Page:History of the First Council of Nice.djvu/115

Rh, their intentions and the nature of their penitence must be judged. The real penitents, who show it by tears and fear and good works, after finishing their penance among the hearers, may, perhaps, take part among those that pray; and the bishop may show them even greater lenity."

13. That a dying penitent may receive the sacrament:

"Concerning those who die, the ancient and ecclesiastical law shall now be observed, that, if any one is about to expire, he may not be deprived of the viaticum of the Lord. But if, in despair of life, having received the communion, and partaken of the offering, he be again numbered with the living, let him be placed with those who participate in prayer only. By all means, however, let the bishops impart the offering to every one, on examination, who desires, at the point of death, to partake of the eucharist."

14. Lapsed catechumens are to spend three years in the first stage of penance, i. e., as hearers. After that they can then join in prayer with the other catechumens.

15. That bishops, presbyters, and deacons shall remain in their own several churches, and not go to others.

16. That presbyters and deacons, forsaking their own churches and going to others, must be sent back; and a bishop shall not ordain those under another bishop without the latter's consent.