Opening the library…
Cyprian correspondence, Epistle III
Cyprian of Carthage
Epistle III.
1. Cyprian to the elders
2. I have, moreover, read another epistle, in which neither the person who wrote nor the persons to whom it was written were plainly declared; and inasmuch as in the same letter both the writing and the matter, and even the paper itself, gave me the idea that something had been taken away, or had been changed from the original, I have sent you back the epistle as it actually came to hand, that you may examine whether it is the very same which you gave to Crementius the sub-deacon, to carry. For it is a very serious thing if the truth of a clerical letter is corrupted by any falsehood or deceit. In order, then, that we may know this, ascertain whether the writing and subscription are yours, and write me again what is the truth of the matter. I bid you, dearest brethren, ever heartily farewell.
Oxford ed.; Ep. ix.
Fabian, bishop of Rome. [Cyprian’s “colleague,” but their bishop. See Greek of Philip. ii. 25. He is an example to his brethren: such the simple position of a primitive Bishop of Rome.]
The foregoing letter, Ep. ii.