st, was the indefatigable enemy of
Arianism, the bold leader of the Catholic party at
Alexandria, at the early age of thirty (30) elevated to its
bishopric, one of the most important sees in the East. Ever
conscientious and bold, the whole Christian Church felt his
influence, while emperors and kings feared his power. His
life was stormy, because he loved the truth and taught it in
all boldness. He hated his own life for the truth's sake. He
counted all things but loss, that he might gain Christ. He
was often in perils by false brethren, was driven out into
the solitary places of the earth,--into the monasteries of
the Thebaid; and yet he endured as seeing Him who is
invisible, looking for the reward of the promise, knowing
that He who promised is faithful.

Origen was an Alexandrian by birth and culture, an able
preacher, a forcible writer, and a theologian of great
learning. His influence while living was great, and was felt
long after his death.

In North Africa, Cyprian, the great writer of Church polity,
a pastor and teacher of rare gifts, was the first bishop to
lay down his life for the truth's sake. The shadows of
fifteen centuries rest upon his name; but it is as fadeless
to-day as when a weeping multitude followed him to his
martyrdom, and exclaimed, "Let us die with our holy bishop."

The weary centuries intervene, and yet the student of Church
polity is fascinated and instructed by the brilliant
teachings of Cyprian. His bitterest enemies--those who have
most acrimoniously assailed him--have at length recognized
in him the qualities of a great writer and teacher; and his
puissant name, sending its influence along the ages,
attracts the admiration of the ecclesiastical scholars of
every generation.

Tertullian, the leader of the Montanists, fiery, impulsive,
the strong preacher, the vigorous writer, the bold
controversialist, organized a sect which survived him,
though finally disorganized through the influence of
Augustine, the master theologian of the early Church, indeed
of the Church universal.

Other fathers built theological systems that flourished for
a season; but the system that Augustine established survived
him, has survived the intervening centuries, and lives
to-day.

Africa furn