Letter 42: I have thought it both a duty on my part and a necessity for you, dear brother, to write a short letter to the...

Cyprian to his brother Cornelius, greetings. I have thought it both a duty on my part and a necessity for you, dear brother, to write a short letter to the confessors there who have been led astray by the obstinacy and depravity of Novatian and Novatus, and who have separated themselves from the Church. My purpose is to move them, by the bond of the affection we share, to return to their Mother — that is, to the Catholic Church. I have entrusted this letter first to you through the sub-deacon Mettius for your review, so that no one can later claim I wrote something other than what the letter contains. I have also instructed Mettius, whom I have sent to you, to be guided by your judgment: if you think this letter should be delivered to the confessors, let him deliver it; if not, let him hold it. I bid you, dearest brother, ever to fare well.

Epistle 42