A LETTEB OF NOVATIAN, THE ROMAN PRESBYTER, ON THE JEWISH MEATS. ——* — CHAPTER L Argument. — Novatian,a Roman presbyter,during hisre tirementat thetimeof theDecian persecution,beingvrgei by various lettersfrom his brethren,had writtentwo earlierepistlesagainsttheJews on thesubjectsofcircum cisionand ilieSabbath,and now writesthepresentone on theJewishmeats. LTHOUGH, most holy brethren,the day inwhich I receiveyour lettersand writingsismost ardently longed for by me, and to be reckoned among the chiefand happiest(forwhat elseis therenowto make me more joyous?1),stillI thinkthatthe day istobe deemed not lessnotable,and among specialdays,whereinI return to you similarcommunications,with the affectionof lovethatI owe you, and writeyou letterswith a correspond ing interest.For nothing,most holy brethren,holdsme bound with such bonds,nothing stirsand arousesme with such a stimulusof careand anxiety,asthefearlestyou should think that any disadvantageis sufferedby you by reasonof my absence; and thisI striveto remedy, in labouringto show myself presentwith you by frequentletters.Although, 1 " Liberiorem,"translated,accordingto a plausibleemendation,as hilariorem." 882