A Source Book for Ancient Church History - Mirrors

297them to improve the opportunity given them for rectifying theirerror, suspended them for a time, and by his authority ordainedtwo persons in their places, one of whom was in prison and theother in the mines. On learning these things, the blessed Peter,with much endurance, wrote to the people of Alexandria in thefollowing terms. [See next selection.](c) Peter of Alexandria. Epistle to the Church in Alexandria.(MSG, 18:510.)For Peter of Alexandria, see DCB. Peter was in hiding whenhe wrote the following to the Alexandrian church in 306. Hedied 312 as a martyr.Peter to the brethren in the Lord, beloved and established in thefaith of God, peace. Since I have discovered that Meletius acts inno way for the common good, for he does not approve the letterof the most holy bishops and martyrs, and invading my parish,has assumed so much to himself as to endeavor to separate frommy authority the priests and those who had been intrusted withvisiting the needy, and, giving proof of his desire for pre-eminence,has ordained in the prison several unto himself; now takeye heed to this and hold no communion with him, until I meethim in company with some wise men, and see what designs theyare which he has thought upon. Fare ye well.(d) Epitaph of Eusebius, Bishop of Rome. Cf. Kirch, n. 534.Schism of Heraclius.The following epitaph was placed on the tomb of Eusebius,bishop of Rome (April 18 to August 17, 310 A. D.), by Damasus,bishop of Rome (366-384.)