The Presbyters Project

Chapter 13

7. Et tu quidem paenitentiam moechi ad exorandam fraternitatem in ecclesiam inducens conciliciatum et concineratum cum dedecore et horrore compositum prosternis in medium ante uiduas, ante presbyteros, omnium lacrimas suadentem, omnium uestigia lambentem, omnium genua detinentem, in que eum hominis exitum quantis potes misericordiae inlecebris bonus pastor et benedictus papa contionaris et in parabola ouis capras tuas quaeris?

(ed. Dekkers 1954: 1304)

Chapter 13

7. Why, do you yourself, when introducing into the church, for the purpose of melting the brotherhood by his prayers, the repentant adulterer, lead into the midst and prostrate him, all in haircloth and ashes, a compound of disgrace and horror, before the widows, before the presbyters, suing for the tears of all, licking the footprints of all, clasping the knees of all? And do you, good shepherd and blessed father that you are, to bring about the (desired) end of the man, grace your harangue with all the allurements of mercy in your power, and under the parable of the "ewe" go in quest of your goats?

(trans. S. Thelwall, http://tertullian.org/anf/anf04/anf04-19.htm#P1279_349605, slighltly altered)

Discussion:

Place of event:

Region

Latin North Africa
Rome

City

Carthage
Rome

About the source:

Author: Tertullian
Title: On Modesty, De Pudicitia
Origin: Carthage (Latin North Africa)
Denomination: Montanist

Tertullian was born and active in Carthage (North Africa). He was most probably trained as a lawyer. He converted to Christianity before AD 197. His rigorist views drew him towards the Montanists (before AD 207), and eventually he distanced himself even from them, creating a party of his own. He died after AD 220. He may have been a presbyter [402]. He left many writings, both from the Catholic and Montanist period.

“On Modesty” was written in the mature Montanist period. It denies the Church the power to forgive grave sins.

Edition:

E. Dekkers ed., Q.S.Fl. Tertulliani De pudicitia, Corpus Christianorum. Series Latina 2, Turnhout 1954, 1279-1330.

Categories:

Described by a title - Presbyter/πρεσβύτερος

Ritual activity - Reconciliation/Administering penance

Please quote this record referring to its author, database name, number, and, if possible, stable URL: S. Adamiak, Presbyters in the Late Antique West, ER1251, http://www.presbytersproject.ihuw.pl/index.php?id=6&SourceID=1251