Canon L.
(Greek liv.)
How many bishops should be added to the number of those ordaining, if any opposition had been made to the one to be ordained.
But this should be decreed, that when we shall have met together to choose a bishop, if any opposition shall arise, because such things have been treated by us, the three shall not presume to purge him who was to be ordained, but one or two more shall be asked to be added to the aforesaid number, and the persons of those objecting shall first be discussed in the same place (plebe) for which he was to be ordained. And last of all the objections shall be considered; and only after he has been cleared in the public sight shall he at last be ordained. If this agrees with the mind of your holiness, let it be confirmed by the answer of your worthiness.All the bishops said, We are well pleased.
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Canon L.
If any controversy arise concerning a bishop who has been elected by three bishops, let two others be coopted, and so let there be an examination made of his affairs; and if it shall appear that he is pure, let him be ordained.
This canon is Canon iij., of the Synod of Carthage, Aug. 28th, 397.
Johnson.
Here the bishops meet to choose a new one, and it is evident by the foregoing canon, that they met not in the vacant church, but in that of the Primate; and that therefore not the people, but the bishops had the chief share in the election. The people might make their objections, which supposes they knew who their intended bishop was; but the bishops were the judges of the cause. And it seems probable, that if there were any dispute, some of the bishops went to the vacant church to hear the allegations against the person that was elected, or proposed.
Canon LI.
(Greek lv.)
That the date of Easter is to be announced by the Church of Carthage.
Honoratus and Urban, the bishops, said: Since all things treated by our commonitory are known, we add also what has been ordered concerning the day of Easter, that we be informed of the date always by the Church of Carthage, as has been accustomed and that no short time before. Aurelius, the bishop, said: If it seems good to your holiness, since we remember that we pledged ourselves sometime ago that every year we would come together for discussion, when we assemble, then let the date of the holy Easter be announced through the legates present at the Council. Honoratus and Urban, the bishops, said: Now we seek of the present assembly that ye deign to inform our province of that day by letters. Aurelius, the bishop, said:It is necessary it should be so.
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Canon LI.
Let the day on which Easter is to be kept be announced by the Church of Carthage in the annual synod.
This canon is the first part of Canon iv. of the Synod of Carthage, August 28th, 397.
Johnson.
The synod met in August. See Can. 73.
Canon LII.
(Greek lvi.) Of visiting provinces.
Honoratus and Urban, the bishops, said: This was commanded to us in word, that because it had been decreed in the Council of Hippo that each province should be visited in the time of the council, that ye also deign that this year or next, according to the order ye have drawn up, you should visit the province of Mauritania.
Aurelius, the bishop, said: Of the province of Mauritania because it is situated in the confines of Africa, we have made no decree, for they are neighbours of the barbarians; but God grant (not however that I make any rash promise of doing so), we may be able to come to your province. For ye should consider, brethren, that this same thing our brethren of Tripoli and of the Arzuges region could demand also, if occasion offered
Notes.