our
purpose that, whatever from ancient times has been assigned in each
canon to the pastor or sacristan, it shall continue to him and yield
him a fair support; but if any one in the collection thereof is dealt
with severely and dangerously, it shall concern the civil authority, so
that the common man be not overmatched. Item, the priests of every rank
shall conduct themselves in a decent and pious manner, and set a good
example to us laity, for hereafter that will not be endured from them,
which has been hitherto. Every pastor shall also remain with his
parishoners during the death-struggle, and minister to them and comfort
them faithfully, according to the Christian rule, at the risk of losing
his benefice. Since, moreover, there has been great abuse in this, that
a priest has employed two or more curates to perform the duties of his
parish and then taken his leave, we will suffer it no longer, and
henceforth, no priest shall possess more than one parish and cure of
souls, and shall live there himself. Also, no one shall make a secret
agreement with another, at the peril of losing his benefice. Yet, we
make this exception; a pastor may receive several livings in the
foundations and monasteries, where hitherto it has been the custom and
privilege not to reside therein personally, so that the excellent
foundations and monasteries be not curtailed in their privileges. Item,
where a young man has a benefice, or, being still under age, is too
young to become a priest, he may indeed be permitted to enjoy the
benefice, on condition of procuring the services of a fit and worthy
priest in his stead. But, if he reaches the proper age, and does not
then become a priest, or is not capable and virtuous enough for the
office, he shall be deprived of the benefice.

"Item, because several priests have already ventured to take wives, it
is our opinion, that no benefices should be bestowed on them, and they
ought to be forbidden the exercise of their priestly office; and those
persons belonging to the monastic orders, who have left their cloisters
and their order, or have married, ought to be deprived of their
benefices and expelled from their monasteries; still, be it reserved to
each canton and each authority to deal further with them, or show
mercy. Item, in regard to spiritual jurisdiction and excommunication we
have considered and ordered at this time, since matters have gone so
sadly and no one has given them any attention, that