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A Source Book for Ancient Church History - Mirrors

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§ 75. Social Significance of the State <strong>Church</strong> 423Those who from the motives of religion shall give deservedliberty to their slaves in the midst of the <strong>Church</strong> shall be regardedas having given the same with the same legal <strong>for</strong>ce as that bywhich Roman citizenship has been customarily given with thetraditional solemn rites. But this is permitted only to those who [386]give this liberty in the presence of the priest. But to the clergywe concede more, so that, when they give liberty to their slaves,they may be said to have granted a full enjoyment of liberty,not merely in the face of the <strong>Church</strong> and the religious people,but also, when in their last disposition of their effects they shallhave given liberty or shall direct by any words whatsoever thatit be given, on the day of the publication of their will liberty,without any witness or intervention of the law, shall belong tothem immediately.(c) Canons bearing on Slavery:Synod of Elvira, A. D. 309, Canon 5, Bruns, II, 1.If a mistress seized with furious passion beat her female slavewith whips so that within three days she gives up her soul in suffering,inasmuch as it is uncertain whether she killed her wilfullyor by chance, let her, if it was done wilfully, be readmitted afterseven years, when the lawful penance has been accomplished;or after the space of five years if it was by chance; but if sheshould become ill during the appointed time, let her receive thecommunion.Synod of Gangra, A. D. 343, Canon 3, Bruns, I, 107.If any one, under the pretence of piety, advises a slave to despisehis master and run away from his service and not with good willand full respect serve his master, let him be anathema.Synod of Agde, A. D. 509. Canon 7, Bruns, II, 147.

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