Alleged Priscillianist Dictum of Secrecy, as recorded in Augustine, Letter 237.3

Alleged Priscillianist Dictum of Secrecy, as recorded in Augustine, Letter 237.3 

Written by Augustine to Ceretius, likely sometime after 414 CE. Section discusses an alleged dictum of the Priscillianists regarding the safe keeping of their secret doctrines. Whether this dictum goes back to Priscillian [d.385 CE], or is just held by his followers, or is indeed an invention of Augustine or other opponents of Priscillianism is unclear. For similar outlooks towards secrecy of doctrines/apocryphal works see the Oath of Justin the Gnostic, as reported in Refutation of all Heresies, 5.23-24; 5.27:1-3 (c.f. comments in the alleged Clement of Alexandria "Mar Saba Letter").

Source: Augustine, Letters, 211-270. The Works of Saint Augustine: A Translation for the 21st Century, (part 2). Trans.: Roland Teske, 2005. p. 137-138.

For some heretics could perhaps be found who are more impure, but none is comparable to them [Priscillianists] in deceitfulness. Others, of course, lie because of the habit and weakness of this life, for such vices are human, but these people are reported to have the commandment in their wicked doctrine of their heresy that, for the sake of their esoteric doctrines, they should lie even with a false oath. Those who have had experience of them and belonged to them and have been set free from them by God's mercy even quote the very words of this commandment:

"Swear, perjure yourself, but do not disclose the secret."

First Synod of Orleans, [511 CE] Canons 1 & 3

First Synod of Orleans, [511 CE] Canons 1 & 3

The first council of Orleans was convoked by Clovis I, King of the Franks. This contains the earliest canons that I am aware of that require a prescribed oath for a given ecclesiastical situation.

Source: Hefele, K. J. V. "A history of the Christian councils from the original documents" (Vol. 4). Ed.: W.R. Clarke [1895]. pp. 88- 89.

1. If murderers, adulterers, and thieves have taken refuge in the church, then, in accordance with canonical and Roman law, they are not to be taken from the porch of the church or the residence of the bishop until an assurance has been given by an oath on the Gospels that they shall be free from all punishments, on the condition that the guilty one shall give satisfaction to the injured party. Whoever breaks this oath shall be excluded from the Church and from all intercourse with Catholics. If, however, the offender will not agree to the demand laid down, and from fear flies from the church, then he shall not be required of the clergy of the church, that is, they shall not be held responsible for him.

3. If a slave has taken refuge in the church, he shall, if his master has taken the required oath (can. 1), be immediately sent back to him. If the master does not keep his oath, he shall be excluded from all intercourse with Catholics. If, however, the slave, in spite of his master having taken the oath for impunity, refuses to leave the church, then his master may remove him by force.

Note: On Can. 3, compare Deut. 23:15.