quently, save the soul labouring at the point of death, inflicting on some a lighter punishment, and preventing others from being lost; not by instruction only and admonition, but by the defence of prayer.
For they have obtained a power, not in Baptism only, but of forgiving the sins which we afterwards commit. h) Is any man sick among you? says St. James; Let him bring in the Priests of the Church," &c. L. iii. de Sacerdot. c. 6. T. i. p. 384.
CENT V.
INNOCENT I. L.C.-In reply to certain questions, which had been proposed to him by Decentius, an Italian Bishop, Innocent having remarked, that the traditions of the Apostles should be every where observed, and particularly those of Rome derived from St. Peter; in the eighth place says as follows: “ You cite the words of St. James, Is any man sick among you? Let him bring in the Priests of the Church, &c. This passage, doubtless, is to be understood of the sick among the faithful, who may be anointed with the holy Chrism, which, when consecrated by the Bishop, not only Priests, but all Christians, may use, in anointing themselves and others in cases of necessity. It is idle to make any question about Bishops, since the practice is allowed to Priests. For therefore are Priests mentioned, on account of the many occupations in which Bishops are engaged, which may hinder them from attending the sick. When the Bishop can, or is inclined to attend, he may give his blessing, and anoint with that Chrism, which it was his office to consecrate.” Ep. ad Decent. Conc. Gen. T. p. 1247.
ST. AUGUSTIN, L. C. “As often as sickness happens, the sick man should receive the body and blood of Christ, and
