Source edition
Cyprian. Saint. S. Thasci Caecili Cypriani Opera omnia, Pars I (Corpus Scriptorum Ecclesiasticorum Latinorum, Volume 3.1). Hartel, Wilhelm von, editor. Vienna: Gerold, 1868.
Source data
Open Greek and Latin · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is an exhortative treatise addressed to Christians facing the unprecedented crisis of a devastating plague, encouraging them to overcome the fear of death and remain steadfast in their faith. The author argues that the tribulations of the pestilence are divine tests, wherein enduring earthly sufferings strengthens and proves one's faith and virtue. Addressing the question of why Christians suffer from disease just as pagans do, he explains this as a universal condition of mortal flesh, pointing to figures like Job as models of patience. He asserts that fearing death betrays a lack of faith; instead, death should be welcomed as a release from earthly vices and a joyful transition to eternal life. Finally, the author admonishes against mourning the deceased excessively and powerfully inspires believers to transcend the fear of death in anticipation of a glorious reunion with their ancestors and saints in the heavenly paradise.