To Xystus (or Sixtus) II [80] (Eus., H. E. vii. 5, 3-6) (The second on the same subject)

(1) (Stephen) therefore had sent word concerning Helenus and concerning Firmilianus, and all the bishops of Cilicia and Cappadocia and (be it noted) of Galatia and all the neighbouring churches likewise—to the effect that he would not hold communion with them for this same reason, since, he says, they re-baptize the heretics. [81] And observe the importance of the matter. For decrees had really been passed about it in the largest synods of the bishops, [82] as I am informed, so that those who come over from heretical bodies, after a course of instruction, are washed and cleansed from the defilement of the old and unclean leaven. [83] About all this also I have written asking him for information.

(2) To our beloved fellow-presbyters also, Dionysius and Philemon, who had formerly sided with Stephanus and were correspondents of mine on the same matter, I have written briefly the first time and more fully now. [84]

(3) The teaching which is now at work in Ptolemais of Pentapolis, [85] is impious, full of blasphemy about the Almighty God and Father [86] of our Lord Jesus Christ and full of unbelief about His only begotten Son, [87] the First-born of all creation, [88] the Incarnate Word, and displays want of perception concerning the Holy Spirit. And therefore, when both official communications from both parties arrived and some of the brethren sought personal interviews with me, I wrote what I could [89] by the Divine assistance and gave a somewhat methodical explanation of the matter, a copy of which I have sent you.