ought to be expressed specifically, and not in general terms, which it is its wish to be considered as expressed. It hath furthermore pleased the holy synod, that ii, for their greater liberty and security, they desire that certain judges be deputed on their behalf, in regard of crimes whether committed, or that may be committed by them, they shall themselves nominate those who are well disposed towards them, even though the said crimes should be ever so enormous, and should savour of heresy.
SESSION THE FOURTEENTH,
Being the fourth under the Sovereign Pontiff Julius III., celebrated on the twenty-fifth of November, 1551.
DOCTRINE TOUCHING THE MOST HOLY SACRAMENTS OF PENANCE AND EXTREME UNCTION.
The sacred and holy, œcimienical and general Synod of Trent, lawfully assembled in the Holy Ghost, the same legate and nuncios of the holy Apostolic See presiding therein,—although, in the decree touching justification, there has been, through certain reasons of necessity, arising from the connection of the subjects, much discourse introduced touching the sacrament of penance; so great, nevertheless, in these our days, is the multitude of different errors concerning this sacrament, that it will be of no small public utility to have delivered a more exact and fuller definition thereof, wherein all errors, under the protection of the Holy Ghost, having been pointed out and extirpated. Catholic truth may be rendered clear and distinct; which this holy synod doth now set before all Christians to be perpetually retained.
CHAPTER I.
Of the Necessity and Institution of the Sacrament of Penance.
If, in all the regenerate, such were their gratitude towards God as that they constantly preserved the righteousness received in baptism by His bounty and grace; there would not have been need that another sacrament, besides that of baptism itself, should be instituted for the remission of sins.
