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Custos Arc

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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Cusworth, Joseph

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(keeper of the chest) was a name given to the archdeacon, as having charge of the treasury of the Church, and the care of dispensing the oblations of the people. In this capacity Caecilian was accused by the Donatists of having prohibited the deacons from carrying any provision to the martyrs in prison. The fourth Council of Carthage directs the bishop not to concern himself personally in the care and government of widows, orphans, and strangers, but to commit the duty to his archpresbyter or archdeacon. Smith, Dict. of Christ. Antiq. s.v.