barons; and, as if they were inferior ministers of the altar, not only most unworthily give them place; but even serve them in person. Wherefore, the holy synod, detesting this and the like behaviour, doth, by renewing all the sacred canons, the general councils, and other apostolical sanctions appertaining to the decorum and weight of the episcopal dignity, enjoin, that bishops in future abstain from such conduct; charging them that, both in church and out of it, having before their eyes their own rank and order, they everywhere remember that they are fathers and pastors; [enjoining] also on others, as well princes as all other persons soever, to pay them paternal honour and due reverence.
CHAPTER XVIII.
As it is expedient for the public good, to relax at times the fetters of the law, thereby more completely to meet, for the common advantage, the cases and necessities which arise; so also, to dispense too often with the law, and to yield to petitioners on account of precedent,[1] rather than upon any certain discernment in regard of persons and circumstances, is nothing else but to open a way for each one to transgress the laws: Wherefore, know all men, that the most sacred canons are to be exactly observed by all, and, as far as is possible, without distinction. But if any urgent and just reason, and at times a greater advantage, shau require that some be dispensed with; this shall be granted, after the cause has been taken cognizance of, and after the most mature deliberation, and gratuitously, by all those soever to whom that dispensation appertains; and any dipensation granted otherwise shall be esteemed surreptitious.
CHAPTER XIX.
Duelling is punished with the most Severe Penalties.
The detestable custom of duelling, introduced by the contrivance of the devil, that by the bloody death of the bodies
- ↑ Exemplo.
