from private contention oppose the common choice of all the others, it being a reasonable one, and made according to the Ecclesiastical Canons, let the choice of the majority hold good.

VII. Since a custom and ancient tradition has prevailed, that the Bishop of Ælia (1) should be honored, let him have the second place of honor (2), saving to the Metropolis (3) the authority which is due to it.

VIII. Concerning those who have formerly called themselves Cathari (1), but who come over to the Catholic and Apostolic Church, the holy Syned has decreed, that they having received imposition of hands, shall so remain in the Clergy. It is right, however, that they should in the first instance make profession in writing that they will agree to and follow the decrees of the Catholic Church; in particular that they will communicate with those persons who have been twice married, and with those who, having lapsed in persecution, have had a certain period of penitence assigned to them, and a time for reconciliation fixed; and, generally, that they will follow in all things the decrees of the Catholic Church. Wherever therefore, whether in villages or cities, all who have been ordained are found to be of this party only, let them continue in the Clergy in the same rank in which they are found. But if any of these come to a place where there is already a Bishop or Presbyter of the Catholic Church, it is clear that the Bishop of the Church is to have the Episcopal dignity, and he who had the name of a Bishop amongst those who are called Cathari, shall have the rank of a Presbyter, unless it shall seem fit to the Bishop to allow him to partake of the honor of the name. If the Bishop is not pleased to do so, he shall assign him the place of a Chorepiscopus (2) or Presbyter, that he may indeed altogether appear to be

in the Clergy, but that there may not be two Bishops in the city (3).

IX. If any Presbyters have been promoted without inquiry, or if upon examination they have confessed their sins (1), and notwithstanding their having confessed, any man has in opposition to the Canon laid hands upon them, the Canon does not admit persons so ordained. For the Church defends that which cannot be found fault with.

X. If any who have lapsed have been ordained in ignorance, or even if those who ordained them were aware of the fact, this does not prejudice the ecclesiastical Canon; for upon the circumstance being made known, they are deposed. Apost. Can. 62.

XI. Concerning those who have fallen away without necessity, or without the spoiling of their goods, or without being in danger, or any other such reason, as happened under the tyranny of Licinius (1), the Synod has decreed, that although they are undeserving of any kind ness, they shall nevertheless be dealt with mercifully. As many therefore as shall truly repent, shall continue three years amongst the hearers (2) as believers, and seven amongst the prostrators, and for two years they shall communicate with the people in prayer without the offering.

XII. Those who have been called by grace (1), and have at first displayed their ardor, and laid aside their girdles, but afterwards have run like dogs to their own vomit (insomuch that some have spent money, and by means of gifts have acquired again their military station), must continue amongst the prostrators for ten years, after having been for three years amongst the hearers. In all such cases, however, it is proper to examine into the purpose and appearance of their repentance; for as many

as manifest their conversion in deed, and not in appearance only, by their fear, and tears, and patience, and good works, these having completed the prescribed time as hearers, may properly communicate in the prayers, and the Bishop may be allowed to determine yet more favorably respecting them. But those who hear their sentence with indifference, and think the form of entering into the Church sufficient for their conversion, must complete the whole time.

XIII. Concerning those who are likely to die (1), the old and Canonical law is still to be observed, that if any one is about to die, he must not be deprived of the perfect and most necessary provision for his journey. If however after having been given over, and having again received the Communion, he is again restored to health, let him continue amongst those who communicate in prayers only (2). But generally, and as regards every one who is likely to die, and who desires to partake of the Eucharist, the Bishop, after examination, shall impart to him of the offering.

XIV. Concerning those who are Catechumens (1), and who have lapsed, the holy and great Synod has decreed, that they shall be only three years amongst the Hearers, and after that shall pray with the Catechu

mens.

XV. On account of the great disturbance and disputes which have occurred, it seems right that the custom which has been admitted in some places contrary to the Canon, should by all means be done away, and that no Bishop, Presbyter, or Deacon, should remove from one city to another (1). But if any person after the decision of the holy and great Synod, shall attempt any such thing, or allow himself in such a practice, that which he has attempted shall be made utterly void, and he shall

be restored to the Church in which he was ordained Bishop or Presbyter. Apost. Can. 14.

XVI. If any persons, rashly and inconsiderately, not having the fear of God before their eyes, nor regarding the Canons of the Church, whether they be Presbyters or Deacons, or any others who are enrolled in the list of the Clergy, shall remove from their own Church, they ought by no means to be received into any other, but they must be constrained to return to their own parish (1), or if they continue they must be without communion (2). And if any Bishop shall dare to usurp what belongs to another, and to ordain in his Church any such person without the consent of the proper Bishop from whom he has seceded, let the Ordination be void. Apost. Can.

15,

16.

XVII. Since many persons of the Ecclesiastical order, being led away by covetousness, and a desire of filthy lucre, have forgotten the Holy Scripture, which says, "he gave not his money to usury," and in lending require the hundredth part (1), the holy and great Synod considers it right, that if any one after this decision shall be found receiving money for what he has advanced, or going about the business in any other way, as by requiring the whole and a half (2), or using any other device for filthy lucre's sake, he should be deposed from the Clergy, and struck out of the list. Apost. Can. 44.

XVIII. It has come to the knowledge of the holy Synod, that in certain places, and cities, the Deacons (2) give the Eucharist to the Presbyters, whereas neither Canon nor custom allows that they who have no authority to offer, should give the body of Christ to those who do offer. It has also been made known, that now some of the Deacons receive the Eucharist even before the Bishops. Let all such practices be done away, and let

the Deacons keep within their proper bounds, knowing that they are the Ministers of the Bishop, and inferior to the Presbyters. Let them therefore receive the Eucharist according to their order, after the Presbyters, either the Bishop or Presbyter administering it to them. Further, the Deacons are not to be allowed to sit amongst the Presbyters (2), for this is done contrary to the Canon and due order. But if any one after this decision will not obey, let him be put out of the Diaconate.

XIX. Concerning the Paulianists (1) who have come over to the Catholic Church, the decision is, that they must by all means be baptized again. But if any of them have in time past been enrolled amongst the Clergy (2), if they appear to be blameless and without reproach, after they have been rebaptized, let them be ordained by the Bishop of the Catholic Church. If, however, upon examination they are found to be not qualified, they must be deposed. In like manner as regards the Deaconesses (3), and, in short, any who have been enrolled amongst the Clergy, the same form is to be observed. And we have mentioned particularly those Deaconesses who are enrolled as far as the dress, since they have not any imposition of hands, they are altogether to be reckoned amongst the laity.

XX. Since there are some persons who kneel on the Lord's day (1), and in the days of the Pentecost; in order that all things may be observed in like manner in every parish, the holy Synod has decreed that all should at those times offer up their prayers to God standing.

NOTES UPON THE CANONS.

II. 1. The state of a Catechumen.] There was no certain general rule upon this point, but the practice varied according to