After the See had been vacant for the Space of Sixteen Months, _Cornelius_, a Presbyter of the Church of _Rome_, was at last elected[352], on the 4th of _June_ 251. according to the most probable Opinion[353]. [Sidenote: _The Character of_ Cornelius _by St._ Cyprian.] He was, according to St. _Cyprian_[354], a Man of an unblemished Character, and, on account of his peaceable Temper, his great Modesty, his Integrity, and many other eminent Virtues, well worthy of the Dignity to which he was raised. He did not attain at once, says the same Writer, to the Height of the Priesthood, but after he had passed through all the inferior Degrees, agreeably to the Discipline of the Church. He was so far from using Intrigues, from intruding himself by Violence, as some have done, that Violence was necessary to make him accept the Dignity offered him. He was ordained Bishop, continues St. _Cyprian_, by some of our Collegues, who, being then at _Rome_, conformed to the Judgment of the whole People and Clergy[355]. As _Decius_ was still alive, who had declared, that he had rather bear with a Competitor to his Crown, than with a Bishop of _Rome_[356], the Christians, in all Likelihood, laid hold of the Opportunity, which the Revolt of _Valens_ gave them, to chuse a new Bishop; for this very Year _Julius Valens_ revolting, caused himself to be proclaimed Emperor in _Rome_[357]; and though he held the Empire but a very short time, yet his Revolt might divert _Decius_ for a while from persecuting the Christians. [Sidenote: Novatian]