This first sermon on Saint Cyprian, together with the second and third, the illustrious Muratori was the first of all to transcribe from an excellent Ambrosian codex, and published in volume IV of the Anecdota. It was not permitted us to find any of them in any other codex by our inquiry. Wherefore we have followed the Paduan edition of Muratori's Anecdota for the last. This one thing we have observed: that Saint Maximus wrote something special about Saint Cyprian, as Gennadius testifies; which can be said equally of the two homilies published on page 255 and following of this volume, as of these sermons.
Not without reason, dearest brethren, do you render special honours to the most blessed martyr Cyprian with a certain special celebration and a most frequent gathering—him whom both the prerogative of his preceding life raised to the summit of the high priesthood, and whose faithful ministry of the pontificate lifted up to the palm of martyrdom. It is truly just and fitting that the Church should cherish the memory of his confession with a more devoted honour of Christ, in whom she glories no less in his teaching than in his blood. For what among ecclesiastical men is holier than a martyr? more distinguished than a teacher? more sublime than a priest? Precious, says blessed David, in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints (Psalm 116:15).
With how great a veneration, then, brethren, is he to be honoured by the faithful, whose passing was not only precious in the sight of the Lord, but who also, under the abundance of God, was both wealthy in life and most rich in speech? Rightly, as I think, is his life proclaimed wealthy, whose holy manner of living rejoiced in the abundance of good morals and ever in the treasure of manifold virtues. Nor incongruously is his speech called most rich and splendid, whose eloquence shone forth so radiant with such great light that amid the threats of the wicked and the terrors of persecutors it raised up the faithful, confirmed the doubting, refuted the unbelieving. For by no fear could he be diverted from teaching that faith for which, secure in Christ's promise, he did not dread to be slain.
But what was his confidence and virtue! With what constancy! who not only armed himself against the onslaught of the age with the vigour of a noble mind, but also, by building up the hope of future blessedness, taught many of the faithful not to fear death. Whence it appears, dearly beloved, with how great a brightness he now shines among the angelic choirs, who is both wonderful in his own passion and glorious in the confessions of others. For so great were his spiritual ornaments of words, and so vehement the censure of his heavenly sentiments, that his exhortation moved the minds of believers more than the sword of the raging enemy. But concerning blessed Cornelius, what shall I recall?