Page:Notes upon Russia (volume 1, 1851).djvu/262

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72
NOTES UPON RUSSIA.

Is it lawful to use the milk of a cow on the same day that she has calved? Answer: No; because it is mixed with blood; but after two days it may be used.

***[1]

How is a man who has divorced his wife to do penance? Answer: Let him keep perpetual abstinence from the eucharist, except upon his death-bed.

Is it lawful to any one in life to undergo the ceremony of the burial of the dead for the health of his soul? Answer: It is lawful.

May husband and wife assist each other in performing penance. Answer: No; but a brother may assist a brother.

Ought a priest to undertake sacred duties on the same day that he has buried and kissed a dead person? Answer: He ought not.

Ought a woman in child-bed, whose health is despaired of, to have the communion administered to her? Answer: Only provided she be removed from the place where she was delivered, and be washed.

***[2]

Is it lawful to offer prayers in a church immediately after dinner or supper before going to sleep? Answer: Which is better, to sleep or to pray?

May a priest approach a sick man and administer the sacrament to him without wearing his sacerdotal robe? Answer: He may.

***[3]

May a woman take the advice of old women how she may conceive? Answer: Women, who by the advice of old crones, use herbs to produce conception instead of going to priests who might assist them with their prayers, shall do penance six weeks, and pay three griffnas to the priest. If

  1. Fifteen lines omitted.
  2. Five, ditto.
  3. Ten, ditto.