From the Council of Carthage, A.D. 348

Concerning the series, number, and proper canons of the individual Carthaginian or African synods, cf., if you please, the Fathers Ballerini in the third tome of the works of St. Leo, On the Ancient Collection of Canons, part II, chapter 3.

Canon III. All said: those who do not wish to marry and choose the better part of chastity ought to avoid not only dwelling together with strangers, but not even to have any access to them. Therefore this the law commands, and your holiness (they address Gratus the bishop) commends it. This also has been established by us in individual councils.