Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
[ocr errors]

. . . VL temporal ambition 18 always prepared to encoun- w

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors][merged small]
[ocr errors][merged small]

example of several holy bishops 7', and the divine admonitions which, as he declares himself, he frequently received in v'isions and extasies, were the reasons alleged in his justification 79. But his best apology may be found in the cheerful resolution, with which, about eight years asterwards, he suffered death in the cause of religion. The authentic history of his martyrdom has been recorded with unusual Candour and impartiality. A short abstract therefore of its most important circumstances will convey the clearest information of the spirit, and of the forms, of the Roman persecutions so.

When Valerian was consul for the third, and Gallienus for the fourth, time; Paternus, proconsul of Africa, summoned Cyprian to appear in his private council-chamber. He there acquainted him with the Imperial mandate which he had just receiVed", that those who had abandoned the Roman religion, should immediately return to the practice of the ceremonies of their

A. D. 25 7. His banishment.

78 In particular those of Dionysius of Alexandria, and Gregory Thaumaturgus of Nero Cazsarea. See Euseb. Hizt. Ecclesiast. l. vi. c. 40. and Memoires de Tillemont, tom. iv. part ii. p. 685.

79 See Cyp'rian, Epist. 16. and his life by Pontius.

3" We have an original life of Cyprian by the dcacon Pontius, the companion of his exile, and the spectator of his death; and

_, we likewise possess the 'ancient proconsular acts of his martyrdom.

These two relations are consistent with each other, and with probability; and what is somewhat remarkable, they are both unsul. lied by any miraculous circumstances,

3' It should seem that these were circular orders, sent at the same time to all the governors. Dionysius (ap. Euseb. l. vii. e. 11.) relates the history of his own banishment from Alexandria, almost in the same manner. But as he escaptd and survived the persecution, we must account him either more or less fortunate than Cyprian.

ancestors.

[ocr errors]

Cyprian replied without hesitation, C HAP.

32 See Plin. Hist. Natur. v. 3. Cellarius, Geograph. Antiq. part iii. p. 96. Shaw's Travels, p. 90.; and for the adjacent country (which is terminated by Cape Bona,r or the promoutory of Mercury), l'Afrique de Marmol. tom. iisi. p.'494. There are the remains of an aqueduct, near Curubis, or Curbis, at present al

tered into Gurbes; and Dr. Shaw read an inscription, which styles '

that city, Calqnia FuI-via. The deacon Pontius (in Vit. Cyprian.
c. 12.) calls it U Apricum et competentem locum, hospitium pro
voluntate secretum, et quicquid apponi eis aute promissum est, qui
regnum et justitiam Dei quaerunt."

83 See Cyprian. Epistol. 77. Edit.'Fell. i
' more

XVI.

. L-YN

[ocr errors][merged small]
[ocr errors]

more favourable aspect. He was recalled from banishment; and though' not yet permitted to 'return to Carthage, his own gardens in the neighbourhood of the capital were assigned for the place of his refidenceu.

At length, exactly one year "5 after Cyprian was first apprehended, Galerius Maximus, proconsul of Africa, received the Imperial Warrant for the execution of the Christian teachers.' The bishop of Carthage was sensible that he should be singled out for one of the first victims ;si and the frailty of nature tempted him to withdraw him'self by a secret' flight, from the danger and the honour of martyrdom: but soon recovering that fortitude which his character required, he returned to his gardens, and patiently expected the ministers of death. Two officers of rank, who were intrusted with that commiffion, placed Cyprian between them in a chariot; and as the proconsul was not then at "leisure, they conducted him, not to a prison, but to a private house in Carthage, which belonged to one of them. An elegant supper was provided for the entertainment of the bishop, and his Christian friends were permitted for the last time to enjoy his society, whilst the streets were filled with a multitude of the faithful,

[ocr errors]

anxious 'and alarmed at the approaching fate of CHVAKK P

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

87 See the original sentence in the Acts, c. 4. and in Pontius,

[ocr errors]

VOL. II. F f who

[ocr errors][merged small]
« ZurückWeiter »