DECREE TOUCHING REFORMATION
CHAPTER I.
It is fitting that Prelates reside in their own Churches; if they shall do otherwise, the Penalties of the Ancient Law are renewed against them, and new ones decreed.
The same sacred and holy synod,—the same legates of the Apostolic See presiding, wishing to gird itself unto the restoring of ecclesiastical discipline, which is exceedingly relaxed, and to amending the depraved manners of the Christian clergy and people, has thought fit to begin with those who preside over the greater churches; for the integrity of those in authority is the safety of those in subjection. Trusting, therefore, that through the mercy of our Lord and God, and the provident care of His own vicar upon earth, it will surely come to pass that those who are most worthy, and whose previous life and whole career from their early infancy to their riper years, having been laudably passed in the exercises of ecclesiastical discipline, bears testimony in their favour, will be taken unto the government of churches, according to the venerable ordinances of the fathers, since it is a burden to be dreaded even by angels; [the synod] admonishes all those who, under whatsoever name and title, are set over any patriarchal, primatial, metropolitan, and cathedral churches, and accounts all such admonished,[1] that, taking heed to themselves, and to the whole flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath placed them to rule the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood,[2] they watch, as the Apostle enjoins, that they labour in all things, and fulfil their ministry.[3] But let them know, that they cannot fulfil it, if, after the manner of hirelings,[4] they abandon the flocks committed to them, and apply not to the keeping of their own sheep, whose blood will be required at their hands,[5] by the Supreme Judge; since it is most certain that, if the wolf have devoured the sheep, and the shepherd knew not thereof, the shepherd's excuse will not be admitted.
And nevertheless, whereas some are to be found at this time, who, as is earnestly to be lamented, forgetful even of
