ST. DIONYSIUS OF ALEXANDRIA,[1] G. C.-Writing to Novatian, the schismatic, he says: “You ought rather to have suffered all things, than have raised a schism in the Church. To die in defence of its Unity would be as glorious, as laying down one's life rather than sacrifice to idols; and, in my opinion, more glorious; because here the safety of the whole Church is consulted. If you bring your brethren to union, this will overbalance your fault, which will be forgotten, and you will receive commendation. If you cannot gain others, at least save your own soul.” Apud Euseb. Hist. Eccl. L. vi. c. 45. p. 318. Cantabrigiæ, 1720.
CENT. IV.
LACTANTIUS, L. C.-" The Catholic Church alone retains the true worship.” (See the passage at p. 15.)
St. ALEXANDER, PATRIARCH OF ALEXANDRIA,[2] G.C. -“ He writes to his “fellow-ministers of the Catholic Church :”—“ As the body of the Catholic Church is one, m) and the Scriptures command, that we maintain the bond of peace and concord, it is proper, that in regard to all things that are done among us, we should condole, or rejoice with one another.” Apud Socrat. L. 1. c. vi. p. 10. Edit. Cantabrigiæ, 1720. Speaking of the Arians, he says: “ That
- ↑ He was Catechist of the same Church of Alexandria, as St. Cle. ment had been, and succeeded to the See about 247. He is spoken of by the early ecclesiastical writers, as highly illustrious for his learning, and the zeal with which he defended the Catholic cause. Of his works, however, which were numerous, enough only remains, chiefly in fragments, to make us regret their loss. He died about the year 264.
- ↑ He succeeded Achillas in 321, if not in 315. He vigorously opposed the heresy of Arius from its birth, and excommunicated its author, and his åbettors. He assisted at the Council of Nice, in 325, and died in 326.
