To view the original Internet Sacred Text Archive, visit archive.sacred-texts.com
Canon LXV
The archive, offline Own the Wisdom of the Ages Every text in the library on a single USB drive. Read offline, cite freely, keep forever. No subscription required. Get the drive $127.00

Canon LXV

Canon LXV.

The fires which are lighted on the new moons by some before their shops and houses, upon which (according to a certain ancient custom) they are wont foolishly and crazily to leap, we order henceforth to cease. Therefore, whosoever shall do such a thing, if he be a cleric, let him be deposed; but if he be a layman, let him be cut off. p. 395 For it is written in the Fourth Book of the Kings “And Manasses built an altar to the whole host of heaven, in the two courts of the Lord, and made his sons to pass through the fire, he used lots and augurs and divinations by birds and made ventriloquists [or pythons 380 ] and multiplied diviners, that he might do evil before the Lord and provoke him to anger.” 381

Notes.

Ancient Epitome of Canon LXV.

The fires which were made upon the new moons at the workshops are condemned and those who leaped upon them.

Lupin remarks that the fires kindled on certain Saints’ days are almost certainly remains of this heathen practice. These fires are often accompanied with leaping, drinking, and the wrestling of young men.


Footnotes

  1. 395:380

    Only in the Latin.

  2. 395:381
Support the archive. Read ad-free with unlimited highlights, bookmarks, and annotations. $5/mo Become a Member Join

Comments and social are coming soon

Reader conversations and shared activity will appear here.

424 of 722 Book 59% ~1 min left