A.D. 1200. DECREES OE THE SYNOD ΟΕ LONDON.. 491 case, may take the said rinsings. To this we add, that the Eucharist is to he kept in a clean and fair pyx, and that the same is to be carried to the sick, in a clean and fair pyx, a linen cloth being placed over the same, and a lantern and cross preceding it, unless the sick person shall happen to be at a very great distance. Also, the host itself is to be renewed each Lord's day, and certainty is to be observed relative to the Eucharist, so that what is unconsecrated may not be taken as though it were consecrated. To this we have thought proper to add, that the communion of the Eucharist is not to be given in secret to any person asking for the same ; but it is to be given, publicly and immediately, to him'who asks for it, unless his offences are of a public nature. This, saving in all things the honor and privileges of the Holy Church of Rome." Of Baptism or Confirmation, if there are doubts thereon. " As to baptism or confirmation, if there are doubts thereon, following the enactments of the holy canons, we do enact that the same shall be given, ' because that cannot be said to be repeated which is not known to have been already done.' Therefore, children exposed, about whose baptism there are doubts, are to be baptized, whether found with salt, or whether without salt.55 "We do also add, that no person shall be held at confirmation, by his father or mother, step-father or stepmother. Also, it is not to be allowable for deacons to baptize, or to give absolution, except in two cases of necessity ; because either the priest cannot, through absence, or will not, through foolishness, and the death of the child or sick person is imminent. And, if in a case of necessity, a child is baptized by a layman, which may be done by the father or mother, irrespective of their being married, let the service that follows the immersion, though not that which precedes it, be performed by a priest. This, saving in all things the honor and privileges of the Holy Church of Rome." Of Penance. "Inasmuch, as in penance, which is a 'second plank in shipwreck,' the more necessary reparation is after a lapse, the greater the circumspection that must be employed ; we, following the enactments of the holy canons, do command, that in enjoining penance, priests shall diligently attend to the cir « See p. 363.