_Stephen_, who succeeded _Lucius_, in 253. soon after his Election, received a Letter from _Faustinus_, Bishop of _Lions_, written in the Name of all his Collegues in _Gaul_, informing him, that _Marcian_, Bishop of _Arles_, having embraced the Doctrine of _Novatian_, had denied the Communion of the Church to the Lapsed, even at the Point of Death. At the same time they writ to St. _Cyprian_, and on the same Subject[415], not caring to come to any vigorous Resolution against their Collegue, without the Advice and Approbation of other Bishops, especially of _Rome_ and _Carthage_; the former being eminent for the Dignity of his See, and the latter for his known Zeal, Piety, and Learning. But _Faustinus_ did not find in the Bishop of _Rome_ the Zeal he expected; and therefore he writ a second Letter to St. _Cyprian_, exhorting him to animate the others by his Example[416]; which that zealous Prelate did accordingly: for he writ immediately to _Stephen_, pressing him to dispatch, without Delay, full and ample Letters to the Bishops of _Gaul_; that, finding themselves thus backed and supported, they might thereby be encouraged to depose _Marcian_, and name another in his room. It is not to be doubted but the Bishop of _Carthage_, who had the Welfare of the Church, at least, as much at Heart as the Bishop of _Rome_, did himself what he encouraged the others to do; but I cannot positively affirm it, since his Answer to _Faustinus_ is lost. As to the Issue of this Affair, the Antients have left us quite in the Dark[N7]. ----- Footnote N7: _Marcian_’s Name is not in the List of the Bishops of _Arles_, published by F. _Mabillon_: whence some modern Writers have concluded, that he was actually deposed; but that List is very imperfect, the Names of many Bishops being wanting there, whom we certainly know to have governed that Church. ----- St. _Cyprian_ did not doubt in the least but that _Marcian_ would be deposed; for, in his Letter to _Stephen_, he desires him to let him know the Name of the Person who should be chosen in his room, that he may not be at a Loss, to whom he should direct his Letters, and his Brethren[417].