Canon VI.
That the chrism should not be made by presbyters.
Fortunatus the bishop, said: In former councils we remember that it was decreed that the chrism or the reconciliation of penitents, as also the consecration of virgins be not done by presbyters: but should anyone be discovered to have done this, what ought we to decree with regard to him?
Aurelius the bishop said: Your worthiness has heard the suggestion of our brother and fellow-bishop Fortunatus; What answer will you give?
And all the bishops replied: Neither the making of the chrism, nor the consecration of virgins, is to be done by presbyters, nor is it permitted to a presbyter to reconcile anyone in the public mass (in publica missa), this is the pleasure of all of us.
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Canon VI.
Let no presbyter make the chrism, nor prepare the unction, nor consecrate virgins, nor publicly reconcile anyone to communion.
This is Canon iij. of the Carthaginian Synod under Genethlius, a.d. 387 or 390.
Johnson.
Not the chrism used upon persons at their baptism, says the scholion in Bishop Beveridge's Annotation, but the Mystical Chrism, viz., that used at Confirmation; though neither was the chrism used at baptism to be consecrated by Priests. See Decr. of Gelasius 6.
Du Pin observes, That this is one of the first monuments where the name of "mass" occurs to signify the public prayers, which the church made at offering the Eucharist. And let the reader observe, that there is no mention of the "mass" in the copies which the Greeks made use of. And further, he restrains the meaning of the word "mass" too much, when he supposes that it denoted the Communion Office only.
Canon VII.
Concerning those who are reconciled in peril of death.
Aurelius the bishop said: If anyone had fallen into peril of death during the absence of the bishop, and had sought to reconcile himself to the divine altars, the presbyter should consult the bishop, and so reconcile the sick man at his bidding, which thing we should strengthen with healthy counsel. By all the bishops it was said: Whatever your holiness has taught us to be necessary, that is our pleasure.
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Canon VII.
A priest desiring to reconcile anyone in peril to the sacred altars must consult the bishop and do what seems good to him.
This is Canon iv. of the Synod of 387 or 390.
Johnson.
See Canon 43.
Canon VIII.
Of those who make accusation against an elder; and that no criminal is to be suffered to bring a charge against a bishop.
Numidius, the bishop of Maxula, said: Moreover, there are very many, not of good life, who think that their elders or bishops should be the butt for accusation; ought such to be easily admitted or no? Aurelius the bishop said: Is it the pleasure of your charity that he who is ensnared by divers wickednesses should have no voice of accusation against these?
All the bishops said: If he is criminous, his accusation is not to be received.
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Canon VIII.
It has seemed good that they who are themselves defendants for crimes should not bring accusations; nor should they be allowed to lay crimes to anyone's charge.
This is Canon vi. of Genethlius's Synod at Carthage, a.d. 387 or 390.
Johnson.
See Canons 132 and 133 and Constantinople Canon 6.
[The "elders" mentioned in this canon are] probably the same with senes in other canons, viz., Metropolitans, as is generally believed. The Latin here calls them Majores natu, the Greek pateras. Bishop Beveridge supposes that the word denotes bishop, though perhaps Majores natu may signify presbyters. Justellus on the canon produces some seeming authorities for this.
Canon IX.
Of those who on account of their deeds are justly cast forth from the congregation of the Church.
Augustine the bishop, the legate of the Numidian province, said: Deign to enact that if any perchance have been rightly on account of their crimes cast forth from the Church, and shall have been received into communion by some bishop or presbyter, such shall be considered as guilty of an equal crime with them who flee away from the judgment of their own bishop. And all the bishops said: This is the pleasure of all of us.
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Canon IX.
Let him be excommunicated who communicates with one excommunicated.
This is Canon vii. of the same synod of 387 or 390.