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 Decree concerning things to be observed, and eschewed in the Celebration of the MASS.

HOW great a care is to be used, that the holy Sacrifice of the Mass be cele∣brated with all Adoration, and Veneration of Religion, any one may easily imagine, who considereth that he is called Accursed in holy Writ, that doth the Work of God negligently. And if we necessarily confess, that no other work so Holy and Divine, can be done by the Faithful of Christ, as this tremendous mystery, in which that enlivening Host, in which we are reconciled to God the Father, is daily offer'd upon the Altar by the Priest, it is also manifestly evident, that all industry and diligence is therein to be used; to the end that it may be performed with as great internal Cleanness, and Purity, and external De∣votion and Piety as it can. Seeing then many things seem to be crept in already, whether by the vice of the Times, or by the carelesness and dishonesty of Men, which are contrary to the dignity of such a Sacrifice, to the end that the Ho∣nour and Worship due unto him, may be restored, to the glory of God, and the Edification of his Faithful People, the holy Council determineth, That the ordinary Bishops of Places, take all care to prohibit, and be obliged to re∣move

those things, which Superstition, the false Imitatress of true Piety, hath introduced, or Covetousness, or Servitude of Idols, or Irreverence which can hardly be separated from Impiety. And, that many Conditions may be com∣prehended in a few, in special, they, as touching Covetousness, altogether prohibit all conditions of Wages of what kind soever; and whatsoever is given for the Celebrating of New Masses, and also unreasonable and unlawful Exacti∣ons, rather than demands of Almes, and other things of like sort, which differ not much from a Symoniacal blot, or really from filthy Lucre. Secondly, That irreverence may be shunned, that every one in their respective Diocess, for∣bid any Vagrant and unknown Priest to Celebrate Mass. Thirdly, That they allow none, who is a notorious Criminal, to Minister at the holy Altar, or be present at holy Things, nor suffer them in private Houses, and wholly out of holy Church, and Oratories dedicated to so holy a Worship, to be ordained and visited by the same Ordinaries, in this holy Sacrifice to be performed, by any Seculars or Regulars whatsoever, unless they who are present, declare by an habit of Body, decently composed, that they are present, not only with Body but also with a Mind, and devout Affection of the Heart. Also, that they expel from their Churches, those Musicks, where any thing Lascivious or In∣jurious is mixed, whether by Organ or by Singing; and also all secular Actions, Vain, and also Prophane Discourses, Walkings, Noises, Clamours, that the House of God may truely seem the House of Prayer, and may be so called. Lastly, Let them be bound by the Edict and Pennance provided, that no place be devo∣ted to Superstition, nor the Priests celebrate at any other but due hours, be∣sides, those that are allowed of the Church, and have been received by frequent and laudable use; nor use any Rites, or any Ceremonies, or Prayers in the celebration of the Mass; and also to take away the certain number of certain Masses, and Candles, which rather was invented by a Superstitious Worship, than by true Religion: And teach the people what this so precious and celesti∣al Fruit of this holy Sacrifice is, and from whom it must come. Let them admonish the same people that they frequently come to the Parish Church, at least on the Lords Days, and the more noted Feasts. All these therefore which in brief are set down, are so propounded to all Ordinaries of Places, and not only these themselves, but all others besides, which seem to appertain here∣unto, that they, even by the power given them by the holy Synod, as the De∣legates of the Apostolick See, may Forbid, Command, Correct, Appoint, and compel the Faithful People, to keep these inviolate by the Censures of the Church, and other Penalties, which they at pleasure may appoint; Privileges, Exemptions, Appellations, and Customs whatsoever, notwithstanding.