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.

The Second Session, held the vii of January, M.D.XLVI.

A Decree about their Manner of Life, and other things to be observed in the Council.

THE thrice Holy Synod of Trent, lawfully assembled by the power of the Holy Ghost, the three chief Legats of the Apostolick Seat presiding in it, doth acknowledge with our blessed Apostle St. James, That every good and every perfect Gift, is from above, descending from the Father of Lights, who giveth to eve∣ry one that asketh of him plenty of Wisdom, not stinting them; and knowing withal, That the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom, did Order and Decree, That all and every Christs Faithful assembled in the City of Trent, should be in∣treated to amend all the Errors and Enormities of their past Life, and for the future to walk in the Fear of the Lord, and not fulfil the Lusts of the Flesh, but be instant in Prayer, Confess their Sins often; Receive the Sacrament of the Blessed Eucharist, Frequent Churches, and lastly, as far as every one is able, to fulfil the Commandments of the Lord, as also daily to pray for the Union of Christian Princes and the Church, privately in their Closets: It does also order, that all the Bishops and others of that Sacred Function, assembled in the said City to Celebrate the Oecumenick Council, be instant in the Praises of Almighty God, in offering of Sacrifices, Prayers and Praises, at least wise to offer up the Sacrifice of the Mass every Lords Day, the day whereon he rose from the Dead, and sent his Holy Spirit into his Disciples; and let them be careful, as the same Spirit by the Apostle hath taught us, that Prayers, Suppli∣cations, and giving of thanks, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 made for his Holiness the Pope, the Empe∣rour, for Kings, and others in Authority, and likewise for all Mankind; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, and live to see the Increase of Faith amongst us: Moreover they order, that people Fast at least the Six days set apart for the Passion of our Saviour; and that they be charitable to the poor: And in the Cathedral Church shall be celebrated every Fifth Holy day the Mass of the Holy Spirit, with Letanies, and other Prayers for that end Instituted; and in other Churches, let there be said, at least, the Letanies and Prayers for the Day: And in the time of Divine Service, let there be no talking or discoursing together, but be assisting both with Heart and Voice in the Celebration.

And because it behoves Bishops to be without blame, sober, chast, and care∣ful over their charge, it advises, that above all things, every one be sober and moderate in his Drinking and Eating at Table. Furthermore, seeing it very of∣ten falls out that idle discourse does happen in that place, the Council doth or∣der that some portion of Scripture be read even at the Bishops Tables; and Teach and Instruct all their Domestick Servants and Family not to be Contenti∣ous, Drinkers of Wine, Immodest, Covetous, Proud, Blasphemous and Lo∣vers

of pleasures: Last of all, let them shun Vice, and imbrace Vertue, and in their Apparel, Worship, and in all their Actions, let them carry themselves honestly as becomes Ministers of the Servants of God.

Moreover, since it is the chief Care, Trouble and Intention of this most Holy Synod, that the Dark Chimera's of Heresies being dispell'd, which for so many Years have cover'd the Face of the Earth, the Light of the Catholick Verity, by the Assistance of Jesus Christ who is the true Light, may again show its self in its Splendor and Purity, and that those things that want a Reformation may be Reformed; the said Synod doth intreat all Catholicks here Assembled, and to be Assembled, especially those skill'd in Sacred Writ, that they would seri∣ously consider with themselves, by what ways and means this Assembly may best carry on their intention, and chuse the way that leads to the desired effect, whereby things to be condemned may be condemned the sooner and more con∣sideringly, and things to be approv'd of Approv'd; that all the World with one Voice and one Confession of Faith, may glorify God, and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

But in delivering their Opinions, according to an order of the Council of Toledo, the Ministers of the Lord sitting in the place of Benediction, ought not by immodest words to make a noise or tumultuously disturb him that speaketh; nor ought any one to hold an obstinate contest about false and frivolous matters, but that whatever is spoken, may be done with that mildness, as may neither offend the Auditors, nor make them warp in their judgments.

Furthermore this Holy Synod hath decreed and appointed, That, if by chance any one not seated in convenient place, yet desire leave to give his Opini∣on in any point for the good of the Assembly, or any other Acts whatsoever, during the sitting of the Council, should not prove a prejudice to, or be pleaded for as customary by any one.

Afterwards the Session was put off till the Fourth day of February next.