The Gospels of Sainte-Croix of Poitiers of c.800 contains an unusual double set of canon tables. Early initia canons, which provide snippets of text along with each number reference, are followed by another complete set of tables within architectural arcades. Written by the hand of a single scribe, there is no question that these two tables were intentionally included together. Why? This essay argues that these antiquated initia canons, which are paired with early versions of letters by Eusebius and Jerome, provided a sense of tradition and historical foundation for the Carolingian canons, illumination, and gospel text that followed.