ABSTRACT
THE greatest Christian figure in the West during these A times of persecution was Thascius Caecilius Cyprianus. He was not converted till middle life; before that he had been a successful and wealthy barrister or professor of rhetoric. He was baptised in 246, and tells of the access of joy that the change brought into his life. It received practical expression in the sale of his pleasure gardens in order that he might give the proceeds to the poor. But his popularity was such that his friends bought the gardens and gave them back to him. Shortly afterwards he was ordained to the priesthood, and within two years he was elected Bishop of Carthage. This was a compliment to his fame and a witness to the affection he had inspired among the laity; but it left him implacable enemies among the presbyters.
