Letter 2

Pacian of Barcelona (d. 391)

EPISTLE II.

CONCERNING NOVATIAN'S LETTER.

[Translated by the Rev. C. H. Collyns, M.A., Student of Christ Church.]

Novatians claimed to be called Christians only, not Catholics; cannot get rid of their human name; or affix any on the Catholics. Sympronian's captious criticism; all language God's gift. The civil power may punish misbelievers, if with good end. Novatians not persecuted, yet dwindle. Contrast of S. Cyprian and Novatian. Nov. no martyr, nor would suffering out of the Church make one. Pride of Novatian; humility is innocence.

Pacian the Bishop to Sympronian his brother, greeting.

1. On a prolix question I will, as far as I can, seek brevity. Nor will I, brother, make thee any return of evil, although, under plea of fair questioning, casting and directing at me hidden arrows in thy speech, of thine own framing. We are bidden to pray for those that persecute us, and to bless those who curse us. Deceit belongeth as it were to the fox, violence to the lion. Either is most alien from the nature of man, but deceit is deservedly the most odious. For whereas thou deemest thou art best informed , thou questionest as if ignorant; when thou thinkest that thou art teaching, thou…

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