to
preserve their glory. For I am grieved when I hear that some of
them run about wickedly and proudly, and give themselves up to follies
or to discords; that members of Christ, and even members that have
confessed Christ, are defiled by unlawful concubinage, and cannot be
ruled either by deacons or by presbyters, but cause that, by the wicked
and evil characters of a few,2151
| 2151
[Strange, indeed, that such should be found amid the persecuted sheep
of Christ; but it illustrates the history of Callistus at Rome, and the
possibility of such characters enlisting in the Church.] |
the honourable glories of many and good confessors are
tarnished;2152
whom they ought
to fear, lest, being condemned by their testimony and judgment, they be
excluded from their fellowship. That, finally, is the illustrious
and true confessor, concerning whom afterwards the Church does not
blush, but boasts.
4. In respect of that which our
fellow-presbyters, Donatus and Fortunatus, Novatus and Gordius, wrote
to me, I have not been able to reply by myself, since, from the first
commencement of my episcopacy, I made up my mind to do nothing on my
own private opinion, without your advice and without the consent of the
people.2153
| 2153
[Elucidation II. This was the canonical duty neglected by
Callistus and his predecessor, who “imagined,”
etc. See p. 156, supra.] | But as
soon as, by the grace of God, I shall have come to you, then we will
discuss in common, as our respective dignity requires, those things
which either have been or are to be done. I bid you, brethren
beloved and dearly longed-for, ever heartily farewell, and be mindful
of me. Greet the brotherhood that is with you earnestly from me,
and tell them to remember me. Farewell.E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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