Chapter 37

1If” any woman whatsoever suffer violence from a man, let the deacon accurately investigate if she be faithful’ and have truly suffered violence; if! he who treated her with violence was not her lover. And if she be accurately thus, and if she that suffered mourn about the violence that happened to her, let him take it up to the hearing of the bishop, that she may be shewn to be in all things in communion with’ the Church. If he who treated her with violence be faithful, let not the deacon bring him into the church for partaking,” even if he repent. But if he be a catechumen and repent, let him be baptized and partake. Let the deacon catechise those who repent and bring them to the presbyters or to the bishop that they may be catechised and taught knowledge. But if [his] power suffice ” to accom1§.: supplications. ? Or: with regard to. 3§.: all the bonds. 4So8S.; M.B.: in. 5§.: either. 6 Or: with regard to. 3S. omits: if she be faithful. ™ So S.; M.B. omit: for partaking. 18 Or : instruct. plish perfectly the office of the diaconate, let him abide only in prayer; and let him consider supplication and meditation, love, the! way, mourning, and [to have] fear before his eyes, as a work; and he shall be called a son of the light.