The canons and decrees of the Council of Trent celebrated under Paul III, Julius III, and Pius IV, Bishops of Rome / faithfully translated into English.

A Decree of Prorogation, Definition of the four Articles of the Sacrament of the Eucharist, and Safe Conduct to be given to Protestants.

THE same Holy Synod, willing to pluck up all the Errors, which as briers in the Lord's Vineyard, have again sprouted up about this Holy Sacrament, and desiring to provide for the safety of all the Faithful, by daily Prayers pi∣ously offer'd up to Almighty God, amongst other Articles belonging to this Sa∣crament, and handled with the most diligent enquiry of Catholick Verity, very Many and very Learned Disputations had, according to the Gravity of the Mat∣ter, as also the Opinions of the best Divines, being known, has likewise treated of these Following: Whether it be Necessary to Salvation, and commanded by the di∣vine Law, That every one of Christ's Faithful, should receive the Venerable Sacrament of the Eucharist under both kinds. And, Whether he does not as Fully receive the Sa∣crament who receives it under one kind, as he that Communicates under both. And, Whether our Holy Mother the Church, hath erred in communicating Lay-Persons under the Species of Bread Only, and not the Priests that Celebrate. And, Whether little Children may receive the Communion; And because those of the most Famous Pro∣vince of Germany, who call themselves Protestants, having before given their Opinions, upon these Articles, do desire to be heard by this holy Synod, and have required for that end our general Leave, That they may come hither with Safety, and Sojourn in this City, and speak freely before the Synod, and propose what they shall think meet, and afterwards, when they have a mind, they may depart; This Holy Synod, although for several Months last past it had earnestly desired their coming, yet, as a Godly Mother, in the pangs of Travel, very much desiring and endeavouring, that there may be no Schisms amongst them, who name the Name of Christ; but as all do acknowledge the same God and Redee∣mer, they may so say, so believe, and so think, as one People; Trusting in God's Mercy, and hoping that he will bring it about, so as that they may be brought into that most holy and saving Concord of one Faith, Hope, and Cha∣rity, hath freely, complying with them in this Matter, as they have desired, gi∣ven and granted them Security and Publick Faith, which they call Safe Conduct, as to what belongs to them, in the Tenor following; and for their sakes hath de∣ferr'd the Definition of the foresaid Articles till the next Session; which, that they may be conveniently present at it, is ordered to be held on the Day of the Con∣version of St. Paul, which will be the 25th day of January, the Year following. And hath further instituted, that it be debated in the same Session, concerning the Sacrifice of the Mass, by reason of the great connexion of each of them; In the Interim, at the next Session to treat of the Sacrament of Pennance, and Ex∣tream Unction, which Session it hath decreed to be held, on the Day of St. Catha∣rine, the Virgin, and Martyr, which will be the 25th day of November; so that in both of them the matter of Reformation may be Prosecuted.

Safe Conduct given to the Protestants.

THe most Holy and General Council of Trent, lawfully met together in the Spirit of Holiness, the same Nuncio's and Legate of the Apostolick See pre∣siding therein, doth grant to all and singular, whether Ecclesiastical or Civil per∣sons of Germany, of what Degree, Station, Condition, or Quality soever they be, that are willing to come to this Oecumenick and General Council, that they may with all possible liberty, confer, propound, and discourse of those things which ought in the said Synod to be treated of, and that they may safely and freely come to the said Synod, and abide and sojourn therein, and offer and pro∣pound as many Articles as they please, as well in Writing, as by word of mouth, and confer and dispute without any Reproach or Contumely, with Fa∣thers, or such as shall be chosen by the said Holy Council for that purpose; And also they can and may be able whensoever they please, to depart upon publick Faith and full security, which they call Safe Conduct, with all and singular the Clauses and Decrees necessary and fit, although they ought not particularly, and in general words to be expressed, which the said Synod, as much as in it lies, would have understood, as if express'd. Moreover, it hath pleased the said Sy∣nod, That if for their greater Liberty and Security they desire certain Judges to be deputed them, as well for Offences committed, as to be committed, they may name such as are favourable to them, even though their Offences be never so Enormous, and tending to Heresie.