obtained, is of necessity to be made beforehand, by those whom the conscience of deadly sin burthens, how contrite even soever they may deem themselves. But if any one shall presume to teach, preach, or obstinately assert, or even by publicly disputing, defend the contrary, he shall be by the very act excommunicated.
DECREE TOUCHING REFORMATION.
CHAPTER I.
Bishops shall prudently apply themselves to reform the Manners of their Subjects: from their Correction there shall be no Appeal.
The same sacred and holy Synod of Trent, lawfully assembled in the Holy Ghost, the same legate and nuncios of the Apostolic See presiding therein,—intending to ordain certain things which relate to the jurisdiction of bishops, in order that they may, in accordance with the decree of the last session, so much the more willingly reside in the churches committed to them, by how much the more easily and conveniently they shall be able to rule and to keep in propriety of life and manners, those subject unto them, thinks it meet that the bishops be first of all admonished to remember, that they are pastors, and not strikers,[1] and that they ought so to preside over those in subjection to them, as not to lord it over them,[2] but to love them as sons and brethren; and to strive, by exhorting and admonishing, to deter them from what is unlawful, that they may not be compelled, should they transgress, to coerce them by due punishments. Should they, however, happen to sin in any manner through human frailty, that precept of the apostle is to be observed by them, that they reprove, entreat, rebuke them in all kindness[3] and patience, since benevolence towards those to be corrected often effects more than austerity, exhortation more than menacing, charity more than power. But if, on account of the grievousness of the transgression, there be need of the rod, then is rigour to be used with gentleness, judgment with mercy, severity with lenity; that so discipline, salutary and necessary for the people, may be preserved without harshness; and that they who are chastised may be amended; or, if they be
