CYPRIANUS

Thascus Coecilius. A Latin ecclesiastical writer, in born in Africa at the beginning of the 3rd century, of a respectable pagan family. Originally a teacher of rhetoric, he was converted and made Bishop of Carthage in 248 A.D. He was beheaded during the persecution under Valerian, in 257. In his numerous writings and exhortations he not only imitates Tertullian (whom he acknowledges as his master), but makes great use of his works. Besides thesis we have a large collection of his letters addressed to individuals and to churches.