INTRODUCTION.

IN this seventh book of the Church History, the great bishop of Alexandria, Dionysius, (1) shall again assist us by his own words; relating the several affairs of his time in the epistles which he has left. I will begin with them.

CHAPTER I.

The Wickedness of Decius and Gallus.

WHEN Decius had reigned not quite two years, (1) he was slain with his children, and Gallus succeeded him. At this time Origen died, being sixty-nine years of age. (2) Dionysius, writing to Hermammon, (3) speaks as follows of Gallus: (4)

"Gallus neither recognized the wickedness of Decius, nor considered what had destroyed him; but stumbled on the same stone, though it lay before his eyes. For when his reign was prosperous and affairs were proceeding according to his mind, he attacked the holy men who were interceding with God for his peace and welfare. Therefore with them he persecuted also their prayers in his behalf." So much concerning him.

CHAPTER II.

The Bishops of Rome in those Times.

CORNELIUS, (1) having held the episcopate in the city of Rome about three years, was succeeded by Lucius. (2) He died in less than eight months, and transmitted his office to Stephen. (3) Dionysius wrote to him the first of his letters on baptism, (4) as no small controversy had arisen as to whether those who had turned from any heresy should be purified by baptism. For the ancient custom prevailed in regard to such, that they should receive only the laying on of hands with prayers. (5)

CHAPTER III.

Cyprian, and the Bishops with him, first taught that it was necessary to purify by Baptism those converted from Heresy.

FIRST of all, Cyprian, pastor of the parish of Carthage, (1) maintained that they should not be received except they had been purified from their error by baptism. But Stephen considering it unnecessary to add any innovation contrary to the tradition which had been held from the beginning, was very indignant at this. (2)

CHAPTER IV.

The Epistles which Dionysius wrote an this Subject.

DIONYSIUS, therefore, having communicated with him extensively on this question by letter, (1) finally showed him that since the persecution had abated, (2) the churches everywhere had rejected the novelty of Novatus, and were at peace among themselves. He writes as follows: