quainted with these our letters: We will and ordain that, in the Vatican Basilica of the prince of the apostles, and in the Lateran Church, at the time when the people is wont to be assembled there, in order to be present at the solemnities of the mass, they be read publicly in a clear voice by ushers[1] of our court, or by certain public notaries; and that they be, after being read, affixed to the doors of the said churches, also to the gates of the apostolic Chancery, and to the usual place in the Campo di Fiore, and that they shall there be left for some time to be read by and made known to all. But when they shall be moved thence, copies thereof shall remain affixed in those same places. For we will that, by such reading, publishing, and affixing after an interval of two months from the day of being published and affixed, all and each of those whom they include, even as if these letters had been communicated and read to them in person, shall be bound and obliged by them. And we ordain and decree, that, without any doubt, faith be given to copies thereof, which have been written or subscribed by the hand of a public notary, and guaranteed by the seal of some person constituted in ecclesiastical dignity. Wherefore, let no one of men infringe this our letter of indiction, statute, decree, precept, admonition, and exhortation, or with rash daring go contrary thereunto. But if any one shall presume to attempt this, let him know that he will incur the indignation of Almighty God, and of His blessed apostles Peter and Paul. Given at Rome, at Saint Peter's, in the year mdlx of the Lord's incarnation, on the third of the calends of December,[2] in the first year of our pontificate.
Antonius Floribellus Lavellinus.
Barengus.
SESSION THE SEVENTEENTH
Of the Holy, Œcumenical, and General Council of Trent, being the first under the Sovereign Pontiff Pius IV., celebrated on the eighteenth day of January, 1562.
DECREE FOR CELEBRATING THE COUNCIL.
Doth it please you, unto the praise and glory of the Holy and undivided Trinity, Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost,
