That persecutions took place in his reign is an undeniable fact, and is sufficiently evidenced by the Apologies of Justin Martyr, of Melito Bishop of Sardis, of Athenagoras, and of Apollinarius, as well as by the Letter of the Church of Smyrna describing the martyrdom of Polycarp, and that of the Churches of Lyons and Vienne to their brethren in Asia Minor.

Melito, Bishop of Sardis, in addressing the Emperor, expresses a doubt as to whether he was really aware of the manner in which his Christian subjects were treated.

In Melito of Sardis (c. 176 A.D)

Melito uses the word which became established as the title used to distinguish the elder Scriptures from the youngerthe Old Covenant or Testament ([Greek: hae palaia diathaekae]); and it is argued from this that he implies the existence of a 'definite New Testament, a written antitype to 'the Old' [Endnote 245:1]

Within thirty years of the time when Melito is writing Tertullian uses the phrase Novum Testamentum precisely in our modern sense, intimating that it had then become the current designation [Endnote 245:3].

This being the case we cannot wonder that there should be a certain reflex hint of such a sense in the words of Melito.

The tract 'On Faith,' published in Syriac by Dr. Cureton and attributed to Melito, is not sufficiently authenticated to have value as evidence.

It should be noted that Melito's fragments contain nothing especially on the Gospels.

[Greek: ho Syros] is cited by Melito on Genesis xxii.

The appeal to the Syriac by Melito [Endnote 322:4] is pretty conclusive as to the existence of a Syriac Old Testament,

| fragments in Origen.| | | | | Melito. |Few slight fragments.| c.176.

SEE Melito, Saint, BP. of Sardis. BONTEMPS, ARNA.

MELITO, SAINT, BP.

The homily on the Passion by Melito, Bishop of Sardis, with some fragments of The apocryphal Ezekiel.

SEE Melito, Saint, BP. of Sardis. BONTEMPS, ARNA.

MELITO, SAINT, BP.

The homily on the Passion by Melito, Bishop of Sardis, with some fragments of The apocryphal Ezekiel.