Letter 81: The reason I could not write you immediately, dearest brother, was that all the clergy, being in the very heat of...

Cyprian to his brother Successus, greetings. The reason I could not write you immediately, dearest brother, was that all the clergy, being in the very heat of the contest, were unable in any way to leave this place — all of them prepared, in accordance with the devotion of their hearts, for divine and heavenly glory. But know that messengers I sent to the City for this purpose have returned, having found out and brought back to us the truth of what has been decreed concerning us. For many uncertain and varied reports have been circulating. The truth of the matter is this: Valerian has issued a rescript to the Senate to the effect that bishops, presbyters, and deacons are to be punished without delay. Senators, men of rank, and Roman knights are to lose their social standing and, in addition, to be stripped of their property. If, having lost their wealth, they persist in being Christians, they are to lose their heads as well. Aristocratic women are to be stripped of their property and banished. Members of Caesar's household who are already Christians or who confess the faith from this point forward are to have their property confiscated and are to be sent in chains to work on Caesar's estates. This is what has been decreed. The blow is falling everywhere at once. This is not a hidden threat but an open sentence. Let everyone know what awaits them, that each may be prepared. The time for calculation is past. The time for standing firm has come. Do not be afraid. The Master who assigns the suffering also assigns the crown. Pass this news to our other colleagues, so that everywhere our brothers may be strengthened by the knowledge of what is required of them — and may face it with the courage that belongs to those who belong to Christ.

Epistle 81