THE ECUMENICAL COUNCILS

Canons of Carthage - A.D. 419

Edited from a variety of translations (mentioned in the preface) by H. R. Percival

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Page 53

Canon LVIII. (Greek lxii.)

Of the remaining idols or temples which should be done away by the Emperors.

Wherefore the most religious Emperors should be asked [458] that they order the remaining idols to be taken entirely away throughout all Africa; for in many maritime places and in divers possessions the iniquity of this error still flourishes: that they command them to be taken away and their temples, (such as are no ornament, being set up in fields or out of the way places) be ordered to be altogether destroyed.

Notes.

Ancient Epitome of Canon LVIII.

The remains of the idols should be abolished altogether.

This is Canon ij. of the Synod of Carthage of June 15 (16), a.d. 401.

Canon LIX. (Greek lxiii.)

That clerics be not compelled to give testimony in public concerning the cognizance of their own judgment.

It should be petitioned also that they deign to decree, that if perchance any shall have been willing to plead their cause in any church according to the Apostolic law imposed upon the Churches, and it happens that the decision of the clergy does not satisfy one of the parties, it be not lawful to summon that clergyman who had been cognitor or present, [459] into judgment as a witness, and that no person attached to any ecclesiastic be compelled to give testimony.

Notes.

Ancient Epitome of Canon LIX.

A cleric who has decided a case shall not, if it be displeasing, be summoned to a tribunal to give evidence concerning it; and no ecclesiastical person shall be forced to give testimony.

This is Canon iij. of the Synod of Carthage, June 15 (or 16). a.d. 401.

Johnson.

"According to the Apostolic law," viz., that of St. Paul, 1 Cor. vi. 1, 2, etc. I follow the Greek scholia in rendering this canon. In Latin cognitor is he that is solicitor, or advocate, rather than the judge who takes cognizance.

[458] I have followed the Greek text. The Latin reads: "Instant etiam aliae necessitates religiosis imperitoribus postulandae."

[459] This must mean "who had heard the cause or been present at the hearing," and so the Greek has it.

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