the outcry that had arisen
against Gustavus and to punish the offenders.[165]

It is reported that something in the nature of a disputation was now
held. But its significance, at any rate, was small. The bishops and
their clergy were to all intents and purposes without a voice; and ere
the diet closed, a set of resolutions had been passed which did away
with all necessity for further disputation. These so-called "Vesteras
Ordinantia" were even more far-reaching than the "Vesteras Recess."
Since they are the touchstone of the modern Swedish faith, the reader
will pardon prolixity if I give them all. They are as follows: (1)
Vacancies in the parish-churches are to be filled by the bishop of the
diocese. If, however, he appoints murderers, drunkards, or persons who
cannot or will not preach the Word of God, the king may expel them and
appoint other priests who are more fit. (2) Where a parish is poor, two
of them may be joined together, though not if such a step would be an
injury to the Word of God. (3) All bishops shall furnish the king with a
schedule of their rents and incomes of every kind. From these schedules
he shall determine the relative proportions for them to keep and to hand
over to the crown. (4) A similar course shall be pursued with regard to
the cathedrals and chapters. (5) Auricular confession must be given up
as already commanded, and an account must be rendered to the king of all
fines imposed. (6) An account must also be rendered to the king of all
fees received for remitting the ban, and bishops with their officers
must not inflict the ban for petty offences, as has been often done
hitherto. (7) Bishops shall have authority to determine as to the
legality of marriages, and may grant divorces, but an account shall be
rendered to the king of all fees received therefor. (8) Fees for
weddings, funerals, and churchings, may be taken as provided in the
Church ordinances, but no more. (9) Since it has been decreed that the
king and not the bishop is to receive all fines imposed in cases within
ecclesiastical jurisdiction, the provosts may hereafter hold court just
as the bishops have done hitherto, and shall render an account of their
doings to the king. (10) For desecration of holy days no penalty is to
be imposed on those who have been tilling the ground, or fishing, or
catching birds, but persons discovered hunting or quarrelling shall be
fined. (11) Priests shall be subject to temporal laws and temporal