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"MANY others, in cities and villages, were torn asunder by the
heathen, of whom I will mention one as an illustration. Ischyrion
was employed as a steward by one of the rulers. His employer commanded
him to sacrifice, and on his refusal insulted him, and as he remained
firm, abused him. And as he still held out he seized a long staff and
thrust it through his bowels and slew him.
"Why need I speak of the multitude that wandered in the deserts and
mountains, and perished by hunger, and thirst, and cold, and
sickness, and robbers, and wild beasts? Those of them who survived
are witnesses of their election and victory. But I will relate one
occurrence as an example. Chaeremon, who was very old, was bishop of
the city called Nilus. He fled with his wife to the Arabian mountain
and did not return. And though the brethren searched diligently they
could not find either them or their bodies. And many who fled to the
same
Arabian mountain were carried into slavery by the barbarian Saracens.
Some of them were ransomed with difficulty and at a large price others
have not been to the present time. I have related these things, my
brother, not without an object, but that you may understand how many
and great distresses came upon us. Those indeed will understand them
the best who have had the largest experience of them."
A little further on he adds: "These divine martyrs among us, who
now are seated with Christ, and are sharers in his kingdom, partakers
of his judgment and judges with him, received some of the brethren who
had fallen away and become chargeable with the guilt of sacrificing.
When they perceived that their conversion and repentance were
sufficient to be acceptable with him who by no means desires the death
of the sinner, but his repentance, having proved them they received
them back and brought them together, and met with them and had
fellowship with them in prayers and feasts. What counsel then,
brethren, do you give us concerning such persons? What should we do?
Shall we have the same judgment and rule as theirs, and observe their
decision and charity, and show mercy to those whom they pitied? Or,
shall we declare their decision unrighteous, and set ourselves as
judges of their opinion, and grieve mercy and overturn order?" These
words Dionysius very properly added when making mention of those who
had been weak in the time of persecution.
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