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PRINCETON, N. J.
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Purchased by the Mary Chaves Dulles Fund.
Division >•-■* ^'"^ ^^
Section
COLLECTION OF PURITAN AND
ENGLISH THEOLOGICAL LITERATURE
LIBRARY OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY
y^
Imprimatur.
Ge(K Royfe^ R. R. in Chrifla
Vatri ac Dom- Dm. Johan-
ni Archie^, Canuar. à Sa-r
cris Domejiicis.
try c
X
.^ês^..
HIS TOR
O F TH E
Church 0Í Malabar,
FROM
The time of its being firft difcoverM
by the 9ortugue:^s in the Year i jdi.
Giving an Account of
The Perfecutfofts arid Violent Methods of the
Roman Prelates, to Reduce them to the
Subjeâionof the Church of ROME*
Together;with the
SYNODof DIAMPER,
Celebrated in the Year of our Lord 1599^
With fome Remarks upon the Faith add Do-
Brine of the Chrifliâns of St. Thomas in the
Indies, agreeing with the Chnrch of En-
gland^ in oppofition to that of Rome.
Done out of Portugueze into Englifli.
By MICHAEL'GEDDES, Chancellor
. of the Cathedral Church of SARI) M.
LONDON,
Printed for Sam. Smttb, and Benj. IValfotd^ at the
Princess-Arms in St. VaulhCburcb-Tardj 1694.
TO THE
Right Reverend Father in GOD,
GILBERT,
By Divine Providence Lord Biihop
OÍ SAFvVM, and Chancellor
of the moft Noble Order of the
GARTER.
May it pleafc your Lordfliip,
W Hat ever your Thoughts may
be of all that can he called
mine in this PVorl^, I am certain you
will approve of the dejign I had in
^ 3 ma^ng
The Dedication.
mating it fublicJ^ 5 n^hich was toja^
tisfie the World^ That there has al-
ways been a confiderahle vifible
Church ufon Earthy that never be-
lieved the Doftrines of the Pope'a
Supremacy, Purgatory, Tranfub-
ftantiation. Adoration of Images,
Auricular Confeffion^d^c To i^hich
good End^ if this Treatife jhould any
ways contribute (^as I amferfuadedit
mufi ^ I am then fecure^ that for that
Reafon alone you will -pardon any Mi-
jiaJ^s I may have made in futting it
together ; as alfo the Prefur/iption of
inviting you to read it^ by prefixing
your great Name to it j a thing I
jhould never have ventured to have
done^ had 1 not found by experience
your Lordfhifs Candor andGoodnefs
to be equal J to the h^own exaÚnefs of
your
The Dedication.
your Judgment. I begyour Lordjhif'i
teffingy and aUy
My L o R p^
Your Lordfliip's moft humble
^nd moft obliged Servant,
Michael Geddes^
A.
o F T H E
Principal Matters contained in the
I S T o R Y
OF THE
Church of Malabar.
A.
ABd-Jefu or Fchedy who,
p. i^. Sent bycheCW-
dsan Bifhops with the
SubmiiTion of their
whole Church to the Pope, the
Council of Trent then fitting,
ibid^
Ak'hi, a famous Amazoa comes to
Gorf» her Clwrafter and Bufi-
nefs, p. 43
Aleixo de Menerei, Archbifhopof
Goa, p. 39. deiiroiis to reduce
the Chriftians of St. Tbomar to
the Obedience of the Rowan
Chut ch, and to that end treats
with Jacoby Mar Simeon's Vicar
General, p. 41, 41. Writes to
Mar Abraham^ &c, ibid. Make's
the Arch-Deacon of tiie Serray
Vicar Apoitolical of the faid
Dioctfs, in Conjundion with
Francijco ilo?^andthe Rcâor of
the Jefnits College of Vati'icor-
ta, againll the Pope's exprcfs
order, p. 44. Refolves to go
in Perfon to the Sirra, and
why, p 45, 52. Writes a Let-
ter to the Arch-Deacon, p. 47,
Blam'd for imploying the je-
fuitSy makes ufe of a Frar.cij.an
Friar to go to the Arcli-Dea-
con, and why, p. 51. His De-
iign upon Cunahle^ p- 52, 5 ^.
Complimented by the Magt-
Araces of Cochinjy p. 53. He
recommends the Bufinefs of
* * Citrahie
A Table of the
Cmahle to them, p. $4. His be-
haviour to the King of Cochimy
p. 55. Applies himfelf to the
reduftion of the Chriilians of
St. Thomas, p. 56. Paniquais
oppofe hira, p. 58. His rtcep-
tion at Vaipicotta, p. 59. His
Sermon a::d Te^ir, p. 59, 60.
Tells them the News of Purga-
tory.., p. 60. Refolves to hin-
der the Malabar Chriftians to
pray for the Pasrriírch of Babj/-
kniy p. di. Excommunicates
all that do, ibid. Caufes the
Arch'Veacon ar.d Caçanares to
Sign the Excommunication, i-
bid. His obilinacy herein, p.
^3. Confirms i'ome Boys ac Pa-
rx, p. 66. Goes to Mangate
butftayed noi,and rt'hy,p.Ó7.
Denyed Entrance ac Chegwee,
ibid. Dehorced from his Encer-
ptize, ibid. He dijfcourfes to
the Chegureans of the Pope's Su-
premacy , p- 70. Received
friendly at Canhur, and why, p.
71. Sails for Pon-ca^ and is
kindly received, and why, ib.
Complimented by the King of
the Country, who dchres to be
admitted a Byother in Arms to
the K'w^ of Vortugal, p. 71.
The Arch Biilioo's Anfwcr, ib.
Breaks iiis Promife, ibid. Gees
to Cell I aon, and whv, 71, 72.
Sends to the Capciin General
to come and dcmolifli it,p. 73.
A touch of his Treachery and
Cunning, p. 73, -4 Hishioji
I'ofts, p 74. A Rcfleâion up-
on him, p. 7'i. Heiiifjppoints
the Outcn of Changanate^ ibid.
Sails to Cnchim, and wliy, ibid.
Goes to Motandnrte^ p. 76. The
Kingcf Cochim jealoiwof liim,
Hiftory.
ihid. the Arch-Bifhop Ex-
communicates i im, ibid. Sails
for Dwwfcr, p 78. Defignsto
confer Orders, and vvhén,iW.
Writes to the Arch- Deacon to
to affift at the Solemnity, with
the Arch-Deacon's Anfwer, (h.
Ordains 37 ac Diamper, p. 79.
Goes to CartHrte, and wh.it hap-
pened in the way, p. io. Gains
Ittmato Mapulaand It imane Ma-
pdla, two Brothers, to his fide,
ibid. ^ His Anfwer to the Queen
of Pimenta, p. 8i- A plcà-
fant Scuffle bccwixc him and a
Caçatiar, p. 82, 83. Refoives
to decole the Arch-De3con,f>uc
is periwadcd to deftrr it for
Twenty Davs, p. 83 Names
Thomas Curia, a Kinfman of
the Arch-Deáccn's,to his place,
ibid. Makes another Ordinati-
on, p. 84. Intends a Solemn
Proccflfion, wherein a Sorcerer
undertakes to kill him, but is
prevented, p. 84, 85. Invi-
ted to the Hercha, p. 85. But
dcfires to be excufcd, p. 8<5.
They fend him his Portion
home, and what it wa?, ibid.
Applauded for his Charity, ib.
Coiifirms a great many at Kag-
f ill, ibid. A Reflcâi'on,p. 87.
Goes lo Molandurtc, and what
happened there, p. 87. The
difference between him and
the King of Cnchim touching the
Chridians of xMolundurte, p. 87,
S8. RcturnstoD7.iw;)fr, p. 89.
Is angry with the Chief Regidor,
:Líd,ãiid 90. r'rcJchcs,Confirmy,
nridacquaintb them with his ha-
ving t:<communicated theArch-
Deacon, p. 90. Caiturte, Mo-
landiirtc, Vi>impcr, ar.d fevcral
other
A Table of
other Villages brought under
his Obedience, fyc. p. 91, 92.
Writes a long Letter to the Arch
Dcacon,p, 92. Sails to iJarame,
and baulk'd in his dcfign,
how, p» 93, 94- Receives the
Arch-Deacon's Letter of Sub-
miffion, p. 94, Orders him to
Subfcribe ten Articles, p. 94,
95, 96. Goes to Cochim^ and
why, p. ÇÍ, 97. Receives ad-
vice of the Ring of Cochini's
having begun a War with the
Caimal, p. 97. DiiTwades him
from it by threats, and what
pafs'd between them, p. 99,
ICO, '10 1, 102, 103. Writes
to the King of Mandate to
forcethe Arch-Deacon ro fub-
mir, p. 103. He fubmits, and
is received, butdefirestoSign
the Articles privately, p. 104,
105. Agreed to, ibid- The
Arch-Eiihop returns to Cranga-
por, p. 107. Compofcsthe De-
crees of the Synod, and enga-
ges the Princes to aifiil: him
thereat, ibid. His trick to fe-
„ cu^e the Major Vo:e in the Sy-
' nod, ibid, and 108. Father
Simotfs Pieíietâion upon lii.n,
ibid. Ccmes to Diamper the
9'hof7«n?jand what lie á\à.,ibid.
Antniiio Galvam, with the help of
franàfco de Cajiro, faid to con-
vert five Kir^s in the Ifland of
Maxacar, p. 28. He firft dif-
covcred the King of Portugafi
Title to the Clove, ^c. ibid.
A'xh BiJJ)op: See Akixo de Alene-
Aych-Dsacono'i ú\zS2fra declines
the Signing Pope Pim IV's pro-
feifion of Faith, p. 44, 4<;.
which is diíTerabled by Dm A-
the Hiftory.
leixode Memxp, p. 4-,. Af-
femblcs a Synod at Aniamdey
and why, p. 45. Afraid of the
Axch-Bifhop's corainp into the
Serra., p. 47. Siibfcribes the
Creed of Pius IV. a ad why,
p. 52. Meets the Arcí-,-Bííhop
aiCochi^t p. 57, 58. Where-
in he was to comply, p. 57-
His Attendance, p. 58, 59;
The refult of their Meeting, p.
59. Deferrs to meet the Arch-
Bifliop at Vaipicotta., and why,
p- 60. Mis Speech to the Chr;-
ííiansof St. Thomas^ p. 6a, ^5.
' Flings out of the Church of
Parii in a Paifion, and why, p.
66. Shut up in a Houfe at Ç/»?-
gtiree, denying to fee tr.e Arch-
Bifhop, p. Ó7. The Arch-Ei-
ihop makes him fair Promifes,
p. 6S. Whereupon he per-
fwades tlic People zndCaqinarer
to treat with the Arch-Bifhop,
ibid. His Difcourfe with tlie
Arch-Biihop, and the Arch-Bi-
ihop's Anfwer, p. 69, 70, Pre-
rending himfelf ' fick at Can-
hm-y he returns to Chígmee^ p.
71. Orders an Edid to be
publiihcd, and why, p. 79*
Pretends to fubmit and Sign
Articles, p. 94, 95, 95, 98.
but makes delays, p. og. The
King of ãíangate againlt hí4 fub-
mitting, ibid. TheArch-DtM-
con refolves to throw hunfc^f
at the Arch Bifhop's Fcer, bu c
defires to wait upon kinj .c
fome ocher" place Chan CrM:gi*'
nor, p. 104. Meejs bisn at Vui-
picotta in die JctuKS College,
acd fubmirs, p. ic^.
•".'f
B.
Bflty/on anciently fubjeft to- the
Parriarch of Atimd\ P' i6.
The Ronf'P) pretences thereto
concradiâed, p. 17. Of old the
Metropoltf of ÀjJ)ria, p. 1 8
Bread and the Cup delivered into
the hands cf Prieils tobcOr-
dainM, net eficntial to Orders,
p. 34. Council of Florence in
the fame Error, ibid. Condemn-
. ed by all,particularly by Cardi-
Bal Lugo^ Becanw^ and Morinm,
p. 24,3 5, 56, 57. Fallibility of
the Rsman Church inferred
from hence, p. 3 5
Ctrganur ^ the Oldcft warns the
Arch-Bifliop to leave Diawper^
p. 79.
Citganares abjure the Patriarch of
Babylon , and reconcile them-
felves to the Cb.urcli of Rome^
. P- 8?
Caimal of Ans^amale waits upon
the Arch-Bifhop, who prefents
him, p. ic6, 107.
Carturte , High Mafs pcrform'd
there with Muiick, which put
th? Cacanares and People quite
cut of conceit with the /lawrt»
Worfliip, p- 80, 8 1.
Catalogue of the Viceroys of the
IndieSy p. no. And of the
Prelatcfi , Bifhops , afld Arch-
Bifliops of Qaa »hd Bjfliops of
Cochiniy p- III» I» 2,
Chegtaee^ the Inhabicants rhercof
. Ariicle with the Arch-Bifhop,
P--70
Chri^ians introduce the »fe of
A Table of the Hiftory.
Artillery amongilthe MAlaiarSy
P- ?
Cbfdiitns of St. Thomas fend their
Sons to the College at Cranga-
fior where they are inftrudted
afier tire Ron'.an Way, p. 9.
Proves ineffectual to the redu-
cing of then>, p. 10. Enraged
againft the Latins^ p. 46. Two
Jefuits narrowly cfcape being
murdered by them, ibid. The
befl Fire-men in the Indies^
p. <fi' Enrag'd at the Arch-
Biihop's Excommunication ,
p- <5a
Church of Mimgate filfd with
Houfhoid Goods and Women,
3rd why, p. 67
Clement VII[. his Briefs againfl
Mar- Abraham^ p. 4c.
Cochinty King thereof griev'd at
Dim ,4/eiro"sdelign upon Cunak-
/?, endeavours to diflwade him
from it by Stratagem, p. 54»55-
without fuecefs, ibid, where-
upon he makes War upon the
Caimaly and why, ibid»
Coulaon, a Fortrefs belonging to
the Portuguese, P» 7i«
Crufado Ball brought into the In-
dies by t'rancijco faiia a Domi-
fiicjtt Friar, p. 44.
Cunahle a ftrong Fortrefs poiTefs'd
by Mahometan Pyrares, p. 52.
D.
Dominicans build a Fortrefs at Sq-
loy,, and Garrifonit, p. 27.
È.
Elias pretended Patriarch of Ba-
i.>7<w?,hisDirgra^e, p 14. Sends
his pretended Arch- Di aeon to
j4 Talk of
Rome with a Book and Leccer,
ibid. The Contents of the Let-
ter, tòid. Ojcis Pope Paul v.
with a Story of his own making,
p. 15. which is conrraj^âed by
the :?5 Cacon of thc Council
of Nicey ■>\,i-j, p. 16.
Eugenius the IV. how he fuppor-
ted his Reputation, p. 1 4-
i'-
F-
F-er-nnndd Vinagre f a Secular Prieft,
commands a Squadron , ^c.
'■--■. p. :7.
St. Fr/inwdeHra^a whole Fleec
' -of Jores for the Psrtuguexf,
'the Manner how, p. 42,4:;.
Francifco Ro^ , a Jefuite, nude
Bifitop of the Sena in Room
of May. Mr abam deceas'd, p.44,
his Speech to the Arch-BiOiop,
-^ -»--•- ^'ip. 84.
G-
Gfw«/io, who, p. 28. his Speech,
iHd i^ Jeq. (:■'■'' -"
George: See Arch-Deacon.
Gw^urj' the XIII. Iflues his Briefs
agáinft M.tr- Abraham , 92. A
Provincial Council call'd tlrere-
upon at Coit, ibid.
H.
The Hidakam\ Letter to the For-
tugnexe Vice roy, p. 24, 2-,
2^,27,
Jaaby Mar-Simeon's \\civ Gy:ntrã[
. refufes to comply with Vom
Aleixo de Menes^es Arch-Bifhop
' of Goay p. 42.
5
the Hifíory.
JefHits afraid of the ChrirtiJns
of Sc. Tljorrjctiy p. 46. their ill
requital of Dom Aleixo de Mene.
zeSy and wherein, p. 4^, 49.
Rcfieftion on their inftneerity,
p. 50.
M.
Afalab.ír its beginning and Lati-.
rude, p. I. the Diveis Kingdoms
thereof, ibid, the Princes f here-
of Heathens, ibid.
k Malax ar Chrifti.m Boy beat by
their PrieOs for naming the
Pope in his Prayers, p. 50.
Manuel de Faria his Charader of
Arch-Biihcp Meni^^es, p 74.
Mar Audixuy Patriarch of BubJon,
p. f I.
Afar Abraham fucceeds Mar Jo-
fepb as Bifhop of the Serra^
p. 18. Sent Prifoner to Home^
but efcapes, p. 20. Goes thi-
ther volurtarily, i^c. His treir-
inent at Venicey Sec. p. 21. Ex-
pefts a quift Po/Uffion of his
Biflioprick, p. 30. Tricks us'd
by theF(Jr/-;/5?/e;^f.to detain him,
ibid. ComHvM to a Convent,
p. 31. Efcapes to ifahbar. aM
how, ibid. Profefles himfelf a
Romaniff ftill, p. 52. He pairs
to the Council, and once more
abjures, p. 33. Sends the Here-
tical Bocks of his Diocefs ;o
be burnt, ^[irr. ibid The Coun-
cil ended, he returns to his
Biflioprick ann rccnrs, p 37.
>;HÍ5 Letter' to the Parr;?fch of
:■ B^b/hn, ^c. 37,3'. Receives
M^ir Simenn as hi'; Ccadjurcr,
p. 38. Who oppcíí-s him, ibid.
He openly owns the Chaldean
Fai;ii, 40. Ikd-rid, p ii-Serds
to
A Table of
to B.ii;:;nforanoiherCoadjutor,
i but htuder'd by the JOiligence
' cf the Arch-Bifliop, ibid. Kis
[\ Deatli, P'M-
JViar Jcfepk, B'ifhop of rhe Chriili-
atisof 3r. Tbomau p. n. Taken
Piifoner and fent to Portu-
gal^ Sec. p. 12. Finds favour
wirh the Queen Regent, and is
fent back, ibid. Promifcs to re-
duce Iv.s Dioccfs to the Roniiin
Obedience, ibid. Returns to
Gorf, p. Í0 Denies to preach
the Romati Dodrincs in his
Biilioprick, ibid, and pretends
revelation for izjbid. For which
the Arch-Bifhop is angry with
him, ibid. His Biflioprick divi-
ded, p. 20. Complains of Afav'
Abraham to the Fortugueze, ibid.
I Profeffes the fame Doctrines he
' abjured in Portugal^ p. 22.
Mar Simeov, Patriarch of Babylon,
p. i8.
Another Mar Simeon, M-tr Abra-
ham's coad;utor,inveigIedby the
Frar,cifcans to go to Rome for
Orders, p. 3B, 39. Leaves oiie
' ^acob his Vicar-General in his
Abknce,ibid. Examined before
the Inquifition, and declared
hy Pope Sixtus V. not to be
in Orders, ibid. Put into the
Hands of Djm Aleixo de Mener^s
, Arch Bifnop of Go4, ibid. Who
confines him to a Francifcan
Convene in Lisbon^ ibid.
Dom Matthias Arch-Biftiop of
Goa calls a Provincial Council,
p. 40. and fummons Mai Abra-
ham to repair to it, ibid.\N\\{ch
he declines, and declares him-
fcif for the Chaldean Faith,
ibid.
Mufes Bit/ Cepha, who, p. 18.
t/^e Hiftory.
N.
Ka^g^i-Hcai Ordination touchVl
on, p. 21.
A'.jriJ/Keaii'in Arms for the Arch-
Deac^oi'/l' P' 92.
Ncrcho:, v/iiit, p. 85.
"^^' O.
OlWs publiflied for the calling a
S) nod the 2o(h of June at Di-
awper, p. 106
Oriental Prela-es never applied
themfelves to the Pope, but for
Incereft, p. 17.
P.
Pare Marca, a Mahometan Pyrate,
built Cmahley p. 52.
Paul Ill's pretence for tranflating
the Council of Trent to Eolog-
nia^ p. 14.
Paru and the Inhabitants 'there-
of dcfcnbed , p. (Í3, 64.
They arm againfi: the Arch-
Eiftiop, ibid. 1 heir Church full
of Armed Men, :b!d. The Arch-
Bifhop's Sermon to 'em, p. 65.
They are angry therear, ibid,
Pcrfwaded by the Arch-Bilhop
grow worfe, p. 66,
Pimer.ta, the Queen thereof or-
ders the Arcli-Biihop to leave
her Kingdom within three days,
upon pain of Death, p. 81.
Pius V. iifues a Brief for the ap-
prehending Mar Jofeph, p 24.
Portugueiey A Charafter ot their
Zeal by a Minilter of State, p. 4,
5. Another, p. 6- Try by Vio-
lence to bring the Chriftians of
St. Thomas under obedience of
the /vOOT.jn Church, p, 11. And
in order thereto refolve to feize
their Eifhop and fend him to
Rome, ibid, Manuel de fMid's ob-
fcrvaticn
fervation of their Tyranny, p.
22,25. Th*yfo far provoke ttie
Infidels that chcy are like co lofe
all, p. 24. Atilrcliari's opinfDn of
chem, p. 28. Driven out of the
1^1 nd ho, ibid. A great Slaugh-
ter of them before Cknahle, p.
75. A refoluce and noble Saying
of a PmHguezc Captain, p. 7 3
A Talk of the Hiflory.
um. ibid. Prefenrs a Confefllon
of Faith to the Pope, p. i :?. In
ftead of refUrning to B,ib)lon
goes CO Chararnet, where the
Mahometans puc him to Death,
and why, j^iJ.
^Mr^ *'
R.
Romans drove from Char ami t by
the Cbaldieans, P- i?*
Serra^ What, p. 2. Its Inhabi-
tancs cail'd Chriftians of Sc. Tho-
fnas , how long fubjcd to the
Patriarch of Babylon, ibid.
When difcover'd to tlie Euro-
f€uns , and by whom , ibid.
They put themfelves under the
protedion of the King of
Portugal. p. 3.
Socercr undertakesto kill the Arch-
, Bifhop but is prevented, p. 84,
85. His punifliment, p. 85.
Synod opuVd, p. 108, lop .
T.
St. Ihomof his Crofs and Rciiqucs
found at Meliapor, p. 6. The
Legend thereof, ibid, and p. 7.
Bones of three Jndian Kings
found in his Grave, p. 7, 8.
Alfo a Copper Place vv iih a Do-
nation graved therein, concain-
ing an Imprecation (liU ufcd hv
the Kings of 6irf/w, " p. 8;
Tkm Siud who, p. "12. Submits
himfelf to the Pope, ibid, and
receives the Patriarchal Palli-'
U.
yaip':cdtta,a. College' built there by
,the jeiuicesjand why,p. lo. In-
eficrtual CO rl;c reducing the
, ..Chriilians of Sj:. fhoitias to
* their Religion^' " '* , ibid.
Vajco l>e Gama goes to Cochim
wich a Fleet, p. 3. The Chriiii.
ans of Sc. Thómaí crave his
prottition, ibid. Not in a Con-
dition to tiicSt ir, ibid.
Venetians, thtir Policy to fecure
their Trade in the Ind'fcs, p. 5.
Viceroy approves of a Peace v\irh
ti e SariiOiim, p. 77. A Cata-
logue of the Viceroys of the
Indies, p. 110.
Vincent, a Francifcan Friar fenc
, to Cravganor to rcduce.che Chri..
ilian? of Sc. Tcomas^ to the Ro-
man Church, p. li. His La-
bours Aringcly magnified, and
why, p- 9. ijuiids a College at
Cranganor^ and why, ibid.
Vniare Cher are thougli Chriilen'd,
i]il! prcfciTes hífíikii aFieathen,
and why> , ; ^ p. 77.
\\\
War breaks ou:,becv.T"n the Kings
of AUrgiisc ond parii., p 46.
Hii/;e not li'cl by tV,t\ I'^.d.'ivms
in tliC p;din3tinn of ' Pricils,
p. ^3. Deny d cheL,aKyin the
Siciiiment by the lio/ruwijlsy
P- '6h 54-
7< :K
A
A
T A B L
O F T Í I E
CONTENTS
O F T H E
DECREES
OF THE
Synod of Diamper.
PVblicathn of the Synod, Pige
89, ?cc.
ACTION I.
The Sfeech at the openingy p. 97.
Decree I. For the cxtirpntion of
ieveral Errors , Hereiies and
Schifms cue of the Church of
JVfalabttr^ for Acknowledging
the Pope as Supream, and for
beginning the Synod in Order to
a hcfornurioo thereof, p- loc.
Dec. n. Excommunication to be
ipfo fnilo incurred by fuch as
have been call'd to the Synod,
and depare without the Metropo-
litanas Leave : Alfo a Command
to all to offer any thing tend-
ing to the Honour of God, and
the Reformadon o/";/;*? church
0/ Malabar, p. jt.2.
Dec. III. All differences about
Prcherainence in the Church,
to be decided by the Ajctropo-
litany p. J eg.
Dec
A Table of the Decrees.
Pit. IV Confeffion, Mafs , and
the Sacramenc to be celebrated
for the Succefs of the SyRod,in
what oianner. p- 103.
Dec. V. Junto% prohibited during
theScillon, p. 104.
ACTION II.
77;e Merropolitan's Speech, p. 105
Dec. II. That the Synod make
profcflfioii of Faith according
to the Council oflrenf, and
take anj Oath to follow it in
all things, p. 106. The Profejfm
and Oath of the Faith, p.-io7'
p£c. III. AllPriefts, Deacons, and
Sub-deacons of the Biihoprick
to take the fame Oath, and
that none be admitted to holy
Orders without ic, P- ^9
ACTION. IIL
Dec I, Errors in Faith Condenin-
ed, and a Rule for reflifying
thereof, laid down in XfV.
Chapters, P- 120
Dec. 11. Faults and Defers in the
Syriack_ Tranflarion of the new
Teftament, condemn'd, and or-
dered to be reflored, p- 135
DfcIII. To the fame purpofe,
p. 135.
Dici IV. Condemns three Hca-
theniib Errors frequent among
the Chriftians of Malabar, viz.
Tranfmigratiov, Fate, and, That
(■very Man may be faie d by bis
tton Laws, ail If hkb are good and
lead to Heaven, p. 137.
Dec. V. Coodcrnns this Herefy,
namely, Ibat ft k a gyisvoAs
Si» fo much as D /]>e<t<. or think.
of the Paffion ■ of Cbri}}, &c.
p. 199
Vec. VI. Condemns the Errors of
the Nejlorians againfl our Lady,
p. 140
Dec. Vlf. That the Lavo of St. Tho-
mas U one, and that of St. Pe-
ter another. Condemn" d , p. 142
Dec. VIII. Orders EscommUDi-
cation of any one that ihall
name the Patriarch of Babylott
ViHverfal Pajhr or H ad of the
Catholick Church, or any Other,
except only the Pope of Roíhe,
p. 144.
Vec. IX- All Days fee apart for
the commemoracion of Nejla-
riui, or any of his followers,
prohibited, and Raman Saints
ordered to be commeraotatcd
in lieu thiftof, P* MÇ
Dec, X. The Church of Angamale
new Chriften'd and dedicated
to St. Hormifda the Martyr jic
having before been dedicated
to St. HorinufiQ the Nefioriatt
Herecick, P* 150
Dec. XI. 1 he Apoftles Creed re-
flored as in the Romun Church
p.i5i-
Dfc. XII. Chrijlian C'aildrLQ per-
mitted to be taught Reading
and Writing by i,jJ-/c/School-
maflers with ioAxc Limitations,
p. 151
Dec. XI 11. CAri^iWSchooImafters
prohibited die Setting up of
Pa?ods in ihcir SchoclsVp. 1 53
Dec. XIV. Piol.ibiíí all Ciiriftians
to keep, tranfiate , read , or
hear read to others, any Here-
tical Books, whereof a greac
many are mentioiicd,
p.iH
Vet.
A Table of
Dec. XV. Errors and Hercfies in
the Common-Prayer and Brevi-
aries ordered to be correAed
and purged, p. 167
Dec. XVI. All Perfons commaod-
f d to deliver their Syrian Books
to the Metropolitan and Francif-
co Ko:^, to be Correfted, (^c.
P 171
Dec. XVII. None but fuch Pricfts
as are Licens'd and Conform
tothe Doitrine of the Trent
Council, fufFer'd to preach,
p. 173
Dec. XVIII. All Priefts that have
delivered any Errors or fabu-
lous Scories in their Sermons
are ordered to recant them
publickly upon pain of Excom-
manication, p. 174
Dec. XIX. Makes Void all Oaths a-
gainft yielding Obedience to the
RomanChmch under pain oi the
greater Excommnnication^ pi7 5
Dec. XX. Contains the Profefm
of the Synod, P« >77
Pec. XXI. The Synod refolvesto
be governed in all things by
the laft Trcni Council, p. 178
Dec. XXII. Submits tothe Inqui-
fition, p. '79
Dec. XXIII. All Perfons who ihall
AÔ, Speak, or Write again ft
the Holy Catholick Faith, to be
profecuted and puniih'd by the
Prelate, p. i8i
ACTION IV.
of the Sacraments o/Baptifm and
Confirmacion, p. i8i
Of the DoUrine of the Holy Sacra-
ment r,f Baptifm, 187.
Dec. I. New form for Baptifm,znd
the old ones abrogated p. 1 89
the Decrees.
Dec. II. All Baptised according ^0
the old Forms to fubmit them"
fclves to the Metropolitan at his
Vifitation for his Direftions,
p. 189
Dec. III. Oiders all Prieils to make
enquiry who have not been Ba-
ptized through any Defauk,and
to baptize all fuch privately,
without taking any Fees, p. 1 90
Dec. IV. To the fame Purpofe
p. 191
Dec. V. Children to be Chrijiened
on the 8th. Day,vvith ferae Li-
mitations, p. 192
Dec. VI. The Error Condemned
of not Baptijjng the Infants of
Excommunicate Parents, p. 1 94
Dec. VII. Exhortation to allParents
and fuch as are prefent at Wo-
mens Labours, not to fuffer an
Infacc to die without Baptifm.
Allowance to any Man, Wo-,
man, or Child, that knows the
Form , to Baptise fuch in cafe
of eminent Neceifity. How
the Ciiild is to be order'd if it
recover, p. 194
Dec. VI I L Chriftian Data's or Mid-
wives recommended,and Vicars
exhorted to inftruft them in
the Form of Baptifm^ p. 196
Dec. IX. Infidel Slaves ordered to
be Bapti^^ed^ P* *97
Dec. X. Chriflians not to be
fold to Infidels for Slaves,
p. 197
Dec. XL Forbids Auguries^ P'i99
Dec. XÍI. Foundlings how to be
ordered, p. 200
Dec. XIIL Converts how to be
order'd, p. 200
Dec XIV. H)/> Oils commanded,
with the manner of uiing them,
p. 20 r
Dec.
A Table of the Decrees.
Dec. XV. Commands the ufc of
Cod-Fathers and God-M'jtkers
iu Briptijm , ncc ufed before,
p. 2C2,
Bee. XVÍ. Prohibits' Old TJla-
tament ("fomc few excepted)
and Heathenil}} Names to be gi-
ven toChildfe3,ordering[thofe
of the KeKo according to the
Chriftian Oeconomy, p. 204
Vec. XVII. Orders Children to be
called by no other Names than
thofe Jthey were Chrijiened by,
p ;o5
P^c XVIII. Commands that
' . Children be Chriitened in order
as they are brought to Church,
wiihouc any diftinftion of
Perfons, p. 2c6
Dec. XIX. Commands the build-
ing of Fonts. p, 207
Dec. XX. Regilhr-Books- co be
ufed in all Churches, and their
life, p. 20S
The Doãrine of the Sacrament of
Confirmation, p. 209
Dec. I. The Sactarocnr of Confit-
mation commanded co be ufed,
p. 213
Vec. II. Denounces Excommmka-
lion againil all chofc that fpeak
againll it 01 vilify it, p. 214
Vec. III. God-Fathers and God-
Mothers of \yhac Age, to be
ufed in Confirmation or Cbrifm
ai well as Baptifm, p. 216
ACTION V.
Jhe Doãrine of the Holy Sacra-
ment of the Euchariil, p. 217
Dec. I. 1 he Flciy Etichariji when
to be Cekbraced, p. 220
Dec. ir. Ail Chriftiaos above the
Age of 1 4 commanded to Re^
ceix>e this Sacrament once a
Year at leaft, p. 222.
Dec. III. None to Receive before
CorfelJim co a Lawful Prieft,
p. 225
D?c. IV, Commands to Receive
Failing with forae Li:iiiration,
p. 224
Dec. V. The Sicr.imentio be re-
ceived as a Viaticum in danger
of Death. The Vicar thac fuf-
fers any to die wichouc it,
though his Fault, to be fufpead-
ed for fix Months, p. 225
D'X. VI. Women with Child to
Confefs and Receive alictle be-
fore their time, p. 216
Dec. VII. Priefls to Communicate
once a Month ac leaft in their
• Surplice and Stole, p. 227
D.c. VIU. Priefis not to Receive
the Sacrament before Confeffton^
nor fay m4^ having any fcru-
ple of ilíorí-íí/ Sin, P-^sj
Dec. IX. Deacons and Subdeacont
when co Receive the Sacrament,
p. 22S
Tf}e Do^rine of the Holy Sacri-
fice of the Mafs. p. 228
Dec. I. Direftions for faying Mafs
and many things inthe Chaldxan
Mffals to be reaiiied, p. -> -^ i
Pec. II. ThtM'ffdsoi Neftorils,
Theodorus , and Diodornf to be
burnt, p. 245
Dec. III. A grand Error of the
Nejhrians condem n'd, p. 216
Dec. IV. Tlie Roman Mafs to be
tranflated i.to Syrian., and ufed
cn panicular Occafions, ^c.
p. 247.
Dec. V. Who CO handle the Hoh
M^'-^y p 2a 8
Dec,
A Table of
D«, Vl. Vctmihhc stole to none
but De^KonSy p. 24 8
Dec. VII. Orders Stampt to be
made in aJJ Churches for the
fíojí, p. Z4P
Dec. VIII. Orders whac Wine is
to be ufcd in celebrating rhe
Euchayiji. p. 250.
Dfc. IX. The King of Fortugal to
fend a Pipe and an half, or two
Pipes of Mufcate I W'lnc for the
life of che Sacratmnty and ho\s
to bc,uied, p. 250
l^ec. X. -• tones of the Altar to be
confccrated by the Metropolitan^
Dec. XL fíoif Vefxments to be pro-
vided by rhe Met) ?p:i:tancaz of
the Almr- of the Pi'illi, p. 253
Dec.Xl}. All PetKis, not .ha-
ving lawful impeditneuc, com-
manded to hear a whde Afafs
CTCry >S;</;i.z^ and Holydajry\i,;^c.
p. 2 >3
Die. XIII. Dlrefts how often to
hear A:,ifs, to be capable of
the Blefingy and fucli as hear it
not fo often as direfted, to be
Excommunicate, p. 2<i5
DfcXIV. Prohibits f/eatken Mu-
ficians to renjain in the Church
afcér Creed ox Sermon h ended,
p. ISO
Dw. XV. Exhorts all to procure
Afajfes to be faid for the Souls
of thcirrfíCf/i/êiFncDds,p.2 56
ACTION VI.
Cf the H)ly Sicrnmeiit of Penance
and Extrcam Undion, p. 2<5r
Vec. I. ílún Cottfejjion declared a
Jtfortat Sia, P-^-ô^
Dec. II. All Fcrfons to come to
tke Decrees.
Confefjion from Eight Ycafs old
and upwards, ^ i6S
Dec. III. All Miilcrs of Families'
admoniilied ro caufe all]in their
Families to Confefsy p. 2Í9
Dec IV. Confejjion injoin'd upon
probable Danger oi Death, or
any greit SicJ^nefsy p. I70
Dec. V. Obliges Women with Child
to Confefs, P-27I
Dec. vr. Orders how thofe are to
be confejfed that have tlie SwaS"
Pox, V , ,'P'ã7^.
i'fc. VIL Exhorts to frequent
ConfeJJion, p. 27 2^.
Dec. VÍ4I. ;Who to take Confejjionfy
"T " p-27?
Dec. IX. Abfol'itim upon Confeijlon
how to be Adminiiired, and by
whom, p. 274
Dec. X. Direâs in what Cafes Con-
feffurs may abfolve Penitents,
P-27 5
Dec XL Excommunication and AB-
folktion whcn'proper, p. 277
Dec. XII. Priefts Confeprs to
have a. written Licence from
the Prelate, P--78
Dec. XTII. ConfeJJors thjt under-
ftacd the M<ilabnr TóBgue , ro
be made Ufc af^ and whv,
• '.^ ... P-28i
Dec. XIV. None can abfolve in
the Sacramental Court but luch
as took the Confefion, p. a 8 1
Dec. XV. The Sacramental Fcrm.
of AbfolHtiony not to be ufed as
a Prayer , but in its proper
Place, P 2S2
Tie Vo^rins of the Sacrament
of Ejftrcamllnáion, p. 282
Dec. I. The ufe of the Extream
VnUion recommended , wirh
dircdions therein, p. 28';
Dec, II. ConfeJJirs to Inftruft Sick
Fer-
A Table of the Decrees.
Perfcns in the JXk of Em em
Vnãhn, P-2B5
Dec. III. The Manner in which
tile Extream Vn^ion is to be ad-
miuiftred, * . .^.p.^j^Sy
ACTION VII.
of ff^e Sacrament f of Order and
Matrimony» p. 288
Of the Doilrine of the Sacrament
' of Order, p. 28S
Dec, I. Ordiins who are fit \ot. Or-
der s^ P^9'
"Dec. 11. Such as have been Simo-
nakally ordained , difpenfed
with, P-293
Dec III, None ro celebrate that
liave the Leprofie^ p. 2.95
Dec. IV. Such as live in Malice
not capable of the Cajlure, or
Eleffwg.'Zcc. P- 294
Dec V. Diredions for faying the
Divm Offices ; declared a Mor-
tal Sin not to recite the whole,
Vec. VI. "eómmarids the Athanafi-
an Creed to be tranilated into
Syrian, atid the Clergy to get it
by heart, p. 297
Dec. Vir. Exhorts Clergymen not
to be abfcnt at Divine Service,
with direftions for their Beha-
viour thereat, &c. p. 297
Dec. Vlfl. Clergmenxo be dedu-
fted in their part of the Divi-
dend for every time of abfencc,
except in cafe of lawful Impe-
dinien-, P^pS
Dec IX. Commands that no ff:cor-
cifms be ufcd fave thofeof the
Church of Rome, p. 299
T>ec. X. Forbids under pain of
the Greater Excommunicatm all
SiiperJi}tioMf,f{eatheniJJ} Cuftoms
of foretelling lucJ^y and' unlucky
Days for Marriage, &c. p. 300
Dec. XI. Priefls not to Eat or
Di iak with Infidels, or in V
Tavein or Fublick Eating Hoúfç
upon pain of Sufperfm, and
why, p. gof
Dec. Xif. Commands the Clergy
to wear a diítiníl Habit from
the Laity, with other direfti-
ons for their Bchayiour,p. 30?,
Dfc.XIII. Clergy not to meddre
in ^pc^/iw Affairs, P- 3^5
Dec. XIV. Commands all the
Clergy to wear the Fiabit, Ton-
fw, and Shaven Crown,p. 204
Dec. XV. No Ecclefiaflick_ to re-
ceive pay from any King as 4
Soldier, P 3«^4
Dec. XVf. No Clerk, in Orders to
Marry upon pain of Excommu-
nication, P* 3'5 5
Dec. XVII. Suffers fuch as have
been married^ and turn away
xhtiv Wives t to exerci fe their
FunHion, p, go8
rec XVIir. W^x'iJ of Prieíís cal-
led Catatiara*s, to be degraded
from their Flonour in the.
Church , and benefit in the
i'rcfits, unlefs they leave their
Husband*, p. 509
Dec. XIX. Declares how far tl^s
S)nod is to be guided by the
Trent Council, P- ?io
Dec: XX. Forbids 5/roon;', p,3ii
Dec. XXI. Provides Means for
the preventing of Simnnj,
P- 314
Dec. XXII. Provides further for
„, the preventloii of Sirpany, p.
314
D^c. XXIII. None to be put in
Orderi. during the Vacdrcv ci
(he
A Table of the Decrees.
the See, and why, P 31^
Tl)e Dii/rine of the Sacrameit
0/ Matrimony, P- 3^7
Dec. I. Marriage to be ce'ebraced
according ro the diredions of
the Council of Trent, ji. '^20
Dec. II. None to be Married with-
out prefent Confent, together
with the Marriage Form, and
the manner of Confenting, p.
321
Dec. III. Banns to be publiihed ac-
cording to the Council of T/eni,
how, P* 323
Dec. IV. Orders a Regiftcr for
MarriageSy as alfo a Method for
regifiring them, P- 3 2 4.
Dec. V. Marriages to'be celeb ra-
brated in the Church, and the
Parties to be Married to Con-
fefsy and receive the Eucbariji
before they can be Marriid,
P-325
Dec. VI. Degrees oiKjndreàvi\\crc
Marriage is prohibited, p. 3i<5
Dec VII. Spiritual Kindred prohi-
biied, what, p. 3^8
Dec. VIU. The Metropolitan to iii-
fpence with fuch ^Tiarriages boih
pail, prefent, andtocome,^rc.
p. ?29
Dei. IX. Umiccnfed times for
Marr)irg, which, ?• 33 t
Dec. X. Ordains what Age Par-
ties to be Married ihaU be of,
Dec XI. Separations in úúi Mat-
ter forbid, P' 332
Dec. XII. Declares all Marriages
void that arc not performed
according to tlie Form of the
Council of Trent, p. 33 ^
Dec. XIII. Forbids Fo/;á'*'»/, p.
P-33+
Dec. XIV. Confultmg of Wi^.
ifards, md\xfwg Heat kcniJfiySii'
erflitious Ceremonies for fuc-
^cefs in Marriage prohibited, p.
P-335
Dec. XV. /^gainft Heathenijh Ce-
remonies in Marriage Contrafts,
p. 33^
Dec. XVI. Againfl a Judaical Ce-
remony ufed by Married Peo-
P'«ij ' P- 337
ACTION VÍ1L
of the Reformation of Church-
Affairs, p. 338
Dec. I. For dividing the Diocefs
into Parifhes, and appointing
Miniftcrs, &-C, P- 338
Dec. II Vivifion and Vniting of
Parifhes belongs to the Pre-
late, (i^c. p. 340
Dec. III. Pluralities condemned,
p. 341
Dec. IV. No Parochial Church to
. be without a Curate, p 3^2
Dec. V. The difufe of Chriftianity
ordered to be enquired into,
, P3'5
Dec. VI. Orders the Church of
Travancor to be rebuilt, and a
Vicar CúiZ/ifCí/ to the place, p.
344
Dec. VII. Orders Preachers to be
fent to Tadamalla, and why,
P 3 4
Dec. VIII. nree Vcffels of 0// to
bs kept in the Church, p. 345
Dec. IX. .^a/y D^;/ or Feafls of
the Church, on what days to
bekepr, p. 347
Dec. X, Fajls, upon what daysto
be kept, p. :55o
Dec. XI. The Malavar Chriilians
Cuftom of Keeping Lent ap-
proved of, p. 3V3
Tec. XII. How far Fafting obliga-
tory,
A Table of the Decrees.
tory, p.
Dec. X 11 1. Softie mathem(l)V
rn^f condemned, p.':^55
DfC. XIV. The life of Confecrated
Ajljes, P 35^-
Dec. XV. No Fle/h to be Eat up-
on Saturdays^ but in fome cafes
permitted on Wednefdays^ p.
Dec. XVI. The Obligation of mt
eating F/e/& lafts from Midnight
to Midnighr, (^c. P- BS?
Dec. XVII. Water to be bleffed
by throwing holy Salt into it ;
how to be ufed, P- 3';8
Dec. XVni. Boys and Oirls to be
inftrufted in the DoCtrims of
the Church of Rome, p. 550
Dec. XIX. Diredions for faying
the Avemary^ P-3<Í2
Dec. XX. Commands Bowing ac
at the Name of Jefus^ p. :j62
Vec. XXI. Mattins and Procefms
order'd on Chriflmas Eve, p.
963
Dec. XXÍI. SurpHce and íío/e or-
dered to be ufed in the Admi-
niftracionof Sacraments,^. ■^6'^
life. XXIII. CarJles to be b'lef-
fed, when, p. 3(£á
Dec. XXIV. Coramandtng an Ll-
niverfal Ccjfation from Work
on the Sabbath Day, V-3(^7
Dec. XXV. Churches formerly
dedicated to Marxobro and Mar-
phrod to be dedicated to AÍÍ
Saints, (^c. p. 568
Pec. XX vr. The i^wrj Box to be
kept in the Overfeers Houfe,3nd
why, and how, ?• 372'
Dec. XXVI!. Capiars appointed
to keep the Churches clean, p.
375
D^c. XXVUlCupb^ards and Chells
ordered to be kept in the Ve-
firiei, and why, P- 374
Dec. XXIX. Images to be fet up
in Churches, p. 374
Dec. XXX. Churches to be re-co«-
fecrated , for what , p- 376
Dec. XXXI. Stcl^ Perfons prohi-
bited to lie in theChurch,p.577
Dec. XXXn. All dead Corps to
to be buried in Holy Ground,ind
by a Prieil, p. 378
Dec. XXXIII. Orders for the fiK-
r}ing fuch as die of the Smail-
Pox, p. 379
Dec. XXXIV. No Church to
change the Name by which ic
ví3iconíecrated, P- 379
Dec. XXXV. Gentle Methods re-
commended for the reducing
of Infidels to the Church, p.^S i
Dec. XXXVÍ. Orders ail Foot Feo-
pie that defire to turn CÀJr/^i-
ans to be received to Baptifm,
38z
Dec. XXXVII. Commands thac
all be taught to Crofs thetnfelves
from the Left to the Kight^
p. 383
Dec. XXXVIII. Execution of Wills
declared to belong to the Bi-
fhops, p. g8d.
Dec. XXXIX. The Office of Bm-
ai to be performed for all, ex-
cept fuch as die under Excom-
tnmication or utter Impeniterfce,
p. 385
Dec. XL. Grants Licence to the
Jefuits of the College of Vai-
picafr«, and why, P'385
Dt c. XLI. The Chriftians of St.
Tnomas to be obliged by the
Conft itutions of the Bifhoprick
of Coa, p. 587
ACTION ÍX.
!^ the Reformation of Mamers,
■'^'-•■■•^'■- ' p.^SS
Die.
A Table of the Decrees.
Tkc. I. Orders the Extirpation cf
Superfluirns and Heatheniflj Cu-
ftoms, p.3S8
Dec. II. Declares what is Su^er-
Jlitiony and what nor, p. 3 ? 9
Dec. Hi. Forbids Heathenifl) Turi-
fications, P« 391
Dec. iV. For'oids Chnfiians to fre-
quent Heathen Fe/?iw/?eJ,p.39 1
Dec. V. Contai ns fome farthtr di-
rcftions for chrijlians, p- 392
Dec. VI. Prohibits the confukipg
of Witches and Fortune-Tellersy
. ... P-^93
Dec. VII. No Chnltians to pra-
âifc Witchcraft or Conjuring^
p- gç-?
flee. VIII. Agamft Diabolical
charms ^ p. 595
Dec. IX. Declares what Interejl
is lawful, P-397
Dec. X. More againft Extortioiiy
P 398
Dec. XT. Forbids Concuhtnage^ p.
^99
Dec. XII. Contains an Admoniti-
on to Mafiers and Fathers of
Families.) p. 400
Dec. XIII. Prohibits Chriftians
the B«;fn^ and SeZ/wá Children
or Kindred, p. 400
Dec. XIV. Approves of giving the
Tenth part of their Wives Portion
to the Church.) ((^c. P- 4'^'2
Vec, XV. Commands differences
zvcioiigChrijYians to be decided
by rhe Prelate^ p. 402
Dec. XVI. Chriftians forbid to
jake ufe of Ordeals for tryal
)f their InmcetKey p. 405
Dec. XV(I. CAr/^ww commanded
to diftinguifh themfclves from
K\\t Heathens, how, P^'^S
Dec. XVIII. Prohibits Chriftians
to drink or fell Orraca, p. 406
Dec XIX. A certain Weight for
Merchandize commanded, p.
405
Dec. XX. Females to inherit in
default of Ifliie Male, p. 407
Dec. XXI. Adoption of Sons not
lawful, except, <^c- p. 409
Vec. XXU. Forbids the Prclarc
to certifie the Adoption of Chil-
dren, where the Wi/o/'tfr has a-
ny of his own, p. 410
Dec. XXIil. Chriftians defired to
cohabit in Villages, and why,
p.4ir
Vec. XXIV. Defires the King of
Portugal to take all the Chri-
flians of Malabar under his
Protcâion, P'4il
Dec. XXV. Orders all Vicars to
have a Copy of the Decrees
of the Synod, and why. The
Conclufion, being a Recapitulati-
on as it were of the whole Sy-
nod, made by the Metropolitan
to the Clergy and People ; with
fome other Remarkables,p,4i3
Dom Andre Biftjf o/Cochim'i
Letter to the S)nodt P- 43 2
T h e 5/noit V A n fw e r, P« 4 4^
A Preface to a Mijfntf
Short Hiftory
o F T H E
Church of MALABAR:
From the time of its being flrfi Dif-
covered by the Portuguezes, in the
Tear 1*^01. until the Celebration
of the foUomng Synod in the
Tear 1599.
TH E Country of Mdahar begins at Catia--
nor^ a Town in the Northern 'Latitude
of 1 1 degrees and 20 minutes , and
ends at Cape Comorim^ in the Northern
Latitude of 7 degrees and \às.
It contains divers Kingdoms, as Cochim , TrU"
vancor^ Qundaca^ Pimenta^ Margate^ 8fc. and a-
bounds with Ports, as Calecut^ Cale^ Cochim^ Cou'
Um^ 8cc. Moft of its Princes and Nations are
Hi Athens^ and extreamly fuperftitious in the Wor-
a (hip
2 JJhort Hijlory of
ihip of Pagodf, of which there are feveral a-
mong them of incredible Riches.
The Serra or Gate, as the Natives call it, is a
Ridge of Mountains running 200 Leagues from
North to South, the South end whereof is inha-
bited by Chriftians, who call themfelves the C6ri-
fiians of St, Thomas^ upon the account of their ha-
ving firft been converted to the Chriftian Faith
by the Apoftle of that Name. They have al-
ways, oratleafl: for 1300 years, been under the
Patriarch of Babylon^ who, as their Meterane or
Arch-Bifhop died, took care to fend them ano-
ther, who refided ftill among them, and was
had in great Reverence both by Chriftians and
Infidels. As for the Dodrines and Cuftoms of
this Church, I (hall referr the Reader to the Ac-
counts he will meet with of them in the follow-
ing Hiftory.
The firft news of this ancient, but remote
Church , was brought to Europe by Pedral-
vares Cabral , who putting into Cranganor in the
year 1501. and meeting there with feveral of
thofe Chriftians, he perfwaded two of them, who
were Brothers, to come along with him to Vor-
iugal^ where the eldeft, whofe Name was Mat-
thias^ died at Lisbon 5 and the other,whofe Name
was Jofeph^ went firft to Rome^ and from thence
to Venice^ where, upon his information, a Tra6i:
was publiih'd in Latin of the State of the Church
of MJabar, and is printed at the end of Fafcicu'
lus Teffjponwj,
The
the Church 0/ Malabar. 7
The year following the Chriftians oiSt, Tho-
mas hearing of Don Vafco da Gania being at Co^
chim^ with a coniiderable Fleet of Ships , fent
fome of their Body to let him know, that under-
ftanding that he was a Subjeft of a Chriftian King,
they beg'd the favour of him to take them under
his Mailers Protection, that fo they might be de-
fended againft the Oppreffions and Injuries which
were done them daily by Infidel Princes, and for
a lafting Teftimony of their having put them-
felves under the King of Portugal^ they fent his
Majefty a Rod tipp d at both ends w'ith Silver,
with three little Bells at the head of it, which had
been the Sceptre of their Chriftian Kings , for
fuch they are reported to have had formerly, tho*
upon no very good grounds, fo far as I can per-
ceive.
The Admiral Vafio da Gar/ta^ not being in a
condition at that time, to do any more for them,
gave them a great many good words, promiiing
them, in his Mafters name, the favour and pro-
tedion they had defired, and which he was fen-
fible they ftood in great need of.
In the year 1505 two Chriftians, who were fa-
mous for their great skill in cafting great Guns,
and whom , for that reafon, Don Vafco da Gama
had taken along with him to the hzdies^ ran o-
ver to the Samorim , and were the fir ft that in-
troduc'd the ufe cf Artillery among the Malabar s:
For the Venetians forefeeing that their great ///-
dian Trade would be utterly rum'd, by the new
Pafiage that was difcover'd to the Indus by the
a 2 Ope
4 A /J?ort Hijlory of
Cape of Good Hope^ if the Portugueze fliou'd once
get iiny footing in thoie partSjSre (aid to have fent
thofe two Engineers, who were their natural born
Subjeds, into the Portugueze fervice, on purpoíè
to go over to the Indians^ to teach them the ufe
of Great Guns, and other Fire-arms, that they
might be the better able to oppofe the Portit"
guezGs.
Bnt after this forementioned Complement of
the Admiral, we hear no more of thefe Chriftians,
till about the Year 1545, the Portuguezes being
all that while too biifie in making new Conqaefts,
and the Friars, who were fent thither, too much
employed in building and providing commodi-
ous Seats for their Convents, to attend to any fo-
reign Buíineís, of what nature foever.
This 40 Years negled of a Chriftianity, which
was juft under their Nofes, puts me in mind of
what a Minifter of State faid of the PortMgusze
Zeal in the Indies.
" Vana es Senor It k a vain conceit^ if
^ ( fp^'^^'^E, ^^ Philip it pledfe your Majefty ,
*' IV, ) la Opinion que (fpeaking to Philip IV.)
" entre Nationes tudas that the World has enter-
*' tienen Portuguczes de tain d of the Zeal of the
"^ Religiofos por las con- Portuguezesw^i?// account
^' verfiones Orientales : of theConver flans that have
*' Aquilas conquiftas las been made by them in the
" Emprendio la codi- Indies, for it was Cove-
"cia, no la Religion, toufncfs and not^Zeal that
'* las conveiiiones ic engaged them to nmke all
Hizi-
the Church 0/ M a l a b a. r. 5
" Hizieroii por obra thofe Câ^/qnejis, The Con
*' divina y char id ad de ver fio ns that have bee?i
'' peribnas religioins par- wade there were perform-
" ticulares, el commun edby the Divhie Power,
" y diredion de la co- and the charity of a fit»
" rona attendio a de- particular Friars^ the Go-
" predar Reynos y Ci- vernment and Crown ha^
" dades, alii avia mas ving no other aim therein,
" dilatados converfio- hut the robbing of King-'
'Mies a donde avia doms anã Oties-^ and
'* mas que hartar la co- there wcreflili th' great-
" dicia , y alia eran eft Co?iverJiõnsivhere there
" hombres obftinados , teas mofl to gratify their
" donde no avia que Covetoufncfs. But where
" robar , concluding: y there was swthing to be
" ceiTa Religion quan- had^ there the People were
*' do no ie fique la co- Obdurate^ and not to he
''dicia, y que no en- wrought upon. Andfo we
*' tran en el cielo to- fee their Zed expired
*' dos los, que dizen íè- quickly in ali places^ where
*' nor abrid nos. it was j/ot animated by
Covetoufnefs , and how
they who had nothing clfe
to fay but, Lo^tS Opeil Um
to 1105 were not thought
ft to enter into Heaven,
Manuel de Faria alíb in the Third Tome of
his Afa Portuguefa, after having reckoned up
the Errors (as he calls them) of the Chriftians
of St. TIjomas, makes the folio v;ing Reflection
a 3 upon
6 A fhòn Hijlory of
upon his Countrymen s having been fo long in
reducing them to the Ro;;ían Church.
*' Gran laftima es oir It is a floamefd thing
"que uvieííè efto in (faith he) that this
'•^ frente de los Portu- Church JloGuld contime an
" guefes en la India a Himdreâ Tears in the
" los cien annos de fu Neighbourhood of the
" affiftancia en ella 5 y Portuguezes without be-
"lo que es mas a los ing reduced to the Ro-
" mefmos oios de pre- man Faith , and which
*' lados en Goa. La makes it ftill the worfe^
" verdad es que deftos tinder the Eye of the Bi-
" eran los Hercadores /loops of Goa , but the
'' que Chrifto hallo en truth is^ thofe Merchants
"el Templo y echo del whom Chrift whipped out
" açote. of the Temple^ werefuch
as-thefe,
Tho' after all, the Portuguezes Negligence in
this matter was nothing fo fcandalous as the Vio-
lences they afterwards made ufe of in the re-
ducing of them.
In the Year 1544. the Crofs and other Reliques
of St. Thomas^ which have (ince made fuch a
Noiíè in the World, were found at Mdiapor^ the
Legend whereof in ihort is. That the Portuguezes as
they were pulling down an old Chappel in order to rç-^
hnild it J met with a vafl Stone fome Foot under-
grmnd^ which having lifted up with great eafe^ they
found all the Earth under itjiaind deep with Bloody
that appear d very fre/h^ and thereon a Crofs excel-
lently
the 0?urch 0/ Malabar. 7
k^tfy well cut^ After the fashion of that of the Mi-
litary Order of Aviz in Portugal, a-nd over it a.
Dove or Veacock. ffor the learned are not agreed
which 'twas) and above that a bloody Dagger,
There was alfo an Infcription on the Stone^ but in
Letters that no Body h^evp what to make of There-
was a Crofs of the fame Saint , a?zd found much
after the fame manner by the Portugaezes /« Me-
liapor in the Tear 1522. with this Infcription:
2,t t\]t time íDôen Thomas fotiníieíi iW Cettiple,
tfie iStino: of Meiiapor matie |)im a ^cant of tije
Cuttoms» of all fte ^ecc6aiiDí?eíi tíjat toetre
ti?ouD:6t into tljat po^t, Wi\) ^titp m^ toe
Cento pait of t6e <Õm^^. With this ^Crofe were
atfo found the Bones of St. Thomas, which were
reckoned by all the World before to have bejn lodged
at Edeila. There was alfo found an ancient Record
of St. Thomas'/ having converted the ¥iing of Me-
iiapor (who it's like was the Prince that gave
him the forementioned Grant) by drawing a great
piece of Timber ajljore ^ which the King and St.
Thomas both pretended a right to , .<fter all the
Kings 'Elephants^ and all the Wit of Man rvere
not able fo much as to wag it. A Prophecy of St.
Thomas was alfo found in the fame Treafure^ de-
claring that whenever the Sea fjoud come up to
Meiiapor, which was then Twelve Leagues from it ^
a Nation fiou d come from the IVeft, which fjoud
preach the very fame Faith that he had preached.
And to put all this Indian Treafure together,
for it is pity any of it ihould be loft, the Bones
of the Three Kings were found in the fame
a 4 Grave
8 A [hort Hlflory of
Grave with thofe of the Apoftle, which were
known to be theirs, by an ancient MS. which
gave ú\Q following account of them. The King
of Nubia and Arabia 21?^/ Melchior, Baltafar was
King of Goli and Saba, Gaip?.r was King of Tur-
(i, Infula, and Grifola or Malabar, where the Bo-
dy of St. Thomas lieth^ by whom they were all
three confecrated Bijhops^ and were afterwards mar-
tyrd with him. I leave the Examination of the
truth of this MS, to the City of Cologne^ whofe
concern it is.
Among other things there was a Copper plate
found, with the following Donation engraved
upon it .- Thk is the Tejiimony of AIms^ hy which
Paradife is acquired^ and which all the following
Kings ^ who Jldall diftribate the faid Alms, /hall
cerlnnly obtain: Whereas they that JImU refufe to
give them^ jhall be Six Thonfand Tears with Worms
in Hell. This Imprecation is literally ufed by
the ancient Kings of S^ain in moft of their cha-
ritable Donations 5 but whether the Spanijh Kings
had it from the Indian^ or the Indian from the
Spaniard^ is not certainly known.
in the Year 1645. T>om Joan Dalhuquerqneth^
iirft Arch-Bifhop of G^^, being aibamed, it's
like, of their talking fo much m Europe^ and
doing fo little in India in the matters of Reli-
gion, fends one Vincent , a Francifcan Friar, of
which Order the Arch-Bifhop himfelf was, to
Cranganor^ to try what he could do towards the
reducing of thoL- Chriftians to the obedience
of the Roman Church. The Labours of this
fin-
the Church of M a.l a b a rí 9
íingle Friar are fo ftrangely magnified by the
Portugnezes ^ that it looks as if it were done
on purpofe to excufe their not employing of
more Hands in a Wor'li, which here in Europe
they pretended was their chief Bufinefs in the In*
dies. For he is faid not only to have preached
daily in their Churches , ^hich were built af-
ter the faihion of the Pagod Temples, but alio
to have built feveral Churches among them af^
ter the Latin way 5 and at laft, by the order of the
Vice-Roy and Archbiihop, upon his having in-
form'd them of the fmall fuccefs that his preach-
ing had had among them , to have ereded a
College at Cranganor in the Year 1 546. in order
to the inftrufting of their Sons in the Learning and
Ufages of the Latin Church.
By the way. It is fomewhat ftrange how Fri-
ar Vincent^ who is not íàid to have had the gift
of Tongues, no more than the Jefuite Xavier^
who himfelf complained. That for want of it
he was forc'd to prattle more like a Child, than
preach like an Apoftle among the Infidels, fhou'd
commeace fo powerful a Preacher among the
Malabars, the very firft Year of his being in the
Indies 5 a Year being a very ihort time for a
Man to make himfelf fo far Mafter of a ftrange
Language, as to he able to Preach therein to any .
purpofe.
But tho' the Chriftians of St. Thomas did not
deny to fend their Sons to this College, íèveral of
whom , after their having been taught Latin,
were Ordained Priefh, according to the Roman
Rites:
1 o JjhoH Hifiwy cf
Rites : Yet this had little or ho effeft as to the
reducing of that Church to the Papal Obedience,
to which they ftill continued fo averie, that they
treated thofe Natives with the fame difregard
that they did the other Latin Priefts.
Thus matters continued with the Church of
Mdabar till the Year 1587. when the Jefuits i-
magining the reafon why this Chriftianity was ib
little benefitted by having feveral of their Sons
bred in the College at Cranganor^ was their not
being taught Chaldee or Syriack^^ which is the
Language all their Offices are in , did thereup-
on ered a new College, which was built at the
ible charge of Antonio Quedei Morales , at a
place called Chanota^ or Vaipicotta^ a Village inha-
bited by thofe Chriftians, and which is about a
League from Crangamr,
But notwithftanding the Jefuits , by educa-
ting feveral of the Malabars in the Chaldee Tongue,
and inftruding them thorowly in the Latin Faith,
did qualify them to íèrve the Roman Church in
her Pretenfions. Yet all this fignified very little,
none that had been educated by them daring fo
much as to mutter the leaft Word againit any
of their ancient Dodrines, or in favour of the
Roman^ or to alter any thing in their Offices, or
forbear praying for the Bifhopof Babylon as their
Patriarch, in the Mafs,
Wherefore the Portugtiezes finding that theie
Chriftians were not by any thing that Friars
could íày or do to them, to be perfwaded out
of their ancient Faith, or to forfake their pre-
fent
the Church of Malabar. 1 1
fent Bifhop to fubmit themfelves to the Pope, a-
gainft whom they were Co poflèííed , that they
coQ d not endure fo much as to hear him na-
med, refolved , at laft, to try other methods
with them, that is, to try what Violence would
do, the Method to whichiPopery, where-cver it
is, owes both its Propagation and Eftabliihment.
And that they did not betake themfelves to
this courfe fooner, we are not to imagine was
in the leaft owing to their temper, or to any
difpofition that was in them, to try iirft what
fair and gentle means would do 5 for they muft
know nothing of the Spirit: of Popery^ that can
imagine it to be capable of any fuch thing -, but
it was owing purely to the circumftances of their
Affairs 5 for that before their Government had
fpread it felf, and taken a good root in thoie
Parts, it would not have been fafe for them to
have made ufe of thofe rude and boifterous Me-
thods for the reduction of thefe Chriftians, which
we ihall fee they did afterwards, when they had
in a manner gotten that whole Countrey into
their own Power : In purfuance of the fore-
mentioned Refolution, the Portugue'zes determi-
ned to have their Biihop, to v/hoíe prefence a-
mong them they attributed their conftancy in
their ancient Faith, feized in order to fend him
loRome^ which was executed accordingly.
Their Biihop at that time (for they had but
One of that Order among them) was one Mar
Jofeph^ who, according to ancient Cuftom, had
been fent thicber by Mar Andixa^ Patriarch qF
1 1 A fhort Hiflory of
Babylon, He is acknowledged by the Portugnezes
to have reformed divers Abules in that Church,
and to have put things in a much better order
than he found them in. Mar Jofeph being
brought Prifoner from Cochim to Goa^ was Em-
barked upon the firft Ships that went to Portu-
gal, with an intent of fending him to Rowe 5
but being arrived at Lisbon, he, by his Addrefs
and appearances of an extraordinary Sanftity,
did fo far infinuate himfelf into the favour and
good opinion of Dona Caterina, who was Queen
Regent at that time, and of the Infanta Dona
Maria, that he was fent back by the next Ships
to Goa, with the Queen Regents Letters, order-
ing him to be permitted to live quietly in his
Bifhoprick , he having promifed the Cardinal
Infante Don Anrique, who was at that time In-
quifitor-General , and the Pope's Legate a latere to
the Crown of Portugal, to do all that was in his
power tonrards the reducing of his Dioceis to
the Roman obedience.
In the Year 1552, one TumSind, or Sinton Sa-
lacan, a Monk of the Order of St. Pachomius^
who pretended to have been chofe Patriarch of
Moffii , or Scleucia Parthorum , or Babylon, for
they are all the fame by the whole Clergy of
Perfia and Âjjyria, came to Rome and fubmitted
bimfelf to the Pope 5 by whom, according to
fome, he was confecrated a Biihop, tho' others will
have it, that he had only his Eaftern Confecra-
tion confirmed, and afterwards received the Pa-
triarchal Pallium. He prefented Letters and a
Con-
the Church 0/ M a l a b a r. i ^
Confefllon of Faith to the Pope^ which he pre-
tended were fent by all the Eaftern Biíhops : In
the Letters the Pope's Supremacy was exalted as
high, as if they had been writ by a Paraiite
Canonift , which Letters, together with the Con-
feffion of Faith, were done into Latin and Prin-
ted by Mafins : He gave out alfo, that he was
attended by Seventy Perfons of note as far as
Jen/falem^znd from thence only by Three, where-
of one died by the way, and another remained
iick in the Journey 5 and the third, whol'ename
was Calafi^ came with him to Rome, Turn Siud^
after he was difmifled at Rome^ inftead of re-
turning to Babylon^ went and lived in an ob-
fcure place called Charamet or Âmeã^ where in a
ihort time he was put to death by the Maho^
tnetans 5 and, as it is faid, at the inftigation of
the Chrijlians of thoíe Parts, who, to the great
diicredit of the pretenfionshe had made at Rome,
would never own him nor his Authority. But
this ill Succefs did not hinder another Monk of
the fame Order, whofe name was Aid Jefn or
Hehed^ who had writ feveral Books in defence of
Nefioriamfm^iiom coming to Rome with the fame
preteniions, in the Year 1562 ^ and he could ne-
ver have come in a better time, by reafon of
the Council ofTre/^i being then fitting, to which
he was fent with great Solemnity to repreíènt
nothing leis than all the CÂ<í/i^if<2« Biíhops, having
before at Rome in their Name, made the fub-
miííion of that whole Church to the Pope : This
method of making a noife with Mod^Pr^Utei^
had
14 A fhort Hijlory of
had been made great uíe of by fome former
'Popes, So Eugemus the IV. maintained his tot-
tering reputation againft the Council of Bajtl^
by an appearance of Grecians and Armenians iij
the Council of Florence : And ^aul the III. gra-
ced his Tranflation of the Council from Trent
to Bolongia^ which was fo ftoutly oppofed by the
Emperor and Spanijh Biftiops, by fending one 5ye-
phen to Bolognia with the iplendid Title of the
Armenian Patriarch.
This Humor was carried on by one Elias ^ who
like wife pretended to be chofe Patriarch of Ba--
hylon'-, he fent íèveral N//«a<? '/ to the Pope with
the Submiííion of the Babylonijh Church, and a
ConfeiTion of Faith , but theíè t^uncios ípoiled
their bufineis by over-afting their Parts 3 for it
having been diicovered, that the better tofup-
port their Pretence of the Chda^an Church
agreeing with the Church oiPiome'wi all things,
tfiey had tore íèveral Pages out of their Church-
Offices, they were difmiííèd with difgrace.
However this did not diicourage Elias ( as in-
deed what will a hungry Monk > ) from fending
one Adam Camará^ his pretended Arch-Deacon,
to Kome^ three Years after that misfortune 5 who,
together with his Patriarch's Letter, delivered to
the Pope a Book of his own compoiing, con-
cerning the Reconciliation of the Chalda^an Church
to the Roman^ which he defired might be dili-
gently examined. In his Letter he told Paul V.
That let Hereticks do what they will^ he for his part
was refolved r/ever to go againfi the Holy Precepts of
the
the Church 0/ M a l a b a r^ 15
the Apoftles and Orthodox Fathers^ who had all af-
firmed the See of great Rome to be the Head of all
other Sees, bnt would always confefs that the Roman
Church was the Mother of all the other Churches in
the Worlds and that all that did not own her to be
fo, were accurfed. It's obfervable, that this Elias
had a ftretch of Courtíhip beyond bis begging
Predeceiibrs ; which was his aifuring the Pope,
That all their Clergy anciently had their Orders
immediately from Roy^e^ and that that Cuftom
continued, till feveral that were going to Rome
on that Errand were murdered by the way 5
which having feveral times happened, the Pope
when he came to hear of it, did of his free Grace
fay, Let us ordain them a "Patriarch j and not only
fo^ but permit them to chufe him^ that fo they may
not perifi thus by the way : And thus, iaid good
Elias^ we received all the Authority we pretend
to from Rome^ and not from our felves, as they
pretend to do 5 ( and the greater Wretches they)
who trample upon the Canons of the Apoftles,
and the Laws of the Fathers. It is from this
blind Story that the Roman Doâ:ors have endea-
voured to perfuade the World, that all the Ba^
bylonijh Bifhops do own, that they derived their
Power of Ordination from the Wefiern Fathers,
meaning the Biihops of Rome^ no doubt.
Now what crude Stuff is this, that thoíè hun-
gry Monks ferved up to the Pope, and was as
greedily fwallowed at Rome^ there being not the
leaft Colour of Truth in any. part of the Story.
For as to the ancient Cuftom that is fo confident-
17
x6 J Jhon Hijlory of
ly affirmed, it is plainly contradifted by the 33d
Arabic^ Canon of the Council of Nice^ which
tho* not the genuine Canons of that Council,
are yet very ancient. The Canon runs thus :
Canon 35. Let the See <?/Seleucia, which if
one of the Eaftern Cities^ he honoured lik^wife^
and have the Title of Catholicon, and let the
Prelate thereof^ ordain Arch-Bijhops as the O'
iher Patriarchs do, that fi the Eaftern Chri^
fiians who live under Heathens^ may not he
wronged by waiting the Patriarch of Antioch'x
leifure^ or by going to him^ but way have a way
opened to them to fupply their own NeceJJities 5
neither will any injury be done to the Patriarch
of Antioch thereby y feeing he has confented to
its being thus^ upon the Synods having defired
it of him, *
From which Canon it is plain, That the Church
of Seleucia or Babylon was anciently fubjeft to the
Patriarch of Antioch^ who of all the Patriarchs
was their nigheft Neighbour. So that if the Chal"
d<ean Biihops do own that they derived all their
Authority from the Wejiern Fathers , as is pre-
tended they do, they muft mean by the Wejiern
Fathers, the Biihops of Antioch.
And as to its being faid. That the Chaldean Bi-
ihops do to this day own that they had their Or-
dinations from the Wefiern Fathers, meaning the
Biihops of Rome^ the falfhood of that Pretence
appears evidently, not only from what has been
fai4
the Church o/" Malabar. 1/
faid, but from the whole Tenor of the following
Synod, and of all the late Reports of the Por-
tiiguezes concerning that Church : As it does like-
wiíè, That all thofe Patriarchs of Babylo??^ who
came to Rome^ notwithftanding the great Noife
they made in this Part of the World, were mere
Impoftors,never owned by the Churches they pre-
tended to be Patriarchs of. Father Simon (peak-
ing of this in the 95 Page of his Hifloire Critiqney
confeílèth their magnifying the Pope's Power as
they did, to have been a piece of grofs Flattery,
but withal, will have it to have been Pardonable
in fuch poor Wretches, who would not other-
wiie have been fuffered to have approached the
Pope, to whom they came mioEurape on purpofe
to make their Court, for, as he obferves upon
the fame occafion, few or none of the Oriental
Prelates ever applied themfelves to the Pope, but
for the promoting of fome particular intereft,
which was one reafon why the reunions they pre-
tended to make did not laft long. But tho' for
fome time thefe mock^Prelates being fupported by
the Pope, made a fhift to keep the face of a
Church 2itCharamet^ none of themever daring to
go to Mofidy ytz after a little time the true Chal^
d£an Prelates obliged them to leave Charametj
froui whence they retired to ZeinaWack^^ a yet
remoter Place on the borders of Perfta^ where
from little, in a fhort time, they dwindled to
nothing.
The Prelates of Babylon we fee were anciently
ililed Biihops of Sekncia, a City not far from
A Ctejiphon
1 8 J port Hijlory of
Ctefipkm ^ from whence it was tbat Siwon^ who
fuiiered Martyrdom under Sapo/ is ftiled Biibop
of Sekuda and Ctefphon^ of which City we meet
with this following Account in Straho, Babylon
was an ck fitly the Metropolk of Ailyria, ivhich now
Seleucia of Tigris z'j, near to which is a great Village
called Cteiiphon, : '•re the Kings of Parthia ufed
to fpend the Winter 1 fpare Seleucia,, that it might
not be continually opf Jfed ivith Soldiers and Scythi-
ans : but notwithflanding this Change of the Metro-
polis^ m the Country all about is jlill called Babylon,
fo the Native fy tho' Born in the very City i?/'Seleucia,
are ftill called Babylonians from the Region^ and
z^<?i Seleucians.
in the Bihliotheca Patrum, there is a Treatifè
of Paradife tranilated out of Syriack^ into Latine^
by MafiM^ writ by one Mofes Bar Cepha^ who is
ftiled Btihop in Eethraman and Bethleno^ and Cu-
rator of the Ecclejiajlical Affairs of the Mozul or
Seleucia Varthorum, This Mofes ílouriíhed in the
Tenth Century.
But it is time to leave thefe Shant Prelates^ who
run ib faft to Rome of their own accord, and re-
turn to the true ones, who were forc'd to go thi-
ther much againft their Wills.
After the Chriftians of the Serra had heard of
their Arch-Biihop's being fent a Prifoner to Por-
tugal^ defpairing of ever feeing him again, they
ient fecretly to Mar Simeon^ Patriarch of Baby-
lon^ defiring him to order them a new Arch-Bi-
ihop, who ftraightways fent them one Mar Abra-
ham, who having gotten into the Scrra in a dif-
guife.
the Chmxh 0/ M a l a b a r. 1 p
guiíè, notwithftanding the great care the Pcrtn-
gfiezes had taken to have intercepted him, he
was received by the whole Church as their Bi-
ihop, with great joy. But he had not been long
there, before he had the news of Mar Jofeph^s
being returned to Goa^ where having. prefented
the Letters he had brought along with him, he
was permitted to go back to his Biihoprick.
The Arch-Biibop of Goa who .had vvjit to
FortHgd^ that they ihould by no means ever fuf-
fer Mdr Jofeph to return to the hidies^ was not
without ftrong jealouiies of his having prevari-
cated in all that he had promifed, and what did
very much confirm him therein, was, that Mar Jo-
ftph when he defired him to take fome Friars a-
long with him to preach the Romait Doftrines
in his Biihoprick, did not only deny to do it,
but furthermore pretended, that it v/as reveal'd
to him the Night before, that it was no ways
convenient. The A.rch-Biiliop being netled o.t
this pretence, told him with great hear. That
he had better Revelation from the Scriptures
of his not being the Paftor whom God would
have to feed his Sheep, but a Wolf in Sheep's
cloathing, of whom our Saviour had (aid, That
they n>ere to be klioivn by their J<rií7tí^ and that
their Highnejfes would quickly be fenfible how
much they had been impofed upon by him.
Notwithftanding all this, he was permitted to
goto his Biilioprick, tho'for no other rcaf::n, its
like, but to give birth to a Schifm, by which
means the ^ortnguezes hoped to be able to com-
A 2 pafs
2 o J p?ort Hijlory of
país. their ends upon that Church the eaííer.
Divide ó' iritpera^ being a piece of Policy that
is well underftood, and has been much pradi-
fed by the i^i?/?^;/ Church. And if this was their
drift in fending him back to his Diocefs, they
were not out in their Policy, for Mar Jofeph
was not fooner in the Serra^ than the whole Bi-
fhoprick was divided, fome adhering to Mar A-
hraham^ and Others to Marjofeph^ as their true
Prelate.
But Mar Jofeph finding Mar Abrahams Party
to he much the more numerous, by reafon of
the Communication he had had with the La-
tins^ did thcrenpon betake himfelf to thecouríè
that all diftreílèd People, whopreferr their own
Intereft to that of the Publick, take, and com-
plains to the Portugueses of Mar Abraham^ not
only ns an Ufurper, but as a moft bitter Enemy to
the Roman Church.
The Viceroy^ who was glad of this occafion,
ftraightways difpaich'd an Order to theGovernour
of Cochim^ to have Mar Abraham apprehended,
and to fend him Priibner to Goa^ in order to
iend him to Rome^ which was executed accor-
dingly. But the Ship whereon Mar Abraham, was
Embarked, being forced by ftrefs of Weather
into Mazambique^ a Port belonging to the Portu-
gnezes in the Southern Coafts of Africk^^ he made
a (hift to efcape, and by the way of Melindo and
Ormus^ to get to the Patriarch of Babylon^ from
whom having received new Briefs to Fortifie his
Title, he refolved to return to his Biihoprick 5
but
the Church 0/ M a l a b a'r. 21
but having afterwards coniidered better on the
matter, and being fenfiblc, that if he went thi-
ther without thePi^/'e'sOrderjthat the Portugnezes
would quickly make the Serra too hot for him,
he altered his Mind, and refolved to try his For-
tune at Ro/;/e^ and to take a Journey thither over
Land 5 being come to Rome^ after having abju-
red his ancient Faith, and reconciled himfelf to
the Church, and promifed to reduce that of Ma-
labar to its obedience, he obtained of Rius the
Fourth, all fuch Briefs as were any ways neccf-
fary, having alio the Title of Arch-Bifiop^ which
he and his Predeceííòrs had enjoyed, given him
therein.
But being at Venice^ in his way home, the Di-
innes there difcovering, as it is faid, both from
the Nature of the Opinions that he had abjured,
and from his own Confeffion, that he had never
been lawfully Ordained, did oblige him to re-
ceive all Orders ^ from the firfi tonfitre to the
Priefihood. He was ordained Prrejl by the Ei-
fhop of Sl Salvador and Confecrated a BrJ/jop by
the Patriarch of Venice.
This Venetian Confecration, if it is not a down-
right Naggs-Head Story , is a Scurvy refledion
upon the Pope's Infallibility, who herein was not
only deceived in a matter of Faci^ in giving Bf/efs
to one, as an Arch-Biihop, who really was not
at all in Holj Orders^ but he muft alfo have been
deceived in a matter of Doiirine^ in being igno-
rant, that fome of the Opinions which had been
Abjured before him by Mar Abraham ^ were of
A 3 fuch
12 A p?ort Hijlory of
fuch a nature as to incapacitate him for Orders,
While Mar Abraham WAs'in this. Voyage, Mar
Jofiph hpAmcy himfelf in the quiet Poiiellion of
his whole Biihoprick, did not irorbear to profeis
and teach the Doftrines he had abjared in Portu-
gal The Biihop of Cochim^ who was his next
Neighbour , having heard thereof, acquainted ■
the Arch-Biillop of Goa therewith, and he L>on
Am-újíie, the Cardinal Infante, who at that time
Governed P<?ri//^^/ in the Minority of his Nephew
Don ScbaJlia^^^ andthe Cardinal informed the Pope
of the whole matter.
Thefe repeated Tyrannies of the Porifigjfezes in
the Indies^ of dragging ancient Biihops thus out of
their own Country and Diocefs, and tumbling
them fo about the World, I cannot but reckon
among thoíè violent injuftices for vyhich Manuel
de Faria in the very laft words of his Afa Portu-
gfiefi^ tells us, God has puniilied them lb viiibly.
The obiervation is ib remarkable, and to this day
fo litterally true, as I have been told by feveral
, intelHgent Poriuguezes^ that I iliall fet it down in
tfie Author's own words. " Ponderacion muy
" notable ay en efto, y es, que dequanta perfona
'' paííãran a la India ya como Governadores, ya
'' como Capitanes, ya como Mercadores, aunque
" efto ultimo iiempre iue de todos : y de quantos
" deftos alcançaran groeíTuiimas haziendas, no fe
" ve oy in el Reyno de Portugal ninguna caía o
" Mayo razgo que fe fundafie con ellas, o lo me-
'^ nosquefea cofa de importância : ni tarn poco
" ay en la India alguna cafa grande deíla calidad :
"aun-
the Church 0/ M a i. a b a r, 2 j
*' aunque tambien aya avid-o alia Portiiguefes q
'' iuntaron macho y avo algunos de a mill,ion,v de
" dos millionesy dea tres,y a uade a quacroje'lno
" luzirie a nadie coniiderablemente tanta hazien-
" da como tantos iuntaron, fe hade emendar, que
" fue,y es,y fera pero por una de dos razones.o por
" ambas, la primera porq' permeticndo Dios efte
" viaie folo para dilatar fa norabre, y verdedero
" cuito, eftos navigantes trataron por la mayor
" parte de lo material de la facrilega codicia, co-
" metiendo muchas maldades, para hartarfe, en
" vez de tractar de la religion : y otra porq' lo
" masdefto fueganado por raedios injuftos dc ti-
" ranias, robos, y toda fuerte de infolencia, como
" confta de . muchos lugares deftas Hiftorias.
It is remãrkíible^ that amo^g all the Pcrjb/if who have
gone to the Indies, whether as Qovernours^ Capains^
or Aiercha?its^ of which fort- mofl of them irere in
trnthy there has not been one that hm raifcd a Fu-
mily of any conjideration out of the Goods they have
got in thofe Parts^ either there or in Portugal, tho^
there have been feveral of them that have got thcrc^
one^ tW9^ three ^ or four Millions, Noiv, that no-
thing that's conjtderable of all thefe vafi Treafires,
JJ.wuld any where appear^ mufl be for 07ie or both of
thefe two Reafons^ firfi^ that whereas God permitted
the Difcovery of this Voyage^ only for the propagation
of his Narne^ and, true Worfnp (but not by fuch
barbarous Methods as the forementioned I daie
fay) thefe Travellers have^ fir the mofi part^ purfied
the ends of a Sacrilegious Covefoufnefs^ cGmmiiii^g
many Injufices to fill their Coffers^ injiead ofhavrr^g
A 4 a}7%
24 A fíjort Hiftory of
any regard to Religion'^ the other is^ becaufe the mojh
of thofe Riches were gained by the tinjuji means of
Tyrannies^ Robberies^ and all fort of Infolencies^ of
which yon have many Iniiances in the foregoing Hi-
ftory,
Pius V. upon this lilued forth a Brief bear-
ing date the 15th. OÍ January 1567. direfting it
to Dom Jorge^ Arch-Bifhop of Goa, and com-
manding him to ufe all diligence to have Mar
Jofeph forthwith Apprehended and fent to Rome^
in purfuance whereof he was feized, and íènt
Prifoner to Portugal^ upon the firft Ships that
went, whence he was carried to Rome^ where he
died.
Neither were the Violences they made uíè of
to Convert Infidels^ any whit inferior to thoíè
they exercifed upon the poor Chaldsan Chriftians,
by which they came to provoke the Infidel Princes
to that degree, that they had like to have loft all
that they had in the Indies by it. For the Hidal-
caon whoBeiieged Goa in the Year 1570. both in
his Letters to the Viceroy Don Lttk d* At aide ^
and in the Speech he made to his Captains, when
he firft communicated to them his defign of dri-
ving the Portuguezes out of the Indies^ gave thoíè
Violences for the chief caufe of his War. Thofe
Letters and Speech being too long to be here
Inferted, I fhall only fet down fo much of them
as relates direftly to this matter.
In his firft Letter to the Fueroy^ after having
complained of fome other Grievances, he tells
him, That he vpos certainly informed that at Ormus,
Dio,
the Church 0/ M a l a b a r. 25
Dio, Chaul, and all the other Portugueze Portr^
hk Subjeãs Ships were all flriãly fearched^ and all
the Boys and Girls that were found Aboard^ of what'
foever ^uality^ AbyiTnes or Mahometans, were
forcibly carried apjoar^ and there detai?ied from their
parents or Majiers, This, faith he, is a matter that
1 cannot but be extreamly offended with 5 neither can
I judge otherwife of your permitting fuch Violences^
but that you have a mind to break, with me, for if
you had not I cannot be perfwaded that your People
durii prefume to commit fuch Infolencies : He goes
on. Let it fuffice that no difference can happen be-
tween us, but what gives me great difpleafure, and
that 1 am both a Brother and an AUie of the King of
Portugal, and do efteem you as my particular Friend^
to put a flop to thk matter, that fo my Subjeíls may
have no further caiife to complain thereof BeJideSy
I am confident the King of Portugal will not thanks
any, that fmll be inflrumental in making a Breach
between me and him, by compelling my Subjeãs thus
againfl their Wills to turnChrijiians, apraclice, íàith
ht^that's abominable in the fight of all the World ^ nay^
lam confident that Jefus Chrift himfelfthe God whom
you adore, cannot be well pleajed with fuch Service
as this : Force and Compulfion in all fuch Cafes, being
what God, Kings, and all the People of the World
do abominate. The work, of turning People fom one
Pieligion to another, if it be not done by the Divine
Infpiration, and the immediate Will of God can ne-
ver be fincere, neither can Converts have any in-
ward refpeã for a Religion, which they are com^
pelled to Profdjs. I do thetefore intreat you ta fee
that
2Ó JJhort Hijlory of
thiit this matter be fpeedily redrejjed^ hut efpecially
t/M't ofttakifTg Peoples Children from them by violence^
whiclo is a thing I ft an d amazed at^ and am in duty
bound to fee remedied. ■
In his fecond Letter he thanks the Viceroy for
an Order he had fent to,Or////,i:f, and the other
P^jrtftgueze Ports, prohibiting all fach Violences,
but at the fame time tells him. That his Order was
mt in the leaft regarded j for that i/je Portuguezes
mttvithftanding it, went on ftill in their former
Qmrfes^ to which he tells him, If there ivere fwt a
jpeedy and efèãnal flop put, it mud necejfkrily be'
get a War betwixt him and the Portuguezes ^ adding.
That as he knew that neither God, nor wife Kings,
took any delight in Difcords, fo he was certain that
there was no Religion in the World, that jnftified
the forcing of People from one Religion to ano-
ther.
And in bis Speech to his Captains he tells them,
The Portuguezes at fir ft came among ns, under the
-notion of Merchants, promijing to help us to fever al
Goods that we wanted, but that afterwards by making
of trifling Prefents to fome weak Princes and other
Arts, they had obtained leave to build Store-Houfes
for their Wares upon the Coafi , but that inftead of
Ware- Houfes , they had built Fortreffès , by which
pieans they had ftrengthned themfelves fo in India,
both by Sea and Land, that it was more than time
for the Natives to look ^bout them, and to join to^
gether to extirpate fuch cruel Tyrants and Ravagers
offo many Kingdoms, and Enemies to the general
quiet and commerce of the World j and that for one
thing
the Church 0/ M a l a b a ni 27
fhf^g cffeciall)\ which was what m^ patience was able
to endure^ their compelli?ig tfje Indians i^ all places
where they had Power^ to change their Religion,
In this Affair the Chrifiian and Mahometan^ of
which Sedt this Hidalcaon was , feem to have
changed Parts, the Mahoj^ictaji writing therein
like a Chrijlian, and the Chriflians behaving them-
felves like Mahometans,
Vndet h£c opprohria nobis
Vel did potuijje.
About this time the Dominican Friars^ under
pretence of building a Convent, built a Fortreis
at Solor^ into which, as foon as it was finifhed,
the Viceroy put a ftrong Garrifon : There were
perpetual Bickerings betwixt this Garrifon and
the Natives, in moft of which, fome of the Friars^
as they were Converting thofe Infidels^ with
Swords in their hands, fuffered Martyrdom.
We read of a hmous Portngjieze MijJIonarj
about this time, it was one Fernando Vinagre^ who,
the' a Secular Prieft , Commanded the Squadron
that was fent to the ailiftance of the FLing of 77-
dore--) in which occaííon he is faid to have be-
haved himftlf both like a great Captain, and a
great Apcftle, and to have appeared one day in
Armour^ and another in a' Surplice, and to have
Baptized feveral in his Armour, with his S?frplice
over it. In thcfe a la Dragoon Converfions, he
was feconded by his Admii'al. Antonio Galvam
who with the aiiiftance of Captain Francifio da
Caflro^
2 8 A fhon Hi/lory of
Cafiro, is úià to have Converted five Kings in the
Ifland of Mazacar 5 and tho' he was reallv no other
than a St, Ruth, yet he is faid by the Portiigneze
Hiftorians to be another St. Paul,' in Governing
all that came under his Power both with his Sword
and with his Voice, A Sword and Voice, fay they,
worthy of a glorious eternity. It was this Antonio
that firft difcovered the King of Portugal's fpecial
Title to ú\.ç.Clovt, which, for having five Points,
he faid, had the King of Portugah Arms, which
are the five Wounds of Ghrift ftamp'd upon it.
The fame Author tells us, and approves of
what an Indian faid of the Portuguezcs, when in
the height of their Triumphs : Let them alone ^
íàid the Indian, for they will quickly come to loje
that as Covetous Merchants, which they have gained
as admirable Soldiers 5 they now Conquer Afia, but
it will not be long before Afia will Conquer them.
The Emperor of Perf.t is reported by the fame
Author to have made the fame Predidion, who
being told by the P(7r///^//ez,e Ambaílàdor, when
he asked him how many of the Governours of
the Indies Heads his Mafter had chopped off,
that he had not taken oflf one, replied. If that is
true, it is not pojfible the Portuguezes JJjould hold
the Indies long.
About this time the Portuguezes were driven
out of the Illand of Ito by the Natives. They
were fi:irred up to do it by a Speech made by
one Gcmulio, a confiderable Native, wherein he
told the Portuguezes in a full Aliembly of them.
That if they Preached to others that there was a God
in
theChurch of }^ KL A, BA. K, 29
^u Heaven^ who obferved all that was done on Earthy
and would certainly Reward all Good^ and PuniJI)
all Evil-Deeds^ without believing it thentfelves^ or
without praãifing what they believed^ they were cer-
tainly guilty of the Abomination^ which fuch a God
Mufl detefl above all others : He like wife told them.
They were Strangers come from the very Skirts of the
World, and will you, íàith he, who are the Off-
Jpring of the Shades, which the Sun leaves when /i
goes down, prefnme to Tyrannize over us, who enter-
tained you fo kindly, and have been fo long a San-
ãuary to you .<? If thefe be the Cufloms of your Coun-
try, you muji know they are what we Abominate ^^
return, return therefore to your native darknefs, or
your ancient Habitations, where the want of Light
will hide your Anions, and do you not come hither
to commit them in the very apple of the Eye of the
Sun, as it rifeth out of his brightefi Cradle, Ton
/jreíZcà Chrift Crucified to us, and at the fame time
Crucifie thofe you have perfwaded to believe in him,
Tou will mak^ others to be Chriftians, without ap-
pearing to be fuch your felves, Tou mufl know we
are not ignorant of what you have done to the King
of Xael, and how you rewarded his great kindnefs
and Civility to you, with Violences and Outrages^
and his SubjeUs good turns with dijhonouring their
Wives : We kriow lih^wife how you have ufed the
Queen of Aram, whom, after fie had lojl both her
Kingdom and Husband to fecure you , you have
difionourably thrown ojf, as one who could be of no
further ufe to you. Be gone therefor^ immediately
out of this IJland^ and hereafter don t you pre fume to
fit
3 o A floort H'ljlory of
fet your Foot^ or fo mtfch as cajl your Eye iipoft it.
The Hiftorian vvho^rektes this, tho' a Portiigueze^
makes this reflexion upon it. Thus we lofe Places
by our Infolencies, which we gained by our Valour,
When Mar Abraham returned to Goa over
Land, by the way of Ormifs^ and found Mar
Jofeph Shipped off for Portugal^ thereupon he
flattered himfelf with the hopes of meeting with
nothing to moleft him in the Pofleffion of his
Blfhoprick , but he quickly found himfelf decei-
ved, for having prefented the Pope's Briefs ^ and
other Papers he brought along with him to the
Arch-Biihop, the Portuguezes not having the fame
reaibn to permit him to return to the Serra^ as
they had when they permitted Mar Jofeph^ which,
as I have obferved, was done on purpoie to give
riie to a Schifm, he was told, that before they
would put him in Pofleffion of his Biihoprick,
they muO: fir ft have both the Briefs and his hfi.r-
mations ftridly examined, that fo they might be
fatisfied he had not impoied upon his Holinefs,
Wherefore, tho' refolved whatever came on't,
never to let Mar Abraham go out of their hands,
yet that they might not feem to refufe to pay a
due refpedt to the Popes Briefs j the Arch-BiQiop
and others, after having examined all his Papers,
found feveral flaws in them, which were declared
to be fufficicnt to juftifie their detaining of him :
This is no more than what the Cunomfls can do,
and do daily in the cleareft caies, it being impof-
iible to have s^y Matrimonial or other caufe drawn
up, or worded fo accurately, that the Canonifls^
and
the Church 0/ M a l A b a r. ^ l
and efpecially if the Pope defire it, will not find
feveral Nullities in. Upon the publication of
the nullity of the Pope's Briefi^ as having beiiii
obtained by miiinformation, poor Mar Abraham^
inftead of being ftnt back in Triumph to his
Bifhoprick, as he expected, was, after ail the
Pains he had been at, confined to the Dominican
Convent at Goa^ there to remain till fuch time
as the Pope^ Anfwer came^to the Arch-Bifldops In-
formation of his Caíè.
Mar Ahrahar//^ being feniible that to be con-
fined till that came, was the fame thing as to be
condemned to be a Prifoner for Life, refolved,
let what would be the ifiiie, to try to make his
efcape, which,iafter feveral unfuccefsful Attempts,
he did, at laíí, upon an Holy Thurfday at Might,
while the Friars were all imployed in the Chapel,
and having gotten over 'to the Continent, he
ported away to Malabar^ where he was received
with great Joy and Feftivity by all the Chriííians,
who having two of their Àrch-Biíliops Prifoners
among the Portiiguez^er^ defpaired of ever feeing
another Babylomflj Bifhop among them.
The Viceroy and Arch-Bifiop were much trou-
bled at Mar Abrahams having made his efcape
thus^and v/rit ftraightways to the Biihop of Gc^i;/;',
and all the Gove incurs upon the Coaft oi Mala-
bar^ to have him apprehended if he was above
Xitound 5 but Mar Abraham knowing how it
would be, took care to keep himfelf, as far as he
could, out of their reach, never adventuring to
viiit any of the Churches that were in the Neigh-
bour-
^t A fhort Htflory of
hoxxxhooà oi Cochim^ or of any other PortHguezè
Garrifon.
Bat tho* after this Mar Abraham is faid, in all
his Letters to the Portuguezes to have ftill profef-
fed himfelf a Romani (t ^ and not only fo, but
to have re-ordained all that had been ordained
by him formerly ^ yet it is certain, that in all
things elíè he aded quite otherwife in hisDioceis,
where he continued not only to preach his old
Dõãrines^ but in his Prayers ftill named the Bi-
ihop of Babylon as his Patriarch.
Gregory XIII. being informed of this by the
Arch-Bifiop of Goa^ and other Prelates of the "
Indies^ iilued forth a Briefs bearing date the
28th. of November^ 1578. direfting it to Mar
Abraham^ and commanding him therein to re-
pair to the next Provincial Council that íhould
be Aííèmbled at Goa^ to affift at it, and to ob-
íèrve all the Decrees that íhould be made therein,
relating to his Bifhopiick, and that he might not
excufe his not obeying this Briefs by pretending
that he could not do it with fafety , the Pope like-
wiíè fent him Letters of fafe Conclua^ to go and
come without being any ways molelted.
In purfuance whereof i)í7/?/ Vicente da Fo^feca,
Si Friar ^ of the Order of St. Dominick^^ and
Arch-BiJJjop of Goa ^ having called a Provincial
Council, which was the third of Goa, ordered
the forementioned Brief to be intimated to Mar
Abraham^ and together with the Pope'^, his own,
and the Viceroy's Lei/er/ of fafe Condnuf ^to be íènt
to him.
Mar
the Church 0/ Malabar. ^J
Mar Abraham^ having well confidered the
matter, and perceiving how difficult it would
be for him to efcape being Dragoon'd by the
PortHgtiezes^ whofe power increafed daily in thofe
Parts, if he ihould difobey this Summons, deter-,
mined, whatever came on it, to repair to the
Council, át which he alTifted, and was obliged
once more to Abjure, and make a profellion oF-
the Roman Faith, promiíing withal, to fee all the
Decrees made in that Synod^ in relation to his
Bifhopiick, punârually executed , and to fend in
all che Heretick Books in his Diocefs to be burn-
ed Oi amended 5 and having confeiTed, that in
the Qrdimtmr ofPriefi<- there was no Wine in the
Cup. which he deli^cied into their hands, toge-
ther with the Heft, he was commanded to Or-.
dain all thiit he bad Ordained before over-
again.
Now if this, of there being no Wine in the
Cup, which was delivered into the hands of
thofe v/ho weve Ordained Prkjis^ was the only
ground wher -on the Romanijis founded the in-
validity Oi the ChalddBan Orders, as it is the only
thing they have been pleafed to inftance in, what
a firexh was this to invalidate the Orders of a
whole Church by? But for Canonifts and School-
mer. ]~jy SnhúXÚQS invented on purpofe tofupport
a late Error, or to ferve a prefent turn, to wound
Chriirianity in its very Vitals, is a praftice too
eomrn' .n to be wondred at. I am fure the Church
of B/jme has much more reafon to apprehend that
the Sacrilege of denying the Cup to the Laity
B in
34 JJhort Híjlory of
» in the Sacrament, may make her Communion im-
perfed and inefFedual, than that this alone fhould
make Ordinations fo.
But after all this ftir, the Doftrineof the deli-
vering the Bread and Cup] into the hands of
thofe who are to be ordained Priefts, being ef-
fential |ò Orders, is fo far from being true, that
it is owned to be á Novelty by all the Modern
Learned Divines of the Church of Rome^ and is
moreover cpntradifted by her daily Pradice, who,
as all the World knows, allows the Greeks Orders
to be good, in the Collation whereof ilie knows,
the Bread and Cup is not put into the hands of
thofè who are ordained Priefts.
It is true, the Council of Florence^ in her In-
ftrudions to ú\^ Armenians^ feems to have doted
into the fame Error v/ith this of the Portugnezes^
in making that new Ceremony eííèntial to Ori/er/.
But let that be as it will, it is certain that both
t|ie preient pradice of the Roman Church, and
all her truly Learned Sons, the Modern Schoolmen
not excepted, do condemn it as an Errors for
which Í (hall only quote two of her moft emi-
nent Schoolmen, and one of her ableft Criticks.
Cardinal Lf/go^ in his 2 Difp. de Sacramentis^
faith as followeth, Aliunde antem hahemus , non
porreãionem fayfk ^ vini determinate reqniri ex
■ divina inflitiítionc, cum Gr£ci abfqne ilia porreãi-
one ordinentiir j ergo fatendtim eji thrift urn ft)lum
voliiijfc pro materiu ali quod figmim proportionatnm-
hoc vet illiid.
And
the Church o/'Malabar. 55-
And Becanus^ iri the third part of his Scho-
laftical Divinity, Cha^, 26. of the Sacrament of
Order, has as follows ; Concilium Florentinum in
injíruãione Armmoruin folum meminit materia acci'
dentalk^ que ab Ecclejta. frit irtftituta^ which was
the delivering of the Bread and Cup, non autem
Jubjiantidis^ quam Chriflus pr£fcripfity which is the
irapofition of hands , Q»ia h^c ex S^riptnrfs ^
antiquis Patribus erat fatis cognita^ non autem ilia,
Addo^ ft hoc argumentum valeret^ pojje optime retor-
queri ita^ Antiqua concilia non ajjignant aliam ma-
teriam nifi impofitionem manuum^ er^(7, 8cc. He con-
cludes thus, Nota antiqua concilia ajfignàjjè mate-
riam a Chrijio inflitutam^ Florentinur/t vero mate^
am ajjigjtàjjè^ quam EccleJ/a introduxit^ that is the
Latin only. By this one may fee, that the Church
OÍ Rome is not To uniform a Body as (he pretends
to be, being thus inconfiftent with her felf in a
thing of fo high a nature, as that, of what is^ and
rvhat is not ejjential to Orders :■ and we may ièe
likewife, how fhe will break thorow all ancient
Doârrines and Rules, rather than not difgrace all
Bodies of Chriftians, which deny her Obedience,
by unchurching them by fome fubtilty or other 5
and indeed, thorow the cleareft evidences of
matter of Fad, as (he does in the cafe of the Or-
ders of the Church of England, And further-
more , how apt (he is to look upon her own
novel Inventions as the main Subftantials of Re-
ligion.
To whom I (hall only add Mor i nu s ^ whofe
judgment in a cafe of this nature is of more
B 2 weight
1 6 A p?ort Hijlory of
weight, than that of the whole Tribe of School-
men. Who in the i Chap, of his firft Exercitati-
on, De Sacrts Ordwationibus^ faith, Nemo^ ut mU
hi "Videtur , dubitare potefl^ antiquos Latinos^ a
qnibus accepimns d^ Ordinationes^ d^ quod facer do'
tes fjtmus^ legitime Ó* valide facer dotes cenfecraffe^
Ó* c£tera facrarum Ordinationum munia contuliffe :
F^adem antiquar urn Gr£corum ratio. Certijfimum
enim ejl 0^ evidenti\fimum^ neminem Ordinationes
Gr£cas criminari poffi^ quin crimen in Latinos re"
dundet^ cum utrique mutuo alterius Ordinationes pro-
baverint : Gr£cufque apud Latinos^ df* Latinus a-
pud Gr£Cos fine ulla unquam Ordinationis querela
facra Myfteria celebraverit : pari veritatis evidentia
cerium eji recentiores Latinos in hunc ufque diem le-
gitimas Ordinationes celebraj/e 0* celebrare, eadem
ratio hodiernorum Gr£corum^ cum itt ex iis qu£
manifeflijfime )y oÍv^tv-^Íol quadam demonflrata funt^
ab anti quis non differ ant ^ eofque publico in fui s Or-
dinibus minijirantes fufcipiat Ecclcfa Romana^ fern-
perque ftifieperit. And in his ieventh Exercitati-
on, fpeaking of the delivering the Bread and
Cup into the hands of thofe that are ordained
Priefts, he acknowledgeth it to' be a late Cere-
mony in the Roman Church. Antiqui Ritualcs
Latini^ non f ecus ac Gr^ci^ ifiam injirumentorum
traditionem nobis non exhibent : ^uidquid fpe&at
ad ill am mater iam Ó* formam ab iis abefi. Duo
ritus Ordinationis editi, unus RowdH in fanai Gre-
gorii facramentario ex Bibliotheca Vàticanà^ alter Pa^
r.'fiis ab Hugone Muitiardo^ ex Bibliotheca Corbeienfi^
ijia omnia ?iobis non reprsfeniant duo antiquijjimi
Fata-
the Omrch 0/ Malabar. 37
Petaviani literk uncialibus fcripti qui pr£ c£teris
eminent , duo alii fecundum ijios antiquifflmi Ó*
egregie Jplendidéqne frripti^ qui ar/ipli fnnt^ d^ multa
Ordinationibns iUis exhibent , qii£ viàeri pojfimt
nonnecejpiria^ quorum unus eji Rotomage^^fis^ alter
Rhemenjii. Tres alii^ quorum primus Senonenjis
eft, dno alii Corbeienfes^ nnus a Roar ado fcriptuf^
nunc vertitur annus oSiogentefimus primus , alter a.
Rotaldo precedente multo junior^ fed copiofijjimus^
qui quecunque noverat ad Ordinationes pertinere^ iis
ditavit Sacramentariam fmtm 5 denique unns e Bib-
liotheca Thuana perantiquus^ C^ alter Bellovacenfis,
In all which ancient Rituals^ he faith, there is a
profound filence of this Ceremony.
The Council being ended, Mar Abraham re-
turned to his Biihoprick, where he obferved no-
thing of what he had promifed and fwore, fave
that of ordaining his Priefts again the third time,
at which Ordinations there were feveral Jefuites^
who were skilled in the Syriack^ Tongue, that af-
fifted to fee that nothing was omitted that was
eilential.
Not long after a Letter of Mar Abraham to the
Patriarch of Babylon was intercepted, wherein he
informed him of his having been at a Council of
the Biihops of the Indies at Goa^ whither he had
gone purely out of fear of the Portuguezes, who, he
íàid, vpere over his Head^as a Hammer over an Anvil :
but when he was there, that he had delivered
in a Profeifion of his Faith, which none of the
Latm Biihops were able to contradid, profeifing
B 3 him-
3 8 A fhort Hiftory of
himfelf to his Patriarch a Dogmatift of the ChaU
d<ean Faith.
Mar Abraham being grown ancient and very
much broke, by the long and unintermitting Per-
fecutionsof the Portnguezes^ was willing to have
a Coadjutor from Babylon^ who might, after, his
Death, alio fucceed him in his Biihoprick, and
accordingly had one Mar Simeon fent to him by
the Patriarch of Babylon,
Mar Simeon was no íboner fixed in the Ssrra^
but, finding the People, by reafon of his never
having had anything to do with the Latins^to have
a much greater Affeítion for him than they had
for Mar Abraham^ who, tho' to his Sorrow, had
been fo much among them, he was encouraged
tofetupfor foleBiihop, and having fixed his »See
at Carturte^ one of the principal Towns of the
Chriftians^of St. Thomas^ was much favoured by
the Qiieen of Pimenta^ in vvhofe Territories Car-
turte is.
Thefe two Bifhops fell prefently to fulminate
their Excommunications one againft another, to
the great diilurbance of the whole Dioceis, and
Mar Abraham finding his Adverfary to gain
ground of him daily, complains of him to the
Viceroy and Arch- Biihop oi Goa^ defiring them
to drive Mar Simeon out of the Serra^ who was
not only an Intruder, but a bitter Enemy to the
Latin Faith.
The Viceroy, tho' he had no great kiiidnefs
for Mar Abraham^ yet confidering that he was
Biihop of the Serra^ by the Pope s appointment,
re-
the Church o/^ M a l a b a r, 3 p
refolved, if it were poííible, to eàfe hirn of his
Adverfary, and underftanding that it would be
a difficult thing for him to get. Mar Simeon into
his hands by open force, he employed ibme Frafz-
cifcan Friars to inveigle him with fair promiies to
go to Rome, and get the Pope's Brief for the Bi-
(hoprick, without which he could never exped:
to enjoy it peaceably. .
Mar Simeon having firil: conftituted one Jacob,
a Pariih Prieft his Virar General during his Ab-
fence, was perfwaded by the Friars to go along
with them to Cochim, from whence he was fent
tCkGoa^ and from Goa upon the firrt Ships toP<?r-
tugnl, and from thence to Rome, where, after
having been examined by the Inquifitioin, he was
declared by Pope Sixfns V. not to be in Holy
Orders , and was with that Sentence upon him
ient by the Cardinal St. Scvcriana to Philip the
Second, who put him into the hands oíDom Aleixo
de Menezes, whom he was then fending to Goa,
to be Arch-Biihop of that place.
Arch-Bifhop Menezes, inílead of carrying him
along with him to the Indie f, which was what
Mar Simeon expefted, coniined him to a Francifcan
Convent in Lisbon, from whence he is íàid to
. have v/rote Letters by every Fleet, that went to
the Indies to his Vicar-General J^r/?/», and in all
his Letters to have iiill ftiled VàmÇá^ Metropolitan
of the Indies y and to have profefs'd the Chaldean
Dodrines^ theíè Letters were found by Arch-
Biihop Menezes in the Serra, when he viiited it,
by whom they were fent to the chief Tribunal of
B 4 ■ ' the
4©- •• A p?ort Htflory of
the General Inquifition of Portugal^ where if they
found Mar Simeon alive, they doubtleis made
him change his Francifcan Priion for that of the
Inqnifition^ where they would take care he ihould
write no more fuch Letters.
Dom Matthias^ Arch-Biihop of Goa^ having in
the Year 1590. called another Provincial Coun-
cil, did, in conformity to Gregory XIII's Briefs
Summon Mar Abraham to repair to it, who being
íènfíble how ill he had complied with what he
promifed in the former Council, returned no o-
ther Anfwer to the Summons, but a Saying, which,
he faid^ was a Proverb in his Country, That the
Cat that bites a Snah§ is afraid of her Cord^ inti-
mating thereby, that he durft.not truft the Por^
tugifezes and Latin Bifhops any more : AftCF
which he diílèmbled no longer, but in all things
declared himfelf to be of the Chald£an Faith.
Clement V1ÍI. being informed of all this, di-
fpatched a Briefs bearing date the 2'jth, oi January
1595. wherein he Commanded Dom Aleixo de
Menezes J ArchBiíliop of Goa to make Inquifi-
ti^n into the Crimes and Errors of Mar Abraham^
and in cafe he found him guilty of fuch things as
he had been accufed of, to have him apprehended
and fecured in Goa'^ as alio to appoint a Gover-
nou r or Vicar- Apofloli cal of the Roman Communi-
on over his Bifhoprick, and upon Mar Abraham's
Death to take care that no Biihop coming from
Babylon fhould be fufFered to enter into thç Serra
to íucceed.
This
the Church o/" M a l a b a r. 41
This Brief was delivered to the Arch-Bifhop
before he went to the Indies^ by virtue whereof,
and in obedience to the Pope's Commands, he
made Inquifiticn into the Crimes and Errors of
Mar Abraham^ and finding him guilty of all that
he had been aecufed of, he fent him his Proeeis
without Summoning him to appear at Goa^ by
reafon of his having been Bed- rid for fome
time. ' .
The Arch-Biihop furthermore underftanding
by the Informations he had taken, that Mar A-
braham^ in conjunftion with all the Chriftians of
his Dioceisj had fent to the Patriarch of Babylon
for another Coadjutor^ Commanded thoíè oíOrmus
and of all other places that lay in the way, under
grievous Cenfures, to ftop all Chald£an^ Ferfian^
or Armenian Ecclefiafticks that ihould come to-
wards the Indies without his Pafs. This Order
was fo punctually executed, that one who came
to Ormus with the Title of the Arch-Biihop of
the Serra^ was difcovered in a difguife, and ient
home again. There were feveral others of thoie
Priefts andBifhops who attempted to get into the
Serra in the Habit of Mariners, were ftopt, to the
great Grief of the Chriftians of St. Thomas^ who,
the more they íàw their Clergy Perfecuted, re-
ípeâred them the more, and grew e^ery day more
zealous for their ancient Doftrines and Rites.
The Arch-Biihop being much encouraged by
the Succefs of this diligence, laid the matter of
the reduftion of this Church to the obedience of
the Roman^ much more to Heart than any of his
Pre-
41 Afhort Híflory of •
Predeceííors had ever done. The iiril he applied
himfeli to was Jacobs whom Mar Simeon had left
his Vicar General^ to whom he writ a long Letter,
paííionately entreating him to throw away the
Commiffion he had from Mar Simeon^ who was
Convidted at Rome of not being in Holy Orders,
and to fubmit himfelf to the Papal AutJdority 5
making him large Promifes of what he would
do for him, if he complied with his defires. But
Jacobs who died preiently after, was deaf to all
the Arch-Biihop could íày to him, making it his
whole bufinefs to enflame his Flock againft the
Latins^ and their Dodrines.
The Arch-Biihop did not negled at the fame
time to write earneftly to Mar Abraham^ as alio
to the Arch-Deacon , who is the only Dignitary
in that Church under the Biihop, and who is
employed by him as his Ficar General, calling
upon them to purge their Dioceis of the Errors
wherewith it had been fo long infeded, and to
reduce it to the Roman OhediQnce.
St. Francis, about this time, deftroyed a whole
Fleet of J ores to the Portugueze, who, tho' he
was» not ieen by any of the Portugnezes in the
Fight , which was very bloody on both fides,
yet a Cook who belonged to a Capuchin Convent
not far off, haying hid himfelf in the Ruines of
their Church, faw a Friar in his own Habit Board
the Fleet of Jores, one after another, whom he
fp terrified with his very look,^ as to put them
all to flight immediately, and purfiied theai out
of fight : This formidable Friar was afterwards
dif'
the Church 0/ M a l a b a r. • 4}
difcovered to bt St. Francis ^ but tho' the Hifto-
rian has not been pleafed to tell us how it came
to be known certainly, he tells us it was an Adi-
on very proper for St. Francis , who was the
lively image of Chrifi^ to appear thus and con-
found "the Enemies of Chrjflianity^ by faying.
It is L Now, if this Story did not rebuild the
Capuchins ruined Church , the Portngnezes were
not fo gratetiil as they ufe to be in fuch cafes.
But this was nothing to what their own iSt. An-
thony did for them five or fix Years afterwards
in a Land Battle, wherein he wasieenby feveral,
where the greateft fury of the Battle was. Mow-
ing down whole Squadrons of the Enemy, and
at the fame time extinguiihing the Fire of the E-
nemies Artillery with the Sleeve of his Sacred
Habit. There were feveral Portuguezes^ its true,
fell in this Fight, but they muft have been killed
by fomething elfe than Fire- Arms, or at leaft
than Cannon.
In the Year 1584. there came a famous Ama-
zon to Goa^ who had been drove out of her
Country by the Hidaicaon ^ her name was Abehi 5
ihe had Fought in feveral Battles to admiration 5
and tho' when (he came to Goa^ ihe was 62 years
of Age, ihe is reported to have had a great deal
of Wit, and the ruines of an exquiiite Beauty 3
(he pretended to have bufinefs of great moment
to communicate to the Viceroy , but the Inqui-
• ikion, no body kuev/ why, put a ftop to the Ne-
gotiation ; which, after having kept her Pri-
foner for fome time, baniihed her to Ormus^
from
44 ^ port Hijlory of
from whence having made her eícape, (he went
to the Great Mogul's Court.
In the Year 1599. the Bull of Cruzada was
firft brought into the Indies by Francifco Faria^
a Dominican Friar 5 and indeed confidering how
great a Elevenue that BuU is to the Pope in Spain,
and Portugal^ it is very much that it did not
find its way into the Indiei fooner.
When the Arch-Biihop was vifiting the City
of Damaon, he received Letters of the i6th, of
Feb. 1597. from the Viceroy Matthias Dalbuquev'
que^ advifing him of the Death of Mar Abra-
ham, On the íàme day he received this news,
he in obedience to the Pope's Briefs conftituted
Francifco Roz^ a Jefuite^ and who was afterwards
made Bifhop of the Serra^ Governour and Fic^ir^
Jpoflolical of the (aid Dioceis.
The May following the Arch-Bifhop being re-
turned to Goa^ a Confultation was held about
the Affairs of the Church of the Serra, where it was
unanimouily agreed 5 that notwithftanding the
Pope in his Brief had commanded none to be
made Governour or Ficar Aoojhlical of the
Dioceis, but what was of the Roman Communi-
on, it was convenient to nominate the prefent
Arch-D:;acon to it, which they did, joining
Francifco Roz, and the Re^or of the Jefnites-
College of Vaipicotta, in Comraiifion with him. *
But it being required of the Arch-Deacon, that
he fhou'd fubfcribe the Profefllon of Faith made
by Vius IV. before he had his Patent he decli-
ned doing it, pretending he was iiot fatisfied
with
the Church 0/ M A l a b a r; 45
with having two joyned with him in Com-
milTion.
The Arch-Eiihop, tho' he was fenfible that it
was the Subfcription that ftuck with him chiefly,
thought fit to diflemble, ib far as to feem to be-
Heve him, and by a new Patent conftituted him
the fole Governour of the Biihoprick.
The Arch-Deacon accepted of this Patent, but
at the fame time declared, That it gave him do
Authority but what he had before 3 but when
he was called upon to Subicribe the forementi-
oned Profeffion of Faith, he defired four Months
to confider of it, hoping by that time a Bifhop
might be fent them by the Patriarch of Babylon^
when the four Months were expired. Being ur-
ged a freih to Subfcribe, he told them flatly, that
he would never do it, nor fubmit to the Roman
Church, which he was fure had nothing to do
with the Apoftolical Church of St. Thomas^ no
more than that of St. Thomas had to do with the
Roman, And not being íàtisfied with having
made this Declaration as to himfelf, he further-
more afl^embled a Synod of moft of the Priefts,
and moft fubftantial Chriftians at Angamak^ the
Metropolis of the Dioceis, where they all fwore
to ftand by their Arch-Deacon^ in the defence of
the ancient Faith they and their Fore-fathers had
been bred up in, fo as not to fuíFer the leaft alte-
ration to be made therein, nor ever to admit of
any Bifhop, but what ihould be fent them by
the Patriarch of Babylon 5 of all which they made
a publick Inftrument, and having Sworn to main-
tain
4 d J flmt . Hi/lory of
tain it with their Lives and Fortunes, ordered it
to be pubhflied thorow the whole Diocefs.
After the meeting of this Synod, the Chrifti-
ans of St. Thomas canie to be fo far enraged againft
the Latins^ for what they had done to deftroy
their ancient Faith., and for their having treated
fo many of their Arch-Biíhçps, íb barbaroufly as
they had done, that they would fuííer no Latin
Prieft to officiate in their Churches, nor fomuch.^
as to live among them. Two Jefuites^ one at
AngdMâk^ and another at Carturte^ having very
narrowly efcaped being murdered by them. The
Jefiites^ and other Latin Priefts, were fo far inti-
midated, by the fury that Synod had put that
whole Chriftianity into , that for fome time
none of them were found fo hardy, as to ven-
ture to go among them.
The news of this great and unexpeded Heat,
as it did ftrangely affiid the Arch-Biihop, who
had fet his Heart fo much on the reducing of
thofe Chriftian.s 5 fo it v^^as the thing that made
him refolve to go in Perfon to the Serra to try
what his Prefence and Authority would do.
Not only the Viceroy, but the whole Clergy
and Laity, and particularly the whole Chapter of
Goa^ together in a body, did all they could, as
it is faid, to diilwade him from fo dangerous an
enterprife, but tho' he was deaf to all the Re-
ftionftrances of his Friends , • yet upon a War
breaking out fuddenly in the Year 1598. betwixt
the Kings of Margate and Paru, in whofe Ter-
ritories moil of thefe Chriftian Churches ftand,
he
the Church of Malabar. 47
.he thought fit to put off his Journey for that
Year, fatisfying himfelf with writing a Letter to the
Arch-Deacon to perfwade him to reconcile him-
felf and his Church to that oiRomCy and acquaint-
ing him with his Intentions to vifit all the Churches
in the Serra, in Perfon, fo foon as the foremen-
tioned War was over, which he believed would
be very fpeedily.
The Arch-Deacon, when he received this Let-
ter, dreading nothing fo much as the Arch-Bi-
ihop s coming in Perfon among them, declared
that he had refuíèd to Subfcribe the forementi-
oned Profeffion of Faith, for.no other reafon,
but becaufe he was Commanded to do it before
the Redor of the Jefuites College of Vaipicotta^
with whom and his whole Order he pretended
to be juftly diííàtisfied, giving the Arch-Biihop
to underftand at the fame time, that if he would,
order any other Prieft or Friar to take his Sub-
icription, that he was ready to make it.
But the Arch-Biihop looking upon this only
as a Trick to throw an Odium upon the whole
Order of Jefuites^ and that for no other reafon,
but becaufe they were themòft induftrious in the
reduftion of thoíè Chriftians to the i^i?^/^^ Faith,
would not comply with the Arch-Deacon*s Re-
queft, in naming fome body elfe to take his Sub-
fcription 5 for which Conduft the Arch-Biihqg
was very much blamed, moil People, and efpe-
cially the other Orders of Friars murmuring a-
gainft him, as one grown fo fond of thcjefiites^
as to lofe the reduction of fo many thoufand
Souls,
48 J pmt Hiflory of
Souls, rather thaa difpleaíè the Jefuftes^
But the Jefftites , who facrifice all Interefts
and Obligations to the Honour of their Order,
have requited the Arch-Biihop but very ill for
this his great kindneis for them, in having re-
ported this Affair fo herein Europe, as to rob him
of that which he efteemed his chief Glory , to
wit, the Reduftion of this Church to the Roman
Faith.
For in the Hiflory of the Jefnites in the Indies,
publifhed by Picire dn Jarri, a Jefidte, and prin-
ted at BourdeaHx, in the Year 1608. we have all
that is faid by the Portugueses of Mar Abraham ^
and his Arch-Deacon's great averfion to thef
Roman Church, and particularly to the whole Or-
der of Jefuites, flatly contradided 5 for in that
HiftOry we are told that Mar Abraham had fuch
an extraordinary kindnefs for the Jefuites, that
for fome time before his Death, he put himfelf
fo entirely into their hands, as to be governed
by them in all things ^ and that the Arch-Deacon
George had fuch an high Opinion of their worth,
as to declare to all the World, that without their
aid and aííiftance, he ihould not know after the
Arch-Bifhop's Death, how to Govern the Dioceis*
It is furthermore faid, that Mar Abraham, when
he was upon his Death-bed called the Redor of
the College of Vaipicotta to him, and having all
kis Clergy about him, declared, that he commit-
ted his Flock to the Biihop of Rome, as the chief
Paftor and Prelate of the whole Church , and
ComninJed the Arch-Deacon, and all his Priefts,
to
the Church 0/ M a l a b a r. 49
to obey the Jefuitcs^ whom his Hou^rcfs had km
to cultivate that Vineyard in all things, and to
be fare to follow the Do6l:nnes that the/ taught,
which were the whole truth, and nothing but •
the truth 5 after which Charge he is (aid farther-
more to have befeeched and conjured the fLedor,
by the love ofChrifl^ and the great friendppúiÇXQ
had been always between them, to take care of
the Government of his Church after his Death,
and to have ordered an authentick inilrumcnt
to be made of all this to remain as a Teilimony
of his laftWill, and of the Faith he died in.
The fame Hiftory furthermore tells us, That
this Church was fo far reconciled to the Pope,
in the Year, 1596. that when the Jitbile of
Clement VIII. was publiílied among them by the
Jefidtes^ they gave his Holif/efs a thoufand Blef^
iings for it, and took a fingular pleafure in pro-
nouncing his Name 5 and that during the whole
time of the Jubile, they were at Church from
Morning to Ni^hr, without taking any refeftion,
and were fo zealous to confcfs themfelves to the
Fathers, that they waited in the Church till Mid-
night in great Crowds to do it. Now accor-
ding to this report of things, the Arch-Eiihop,
when became into theSerra^ hnd lirtle more to
do than to open his Arms to embrace a People,
who, being beforehand prepared by the J^fiitcs.
were ready to throw themíelve-; iiico thv-rn.
But to leave Romance, and return to Hiftory,
having only obfervcd by the way, that it is vi-
iible from this grofs mifreprefcntation of thofe
C AL
50 JJJ?ort Hijlory of
Affairs, how little regard is to be had to the
Jcfintes Reports of their Feats in the Indies 5
iince to fupporc a S;ory purely invented for the
Honour of their Order, they do not boggle to
pretend to have an authentick inftrument of the
truth ot it, and that drawn up by the Order of
a dying Prelate. ^ ■
But a thing happened at this time, which, tho'
in it felf not coniiderable, did abundantly ma-
nifeil how little difpofed the Clergy of this
Church was to fubmit to the 'Pope,
A Boy, that went to School to the Jefiites at
Vajpicotta^ having been taught by them to name
the Pope in his Prayers before the Patriarch of
B<2/>:}'/i>-^,being over-heard doing it in the Church by
feme of the Malabar Priefts,was,atter they had beat
him feverely, turned but of the Church 5 they
fpoke alio to his Father to whip him out of pray-
ing for the Pope, who, they faid, was none of
their Prelate, nor had any thing to do with them.
The Arch-Bifhop being informed thereof, writ
immediately to the Arch Deacon, commanding
him to make Examples of thofe impudent He-
reticks, for what they had faid and done to the
Boy: which the Arch- Deacon was fo far from
doing, that he Honoured them the more for it.
By the way, the jfe/////e.f, teaching their Scho-
lars to pray for the Patriarch of Babylon^ tho'
after the Pope, is one inftance, among others,
of their Confcience, in thofe Parts, being fubfer-
vicnt to their Policy.
But
the Church 0/ M a l a b a r. j i
But the World continuing ftill to blame the
Àrch-Biíhop for not putting the Affairs of the
Serra into fome other hands than thofe of the
Jcfiites, againft whofe order that whole Church
was fo much incenied , he was obhged at laO:,
tho' contrary to his Inclination, to fend a F-ra^i^
cifcan Friar to the Arch-peacon, with authority
to take his Subfcripcion to the Roman Creed, and
to require him to puniíh the Priefts, who had
beat the Boy for naming the Pope in his Pray-
er?.
The Arch-Deacon having nothing to objed
againft the Francifcan Friar, and being extreamly
defirous, if it was poííible, to keep the Arch-
Biiliop from coming into the Serra^ tho' he refu-
fed to Subfcribe the Creed of Pws ÍV. yet con-
defcended to Subícribe a Confeííion of Faith,
wherein he prcfeííed himfelf a CathoUcí^^ and
that he believed as the Church believed , but
without naming the Roj^an^ or acknowledging
the Pope as univerial Paftor of the Church 5 he
is furthermore faid, upon the Arch-Biftiop's iig-
nifying his diflàtisfaâ:ion at the ambiguous Pro-
feilion he had made, to have given his confent
publickly to that of Phfs IV. being read to him
in Portfígíícze^ of which he did not underftand
a Syllable. But let that be as it will, it is cer-
tain that he continued ftill to teach, that the
Pope was the head of his own Church, but had
nothing to do with that of St. Tho^j.fs,
C 2 The
5 2 A p?ort Hiftory of
The Arch-Biibop not being able to brook fuch
thing? any longer, fix d a day for his going to-
wards the Serra^ and when the Viceroy and the
whole Clergy beg'd of him not to expofehis Per-
fon to flich viiible danger, thev could have no
other anfwer from him bin this. That his lifi
w K hut too fecure in this cafe^ fi^if^g he had ne-
•ver merited enough to entitle him to the Honour of
being a M^irtyr. However, left his Humility
might deceive him in pailing a Judgment upon
himielf, he did not think fit to truft too much
to his want of Merits 5 and for that re.3ifon went
attended with a good Guard, he had alfo aCom-
miflion to treat with all the Princes of Malabar^
about Peace and War, and particularly to en-
gage the Samorim to aflift the Portugueze to
take Cmiahle^ aFortrefs lately poíièllèd by a com-
pany of Mahometan Pyrates, who did very much
difturb the Portugueze Trade upon that Coaft.
This Neftof Pyrates, was firft built by one Pate
Marca^ a Mahometan^ who having in a ihort time
enriched it ftrangely with the Spoils of the Por-
tJfguezes^ both by Sea and Land , left it at his
Death to his Nephew Mahomet Cnnahle Marca»
This Mahomet was Governour, or rather Prince
of it at this time^ and as he was nothing inferior
to his Uncle in Courage or Condud, fo he had
Fortified the place fo as to make it abfolutely
one of the ftrongeft Garrifons m the Indies^ nei-
ther did he infult the Portugnezes only, but the
Mdldbars alfo, and particularly the Samorim^ in
whofe Country Cnnahle flood, and who had given
leave
the Church 0/ M a l a b a r. 5 J
leave to his Uncle to fortifie that place, on pur-
poie to incommode the Fortugitcze.
And tho' the 'Portugneze Hiftcrians will have
it, that he took this Ati'air of Omahle only in the
Vi^ay to his Viiitation 5 yet by the courfe of his pro-
cedure, one would be tempted to think, that
it was what principally carried him to thofe
Parts.
On the 2jth, of December^ 1593. the Arch-
Biihop Embarked upon a Gaily Commanded by
Don Álvaro de Mene%es^ and on the day oi Epi-
phany^ arrived at the Bar of Cunahle^ where he
joined the whole Porpfgueze Armada, Comman-
ded by the Viceroy's Brother, he was falured
with all the Guns and Mufick of the Fleets
and liaving called a Council of War, and hearci
the feveral Opinions of all the Captains con-
cerning the beft way to take Omahle^ he difpatch^
ed the refolucion they had come to thereon, to the
Council of Stare at Goa:^ a moft Apoftolical begin-
ning of a Vifitation. After having put the Siege of
Cnnahle into a good Poiture, he departed with
a good Convoy to Cananor^ where he continued
16 days, and then failed to Cachim^ where he
was fplendidly received by the Governour and
the whole City, at the Stairs they had made on
purpofe for him to Land at.
Next day, when the Magiftrates of the City
came to Complement him at his Houíè, he ac-
quainted them with his defign of reducing the
Chriftians of St. Thomas before he returned tp
C 3 Qo4^
54 J fl?ort Híflory of
Goa, defiring their affiftance therein, which ikey
frankly promifed him.
The day following His Grace having called
the common Council of the City together, re-
commended the enterprife of Cnnahle to them,
whom he made fo fenfible of how great impor-
tance it was to their City above all others, to have
that Fortrefs wrefted out of the hands of the Ma-
hometan Py rates, who had lately made themfelves
Mailers of it, that they immediately caufed 150
Men to be Raiied and Armed at their own Charge,
whom, together with a great quantity of all forts
of Ammunition, they fent upon fiveftout Ships to
joyn the Armada before Cunahle j the Arch-Bi^
(hop alio, to give the more life to the enterprife,
fent one of the beft of his own Manchnas or
Yachts, mann'd with his own menial Servants,
along with them.
The King oiCochim was much troubled to hear
of the Arch-Biihop's being fo hot upon the re-
dudioii of Cufiahle, being fenfible that a Peace
betwixt the Portnguezes and the Samorim, with-
out whofe aíTiítance by Land, it-woud be hard
for them to reduce that Fortrefs,muft be the Con-
íèquence of the enterprife. And as there had been
nothing,the Kings of C(7õfe/had been always more
careful to hinder fuch a Peace, which they than did
on purpofe to keep the Portngnezes in a clofer
dependance upon them 5 fo the preíènt King fol-
lowing the wife meafures of his Anceftors, en^
deavour'd, by a Stratagem, to deftroythe Con-
fidence he faw the PortugneLcs had already repo-
fcd
the Church 0/ M a l a b a r. 55
fed in the Samonm. To which end he fent
his Chief Jiijhce^ and one Jou^z de Miranda^
a Gentleman of Cochim^ to wait upon the Arch-
Bijhop and to acquaint his Grace from him, that
he had received certain advice from fome Spies
he had in the Samorim Cabinet- Council, that that
Prince, whenever the Port/ignezef Landed, in-
ftead of joyning with them, had determined
to cat them all off in revenge of the niany In-
juries they had done his Anceftors, of which
danger he thought himfelf obliged , both as a
Friend and a Brother in Arms to the King of
Portugal to advife him.
The Arch-Bijhop , who underftood the In-
trigues of Princes, as well as any Man living,
returned the King his Thanks for his intelligence,
but withal fent him word, that they were re-
folved totruft the Samorim in,thisoccafion^ and
the rather, becaufe they did not want Power to
be revenged on all that iliould deceive the í^í^g
of Portugal either in Peace or War. ' .;/ ^ , ..
The King, when he found his Plot had not
fucceeded according to his expedntion, refolved
to; divert the Samorim from fending an Army to
Ciinahle^ by making a War prefcntly upon the
Caimal^ or Prince of Coritgeirii his Friend and
AUie : and having with incredible expedition
got an Army of 60000 Men to-Jether, he fent
to let the Arch-Bifiop know , tnat before he:
marched he defigned to wait upon him. The
Arch'Bifiop, tho'he did not go over his Threfní.Ad
to meet the King, received him, when he ca^j le,
C 4 v.ith
56 A jlmt Hijlory of
with great Civility , and after the Complements
were over, acquainted him firft, with his In-
tention of viiiting. all the Chrijiian Churches in
the Serra^ in order to reduce them to the true
Chriftian Faith, from which they had very much
f.verved ^ teUing him, that fince great numbers
of thofe Churches were within his Territories,
he expeâ:ed his aíTiftance in fo good a v^ork :. of
which being ailured by the King, the Arch-Bi/Ijop
went on and told him, that there was another
thing that he muft not deny him, and that was
to put off his War with the Caimd till Gtnahle
was taken 5 the Ring gave many reafons why he
could not deferr it , but the Arch-Bijhop preft
him fo hard upon the point, that before they
parted, he made him promiíè to disband hie
Army.
The Arch-B;fl)op\\^Vmg put the Affairs of the
Siege in a good pofture, begun to apply himfelf
to the reduction of the Chriftians of St. Thomas ^
and the firft ftep he made towards it, was to
fend to the Arch- Deacon to come and fpeak with
him at Coihzm. But after having expefted him
fome days, and finding that he neither came
himfelf, nor returned him any anfwer, he con-
cluded, as well he might, that he was afraid to
venture himfelf in that City, whereupon he íènt
him a Letter of fafe Conduâ^ fwearing he would
not queftion him about any thing that was
paft.
The Arrh-Dcaco;/^ Upon this occafion, Aííem-
blçd a great number of Caçanares, and other
con-
the Church 0/ Malabar. 57
confiderable Chriftians to confult together what
was beft to be done. It was agreed on all hands,
that the Arch-Deacon ihou'd go and wait upon
his LordfhJp^ who was a Perfon of that Autho-
rity as to be able to undo them all at once, by
depriving them of their Pepper-Trzdç, if they
ihould difoblige him, and beiides, he was able to
oblige their Kings, who were all very much at
his Devotion, to Sacrifice all their Lives and E-
ftates to his difpleafure 5 and what made them
the willinger to comply with him therein, was,
their being confident that they íhould be quickly
rid of his Company, fince Winter was at hand,
which they thought would certainly call him to
Goa.
Upon all which Confiderations it was agreed.
That they ihould give way to his faying of Mafs^
and his Preaching in their Churches, which their
Books told them was a common Civility, that is
every where paid to Biihops, tho' out of their
own Dioceílès 5 but as for any Adts of Jurifdidi-
on, fuch as Vifiting, Conferring Orders, Excom-
municating, and the like, if he ihould pretend
to exercife any fuch A6ts, as it was to be feared
he would, that they (hou'd then put him off as
well as they couM with delays, until he returned
to Goa^ which they thought he would in two
Months at fartheft ^ by which means they might,
without embroiling themfelves with fo powerful
a Prelate, wait till they had a Bifhop fent them
by the Patriarch of Babylon, to whom they had
writ for one 5 of all which they made a pub-
lick
58 A Jhort Htflory of
Ikk Inftruraent, and for their further Security,
brought together a Body of 3000 brave Men,
who were all well Armed 5 the Chriftians of
St. Thomas being, by much, both the ftouteft
and beft Firemen in the Indies^ as the Portn-
gnezes knew very well, which made them be the
more zealous to reduce them to the Roman Churchy
in order to make them Subjeds to the King of
Portugal.
The Arch'Bifiop fent alio at the fame time to
fome of their Parnqnais ^ fome of which have
40CO, fome 600c Men at their Command, to
come and fpeak with him at Cochim , but they,
inftead of going thither, took an Oath folemnly
to make themfelves Amoucos^ after the Cuftora of
the Malavars^ againft him, in cafe he offer'd any
violence to their Arch-Deacon, or to any other
of their Priefts. When the Malavars devote
themfelves to be Amoucos for any cauie, they
defend it to the laft drop of their Blood, with-
out either fear or wit.
With two of thefe 'Paniqnak , and 3000 Men
well Armed, the Arch-Deacon came to wait up-
on the Arch-Biflop at Cochim. Don Antonio de
"Noronha, the Governour of the City, met them
without the Gates, and conduded them to the
Arch-BiJIjops Palace. The Arch-Deacon, when
he came before the Arch-Bijhop kneeled down and
kifs'd his Hand, as did all the other Caçanares that
were in his Company 3 the two Paniquais were
alfo prefented to his Lordjhip by the Arch-Deacon^
who when the Arch-Bipop, and the Governour,
and
the Church 0/ Malabar. jp
and the Arch-Deacoa came to fit down, placed
themfelvcb at the Elbows of the Arch-Bifljop*^
Chair, where they ftood all the while with their
broad Swords naked over his Head. The door
of the Room where they were being iliut, to
keep out the Crowd, thoíè that ftood without
imagining that it was done to make their Arch-
Deacon a Priibner, faid to one another, this is
the time to die for our Arch-Deacon^ and for the
Church of St. Thomas^ but being aíTured that
their Arch-Deacon Was in no danger, they were
quieted.
After the hubbub was over, and they had dif-
courfed together for fome time, ic was agreed,
that the Arch-Bifiop ihould go next day to Faipi-
cotta^ which upon the account of its having a
College of Jefaites in it , (hould be the firft
Church he ihould Vifir, and that the Arch- Dea-
con with his Caçanaresj ihould repair thither im-
mediately.
The Jrch'Bifiop having furniihed himfelf with
all Necellaries for his Voyage, embarked with all
his Retinue uponffeven Tones or Grf^/>j,and Roque-
de Mello Pereyro , who had been Governour of
Malaca^ attended him with two G^^/ex more, and
Joan Pereyra de Miranda^ who was afterwards
Governour of Cranganor with one.
Being arrived at Vaipicotta^ he was conduced
by the Jefaites^ and their Scholars, and the whole
Village to the Church, where, with his MitrQ
on his Head, and his Crofier in his hand, he gave
them a long Sermon. His Text was. He that.
enter-*
6o A p?on Hijlory of
entereth not in by the door. See. on which words
he told them at length, That none were true Pa-
jiorsj hut what entered in by the door of the Komzn
church, and were fent by the Pope, who was Chrifi's
Vicar 5 'which none of their former Prelates having
been, who had been all fent to them by the Schifma-
tical Bijhopf of Babylon, they were all Thieves and
Murderers of the Flock. When he had done his
Sermon, he bid them come next day to the
Church to be confirmed, which fome did 5 to
whom, after he had confirmed them, he told
the news of Purgatory, â place moft of them had
never heard of before.
Ail this while no Arch-Deacon appeared, who
came not to Vaipi coita, till two days after the
arrival of the Ârch-Bijíjop. He had delayed his
coming on purpofe, that he might not by his pre-
fence, feem to confent to any of thofe things,
which he knew the Arch-Bi/Jjop would offer to
do at that place.
Tho' the Arch-Bifjop knew well enough what
it was that had made the Arch-Deacon loiter Co
behind , yet he difíèmbled fo far as to receive
him very kindly, treating with him about the
cDurfe he was to take in the reduction of the
Church, who Teemed to approve of every thing
that was propofed to him.
The Arch-Bi/hop went daily to Matins and
Vefpers, which were fung by thofe of the Semi-
nary in Chaldee, but coming tounderftand at lafV,
for he under ftood Chaldee no more than he did
Malavar, that they prayed therein for the Patri-
arch
the Church 0/ M a l a b a r,' 61
arch of Babylon^ ftiling him the Univerjal Pajior
of the Church, a Title that all Patriarchs, as
well as the Pope, have aíííimed to themfelves
for fome Hundred of Years (nay, by what Gre*
gory I. has faid of that Title, I do not know but
the Pope might be one of the laft that aíTumed
it ) he refolved not to permit fo wicked a thing
to be done any longer, notwithftanding all that
the good Jefiites, who out of Policy had all
along complyed with it, could íày to diiiwade
him ^ and fo having one Evening, without com-
municating his defign to any one, called all the
Jefmtes, Mafters of the Seminary, and the Arch^
Deacon, and his Ca^anares, together at his Lodg*
ings, having firft made a Speech to them to prove,
That the Pope was the only Head of the Church on
Earth, and that the Bijhop of Babylon zvas a Here'
tu\ and Schifmatick^ , he pulled out of his Pocket
an Excommunication lat£ fcntentj£, commanding
his Secretary to read it with an audible Voice,
and his Interpreter to declare it to thoíè that
did not underftand Latin, in Malavar, by which
he Commanded, That no Perfon Secular or Ecile/í-
aflick^ do from henceforward prefu.'^/e to pray fir the
Patriarch of Babylon. He Commanded the
Arch-Deacon and C^i^tnares to fignit, and finding
the Arch -Deacon had a great mind to have fhuf-
fled it off, he faid to him, Sign it. Father, fir it
if fill time the Axe were laid to the Root of the
Tree 5 to which the Arch-Deacon returned no an-
fvver , but Signed it without faying a woid,
as did all the other Cii^a/zares , after which
it
6i A [hort Hiftory of
it was fixed to the Gates of the Church.
The Chriftians of the Village, when they
came to hear of what had been done, run, as if
they had been Mad, in a Body to the Arch-Dea-^
cons Lodgings, where, with one voice, they íèt
up a moft lamentable howl, crying out, That the
Arch-BJfiop of Goa, rvith his Portuguezes was
come to defiroy their Religion , a;id had ajfronted
their Patriarch, by whom they had been Governed
for above 1 200 T(^ars 5 and after having exclaimed
againft the Arch-Bifiop at a moft hi. ter rate, and
bewailed their great Mifery, in having Strangers
come among them to deftroy the Rehgion they
had been born and bred in, they told their Cajja-
nares^ that if they would but give way to it,
they would either Sacrifice their Lives in defence
of their Religion, or be revenged on thofe that
had affronted it.
But the Arch-Deacon having made a fign, that
he defired to be heard, they all held their Peace,
he told them, There was a time for all things^ and
that that was not a time for Revenge^ but DiJJimn-
lation 5 that it was true he had Signed the Excom-
munication , but that he did it purely out of Fear^
for they were to confider^ that^ be fides the Strength
the Arch-Bi(hop had brought along with him^ he had
engaged the King of Cochim, in whofe Country they
teere^ to proteã him in all he did^ and who, if they
fhould offer any ajfront to the Arch-Biiliop , would
certainly revenge it on their Lives and Ejiates, As
to himfelf he was refolved to die in defence of the
Religion of his Country, fooner thoji confcfit to the
intra-
the Church 0/ M a l a b a r. 6 j
inlrodHãionofVo^txy'-) adding, The Portuguezes»
if they lik^d their own Religion^ might live in it^
in God's Name^ and he krievp no Body that would
trouble them for it ; but that he fiw no reafon why
they fl:>0Hld thus difiurb and perfecute People in their
own Country^ hecaufe they will not turn Papifts, or
change their old Religion for theirs^ and that a-s to
the Arch-Biihop, the thing that made him fo furious
to dejiroy the Authority of f^e Patriarch of Babylon
was, that he might make himfelf Primate of the In-
dies 5 to which he hoped, none of the Chrifiians of
Malabar would ever confent, or would ever be per-
fwaded to forfake their old Religion for that of
Popery. At this they all gave a great ihout,
crying, They would lofe their Lives, and all they
had in the World, before they would do it. But
none of the forementioned Amoucos being among
them, it's like, at that time' they went no fur-
ther.
The Portugueses upon this uproar , did not
forbear to blame the Arch- Bifljop, for having pub-
liihed fuch an Excommunication, contrary to the
advice of all that were about him, advifing him
to haften aboard his Galleys if he would ftcure
his Perfon^ he told them 5 He was fo far from re-
penting for what he had done, that were it to do
again, he would do it, and that injiead of retreating
to Cochim, he would go next Morning to Paru.
Paru is the Metropolis of a Kingdom, wherein
the nobleft Body of all the Chriftians of St. Thomas
lives, bat withal, the mofl: violent againft P<?/?er/,
as they had fufficiently manifefted on ieveral oc-
cafionsj
04 Jfhort Hijiory of
caiions 5 for tho' Doit Jorge \dH Cruz^ and I^on
Joan dn Cruz , both Natives of the Country^
had been fent by the Portuguezes to Rovie in
the time of Gregory XIII. who had done them
great Honours there, and had granted them ma-
ny Indulgences for their Churches, and withal, a
Privileged Altar therein, yet their Countrymen
did not only flight all thoíè Indulgences^ but
would not fo much as fuffer them, tho* of two
of the ncbleft Families in the Country, to offici-
ate in any of their Churches, and at laft forc'd
them to leave the Kingdom, their own Brethren
and Kinsfolk, having the firft hand in their ex-
pulfion.
The Chriftians of Paru^ tho' thus afFeded to •
the Roman Church, had, according to the fore-
mentioned Agreement, prepared great Feflivities
for the reception of the Arch-Bijljop^ hoping,
by fuch Complements, to have kept him from
doing any buiinefs^ but, having the Night before
he came, heard of what he had done at Vaipi-
cotta to their Patriarch , they turned all their
Fefizvitks into Armt^ and were fo much inceníèd
againft him, that when he Landed, he was met
by eight or ten Períbns only that waited on the
Arch-Deacon,
The Arch'Bi/hop^ tho' he read trouble and de-
jedion in all their Countenances, feemed to take
no notice of it, but with hJs Crofs carried before
him went diredly to the Church, which, con-
trary to Cuftom, he found full of Armed Men,
without fo much as one Woman or Child a-
mongft
the Omrch 0/ M a l a B a r, 6 j
mongft them 5 whereupon, being appreheniive
left his Guards and Servants, ii they continued
afhoar, might come to Blows with the MaUvars^
whom he faw fo much difpofed to Quarrel, he
Commanded them all aboard except two Priefts,
who were to aííift at the Offices.
The Arch-Br/ljop having put on his Pontificah^
and given his Bleirmg to the Congregation, made
a long difcouríè to them, ihewing them , That
there vcas but one true Re'ighri , rvhich n>as the
Roman, and that all Chrifl-iuns were under an in-
difpenfable obligation to frbmit themjelves to the
Pope. After he had done his Sermon, which
lafted an hour and an half, and explained to
them the Doftrine of the Sacrament of Confirvia.
tjon^ and then called upon them to come to it 5
the Congregation, tho' they had heard him till
then very quietly, began to cry out with greac
fury. That they xcoitld never be Confirmed by /j////,
that being a thing that none of their Prelates had
ever jijed^ and that it w.is 710 Sacrament of Chyiii's
Injiitittion^ but an lnve?ition of the Portuguezes to
make them their Slaves^ by fetting a Mark on their
Foreheads, and giving; them a Box on the Ear,
which is what nil the Rornan^\\\ ops do in Co^ifir-
niation^ and tho the Daft a rds in Vaipicotta had been
fo tarne as to fuffr themfelves to be buffered and en^
flaved by him^ they would never endure it^ nor fuf-
fer bird to touch their Beards^ or t heir' IVi ver Faces 5
that he might go home in a good hour to his Poxiu-
guezes, and let them alone with their Religion^ and
if he did continue to dijlurb them thus^ it fiould
D coji
66 A íliort Hiftory of
cojl him dear. The Arch-BJfiop heard all this
with great patience, and fitting down, endea-
voured to convince them of the Truth of the
Sacrament of Confirmation-^ but when hp per-
ceived that they were the worfe, rather than
the better for what he faid to them, having mu-
ftered all his Courage together, he rofe up, and
having advanced two fteps with his Crofier in his
hand, he told them with great heat, That the
Faith he Preached to ihem was the Faith of Chrift
and St. Thomas, and iV(fs believed by all ChriflianSy
and that he iv^fs ready to die to confirm the truth of
it 5 but they being as ready to die for their Reli-
gion as he was, or pretended to be, for his, that
Argument had no eíFeót at all upon them. He
furthermore challenged all thofe that Talked a-
gainji 'the Roman Faith by Night in Corners , to
come forth^ if they durji^ to difpute with him pub'
lickjy j which the ■ Arch-Deacon^ who the Night
before had allembled moO: of the confiderable
Chriftians of Barii together, and had made them
promiíè never to throw off the Patriarch of Ba~
bylon^ taking to himíèlf, he rofe up in a paííion,
and having asked aloud who they -were that taught
Herefies in' the dark^^ and that Preached no where
but in Corners^ flung out of the Churchy and
going into the Town picked up eight or ten
Boys, whom he prefented to the Arch-Bijhop to be
confirmed by him, pretending, that with all that
he was able to do, he could periwade no more
to come : The Arch-Bi/hop having confirmed
thefe Boys, returned to his GalUes very angry,
and
the Church o/^Malabar. 67
and finding there was nothing more to be done
at Paru, he determined to Sail next Morning to
Mangate^ to fee how thoíè Chriflians ftood af-
When he came to the Church of Margate ^ a
Town chiefly inhabited by Chriftians, he found
the Church filled with Houíhold Goods and Wo-
men, by reafon of the War that was then on foot
between the Kings of Margate and Paru. After
having comforted the Chriftians for the Loííes
they had fuftained, and given them his Bleffing,
he began to Preach againit the Errors they had
been Educated in. But having advice that there
were fome Jmon<^os coming after him from Paru^
he went ftraightways aboard his Gallies, and row-
ing away before Night, he arrived next Morn-
ing at Cheguree^ a. place belonging to his Friend
the King of Cochim 5 where having fent aihore an
Order to the Ca(^anares and Chriflians to meet
him at the Church, he had word fent him,that the
Church doors were all (hut, and there was nei-
ther Man, Woman, nor Child, to be feen in
the whole Village 5 he was informed 'at Night,
that the Arch-Deacon was in the Town , but
that he had fhut himfelf up in a Houfe, and was
reiblved never to fee his Lordfiip again.
The Portugnezes that were in his Train, as well
Ecclefiafticks as Seculars, were at him perpetually
to give over this enterprife, and not to expofe
his Perfon and Dignity (as he did) to no purpofe,
but inftead of returning any anfwer to their
D 2 Impor-
68 J fl?ortHiJlory of
Importunities, he retired all alone to his Cabh/,.
where he wrote a long Letter to the Arch- Deacon^
in which he iwcre that he remembred nothing that
was paft, and that he had no defign of doing him
any harm, and if he would but do him the favour
to come and fpeak with him once more, he did
not doubt but that hefhould be able to convince
him of his Errors, promiilng with all to do
great things for him, if he vvould but endrely
fubmit himfelf to the Roman Church.
This Letter was delivered the fame Night to
the Arch-Deacon^ who having read it, called the
Cacanares together, and told them, that it being
a icandalous thing in them to decline treating
with the Arch-B/fljop above board , about the
Affairs of Religion, he was for their going to
wait upon him to hear what he could iay, but
with fuch a Guard, that it ihould not be in his
Power to make'them Prifoners. Having all agreed
to this Propoiition, they fent to the Arch B/pop
to let him know, That if he would be pleafed
to come aihoar, they would wait upon him :
The Areh'Bifiop fent them back word, That the
Sun was too hot to ftand in, and defired them
therefore to come aboard his Galley, which lay
with her Ster;^ on ground. The Arch- Deacon
and Qi^anares feeing the Galley quite furrounded
by their People ventured to go aboard ; where
being come, they were conduced to the Arch-
Bif/jops Cabin, where they found him with all
his Pritils, Jefuftcs^ and feveral Gentlemen ex-
pcding them. After fome difcourfe, the Arch-
Dcacoft
the Church 0/ M a l a b a ii. 60
Deacon told the Arch-Bijhop ^ That it was fn/e
ihey had not received his Grace fo courtcoufly as
might have been expccfed^ nor indeed as they inten-
ded to have done\. had he not fallen fo foul upon ,
their Patriarch, -pphow^ tho he had been f leafed to
call an excommunicate Heretick^^ they k^^ew to be
both a Catholrcl^ and a moji holy Man^ and endea-
voured to introduce fever al Novelties into the Serra,
which they and their forefathers had never fo much
as heard of before. To all which the Arch-B/fop
anfwercd, That he was fure they were not ignorant
of the Patriarch of BabylonV being a ProfijfdK^--
ftorian, and not to trouble them with any Arguments
to prove that all Neftorians .muf be Htreticl^f^ he
would only ask_ them one (ingle '^jtejiion^ which
was, Whether they believed; the Gofpel of St. John ?
They told him they did^ and would die ratLer than
deny any thing that was revealed in it. Well then^
faid the Arch-Bifiop^ -pray tell me^ how you can re-
concile what St. John fa/th^ The word Was made
Flefli, and dwelt among us, with what your Pa-
triarchs and Bifjops have taught ynu^ to wit^ that
the Word did not make it ftlf ficib, and that
Chrift was not God, and that God did not make
himfelf Man, for do you not jing in yojtrXkurches
7ípon the Feaji of the Nativity ^ that the Word did
not make it felf FlejJj^ as the unbelieving Romans •
teach^ but did only dwell in Chrifl as in a Temple,
The Arch-Deacon returned no nnfwer to this»
but paffing to another point, fliid to the Arch-
Bifjopj Tour Grace would fain perfvcade us likewifi.^
that nonç .can be Caved out of the Obedience of the
D J "Ro
70 J Jhort H'tflory of
Roman Churchy which is what St. John no where
fzitk^ that ever I could fee 5 heftdes^ we have in our
Archives a Letter of St, Caius, Bijhifp of Rome,
wherein he confejjeth that he had iiothing to do with
the Church of Babylon, no more than the Church of
Babylon had to do with his Church, We have alfo
another Letter^ which is called in our Books the
Letter of the Lord's-day, becaufe it is faid upon
that day to have fallen down from Heaven^ where-
in the fame Truth is affirmed. Here the Arch-Bijloop
run into a long difcoarfe of the Primacy of
St. Feter^ and of the Fopes being his Succeííor,
and Chrifi's Vicar upon Earth ^ after which they
came at laft to this Agreement, That as to matters
of Faith, a Synod fhould be called to determine
them ^ and that in the mean while the Arch-Bi-
Jhop might, if he pleafed, give the Bleiling, and
Preach in any of their Churches, but ihould not
be received in them as their Prelate, but as a
Biihop that was a Stranger, neither ihould he
pretend to Co^Jirm^ or do any other Epifcopal
Ad within that DioceG. This Agreement was
Signed by the Arch-Bifiop and the Arch-Deacon^
and all the Ca<^anares who were preíènt, with a
Declaration that the Synod ihould be Celebrated
before IVhitfuntide^ and that the Arch-Deacon
lliould no longer ftir up the People againft him,
nor go attended with fuch Troops of Armed
Men as he had done formerly. '" '"^'
This Agreement being Signed, the Arch-Bi-
/hop fet Sail for Canhw\ whither the Arch-Deacon
went by Land, not daring to truft himfelf by
Wa-
.the Church 0/ M a l a b a r. 71
Water, where he would have been in the Power
of the Portugueses,
At Canhur he was received very friendly by
the Chrifiians^ who had been told by the Arch-
Deacon^ that he did not pretend to come among
them as their Prelate, but only as a Stranger, but
tho'he kept to his Agreement fo far as not to of-
fer to do any thing but give the BleiTing and
Preach, yet in his Sermon^ which vvas a very long
one, he talked fo much of the Roman Churchy
and its Supremacy , and of the obligation all
Churches were under to fubmit to it, that the
whole Congregation were much offended with
him, úiQ Arch' Deacon was likewife difcontented
with it, and being Sick, or at leaft pretending he
was, returned to Cheguree to be cured 5 and the
Arch-BiJ/jop having other work on his hands, vvas
willing enough to difmifs him^ who, in purfu-
ance of thelnftruftion he brought with him from
Goa^ was obliged to haften to Coulaon^ a Fortreis
belonging to the Portifgu.:%es^ to íèe in what
condition it was, and to take fome couríè to
have the Fort the King of Trav.mcor was build-
ing in its Neighbourhood, and would much in-
commode it, demolifhed. „ '._^',',
On the íiríl of March he fet Sail for ifeftle
that is within two Leagues of Cochim^ where the
Governour and Bifliop^ot" the City met him, to
whom having communicated his Defigns, he
Sailed diredly ^otForcoa^ where the King of the
Country had been fome days expeding him ^ he
went to a Church that was there in the Evening,
D 4 where
7 % A fJport Hijlory of
where he was kinuly received by the Chriftians ;
the King, who profeiled a great Friendmip for
the Porti/gííezes, having Commanded them, upon
pain of hii difpleafare, to comply with the Arch-
Bifiop in all things. After having Preached, he
vt^ent to Lodge at the Houfe of the Caç^anar^ whi-
ther the Ring came at Night to vifit him , the
Arch-Bifiop entertained him very friendly, and
thanked him for the kindnefs he had fhewed to
úiQChrijlians of St. Thomas^ and their Churches,
and for having cleared his Coaft of Pyrates :
the King, after fome Complements defired to be
admitted to the Honour of being a Brother in
Arms to the King of Portugal^ as the King of
Cochim had been : The Arch-Bifiop told him, that
was aa Honour the King of Portugal never did
to any King, before he had merited it by fome
íignal Service ; however, he promifed to do all
that lay in his Power to help him to it.
Next Morning the Arch-Bijímp went to Church,
where he faid Mafs^ and afterwards confirmed
the whole Congregation, notwithftanding his late
folemn Promiie to the contrary, as indeed none
but Fools will ever exped, thatPapifts will ob-
ferveany fuch Promifes longer than the lirft op-
portunity they have to break them. ' :*■'
From PorcoA he failed diredly to Coidaon,
where, under pretence of vifiting a Church that
ftood near the Fort the King of Travancor was
building, he took a view of the Fort, and finding
it was near finiftied, and would in ã few days
:haivc a Ganifon put m it, he immediately dif-
patched
the Church 0/ Malabar. 7j
patched away a Meííènger to the Captain Gene-
ral of the Fleet and Troops that were before G/-
?iahle^ to come forthwith with his whole Armada,
todemoliih the faid Fort, which, if he came quick-
Jy, he mi^ht do with great eafe, for that he
would find none in it but Workmen.
Now you muft know that the Arch-Bijhop^
when he was laft at the Bar oiCunahk^ notwith-
ftanding that the Ring of Travancor and the For-
tHguezes were at that time in Peace, had left a
private Order with the General, that ib íbon as
he was Mafter of Cnnahk^ he íhould fet Sail im-
mediately Vv'ith the whole Armada^ and demoliih
this Fort, which, by reaibn of Cnmhles not being
yet taken, had not been executed.
But while the Arch-Bijhop was expecting the
Captain-General, he received the bad news of a
great Qaughter of PortHguezes in an Attack they
had made upon Cunahle^ and that the Captain-
General was retired to Cochim to have his wound-
ed Men cured 5 from whence he intended to
come and wait upon him for further Orders.
The Arch-Bift)op was extreamly troubled at this
>3ews, as well upon the account of the great
numbers of Peribns of Quality that had been
killed in the Aólion, as becauíè he feared it would
very much hearten the Kings of Malabar^ who
had till then ftill looked upon the Portttguezes as
Invincible. V/herefore, to prevent the ill effeds
thai the true News of this Defeat might have up-
on the Minds of the Princes of Malabar^ he dif-
-I Patched Letters immediately to all of them to
* ^"^ V acquaint
74 A fhort Hi/lory of
acquaint them with the great Vidory the Poriu^
guezes had obtained before Cunahk ; and tho' he
acknowledged, that it was purchaied with the
Blood of feveral brave Men, among whom were
fome of his own Kindred, who were very dear
to him, yet he did not doubt but that they would
infallibly carry the Place, at the next Attack
they made.
Thefe tricks of the Ârch-Btjloop coming fo thick,
one upon the neck of another,for here we have no
fewer than three of them in lefs than a Fortnight,
puts me in mind of what Manud de Faria íàith
of him in the ^d. Tome of his Âfa Portuguefa^
which I (hall give the Reader in his own words,
" Efte illuftre Prelado eftuviera yo por ventura
"en el numero de los íantos, íi no paííàra a
" Efpanna a donde le quito efta gloria , en la
" opinion mortal, la deíicil dei acierto en el
" maneio de los grandes pueftos que vinoa ocupar,
" o fueííen íolicitu|dos,?o fueííèn ofrecidos. This
lUufirious PfelatCj had he never returned to Spain,
had^ in all probability^ been made a Saint before
this time, where, thro"* the difficulty there is in the
managery of high Pojis, whether offered to him or
procured by SoUicitations, he loji all the Glory he
had acquired in the Indies in the Opinion of the
World,
His High Pofts in Spain ^ which the Author faith
he does not know whether he procured by Sol-
licitations or not, were the Primacy of Braga^
and Viceroyjldip of Portugal, under Philip III. for
two Years, and the PrefidentJJjip of the Council of
State
the Church 0/ M a l a b a r. 75
State of Portugal at Madrid^ in which Office and
Court he died.
What his Mifcarriages were in Spai^í, whereby
he is faid to have forfeited his Glory, I have not
been able to learn 5 but whatever they were, one
would think that the violating of a folemn Agree-
ment openly, within a Week after it was made,
and the ordering a Fort belonging to a Prince,
that was in Peace with them, to be treacheroufly
demoliihed, and the difperfing of notorious
Falihoods only to ferve a turn, ought to be no
very good title to Saintjhip. But the Arch-Bifljop^
if he could have had hands to have executed it,
had íèrved the Ring of Travancor a much woríè
trick than this, when he was upon his Vifitation
that was after the Synod. We are told of a live-
ly thing (poke by a PortHgueze Captain, that was
very brave, but had fcarce Bread to eat, who,
in this Siege, having feven of his Teeth ftruck out
with a Mofquet-Bullet, after he had wiped his
Mouth faid. The Mahometan Lid done him no
Ifijury^ and had ktioxon douhtUfs he had no need of
Teeth, But to return to the Story.
The Arch-Bijhop , after having lent this falfe
News about, and having fent to the Queen of
Chaffganate^ to let her know, that he ihould not
be able to m.eet her according to his Promiíè,
until he returned 5 Sailed in great haft to Cí^cã/^,^.
to conferr with the Captain- General, and to'
confult whether it would not be convenient to
make an abiolute Peace with the Samorim^ and
the rather becauíè he had been fo true to his
Word,
yé A [hort Hijlory of
Word, in carrying on the Siege of CunahU» It
was agreed on all hands that fuch a Peace would
be convenient at that time 5 however, they would
not venture to conclude it before they had the
Viceroy <, Opinion of it, to whom they fent the
Projed.
The Arch-Bijhop^ after he had difpatched this
bufineis. Sailed to MoUndnrte^ a great place of
Chriftians, where he was received very kindly/
which kindnefs of theirs is faid to have coft
them dear 5 for the King of Cochim^ to whom
Molandurte belongs , being grown extreamly
jealous that the Jrch-Bi/hop, under a pretence of
reducing the Chriftians of Sr. Tko/f/a^ to the obe-
dience of the Roman Church, defigned to bring
them under the obedience of the Crown of Por-
tugal^ as it is plain he did from the 2â^th Decree
of the laft Âãion of the following Synod, for
this very reafon laid a great Tribute upon them,
which they have not been able to this day to
fhake off 5 and furthermore Commanded them,
upon pain of Death, to repair to Angamde to
their Arch' Deacoft, who being there, and having
heard, it's like, of the Arch-Bifhop's having vio-
lated their Agreement within lefs than a Week
after it was made, begun to thunder out Excom-
munications againft him , writing to all his
Churches to have nothing more to do with
him, and to all the Princes of Malabar, to have
a care of him as a Perfon that had ill defigns upon
their Subjeds.
While
the Church 0/ Malabar. yy
While the Jrch-Bifljop was at Molandurte^
vvhere he confirmed and exercifed all Epifcopal
Aits, he received Letters from the Viceroy ap-
proving his Projeiâ of Peace with the Samorim^
and defiring him to return to Vaipim to Sign it,
which he did in great hade, as did the Gover-
noLir and Biihop of Qochim alio, who both met
him there.
This Peace was much promoted on the Samo^
Tim fide by his Nephew and firft Minifter Vmare
Cher are ^ who, notwithftanding he had been pri-
vately Chriftned by Father Roz,^ had leave to con-
tinue to Profefs himfelf a Heathen ftill,the better
to enable him to ierve the Portuguezes^ which
he did eíFedually, both by communicating to them
daily all the Secrets of his Uncles Cabinet- Coun-
cil, whereot he v/as Prefident, and by difpofing
him to have a good opinion of the FortiigHczes:^
which was what he would not have been in a ca-
pacity to have done, but would have been imme-
diately difgraced , and turned out of all , had
he diicovered himfelf to have been a Chriftian
fo ibon as he was Baptized. And as for the
Arch'B^fiopj we find he was ib far from condemm:;
ing either the Pi ince or the Jefuite for this fcan-
dalous diiiimulation, that after the Celebration
of the Synod he confirmed and anointed the
Prince therein, by giving him the Sacrament of
Chrifm or Confirmation^ with the fame Secrefic,
and tlic fame Difpeníàtion as the Jjçíuix ha4
given him that of Baptifm. .Ji-B^fdni?. -mi
After
7 8 A fhort Híftory of
After he had difpatched the Peace, Signed to
the Captain-General, he íèt Sail for Diamper, the
ancient Seat of feveral of the Biíhops of the
Serra^ where meeting with feveral that had a
mind to take Orders, there having been no
Ordination in the Biihoprick for two Years,
he gave notice that he intended to conferr Or-
ders on the Sdturday before the Fifth Snnday in
Lent.
He writ alio to the Arch-Deacon to come and
affift at the Solemnity 5 the Arch-Deacon was
much concerned at the news , and writ him
back word, That this was contrary to the late A-
greement they had made together^ and that his do-
ing of it would put an end to the Affair of the Synod^
which he feemed to dejire fo much^ fince the prin-
cipal point that was to he debated therein was^
WibttW i)e m^ tíjeíi* ip^late o? no f But the
Arch BiJIoop fanfying that the Arch-Deacon talked
of a Synod only to amufe him and gain time,
writ him word, that nothing ihould hinder him
from Conferring Orders at the time appointed^
and not only ib, but that he would exercife all
other Ads of Epiicopal Jurifdiftion, in obedience
to the Pope's Briefs^ to whom all the Churches
of the World were fubjeâ:. The Arch-Deacon
finding he was abfolately determined to Ordain,
deiired him, fince he was refolved to do't right
or wrong, to Ordain none but Latins^ for ib
they called not only the Portuguezes^ but all the
Malavars^ who were bred up under the Jefuites.
The Arch-Bipop fent him word again, that he
^ would
ihe Church o/^Malabar. y^
would Ordain both Latins and Chald(eans^ it be-
ing his bufinefs to deftroy that diftindion by
bringing all Chriftians under one head. Upon
this the Arch-Deacon finding nothing elfe would
do, ordered an Ediâ: to be publiíhed in all the
Churches of the Diocefs, prohibiting all Chrift;-
ans, upon pain of Excommunication, lata fettten-
ti£^ to receive any Orders from him, with which
he fent another Inftrument, commanding all
Priefts and Chriftian People not to fuíFer him to
come into any of their Churches, as alfo not to
be prefent at any of his Majfes or Sertmns,
The Arch-Bifiop had Preached two days fol-
lowing, and had confirmed a great many before
thefe Inftruments had reached Diam^er.:^ but after
they came once to be publiíhed, they put a full
ftop to what went on fo currently before : The
oldeft Ca^anar of the Church requiring the Arck*
Bijhop^ upon the receipt of them, to leave the
place, and not to offer to fet his Foot in their
Church any more, nor to Confirm any Body,
which among them, who anointed Children on
the Head when they were Baptized, was an un-
neceílàry Ceremony.
Notwithftanding this, the Arch-Bifhop continued
ilill a Preaching, and when the day appointed
for the Ordination was come. Ordained 57 on
it, having firil obliged them to fubfcribe the
Faith of ^ius IV. and to fwear obedience to
the Pope. After this Solemnity was over, the
Arch-Bijhop determined to pafs the Holy Wee-k-y
and Eafler at Carturte, a confiderable Town of
Chri-
8o JJhort Hijlory of
Chriftiant in the Dominions of the Queen of
'Pimenta, He took, feveral Churches in his way
thither, at fome of which he met with a kind
Reception, at others the Chriftians would not
ib much as iee him. Being^ arrived at Carturte,
after a dangerous Voyage, on the Friday before
Palm-SHnday^ he went to Church betimes next
Morning, where having (aid Mafs^ and Preached,
he Commanded the Congregation not to fail to
be at Church next day, for that he had fome-
thing of Importance to communicate to them^
and having the íàme Night invited feveralof the
moft confiderable Chriftians of the place aboard
his Galley, by fome means or other , for you
muft underftand he was not fparing of his Money
in this occafion, no more than he was of his
Promifes, he gained two of the moft fubftantial
among them intirely to his Party, who did him
afterwards very great Service : Their Names were
Itimato Mapnla^ and Itimane Mapnla.
The Arch-Bijhop not knowing but that the Por-
í«^«e;&eí Mufick might charm the common People,
and reconcile them to the Latin Service, to
which they feemed to have a great averfion,
íènt for a full Quire from Cochim^ and on Valni-
Sunday had high Mafs performed with the fame
Ceremony and Majefty that he could have had
it done at Goo. : but the Ca<^a/rares and People
were fo far from being fatisfied with the Muiick
and pompous Ceremony of that Service, that if
they liked it ill before, they hked it a great deal
woríè after that, as in truth none but they that
place
the Church 0/ M a l a b a k. 81
place all Religion in external Performances can
do otherwife, there being no PaiTion which that
Service will not excite in its Spectators ( which
is all the People are) fooner than Devotion.
The Queen of Pimenta being impor tun'd to
it by feveral Chriftians, and her own Jealouiies,
fent an Order to the Arch-Bifiop to leave her
Kingdom íe three days upon pain of Death, and
not to trouble her Subjeds with his Novelties^ un-
der which, (he had reafon to apprehend £bme ill
defign againft her State was couched. But the
Arch'BiJhop knew his own ftrength too well to
be frighted away with Paper Threats, and ib fent
the Queen back word poiitively, that he would
not ftir out of her Territories before he had
liniihed the work that had brought him thither,
telling her withal, That he was fervbig her rather
than othermfe in what h^ was doings anã that her
Anceftors had granted privileges to the Arch- Bijhop
of the Serra, bnt being Infidels had fiever offered to
concern themfelves in the matters of their Religion ,
That ifjhe Jliould Murther him^ fije mnfh kftoTv^ that
fhe Muthered the fee 0 fid Man in the Indies 0 and
that his would he the deareji Blood that ever flje Jpilt
in herLifi'^ fmce the Portuguezes, the Greatnefs
of whofe Power fie and her Kingdom cokld not be
but fenjible of having fo often fdt i/, would infal- '
libly Revenge his Death to the utmofi, n
What made the Arch-Bifiop the ftouter in úm
occafion, was his knowing that he had fecured
moftof her Regedores^ namely him oi Carturte,
and the Country about it to his Party, vvhoai
E he
82 Â P)Qrt Biflory of
he had engaged by very ridi Prefents to favour
and proted him in the execiuion of hisdeiigns.
The Arcb-Bijhop having thus intimidated the
Queen, and uribed her Officers, began to make
bolder fteps than he had offered to make before,
and ib íeeiníT a CacAnir at Church one day, whom
he had excommunicated but a little before, for
having prefumed to excommunicate him, he ient
to htm to get him out of the Church, which was
no place for an excommunicate Rebel as he was.
The C^C'-z^/i^r laughed at the Order, and told him
very briskly. That he would not go out oftheChnrch^
for that he rvas none of hk FreUte^ treithcr aid he
vdne Roman Excommitnicationi ?w more than he
did the dirt under his fiet ; the Roman Church
having nothing to do with the Church of the Serra j
the Arch-Bijhop not being able to bear fijch a
pubUck Affront, and knowing his Party in the
Church to be the ftronger, commanded the Ser-
vice and Mufick to ceafe 5 and turning towards
the place where the Qçanar ftood, commanded
him to come up to him, which the Cacanar re-
fufing to do with great fcorn 5 he was dragged up
to him by fome C/çrí/Mrc/, and others that he had
gained to his Party, and being kept down upon
his Knees before him, was commanded to beg his
Lord/Ijip's Pardon, he told them refolutely. He
would die before he would do it^ or any thing where*
by he jljonld ackftowledge him his Prelate. The
Arch'Bijbop perceiving that he was not to" be ter-
rified into a compliance, ordered him to be
turned out of the Church 3 the Cacanar told
him,
the Church 0/ Malabar. 8^
him. He would not be turned out of a Church
where he hud more to do than he had, 5 upon this
the whole Church was all in an uproar, fome
ftriving to keep him in the Church, and others
to thruft him out, but the Ar^f-h-Bífiops Party
being the lironger, after a great dirturbancej
turned out he was.
The Night following feveral Caç^nares nnd
others, abjured the Patriarch of Babylon , and
were reconciled to the Church of Ro/^/e rit the
Arch'Bifljofs Lodgings , which were over the
Church. After which the Arch-Biihop was re-
iblved either to make the Arch- Deacon bend>
or to break with him totally 0 and ^o having all
his Converts together, without whofe advife he
told them he would never do any thing 5 he de-
clared to them that he could no longer bear v/ith
the Arch-Deacons Rebellion, and was therefore
determined to depofe hira, and put another in
his place, naming one Thomas Curia a near Kins-
man of the Arch-Deacons^ to be his Succelior.
They all owned that His Grace had great reafon
to be angry with the Arch-Deacon :) but yet fee-
ing he was but a young Man, and had had the
ill luck to be in the hands of bad Counfellor?,
they intreated UisGrace^ before he declared his
place void, to allow them fome time to admoniih
him in, and to try whether they could not per-
fwadehim to Conformity 5 for which they dí:fí'
red but twenty days, promiiing, that if he did
not fubmit within the time, that they vv'ould
never own him more, but would fubmit to any
E 2 Jnh'
^4 A flm-í Hijlory of
Arch- Deacon that His Grace fhould fet over them.
Next day they fent fix to treat with him, who,
tho' they took a great deal of pains to perfwade
him to lubmit himíèlf to the Arch-Bijkof^ could
not prevail with*him to do it.
On Eãjlér-Eve the Arch- Bi [loop had a iecond
Ordination, whereat he Ordained a great many
that had been hind red by the Regedores from
coming to the firii. The íàme day Francifco
Roz^ the Jefh'ite^ who ivas afterwards made Bi-
liiop of the Serra by the Pope, came to wait
upon the Arch-Bifljop^ who, after Mafs^ told him.
That he could tjot- believe he was in CarturtCciJ'/iere,
not ma fiy Months ago^ having a mind to fay Mafs,
he was forced to have the Church doors opened to him
hy the Ç^ec;/s Regedor, and where, ivhen he eleva-
ted the Sacrament, the People all fldnt their Eyes^
that they anight not fee it 5 and heat one of his Scho-
lars fir having named the Pope in his Prayers 5 and
when he fÍKwed them an Image of our Lady, cried
oKt, snuiiv tint!) tfiat mtijinefe, m nccCMftmnsf,
linn roi tijat itafoii m not ano^ jnolis oj pa^
On Eaftcr-day the Arch-Bifiop intended to have
n niv>fl: it>lernn Procejjion, which the Heathens
having notice of, were refolved either to hinder
or diif urb it 5 but finding they were not ftrong
enough to do the former, by reafoil of the jRe-
gedores guarding the Arch-Bifljop as he did, they
hired the mod infamous Sorcerer of the whole
Country to kill the Arch-Bifiop in the Procejfton^
which he undertook to do with a Charm that
had
the Church o/^ M a l a b a r . 85
l»d never failed him, but as he begun to do his
Tricl{s in the Frocejfior?^ he was feized on and
íènt to Prifon, and a Currier was immediately
difpatched away to the Qiieen to acquaint her
with what had been done : The Queen ftraight-
ways fent back an Order, that he ihould be put
on the Caloete^ which is a iharp Stake faftned in
the Ground, which being ftuck thorow the Body
of the Malefadtor, he dies thereon in great tor-
ment. But the Arch-BijJ)op would not give way
to his being punifhed fo^ But condemned him to
greater punifliment, in lending him to Cockim to
Row in the Gallies as long as he lived, which
ihews how great the Atch-Bifíjops Power, how-
ever he came by it, was at Carturtc^ where he
made his firft great Converfion.
When the Morning- Service vvas over, the Arck-
Bijhop was invited by the Caça;7ares to the Nircha^
which is a Feaft kept in the Church on certain
days, all the Chriiiians that are prefent (kiing
down to it. The Biiliop, if prefent, craves the
Bleifing, and in his abience, the eldeft Piicft of
the Church. The Biihop has one half ot the
Proviiion, the Priefts a quarter, and the People
a quarter among them. In many Churches there
are certain Rents dedicated to the maintenance
of thofe Feafts , which fecm to be the fame
with the Apoftolical Agap£ or Love -Feafts^
I do not know but St. Paul might allude
to this double Portion that the Biihop has
at thefe Feafts, when he íàith, That they who ruh
wçll^ and hi^ur itp the Word and Doãvinè ^ are
E 3 xporthy
8(5 A [liort Hijlory of
tvorthy of double Honour 'j and the rather becaufe
he immediately fabjoyns. Thou flmlt not muz,zls
the Ox that treadeth out the Corn^ Sec. BefideS
it is evident from St. Cyprian^ 94 Ep. to his
Church of Carthage^ that the Clergy were (aid
to be Honoured, according to the proportion
they had of the Publick Offerings where fpeak-
ing of Aiivdlu-f and CellerinuSy two Confeliòrs,
he writes, Presbj/teru honorem defignajje nos illit
jafrt fciatis^ Ó* fporttdk iifdent cum Preshyteris
honorentHY^ C^ diviponts menfurnas diquatis (luanti-
tdtihm parthintitr»
The Arck-Bijhop being tired with the iService
of the day, defired to be excufed affifting at the
NercLi 5 neverthelefs he had his double Portion
lent home, it was a great branch of Figs^ and
ieveral Cakes made of Rice and Honey ^ with
feveral other Oiflies dreííèd a la Modede Malabar.
In the Evening the Arch-Bijhop went and vi-
iiced all the Sick in the Town, and gave them
both Money and Ghoftly Couníèl , the People
imagining that this was the common Practice of
all the Roman Prelates^ began to cry them up
to the Skies, as much more humble and charita^
ble than the Chaldean Biihop.
On Eafter-Tttefday the Arch-Bijloop went out
to Nagpiii, a Church about a quarter of a League
from Cartnrte^ where having Preached, he confir-
med a great many, and reconciled feveral Caca-
nares to the Ron/an Church. By the way, it is
fomething ftrange too, how the Arch-Bifhop^ tho'
he was able to School their Kings and Regedores^
who
the Church' of Mal kBè.K. 87
who all fpoke Portr-gueze^ ihould be Co powerful
a Preacher as the Portugueze make him to have
been among the Malavars^ coníidering that he nei-
ther knew a word of their Language,nor they of his.
Next day the Arch-Bifldop fet Sail for Molan-
dnrte^ where, when he arrived , he found the
People much changed from what they were,
when he was there laft, for they had fhuc the
Church doors againft him, neither did there fo
much as one fingle Perfon appear to receive
him at the place where he was to Land, which
was a quarter of a League from the Tovv^n.
The Arch-Bifiop underftanding how things
were afhoar, did not offer to Land for fear of
raifing a Tumult, but wrote away immediately
to the Governour of Cochim^ to fend the King
of Cochims chief Regedor to him bçfore Mo-
landnrte. The King, tho' he did not love to hear
of the Chriftians of St. Thomas^ fubniitting them-
íèlves to the Arch-Bifljop^ being very feniible, if
they were once brought under Fornfgucze Eifliops,
it would not be long before they vvould be- em 1 rely
under the Crown of Portugal too ^ by which
means he ihould lofe* 50000 of the beft Soldiers
in his Kingdom 3 yet at the íàme time he appear-
ed very zealous to promote that work, hraing
more than once Commanded all his ChriHian
Subjeds in all things to do what the Arch-Bijhop
would have them, and accordingly when the Go-
vernour fent him word that the Arch-Biff^op deii-
red to fpeak with the c\\\ç:í Regedor ar MoLindurte^
be immediately ordered him to go and wait on
him. E 4 When
88 JJhort Htpry of
When the Regedor was come, the Arch-Bijhop
complained to him of the vexation his Mafter
had given the Chriftians of MoUndurte^ for no
other reaibn but for the kind reception they
had given him when he was there laft. The
Regedor endeavoured to palhate the matter, and
promifed to acquaint his Mafter with what the
Arcb-Bifiop had told him, Who^ if any thing were
amifs^ he ikid, vpould be fure to redrefs it^ and to
give hk Gi2iCt fatkfaãion. The Arch-Bijhop here
took him up ihort, and told him, That he ex-
pected no kjndnefs from his Majler^ fince he had de-
nied him fo fmall a favour^ as to order the Muf-
quets that were lodged in the Quire of the Churchy
to be removed to a proper place^ which, tho he had
faithfully promifed to do, yet he underflood the Muf
quets ivere there flill. The Regedor told him,
The Regedor of the Place, and not hk Mafter,
was to blame for that, who, to his knowledge, was
ordered to have done it.
Upon this the Arch-Bifiop and Regedor went to
Church together, where the Regedor, in his hear-
ing, commanded all the Chriftians of the place,
in the King's Name, to do whatfoever the Arch-
Brjljop ihould command them. But, tho' he is
(aid, at the fame time to have whifpered íbme
in the Ear, That the Ring would rather that
they iliould adhere to their Arch-Deacon, and
their old Cuftoms, than fubrait to the Arch-Bifjop,
yet that did not appear in the fudden change
that was wrought in. their Carriage, by what
the Regador had told them publicklyj for they
who
th Church o/ M A L A B A R. 85)
who but the day before would not fo much as
endure to fee the Arch-Bifiop^ were, without
any other Argument, reconciled to the Church
of Rome^ and him the next day.
From Molandnrte the Arch-Bifiop went a íè-
cond time to Diamper, where the chici Regedor^
according to hispromife, met him again. The
Arch-Bijhop complained to him of the Regedor.
of the place , who had not only hindred the
Chriftians from coming at him, but encouraged
íèveral Heathens to deride and threaten him 5 as
the chief Regedor was offering to excuie his Bro-
ther, the Arch'Bifiop interrupted him, and ftrik-
ing the Cane he had in his hand three times againft
the Ground, bid him in a great fury not to offer
to fpeak^ to him^ for that he h^iew his Heart well
enough^ and that he bore an ill will to all Chriftians ^
but there's another^ faid he, / blame more than
yoH^ and that's your Majier^ who^ notwithflanding
hk being Brother in Arms to the iC/>/^i?/ Portugal,
frffers me to be abufed in his Country 5 but you may
tell your Majier from me^ that the King of Portu-
gal fiall k^orv hovp I have been ufed by him, and
that it will not be long before he JJjallJmart for it.
The Regedor defiring to appeaíè him, did aíTure
his Grace^ That his Majier k^new nothing of what
had been done to him at Diamper 5 and that fo foon
as he was acquainted with it^ he would be fure t4>
mak^ Examples of all thofe that had any way af-
fronted his Grace. This put the Arch-Bijhop in
a greater Paflion than he was in before 5 he iaid.
This was all Trick,^ and that he had troRted toa
often
CO , J Jhort Hiftory of
often with Kings^ and knew their Tempers too well
to be made believe^ that thgy would not fee themfelves
obeyed when they had a mind to it.
The Regedor aílbred him a fecond time, that
his Mailer always had, and always would favour
his defigns in the Serra^ I fljall quickiy know that^
(aid the Arch-Biíhop, for if you be fincere^ yon
will frefently call all the Chrifiians together^ and
Command them^ in the Things Name to acknow-
ledge me a<i their Prelate^ and to unite themfelves
to the Church i?/Rome. The Regedor promiíed
•to do it preiently, and having called all the
Chriftians together, commanded them before the
Arch'BiJIiop on pain of the King's high difpleafure,
to obey the Arch-Bifiop in all things, alluring
them withal, that this was His Majefty's Will,
and therefore they (hould give no credit to any
that ihould whifper the contrary to them 5 and
thus, by Heftoring and Bribing of Kings and
their Regedores, the Arch-Bijhop made bothfudden
and great Converfions.
Having difmifled the Regedor^ the Arch-BiJJjop
gave them a Sermon, and commanded them to
come to Church next Morning to be confirmed
by him. Next day after the Confirmation, he
told them. That he had Excommunicated and De-
pofed the Arch-Deacon, as a Rebel to the Pope,
who is Chriji's Vicar on Earth 5 and that he told
them of it on purpofe that they might have no more
Communication with fuch a Rebel, but might ac^
knowledge him for their Prelate. The People
feemed to be íatisfied with what he had <ione,
and
ihe Church 0/ M a l a b a r; pi
and to blame the Arch-Deacon for his obftinacy.
In the Evening he viiited the Sick, and gave
large Alms to the Widows and Orphans of the
Town, telling them withal , that what he did
was their Prelate's duty, and not to take Money
from them as their former Biihops had done \
but he forgot to tell them, that whereas their
former Prelates had lived altogether upon Alms,
having no fettled Revenues to maintain them,
by reaibn of their living under Princes who
were Infidels^ that he had above icooo Crowns
a Year in Rents that were certain. Befides, by
having repreíènted what he was doing in the
Serra^ as a great Service to the Crown, he had
the Command of the Publick Treafure at Goa^
which was never fo great as at this time 5 the
Viceroy Don Matthias de Albuquerque having in
the Year 1597 left 80000 Ducats, and an im-
meníè Summ in Jewels therein.
This Trick^^ for it defervcs no better Name,
together with his Heftoring of Kings and their
Regedores as he did, made a great many People
wiih themfelves under Portugueze Prelates, who,
they law, would not fufFer their Princes to Ty-
rannize over them, but would efpouíè all their
Quarrels, and defend them in their Rights,
which was what the Chaldean Prelates were not
able to do.
The Arch Bifiop now having by the forefaid
Methods brought three fuch confiderable places,
as Carturte, Mofkndurte, and Diamper^ befides fe-
veral fmall Villages, under his Obedience 5 and
' being
91 Â fhoYt Híftory of
being alfo fure of all the Churches that are in the
Kingdom oi'Porca^ Gundara^ Marca^ and Batimena^
whofe Rings had already Commanded all their
Subjefts to obey him in every thing : The Arch-
Deacon hearing how things went, began to be
íèníible, that it would not be poffible for him to
contend with fo powerful an Adverfary much
longer -, and that he muft therefore, either fub-
mit or be fent a Priíbner to Portugal^ the Arch-
Bijbop having fo blocked the Serra up to prevent
a Chaldean Biftiop's coming thither , that it was
not poffible for him to make his eicape, if he had
a mind to run his Country rather than renounce
his Religion.
The Arch-Bipop being informed by a Caçanar^
that the Arth-Deacon was in great perplexity what
he had beft to do, writ him a long Letter,
wherein among other things he cited him to ap-
pear before the Judgment- feat of God^ to anfwer for
the Splits that were non> hummg in Hell^ by his ha-
ving kept them from being reconciled to the Roman
Churchy out of which there is no Salvation, To
which Letter the Arch-Deacon returned an anfwer
in a ftrain quite different from what he had writ
in formerly.
Before this Letter came to his. hand, the Arch-
Bijhop having done his work at Diamper^ was
failed to Narame, a coniiderable Village of Chri-
ftians, which he found all in Arms, having all
bound themfelves with an Oath never to foríàke
their Rehgion and Arch-Deacon., but to defend
them v^ith the laft drop of their Blood ? and fo
when
the Church of Malabar. pj
when the Arch-Bijhop was ready to Land to go
to Church, they called to him to ftay where he
was 3 for befides that, the Church doors were
ihut, there was not one Perfon among them,
who would have any Communication with him.
Whereupon the Arch-Bipop , according to his
Cuftom, fent immediately to the Regedor of
the Country, which alfo belonged to the King of
Ctfchim to come aboard, for that he had feme-
thing to fay to him.
What made the Arch-Bifiop , making fuch
great ufe of Kings and Regedores^ who were all
infidels in the Converfion of thefe Chriftians to
the Roman Church, the more unpardonable, was,
that but a little before he had made the Arch^
Deacons interefting of Infidel Princes in the Af-
fairs of Chriftianity , with which they were not
to be fufFered to meddle, the chief Article for
which he deferved to be depoíèd.
The Regedor being come aboard , the Arch-
Bi/hop fpoke to him to go aihoar, and do as much
for him at Narame , as the chief Regedor had
done at Molandurte and Diamper, The Regedor
promifed him he would, but when he came
aihoar to caufe the Church to be opened, there
was no body left in the Town 5 for the Chri-
ftians hearing of his coming, and what his bufi-
nefs was, had all hid themfelves , that ib they
might not be conftrained to break the Oath they
had made fo lately. The Arch-BiJhop^ when the
Regedor brought him word how it \iias, Was in
a great Paifion with him, and would not be per-
fwaded
94 A p?ort Hijlory of
fwaded but that he had underhand fomented this
divifion. But however thefe Chriftians came to
be incenfed againft the Arch-BiJIjop^ it is certain
they were to that degree, that they denied him
freih Provifions for his Money, fo that he was
forcd to live upon the Rice and Bisket that was
aboard for fome days.
While the Arch-Bifhop was in this Diet, the
Arch-Deaconh Letter came to his hand,- the fub-
ftance whereof was, That he was overcome at tajl
by the irrepfiahle force of Truths and rvas refolved
to fubmit himfelf to the Roman CÃ//rcÃ, irttreAtmg
his Grace to pardon all the by pafi Errors of an igno-
rant Son,
The Arch-Bifiop tho' he was extream glad at
the news, would not difcover that he was, but
told the Caç^anar that brought it very gravely,
That he had been fo often deceived by the Aich-
Deacon, that he did not k^ow how to truji him^
and that he never would any more^ before he had
fubfcribed the Ten following Articles,
I. That he abjured all the Errors of Nefto-
rius, and of aU hk Followers^ Diodorus and The-
odorus (who, by the way, were both in their
Graves before Nejlorius was ever heard of) ac-
k^towledging them to be curfed Hereticks, that are
burning in Hell for their. Errors»
II. That he Jljould confefs there was but one
Chrifiian Law,
ill. That
theChurch of WÍala-rkk; 95
III. Tkat he pjoM fubfcribe the Confejjion of
Faith , which he fent to him from Goa, when he
made him Governour of the Bijhoprick.
IV. That he fljofild deliver all the Books of the
Diocefs to be amended or burnt according as they
dejerved,
V. That he fljoM Jwear Obedience to the Pope,
^ St. PeterV SncreJJòr , and Chrifi's Vicar upon
Earthy and the Sifpream Head of all Chrijtians^ and
of all BiJhopSj Arch'Bifhops^ Primates and Patri-
archs in the Worlds fo that none can be faved out
of his obedience,
VI. That he fljonld cnrfe the Patriarch of Baby-
lon, as a Neftorian Heretic^ and Schifmatick^^ and
jwear never to obey him any more in any matter^
nor to have any further Commerce or Communica-
tion with him by Letters or otherwifi.
VÍÍ, That he Jhould fvear never to receive any
BiJJjop or Prelate in the Serra, but what Jhould be
fent thither by the Pope, and to obey whomfoever
he fent,
V^II. That he jljould fwear to ackfiowledge and
obey him for his true Prelate, as beif^g made Jo
by the Pope.
IX. That
9 6 Afhort Híftory of
IX. That he Jhould pafs Olas or Frovijions for
the Ajjkmbling of a Diocefan Synod^ to treat of all
fnch matters , as the Arch-Bijhop Jhould thin^ fit^
and frvear to be prefect at it himfelf,
X. That he f/jould accompany the Arch-Biihop
peaceably , wherefoever he tpent^ without any thing
of Guards^ and Jljonld go along with him in his
Galley to all the Churches he had a mind to
mfit,
Thefè Articles being made and (igned by the
Arch'Bifiop^ he delivered them to the Caç^ànar^
together with a Letter, wherein he bid the Arch-
Deacon^ if he was not fully refolved to fubicribe
them, allowing him but twenty days to do it
in, not to appear before him ^ and being wil-
ling to íècure himfelf of the fidelity of the
Bearer, he obliged him, before he difmifs'd him,
to fwear obedience to the Roman Church, ma-
king him fwear alio to return, and never to
have any thing more to do with the Arch-
Deacon , in cafe he refuíèd to fign the Ar-
ticles.
Having difmiíícd this Meflenger, the Arch-
Bijbop returned to Cochim^ where his main bu-
iinefs was to get the Governour of the place
to )oyn with him, to prefs the King of Cochim
to aííift him cordially in his defign of uniting
the Church of St. Thomas to that of Rome ;
and while he was fatisfying the Governour of
what
the Church o/^ M a l a b a r. çy
what Importance fuch an Union would be to the
Portugffeze Intereft in the Indies^ which was what
he hirafelf had all along as much in his Eye, as
the Governour could have for his Heart : The
King having heard of his being in Town, came
very opportunely to pay him a viiit, in which,
before they parted, the King renewed his pro-
mife to him of commanding all his Chriftian
Subjeâs to obey him in all things ; with which
promife the Arch-Bi(hop returned well ^ati.^fied
to Cranganor^ in order to fettle the Affair of the
Synod.
The day after his arrival there, he had Letters
brought him by a Patamar^ or Currier, from the
King of Samorim^ adviiing him . of the King of
Cochim^6 having begun a War upon the Caimal or
Prince of Corugeira his AUie, to which if a ftop
were not put iuddenly, it would necellarily
oblige him to withdraw his Army from before
Cnnahle ^ which was what the King of Cochim
aimed at. So foon as the Arch-Bifúop had read
theie Letters, he diípatçhed a Currier away im-
mediately after the King of Cochim y who was
already on his March^, deliring him not to make
a War upon the Caimd till after Cunahh was
taken, fince it could not be done without di-
verting the Samorim from the Siege of Omahle,
who was then before it, expelling the return
of the Portugfieze Armada^ which would be with
him in the beginning of the Spring, he writ
alfo to the Governour cf Cochim , and the
Commiifioners of the Tnafiry to come to
F 'him 1
98 A jhort Hijlory of
him 5 whom, after fome diicourfe about the bu-
iinefs, he ordered to ^p after the Ring of Cochim^
and to ftop him in his Mnrch.
Before the Arch-Bifljop left Crangamr^ he recei-
ved a Letter from the Arch-Deacon^ wherein he
wrote to him> That^ tho he was ready to fnhfcribe
aã the Articles he had fent him^ yet that it was
not pojjible fir him to wait upon His Grace in Co
Jhort a time as he had fixed. * .
The Arch-Bifiop underftanding that the King
of Man gat e^ in whofe Country the Arch-Deacon
was at that time, was very much againft his
fubmitting to him*, fent a Servant of his own
with a fplendid Retinue to him, to let him
know, That^ if he fiould' ofi[er to hinder the Arch-
Deacon fiom coming to him^ the JCing ofi Portugal
fioiild k^ow of it^ vpho was refolved to revenge all
the vprongs that were done to him in the Serra to the
utmofi of hk Power. The Ring,, who had too
great a dependance on the Portuguezcs^ to pro-
vpke one of the Arch-Bifiop's Charader and Spi-
rit, ient him word. That the Arch-Deacon /y/ight
wait upon him when he pleafed for all him ^ and
that he never had any thoughts of hindring him.
For all that, the Arch-Deacon did not come,
having in truth no Stomach to the morfel the
Arch-Bifiop had prepared for him. Whereupon the
Arch-Bifiop fent a couple o^Jefuitesto him, to
let hi in know, That that was his lafl admonition^
and that if he did not come to him in eight days
. he
the Church 0/ M a l a b a r. pc>
he . would infallibly depofi him and put another in his
place.
The Governour and Commiilioners having
prevaited with the King of Cochim to deiift from
the War s the King, in his return home, refoh^ed
to take Cranganor in his way. The Arch-Bifiop
having received advice that he was ready to
Land, was civiler to him than he had been for-
merly, and went to the Caiz of the Caftle to
meet him, and after fome Complements had
paíTèd on both (ides, they went together to an
Hermitage that was not far off. Where they
difcouríèd alone for a confiderable time 5 after
vvhich the King called in his chief Regedor^ and
ieveral of his Nobles, and the Arch-Bijhop^ the
Captain of the Caftle , and fome of his own
Servants. Before whom the Arch-Bifloop thanked
His Highnefs for having defifted from the War
o^ CorHgeira, promifing him thanks alio from
the King of Portugal for it, but told him wiihal»
That this miiji not hinder him from acquainting
His Highnefs with his being much dijfiliificd at
his having nfd him fo as hz had done. The
King defired His LordJJjip to tell for what he was
difpleafèd, there being nothing that he was fj defi-
ro us of^ as to fatisfie him in all things. The
Arch-Bijhop told him with a frowning Coun-
tenance, That when his Brother in Arms ^ the
King of Portugal, fent him into the Serra, he ex-
peãed he fljonld have been defended there by His
Highneis, and not only fo but that he would ha-vt
ajfffied him to the mmoft in the Pious dcfign he .
F a came
1 òo ' A p?ort Hiftory of
came about ^ in confidence of which Proteãion anã
Ajfijiance it tvas that he left Goa to come into
thofe Paris^ but that he had found himfelf mifera"
hly deceived^ there not being a Prince in Malabar,
in whofe Dominions he had been (and he had
been in the moft of them) but what had fiewed
him more favour than His Highnefs, who had
loaded fome of his Chriflian Subje^s with Taxes^
for no other reafon , but for having given him a
kind Reception. Here the chief Regedor interpoíèd,
and deíír ed him to let His Majefty know what the
Affronts or L;juries were that he had received in
any part of his Dominions, The Arch-Bifhop re-
plied with great paííion, «S/V, There is no Body
knows them all better than you do, fince they were
done before your Eyes 5 however, you were pleafed
to wink ^t them ; nay, I do not knoiv but you might
have a hand in procuring them j and therefore
pray do j70t you offer to conceal them from your
Mafler.' The King protefted he had never heard
of any Injury or Affront that had been put upon
His Lordfiip in any part of his Territories.
The Arch- Bifjop, without any Ceremony, told
him. It was not fo, for that he himfelf had ac-
quainted His Highneis fever al times by Letter, of
what he fuffered from his SubjeBs, but could never
have them remedied as he expe&ed, and as they
ought to have been by one that owed fo much to the
Portugueze as His Highnefs did, wherefore, (aid
he, for the future Til complain of none but my own
ICing^ for having fent me from a Palace at Goa,
where I lived at my eafe and infplendor, to wander
about
the Church of Mal ab a k, loi
about the Serra, afíd be abufed as I have been.
This does not agree very well with what is faid
before of his going into the6'^;T^ purely out of
Zeal and Devotion, and contrary to all that the
Viceroy and others could fay or do to hinder him 3
but upon his upbraiding the King with his not
having anfwered his expedations, nor the obliga-
tions which he owed to the Portugnezes^ who, of
a petty Prince, had made him a great Monarch 5
the King ask'd him, as well he might, ivbat hk
Lordihip meant^ deiiring him to injiance in what
particulars he had been thus aggrieved j whereupon
the Arch-Bifljop told him of what had been done
at Molandurte and Diamper^ and charged him
with having encouraged the Arch-Deacon in his
Rebellion, to whom he had granted feveralO^^f
or Provifidns, without having granted him one
as yet. The King told bim he would treat with
the Governour of Cochim about an OUa for his
Lordfijip. This put the Arch^Bifiop in a much
greater paiTion than he was in before : for he
reckoned the King flighted him, in faying he
would treat with the Governour about a thing
that was his immediate concern j whereupon he
told his Majefiy, That it had been always his cuflor/i
to put him off with delays^ that for his own part he
defired nofte of his 0\\2lS'-) and that the ChriflioJis of
St, Thomas, if they had been true Chrijiians^ wonld
never havefaffered their Kings to have meddled with
^natters of Religion % but efpeciaUy being Infidels anti
Idolaters, as he wa^^ and. who not h^owing^ the tme
Godj Wdrfiipp'd Stocks and Stones.^ and Devils w^-
10 2. À p?ort Hijlory of
ficiíd of him : That for his part he could not hut
wonder at His HighnefsV taking upon him to fa^
vour the patriarch of Babylon agahifl the Pope,
ivho tmderftood fiothing of the difference between them j
That His Highnefs would do well thercfre to leave
his Chriflian S^/bJe&s to him^ who was their true
"Prelate , and 7tot to meddle with matters he did
not underfiand : That a^ for the Arch-Deacon he
had determined that if he dtd not come and fuhmit
to him by next Saturday, to turn him out of his
place ^ and put another into it^ and that he could not
but look^ upon the Arch- Deacon as an ill Chriflian^
if for no other reafon^ for that of having commnni-
cated the Affairs of Chriftianity to His Hi.ghnefs,
whom all the World k^ow to be an ■Infid.cl. The
King was defperately angry at what the Arch-
Bifiop had íãid of his Idols -^ however being a very
wife Prince he. did not touch upon that ftring,
but told him, His Lordfiip might exped the
Aye h- Deacon one Saturday ^ two Saturdays^ and
three Saturdays. The Arch-Bifliop took the words
QUt of his Mouth, and ftriking his Cane againfl:
ti>e Ground in great Fury, faid, / will not expeB
him one^ two, and three Saturdays, but if I live I
will depofe him if he does not come and fubmit before
the next^ and that he deferved to he Depojcd^ if for
no other reafon^ for his having interefled His High-
neis in the concerns of Chriftianity, notwithjiand-
ing he kiiew him to be an Infidel. The King, who
could not help ftanding amazed at the Arch-
Bifjop condemning the Arch-Deacon {o much for
endeavouring to intereft him in a thing which
he
the Church 0/ M a l a b a r. 10^
he himfelf at the ilune time was fwaggering him
into, perceiving that the more they talked, the
Arch-B/fiop i;rew the more farious, and talked
the louder, pufon a pleafant Countenance, and
told him with great fweetnefs , That there ivas
nothing he had ever fiudie-d fa much as to ,pleãfe Hk.
Lordfljip'. With this the Arch Bijkops Pa (lion be-
ing iomething mitigated, he replied, It was what
he had ahvay's expeEled from.Hti Highneis, and that
he hoped, he would not wonder to fee him put iiit-o fo
great a Pajfion^ in a cafe wherein Ch'rijh unity was
fo much concerned^ fir the leaji of ivhofe Inter eji he
was bound in duty to facrifice hk Head. The King
told him, That if he k^ew of any that fought after
his Head^ they fiou Id not k^ep their own long upon
their Shoulders. After they had ir.adc an end of
this hot biiiinefs, they talked for iome time of
indiíFerent matters^ and when the King was for
going, the Arch-Bifiop accompanied him to the
Caiz^ where -they are iaid to have parted very
good Friends^ which if they did, the King con-
fidering how he had been treated, wa^' certainly
the beft natured Prince that e\'er wore a Crown,
and in a very fubftantial point a. much better
Chriftian than the Jrc^'Bii^i^j?.
This rancoiinter was of no fmail advantage to
the Arch-Bifiop in the reduction of that Chrifli-
anityi) for the King fearing to provoke one of the
Arch'Bifijop's Charadler and Tem.per,' fo Toon as
he had left him, writ away immediarely to the
Arch- Deacon to come and fubmit himfelf to the
Arch'Bifioop:, he writ alio to the King of Mangatè^
F 4 in
1 04 J port Híflory of
in cafe be found the Arch-Deacon not willing to
do it, to oblige him to it.
Upon the receipt of this Letter the Arch-Dea-
con fent away immediately to the Jrch-Bifljop^ to
let him know, That he was ready to throw him-
felf at his Grace^s Feet, and to obey all his Com-
mands, and that within the time he had prefixed 5
but withal, defired to wait upon him fome where
elfe than in Craf^ganor ^ which being a Fortrefs
belonging to the PorUiguezes ^ he was afraid to
truft hirafelf in , there being nothing that he
dreaded fo much as being fome time or other
kidnapped for Goa, However the Arch-Bijhop
complyed fo far with his Fears as to order him
to meet him at theJefiites-CoWcgemVaipicotta,
fhey met firft in the Church, where the Arch-
Deacon threw himfelf at the Arch-BiJIjops Feev^
vvith the words of the Prodigal in his mouth, Fa-
iher^ I have .finneci againfl Heaven , ajid againfl
thee J and am no more worthy to be called thy Son.
I do hiiffxhly beg Pdrd'j?i for all Kiy Errors^ n-'hich
have been great. The Arch-Bifiop lifting him up
and embracing him tenderly, told him, all that
.was pad was forgot 3 and that God's Mercy in
jeducing him to the CathoUck^ Church was greater
than the Malice of the Devil, which had been
the cauie of his returning -no fooner, that he
Vvoiild certainly have that great Reward that is
referved in Heaven fgr thole that bring fo many
Souls to the purity of the Faith, as he was confi-
dent he would do by his Example, that he would
.thfiiefpre;'havje^ him fubicribe the Profeifion of
•V Faith
the Church 0/ M a. l a b a r. 105
Faith and ten Articles immediately. The Jrch-
Deacon beg d to fpeak one word firft with His Grace
in private, promiiing, after that todo whatibever
His Grace fhould command him 5 and being alone,
he told him, That if His Grace would have it ib,
he was ready to fubfcribe the ProfefQon and Ar-
ticles publickly, tho\ with fubmiffion he thought
it would be better if he would allow him to do
it in private, for the fake of that Chriftianity who
were not as yet fo well inftru6i:ed as they ought to
be ; but that before the meeting of the Synod, at
which he promifed to fign them publickly , he
hoped to be able to prepare them for the recei-
ving of whatfoever fhould be therein determined,
which he believed he (hould be able to do the
more effedually , if they knew nothing of his
having already fubmltted to the Roma?i Church,
The Arch'Bipop anfwered, That notwithfianding
a Frofejfion of the Faith was by fo much the better^
as it vpas the more piiblick^ , neverthelefs he fo far
approved of his Reafon as to difpenfc with his ma-:
kjfJg it openly, Vv hereupon they and thejefuite
Francifco Roz, repaired to the Arch-Bipops Lodg-
ings, and having iliut the doors, the Arch- Deacon
kneeled down before a Crucifix that frood on the
Arch-BJfl)op\ Table , and laying his hands upon
the Mijful^ fwore to the Ten Articles, and to the
Profeffion of Faith, to which the Arch-Bifiop
obliged him to put his hand, to prevent his de-
nying it afterwards.
Next Morning all the C abanares being called to.
gether, the Arch-Bifiof acquainted thçm with his
in-
I o 6 A Jhort Hlftory of
intention of calling a Synod very fpeedily, which
they all agreed to. It was then debated where
it ihould meet, fome were for its being, held at
Angamale^ the Metropolis oF the Dioceis, but the
Arch'Bijhop would not hear of its being held
there for three Reaibns 5 the firft was, That the
Chriftians of Angamale were the Chriftians of the
whole Bifhoprick that were moft addided to their
old Religion, Secondly^ It was not in the Domi-
nions of the King oiCochim^ the Prince of Malabar
that had the greateft dependance upon úitFortu-
guezes 5 And Lafilji^ Becaufe it was at tqo great
a diftancefrom the Portugueze Garrifon of Cochim.
It was carried therefore that it íhould be held in
the Town' of Diamper^ which was but a little
way from Cochim^ and (hould begin on the 20th,
ofJii/2e^ bong tht ^d. Simday after Wh7tfu?itide.
In purfuance whereof the Arch-Bifiop and Arch-
Deacon did both iiliie forth their 0//as, command-
ing all Priefts and Procurators of the People,, who
were four from every Town, to aiiemble toge-
ther at the Town oi Diamper ^ on the 20th. of
June next, there to celebrate a Diocefan Synod.
The Ollas bore date the nth, of May^ Co that
there were fix Weeks allowed for the preparing
of bufineis, which the Arch-BiJIoop made good
uíè of
Before the Arch-Bijhop left Faipicotta, the Caiwal
of Angamfile^ who was called the blacky King of
Malabar^ came to give him a vifit; The Arch-
Bifloop received him kindly, and at parting pre-
fentcd him with fome pieces of very rich Cloath^
which
the Church 0/ M a l a b a r. 1 07
which was what he went well furniíhed withal
from Goa^ having laid out i8cco Pardaos in
Goods, to make Prefents of in the Serra. The
Caimal^ who was a boifterous and bloody Princç,
was fo well pleafed with his Prefent, that he pro-
mifed the Jrch*Bifiop to fee him obeyed in all
things.
After which the Jrch-Bifiop returned to Cran-
ganor^ where he compofed the Decrees of the
Synod, which were all writ with his own Hand,
word for word as they are publiihed. As foon
as he had finiíhed them he had them tranflated
out of Portiigiieze into Malavar. He likewiie
Confecrated there a Stone Altar for every Church
in the Serra^ which was what they all wanted.
What remained to be done, after having en-
gaged all the Neighbouring Princes, and their
Regedorf to affift him, was to fecure the Major
Vote in the Synod 5 and in order thereunto he
Ordained no fewer than fifty Priefts on Trinity-
Simday^ in the Church of Parn^ which fifty being
added to the thirty eight he had Ordained but
a little before at Diamper, and to thofe he had
Ordained atCarturte^ who are faid to have been
many, muft make up at leaft two thirds of the
Priefts that were prefent at the Synod, who in
all were but 153. of which two thirds the
Arch-Bifiop was fecure, having before he Or-
dained them, made them abjure their old Reli-
gion, and fubfcribe the Creed of Pius IV.
He was alfo induftrioiBto fecure tohimfelf the
Votes of feveral of the moftconfiderable among
• the
1 o8 A [hort Hijlory of
the Procurators^ by making them great Preíènts,
giving to one of them a Crofs fet with Diamonds
of great value, as he did another of equal price^
to anjold Caçamr, who had been a great Com-
panion of Arch-BiQiop Mar Abraham, Upon
which, and the other Precautions made uie of by
the Ârch-Bijhop to compais his ends in the Synod,
Father Simon in his 1 09 Pag. of his HiftorieCritique^
makes the following judicious refledion : AU that
thefe methods have hitherto produced^ ferves only to let
the World fee by what means the Roman Religion
has been efiablipjed in the Eaft, which ISe that knows
will not wonder^ that all the re-unions which have
been made with thofe People we call Schifmaticks in
thofe Parts J have beenfo JJdort lived.
On the ^th. of June the Arch-Bijhop accompa-
nied with fix Jefuites and his Confefior , who
were alt Divines, and feveral Ca(^anares^ arrived at
Diamper^ where he immediately erefted a Junto
of eight of the moft popular Caçanares , before
whom he laid the Decrees, defiring their opini-
on of them ^ and when they came to confider
the Decrees relating to manners, he called four
of the graveft of the Procurators alfo to be preíènt
at the Examination of them j after fome Debates-
the Decrees were all agreed to by the Junta,
which, for that reafon, was given out to be the
Author of them.
On the 2ctL of June 1199. the Synod was
opened,at which folemnity were preient the Dean
and Chapter of Cochim, with their whole ^iire,
^b iCiCo the Governour, the CommiiTioners of the
jyea-.
the Church 0/ M a l a b a r. 1 09
Treafury^ and the Chamber of the fame City, and
íèveral other 'Portuguezes oi Quality.
I will detain the Reader no longer from the
perufal of the Synod it felf , in which he is not
to wonder if he meets with the whole mafs of
PopQry, confidering that all its Decrees were cpm-
poíèd by a Popiih Arch^Bifhop who ailembled it
on purpofe to eftabliíh the Roman Religion" in
the Serra , in the doing whereof, tho' he was in-
ftrumental in letting the World know more of
the Orthodoxy of that Apoftolical Church, than
its like they would ever have known of it other-
wiie, we have reafon to bleis Providence, but
none at all to thank him for it, who intended
nothing leis than the making of fuch a happy dis-
covery.
ACa*
A Catalogue of the Vice^Roys and Governors of the
Indies^ from the Year 1505. to the Year 1599.
I T^O» Franc tico de Almeyda.
JL-^ 1 Alphonfo de Albuquerque.
5 Lcfe Soares de Albergaria.
4 Diego Lopes de Sequeyra.
5 Don Duarte de Menez>es.
6 Don Vafco de Gama Conde de Vtdigueyra,
7 Don "Enrique de Menezes.
8 Pedro de Mufcarenhas.
9 Lope 'Uâz, de Sampayo.
10 Nuno de Cunha.
II Don Garcia de Noronha. ^^
11 Don Effevan de Gama.
15 Martin Alphonfo de Soufa.
14 Don yuan de Caftro,
15 Garcia de Sa.
16 Jorge Cabral.
1 7 Don Alonfo de Noronha.
18 Don Pedro Mufcarenhas.
19 Francifco Barreto.
10 Don Conftantino de Barganca.
21 Don Francifco Coutinho Conde de Redondo.
22 Juan de MendiÇa.
25 Don Antónia de Noronha.
24 Don Luis de At aide.
25 Don Antonio de Noronha.
26 Antonio Moniz, Barreto.
17 Don LorenÇo de Tavara.
28 Don Diego de Menez,es.
29 Don Luis de At aide Conde de Atouguia.
30 Fernando Telles de MenezJes.
3 1 Don Francifco Mufcarenhas Conde de Santa Cruz,.
52 Don Duarte de Menezes.
5 5 Manuel de So.ufa Coutinho,
34 Matias de Albuquerque.
5 < Don Francifco de Gama Conie de Vidigueyra,
r^ •' A Cata-
J Catalogue of ifce'Prelates, Bifliops, and Axài-
BiíLops of Goa , and of the Bifliops of
Cochim , till the time of the Celebration of
the Synod of Diamper.
HE City of Goa was taken by the Vice-
Roy Don Alphonfo Albuquerque ^ in the
Year 151c.
The iirfi: Prelate thereof was Dom Duarte nu-
ne% a Dominican Friar, and Biihop of Laodicea.
The fecohd was Dom Fernando Vaqueito^ Biiliop
of Auren,
In tht Year 1537. Gi?^ was made an Epifcopal
See by Pope Paid III. and put under the Metro-
politan OÍ Funthal^ a City in the Ifland of Madera,
The fir ft Bifhop thereof was Don Frandfco ds
Mela,
The fecond was J)<7//i Juan de Albuquerque 3l
Francifcan Friar, who held it above 14 Years. In
his time, that is to fay, in the Year 1557. it was
made a Metropolitan and Primate of all the Indies
by Pope Faul V. who, at the fame time, ereded
an Inquiiition at Goa.
The fecond Arch-Bifhop was one Dom Gafpar^
who reíígned it after he had held it feven Years.
The third was Dom Jorge Temudo^ a Do^ir/ican
Friar, who was tranfldted to it from Cockim. He
Governed it tvvo Years and eight Months, and
after his Death Dom Gafpar who before refigned
. it.
A Catalogue of the Prelates, ^c,
it, returned to it again and Governed it till he
died.
The fourth was Dom Enrique deTavara^ stDo-
mink an Friar, who was alfo tranflated from Cochim»
The fifth was Dom Ficente de Fonfeca, a Domi-
nican Friar.
The fixth was Dom Mattheo^ a Friar of the
Order o( Chrifi ^ who was likewife tranflated
from Cochim.
The ieventh was Dom Aleixo de Menezes, an
Auftin Friar, who was Governour General of the
Indies for three Years, and was afterwards tran-
flated to the Primacy of Braga, was Governour
of Portugal for tjvo Years 5 and after that Prefi-
dent of the Council of State of Pi?r/«^^/ at Ma-
drid^ where he died.
Cochim was made a Biihoprick in the Year, 1559.
The firft Bifhop thereof was Dom Jorge Temudo.
The íècond Dom Enrique de Tavara.
The third Dom Mattheo, Theie three were
all tranflated to Goa.
The fourth was Dom Andres^ a Difcaloeat Fran-
cifcan Friar.
THE
THE
P R E F A C
TO T H E
READER.
THE following Synod is printed at
the end of the Hiilory of Dom
Frey Aleixo de Mene:^Sj Archbidiop
of Gods Vification of the Chriftians of Sainc
Tloomas in the Serra or Mountain of Malabar ^
made immediately after the Celebration, and
in purfuance of the Order of the faid Syr
nod ; the Hiilory of which Vifitation was
compos'd by Antonio de Goiivca^ an Auftln
friar ^ and Reader of Divinity in Goa^ at the
Command of the Provincial of his Order
in Portugal, It contains divers things that
are fit for all Proteftants to know ; namely,
the rude and boifterous Methods, that the
^man Prelates, where they may do it with
lafety^make ufc of in the Reduction of thofe
G they
PREFACE.
tliey call Hereticks ; together with clear Con-
firmations of the Truth of what we meet
with in the Fourteenth, and other Decrees of
the Third A<5lion of this Synod j to wit,
That the Three great Dodrines of Popery,
the Topes Supremacy^ Tranfuhftanúaúon^ the
Adoration of Images^ were never believed nor
pradifed at any time in this ancient Apo-
ftolical Church ^ but, on the contrary, were
rejeóled and condemned by her, and that
in her Publick Offices. So that upon what
we learn from this Synod and Hiftory, I
think one may venture to fay, That before
the time of the late Reformation, there was
no Church that we know of, no not that
of the Vaudois., abating that one thing of her
being infeóted with the Herefie of Nejlorius,
of which lOO fhe is cleared by one of the
<l{oman' Communion, that had fo Few Er-
rors in Doólrine, as the Church of Ma-
labar.
If the Synod I here publifli fliould be
well received, as I have reaibn to hope it
will, by all Proteftants, and lovers of Truth,
upon the account of the clear Difcoveries
ic
PREFACE.
it makes of the forementioned Popidi Et-
rors, having never been at any time the
Doctrines of the Univerilil Church, which
vi^e knovi^^ is confidently affirmed, and much
boafted of ^ ani^ for further fatisfaótion in
fo important a Matter, the above-named
Hiftory fhould be defired , I fliall be rea-
dy to tranflate and pubHih it with all ex-
pedition, alone, and in the fame Volume
with this of the Synod ; together with the
beft Account I can procure of the Church
of Malabar y3,nd the other Oriental Churches,
that were never within the Bounds of the
^man Empire ,• for it is in thofe Churches
that we are to expeâ: to meet with the leaft
of the Leaven of Popery.
As to the Synod, to prevent all furmxifes
of its being a Piece either .forged by fom.e
Proteftant,or of no Authority in the Church
of (2^o??2e, tho' fet forth by a Member of her
Communion j I have, together with the
whole Title Page, which tells where, when,
and by whom it was printed, tranflated and
publifhed all the Licences that it came out
wkh : And if any ihould fufpeót theTranf-
G 2 lation,
P PREFACE.
Ution, if they pleafe, they may fatisfie them-
felves of its Fidelity, by having recourfe to
the Original in the Bodleian Library at Ox-
ford i to which, as the fafeft, as well as no-
bleft Repofitory of Books in the World, I
defign to give it.
I have here and there added fome fliort
Remarks upon fome PaíTages, which will
not, I hope, be unacceptable to the Rea-
der,
The
The Doctrines wherein the Church of
Malabar agrees with the Church of Eti-
glandy and differs from that of (?^?we.
I. O He condemns the Pope's "Supremacy,
i3 2. She affirms that the Church of Rome ^
fallen from the true Faith,
3. She denies Tranfubjlantiation^ or that Chriji^s
Body and Blood are really and fnbji anti ally in
the Eucharifl.
4. She condemns Images^ and the Adoration of them
as Idolatrous.
5. She makes no ufe of Oils i?t the Adminijiration
of Baptifm,
6. She allows of no Spiritual Affinity,
7. She denies Purgatory.
8. She denies the neceffity of Auricular Confjflon,
9. She l^nows nothing of Extream TJnãion,
10. She allows her Prieps to Marry as often as they
have a mind^and Ordains fuch m have been mar-
ried three or four times ^ and to Widows ^without
any fcruple,
1 1 . She dinies Matrimony to be a Sacrament.
12. She holds but two Orders^ Priejihood^ and Dia-
conate,
1 5. She Celebrates in Eeavened Bread.
14. She Confccrates with Prayer.
1 5. She denies Confirmation to be a Sacrament,
G 3 /«
In the Account that is giVen of the DoHnnes of
the Church of Malabar, in the Eighteenth
Cha[)ter of the Firjl ^ook of the fiftation^
SRe is iaid, I. Not to adore Images. 2. To
hold but Three Sacraments, Baptifm, the Eu-
charift, and Order. ^. To make no ufe of Oils.
4. To have had no Knowledge of Confirmation
or Extream Unction. 5. To abhor Auricular
Confeilion. 6. To hold many enormous Errors
about the Eucharift, infomuch that the Author
' of the Hiftory faith, he is inclined to believe,
that the Heretickj of our. Times, meaning Pro-
teftants, the revivers of all forgotten Errors, and
Ignorances, might have had their Dodrine a.
bout the Eucharifc from them. 7. To Ordain
luch as have been married feveral times, and to
Widows, and to approve of her Priefts marry-
ing as oit:en as they have a mind. 8. That ihe
abhors the Pope and the Church of Rowe as Anti-
Chriftian, in pretending to a Superiority and Ju-
rifdiition over all other Churches.
A Dio-
A
Diocefan SYNOD
Of the Church and Bifhoprick of
ANGAMALE,
Belonging to the Ancient Chriftians of
St. Thomas in the Serra or. Mountains of
Celebrated by the moft ^yerend Lord Dom Frey
Aleixo de Menezes^ Archbi(Í70p^ Metropolitan
of Goa, Tr'tm^te of the indies , and the See
being "Vacant^ of the ahoye-yiamed ^IjJnfrkky
by Virtue of two briefs of the mofl Holy Fa-
ther Tope Clement 8i/;. on the third Sunday.
after Pentecoft, being the loch. day o/July,
in the Year of our Lord i 5 99. in the Church
of All-Saints, in the Town and I^ingdom of
Diamper, Suhje^ to the I\ing of Cothin,
an Infidel ; in which the f aid BiJI?opricky with
all the Chriflians thereunto belongings Jubmitted
it f elf. to the Tope and the Holy Rom an Church. .
Printed at Conimbra^ in the Shop of Diogo Gomez»
Lanreyro^ Printer to the Univeriity, in the
* Year of our Lord, 1606.
G -4 THE
TH E Father of the Society of Jefus intruded ■with the
revijing of Books in Conimbra, having perufed the
Synod mentioned in the follo'wing Petition, and the Inqmfition
of the faid City having upon his Approbation, given Licence
to VriJit the fame, we do Order, That after it is Printed, it
be., together "with the Book Intituled, The Journey of the
Seira or Mountains, iranfmitted to this Council, that it
may he compared -with the Original^ and Licenfed ; without
which it. Jhall not be m^de puhlick.
Marcos Teixira,
* Ruy Piz de veiga.
I Have perufed this Synod, and to me it appears to be a
Work that deferves to be Printed ; for be fides the found
Doãrine contained therein , it will be of great Ufe and Confo-
lation to all, and very neceffary to the extirpating of the Er-
rors, Schifm, and Herefies /own by Hereticks, and parti-
cularly the Neftorians in the ancient Chrifiiamty, planted in
the Indies by the Apoftle St. Thomas.
Odob. ^^d. 1 505.
Joan Pinto.
BT virtue of a particular CommiJJion to us granted in
this behalf, by the Council of the General Inquiftion
cfthefe Kingdoms i having feen the Information of Father
Joan Pinto, Revifor of jhis City, we give Licence for the
Frinting of the Book Intituled, The Synod, and the Jour-
ney of the Serra ; provided that after it is Printedj it
he fent to the faid Council, to be compared with the Ori-
ginal j and to have leave to be made publick.
Jan. II, 1606.
Joan Alvarez Brandon.
It may be Printed, Conimbra^ 25/^. of Feb. i6oé;
The Biihop Conde»
THE
89
THE
PuBLiGATioN and Calling
OF THE
SYNOD.
OM Frey Aleixo de Menezes, fy the
msrey of God^ and the Holy Roman See^
Archbijhop^ Metropolitan of Goa , Pri-
mate of the Indies, and the Oriental
Partf^ &c. To the Reverend in Chriji , Father
George, Archdeacon of the Chriftians of St. Thomas
in the Serra of the Kingdom i?/Malabar, and to all
other Priejis, Curates^ Deacons and Subdeacons^ and
to all Tovpns^ Villages^ and Hamlets^ and to all Chri-
fiian People of the faid Bifldoprick^ Health in our
Lord Jefus Chriji,
We give you all^ and every one of you in parti-
cular to underftand^ that the moft Holy Father Pope
Clement VIII. our Lord Bifiop of Rome, and Vi-
car of our Lord Jefus Chriji upon earthy at this time
frejiding in the Church of God '^ having fent two
Briefs
o o The Pablícation and Call j no-
/ 0
Briefs dh'e0ed to Z)s, one of the 27 th. í?/Jan. in the
Tear 1 595, and the other of the 2 1{\.. of the fame
Months in the Tear I ^^ J -, in which ^ by virtue of
his Pajhral Office^ and that ZJniverfal Power be-
queathed to the Supream^ Holy and Apoflolical Chair
of St, Peter over all the Churches in the World, by
yefns Chrift the Son of God our Lord and Redeemer^
he . com?nandcd us upon the death of the Archbifiop
Mar- Abraham/^ take Poffejfion of this Church and.Bi-
fjoprick,^ fo as not to fuffer any Bifiop or Prelate
coming pom Babylon, to enter therein, as has been
hitherto the Cuftom, all that come from thence being
Schifmafickj, Heréticas, and Neftorians, out of the
Obedience of the Holy Roman Church, and SubjeB
to the Patriarch of Babylon, the Head of the, [aid
' Hercfji ; and to appoint a Governour or Apoflolical
Vicar to Rule the fiid Diocefs both in Spirituals
and Temporals, until fuch time as the Holy Roman
Church pmll provide it of a proper Paflor 5 which
being read by us, we were defirous to execute the
Apoflolical Mandates with due Reverence and Obe-
dience j befides, that the fame was incumbent on us
of right (the faid Church having no Chapter to take
care of it during the vacancy of the See^ as Metro-
politan and Primate of this and all the other Churches
of the Indies, and the Oriental Parts,
But perceiving that our Mandate in that behalf
had no effeB, what we had ordered, not having been
obeyed in the faid Dijcefs, fo that what our mofl
Holy Father, the Bifhop of Rome, had deflgned, Wits
like to be frujlrated, after having laboured therein for
the fpace of two Tears, Schifm and Difobedicnce to
the
of the S Y N o D. pi
the ApoftoUcal Sce^ having been fo rooted hi that
Diocefs for a great many Tears^ that the Inhabi-
tants thereof, injiead of yielding Obedience to the
Apoftolical^ and Our Mandates 5 on the contrary upon ■
the intimaXion thereof did daily harden themfelves
more and more^ committing greater Ojfences againji
the Obedience due to the Holy Roman Church ^ af-
ter having commended the Matter to God^ and or-
dered the fame to be done through our whole Diocefs^
and. after mature Advice^ by which Methods the
Apoflolical Mandates might be befi executed. 5 and
being alfa moved by the Piety of the People^ and the
Mercy God had fiewn them in having preferved Co
many thoufand Souls in the Faith of our Lord Jefus
Chrift^ from the time that the Holy Apojile St. Tho-
mas had Preached^ to them until this day^ notivith-
flanding their having lived ' among fi many
~ Heathens^ and. been fcattered in divers places^ their
Churches and all belonging to them, having been al-
ways fub'jeci to idolatrous Kings and Princes ^ 'and
7?icompaJfd with Idols and Pagods^ and that with- .
out holding any correfpondence with any other Chri-
ftians before the coming of the Porcuguczes into
thefe Parts 5 we being Ukevpife d.cjirous that the La-
bours of the Holy Apojile St. Thomas, which ftiU
remained among them, fiould not be loft for want of
found Docirine'-i and that the J^poftolical Aiundatcs
might nat be frujirated,- did determine, and having
provided for the Government of our own Church
during our abfence, did prepare to go in Pcrfon la
take Poffejfon of the far d Bifjoprick^, to fee ifhy
our Prefence we might be able to reduce them to
the
pi The Publication and Calling
the Obedietice of the Holy Roman Churchy mnd purge
put the Herefes and falje Doãrines fown among
themy and introduced by the Schifmatical Prelates^
and Neftorian Heretic ks that had governed them
under the Obedience of the Patriarch of Babylon j
as alfo to call in and purge the Bookj containing
thofe Herejtes 5 and according to our Pafloral Du-
ty^ fo far as God fiould enable us^ to Preach to
them in Perfon the CatholicJ^ Truth.
Accordingly going into the f aid Bifioprick^^we fet a-
hout vifiting the Churches thereof'-, but' at that time
Satan^ the great Enemy of the good of Souls ^ having
Jlirred up great Commotions^ and much oppofition
againft this our juft intent^ great numbers departs
ing from us^ and forming a Schifm agai/;Jl the Holy
Roman Churchy after having pajfed through many
troubles and dangers^ out of all which God of his
great mercy ^ not remembring our fins and evil deeds ^
was pleafcd to deliver us^ and to grant us an intire
Peace for the Merits of the glorious Apoftle St.
Thomas the Patron of this Chriftianity^ but chiefly
of his own great Clemency and Mercy ^ which makes^
that he doth not delight in the death of a (inner,
buc rather that he (liould return and lives
and by coming all to the light of the Truth, may
joyn with us in the Confejfion of the Catholick^ Faith^
approving our Do&rine and Intention^and fubmitting
themjelves to the Obedience of the Holy Roman
Church ; which being by us obferved^ after having
returned Thanks to God, we thought fit, in order
to the compajjing and fe cur ing of all thofe good
Effeãs^ to affembk a Diocefan Synod in fome com-
modioHs
of the S Y N o D. pj
modioHs place near the middle of the faid Diocefs^
thereto Treat of all fuch Matters as are convenient
for the himour ofGod^ the exaltation of the Holy
CatholickJFaith and Divine Wer(hip-, the good, of the
Churchy the extirpation of Vice ^ the Reforma-
tion of the Chriflians of the faid Diocefs^ and the
profit and peace of their Souls 5 to which end ha-
ving pitched upon the Town and Church of Diam-
per,
We do hereby let all the Inhabitants and Chrifli-
ans of the faid Bijhoprick^^ as well Ecclefiafiickj as
Laick/^ of what State or Condition foever^ to un-
derjiand^ that we do call and afiemble a Diocefin
Synod in the faid Town of Diamper, on the loth,
of June of this prefent Tear 1599, being the Third
Sunday after Whitiuntide 5 and do therefore, by
Virtue of holy Obedience, and upon pain of Excom-
munication, latse Sententise, Command the Reverend
the Arch-Deacon of this Diocefs, and all the other
Priejis of the fame, that fid all not be hindered by
Age, or fome other jujl Impediment, to be pre fen f
in the faid Town of Diamper, there with m to ce-
lebrate a Diocefan Synod conformable to the Holy
Canons : And whereas, by immemorial Cujiom, and'
a Right introduced into thk Diocefs from its Begin-
ning, and confented to by all the Infidel ICings of
Malabar, the whole Government as it were, and the
Cognizance of all Matters wherein Chriflians are a-
ny ways concerned , has belonged to the Church, and
the Prelate thereof:^ and it having likewife been
an ancient Cuflom in the fame, to give an Account
to the People of whatfoever has keen ordained in
th%
94 Ths Publication and Calling
the Churchy in order to its bewg the better ohferved
by ail: We do therefore under the fame Precept af^d
Cetifure^ command all Chrifians in all Towns af^d
ViUages of this BiJIooprick^ 5 and where there are no
Villages , all that ufe to ajfjemble together at any
Church as belonging to it , immediately upon this
cur Pleafure being intimated to them , to chufe
Four of the moft Honourable^ Confcientious^ and Ex-
perienced Perfons among them^ to come in their
Name at the faid time , to the faid Synod , with
fuf^cient Power i to Approve^ «S"/^^, Confirm^ and
Confult in their Name^ fo as to oblige themfelves
thereby to comply with whatfoever fjall be deter-
mined in the Synod, And that thefe Commijjioners
may demand or propofe whatfoever they foall judge
to be of Import anee to the Synod^ and for the Spiri-
tual or Temporal Good of their People ; We do grant
free Liberty to all in this Diocefs^ as well 'Ecclefia-
ftichj as Laickfj that have any Complaints]^ Grie-
vances^ or Controverfes about any fitch Matters as
are decidable by the Prelate^ or other Chrijlians^ to
reprefent the fame to the Synod :, where they fiall
be heard with Patience , and have Jujiice done
them according to the Sacred Canons^ Cufioms^ and
lawful ZJjages of the Country,
And whereas we are informed that there are fe-
veral things in this Bijlwprick^ which are the Caufes of
great Contentions^ we do therefore not only give leave j
hut da alfo admoniJI) and command all that are
concerned in any fitch Matters , that forbearing
all other ways that are prejudicial to Chrijiiani-
of the Synod. pç
ty , they do noro wake tife of this jnji and holy
way of pitting an end to all their Debates : And
fince to bring all thefe things to a good ijfde the
favour and ajfiftance cf God is necejfary ^ from
■whom all good things do -proceed , and voithout
whom Tve can do nothings wherefore to engage the Di-
vine Clemency by Prayer to be favourable to us^
following the laudable Cujlom of the Holy Fathers^
and Ancient Councils^ we do Admon/fi ^ and in
the Name of God earneflly reqitefl^ all the faithful
Chrijiians of this BiJJjoprick,^ pom this time for-
ward t/ntil the end of the Synod^ to exercife them-
felves with a pure and clean hearty in Fafling^
Alms^ Prayer^ and other worhj of Piety ^ inftant-
ly hefeeching God to enlighten the Z)nderjiandings
of all that fiall meet together^ and fo to enflame our
Wills with Divine Love^ that we may determine
nothing but what is right , and may obferve and
comply with whatfoever fiall be Decreed 5 talking
for our httercejfor^ our Lady the 7noji Holy Vir-
gin Mary, of whofe Praife and Honour we are fo
Treat particularly 5 as alfo the Glorious Apoftle
St. Thomas, the Mafler^ Patron , and Proteãor
of this Church ^ and all the other Saints in Hea-
ven^ that fo this Synod may begin, and proceed in
Peace and univerfal Concord, a;ià may end to the
Praife^ Honour, and Glory of God our Ford /»**
ever. And that this our Publication of a Dio-
cefan Synod may come to the knowledge of all
that are concerned, we Will and Command it to
be Read in all the Churches of this Bifiopriç^ to
the People on the Sunday next after the intimdtioft
there-
p6 The Publication and Calling, ^c,
thereof to the Curates^ and after that, to be fix^
ed to the Gates of the Church.
Dated from Chanotta^ the \\th. of May^ under
our Seal, and the Great Seal of our Chan^
eery, and Written by Andre Cerqueira , Se-
cretary to the moft Illuftrious Archbiihop
and Primate, in the Year 1599.
Pny Aleixo Arcehispo^ Grimas,
fr H E
97
THE
ACTS and DECREES
o F T H %y
SYNOD of Diamper.
Action I»
N the Name of the mofl: Holy and undivided
Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghofr, in
the Year of cur Lord 1599, on the 20th of Jfinc^
hún^xhQÚúià Sunday after WhitfH?itJde^ in the fe-
venth Year of the Pontificate of our moft holy
Lord, Clewent Vlll. the Supreme ^.oman Biiliop,
and in the firft Year of the Reign of the Catho-
lick King Fhiljp^ the Second Ring of Portugal^ and
Jlgarvefj and of MaUtcco ^ the lUuftrious Lord
JDom Francifco da. Gama Conde de Vidigeyra^ Ad-
miral of the Indie i^ being Vice-roy in the Town
OÍ Diamper^ fubject to the King oí Cochim^ an in-
fidel and Heathen, in the Church of AU-Sujnts^
in the Biihoprick of Angamale of the Chriftians
of St. Thorn O'S in the Serra of Malabar^ the See
being vacant by the death of the Arch-Bifliop
p8
The Acls and Decrees
M^ir-Ahrahãm^ there aílemblcd in a Dioceían Sy-
nod according i£> the Holy Canons, the moil II-
luflrions and moft Reverend Lord Dom Frey A-
leixo dc Meficzes^ Arch-Biihop Metropolitan of
Goa^ Primate of the Indies^ and the Oriental
Parts, together with all the Priefts and Curates
of the faid Bifhoprick ^ and the Procurators of
all the Towns and Corporations in the Htme, with
great Numbers of other Perfons belonging to the
faid Church, and called to the faid Synod by the
moil Reverend Metropolitan : Where, after ha-
ving given Thanks to God for his having extin-
gui fned and compofed all the Alterations and
Commotions by which Satan^ the Enemy to all .
that is Good, had endeavoured to hinder the af-
fembling of this Synod 3 and being all filled with
Joy, to íèe themfelyes met together to Treat of
things pertaining to the Service of God, the Pu-
rity of the Faith, and the Good of Chriftianity
and their own Souls , the moft lUuftrious Me-
tropolitan did celebrate the Solemn Mafs for the
removing oi: Schifm, as it is in the Roma?i Miilal 3
and having preached to the People to the fame
purpofe, the Mafs being ended , he re-invefted
himfeU in his Pontifical Robes, and read the Of-
fice for the beginning of a Synod, as it is in the
Koman Pontifical 5 which being over, and the
Metropolitan íèated in his Chair, with all the Ec~
clefiafticks and Secular Procurators about him in
their order, he told them, That he celebrated
this Holy Synod by Virtue of two Briefs of the
Holy Father our Lord Pope Clement VUL in
which
of the Synod of Diamper. 99
which his Holinefs had recommended to him
the Government of that Church, after the death
of the Arch-Biihop 2^arahran, \m\'ú liich time as
it ihould be provided of a Paftor and Prtiate^
befides, that the fame belonged to him as the Me-
tropolitan thereof, and Primate of the Indies^
and all the Oriental Parts, by the Canons, the
See thereof being vacant, and it having no Chap-
ter to take care of it during the vacrmcyô which
Briefs being faithfully tranflated into the 24aLz-
bar Tongue, were immediately read, and recei-
ved with that Reverence and Obedience that
was due to them : A/ter which the Lord Metro-
politan told them, That feeing he had but little
knowledge of the Malabar Tongue, it Was ne-
cefiàry for him to have {^ome. faithful Perron,and
that was well verfed in Eccleiiaftical Affairs, to
relate truly in the Congregations what he fliould
fay, or what fnculd be fpoke to him: Where-
upon Jacob, a Pfiefl, and Curate of the Church
of Pallurtc in the faid Biihoprick, n Perfon well
skilled both in the l-^ortifgueze and ALilahr Lan-
guages, was prefently pitched upon bv commcn
Confent 0 who being called by the Lord Metropo-
litan, was charged by him with the Office of In-
terpreter to himfelf and the Holy Synod, giving
him an Oath at the fame time upon the" Holy
Gofpels, well and faithfully to diicharge the
faid Office, and truly and exactly to relate all that
fhould be laid by his Lordlhip or any o:her Per-
fon in the Synod, without any addition or dimi-
rxiition 5 as alfo to read in the Congregations
H 2 all
loo The Jcis and 'Decrees
all the Decrees and Determinations of the Synods
which were to be in the Malabar Tongue : And
whereas Truth it felf has teftified. That in the
mouth of two or three there is all Truth 5 there-
fore for the greater iecurity, there were given to
the faid Interpreter, by the mod Reverend Me-
tropolitan, as AiTiftants, the Reverend Fathers,
«... r. J '^' Fraticifco Roz^dSià Antonio Tof-
*^ He was aftef wards r^ A ■ c t r
made Biihop of the cano ot the Society or Jeius
chriiTians of St. no- in the College of Vaipcotta.
"^'** . in this Diocefs, who being well
skilled in the Malabar Tongue , were to ob-
ierve all that was related by the Interpreter, and
in cafe he was at any time faulty, to corred him j
there were beiides feveral others prefent, Natives
2s vi^ell as Tortiigiiezes^ that were well vers'd in
both Languages.
Decree I.
THe Congregation being met, and all placed
according to their Order, the Metropoli-
tan feated in his Chair, faid, In the Name of the
Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft, Three Perfons and
One only True God. Amen.
My beloved Brethren , you the Venerable
Prieits, and my moft dear Sons in ChriO:, you the
Repreicntatives and Procurators of the People,
Does it plcafe you, that for the Praife and Glory
of the Holy and undivided Trinity, the Father,
Son, and Holy Ghoft, and for the Increafe and
Exaltation, of the Catholick Faith, and the Chri-
ftian Religion, of the Inhabitants of this Bifliop-
rick,
of the S Y N o D of Diamper. i o i
rick, and for the deftrudion of the Herefies and
Errors which have been Town therein by feveral
Hereticks and Schifmaticks, and for the purging
of Books from the falfc Ooftrines contained in
them, and for the perfecl: Union of this Church
with the whole Church Catholick and Univerfal,
and for the yielding of Obedience to the Supreme
Bifhop of Rome, the llniverCil Paftor of the
Church, and Succeilor in the Chair of St. Pete)\
and Vicar of Chrift upon Earth, from whom you
have for fome time departed, and for the extir-
pation of Simony, which has been much pra-
difed in this Bifíioprick, and for the regulating
of the iVdminiftrarion of the Holy Sacraments
of the Church, and the necefiary Ufe of them,
and for the Reformation of the Affairs of the
Church and the Clergy, and the Cuftoms of all
the Chriftian People of this Diocefs -■, We fhould
begin a Diocefan Synod of this Biilioprick of
the Scrrd ^ They anAvered, It pleafeth us. Then
the mod Reverend Metropolitan aiked them a-
gain 5 Venerable Brethren, and moft beloved Sons
in Chrift, iince you arepleafedto begin a Synod,
after having offered Prayers to God, from whom
all Good proceedeth, it will be convenient, that
the Matters to be treated of appertaining to our
Holy Faith, the Church, the Divine Offices, the
Adminiftration of the Holy Sacraments, and the
Cuftoms of the v;hole People, be entertained by
you with Benignity and Charity, and afterwards
by God's Aiuftance comiplied with, with much
Reverence ■, and that every one of you fhould
H 3 faiih-
102 The Acls ana Decrees
faithfally procure the Reformation of fuch things
in this Synod as you know to be amifs, and if a- -
ny that are preftnt (hou'd happen to be diúàtií^
fíed with any thing that iliall be faid or done
therein, let them without any fcruple declare
their Opinion publickly, that fo by God's Grace
3t may be examined, and all things may be truly
itated as is deiired , but let not Strife or Con-
tention find any room among you to the per-
verting of Juftice and Reafon , neither be ye
afraid of iearching after and embracing the Truth.
Decree ii.
npHe Synod by Virtue of Holy Obedience, and
-^ upon pain of Excommunication to be in-
curred ipfofião^ does comm.and all Perfcns what-
ioever, Ecclefiaftical and Secular, that have been
called to, and are prefent at this Synod, not to de-
part the Town of Diamper^ where the faid Sy-
nod is celebrated, without exprefs leave from
themoft lUuftrious Metropolitan, before the Sy-
nod is ended, and they have Ogned the Decrees
thereof with their own Hand, or till all the reft
are difmifb'd: The Synod does likewife Requeft
and Comm.and all that have any Matter that is
fitting to be offered to it for the Advancement
of God's Honour, and the Good of the Chriftians
of this Eiihoprick, to acquaint the Metropolitan
therewith, either by Word or Writing, or fome
Third Perfcn, that fo what is convenient may be
determined therein.
Decree
of the S Y NOD of Diamper. lo]
Decree in.
E it known and declared to all prefent and
_ abfent, That no prejudice ihall be done,or
follow to any Town, Corporation, or Village, as
to any Preeminence they may pretend to, by
the celebration of this Synod in the Town of
Diamper ; as alfo that no Church, or Perfon fhail
fuffer by reafon of the Places they fit in, in this
Synod, but Ihali have their Rights and Privileges,
in the fame ftate and vigour that they were in be-
for/e^ and if any Doubts fnould happen to ariie
about this or any fuch Matter , let them be
brought before the Illuftrious Metropolitan 5
Vi^here both Parties being heard, they ihall have
Juftice done them.
Decree iv..
'"T'Tlis Synod knowing that all that is Good is
-*- fi-om God,and that every perfed Giftcometh
down from the Father of Light, v/hogiveth per-
fect Wifdom to thoíè that with an humble Heart
pray for it; and being wiilial íèníible that 'the
beginning of true Wifdom is the fear of the Lord ^
we do admoniib and command all Chriftians, as
well Eccleiiafticks as Seculars gathered toi^ether "
in this Place, to contefs their Sins with a true
contrition for them, and all Pritfts to iay Mais",
and others to receive the moil Holy Sacrament
of the Altar, befeeching our Lord w-ith humble
H 4 aad
1 04 TJ;^ /^^^ ^«^ Decrees
and devout Prayers for good Succefs to all that
fhall be Treated of in this Synod ; to which in-
tent, there ftiall be two iblemn Maííès faid in the
Church every day during the Seííion of the Sy-
nod , one of the Latws to the Holy Spirit, and
the other of the Syrians to our Lady the Blefied
Virgin Mary^ whofe Praife and Honour is to be
particularly Treated of, which Maííès íliall be
faid at fuch hours as to be no hindrance to the
Congregations, which henceforward ihall meet
every day in the Church at Seven in the Morning,
They iliall likewife, Latins as well as Syrians^ e-
very day after Sun-fet Sing the folemn Litanies
of the Church, with a Commemoration of our
Lady for the good intention of the Syncd,
T>mzz V.
THE Synod, for the preventing of fome
Inconveniences that may otherwife hap-
pen, and to leave no room for unneceiTary and
hurtful Debates, does command by virtue of
Obedience, and upon pain of Excommunication
to be ipfo faUo incurred. That while the Con-
gregations laft, no Perfon whatfoever, Ecclcfia-
ftick or Secular, prefume to meet together in any
Jun6èoes with any Perfons, Eccleiiafticks or Secu-
lars, to Treat of any Matters appertaining to the
Synod, or this Church, without exprefs Licence
from the moft llluftrious Metropolitan 5 that fo
all that is deiired, may be handled publickly,
and in the Congregation , thofe Meetings only
cxcep-
of the Synod of Diamper. 105
excepted which are kept by the People in mdtr
to their propofing of Matters to be confulted a-
bout, according to ancient Cuftom, and the Or-
der of the faid Metropolitan.
A C T I o N 11.
^^N the fecond Day after the finging of the
^^ Antjphony^ Pfalm, Prayers, and Hymn, as
they are in the Roman Pontifical^ the moft Reve-
rend Metropolitan being feated in his Chair, ílúd.
Venerable and Beloved Brethren, the Priefts, and
you my deareft Sons in Chrift, the Procurators
and Reprefentatives ot the People, We having
done Httle more Yeilerday than celebrate the
Divine Offices, and Preach to the People, it is
fit we ihould begin to Day to Treat ot Matters
appertaining to the Synod. In the firft place,
of thofe that belong to the Integrity and Truth
of our Holy Catholick Faith, and the ProfeiTion
of the fame , which before we go about, I do
again admonifh you in our Lord Jefus Chrift,
that all fuch things as you fhall judge to (land
in need of Reformation in this Eifhoprick, or
any part thereof, may be iignified to us, or to
the Congregation, that fo with the Divine fa-
vour and affiftance, ail things by your Diligence
and Charity, may be brought into fo good Eftate
as is defircd, for the praiie of the Name of our
Lord Jefu^ Chrift.
1 o6 ^ The J^s and Decrees
W
Decree il.
THat this Synod may in all things Govern it
felf according to the Diredbions of the
Holy Canons, and tread in the Footfteps of the
Holy General Councils, and particularly of the
Holy Council of Trent, upon the knowledge it
has of the Neceilities of this Church, and of the
diveriity of Opinions that have been hitherto
therein concerning Matters of our Holy Catho-
lick Faith, and of the Errors contrary thereunto,
which have been ibwed in this Diocefs by Hereticks
and Schifmaticks : it doth command all Perfons
Ecclefiafticks and Seculars, called hither, either in
their own Name,or in the Name of others,Eccl.eii-
afticks or Laicks, of this Bifhoprick, to make Pro-
feííion and Oath of the following Faith, in the
hands of the moil: lllufcrious Metropolitan, Pre-
iident of this Synod : And for the more eifeftual
execution of this Decree, and to provoke others
by his own Example, the moft Illuftrious Metro-
pohtan having robed himíèlf in his Pontificals,
but without his Mitre, kneeling down before the
Altar, and having laid his hands upon a Crois
that was upon a Book of the Gofpels, did in his
own Name, as the preient Prelate and Metro-
politan of the Dioceé, and in the Name of all
the Chriftians belonging to the íàm.e, and every
Perfon thereof. Secular and Eccleíiaíiick, make
Profeffion and Oath of the Faith following, which
was immediately declared to all that were prefent.
The
of the Synod of Diamper. 107
Tk Trofij/ion and Oath of the Faith,
"N the Name of the moil Holy and undivided
_ Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft, one
only true God, in the Year of our Lord, 1599,
in the Seventh Year of the Pontificate of our moft
Holy Lord Ckmefit VilL Biihop of Romc^ in the
Town of Diamper^ in the Kingdom of Malabar^
in the Eafl'hidies^m the Church of Ail- Sai fit s^ on
the 21 fl. of Jnne^ in a Dioceian Synod of the
Biihoprick of Serra^ Aílèmbled by the moft lllu-
ftrious and Reverend Lord Dom Frey Aleixo de
Menezes , Arch-Biíhop Metropolitan of Goa. ,
and the Oriental Parts, and the See being vacant,
of the faid Biihoprick 5
I N, do of my own free Will, without any
manner of force and conftraint, for the Salva-
tion of my Soul, believing it in my heart, pro-
teffc , that with a firm Faith Í do believe, and
confefs, all and every one of the Articles con-
tained in the Symbol of Faith which is ufed
in Holy Mother Roman Church.
I believe in one God tke Father Jlmighty^ Ma^
k§r of Heaven and Earthy and of all things vifble
and invifible :
And in one Lord Jefis Chrifl^ the only begotten
Son of God^ begotten of his Father before all Worlds ^^
God ofGod^ Light of Lights very God of very God^
begotten^ not made^ being of one fibjiance with the
Father^ by whom all things were made : Who fir
us
io8 The AHs and decrees
Hs Men^ and for our Salvation^ came down from
Heaven^ and was Incarnate by the Holy Ghoft of
the Virgin Mary, and was made Man^ and was
Crucified alfo for us under Pontius Pilate \ He
fuffkred and was buried^ and the third day he rofe
again according to the Scriptures^ and afcended into
Heaven^ and fitteth on the right hand of the
Father , atid he fiall come again with Glory to
Judge both the ^ick^ and the Dead: whofe
Kingdom fiall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghoft^ the Lord and
giver of Lifc^ who proceedeth from the Father^ and
the Son^ who ivith the Father and the Son together
is worJJnpped and glorified^ who fpake by the Pro-
phets. And I believe one Catholick^ and ApofloUck^
Church ^ 1 acknowledge one Baptifm, for the remijji-
on of Sins '-) and 1 look^ for the Refurre&ion of the
Dead 5 and the Life of the World to come,
I do firmly receive and embrace all Apoíloli-
cal and Ecclefiaftical Traditions, and all the Ob-
fervances and Conftitutions of the faid Church ,
I admit the Holy Scriptures in that fence wherein
it has ever been , and is ftill held by Mother
Church, to vi^hom it belongeth to judge of the
true Sence and Interpretation of the Holy Scrip-
tures '-) neither will I either receive or interpret
it but according to the unanimous confent. of
the Fathers.
I do conf-eTs likcvvife, that there are Seven true
and proper Sacraments of the New Teftament,
inftitutcd by Chrift our Lord, which areall necef-
fary
of the Synod 0/ Diamper. top
fary to the health of Mankind, tho' not to every
particular Perfon 5 they are, Baptifm, Confirma-
tion, the Eucharift, Order, Penance, Matrimo-
ny, and Extream Undtion, which do all conferf
Grace on thofe that receive them worthily 5 and
of thefe feven Sacraments, that Baptifm, Confir-
mation, and Orders, are to be received but once,
neither can they be repeated without great Sa-
crilege.
I admit and receive all the Cuftoms, Rites,
and Ceremonies, received and approved of in
the Roman Church, in the folemn Adminiftration
of the faid feven Sacraments, and do alfo receive
and embrace all in general, and every thing in
particular, that has been defined and declared
concerning Original Sin, and Juftification, in the
Holy Council of Trent,
I do hkewife confefs, that in the Mafs there
is ofFer'd to God a true and proper Sacrifice
of Pardon both for the Quick and the Dead 5
and that in the mcft Holy Sacrament of the Eu-
charift, there is the true , real , and fubftantial
Body and Blood, together with the Soul and Di-
vinity of our Lord Jefas Chrift^ and that
the whole fubftance of the Bread is by Coníè-
cration turned into the Body of Chrift, and the
vv^hole fubftance of the Wine into his Blood 5
which Converfion the Catholick Church calls
TranfithflantJation : Moreover, I do confeis, that
under each Species Chrift is entire, and the true
Sacrament is received.
I
lio T7;e Aãs and Decrees
I do conftantly hold and confefs, that there is
a * purgatory , and that the Souls which are
cleanfing from their Sins, do receive benefit from
the Prayers and Devotions of the Faithful.
I do like wife affirm, that f the Souls of the Juft
* idltrgatD^P»] John Fifjer,
Bifhop of Rochejter^m his 1 8ifc Ar-
ticle againft Luthir, does acknow-
ledge the Dodrine of Purgatory to
be an Article of Faith of no long
{landing in the Church. Multa
finquit^ fmt deqmbus inpriwitiva
EcclefiÀ nulla quxflio faãura fuerat ,
qnx tamen poller tor um diligentlly
fubortif dub'ttathnibm jam evoferunt
perfpkua. Nemo cert è jam duhitat Or-
thodoxw an Purgatorium fit, de quo
tamen apud prifcos illos nulla, vel
qnàm rarijjima fiebat mentio^fed ^
Gr<ecU ad hunc ufque diem, mn eji
credit um Purgatorium ejje. Leg.tt
qui velit Gritcorum veterum Commen-
tarios, iff nullum fquantum opinorj
aut quàm rarijjlmum de Purgatório
fermonem inveniet. Quamdiu enim
nu'Ja fuerat de Purgatório cura -, Ne-
mo qusfivit Iniulgentias, nam ex
ilh pendet omnis Indulgentiarum ex-
tjiimatio j quum itaque Pugatorium
t am fero cognitum ac receptum Eccle-
fiitfuerit univerfe, quit jam de Indul-
gentiis mirari poteft quod in principio
nafcentis Eccleft^ nuUw fuerat ea-
rum ufi44, coeperunt igitur Indulgen-
tͣ,poftquam ad Purgatmii cruciattti
aliquando trepidatum ell.
t m)t ^OUl0 of tl)t luno
This was the common Opinion of
the Ancient Fathers j namely,
Iien£tti 3X. the end of his ^i/jBookj
Jujiin. Qiiicfi.qSth, TertuUian in his
4f A Book againft Marcion i Ori^en
in his "jtb Homily upon Levitictti,
and a great many other places i
Laãantiw in the 2 1/? Chap, of his
1th Book j Viãorinw in his Com-
mentary upon the words, I far»
under the Altar ; Ambrofiw in- his
zd Book oiCain and Abel; Chryfo-
flom in his ^pi/rHomily upon thofe
words, If in thU life only^ in the
\ft to the Corinth. The Author
of the fmperfeft Work , in his
^\tb Homily upon St. Matthew '^
Auflin in his Enarration upon the
26th Pfalm i Theodoret in his Com-
mentaries upon the v\th to the
Heb. Oecumenins in his Commen-
taries upon the fame place j TIko-
phylaã in his Commentaries upon
the 2^d of St. Lul(e j Aretha on
thofe words, fJorv long, 0 Lord, &c.
Euthymiw upon the 2-s,d of St.
Lul(e j and Bernard in his Sermon
upon All-Saints day : And to Pope
/o^'n the 2 2^ being charged witli
having believed this Doftrine,
Bellarmin returns the following
Anfwer, Joannem hunc zzdum.
reverá, fenfijfs Animas nm xifuras
Deum nifi pofl refurreãionem, CAtc-
rum hoc fenfijfe quando adhttc fentire
licebat fine periculo H^refis, nulla
enim adhu'c pr.tcejprat Ecckfit de-
finitio. Which Confellion makes
the Doftrines of praying to Saints,
and of Purgatcry, and of Indul-
gences, to be very new Articles
of Faith.
and
of the Synod of Diattiper. 1 1 1
and Faithful, which at their departure out of this
Life, have entirely fatisfied for the Puniíhment
due to the Sins that they have committed 5 as alfo
thofe in Purgatory which have made an end of fatis-
fying for their fins according to the Divine Pleafure
and Ordination 5 as alfo thofe who after Baptifm
have committed no Sin , do at the moment of
their death go immediately into Heaven, where
they behold God as he is : And I do condemn,
and anathematize the Herefy of thoie, who think
that the Souls of the Juft are in' a Terreftrial Pa-
radife till the day of Judgment 5 and that the
Damned are not Tormented any otherwife than
by the certainty they have of the Torments they
are to enter into after the day of Judgment, r
And I do confefs, and affirm , that the Saints
now reigning with Chrift in Heaven, are to be
Reverenced, and Invoked, and that they offer
Prayers to Gqd for us, whofe Relicks are like-
wiíè to be reverenced on Earth : And moreover,
that the "^ Images of our Lord ChrifV, açdof our
Lady the Glorious Virgin Marj/^ and of all the
other Saints, are to be kept, ufed, and reve-
renced, with due Honour and Veneration.
* !31niagP0»] Gyraldui^ a Le»r- idárà [mus ea fuerit Njfpocrati <^
net! Pa pi ft, in the igf/j Page of Angeronx covfignare •■, iUud certè nan
the Hiftory of the Gcdf, fpcaking prdirermittam^ Nos dko Chrifliams^
of InMgcs in the Cliurch of KomCy ut aliqHando Komanos^fiaffc fine Ima-
faith, At de ijliufmodi magU tm- ginibM in primitiva^ qmt x'ocatur,
tire pojfumHí, quam palam loqui, Eçclefià. ■
1 1 1 TIjC Jãs and Decrees
I do alio believe, that our Lady the moft Holy
Virgin Mary is the proper and true Mother of
God, and ought to be called ib by the Faithful^
for having brought forth according to the Fleib,
without any pain or pailion, the true Son of God,
and that (he always continued a Virgin, in, and
after her Deliverance, having never been defiled
by any aftual Sin.
I do confefs, that the power of granting In-
dulgences was left to the Church by our Lord
Jefus Chrift ^ the ufe whereof I do affirm to be
healthful and profitable to all Chriftian People.
I do acknowledge the Holy, Catholick, and
Apoftolick Roman Church to be the Head, Mo-
ther and Miftrefs of all other Churches in the
World 5 and do hold all that are not fubjed and
obedient to her, to be Heretical, Schifmatical,
and difobedient to our Lord Jefus Chrift, and his
Commands, and to the Order that he left in the
Church, and to be Aliens from Eterrfal Salvation.
I do promiíè and (wear true Obedience to
the Pope, the Roman Biihop, the Succeflbr of
the Bleiied Prince of the Apoftles St. Pe/er, and
Vicar of our Lord Jefus Chrift on earth, the Head
of the whole Church on earth, and Doftor and
Mafter of the fame, and the Father, Prelate, and
Paftor of all Chriftians 5 and do confefs, that all
who deny Obedience to the faid Roman Bifliop,
the Vicar of Chrift, are TranfgreiTors of the
Divine Commands, and cannot attain to Eter-
nal Life.
1
of the Synod of Diamper. i i 3
I do without any fcruple receive, approve, and
confeis all other Matters, defined and declared
in the Sacred Canons, and General Councils,
and chiefly in the Holy Council of Treat 5 and dó
in the fame manner condemn, reje£r, and anathe-
matize every thing that is contrary to the fame 5
together with all Heretics condemned, rejeded
and anathematized by thefaid Church 5 Namely^
the Diabolical and perverfe Herefie of Neflorim^
together with its perveríè Author Ne/?í??7Ã'if, and.
its falfe Teachers "^ Theodorusdi'^a'^ Dlodorns^ and
all that have and do follow it, who being per-
fwaded and feduced by the Devi], do impiouily
maintain, That our Lord and Saviour Chriii:
* 2ni)E0D0^llSi.] They Pnould
not have been fo hard upon Theo-
dorw^ioT Pope Hononi4i\ f4ke,who
by Name was condemned toge-
ther with him[by the 5ÍÃ. Gene-
ral Council 5 and^I am miftakcn,
if Pighiuiy and fome other Popiih
Writers, have not for that very
reafon laboured hard to vindicate
Theidorus's Memory.
t ?2)iOtlOJUSi.] Dm Pin in his
£^tk. Century of Chriftianity, p.
189. faith : As to what concerns
his Doârine of the Incarnation, we
could better judge of it, if we
had his Books ; bat there is no
great probability, that one who
was praifed, efteemed and che-^
riihed by Meletiw, Sz. Bafil^ St.
Gregory Navan^en, Sz.EpiphaniuSy
and even by St. AthanafiuSy and
his Succeffors Peter and Timor hj
of Alexandria ^ who was alfo con-
Udered in ii General Council as
one of the moíí Learned and moil
Orthodox Bifhops of all the Eaft y
and in ihort, who was Mafier to
Sc. Chryfofiom, ihould be guilty of
fo grofs an Error as that oí Nú^
JioiíHí, 'Tis true, that iie hid for
his Scholar tkeodonii of Afopfue-
Jiiay and that he was accufed of
the fame Error with Nejloriw^
and that he was condemned as
convifted of this Error alter his
Death in tlie '^th. Council. Buc
befides, that there have been fome
Ferfons who have undertaken to
juftifie him : Yet if it fliould be
granted chat he was guilty of this
Error, it would not f jIIow that
he learned it of his Mailer, iince
we daily fee Heretical Difciples
who have had Orthodox Mailers.
Should not the Faich of 5r, Chry-
foftom rather ferve co jallifie Dio-
doruf, than the Error of Jheodc-
ruí £ò condemn him .'
I
Gon-
1 1 4 The Jãs and Decrees
confifts of Two Perfons, afErmmg the Divine
Word not to have taken the Fleih into a Unity
of Per ion with it felf, but only to have dwelt
therein as in a Temple, and fo will not fay,
that God was Incarnate, or that our Lady, the
moft Blefled Virgin M^;7,was the Mother of God,
but only the Mother of Chrift , all which I re-
je8:, condemn and anathematize as Diabolical He-
refies 5 and dobeheve, and embrace, and approve
of all that was determined about this Matter, in
the Council of Ephefm^ confifting of two hun-
dred Fathers, in which by order of Celeftine ift,
Bifhop of Rome^ the Bleílèd St. Cyril^ Patriarch
of Alexa?idria^ was Preiidcnt, whom I acknow-
ledge to be a Saint now enjoying God, and that
all that blafpheme him are in a ftate of Damnation.
Moreover, I do condemn all that fay, that the
Paffion of our Saviour ought not to be menti-
oned, and that it is an Injury to him to do it 5
on the contrary, I do believe and confeis, that
the Confideration and Difcourfes thereof are ho*
ly, and of benefit to Souls.
I do likewife confefs and believe, that in pure
Chriftianity there is only one Law of our Lord
Jefus Chrift, true God, and true Man 5 in like
manneras there is no more than one only trueGod,
one only Faith,andone only Baptifm 5 which one
onlyLavv was preached by all thebolyApoftles,and
theirDifciples andSuccefíòrs after the fame manner.
I do therefore condemn and rejed all thoíè who
ignorantly teach, That there was one Law of S*!.
Thomas y
of the Synod of Diamper. 1 1 5
Thomas^ and another Law of St. Peter^ and that
they are fo different as not to have any thing to
do with one another^as alio all other Hereíics and
Errors condemned by Holy Mother Church. This
true and Catholick Faith, out of which there is-
no Salvation, and Vv^hich at prefent I do of my
own free Will, profeis and truly hold and be-
lieve, I fhall with the help of God endeavour to
keep entire, and undefiled to my laft breath ^ and
conftantly to hold and profeis, and to procure
its being held, profeííed, preached, and taught
by all that are fubjed to me, or that fhall be any
ways under my care. I N. do promife and vow
to God, and Swear to this Holy Crofs of our
Lord Chrift : So help me God, and the Contents
ofthis Gofpel"*".
I do alio Promife, Vow and Swear to God,
this Crois, and thefe Holy Gofpels, never to re»
ceive into this Church and Biilioprick of the.S'er-
r^, any Bifhop, Archbiiliop, Prelate, Paftor or
Governour whatfoever, but whatihail be imme-
* Pagninw Gaudentiw, uLczTncd pinum, Tertiillianum (^ obferva
Pdpift, in his zd. Book Ds Vua quàm parci funt^y d^rn vefiTunt .luid.
ChrifiianorHm^ makes this judiei- divim fid^ fcr.tuint Chyijlianu
cus reíieftion upon ihe Church of Sedfubficuta (ecuLi tain rmnha defi'
Rome's long Creed. Mírabitur r.iermt, ^ addidsiiint, «r ingentix
aliquu, cum tarn Lite pateant limi- Vokmina. nunc noftram comphãuntitr
tes Theohgie Chrijlian^^ Scriptores Theoligi-im : ei ergo, qui de vita.
Vetu.fiijJimoSj quiqus jlorttermt ante chn(tianorum ante tiwpna Conflan-
Coníiaritinum, brevi admodum rati- tini agity danda dpa a ejf, ut exponat
oney non multisque €ffaiis complecli incremcntum Dog'natuni Catholito-
precípua Cafita Chnjiianói Keligio- rkm ; quod tamsn nefcio anr.on offcn-
fli , Summamque M'>fleriorum qu.e fumm jh uans n-jirds.
tniditafunt ab Apojltlis : Lege J,i-
I 2 diately
1 1 6 The JBs and Decrees
diately appointed by the Holy Apoftolical See,
and the Bifhop of K<?/^/e, and that whomfoever
he fhall appoint. Í will receive and obey as my
true Paftor, without expefting any Meílàge, or
having any further dependance upon the Patri-
arch of Bdyloji^ whom I condemn, rejeet and
anathematize, as being a Nefiorúm Heretickand
Schifraatick, and out of the Obedience of the
Holy Roman Church, and for that reafon out
of a ftate of Salvation : And I do fwear and
promife, never to obey him any more, nor to
communicate with him in any Matter : All this
that I have profeiTed and declared, I do pro-
miie, vow and fwear to Almighty God, and this
Holy Crofs of Chrift : So help me God, and the
Contents of thefe Gofpels, Amen,
The moft Reverend Metropolitan, after ha-
ving made this Proteftation and Confeilion of
Faith, rofe up, and feating himfelf in his Chair,
Vv'iih his Mitre on his Head, and the Holy Go-
Ipels, with a Crofs upon them in his hands ^ the
Reverend Gfi^r^e, Archdeacon of the (aid Eiiliop-
rick of the Scrra^ kneeling down before him,
made the fame Profeilion of Faith, w ith a loud
and intelligible Voice, in the Malabar Tongue,
taking an Oath in the hands of the Lord Metro-
politan, and after him all the Priefts, Deacons,
Subdeacons, and other Ecclefiafticks that were
prefent, being upon their Knees, "jacob^ Curate
of Pallarty^ and Interpreter to the Synod, read
the (aid Profeilion in Malabar^ all of them fay-
ing
of the Synod of Diamper. 1 1 7
ing it along with him 5 which being ended, they
all took the Oath in the hands of the Lord Me-
tropolitan, who asked them one by one in parti-
cular. Whether they did firmly believe all that
was contained in the Profeiiion 5 as alio whether
they did believe and confeis all that is believed
and profeílèd by the Holy Mother Church of
Rome^ and did rejedi: all that fne rejeds, and if
they did anathematize the cvirfed Herefie of the
Néjiorians^ with all its falfities, and all the Au-
thors and Cheriihers of the fame ^ Namely, the
perverfe ISJefioriufj Theodoms^ and Diodorus^ to-
gether with all their Followers 5 and whether
they did acknowledge the Ho\y Roffía?í Church
to bèthe Mother,and Miftreft"^',and Head of all the
Churches in the World, and confefs that all that
*■ There is no Chrirtian Church
beiides the Roman, and a hahdful
of Maronites, who pur together,
are not the fourth part of Chrj.
ftendom^ but whsT deny this Su-
premacy, and do with Pope Gre-
gory I. condemn is as an Anti-
chrifiian and Heretical Ururpati-
on. It isnorhing fo much as this
Magifterial Pride of the Rorran
Churclr that makes the Papifts to
be by much the moil generally
hated Sea of People in the whole
World •, for not to fpeak of the
Jewi, Mahor.etans and Heathens,
who hate them infinitely beyond
all other Seéts of Religion, the
G^eek. and AkxandrUn Chriilians
have them in fuch detefiarion, as
to reckon an A!t?r defiled by a
Roman Pi'ieiVs having cclcbraicd
thereon : And for the Mufcjvitcs,
F'-jjl'v/ms tells us, their greatc ft:
imp-í-ecaxion is, Í hope, to libero
fee tdfee fo far abandoned, as io
turn Papiil. The Abbijfm Chri-
llians, zsGtídiuus tells us, do !\oc
only condemn the RonjMÚJls as
Heretick?, but do affi.m, that
they ure worfe than Miho-fittuns^
and in the 2ith. Chap, of the ârfi
Book of Archbiihop Mem^^-A Vi-
fjtation, it is faid that the Chal-
d£iin and Malabar Chriftiins did
fo abhorr the Pope, that they
could net endure fo much as lo
he«r him named.
\yer^
ii8 The Jãs and Decrees
were not obedient to her, were out of a
ftate of Salvation 5 and if they did promife and
fvvcar true Obedience and fubjedtionto themoft
Holy Father the Pope and Biihop of Rome^ as
Univerfal Paftor of the Church, and Si^cceilbr
of St.Veter^ the Prince of the Apoftles, and Vi-
Cir of Chrift upon Earth, without any manner of
dcpendance upon the" Schiimatical Patriarch of
Babylon? ^ to whom tho' contrary to Juilice, they
had hitherto beenfubjecl, and if they did pro-
mife never to receive any other Biihop into this
DioccG, but what iliall be fent by the Holy Ro*
r,7an Church, by the appointment of our Lord
the Pope, and that whorafoever he ihall ordain,
they will acknowledge and obey for their Pre-
late, as becomes true Catholicks, and Sons of the
Church, anathematizing the Patriarch of Bahy^
lo?7^ as a Nefiorian Heretick, out of the Obedi-
ence of the Holy Roman Church, and promi-
iing and fwearing never to obey him more in any
matter, nor to have any further Commerce or
Communion with lím in things appertaining to
the Church.
To all which, and every particular, they did
all, and every one of them for themfelves with
their hands upon the Crofs and the Gofpel, fwear
and proteil to God by the Holy Gofpel, and the
Crofs of Chrift. After the Ecclefiafticks had
made this ProfeiTion and Oath, the Procurators
and Reprefentatives of the People, by virtue of
the Powers they had , made the fame in their
own Tsame, and in the Mame of the People of
of the Synod of Diamper. 1 1 9
the Biihroprick, as did alfa all the other Chri-
ftians that were prefent.
Decree ni.
npHe^ynod doth command all Priefts, Deacons,
-*- and Sub-Deacons, of this Bifhoprick, that
were not preient at this Solemnity, to make the
forefaid Oath and profeííion of Faith in the
hands of the raoft lUuftrious Metropolitan, at the
Vifitation of their Churches, which he intends to
make fpeedily, or in the hands of fuch as he ihall
depute for thofe that ihall be abfent at the time
of the Vifitation , that To there may be none in
Holy Orders in this Biihoprick but what has made
this Profeííion in the manner afcrefaid. The
Synod doth likewiíè declare, That hereafter none
fhall be capable of undertaking any Vicaridge,
or Cure of a Church, until they have made the
faid ProfeiTion, in the hands cf their Prelate, or
of íbmeCommifíionated by him for that purpoie,
as airo,that all that take Holy Orders,do firft make
the faid Profeííion in the fame manner 5 and if
any of the forementioned, which God forbid,
fhall refufe to do it, that they ihall thereupon be
declared Excommunicate, until they comply, and
withal be vehemently fufpeded ol: Kerefy, and
be puniihed according to the Sacred Canons. ^
I 4 ACTI-
1 1 o 77;e Aãs and Decrees
Action IIL
iEcauíè without Faith it is inipoíTible to pleafe
God 5 and the Holy Catholick Faith, without
which none can be faved, is the begianing of
true Life, and the foundation of all our Good ,
the Purity thereof being that, that diftinguifhes
Chriilians and Catholicks from all other People 5
wherefore the Synod being feniible, that by means
of fome Heretical Perfons, and Books icattered
?ill over this Biihoprick, many Errors and Falfi-
ties have been Town therein, with which many
are poifoned, and more may be, doth judge it
necelFary, befides the profeflion of Faith that has
been made, further to declare to the People in
ibme Chapters , the chief Articles of our Holy
Catholick Faith, and to point at, and obferve
the Errors contained in their Books, and to have
them Preached againft in this Biihoprick, that fo
knowing the raifchief and falfehood of them,
^hey may avoid them.
Tk
of the Synod of Diamper. 1 1 1
CHAP. I.
^The Docirine of Faith,
,llr Holy Faith, that is believed with one una-
nimous confent by the Catholick Church
rpread all over the World, is, That we believe
in One only True, Almighty , Immutable, In-
compreheniible, and Ineffable God, the Eternal
Father, Son, and Holy Ghofl-, One in EííèncCj
and Three in Perfons 5 the Father not begotten,
the Son begotten of the Father, and of the fame
fubftance with him, and equal to him, and the
Holy Ghoft proceeding eternally from the Fa-
ther and the Son 5 not as from two Principals, or
two Inipirations, bat from both as from one only
Principal, and one only Infpiration •, the Father
is not the Son, nor the Holy Spirit 5 the Holy
Spirit is no*: the Father, nor the Son 5 but the
Father is only the Father, the Son is only the
Son, and the Holy Spirit is only the Holy Spirit,
none of them being before another in Eternity,
nor fuperiour to another in Majefty, nor inferi-
our to another in Power, but were all without
beginning or end 5 the Father is he who begot,
the Son is he who was born, and the Holy Ghoft
he who proceedeth, Confubftantial, Equal, alike
Almighty, and alike Eternal. Thefe three Per-
fons are one only God, and not three Gods, one
only
121 The A^s and Decrees
only EiTence and Subftance , one Nature, one
Immenfity , one Principal , one Creator of all
things Vifible and Inviiible , Corporal and Spiri-
tual, who when he pleafed, created all things,
with his goodnefs, and would that they lliould
be all very good.
CHAP. II.
Furthermore 3 That the only begotten Son of
God, who is always with the Father, and
the Holy Spirit, Confubftantial to the Father, at
the time appointed by the profound Wifdom of
the Divine Mercy , for the redeeming of Men
from the fin of Adam , and from all o:hcr fins,
was truly Incarnate by the operation of the Holy
Spirit, in the pure Womb of our Lady the moft
Blefied Virgin Mary^ and in her took our true
and intire Nature of Man, that is, a Body and
rational Soul, into the Unity of the Divine Per-
ibn 5 which Unity was fuch, that our Lord Jefiis
Chrift is God and Man, and the Son of God, and
the Son of Man, in as much as he was the Son
of the Blefíèd Virgin 5 fo that the one Nature is
not confounded with the other, neither did the
one pais into , nor mix it felf with the other 5
neither did either of them vanifh, or ceafe to be 5
but in one only Perion , or in one Divine Sup-
poiitum, there are two perfeft Natures, a Divine
and Humane, but fo that the properties of both
Natures are ilill prefer ved, there being two Wills,
the
of the Synod of Diamper. 1 1 j
the Divine and Humane, and two Operations,
Chrift ftill continuing one j for as the Form of
God does not dertroy the Form of a Servant, io
the Form of a Servant does not diminiih the Form
of God 5 becaufe he who is true God, is alio true
Man : God, becaufe in the begmm^g he was the
Word^ and the Word was with God^ and God was the
Word: Man, becaufe the Word was made FleJJj^
and died among- us : God , becaufe by his own
Power he fati^fied five Thoufand Men with five
Loaves, and promifed the Water of Eternal Life
to the Samaritan Woman, and raifed Lazarns
from the Grave when he had been dead four
days, and gave fight to the^ Blind, cured the
Sick, and commanded the Winds and the Seas :
Man, becaufe he fuffered Hunger and Thirfl,
was weary in the Way, was faftned with Nails
to the Crofs, and died thereon : Equal to the
Eternal Father as to the Divinity, and Inferior to
the Father as to the Humanity, and Mortal, and
PafTible.
CHAP. in.
Furthermore 5 That the fame Son of God
that was Incarnate, was truly born of the
Virgin Mary^ and had his Sac^^cd Body formed
of the pure Blood of the fame hioft Bleíièd Vir-
gin, and is truly her Son 5 for v/hich reafon we
confefs her to be truly the Mother of God, and
that (he ought to be fo called and invocated
by
1 14 ^'^^^ ^^^ ^^^ Decrees
by the whole Catholick Church 5 for that fhe
really and truly brought forth according to the
Fleih, tho' without any Pain or Paííion, the true
Son of God, made Man 5 and that the faid Son
of God Incarnate, truly fuíFered for us^ and was
truly dead and buried, and in his Soul truly de-
fcended into Hell, or Limbo , to redeem the
Souls of the Holy Fathers, which were therein,
and did truly rife again from the dead the third
day, and afterwards for forty days taught his
Difciples , fpeaking with them of the Kingdom
of Heaven, and immediately by his own Power
afcended into the Heavens, where he fits at the
right hand of the Majefty, Glory, and Power of
the Father, from whence he fhall come to Jud2:e
the quick and the dead, and to give to every cne
according to their Works.
C H A P. IV.
Furthermore 5 That none that are defcended
from Adam^ ever were or can be faved by
any other means, than by Faith in the Mediator
betwixt God and Man, our Lord Jefus Chrift,
the Son of God 5 who by his Blood and Death
reconciled us to the Eternal Father, by having
fatisfied him for our Debts ^ the Faith before our
Saviour appeared in the World, being to believe
in him who was to come , as after his appearance,
to believe in him who is come, and by his Blood
and Death has faved us,
CHAP,
of the Synod of Diamper. 125
CHAP. V.
F""Urthermore 5 That all we who are born of
"* Adard by the way of Natural Generation,
are born Children of Wrath, with the guilt of
Original Sin , incurred by the difobedience of
jdam^ in whom we all finned , and which we
all committed in him 5 for which fin, Adam loft
for himfelf, and us, Holinefs and Righteoufiiefi,
and fo that guilt of fin is derived to all of us by
Generation, we having all finned in him, as the
Apoftle St. Vanl tells us, that by one Man Sin
entred into the World, and -by Sin Death, and fo
Death pajfed upon all Men, all hnving finned , in
him, but notvvithitanding this guilt is derived
to us by Generation ^ nevcrthelefs our Souls are
not deiived by Generation as our Bodies are,
but are created by God of nothing, and by the
Divine Ordination infufed into our Bodies, at the
time when they are perfectly formed and orga-
nized, and in the inllant in which they are in-
fufed into our Bodies, they contradt the guilt
of Original Sin, which we committed in Adam^
and for v/hich vve were all expelled the Kingdom
of Heaven, and deprived of God for ever j but
which is now pardoned by Holy Baptifm, by
which our Souls are cleanfed from, the guilt of
that fin, and of Children of Wrath, and Aliens
from Glory, we are made the bleílèd Sons of
God, and Heirs of Heaven , wherein iikewife all
our
\i6 The AEls and Decrees
our other fins and adlual tranígreííions , where
there are any, together with all the puniihments
due to the fame, are forgiven.
CHAP. VI.
Furthermore^ That the Souls of all thoíè
that have committed no fin after Baptifm,
and of thofe who having committed fins, have
done condign Penance, and have made an en-
tire and equal fatisfadion for them, are carried
immediately into Heaven , where they behold
God, Three and One as he is 5 and do partake
of the Divine Vifion, in proportion to the di-
yerfity of their Merits, fome more perfectly than
others, and in the fame manner they who die
in any Actual Mortal fin, without having done
condign puniihment for it 5 or only in Original
fin, do go ftraightway down into Hell, there to
be tormentejd with Eternal puniihments, though
unequal, according to the meafure of their guilt.
CHAP. VIL
Furthermore^ That all Chriftians departing
this life in Charity, and having truly repented
of the fins they have committed, before they
have mnde full l^tisfadion to the Divine Juftice
for the fame , are at their death carried into
Purgatorj/^ where their guilt is purged away by
Firej
of the Synod of Diamper. 1 27
Fire, and other puniihments in fuch a ipace of
time as by theDivine Ordination is fuitable to their
Quality, or until they have entirely fatisfied for
them, after which they are carried up into Glo-
ry, there to en)oy God 5 and that in Purgatory
the Prayers, Alms, and other Works of Piety
that are performed by the Faithful that are alive,
for the Faithful that are dead, are profitable to
them 5 but above all, the holy Sacrifice of the
Mais, for their ,being relaxed from the puniih-
ments that they fuíFer, and for the (hortning of
jtheir banifhment from Heaven.
F
CHAP. VIII.
Urthermore, That at the day of Judgment,
our Bodies, tho' crumbled into duft and
aihes, (hall be railed up the fame that they were
in this Life, and be reunited to their Souls, thoíè
of the Righteous to be cloathed with Glory, and
to reign with Chrift for ever in the Heavens^^
and thofe of the Wicked, to be together with
their fouls tormented for ever in the Company
of Devils in the Eternal and real Fire of Hell.
CHAR
liS Tl?é AÈis and Decrees
CHAP. IX.
Furthermore, That in the beginning, and in
Time God created all things Vifible and In-
vifible. Corporeal and Spiritual, and the Empy-
rean Heavens full of Angels, of whom, thofe that
continued fubjed to God were confirmed in
Grace, enjoying God with all the perfeftions and
Gifts wherewith they were created, as thoib
who difobeyed him fell into Hell, which God fò
íbon as they finned made for them, where they
are tormented for ever with the rigour of Ju-
ftice 5 not only with puniihments of iois, in be-
ing Eternally deprived of the Divine Vifion,
which they were created to have enjoyed, but
with real Fire, and other Eternal Torments al-
fo 5 and do tempt men, endeavouring to do them
all the mifchief they are able, out of envy, for
the Bleffings that are referved for the Juft, and
which they have forfeited by their fins, and out
of hatred they have for God and his Works,
and that intrinfical Malice they are hardned in.
CHAP. X;
Furthermore, That the Bleiled Angels and
Saints that reign with Chrift in the Heavens
are to be venerated, and invoked by the Faith-
ful, defiring of God a Remedy for our wants
through
of the S Y íiOT> of Diainper. 1 27
through their InterceíTionô and of them that
they would intercede for us, which they do
daily by offering up our Prayers and Pefi-
tions to God 5 That the Bodies and Re-
'liques of Saints ought to be had in veneration, in
being carefully kept, kifled and adored by the
Faithful, and placed under the Holy Altars, and
other confecrated places, upon the account of
their having been lively Members of Chrift, and
the Temple of the Holy Spirit, ar.d becaufe they
are to be raifed again at the day of Judgment,and
andclothedwithEternalGiory inHeaven,and God
vouchfafes many Bleiiings upon Earth by them.
C H A ?7 XL ~~
Furthermore, That the images of our Lord
Chrift, and of our Lady the Glorious Virgin
Marji^ and of the Holy Angels that are painted
after our manner, and of other Saints which the
Church believes to be in Heaven, ought to be
kept and ufed in all decent places ^ not only in
the houfes of the Faithful, but chiefly in Church-
es and' Altars, and to be reverenced and adored
with due veneration, and with the fame that is
^ due to the Perfons they ieprefent ; not that we
believe that there is any thing of Divinity or*Vir-
tue in them for which they ought to be honour-
ed, or that we put our Hope and Confidence in
*tinirtue-3 if there is nothing Virgin Afary^ ivhen there is fcarce
of Virtue in one Image more than a Church or Chappel in their way,
another, why do People go fo wherein there is coc an Imagc
many hundred miles to pray to of her.
iomc particular Images oi the
K • them.
t^o The Acls and Decrees
them, as the "^ Heathens did in their Idols 5 but
becaufe the Honour which we pay to them, re-
ferrs to what they reprefent, ib that in proftra-
ting our felves before their Images, we adore
Chriflr, and reverence the Saints, whoíè Images
they are : In hke manner we adore the iign of
the Crofs, with the Worfhip off Latria^ which is
due only to God, becaufe it is a fign repreient-
ing the Son of God our Lord Jefus Chrift upon
the Crois, and which he himfelf hath told us will
be the fign of the Son of Man in the Day of Judg-
ment, and with the fame Worihip of Latria we
adore the Images of our Lord Jefus Chrift, be-
caufe they reprefent him.
^l^eatljfnslThe Learned Hea-
thens made che very fame decla-
ration concerning their woi flip-
ping of Images.
t ?Latria.]The faying that this
LAtr'hifix Supream worihip is only
Relative, cannot excufe it from
being Idolatrous,wichout excufing
the groíTeft Worfhip among the
Heathen, it being imporâble in
Nacure to giveany otherWorihip,
than what is relative to an Image,
wlien worfhipped asfuch.
Mminus PaefiKi AiU, Bifhop
of Guidc::^ in Spa'in^ ir» the third
part of his BooI< of Traditions,
p. 115. palfcth a fevcre, but juft
cciifure upon the Worfiiip here
cftablifhed. Cv'jus dniirjns^ nul-
lum Çqmd ego vidsrhn) ajferuntva-
lidum fundamentam, quod pojjit.fide-
les ddid quod dKent obligari. Netm
neqtie Saipturam, neque Tra'-irio'
nem Ecde/ix^ neq\ com munem feti'
Jum íaníhrum, neq\ Cenc'itii Ger.era-
Ijs d. terminat'mcm aliqimm^ncc eti-
am rationem quit hoc efficaciter fu^
deri pojfit adducunt. Et p. 225.
Certe baud dijjlmile, imo forte ma»
]iS fcandalum infrmit paratur^ qui
has díftinfíiones prorfm ignorant^ nee
pojjimt nifi en ando intelligerc Cut ego
ipfe in multis fimplicibm experimen-
to deprehendif cum ab eiifcifcitarer.
quid de hac re ftntirent) in eo quod
dicitur eâdem adoratione adorandum
ejje Imaginem^ qua. ^ rem cujw ef}.
Nam cum videant Jimulachrum ope-
Yofè fculptum, (tffabrè expolitum^ in
eminenti loco templi pofitum^ ipfum-
que à multitudine veneratum, iyjtt-
per h^ec audiantf quod eodem henore
debeat honor ari quo ((y res cu)m e(},
colitur^ certe in multis fimplicibas
periculofijfimHS err or k affcHw facile
poteji adgenerari, quo putent aliquid
Numink latere in imagine^ fie quoq--,
ret reprtefentata tum nomen, tumglo'
riam, ad imaginem facile poffunt
transferre : quod maximè periculo-
fum ejfejudico»
CHAP.
of the Synod of Diamper. i ^ i
CHAP. XÍÍ.
Furthermore, the Church profefieth that eve-
ry Períon as ibon as he is born, hath a
Guardian Angel given hira, whofe bufinefs it is
to excite People to what is good, and to deli-
ver them from many evils which they would o-
therwiíè have fallen into, which Angel proteds
and accompanies People through their whole
lives, doing all it can to keep them from Sin, and
all other Evils, that fo it may bring them to'Eter-
nal Life, and is always fuggefting good things to
their Free Will, from which we receive many
Bleilings as well Spiritual as Temporal, notwith-
ftanding we neither fee them, nor underftand how
they do it , and thefe we call our Guardian Angels.
CHAP. XÍIÍ.
Furthermore, That the Catholick Church is
one and the íàme all over the World, having
for its Paftor the chief Bifhop of Rome^ Succeflbr
in the Chair of the Blefíèd Prince of the Apo-
ftles, St. Feter^ to whom, and by him to his Smc-
ceflòrs, our Lord Jefus Chrift delivered the full
power of ruling and governing his whole Church 5
from whence it is, that the Romajt Church is the
Head of the whole Church, and the Father, Ma-
fter and Doctor of all Chriinans 5 and the Pre-
K 2 late
132 The ABs and Decrees
late of all in common, and of all Priefts, Bi-
fliops, Archbiihops, Primates and Patriarchs, of
whatíbéver Church they are s as alio the Paftor
of all Emperors, Rings, Princes and Lords : In
a word, of all that are Chriftians, and of all the
Faithful People, Hence it is, that all that are not
under the Obedience of the faid Roman Bifhop,
the Vicar of Chrift upon Earth, are out of a
ftate of Salvation, and iliall be condemned to
Hell as Hereticks and Schifmaticks, for their Dii^
obedience to the Commands of our Lord Jeius
Chrift, and the Order that he left in his Church.
CHAP. XIV.
Furthermore, that One and the fame God is
' the Author of the New and Old Tefta-
ment, of the ProphetSjUnd the Gofpels, the Saints
of both thofe Teftamcnts being infpired in the
Writing of them with the fame Holy Spirit 5 and
fo the Catholick Church receives all the Cano-
nical Books of both Teftaments, which contain
in them ' nothing but what is infallibly true, and
was difi:atedby the Holy Spirit: To wjt, of the
Old Teftament the five Books of Mofes^ Genefis^
ExocL'/s^ Leviticus^ Nfi/;;bers^ DetiteroHOfriy 5 as al-
fo Jofljital the two Books of Judges^ Ruth^ the
four Books of Kings^ the two Books oi Chroni-
cles^ the flrft Book of EJhlrc^s^ the fecond which
is called Nehemias^TobJt^ Judith^ Efther^ Job, the
Pfalms of DiW/dy being 1 50, the Proverbs, Ec-
clefajles^
of th S r N o D of Diamper. 1 3 5
defiafles^ÚitSongofSo?igs^ the Book oiW7fdom^
EccleJtajikuF^ the four greater Prophets, viz. Ifau
ah^ Jeremiah^ Ezekjcl, Darnel 5 the twelve leííer,
viz. Hofea^ J^-h Amos^ Ohadi^h^ Jonah^ Micah^
Niihum^ Habakknk,^ Zepkaniah^ Haggai^ Zcchariah^
Mdachi^ and the firft and fecond oi Maccdbees 5
and of the New Tcilamenr, St. Mattkcrr^ St.
Mark^^ St. Lu\e^ and St. Johi^ the Ads of the A-
poftles writ by St. L///<e, the fourteen Epiftles of
St. Paul^ viz. One to tlie Roiyjans^ two to the Co-
rinthians^ one to the Galatians^ one totheEp^^-
J/anSj one to the Philippians^ one to the Colojjians^
two to the Thejfalo?naas^ two to Timothy^ one to
Titui^ one to Phikmon^ and to the Hebrews 5 two
of the Apoftle St. Petei\ three of the Apoitle St,
John^ one of the Apoftle St. James^ one of the
Apoftle St. Jncie, and xhe Revelation of the Apo-
ftle Sujohn^ all which Books, with all their parts
are Canonical, and contain in them nothing but
what is infallibly true.
THe Synod declareth, that in the Books of
the New Teftamenc ufed in this Church,
and writ in the Syrian or 6)r/V;<:4 Tongue, there
is wanting in the Gofpel of St. Jobn^ the bcgin^
ning of the ^th. Chapter, the Hiftory of the AduU
tereis that was carried before our Lord Chiift 5
as alfo in the lotb. of St. Luke^ where it is faid,
that Chrijl fent feventy tivo Difcipks, it is faid, he
fent feventy Difciples 'j and in the 6th, of St.
1^4 Tl^^ ^^^ ^^^d Decrees
Matthew^ the words. For thine is the Kingdom^
the Power ^ and the Glory for ever^ is added to the
end of the Lord's Prayer, there is alfo want-
ing in the faid Books the fecond Epiftle of St.
Feter^ the fecond and third Epiftles of St. Ji?^//,
and that oiJude\, and the Revelation of St. John^
and in the 4^,6. Chapter of the firft Epiftle of St.
J-ohn^ this Verfe is wanting, having been impi-
oufly left out, ^i filuit Jejkm^ tton eft ex Deo ^
and in the %th. Chapter of the fame Epiftle,
theíè words are wanting, There are three that hear
Record in Heazfen^ the Father^ the Word^ and the
Holy Ghoft^ and thefe three are One 5 and in the
Old Teftament there are wanting the Books of
Efther^ Tobit, and Wifdom^ all which the Synod
commandeth to be tranOated, and the paflages
that are wanting to be reftored to their Purity,
according to the Chaldee Copies, which are emend-
ed, and the Vulgar Latin Edition made ufe of
by holy Mother Church, that fo this Church
may have the Holy Scriptures entire, and may
ufe it with all its parts, as it was written, and
as it is to be ufed in the Univerfal Church,
to v»^hich end the Synod defireth the Reverend
Father Fra?iciJco Roz, of the Society of Jefus,
and ProfeObr of the Syrian Tongue in the Col-
lege of Vaiprrotta in this Biihoprick, that he
would be pleaicd to take the trouble thereot up-
on him, for which he is fo well qualified by tea-
fon of his great skill both in the Syrian Language,
.and the Scripture.
of the Synod of Diamper. i j 5
Decree in.
WHereas the Holy Scriptures are the Pillars
that fupport our Holy Faith, and as it
were the Foundations whereon it ftands, and
wherein the Truth and Purity thereof is to be
met with, which has made all Hereticks in their
endeavours to deftroy the ííiid Faith, conftantly
and induftrioufly to corrupt the Text of the
Divine Scriptures, partly by taking away fuch
paíiàges as did manifeftly contradid their Er-
rors, and by perverting other places ib as to
make them "^ feem to favour them 5 which hath
alio happened4n^this Bifhoprick, through its ha-
ving been governed by Biihops who were Nefto-
rian Hereticks, and that ufed the fame pradices
upon the Holy Scriptures, that were in their
hands in favour of their Herefies, as in the loth.o?
the Ads of the Apoftles, where St. Paul faith,
Tak^ heed to your felvcr^ and the whole Churchy over
which the Holy Spirit hath made you Bifl30ps to rule
the Church ofGod^ which he purchafed with his
Blood 3 the word God is impiouily changed for
• ^ttm to faiJOUr tI}Cm.] Ic of Ifaiah, which they make uie of
is hard to give any other reafon to promote Pilgrimages to Jeru-
thati this, why the Church of /rf/ew, nor thatinthe iith.io the
Rome, tho' fmce the time of the Hebrevps, which feems to make
Conncil of Trent, fhe has corred- for the Adoration ot Images ; nor
cd fome hundreds of Errors in that in the firft Chapter of the
the Vulgar Latin, did not think Si^.Epift. of St. F^rer, which feems.
fit to correft that in the -^d. of to give fome countenance to the
Gene/if, which they apply to the Invocation of Saints.
Virgin Mtrj j noif that in chç 1 1 th,
R4 <im
1 1 6 The ABs and Decrees
that of Chriji, and it is iaid that Chrifl hatb
made them to govern hh Churchy ivhich he pur^
ch.ued with h;s ovpn Blood 5 becaufe xhe Nejioyians ^
being inftigated by the Devil, will not acknow-
ledge according to the Catholick Truth, that
God ftiffcred íínd (bed his Blood for us ^ and in
the fourth Chapter of the firft Epiftle of St. jfi'^z/,
this Veríè is left out, ^i folvit Jefnrn^ 7ton eji ex
Deo'^ becaufe it contradicis the Neftorians^ who
do impioufly divide Chrifl:, by making him to
have two Perfons, and in the Q,d. Chap, of the
iame Epiftle, where it is faid. In this we kftovp the
LoveofGod^^ becaufe he laid dorvn his Life fir m^
the word God'i^ maliciouily left out, and that of
Chrifh put in its ftead, faying, That in this wekitow
the hove of Chrifh^ 8cc. and fo it favours the iVê-
florian Hereiie, which denies God to have dyed
for us 5 and in the zd. Chap, of the Epiftleto the
Hebren>s^ where the Apoftle faith. We have feen
Jefi^ for the P^/Jfon of his Death crowned ivith glo-
ry and honour^ that he by the Grace of God Jlwuld
t afie death fir all men '-^ xViQ Surian^ 'x\\.q better to
make a ditTerence of Perfons in Chrifl:., which
was what Neftoritis taught, has impioufly added,
PVe have fen Jcfus fir thepajfjon ofkis death crown-
ed P:>ith honour and glory ^ that the Grace ofGod^Çpr^"
ter Deum^ or befldes God) might tafU death for
all 5 and in the 6th. of St. Luke^ where our Lord
Chvift faith, LeiHÍ^ hoping fir nothing again ^ to
favour and juftiiie their Ufury, they have made
Le^d^ and from thence hope for fomething : , AU
which places being depri^ved and corrupted by
Here-
of the Synod of Diamper. 157
Hereticks, the Synod commandeth to be cor-
refted in all their Books, and to be reftored ac-
cording to the Purity and Truth of the Vulgar
Edition ufed by Holy Mother Church, entreat-
ing the moft 111 uftrious Metropolitan forthwith to
viíít the Chuidies of this Dioceis, either in Per-
fon, or by fome well skilled in the SjriaTi Tongue,
whom he fhall be pleafed to depute.
Decree iv.
THe Synod being informed that the Chri-
ftians of this Diocefs, by reafon of the
Communication they have with Infidels, and by
living among tliem, have imbibed feveral of their
Errors and Ignorances, namely, three that are
the common Errors of all the Infidels of theíè
parts ; the firft is, That there is a "^ Tranfmigrati-
on of Souls, which after Death go either into the
Bodies of Bcafts, or of fome other Men , which
befides that it is a great Ignorance, is alfo an Er-
ror contrary to the Catholick Faith, which teach-
eth, That our Souls after Death are carried to
Heaven or Hell, or Purgatory, or Limhts^ ac-
cording to every ones Merits, and that there is
no fuch fabulous and falfe Tranfmigration.
^ SCranfmigration» 3 This the Souls of the Juft departed this
was not the Doârine of this Life, were in a Terreflrial Para-
Church, as appears plainly from dife, where they were to remain
what is faid in twenty places of till the day of Judgment.
%\m Synod, of her believing, tha;
The
138 T7;e Jãs and J)ecnes
The íècond is. That all things come neceflari-
ly to pais, or through * Fate or Fortune, which
they call the Nativity of Men, who they íày are
compelled to be what they are, and that there
is' no help for it ^ which is a manifeft Error, and
condemned by Holy Mother Church, for as much
as it deftroys that Liberty of Will , with which
God created us, leaving us in the power of our
own Will, to do Good or Evil, to obey his Holy
Inipirations and Internal Motions, by which he
excites to Good, or to refift Evil 5 fo that as it de-
pends on his Divine mercy and goodnefs to move
us to Good, fo it depends on oar Free-Will,
whether by his affiftance we will obey thoíè In-
fpirations, and will profit our felves of his Inter-
nal Motions, or of our own free Will refufe to
do it 3 or in a word, do Well, or 111 5 fo that
if we periih for doing any thing that is 111, it
is the fault of our own Free- Will 5 astheCatho-
iick Faith teaches us ^ and not from the fate of
our Nativity ,as the ignorant Heathens will have it.
The third is , \ That every one may he laved
in his own Law , all which are Good , and
lead Men to Heaven. Now this is a manifeft
Herefy \ there being no other Law upon earth
in which Salvation is to be found, befides that of
* I am very apt to believe that Memory of his pretended Father,
they are here falfely accufed of in making Predeflination and Fate
attributing all things to Fate, for to be equally deftruftivc of hu-
no other reafoD but becaufe they mane Liberty,
believed Predeftination •, which f This is an Error thux. Jufi'm
if it was fo, Arch-Bifhop Mene^s^ Af'trtyr^ Clement Alexan irims^ and
who was himfelf ao Auft'in Fryar, othersofthcPhilofophical Father*
fiie-.ved but Ijctle refpeft to the fcem to have beçn in.
oqr
of the Synod of Diamper. 139
our Saviour Chrift, for that he only teacheththe
Truth ^ fo that all that live in any other Sed, are
out of a ftate of Salvation, and (hall be condemn-
ed to Hell 5 there being no other Name given
to Men, by v^hich we can be faved ^ but only
the Name of our Lord Jefus Chrift the Son of
God, who was Crucified for us ; All which Er-
rors, the Synod commandeth the Vicars and
Preachers often to preach againft in the hearing
of the ignorant People, and all Confeilors to
examine their Penitents concerning them, and
to teach them the Catholick Truth.
^mtz V.
THis Synod being informed, that there is a
dangerous Herefy, and very injurious to
our Lord Jefus Chrift, fown and preached through
this Diocefs 5 which is, That it is a "^ grievous fin
fo much as to think or (peak of our Saviour's Holy
Paííion : and as there are a great many of this
Opinion, fo the doing of it has formerly been
prohibited by impious Cenfures 5 all which is a
manifeft Error, and extreamly prejudicial to the
Souls of all faithful Chriftians , and the fruit and
profit of Souls, arifing from fuch Confiderations,
and Diicourfes,which is very great,as vvell for that
love and aifeftion which they beget in us, for
our Saviour, who fuffer'd for our Salvation, as
* <25^irtJOU0 ^inQHow does the Sacrament of the Eucharift i
this confift with their having fo or with their Preaching that it was
many Crofles in their Churches, Chrift, and not the Son of God,
and Houfes, as they tell us they that fu&red upon the Crofs. '
had j or with their adminiilrin^
for
140 < The Jãs and decrees
for the Example of thofe Vertues which were ib
lllaftrious in his Holy Paffion, and the hatred of
Sin, for which he fuffer'd fo much, and the fear
of the Divine Juftice which he fo rigoroufly íàtis-
fied, and the confidence of our Salvation by
fuch a plenteous Redemption 5 and the ufe of the
Sacraments , to which he applyed the virtue of
his Holy Pailion, and other infinite benefits
which are derived from thence to our Souls,
which Error included another no leis prejudicial,
and which is alfo common among the Nejiorians 3
the condemning of Holy Images , for that if it
were an Impiety to think of the Paffion of our
Lord Chrift, it mull: follow that all thofe things
are unlawful, that move or contribute thereun-
to 5 as, the Sign of the Holy Crofs 5 and all
Images of the Holy Paffion , all which is a grois
and manifeft Herefy : Wherefore the Synod doth
recommend it to all Preachers, Confeíiòrs, and
Reftors of Churches , frequently to perfwade
their People to the confideration of thofe Di-
vine Myfteries ^ and to that end, they ihall ad-
vife them to the Devotion of the i^<?/^r;' of our
Lady the moil Bleííèd Virgin Mary^ wherein
are contained all the principal Myfteries of the
Life of our Lord Chrift, with profitable Medita-
tions upon them.
Decree VL
AMong the many Errors fown in this Dioceis,
and left in the Books thereof, by the per-
fidious Nefiorzan Hereticks, there being feveral
againft our Lady, the moft BleiFed Virgin Mary,
thç
of the Synod 0/ Diamper. 141
the Mother of God, the only Remedy of Chri-
ftians, the Mother of Mercy, and the Advocate
of Sinners, the Queen of Angels. The Synod
doth therefore declare, That it is the Doftrine
of the Catholick Faith, that the Holy Virgin was
never at any time ftained with the guilt of any
aftual fin 5 and that it is Pious to believe, that
ihe was alfo Conceived without Original Sin ,
it ieeming to be moft agreeable to the Dignity
ofthe Mother of God, that it (hould be fo 5 the'
it is true, that Holy Mother Church f has not ??s
yet determined any thing about that matter.
Furthermore, the Catholick Faith tcacheth, that
ihe was always, before, in, and after Child-birth,
a moft pure Virgin, and that ihe brought forth
the Son of God, made Man, without any Pain,
or PalTion 5 having none of thofe things which
are common to other Women after Child-birth,
nor no need of any created ailiftance to help
her to bring forth, or afterwards, there being
nothing in her but what was pure, the Eternal
Word, made Fleib, fpringing omof her Womb,
the Clauftrum of her pure Virginity being fhut,
fi^aSincta^VEtDftfrmineB] lUa Virgo Maria, IllaSanãa^ lila
It is much ihe has noc,Í! nee the In- eleCia à primo , Originarioque psc-
vention of the Holy Reliques in the cato pr£fervata futt^ (^ ab omni ml-
Mounrains of Granada^ among ^â. libera; atque hjic Veritas Apà-
'which there was a Book in Arabic^ fiolorum Concilium e/?, quam qui ne-
of S Cí'í:i//w,vvho wasconfccrated gaverit^ malediãw ((^ excommuni'
Eifhop of Eliberif by St. Peter zx\á ' catuí erit, ^ falutem non confeque-
St. Paul at Rome, with this Tide, tur, fed in aternum dawnabitur :
De Dono Gloria ^ Dono Tormer.tj j All which Reliques, and this Book
in which there is the following among the refi, were after a fevere
Definition of the Immaculate Con- and* impartial Examinatioo, ap-
ception íTiade by all the Apoftlfs, proved of, and received as ge-
being met together to Solemnize nuine, by a late Provincial Synod
the È;{equJesofi:her'^eíred Virgin: hi Sixain." Whcn
14^ The Jãs and Decrees
when the time, determined in the Confiftory of
the Holy Trinity was come, to the great Spiritual
Joy and fatisfa&ion of the íàid Bleflèd Virgin ^
for which reafon ihe ought truly to be ftiled the
Mother of God, and not only the Mother of
Chrifl: , and that when (he departed this Life, ihe
was immediately carried up into Heaven, where
by a particular privilege due to her Merits, ihe
enjoys God both in Body and Soul, without
waiting for the general Refurreftion 3 there be-
ing no reafon why that Body, out of which there
was moft Holy Fleih formed, for the Son of God
made Man, ihould as other Bodies be diilblved
into Duft and Afhes, but that it ihould be im-
mediately exalted and glorified, and placed high
above all the Quires of Angels, as Holy Mother
Church iings and confeiTeth,* concerning the
whole of which matter , the Impious Neftorian
Hereticks have fpoke, and writ, even in tlie Bre-
viaries ufed in this Biíhoprick, a great many
Blaipheraies and Hereíies.
U- ©eccee vii.
npHe Synod is with great forrow fenfiblc of
-■• that Herefy, and perverie Error, fown by
the Schifmaticks in this Diocefs, to the great pre- ■
judice of Souls 5 which is , That there was one
Law of St. Thomas^znà another of St. Pe/er, which
made "^ two different and diflindt Churches, and
♦ fittDO Different. 3 By all this had nothing of Superiority or
which the Synod calls Two Laws, Jurifdiftion over one another j
the Chri Aians of Sr. Thomas meant which is a moft cercain and anciene
only, That the Churches planted truth,
by the Apoftks io divers Regions,
both
of the Synod of Diamper. 142
both immediately from Chrift 3 and that the one
had nothing to do with the other 3 neither did
the Prelate of the one owe any obedience to the
Prelate of the other 5 and that they who had fol-
lowed the Law of St. Peter, had endeavoured to
deftroy the Law of St, Thomas, for which they
had been puniíhed by him 5 all which is a
manifeft Error, Schifm, and Herefy, there be-
ing but one Law to all Chriftians, which is that
which was given and declared by Jeiiis Chrift
the Son of God5and preached by the Holy Apoftles
all over the World, as one Faith, one Baptifra,
there being but one Lord of all, and one Ca-
tholick and Apoftolick Church, of which our
Lord Chrift, God and Man, who Founded it,
is the only Spoufe 5 and one only Univeríàl Pa-
ftor, to whom all other Prelates owe obedience,
the Pope and Biihop of Rome, Succeííòr in the
Chair of St. Peter, the Prince of the Apoftles 3
to whom our Lord Jefus Chrift bequeathed that
Supream Authority, and by him to his Succeííòrs 5
which Catholick Dodtrine is neceííary to Eternal
Life : Wherefore the Synod doth command all
Pariih Priefts, and Preachers, to Treat often of
this matter, by reafon of the great need there
is of having this Biíhoprick well inftruóted
therein.
Decree
144 T7;e Jãs and Decrees
•Decree Viii.
■pjOr that, till the very time of the mofl: Illu-
^ ftrious Metropolitan entring into this Dio-
cefs, there was a certain Herefy twice repeated
in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mafs, and twice more
in the Divine Office, in calling the Patriarch of
Babylofj^ the Univerfal Paftor, and Head of the
Catholick Church, iq all places, and as often as
they happen to name him 5 a Title that is due
only to the mod Holy Father , the Bifhop of
Rome^ Succeflbr of the Prince of the Apoftles,
St. ^eter^ and Vicar of Chrift on Earth : the Sy-
nod doth therefore command in virtue of Obe-
dience, and upon pain of Excommunication to
be ipfo fdcio incurred, that no PeiTon of this Bi-
ihoprick, Seculir or Eccleiiafiical , ihall from
henceforward prefume, by Word or Writing,
either in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mafs, or in
the Divine Office, or in any other occafion, to
befrow that Title on the fiid Patriarch of Bdby-
Ion, or on anv other Prelate, befides our Lord,
the Bifhop of Rome 5 and whofoever Hiall dare to
contravene this Order, (hall be declared Excom-
municate, and held for a Schifnatick and Here-
tick, and ihall be puniíhed as fuch, according to
the Holy Canons : And whereas the Patriarchs
OÍ Babylon., to whom this Church was fabjeâ:,
are Nefiorians, the Heads of that curled Seft, '
and Schifinaticks out of the Obedience of the Holy
Roman Church, and Aliens from ourjioly Catho-
lick
of the Synod of Diampen 145
lick Faith, and are for that reafon Excommuni-
cate and accuiTed 5 and it not being; lawful to
joyn with fuch in the Church in publick as fcnnd
Excommunicate: Wherefore this BiihopricV:, up-
on its having now yielded a perfeft Obedience
to the moil Holy Father, the Pope, Chrift's Vicar
upon Earth, to which it was obliged by Divine
Authority, and upon pain of Damnation, ihall
not from henceforward have any manner of depen-
dance upon the faid Patriarch oi Babylon-^ and the
prefent Sy nod,does under the faid precept of Obe-
dience, and upon pain of Excommunication to
be ipfo faão incurred, prohibit all Priefts, and
Curates, from henceforward to name the faid
Patriarch of Bahjlon in the Holy Sacrifice of the
Mais, or in any other Divine Office, in the Pray-
ers of the Church, even without the falfe Title
of Univerfal Paftor ^ but inflead thereof, ihall
name our Lord the Pope, Vv'ho is our true Pallor,
as alfo ot the whole Church, and after him, the
Lord Biihop of the Diocefs, for the time being ^
and whofoever (Ixall malicioufly and knowingly
adl: the contrary, ihall be declared Excommimi-
cate, and otherwife punith'd at the plealure of his
Prelate, according to his contumacy.
W
Decree ix.
'Hereas all the Breviaries ufed in this Church
are Nefioria^^ and by the commands of
Prelates of the fame Seòl, on a certain day the
impious and falfe Heretick Nefiorju^ is Comme-
morated m this Bithoprick, and a Day is kept to
L hW
14^ - The ASls and Decrees
his. Honour, and at other times, Theodorm^ Dio-
dorus^ Abbaratho^ Abraham , Narfai , Barchauma^
Johana^, HormifcU^ and Michael, who are alio
JSJeJiorian Hereticks, were hkewiíè Commemora-
ted 5 Nejiorius, Theodorufy and Diodorus^ being
commemorated on the Friday after the Nativity ,
and on the feventh Friday after that, Abraham^
and Narfiii, and all the above-named 3 and all
of them on every Thurfday in the Year , in the
faid Nefloria/t Office, and every day in the Holy
Sacrifice of the Mafs, and the Divine Office 5 and
notwithftanding in fome places ihey have not of
late named Nejiorins^ Theodorus^ and Diodorus^
but do ftill continue to name Abraham^ Narfai^
Abba Barchau/jia^ Johafi'an^ Hormifda^ and Michael^
in the Bleííing that the Prieft gives to the Peo-
ple at the end of the Mafs 5 wherein they defire
Hormifdd to deliver them from evil, being his
Difciples 5 as alio on all Fridays in the Year they
commemorate as Saints, the faid Hormifda^ Jo-
feph , Michael , Johanan , Barchauma , Barianda^
Rabba Hedfa^ Machai^ Hixoi.m^ Caurixo^ Avahixo^
Lixo^ Xanlixo , Barmim Lixo , Metidor , Cohada
Ifrael^ Ezekiah Lixo , David Lixo^ Barai Ifrael^
Jnlianiis Handixo , &c. who were all Nejiorian
Hereticks, and as is evident from the faid Maílès, ,
and from their Li^es, Commemorations, and
Praiies, beftowed upon them, the Heads of the faid
Se6l. Therefore the Synod in Virtue of Holy Obe-
dience, and upon pain of Excommunication to
be ipfo fa&o incurred, doth prohibit ail Prieils,
and Curates, and all other Perfons, as well Se-
, cular,
■ of the Synod cf Diamper. 1 47
cular, as Eccleiiafticks, in this Diocefsat any time,
either in common, or in particular, to comme-
morate any oftheforefaid Hereticks, or to keep
a day to them, or to celebrate their Feftivities,
with any Solemnity, or to make any mention of
them in the Divine Offices , or in the Mais or
any where elfe, or to direftany Prayers to them,
either in common, or particular, or to make
any Vows, Promifes, Offerings, or any Nercha's
to them 5 or to have their Images either in the
Churches, or in their x^ioufes 5 and in no wiie
to give them that Worfhip, and Veneration,
which is due to Saints , and that they raze their
Names out of their Books, Calendars, and Offi-
ces 5 and that their Maílès be cut out of their
Breviaries, and Miílàls, and burnt, and their
Commemorations extinguiihed, that fo their Me-
mory may perifn among the faithful, all oi them
having been curfed and excommunicate Hereticks,
and condemrled by Holy Mother Church , and
are "^ at this tim.e burning in the torments of
"^ 3t ti\iS time burning] well as Impiecv, fo farasro have
This raih Judgment bnngj to my the Author queilioned. for it i yec
mind what the Conde ds Erekera, it wodld fecm that God would nor
inhisHiilory printed about four- fufter it to go long unounifhed j
teen years ago at Lisbon, faid of vvlioa few years ;Tf:er,i'ufFcred chac
Ring Charles having Ipent fome great Miniiter to go out of the
rime in Devotion upon the Scaf- World after fuch a manner, thac
fold, thac feeing he died a Here- they muft have a great di^al of
rick, than Devotion was of noo- Chjrityi,y.erd,that can chink well
ther benefit to him, but as it pro- of the future frate cf his Sou! *, for
longed his life a few miouces ; But the unhappy Min Murtliered him-
tho' our Princes, for I have reafon fejf j which is â thing r'ria: very id-
to believe chey heard of ir,did noc dom happens in F::itiig^il,
chink nc to refeiit chis Saucinefs, as
L 2 Hell,
148 The JBs and Decrees
Hell, for their Crimes and Hereiies, and for their
having been the f followers of fuch a curfed
Sed ^ the Synod dorh furihermore command,
that inftead of them, on the Friday next after
the Natl vie y, St. Athanajius^ St. Gregory 'Nazian-
xeti^ St. Bdjil^ St. ^ohn Chryfoflom , and St. Cyril
t i[oi!otefr0 of fuel) ] Tlie
Church of Korr.e is nor wuhouc
HtTctitks in her Martyrologics,
and Cale ndaiSj for, not to fpeak
of Eiifebvu C-firievfts, Sc Gerge^
Lucifer Calaritanw^ B^irfitiuphiuf,
and others ; tlie Learned Wiilefius,
in his Trad of ihc Roman Marty
rology, gives the following Ac-
count of Tl^^dotus Biihop oi Lao-
dkea : Jam vero iiia qu£ in áiíh
Mart)rologio, Adoniifi,(^ Rofwediy
legur.tur fecundo die Novetr.bris. La-
odice£ T/^^eodoti Epfcofi^ qui arte
Median f'Ut , dejo ipta funt ex
Ruffini, lib 7. cap. ult Sed Compi-
iator ifte mn anirr.advei tit Tbeodotum
huiic LaoJke-'! Evifcopum, cujus eo
ha tandanonem intexuit Eufebius
A'ianarutn par 'i urn prcicipunin fau-
trem jmjje •, qmppe qui ^ ab initio
Ariaiiti/n dogma tutatus fjf, <^ poft
Kicjinim: ConciHum, cotifpiratione cum
Ariavii fnHi}, Eujiatbium de Anti-
ochenti fede dejecerity ut fcribit
Thendoretus lib. i. htfi. cap. 24.
Kic eft Theodotus cut Eufebius libros
fuos de Pr.fpuratio'ie Evangeltci
vmcupctvit ; (fy ch]iM meminit Suidas
in voce, 'ATcM/tci£<©". Idem quo-
que Error irrepfit in Martyrolngtum
RoTianum, quod patrum rneinoria,
jujfu Sixti quirt i edit urn, (j^ Baronii
mtationibuf iUullmtum efl \ nee fati*
wiruri i>ojfum quonatn ttiodo id Baronii
diU^r.niam, fugerit. Furthermore,
The Church of Rorne has feveral
Saints in her prefent Calendars,
and Martyrologies, that were ne-
ver in being, or were never of
humare racej and here not to
mention St. Almanal^jw, or St.i4/-
wj^jttííj^, upon the iji. of Januarys
nor Sc. Zinorii, on the i^th. of
the fame Month; on the 24r/j. of
July., in the prefent Reformed
Roiran Martyrology , it is faid,
Amiterri in vefiinn Paffio Saniio'
rum Militum OHoginta triumj a-
morg \^\\on\ (zi BaroniM learned-
ly obfcrves} Florev.tinw and Foeiix
were two of the moft Eminent.
Now in the ancient Martyrology
publif}?ed by Alaria Flo^'entinWy ic
is faid upon the fame dayj/n
Arr.it erninu civitate Miliaria 85°
ab urbe Romana via Salutaria nata-
InSanãiViilorini-^ and in another
ancient one, called Mtrtinianum,
ic is writ. In Amiterninli civitate
Mil. ^^ ab urbe Romana via Salu-
taria Sanili Vi5lurini-y and in the
C^ueen of 5'irefl'en's Martyrology,
is writ, In Amiterna civitate Mil.
83 ab urbe Roma Sanili ^iilurinij
and in the Corbey Mai t /rology,
thus i In Amiternina civitate Mili-
ario Octogcfimo tenia ab urbe Rnma
via Salutaria natalif S'^rfli ViBorini
Martjris. So ih^c here we have
of
of the Synod of Diamper. i4(>
oÇ Alexandria^ (hall be Commemorared , and on
the íèventh Friday following, St. Ami/n, S:. A///-
hrofe^ St. Gregory^ and St. Ephrev/^ who was men-
tioned by them among the Hereticks , and on
Wedmfdays^ jll Sai fits and ConFeilors together ^
and in the Commemorations of the Divine Offi-
ces, and Mafs, they ihall Commemorate all the
forenamed Saints, in the place of the above-men-
tioned Hereticks 5 neither Qiall any one that íhall
prefume to do the contrary, be nbiolved from
the Cenfures he has incurred, until he hath un-
dergone a condign Penance, or fach a one as his
Prelate fhall think fit to impofe upon him, and
fhall thereupon be obliged to curie all the faid
Hereticks, and their damnable Sect, and to make
Oath of the Faith publickly, and to fubmit to all
other puniihments that his Rebellion fhall deferve,
and if he is an Ecclefiaftick, he (hall moreover be
fufpended from his Orders, and Beneiices, and
puniihed according to the Holy Canons.
Eighty-three IrciUan Miles Cano-
nized , and made Eiglic^ -three
Martyrs, and Souldiers, vvirh their
Captain and Lieutenants Names.
Again, On the y6th. oi Fib,
in the prefent Reformed Roman
Martyrology, ii is faid j In JE^ypto
Sanai Juliani Mart)rUy cum aliis
quinque Millibits : Now if this is
the Julianw that was PamfhUiUi'i,
Coropariion,as doubclcfs it is, tiiey
muil then have encreaied iiis
Company mightily, <"or they sverc
buc five that lutíercJ v^i..h nim in
y¥.g)pt , who ic is probable were
Souldiers ; and lo the cov.uàttcú.
word MiU. came to be taken t; r
Milk: Tins nukes nic iufped
that there may be fome Uich mi-
ftake in Sz. V^fulai Army of E-
kvi^n chcufand Virgins. For iome
of her Saints who were Hc.uhens,
fee che Remarks upon 15 Decree^
L3
IDmtz
Vjo The AEis and Decrees
Decree x.
^KTHcreas the Church of A»g^mile^ called the
' ' Archbiihop's, was built by Mdr- Abraham^
and dedicated to Hormifda the Abbot, common-
ly called St. Hormtifio^ who was a 'Nefiorian Ke-
retick, and a great Ring-leader of that Sea:, and
for that reafcn was abhorred by all Catholicks,
who are called Romans^ as is reported in his
Life writ in the Surian Tongue, and which was
ordained to be burnt by the moftllluftrious Me-
tropolitan, upon the account of the manifold
Hereiies and Blafphemies contained therein, and
the many falfe Miracles faid to be w^rought by him,
in confirmation of the Nefiorian Sea: : There-
fore the Synod does in virtue of Obedience, and
upon pain of Excommunication, to be jpfi^ fa&o
incurred, prohibit the Obfervation of the two
Feftivities that have been dedicated to his Me-
mory, the one upon the firfl: of September^ the
other iixteen days after Eafler'-, and the dedi-
cating of any Church to him, Commanding the
abovenamed Church to be dedicated to St. Hor-
^ifda the Martyr, who was alio ^Ferfian., and
whoie Feflivity is celebrated upon the -Si/», of
Auguft^ upon which day the Feaft of the (aid
Church riiall be obferved , and on the Rctablo
they are to make the Pidlure, wherein the Martyr-
dom of the faid Saint fhall be drawn to thebeft
advantage, that fo the People may learn to what
Saint the faid Church is dedicated, and all the
Prayers
of the S.y X o D of Diamper. 1^5 1
Prayers and Devotion that níèd to be perform-
ed upon the Feftivities of the Htretick Hormif-
da^ may be direded to this Glorious Saint.
Decree xi.
SEeingin the Creed, or Holy Symbol of Faith,
ordained by the Sacred iipoftles,and declared
by the Holy Councils, which is fung in the Mais,
all the principal Myfteries and Articles of our Faith
are contained, it is not fit that any thing fhould be
added to it, or taken from it, but that it iliould
be fung in this Biilioprick as it is all over the
Univerfal Church 5 wherefore the Synod doth
Order, that the words which are wanting in the
Creed that is faid in the Mafs be added to it 3
where fpeaking of Chrift, it it faid, that he was
born of the Father before all Times, there is
wanting, God ofGod^ Light of Lights very God
of very God^ that fo it may in all things be con-
formable to what is fung in the Uníveríal Church,
ufing alfo the word Omfiib'fantid to the Father,
and not what is faid inftead thereof in the Snri-
attj^ Son of the Ejfence of the Father,
Decree xii.
NOtwithftanding it is contrary to the Sacred
Canons, That the Children of Chiiilians
ihould go to School to Heathen Mailers : Never-
thelefs, feeing this Church is under fo many Hea-
then Kings, who many times will not fuffer any
L 4 but
1 5 z 7)?e JBs and Decrees
but Infidels to be Schoolmafters , wherefore the
Synod doth command and declare, That in all
Schools, whether for Reading or Writing, where-
in the Mailers have Pagods^ to which they oblige
their Children at their coming into the School
to pay their Reverence, as the Cuilom is , that
it (hall not be lawful for Chriftian Parents or
Guardians to fend Chriftian Children to fuch
School?, upon pain of being proceeded againft
as Idolaters f, but if there ihould be any fuch
Schools, wherein the Heathen Mailers will con-
fent that Chriftian Children ihall pay no Reve-
rence, nor be obhged to any Heathen Ceremo-
ny, in cafe there is no Chriftian Mafternear, they
may be fent to fuch Schools, their Parents in-
ftruciing them that they muft pay no reverence
but only to the Mafter, and that they muft ufe
none of the Ceremonies of the Heathen Chil-
dren, that fo they may not "^ fuck in Idolatry as
Mothers Milk. Furthermore, the Synod doth
earneftly recommend it to all Towns and Villa-
ges, to do all that is in their Power to have
their Children Educated by Chriftian Mafters,
and as for Reading and Writing, to have the
Parifti-Pfiefti to teach them to do that in their
* èlick ill "ilíiOÍatrpO ^^^7 ^^^^ foever it may be in other
would have done well ro have places, was fafe or not in Mala-
confidered, whether the incro- bar^ before they did it, and whe-
ducing of the Adoration of Ima- ther the reconciling them to Ima-
ges into a Chriftianity that was ges might boc difpofe them to
planted amidft Heathens and un- Heathcnifm.
act Idolatrous Princes, how Inno-
Houfes :
of the Synod of Diamper, 15J
Houíès : But as to thofe mailers who do oblige
Chriftian Children to do reverence to their Pa-
godi 5 the Synod in virtue of Holy Obedience,
and upon pain of Excommunication to be Ipfa
filão incurred, doth command all Fathers of Fa-
milies, and others that have charge of Children,
not to confent to their going to fuch Schools 5
and doing the contrary, let them be declared
Excommunicate, and be rigoroufly punifhed by
the Prelate, neither fhall iuch Children be fuffer-
ed to enter the Church , as to which matter the
Vicars and Priefts ought to be extreamly vigi-
lant, to prevent Childrens being Educated in Ido-
latry ^ and where-e'er there is a Chriftian School-
mafter in any Town, or near it, the Children of
Chriftians are not to go to School to Infidels.
Decree xiii.
'T^He Synod being certainly informed, that
-^ there are fome Chriftian Schoolmafters,
who to conform themfelves toothers, and to have
the more Scholars, do fet up Pagods and Idols
in their Schools, to which the Heathen Children
pay reverence, doth command all the faid School-
mafters.. fo foon as it fhall be intimated to them,
upon pain of Excommunication, to remove the
faid Pagods Idols, and Reverence out of their
Schools, and not to give way to Heathen Chil-
dren, paying any fuch adoration 5 and whofoever
fhall be found guilty thereof, fnall be declared
Excommunicate, and dcnycd the Communion
of
154 ^^^ ^^^ ^'^^ Decrees
of the Church, and of all Chriftians, and dying,
(hall not be buried in holy Ground, nor have
Chriftian Burial, nor have any Prayers faid for
them, and let this Decree be publiihed by the
Vicars of the Churches to which fuch do be-
long.
Decree xiv.
npHe Purity of the Faith being prefer ved by
-^ nothing more than by Books of found and
holy Do6trine 5 and on the contrary, there being
nothing whereby the Minds of People are more
corrupted, than by Books of fufpicious and He-
retical Dodrines , Errors being by their means
eafily infinuated into the Hearts of the Ignorant,
that read or hear them : Wherefore the Synod
knowing that this Biihoprick is full of Books
writ in the Surian Tongue by Neftorian Hereticks,
and Perfons of other Deviliih Seas, which abound
with Herefies, Blafphemies and falfe Doftrines,
doth command in virtue of Obedience, and up-
on pain of Excommunication to be ipfo faão in-
curred, that no Perfon, of what quality and con-
dition foever, ihall from henceforward prefume
to keep, tranllate, read or hear read to others,
any of the following Books.
The Book intituled, The Infancy of our Saviour,
Or The Hiflory of our Lady y condemned former-
ly by the ancient Saints, for being full of Blaf-
phemies, Herefies, and fabulous Stories, where
among others it is faid, that the Annunciation of
the
of the Synod of Diamper. 1 5 5
the Angel was made in the Temple of Jerufalem^
where our Lady was, which contradids the Go-
ipel of St. Luke^ which faith, it was made in Na-
zareth'f as alio that Jofeph had adually another
Wife and Children, when he was betrothed to
the Holy Virgin 5 and that he often reproved the
Child Jefus for hit naughty Tricks 5 that the
Child Jefus went to School to the Rabbins, and
learnt of them, with a thoufand other Fables and
Blafphemies of th:.- fame Nature, and things un-
worthy of our Lord Chrift, whereas the Gofpel
íàith, that the Jetvs were aftonifhed at his WiG
dom, asking how he came by fo much Learning,
having never been taught 5 that the Devil tempt-
ed Chrift before his Faft of forty days, which is
contrary to the Gofpel 5 that St. Jofeph^ to be fa-
tisfied whether the Virgin had committed Adul-
tery, carried her before the Priefts, who accord-
ing to the Law gave her the Water of Jealoufie
to drink :, that our Lady brought forth with pain,
and parting from her Com.pany, not being able
to go farther, (he retired to a Stable at Bethlehem ,
that neither our Lady, nor any other Saint is in
Heaven enjoying God, but are all in a Terre-
ftrial Paradiie, where they are to remain till the
day of Judgment, with other Errors, too many
to be related : But it is the Synod's pleafure to
inftance in iom.e of the chief Errors contained in
the Books that it condemns, that fo all may be
fatibfied of the reafon why they are prohibited
to be read, or kept upon pain cf Excommunica-
tion, and that all m.ay avoid and burn them
with
1 5 6 The JBs and t>ecms
with the greater Horror, and for other juft and
neceííàry refpefts.
Alio the Book of John Burialdan^ wherein it
is íàid in divers places, That there were two Per-
fons, a Divine and Humane, in Chrift, which is
contrary to the Cathohck Faith, which confef-
fes one only Divine Perfcn : It is alfo faid. That
the Names of Chrift and Emanuel are the Names
of the Humane Perfon only, and for that reafon
that the moft fweet Name jefu^ is not to be ado-
red 5 that the Union of the Incarnation is com-
mon to all the Three Divine Perfons, who were
all Incarnated 5 that our Lord Chrift is the adop-
ted, and not the Natural Son of God 5 that the
Union of the Incarnation is accidental, and is
only that of Love betwixt the Divine and Hu-
mane Perfons.
Alfo the Book intituled, The Procejjion of the
Holy Spirit ^ wherein it is endeavoured to be
proved at large, that the Holy Spirit proceedeth
only from the Father, and not from the Son,
which is contrary to the Catholick Truth, which
teaches, that he proceeds from the Father and
the Son.
Alfo the Book entituled Margarita Fidei^ ovlhe
Jeivel ofFaithji wherein it is pretended to be prov-
ed at large, That our Lady, the moft Holy Virgin,
neither is,nor ought to be ftiledthe Mother ofGod,
but the Mother of Chrift ^ that in Chrift there are
two Perfons, the one of the Word, and the other
of Jefus 5 that the Union of the Incarnation is only
an accidental Union of Love and Power, and not
a
• of the Synod 0/ Diamper. 157
a fubftantial Union 5 that there are three diftindt
Faiths, which is divided into three ProfeiTions,
the "Neftoridn^ Jacobite and Roman ^ that the A/e-
jiorian is the true Faith that was taught by the
Apoftle, and that the Roman is falíè and Hereti-
cal, and was introduced by force of Arms, and
the Authority of Heretical Emperors, into the
greateft part of the World 5 that to Excommu-
nicate Ncftorim^ is to Excommunicate the Apo-
ftles and Prophets, and the whole Scripture 5
that they that do not believe his Dodtrine, fhall
not inherit Eternal Life 5 that they that follow
Nefioriw, received their Faith from the Apoillcs,
which has been prcíèrved to this day in the
Church of Babylon of the Syrians^ That Matrimo-
ny neither is^ nor can be a Sacrament ^ that the
iign of the Crofs is one of the Sacraments of the
Church in(\ituted by Chrift, that the Fire of
Hell is Metaphorical, not real 5 that the Roman
Church k fallen from the Faith ^ condemning it like-
jvife for not celebrating in leavened Breads accord-
ing to what the Church has received from the A-
poftles, for which it is faid the Romans are Here-
ticks.
Alfo the Book of the Fathers, wherein it is
faid. That our Lady neither is, nor ought to be
called the Mother of God 5 that the Patriarch of
Babylon of the Nefiorians^ is the Univerfal Head
of the Church immediately under Chrift, that
the Fire of Hell is not real, but fpiritual ^ that
it isHerefietofay, that God was born, or dyedj
that there are two Perfonsin Chrift,
Alfo
1 5 8 71)6 ASis and Decrees
Alfo a Book of the Life of Abbot Ifaias^ coni-
mented by a Neflorid}?^ wherein it is faid, That
the Union is common to all the Three Perfcns 5
that St. Cyril of Akxíinãria^ who condemned ATe-
ftorius^ was an impious Heretick, and is now in
Hell, for having caught, that there is but One
Perfon in Chrift:, whrieas, as often as Neflori-
us, Theodoriis and Diodorus are named, they are
ftiled Saints, and blelled , by whoíè Authority
it is there proved, that the Saints ihall not en-
joy God before the day of Judgment ; and that
till then they ihall be in an obfcure place, which
they call Ede^, near to the Terreftrial Paradiíè j
and that by fo much the woríè as any one has
been, he is tormented "^ the leis for it in Hell, by
reaibn of his greater conformity and friendfliip
with the Devils 5 that the Word was not made
* STíjelefó fO^ Itin^clU] ven, to fpit and trample upon
This of fixing fomething that is the Crucifix, and to declare that
juftly abominable to all Mankind, Chrift was a falfe Prophet ; the
upon her Adverfaries, has been Albigenfes are faid to have held
the conftanc praâice of the it lawful to deny their Faith,
Church of Rome : So the Empe- when interrogated upon it by a
ror Michael Balbui^ becaufe he Magiftrate, to have held, that pro-
was an Enemy to Image-worihip, mitcnous Venery was lawful, but
is faid to have laughed at the that Matrimony was Hell and
Prophets, not to have believed Damnation •-, char the Souls of
there were any Devils, and to Men were as Mortal as their Bo-
have placed Judof among tlie diesj that the way of chooiing
Saints i the Templars, upon the their chief Priefts, was by coiling
Pope and the French Kings con- an Infanc from one to another,
fpiring together to deftroy their and that Ije in whofe hands the
Order, are faid to have obliged Infant expired, had that Office,
all their Novices to blafpheme and that the Devil was unjuftly
God, to renounce Chrift, the Vir- thrown out of Heaven,
gin Aiarjtf and all the Saints in Hea-
Man,
of the Synod of Diamper. 1 5 9
Man, and that it is Blafphemy to affipm it ^ tfiàt
Chrift conquer'd all the Paffions of Sin by a Pow-
er derived from God, and not by his own
itrength 0 that St. Cyril was a Heretick in teach-
ing, that there was but One Perfon in Chrift 5
that the Divine and Humane Nature were uni-
ted in Chrift accidentally by Love 5 that the
whole Trinity was incarnated 5 that God dwelt
in Chrift as in a Rational Temple, giving him
power to do all the good things he did ^ that
the Souls of the Juft will be in a Terreftrial Pa-
ra dife till the day of Judgment 5 that the Wick-
ed when they dye in Mortal Sin, are carried to
a place called Eden^ where they fuíFer only by
the fenfe of the punifhraents they know they are
to undergo after the day of Judgment.
Alfo the Book of Synods, wherein there is a
forged Letter of Pope Caius^ with falfe Subfcrip-
tions of a great many other Weftern Bifliops, di-
reded tothoie oi Babylon^ wherein it is acknow-
ledged, that the Church of Rome ought to be
fubjed to that of Babylon^ which with all that
are fubjeâ: to her, are immediately under Chrift,
without owing any reverence to the Romm Bi-
ihop, they fay like wife. That the ^i?/^^» Church
is fallen from the Faith^ having perverted the Ca-
nons of the Apoftles, by the force of Heretical
Emperors Arms 5 and that the Romans are He-
reticks, for not celebrating in leavened Bread,
which has been the inviolable Cuftom of the
Church derived from our Saviour, and his Ho-
ly Apoftles 3 that all the BiQiops that followed
Nefioriufy
\6o Tl)e AEis and Decrees
Nefiorius, ought to be much efteemed, and when
named, to be ftiled S^tints 5 and to have their
Reliques reverenced : That Matrimony is not a
Sacrament^ that it may be diíTolved for the bad
conditions of the Parties : That Ufnry is Law-
ful, and there is no Sin in it.
Alfo the Book of Timothy the Patriarch, where,
in three Chapters, The mofl Holy Sacrament of
the Altar is blafphemeds it being impioufly
ailerted in them , That the true Body of our Lord
Chriji if not there^ but only the Figure thereof.
Alio the Letter which they pretend came
down from Heaven, called the Letter of the
Lords day^ wherein the Roman Church is accufcd of
having fallen from the Faith, and having violated
the Domingo, or Lord's-day Letter.
Alfo the Book called Maclamatas^ wherein
the diftindion of two Perfons in Ghrift, and the
accedental Union of the Incarnation are pre-
tended to be proved at large, and are confirmed
vnth feveral falfe and Blafphemous Similitudes.
Alfo the Book intituled Z) guarda, or the Rofe ;
w^herein it is faid, That there are two Perfons in
Chrift ^ that the Union of the Incarnation was
Accidental , that our Lady brought forth with
Pain '-, and the Sons of Jofeph, which he had by
his other Wife, being in company, went for a
Midwife to her, with other Blafphemies.
Alfo the Book intituled Ca;/jiz,j wherein it is
iaid, That the Divine Word, and the Son of the
Virgin are not the fame, and that our Lady
brought forth with Pain.
Alfo
of the Synod of Diamper. 1 6 1
Alfo the Book intituled Menra ; wherein it is
faid, That our Lord Chrift is only the Image of
the Word 5 that the Subftance of God dwelt in
Chrift as in a Temple^ that Chrift is next to
the Divinity 5 that Chrift was made the Com- "
panion of God.
Alfo the Book of Orders ^ wherein it is fhid.
That the Form, and not the iVlatter, is neceííàry
to Orders 5 and the Forms therein are likewife
Erroneous 5 thatthereare only two Orders, Di^
aco^ate and Pri efi hood ':,th2it Altars of Wood, and
not of Stone, are to be Confecrated 5 there are
alfo Prayers in it for thoie that are converted
from any other Sed to Nefloriamfm^ in form of
an Abfolution from the Excommunication they
had incurred for not having followed Neflorms^
and of a reconciliation to the Church.
Alfo the Book of Homilies 5 wherein it is faid.
That the Holy Encharijl is only the Image ofChrifl^
and is dijiinguijided from him^ as an Image is from
a true Man ; and that the Body of our Lord Je-
fis Chrift is not there^ nor no vihcre elfe hut in
Heaven : That the whole Trinity was Incarnate 5
that Chrift is only the Temple, of the Divinity,
and God only by Reprefentation 5 that the Soul
of Chrift descended not into Hell, but was car-
ried to the Paradife of Eden'-^ that whofoever
affirm.s the contrary, errs, and that we therefore
err in our Creed : There are therein likewiíè
fome Letters of fome Heretical Synods, in which
it is faid. That the Patriarch of Babylon is not
fubjeit to the Roman Bifhop 5 with an Oath -to
M be
\6i The Acls and Decrees
be taken to the faid Patriarch, as the Head of
the Church, wherehi People Swear to obey
him, and htm only, and not the Biihop of Rome,
Alio a Book intituled , An Expofition of the
Gofpels-f wherein it is every where pretended
to be proved , That there are two Perfons in
Chrifl: , and that Chrift as a pure Creature, was
obliged to adore God , and ftood in need of
Praver^ that be was the Temple of the moft
Holy Trinity^ that Chrift's Soul when he died,
defcended not into Hell, but was carried to the
Paradife of Ede^tj which was the place he pro-
mifed to the Thief on the Crofs : That our Lady,
the Virgin, deferved to be reproved for having
vainly imagined, that (he was Mother to one
that was to be a great King , looking upon Chrift
as no other than a pure Mans and prefuming
that he was to have a Temporal Empire, as well
as the reft of the Jervs ; That the Evangelifts
did not Record all Chrift's Adions in Truth as
they were, they not having been prefent at ie-
veral of them 5 which was the reafon why they
differed from one another fo much: That the
Wife Men that came from the Eafl^ received no
favour from God, for the Journey they took '-,
neither did they believe in Chrift 5 that Chrift
was the adopted Son of God, it being as im-
poííible that he ftiould be God's Natural Son,
as it is that Juft Men ftiould be fo 3 that he re-
ceived new Grace in Baptifin, which he had not
before , that he is only the Image of the Word j
and the pure Temple of the Holy Spirit j that
the
of the Synod of Diamper. \6i
the Holy Encharifl ir only the Image of the Body
of Chriji^ which is only in Heaven at the right
hand of the Father^ and not here on Earth : That
Chrift, as pure Man, did not know when the
day of Judgment was to be: That when St. Thomas
put his Hand into Chrift's Side, and faid , My
Lord, and my God I he did not fpeak to Chrift 5
for that he that was raifed was not God s but
it was only an Exclamation made to God upon
his beholding fuch a Miracle: That the Autho-
rity that ChriQ. gave to St. ^eter over the Church,
was the fame that he gave to other Priefrs 5 lo
that his Succeííòrs have no more Power or Ju-
rifdiftion than other Bifhops: That our Lady,
the Virgin, is not the Mother of God ; That the
firft Epiftle of St. 'john, and that of St. James^
are not the Writings of thofe Holy Apoftles, but
of fome other Perfons of the fame Name , and
therefore are not Canonical.
Alfo the Book of Hormifda Raban , who is
ftiled a Saints wherein it is faid, That NeJioriuT
was a Saint, and Martyr , and fuitered for the
Truth 5 and- that St. Cyril, who períècuted him,
was the Prieil: and Minifter of, the I3evil, and
is now in Hell : That Images are filthy and a-
bominable Idols, and ought not to be adored 5 and
that, St. Cyril, as a Heretick invented and intro-
duced them : There are alfo many falfe Mira-
cles Recorded in this Book , which are faid to
have been wrought by Hormifda in confirmati-
on of the Nejtorian Doftrine 5 with an Account
of v/hat he faffered from the Catholicks^ for being
obftinate jn his Hereiy. M 2 Alfo
1 ^4 ^'^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ Decrees
Alfo the Book of Lots^ into which they put
that they call the Rhig of Solomon, with a great
many more Superftitions, for the choice of good
Days to Marry upon, and for feveral other uíès ^
wherein are contained many Blafphemies, and
Heathenifli Obfervances 5 as alfo all other Books
of Lots^ and for chufing of Days, the Synod
prohibits under the fame Cenfure.
Alfo the Book written after the manner of
't' Flos Sana orHm\^\{Qxún are contained the Lives
of a great many Neftonan Hereticks, who are
there called Saints , and not only that entire
Book, but alfo any of the Lives contained there-
in, which may be, current ieparately 5 namely,
thofe of Abraham^ ftiled the Great^ of George Ab-
bot Cardeg , whom they call a Martyr j Jacobs
AbbcM^ Saurixo^ Johanan^ Gauri^ Raban, Sabacat^
Ocama^ Dankl^ Barcaula^ Raban Nn?ia^ Jacob^
Rabat the Great , Dad/xo^ JomarnJia , Schalita^
t JflO0 S^anctO^Um»] Let expofuiffe.quàm expcfuemt Catholkh
tbfir Les^nds be as fabulous as non res dico Imperatorum^ fed Mar-
they will, I am fure they cannot f;r«w, Vhgimm ^ (fy Confefforum.
be worfe »haiuhofe of the Church lUi cnim in probtf^ aut Philofophify
of Rome ; namely, her Flos San- aut Principibw, nee vitia^ nee fufpi-
ilorum^ which is certainly the dul- clones vhinrum tacent, in improbii
hi\ Romance that ever law the etiam colores virtutumprodunt.Noftri
Sun. aut em pleriquc vel affeilibm infer vi-
Melchtor Canw, the B'ihop of ««f, vel de induJJria quoque ità
canaries y in his i \th. Book de Lo multa conjingmr, ut eoram me nimi-
eis Theologrcis, gives this juft Cha- rum non folum pudeat, fed etiam
ra<fter of them : Dolenter hoe dico t<edear. In illo enifi Miraculorum
potiuSy quàmcontumelinfè^ multo à mnnlira fitpius qnàm vera miracula
Laertio fevetim vitas Philofopiiorum legos :■ banc auream fe.legendac homo
fcriptas^ quàm ã Chriflianu vitas fcripfit ferrei orU^plumbei cordis ^ani-
Sanclomm; longéquc incorruptius <^ mi certè p0riim feveri ^ prudentU.
integriks Suetonium res C^farum
Ihab,
of the Synod of Diamper. 16 5
Ihah^ Ahimekch the Expofitor, Ahrahar^^ another
Abraham Natpraya^ Jobcarder^ Joh^?^ Ircafca^ Ne-
ftonus^ JaH^?aw^ Barcurra^ Raban Gabarona^ Scha-
bibi^ Barcima^ Titus^ Raban Sapor ^ Gregory the Me-
tropolitan, George^ Monarh^ Xahucalmaran ^ Jo-
feph^ Nathanael^ Simon Abbot Chabita^ Zinai Abbot ^
Audixo^ "John Crafcaya^ Barcahade^ Italaah^ John
Sahadiii^ Aha, Xalita, Joa?iacoreta, Xari, another
John, Elias, Joadarmah, Ananixo, another '^ohn.
Bar he tt a, Rabat Simeon, N arfai Nub an , Raban
Theodorns, Rabat Do6tor, Abda, Abolaminer, Ra-
bantarfaha of Cadarvi^ Xuuelmarati , Serginãnda^
Xunealmaran, Dadixo, another Abraham, E'^^ekjcl-
dufa , Rabai Perca, David Barnutar, Hormifda,
Pition, Salomon Abbot, Raban Machixo, another
George, Mtichiqna, another Abraham, Apuimacan^
Xaurixo, Ixofauran, Jofedec, Raban Camixo, Bar-
dirt a Abbot, Abraham Barmaharail, Gco>ge Raban,
Zliva Abbot, Guiriaco Rabanhaut, Jofeph Abbot,
Zaca, Nafbian, Jefus Abbot, Aaron Bncattxo, A ft an,
another Abraham, Xonxa Abbot, Amanixo Gafraya,
Sahedona Biihop, Jofeph, A'^aya, Ifzhaha B.lhop,
Jacob, whom they call a Prophet, Ixaiaku, Ru*
nuco Ramain, Jobar Malchi : Who were all Ne-
ftorian Hereticks, and the chief followers of that
curfed Sea:, as is evident from their Lives, which
are full of Herefies, Blafphemies, and falfe and
'^ fabulous Miracles, with which they pretend to
Authorize their Sed.
* jfabulOUji ^iríiclf0] For guilty of; hut to do it with the
people not only to condemn that Air, and aíTuranee of an unquefti-
in others, which they chemfeives onable Innocency, cam or be de-
are vifibly and infinitely more nied to be no common privilege-,
M 3. AlfQ
66
The JEls and ^Decrees
Ahb the Book called Varifman^ or the Perfian
Med7ci}2e^\v\i\c\i\s> full of Sc/rceriei,teaching certain
Methods whereby one may do mifchief to their
enemies,and may gain Womenjand for a great ma-
ny other lewd and prohibited purpoles 5 there are
likewife in it ftrange Names of Devils, ot whom
they affirm, that whofccver (hall carry the Nanjes
of (even of them about him writ in a Paper, fhall
be in no danger of any Evil ; It contains alio many
"''SuperílitiouâExorcifms for thecafting out of De-
vils 5 mixing fome Godly words with others that
are not Intelligible^ and with the Invocation of the
moll: Holy Trinity, oftentimes deiiring the doing
Vsr were all she falfe Miracles,
that have been pretended to be
wrought by all the otlier St its
of Religion, put together, they
would fall infinitely ihortof whac
may be met wich in any iingle
Saint's Life, or in confirmation of
any ÍJngleDoftrine of the Church
of Rome \ moil of which too, are
what Cunia faid of them, rather
Monftra Miraailorum than vera
Miracula, or any thing the.
*^upf raiiirne^jcc^cifms; ]
I do not think they had an Exor-
cifm in any of their Books, that
was more abfurd than that we
meet with in the Sacerdotale Ro-
m<in;/r?;, printed ac Venice no longer
ago than the Year 15-5. where
the Prieft when he meets wi'h a
fallen Devil, tliat will not tell his
Name, nor give any account of
himfelf, is orderM ro fall upon
him with Fr<ccjpio tibi fub poena
ExcommuracationH majorU <(y mino-
rU, ut refponJeas, <fy- dicas mihi No-
men (^ Diem ify" Horam exirus tut :
I fhall no make rhar rcflcdion up-
on fhis Excrcifm, which is very
obvious at the firft hearing of it :
I: was with fome fuch Exorcifm
as this, doubtlefs, that ihe^ got
out of the Devil rhar raiied the
terrible Perfecution m Japan, -hat
he was feet 'hi her from England^
where he had been employed a
grea. many Years in perfecuring
o{ Roman Catholi kjj upon hich
ihe Jefuit I«vj F/flf^ro, the Wri-
ter of ihe Perfecution, makes this
grave Remark j Thar doubtlefs it
is wiih Devils as it is with Men ;
that fome of them have particular
Talents for fome rarticular ^" orks j
and that chis Devil's Talent muft
doubtlefs hive 1-in chietiy towirds
the raifing of bloody l^trfccuions
ag;iinil Citholicks, and the Chri*
Aian Faith.
of
of the Synod of DLimper. 1 67
of lewd things, and enormous fins, joyning the
Merits of Nejioriusana his followers, many times,
in the fame Prayer with thofeofthe bleiled Virgin,
and thofeof their Devils, withthofe of the Holy
Angels '-, all which is very common in this Diocefs ,
moft Curates having this Book, and making ufe of
it to this very day j all which fort of Books the Sy-
nod prohibits in this Diocefs under the forementi-
oned cenfures^ and whofoever from henceforwards
(hall be found to have any of them, bcfides the cen-
fure they have incurred thereby, ftallbe feverely
puniihed by their Prelate.
Decree xv.
■) lit the forementioned Herefies are not only
_^ to be met with in thefe Books, but are like-
wife in the Common Prayer, and Breviaries
that they, ufe in their Churches, which having
been compofed by Neflorian Hereticks, are full
of Blafphemies, Herefies, Fables, and Apocry-
phal ftories, whereby inftead of praifing God,
they are continually blafpheming him in their
Divine Offices.
In the Book called the Great Breviary^ it is
faid. That the Divine Word did notailume Fleih,
ignorantly pretending to prove it thus ^ becaufe
if the Word had afiiumed FlePn, to what purpoie
was the Holy Spirit's overiliadowing the Virgin ?
In the fame Breviary the whole Oiiice of Ad-
vent is Heretical, it being every where affirmed
therein, that Chrifthad two Perfons, and calling
M 4 biss
i 68 Tlys AEis and decrees
him continually only the Temple of God 5 and
in the Feaft of the Nativity, there is a propofi-
tion in one of the folemn Antiphona's, that di-
reóbly contradids St. John^ in which it is faid, that
the Word was not made FleJIj^ and that all that be-
lieve the contrary, are difobedient to the Church,
and are obftinate Pvcbels againft the Faith ^ fo
that the whole Office> ot the Advent and Nativi-
ty are little elfe than pure Blafphemy.
In the Book of Prayers for the great Faif, it
is frequently faid, that there were two Perfons,
a Divine and Humane in Chrift. It contains al-
io feveral Commemorations of Ncjiorius^ and o-
ther Hereticks his Followers, affirming Mamdeay^
Theodorí0 and Diodorus^ and other ISlefiorian He-
reticks, to have been the Followers of St. £-
fhrem.
In the Greater Breviary, which they call Budre
and Gaza^ or The Treafure of Prayers^ it is every
where faid, that there aretwo Perfonsin Chrift,
and one reprefentation of the Son of God 5 that
he is the Image of the Word, and the Temple of
the fame 5 that the Divine Perfon did enlighten
the Humane, and that Chrift advanced in Grace
and Knowledge by degrees ^ that our Lady never
carried God in her Womb, as Hereticks affirm,
Chrift being a Man like to others, and that (he
ought not to be called the Mother of God, but
only the Mother of the fccond Adam 5 that the
whole Trinity aiiumed Humanity, and that St.
Matthew taught the Hebrews fo 5 that God did
not make himfelf Flcfh, which he only took as
a
of the Synod of Diamper. \6^
a Dwelling to cover his Glory , that God ac-
companyed Chrift on the Crois, but had not ta-
ken the Humanity, neither was it God that fuf-
fered , that the Word of the Father changed it
ielf into Humanity, and by the Son of Marji re-
deemed Mankind , that the Father Eternal took
Fle(h in the fame manner as the Son 5 that the
Angel delivered his Mellage to the Virgin in
the Temple, and not at Nazareth ; that the
pains of travail opened the Womb of the Virgin,
who brought forth with labour after the manner
of other Women 5 that ^ in the mofl Holy Sacra-
ment of the Eucharijl^ there is 72ot the true Body of
Chrifi i with a thoufand more Blafphemies about
* 3In tl)e moff l^olp ^ac ra-
mmt.] The Chriftians who live
icattercti about Mefopotamia and
Àffyria, and whofe Patriarch re-
fidesac the Monaftery of St.Raban
Hurnex^ the Perfian, in the Gordya-
an Mountains, 40 miles above Ni-
niveh, tho' kutychians^ and for
that reafon Enemies to the Chal-
dean Chriftians, do agree with
them in denying Tranfubftantia-
tion, as appears from the follow-
ing Prayer taken out of their
Miflal, and communicated to me
by my Learned Friend Dr. Hide.
Angeli ^ homines laudabunt te, 0
Chrilie, Sacriflcere pro nobif, qui
per Sacrament a, qn£ funt in Eccle-
fia taa, docuijU nos, jecundum magni-
fi<^entiam tuam^ quod ftcut in Pane,
^ Vino Uixura fmX à te dUVinHa,
in Virtute (^ potentia idem funt te'
Cum. Sic etiam Corpus quod à mbis,
difiinSlHm eji à verbo in Jubjiatitia,
cum ilia tamen qui accipit tllnd^
admitum efi in magnipcentia <iy
potentia. Sic credimw <ti "i"' we-
tuimus ab iniquitate, quod in uno
(fc. una h'}pojiitfi)fit filiiufatemury
(fy- non efi duo ftcut iinprobi, Qid eft,
ficut dicunt Nejioriatu) mn enimin
completionibm Sacripdi-, Corpus 2^
CoipHi jrungimm, fed unwn per ji-
dcm, jicut docuifli nos in Evangelio
tuo, latts tibi qui per Sacramenta
tua., inflruxilU nos ut lau-emm no-
men tuum.
Now I take this Teftimony a-
gainft Tranfubflanciation to be
much the ftronger for it's being
given by the Eutychians, to whofe
Herefie Tranfubftannatioa, had is .
been believed, would have given
great Countenance -, as indeed I
cannot but reckon thofe Herccicks
■having no where made ufe of c|i4C
Doârine to fupport their Hereiie,
,to be a ccnfiderable Argument of
its
1 70 The Aãs and Decrees
it 3 that Nefioriifs was a Preacher of Truth 5 and
in feveral places God is praifed for having de-
clared the ^xmhloTheodorus ;!inà D/odorus, who
was Mafter to Neftorius 5 and in feveral Prayers
they befeech God to chaftife thofe that believe
otherwife than Neftorius^ ' and his Followers,
whofe Faith they fay is founded on St. Peter\
and the reft of the Apoftles 5 Moreover it is
faid, that the Holy Virgin, and her Spoufc Jo-
feph^ appeared before the Priefts, who could not
tell how (he had conceived ^ and that Jmages are
Idols J and ought not to be adored^ nor fo much as
h^p in Churches or in Houfes of Chriftians 5 there
are like wife O^ices oi Neji or i us and his Follow-
ers, and Commemorations of feveral Here-
ticks.
In the Office for Priefts departed, it is fung,
That in the moft holy Sacrament of the Altar,
. there is only the Virtue ofChriJi^ but not his true Bo^
its not having been believed ei- cbeety or the Orthodox, than we
ther by themftlves, or by the Or- have from the Manichees abftain-
thodox i for had the latter belie- ing from the Cup in the Sicramenc
ved it, tho' they had not done it for no other reafon, but becaufe
tliemfelves, they could not have they did not think it lawful to
failed to have ufcd it as Argumen- drink Wine, and from the Ortho-
tum ad heminem^ which is what doxes proving againft them from
they have no where done, it is that very Inftitution that it was
true, this is only a Negative Ar- lawful, and endeavouring to con-
gumenr, bur it is as true, that it is vine e them by feveral Arguments,
fo circumftantiated as to be of e- that it was their Duty to receive
qual force with one that is pofi- the Cup in the Sacrament •, and
tive. So again, I do not fee how all this without ever fo much as
we could have had a clearer proof once intimating,that the Liquor in
of Tranfubftantiation, not having the Cup, when it came to be re-
been believed either by the Mani- ceived, was Blood and not Wine.
of the Synod of Diamper. 171
dy a^id Blood':, all which Books and Breviaries,
tho' they do well deferve to be burnt, for theie
and other Errors that they contain, yet there
being no other at prefent in this Diocefs, for the
keeping up of Divine Service, and the celebra-
tion of R.ehgious Oflfees, until fuch time as they
ihall be furniihed with new Breviaries, which
the Synod deiires they may fpeedily, and that
ibme may be Printed for them at St. Peters in
Ro;^e 5 the Synod doth order them to be ccrre-
ded and purged from all their Errors, and Com-
memorations of Hereticks, and the entire Offices
for all fuch 5 and the Offices of Advent and the
Nativity to be entirely tore out of their Brevia-
ries and burnt, entreating the moft Illuftrioiis
Metropohtan to fee it done at his next Viiitati-
on in all the Churches oftheDioceis, command-
ing all Curates in virtue of Obedience, and up-
on pain of Excommunication to be ipfifaão in-
curred, to produce the faid Books, and all the
other Books that they have, as well of publick
as of private Ufe, and of Prayers, as well as of
the Mafs, before the faid Lord Metropolitan at
his Vifitation, in order to their being correfted
by Perfons appointed for that work, in confor-
mity to what is here ordained.
Oecree xvi.
FO R the prefervation of the Purity of the
Faith, the Synod does command all Priefts,
Curates, and all other Perfons, of whatfoever
Con-
I7Z The ABs anã Decrees
Condition, or Quality, within this Biflioprick,
in virtue of Obedience, and upon pain of Ex-
communication within two Months after the pub-
lication thereof (hall come to their knowledge,
to deliver all the Books thev have written in the
Syrian Tongue, either wi:h their own hand>, or by
ibme other Perfon, to the moftllluftrioUbXietro-
politan, which they may do at the Vifiraiion
that he intends to hold fpeedily, or to Father
Francifco Rêz, of the Society of Jefus, Prnfelior
of the Syrian Tongue in the College of Vaipicotta^
or to the faid College, in order to their being
peruíèd and correfted, or deftroyed, as fha.ll be
thought moft convenient, the Books of Com-
mon Prayer being excepted, which are to be
emended in the form aboveíàid , and under the
íàme Precept of Obedience, and pain of Excom-
munication, the Synod does command, That no
Peribn, of what Condition or Quality foever
within this Bifhoprick, ihallprefume to tranilate
any Book into the Syrian Tongue, without ex-
prefs Licenie from the Prelate, with a Declara-
tion of the Book to which it is granted, the
Books of Holy Scripture and Pfalms only except-
ed 5 and until fuch time as this Church fliall be
provided with a Bifhop, the moft lUuftrious Me-
tropolitan doth commit the Power of granting
all fuch Licenfes to the Reverend Father Fran-
cifco Roz^ of the Society of Jefus, by reaibn of
his great skill in thofe Books, and in the Chaldee
and 5ym« Languages.
Decree
of the Synod 0/ Diamper, 17 j
Decree xvii.
o Eeing the Purity of Faith and good Manners
O doth very much depend on the Dodrine
that is preached to the People 5 wherefore the
Synod, being informed that there are íèveral ig-
norant Curates who do take upon them to
preach, and make Diícouríes in publick, where-
in they teach feveral Errors and Herefies that
they meet with in Books that they do not un-
derftand, and feveral fabulous and Apocryphal
things, thofe efpecially which they take out of
the Book of the Infancy of our Saviour^ and other
Apocryphal and Heretical writings, doth com-
mand that none prefume to preach, or make any
fet Difcourfe to the People, but who are Licen-
fed by the Prelate in Writing, who (ball firft, exa-
mine them diligently, as to their fufficiency and
Doftrine, according to the Holy Council oiTrent-^
and when there ihall happen to be no Prelate
during the vacancy of the See, the mofl: lUu-
ftrious Metropolitan doth commit the care there-
of to the Reftor of the Jefuits College of Vaipai.
cotta in this Dioceis, that fo he, and fuch of the
Fathers as he ihall name, may make the faid
Examinations, of which they ihall give a Certi-
ficate fealed by the Redor ^ and at the next Vi-
fitation the Lord Metropolitan ihall name fuch
as ihall appear to him to be moft for the benefit
of the People of this Bithoprick, in order to
their being rightly inftrufted, and whofoever
ihall
1 74 -^^^ ^^^ ^'^^ Decrees
ihall, without having undergone fuch an Exami-
nation, and without having obtained a Licenie
thereupon, in writing, under the hand of the
Biihop, or Prelate, prefume to preach, or make
any Diícouríès to the People, ihall be fuipended
from their Office and Benefice for a Year ^ never-
thelefs, all Vicars may in their own Churches
make fuch Difccuríès to their People, as they
ihall judge necefiary, out of the Holy Scriptures,
and other approved Books , to which end the
Synod doth earnefVly defire, that there may be
a Catechifm made in the Malabar Tongue, out
of which there may be every Sunday fomething
read to the People : And whereas the Synod is
informed that the moft lUuftrious Metropolitan
is already about fuch a Work , and has reaibn
to hope that it may be done by the end of the
Vifitation, it doth command, ib foon as it is finiih-
ed and publiihed. That all Vicars do every Sun-
day at the time of Offering, or before, or after
Mafs, read a Chapter of the fame to the People
in conformity to the Orders they ihall receive.
'DtiUZ XVIII.
WHereas, through the Ignorance and bad
Dodrines of the Priefts of this Dioceis,
occafioned by their having been accuftomed to
read Heretical and Apocryphal Books, they do
many times deliver Errors, and fabulous Stories,
in their Sermons, and Admonitions to the People,
without knowing what they fay themfelves :
Where-
of the Synod o/Diamper. 175
Therefore, to prevent the Peoples being mif-
taught, the Synod doth command, That when-
foever it ihould be proved to the Prelate,
that any fuch thing has been delivered in pub-
lick, or in any Congregation, that the Prelate ha-
ving drawn up a Form of Recantation in Wri-
ting, fhall fend to the faid Curates, or the Per-
fons that have delivered fuch things, comman-
ding them to retraâ: and unfay the fame in pub-
lick, either by reading the faid Recantation, or
by declaring the Contents of it to the People,
and teaching them the Truth, which if any iliall
refufe to do, which God forbid, they ihall be
declared Excommunicate, and (hall be puniihed
according to the Holy Canons , and the quality
of the Matter they deliviered 5 which (hall be
executed with great rigour, if it [hall appear to
have been fpoke with Knowledge and Malice, but
where it ihall be found to have flow'd from Ig-
norance, and an innocent Mind, it ihall fuffice
that a ready Obedience be paid to the faid Satis-
faction and Recantation.
Decree XiX.
THe Synod having been informed of íèveral
Meetings that were in this Diocefs, upon
the death of Biibop Mar- Abraham^ in which both
publick and private Oaths were taken, againft
yielding Obedience to the Holy Roma?t Church,
íèveral Curates, and others, obliging themfelves
never to confent to any change either in the
Govern-
17^ Tlye ASls and Decrees
Government of the Biihoprick, or in matters of
Faith, nor to receive any Bifhop thatihould be
fent to them by the Holy Apoftolical See, or by
any other way, than by the Order of the Schifma-
tical. Heretical , Nejiorian Patriarch of Baby to ft,
with feveral other particulars, contrary to the
Sacred Canons, and the Obedience that is due to
the moil Holy Roman Pontificate 5 doth declare
all '^ fuch Oaihs, or any other taken, or that ihall
be taken in the fame manner, to be void, and
of no force 5 and that they do not only not ob-
lige the Coniciences of thofe that have taken
them, but that as they were raíhly and malicioufly •
taken, io it is an Impiety and Schifm to keep
them 5 denouncing the Sentence of the greater
Excommunication upon all thofe that made them,
or took them j This Synod having above all o-
ther things promifed and fworn to yield Obedi-
ence to the Commands of the Pope, and the
Holy Apoftolical See, according to the Holy Ca-
nons, and never to receive any Biiliop or Pre-
late, but what fhall be fent by the Holy Roman
Church, to which it of right belongs to provide
Prelates and Biihops to aíl the Churches in the
World, and to receive thofe that he (hall fend,
without any doubt or fcruple, acknowledging
them for the true Prelates and Paftors of their
Souls, without waiting for any other Order,
beiides that of theBiihop oiRome^ notwithftan-
* ^UCl) flDatllfli.] We may defend aChurcluhatisnotPopifl?»
fee by this what doughty Securi- arc, in cht opinion of Papifts.
ties, Protnifes, or Oachs made to
ding
of the Synod of Diamper. 177
ding any impious Oaths that may have been made
at any time to the contrary..
Decree XX.
THis preíènt Synod, together 'with all the
Priefts and faithful People of this Dioceis,
doth embrace all the Holy General Councils re-
ceived by Holy Mother Church, believing and
confeíííng all that was determined in them, ana-
thematizing, rejeiiing, and condemning all that
they have rejeded and condemned 5 but efpeci-
ally it doth with great Veneration receive and
embrace the firft Holy Council of Ephefus, con-
fifting of 200 Fathers, firmly believing all that
was therein determined, and rejefting and con-
demning whatibever it condemned 5 but above
all, the Diabolical Herefy of the Neftorians^
which has been for many Years preached and be-
lieved in this Diocefs , which together with its
Author Neftorius^ and all his Followers, the faid
Council did rejedt , and anathematize 5 who be-
ing taught by the Devil , held that there were
Two Perfons in our Lord Chrift 3 affirming
alfo, that the Divine Word did not take Fleih,
into the Unity of its Peribn , but only for an
Habitation , or Holy Dwelling , as a Temple 5
and that it ought not to be faid, that God was In-
carnate, or that he Died, nor that our l-ady, the
Glorious Virgin, was the Mother of God, but
only the Mother of Chrift, with other Diaboli-
cal Herefies, all which this Synod does condemn,
N rejeót.
1/8 ' The Atls ana Decrees
rejed, and anathematize, embracing the Holy
Catholick Faith , in that purity and integrity,
that it is believed, and profefled in, by the Ho-
ly Mother i^<7/^^« Church, the Miftrefs of all
Churches, to which in all things it fubmits itfelf
according to the profeiCon it has made. Further-
more, this Synod does acknowledge the Glo-
rious Cyril Archbiihop and Patriarch of Alex-
andria. , who by Order of the Bifhop of Rome^
'\ prefided in the Holy Ephefan Council, to be a
Bleílèd Saint, at this time enjoying God in Hea-
ven 5 and that his Doftrine in the faid Council
againft the Nejiorians, is Holy, and univerfally
received in the Catholick Church, profeiTmg all
that rejeft it, to be Excommunicated Hereticks.
Decree xxi.
Furthermore , This prefent Synod, with all
the Priefts and faithful People of this Dio-
cefs, doth embrace the laft ^ Holy and Sacred
Council of Trent^ and does not only believe and
f i&^f£OE?3-3 St. Cyril prefi- Studio, ^ dicenái arte clarus^ qttit
áed in the Ephefan Council iti his ad Dei honorem, & veram Ecclefta
own righr, being the only Patri- reformationem cffenty fuadebaf, cut
arch that was picfcnc at ir. pUriqueex Concilti Patribw, hurnn'
* l^Olp Council of Trcnt.3 mrumpotÍHírerutn,quàmdivinarum
Jufliniams, a Noble Venetian^ in curam habentes, refragabantur : va-
the i§fABookofhisHiftory ofi'i- riifjue opinionibw Sanaa Synods
wcfjgives the following account of di]fidente, nil quod reilum^ {anifum,
die Holinefs of the Trent Cou ncil : piiimque foret Jtecernipotuityomniaque
ReligionU cauftMn Tridentino Conci- confufioney (fy" ccecitate plena erant,
lid parum profperos fuccejfus habebaty tantaque Pralatos ambitio cceperaty
ob dijjsntientes ânimos ^ cxcamque ut nulla apud eos fideiy Religionifque
Pralatorum ambitionem, Solw autem pro vera Ecclefix reformatione ratio
Cardinals Lothoriniiuit Vir pietatk haberetur.
confeis
of th Synod of Diamper. 179
confefs all that was determined and approved of
therein, and rejed, and anathematize all that that
Council rejeâ:ed and condemned 5 but doth
moreover receive and embrace the faid Council
as to all matters therein determined, relating to
the reformation of the Church, and all Chriftian
People , promiiing and fwearing to Govern it
ÇÚÍ according to the Rules thereof, and to ob-
ierve the fame Forms that are obfcrved in the
Catholick Church, and as are obferved in this
Province of the Indies, and in all the other Pro»
vinces, and Suffragans to the Metropohs of Gí?í 3
in order to the removing of all Abufes and Cu-
ftoms that are contrary to the Decrees of the íàid
Council of Trent ^ by which only it is refolved
to Govern it felf as to all matters relating to
the Government of the Church, and the Refor-
mation of the Manners of this faithful and Ca-
tholick People, any Cuftoms, tho' immemorial, in
thisBiihoprick, to the contrary notwithftanding.
T
'Dzmt XXII.
'His prefent Synod, together with all the
_ Priefts and faithful People of this Diocefs,
doth with great fubmiíTion, and reverence, fub-
mit it felf to the Holy, Upright, Juft and Necef-
fary Court of the Holy Qííicé of the f Inquiiition,
*
.+ UnijUifttion.] This agrees in his Chair he could not have
with what Pattl the Illi. faidof delivered a greater truth- AHea-
the Inquifition upon his Death- then Koman Synod would never
bed, that it was the Pillar of the have been guilty of calling that áa
Church of Roma j if he had been Upright and Juft Court, which
N 2 .in
t8o
The AEls and ^Decrees ■
in thefe Parts Eftabliihcd , and being fenfiblehow
much the Integrity of the Faith depends upon
that Tribunal, it does promife and {wear to be
obedient to all its Commands in all things there-
unto pertaining, being, after the Example of all
other Bifhopricks in this Province, willing that
all matters of Faith ibould be judged of by the
fame Court, or by fuch Perfons as it fhall de-
pute : And notwithftanding the faid Holy Office
has not hitherto, by reafon of this Church's ha-
ving been ieparated, and had little or no cor-
neither fufFcrs its PrifoHcrs to
know the particular Crime where-
of fhey arc accufed, nor the Per-
fons that accufe them, nor the
Witneííts that dcpofe againfl
thtm, Aãs 2$. V. r ió- I refcrr
thofc that have a mind to be fa-
tisfied of the Jufiiceof this Court,
to the Hiftory of the Inquj; tion
of Goa, which was the Inqnifition
this Synod put the Church of Ma-
labar under, publ.fhed by a French
Fapift who wash^nnfelfa Prifoner
ui it j .tho' I mufl tell them that
as bad as his Treatment was there-
in, that it was but Play to wliat
it would have been, had he pro-
fefs'd himfeU a Protcftdnt, or not
10 have been of the Roman Com-
munion,tho'he had once been of it.
Bulenger^ tho' otherwile a fierce
Papift, gives this following account
of this Holy. Office, inter h.*:c
aUum à ronttjice cum H'fpanu Rege,
ut Inquifnio fíifpanica Medioianum
inferretury quod tarn acerbe tu lore
Jnfubres, ut defeClionu ccnfilia ini-
erint. Ea qudtftro in Hifpanii Mauris
deprehendendii infiituta ejl^ per cujtti
caufaniy tfy" mmen, crebro innocent es
ac fcelerk integri cuflodia mancipan-
tury opibus evertmtur , vita. ^
dignitate falfis triminibus circum-
venti fpoliantur. Si vocula farte à
Delatoribw excepta eft, Majeflatis
illico polhlanlur , in ultimx fortit
kommbiu crimina pratentatdy mex
in Viroi Principes diftriãa funt.
Jacent plerumque tres annos in fttu
^ pidore carcerisy priufquam libello
aut noto crimine arcejfantur : alii
nuiliw criminii comperti judicio affíi-
guntur : quidcim in fqualore earcerk
igmrati contabcfcmt. Auriculariiy
frumentariiy quadruplatores jubdoU
grajfantury qui rei faiendt Studio
in Dixit urn capita involanty ^non
tarn (rimina judicio, quam objeila-
menta jur^io pr lata quarunt. Ser-
mones inter familiares tjabitos in rem
non modo feriam^fed capitalem ducunt.
And Aiaxeray a Papifl too, in
the Life of Henry \\. calls the In-
quiiicion a Dreadful Monjler.
reffon-
of the Synod of Diamper. 1 8 1
tefpondence with the Apoftolical See, or with
any of the Churches that are fubjeâ: to it, med-
led with any Perfons belonging to this Biihop-
rick, yet now for the benefit of their Souls, as
to Abfolutions in cafes of Faith, which are known
to be referved to that Court , This prcfent Sy-
nod doth befeech the Lords Inquifiiors to Autho-
rize fome Learned Men within this Biihoprick, or
the Jefuits of the College of Faipicotta, and of
otlier refidences of the fame Religion in the faid.
Dioceis, to Abfolve all fuch as (hall itand in
need thereof, and that with fuch limitations as
they ihall think fit , confidering how difficult it
is for the People inhabiting the Sen\i^ to have
recourie to the Tribunal at Goa , neither can it
be otherwife, confidering that they live in the
raidft of infidels, but that fuch neceOary 'Cafes
will ibmetimes happen, and efpecially to rude
and ignorant People.
DtCttt XXIÍÍ.
THe Prefervation of the Purity of the Faith,
and the prevention of Peoples being cor-
rupted with hlie and ftrange Doftiines, being
a thing of the greateft importance , this Synod
doth therefore command all Perfons, of what
Q^uality or Condition foever in this Billiopiick,
that whenfoe ver they (hall happen to know of
any Chriftians doing, fpeaking, or writing any
thing that is contrary to the Holy Catholick
Faith, or of any that iliall give aílíftance or
N 3 coun-
iSi The ABs and Decrees
countenance thereunto, to "^ dilate them with 'all
poiTible Expedition and Secrecy to the Prelate,
or to the Vicars of the Church, or to fome o-
ther faithful Peribn, who will immediately give
an account thereof, that fo fuch a courfe may
be forthwith taken, as the neceffity of the Mat-
ter ihall require ^ the Synod in virtue of Obedi-
ence commanding the faid Vicars, and Perfonsto
who:n fuch things Ihall be denounced to intimate
them with all poffible fpeed.
* what a Confufion muft this is newly and forcibly converted to
praâice aceds make in a place that the Roman Church.
Action IV.
Of the Sacraments of'Baptifm^ and Confirmation,
'TpHe Holy Sacraments of the Gofpel, inftituted
-^ by our Saviour and Redeemer jeiiJsChrift
the Son of God, for the Remedy and Salvation
of Men, and to which he hath applyed the Vir-
tue of his Holy Paffion, and infinite Merits, and
by vi'hich all true Holinefs begins in us, and be-
ing begun, is encreafed, and being loft is reco-
vered, are f Seven, to wit, Baptifm^ Confirmation^
the Eiicharijij Fetiitence^ Extrear/t UnUion^ Or-
t^Eben] The Doftrine of who lived above a thoufand years
the Seven Sacraments is fo great after the Apoftles, being the firft
a Novelty in the Church of /lome, he quotes for ir. This is a long
(for it is in no other Church) time for an Apoftolical Traditi-
that BeZ/rfrwHe :.h all his read- on to run under ground-, and
ing, was not able to produce the which is yet more wonderful,
teftimony of one Father for ir, that it ihould break out in an
Creek.riot Latin: Peter Lombardy Age that knew nothing 'of Ec-
of the Synod of Diamper. 1 8 3
der^ and M.ttrimony : All which do differ much
from the Sacraments of the Old Law, which did
not caufe, but did only fignifie the Grace that
waste be given by the Pailion of Chrifr, where-
as our Sacraments do contain Grace, and give it
to all thofe that receive them worthily 5 the
firft^i'e were ordained for the Spiritual perfe-
fting of every Man only with relation to him-
ielf, the two laji were appointed for the good
Government and encreafe of the Church ; by
B^ptifm we are fpiritually born again to God 5
by Conjirmaúon we are advanced in Grace, for-
tified in the Faith, and being Regenerated and.
ilrengthened, we are fupported by the Divine
Food of the E/zrA^r/^/?, and Sacrament of theAl-
tar, and when we chance by Sin to fall into any di-
ftemper of Soul, we are Spiritually reilored by
Vcnitence^ and both Spiritually and Corporally
by Extredm Un&ion 5 by the Sacrament of Or-
der^ the Church is governed, and Spiritually
multiplied, and by Matrimony Corporally : All
thefe Sacraments are perfected by three Caufes 3
that is, Things as their matter. Words as their
form, and the Perfon that is to ad.ninifter them
with an f Intention of doing what the Church
deiiaftical Antiquity, or indeed f ^líltcntípn ] This Doflrine
of any orher fore of Learning > after all cl-itir calk ouh.c neceíHcy
but this was the common face of there is of an ir.filiiMe certainty
all the /l3A«<in Doftrines and Ri:cf , in all matters oi Religion, mail
which they prciend to have re- make chcm to be very f*r from
ceived from the Apoftks, only having any fuch ccrciincy of chcir
by the way of the dark and un- being CUriOians, or of their ha-
certain conveyance of Oui Tra- ving either a Prieft, or a Bifhop
dition. in their Church. For as they
N^ 4 ' doth 5
1 84 T??e /^Bs and Decrees
doth 5 and where any of thefe three Caufes arc
wanting, they are not perfeft, neither indeed is
any Sacrament adminifter'd.^ all the Ceremonies
and Rites, approved and made ufe of by Holy
Mother Church, in the adminiftration of the Sa-
craments are holy, and cannot be defpifed, neg-
le6l:cd,or '^ changed for others without a great Sin,
notwithftanding they do not appertain to the In-
cannot be infallibly cerrain of any
Bifhop or Pricil's inrencion in the
Adminiftration of the Sacraments,
fo they may be certain that it is
poflible that Bifhops and Priefts
may be fo wicked as not to intend
what the Church docs in fuch
adminiftration, nay, to intend
the contrary j for there was a
Parifh-Prieft burnt not many
Years ago a.t Lisbon, whoconfef-
fed at his Death, that whenever
he baptized, or confecratcd, he
had a formed Intention not to
adrainifter thofe Sacraments.
*Ct}an2Ei5-] This is very
ftrange, confidering that moft of
thofe Rites are but new even in
the Roman Church, that of the
Elevation of the Hoft not excep-
ted : Of the Elevation of the
Hoft, Cardinal Bona in the i-^th.
Chap, of his zd. Book of Litur-
gies, faith, Non enim liquet qu£
prima Origo fuerit in Ecckfui La-
tina, ekvar.di Sacra M)fleria, Jfa-
iim ac cmfecrata funt; in antiquii
enim Sacramentorum Hbris, (fj in
codkibm Ordinii Romani, tarn ex-
cufis quàm MSS, nee in prifcif ri-
tuum ExpofitoribiM, Alcuino, Alma-
riOy Wiilfrido, Aficro'oio (f^ alia,
aliquod ejw vcftigiHm reperitur.
As to Peoples being prefent ac
Mafs, that did not communicate
ac the fame time, the fame Car-
dinal faith in the i/\th. Chap, of
his firft Book, Primi ^ Secmdi
pojl Chrijium fceculi foelicitat htec
fuit, cum mulntudo crcdentium,
quorum (^ erat Cor unum, ^ anima.
una, ardentiffimo Dei amore fuccen-
fa, nihil impenfiM defiderabat^
quàm ad hoc fupercoekfte convivi-
um accedne, in quo anima de Deo
faginatur, ut loquitur Tertullianw ;
at propè finem Tatii ccepit fervor
iUe langue fcere, (^ numerni commu-
nicantium imminui, quam tepidita-
tem tegrè ferentes Patres Concilii
lUiberitani, Cap, 1^. Statuerunt,
Epifcopum non debere munera ab
€0 accipere qui nsn communicat.
Patres item Cone. Antioch. Can. 1.
Omnes qui ingrediuntur Ecclefiam,
^ je à perceptions Sanãx Com-
trvnionK avertunt, ab Ecclefià re-
mover decreverunt : Patres de-
nique Cone. Tolet. Cap. i ■3,. Eos ab-
Jiineri prxcepermt, qui irtrant Ec-
clefiam, (fy" non Communicant.
Whst the Cardinal faith here of
thtfe two Pradices, makes al-
moft the whole Roman Worftiip
at this time to be a meet Novel-
ty, the whole of that Worftiip
con-
of the Synod of Diamper. 185
confining almoft now in Peoples
going to Mafs upon Sundays and
Holy-days, which the Church ob-
liges them to, not obliging them
at the fame time to communicate
above once a Year, and in ado-
ring the Hoft when the Prieft ele-
vates it. As to the Prieft's put-
ting the Sacrament into the mouth
of the Communicants, the fame
Cardinal in the i "jtb. Chap, of his
fecond Book, faith, Sacra Com-
munio antiquo ritu, mn ore excipi fo-
hbat, ut bodiè fir, jed mam, quam
qui fufceperat, On reverenrer admo-
vebat. As to the Prieft's fpeak-
ing the words of Confecration fo
low that no body can hear him,
in his nth. Chap, of the fame
Book, be faith ^ Graci ify- alii
Orientates verba confecra'tonis ela-
th voce pronunciant, ^ populw re-
fpondety Amen. Eundem morem Jer-
vabat olim Ecclefia Occidentalism
omnes enim audiebant verba confe-
crationif ; poftea Jlatutum eft, ut
Canon fubmiffa vice recitaretur : ç[y
fic defiit ea confuetudo^ feculo deci-
mo, ut conjicio.
As to the ufage of her denying
the Cup to the People, in tie
iSfA. Chap, of his fecond Book,
"he faich. Semper enim ij ubique ab
Ecclefix primordiif uff, ad fdculum
dmdecimum, fub fpecie panis (^' Vivi
in Ecclefi'u commmicârunt fideles ;
caepitq-f paulatim ejwi ffculi iriiio
ufm calici^ obfolefcere^ plerifq-., Epif-
copif eum populo inter dicentibm^ <h
fic paulatim introducia eft Commu-
nio fub joli fpecie paris ■■, quod à ml-
lo negari poreft, qui vel levijjiml
rerum Ecclefiafticarum notitiu imbu-
tiu eft[.
And as to her making ufe of Un-
leavened Bread, in the 2id, Chap.
of his firft Book, he faith ; Qiioifi-
V éteres Patres^ percurrere (fy- om-
nem evolver e antiquitatem libeaty
inveniemui proculdiibio fic à tem-
pore Apoftolorum^ <^ de incept de
pane Encharifticd. ofines loqui, ut
non nifi de communis (^ ferment ato
commode inteUigi^ i^ explicari que-
ant.
As to her giving the Sacrament
in Wafers, in the i-^d. Chap, of
the fame Book, he faith ^ Vivente
Humberto qui floruit Anno 1245.
pann confecrandm inZ/chariftiâ. tan-
ta mcigmtudinis eraty ut ex eo con-
fecratfe tot particnld frangi fojjent
qmt erant necef\aris adpopulumcom-
municandam, fy panis qui tradeba-
tur taliifkitj ut dcglutiri non poffet,
nifi dentibus comminutus.
And as to her keeping the
confecraced Bread, or Hofls as
(he calls them, after the Commu-
nion is over, he fa'th in the fame
Book j Ne retiquidi Sacratnenti fu-
pereffent^ fspe recretum e/i, ut trt
particult confecrarentur, quot erant
parati ad communior.em -, (^T fi quid
refiduurrforet, àfacerdcte, feu Mi-
niftrii coTiwederetur ; quod fi conti-
gerit ut Mimjlforum incúria putre-
fcerint^ftatuit Concilium Arelatetfe
apud fo<in. X. l.Cep. -jé. utigne
comburatur, (fj cinUjuxta Altare fe-
pciiatur •, idq-, in ufufuiffi' docet Al-
gerus, Lib.z. Cap i.
Now I take this acknowledged
change of Rices in the Admini-
ftiation of the Eucharift, to be a
very great Evidence, tint there
has been a Change of belief about
ir, and indeed to have been the
Natural Corfequence of fuch a
change, ai,dfoI believe will any
body clfe that ftiall confider ic
impartially.
tegrity
\%6 Tl?e Afts and Decrees
tegrity or Eííènce of the Sacraments y there are
three that imprint a Spiritual fign on the Soul,
that can never be blotted out , it is called a
Charaãer^ which is the reafon why thofe Sacra-
ments are never to be repeated ^ they are Bap-
tifm^ Confirmation and Orders , the other four,
that is, Penitence^ the Eucharijl^ Extream Un-
ãion^ and Matrimony^ imprint no Spiritual Sign
in the Soul, and fo may be repeated with due
Order , but tho' thefe feven Sacraments are all
Divine, and do contain Grace, and difpenie it
to their worthy R^eceivers, deferving oar moft
profound Reverence and Adoration, on the ac-
count of the Majefty of their Inftitutor, who
was our Lord Jefus Chrift the Son of God, as
alfo for the affiftance of the Holy Spirit, who
operates in conjundion with them , and for the
virtue that is in them for the curing of Souls,
the Treafare of the PaiTion of our Lord Jefus
Chrift, being depoiited in them, and difpenfed
to us by their means , Neverthelefs this does not
hinder, but that in fome refpeds, fome of them
raay be more worthy than others, and may de-
ferve a greater reverence and veneration. Thefe
Sacraments were all inftituted by our Lord Je-
fus Chrift before his Afcention into Heaven, that
ÍO by their means he might communicate Grace,
and other Spiritual Benefits, he had merited for
us by his Death on the Crofs, confirming them
to the faithful by his Word and Promifes, that
ib by ufing them lawfully, and with due diipo-
fitions, we might be afcertained of his commu-
nicatmg
of the Synod of Diamper. 1 87
nicating himfelf, and all the fruits othis Paííion
to us, in every one of them, in fuch a manner as
he reprefents himfelf in them.
I7;e DoBrine of the Holy Sacrament of
Saptifm,
THe firft of all the Sacraments is that of Bap-
tifm, which is the Gate of the Spiritual Life,
and that whereby we are made capable of the
other Sacraments, of which without it we are no
ways capable 5 for as a Man muft firft be born,
before he can enjoy the good things of the Na-
tural Life, fo Men before they are born again
in Baptifm, are not capable of enjoying the hea-
venly advantages of a Spiritual Life, it being by
Baptiim that we are made Members of Chrift,
and are incorporated into the Chriftian Com-
mon-wealth, and the Myftical Body of the
Church 5 for as by the firft man Death came up-
on all, tor the Sin of Difobedicnce committed
by him and us, for which Sin we were exclu-
ded the Kingdom of Heaven, and were born -
Children of Wrath, and feparated from God,
Co that without being born again of Water and
the Spirit, we cannot enter into the K.ingdom of
Heaven, as Chrift himfelf has taught us 5 fo that
as we were born Children of Wrath, by Baptifm
we return to be Children of Grace, and as we
wxre born in fin the Sons of Men, in Baptifm
we are born the Sons of God 5 all that are bap-
tized
1 8 8 T??e AB;s and Decrees
tized in Chrift, as St. Paul hath it, having put on
•Chrift : The Matter of this Sacrament, is true,
natural, and common Water^ as of the Sea, Ri-
vers, Fountains, Lakes, or Rain, and no other,
tho* never fo pure and clean ^ all others being
Liquors, and not natural Water : The Form is,
I Baptize thee in the name of the Father^ and of
the Son^ and of the Holy Ghojl. The Minifter of
this Sacrament is a Prieft, to whom it belongs
by virtue of his Office, but in cafe of neceility,
not only a Prieft or Deacon, but a Lay-man, or
Woman, nay an Infidel, a Mahometan^ a Here-
tick, or Jerv : In a word, any Peribn that can
Baptize, ufing the Form of the Church, and in-
tending to do what fbe does , may adminifter
this Sacrament : For feeing none can be faved
without being Baptized, therefore as our Lord
ordained Water,ithan which nothing is more ready
at hand, to be the matter of this Sacrament, io
he would exclude no Man from being the Mini-
fter thereof ^ the effects and virtue of this Sacra-
ment, is, the pardon and remiííion of all fins O-
riginal and Aftual, and of all puniftiments due to
them 5 for which reafon there is no Penance to
be enjoyned thofe that are Baptized, for any
fin they committed before Baptifm , all that die
after Baptifm, before they have committed any
fin, going directly to Heaven, where they enjoy
-'the Divine Vifion for ever.
Decree
of the Synod 0/ Diamper. 189
lõzttzz I.
WHereas in the Examination of the Forms of
the adminiftration of the Sacraments of the
Church in this Diocefs, made by the moft Re-
verend Metropolitan in his laft Vifitation, he
found that in divers Churches there were diffe-
rent Forms ufed , and written in the Baptifteries,
fome Curates ufing the Form following , "^ N. i/
Baptized and perfeãed^ in the name of the Father^
Atnen 5 in the name of the Son^ Amen ^ in the name
of the Holy Ghoji^ Amen ; Others ufing the Qreek^
Form, laying, Baptizetur fervus Chrifli^in nomine
Patris^ Amen ^ in nomine Filii^ Amen j in nojnine
Spiritus Sanãi^ Amen, The Synod in virtue of
Obedience, and upon pain of Excommunication
to be ipfo faão incurred, doth command, that
no Perfon ihall prefume hereafter to ufe either
theíè, or any other Forms , but that which is
ufed in the Holy Roman Church 5 I Baptize thee in
the name of the Father^ and of th^ Son, and of
the Holy Ghofi 5 and that all other Forms be blot-
ted out of their Baptifteries, and Books, and this
be put in their place.
* The Andenc Form of Baptizing was by Prayer.
Decree II.
np His Synod being informed, That at divers
-■- times they have ufed different Forms of
Baptifm in this Diocefs , which were introduced
by
\^o Tin Aãs and Decrees
by Schiftnatical and Ignorant Prelates, fome of
which were not LegitimatCj neither was the Sa-
crament adminiftred by them, as was declared
by the moft llluftrious Metropolitan, and others,
after a ftridt Examination ^ and others were very
doubtful , doth therefore in the name of the
Holy Ghoft, defire and command all the faith-
ful Chriftians of this Dioceís to declare to the
faid Metropolitan at the Viíitation he intends to
make of the Churches of this Dioceís, or to Per-
fons deputed by him , the time when they were
Baptized, that fo according to the Form that was
then uíèd, a faving remedy may be provided,
in conformity to what ihall be ordained therein,
and that all fubmit themfelves to whatfoever he
(hall be pleaied to order.
Decree iii.
FOrafmuch as the Synod is informed , that
there are many Perfons in this Dioceís, and
eipecially among thofe that live in the Heaths, and
are far from any Church, who tho' they are not
Baptized, yet being of a Chriftian race, do pro-
feis themíèlves Chriftians, and when they come
where there is a Church , do go to it and
receive the Holy Sacraments with others, and
out of meer ihame of letting it be known that
they are not Chriftened, do die without Bap-
tifm 5 and others becauie they will not pay the
Fees, which are Simoniacally demanded of them :
It doth therefore command all Vicars of Chur-
ches
of the Synod o/Diamper. i p i
ches to make diligent inquiry through their whole
Parifhes and the Heaths, to fee if there are any
that are not Chriftened, befides the fearch that
the moft lUuftrious Metropolitan does intend at
his next Viíitation, as he did at his former 5 and
that the íàid Vicars on the high Feftivals, upon
which thofe that live in the Heaths do ufually
come to Church, íhall admonifti them all in ge-
neral, that in caíè there are any among them that
have never been baptized, or that have fome
reafon to doubt whether they have or not, that
they go to them and acquaint them therewith
in private, that fo they may beíècretly Chriften-
ed, and without paying any Fee, letting them
know that they are not Chriftians, nor capable of
inheriting Eternal Life, nor of receiving the Holy
Sacraments without being baptized b and all Prea-
chers (hall frequently give the fame admonition,
and all Confeííòrs muft be careful to ask all rude
Chriftians that live in the Heaths, whether they
have been baptized, and in cafe it appear doubt-
ful^ they ftiall then baptize them privately. The
Synod grants the fame Liceníè to all Priefts with-
in or without this Diocefs, to baptize all fuch íè-
cretly, in what place foever they ftiall think fit.
Decree I v.
np H E Synod being informed that there are
-■- fome fmall Villages in this Diocefs, which,
by reafon of the great diftance they are at from
any Church, and through the negligence of their
Pre-
192 Tlje ASis and Decrees
Prelates and Priefts, tho* they call themíèlves
Chriftians of St. Thomas^ becaufe defcended of
fuch, yet are not Baptized, having nothing of
Chriftians but the bare name, doth command a
diligent enquiry to be made into this matter,
recommending the fam.e to the moft Reverend
Metropolitan , and commanding all Vicars of
Churches to iearch all places bordering upon
their Pariihes, and to oblige all fuch to be Bap-
tized : The Synod dothlikewife command Chap-
pels to be built in or near to all fuch Villages,
and to be provided with fuch Curates as may in-
ftruA them in all matters of Faith, that Co there
may be none in all thefe parts that call them-
felves Chriftians of St. Thomas , but what are
Baptized ^ and of fome Pariíh where they may
receive the Sacraments.
Decree v.
BY reaibn of the great negligence that is ib
viiible in the Chriftians of this Biftioprick,
in bringing their Children to be baptized within
eight days after they are born, according to the
Cuftom of the Church, but chiefly among thofe
that live at a confiderable diftance from any
Church, whofe Children are many times fome
Months or Years old before they are Chriften'd 3
the Synod doth ftridtly command, That all Chil-
dren be baptized on the 8/Ã. day after they arc
born, according to the cuftom of the Univer-
fal Church, without there ftiould be fome dan-
ger
of the Synod of Diamper. 19^
ger of their dying before, in which cafe they
ought to be Chriftened immediately, or that \t
ihonld fo happen, that if they are not baptized
fooner, they cannot be in a long time, in which
caie alfo they ought to be prefently Chriftened 5
and for thofe that live in Heaths^ and far frcm
any Church, if they Qiould not be able to bring
their Children to be baptized on the eighth day,
they muft not fail to bring them betwixt the
fifteenth and the tvv^entieth 5 and all that are
found to be negligent herein, let them be puniíhM
íèverely ^ and whofoever iliall negledt to bring
their own Children, or others that they have the
charge of-, tho* their Slaves, to Baptiim for above
a Month, let them be thrown out of the Church,
neither (hall it be lawful for any Prieft to go to
their Houíès, or to give them the Cajiuri^ or á
Vifit, no not in order to perfwade them to bring
their Children to Baptifm ; But if it (hould be
probable that the length cf the Way might en^
danger the Child's Life, then let the Father or
Guardian fignifie fo much to the Vicar of the
Church to which they belong, that a fit remedy
may be taken therein, that the Baptifrt of the
Infant be no longer deferred 5 and in fuch Cafes
the Synod doth command all Vicars either in
Perion^ or by fome other Priefl:, to haften to
go 5 the doing thereof with dihgence being one
of the higheft Duties of their Funâion.
O Oecreg
104 T^he ABs ana Decrees
Decree vi.
THe prefent Synod doth condemn the Cuftom
or Abufe which has hitherto obtained in
this Diocefs, of not Baptizing the Infants of Pa-
rents that are Excommanicated, for fear of ha-
ving fome Communion with them, by which
means it often happens, that Children continue
unbaptized for many Years , thereby running a
great hazard of dying without Baptifm^ and
ordaining the contrary, commands the Children
of Excommunicated Parents to be Chriften'd as
well as others, and to that intent declares, That
' they that go into fach Families to fetch fuch
Children, or ihall carry or accompany them to
Church, fhall incurr no cenfure or puniihment
whatfoever for fo doing , neverthelefs, the Per-
fons that are Excommunicated ihall not be fuf-
fer'd to go along with them, nor (hall o-
thers go to any Feaft or Banquet at their Houíès
which they may have made on that occafion.
Decree vii.
THe Synod doth exhort and admoniih all Fa-
thers and Mothers , and all other Perfons
that are prefent at Womens Labour, to be care-
ful not to fuíFer any Infant to die without Bap-
tifm : Wherefore if they ihall perceive the Child
when it is born, to be weak, or in danger of
dying prefently, they ihall then , if it can be
done,
of the Synod of Diamper. 1.95
done, call the Vicar, or in his abfence any other
Pfieft, to come immediately to Baptize the In-
fant 5 but if the danger (hall be fuch as not to ,
admit of any delay, in that cafe any Perfon that
is prefent fhall Baptize it in the Church 5 throw-
ing Water upon its Face, and faying, 1 B.iptizs
thee in the name of the Father^ a?zd of the Son^
and the Holy Ghofl^ Amen : which (ball be done
by EcclefiaCticks, if any are prefefit, rather than
Laicks, and by Men, rather than Women, if they
know the Form 5 but if they do not, then any
one that knows it may perform it 5 and when
Infants are in danger of dying in the birth, in
cafe the Head or any other principal Member doth
appear, tho' the whole Body (hould not, they
ihall fprinkle the Member that appears with Wa-
ter, ufing the Form, And = as forthofe that have
been Baptized in this manner, if they ihall hap-
pen to live, and it ihall be proved that they were
Baptized on the Head, or the greater part of the
Body, they ihall not then be Chriften'd again, but
ihall only be carried to the Church to be anointed
with the Holy Oils 5 but if the Baptifm was perfor-
med on any other part, they ihall then be Bap-
tized again, but with a Condition, faying, If thou
art not Baptized^ 1 Baptize thee in the name of
the Father^ and of the Son ^ and of the Holy Gkojt ^
Amen: And after the fame manner Priefts, and
others ihall behave themfelves, as to fach Per-
fons of whofe Baptifm they have any reafon to
doubt 5 provid-ed , if there are any other pre-
fent, it ihall not be lawful for the Parents ci
O 2 fiich
1 9 6 The JBs and Decrees
fuch Infants to Baptize them, that they may not
contrad the Spiritual Relation of Godfather, or
Godmother 5 but in .cafe there íhould be no
body elfe prefent, and the Child íhould be in
apparent danger of Death, in fuch a cafe of ne-
ceffity, the Father or Mother muft Baptize it.
decree vill.
THe Synod doth earneftly recommend to all
People , to procure Chriftian Data*s or
Midvvives in all their Towns, and fuch as know
the Form of Baptifm, and are able to fuccour
the neceffities of Infants when born in danger ;
And whereas Infidel Daias do ufe a great many
Ceremonies and Superftitions with Infants, which
are foreign to the purity and integrity of the
Gcfpel, and eipecially fuch of them as are M^-
hometans , the Vicars (hall therefore take care
frequently to inftrud all their People, but eipe-
cially the Data's^ in the Form of Baptifm, that
fo every body may know how to fuccour the
neceffities of Infants when they are born 5 and
the Confefiors of the Daias muft be fure to ex-
amine them as to the íãid Form, and having in-
ftrueled them therein, ihall acquaint them how
much it is their duty to be perfed in it.
Oecrcc
of í/;e S Y N o D of Diamper. i p/
Ç)£Ccee IX.
THe Synod doth command , That no Perfon
preiiime to keep an Infidel Slave without
Baptizing him ^ whom, if they are Infants, they
ihall Baptize prefently i and if come to years
of difcretion, they fhall take care to inftrudt
in the Faith, in order to make them Chriftians,
but without any manner of Compulfion, befides
that of continual Perfuafion 0 and whofoever
ihould be found to have an Infidel Child that is not
Baptized, or one that is of Age and does defirç
to be, (hall be feverely puniihed by the Prelate,
and the Parties ihall be Chriftencd ; In this the
Vicars ought to beextreamly vigilant, andefpe- ,
cially when they make the Roll of Confeííions,
and inquire what Perfons are in every Family,
and who arc not Chriftians, and why they are not.
£)ccrec x,
npHere being fome Chriftians ib unmindful of
' -*• their ChriftianObligcUions,as to iell Cnriftians
tõlnfidels , contrary to the Holy Canons, who by
that means are certainly conftrained to Apoftatize
from the Faith , wherefore the Synod in virtue
of Obedience, and upon pain of Excomniunica-
tion to be ipfo faão incurred , doth command.
That no Chriftian prefume to Sell any of the
Faithful to Infidels 3 and that whofoever (hall
be fovmd to have done it, fhall be forthwith
^^^ ■ O 3 dçclar
ipS The ABs and Decrees
declared Excommunicate, and fhall not be Ab-
folved, until he hath redeemed the faid Chri-
frian, tho' he ihould coft him more than what
he ibid him for 5 or until it (hall be manifeft
to the Vicar of the Church, and to other Curates,
and the whole People, that it cannot be done,
in which cafe he iliall not be Abfolved until by-
way of Penance he has refunded the Money
that he received , with which the Vicar and
Church- wardens íhall buy an Infidel , whom
they íhall Chrijien , great numbers of fuch
being fold daily in Malabar --^ anii the Perfon
fo bought íhall have his liberty, and íhall be
ceramitted to the care of fome devout fubftan-
tiai Chriftian that will Educate him for God's
fake. Moreover, the Synod in virtue of Obedi-
ence, doth prohibit all Chriftians to Sell any Boys
cr Girls, tho'. they are not Baptized, to any Af^-
ho}77ctan^ Jerr^ or Heathen 5 it being certain, that
fuch when fold to Infidels, will never come to
the knov/ledge of the Faith 5 tho' when it is ne-
ceílàry, and they are their lawful Slaves, they
may fell them to other Chriftians : Whofoever
fhall tranfgreis herein, iliall be feverely punifh-
ed, except the Perion that was fold was Twenty
Years of Age 5 and it is manifeft to the Vicar,
to whom he fhall be carried before he is fold,
that he refufed to be Baptized.
3?ecrce
of the Synod of Diamper. i pp
Decree XI.
THe Heathens of thefe Parts being fo ftrange-
ly addifted to Angnrks , and Siiperftition?,
as fomeciraes to kill their Children which are
born on thoíè days which they reckon to be Un-
lucky, imagining they muft be miferable if they
live, the Mothers , that they may not Murther
them with their own hands , leaving them in
Heaths, or at the bottom of fome Tree, or in a
Ditch, there to periih , wherefore the Synod
doth command all the faithful Chriftians of this
Ei(hoprick, That whereas living among fuch Hea-
thens, and being their Neighbours, they cannot
for the moft part but know what palies in their
Houies , to be very watchful in this cafe 5 and
whenfoever they fliall know of any Infants be-
ing thus expofed, or (hall find them at any time
in the Heaths, to carry them home to their
Houfes, andcheriih them with Chriftian Charit}',
either Baptizing them thcmfelves, or procuring
it to be done 5 and if when they find them,
they (hall apprehend them to be near dying,
notwithftanding they may know that their Pa-
rents will take it ill of them, who by thus ex-
pofing them have loft their dominion over them,
they fhall Baptize them immediately , whereby
the Church will acquire a right in them, and as
a Holy Mother, is glad to receive them 5 and if
it fhould fo happen that thofe by whom they are
fqund, are not in a condition to breed them
O 4 ijp.
2, op Tl)e ABs and Decrees
up,they ihall then carry them to the Vicar,and the
other Curates of the Church, whom we com-
mand in the name of Chrift, to call together the
chief Men of the Pariih, to take fome couríe a-
bout the bringing up of the Child :, aqd if there
is no well-difpofed Perfon that will for the love
of God, take the charge thereof upon him, they
ihall then procure a Nurfe, and whatfoever elfe
is nece0àry, if there can be no other way found,
out of the Alms and Fabrick of the Church.
Decree xiL
THe Synod commands , That the Infants
that are left at the Gates of the Churches,
or in any other place, if it does not manifeilly
appear that they are already Chriflned, (hall be
Baptized, and (hall be brought up in the fame
manner as is prefcribed for the Children of In-
fidels that are found expofed in the Heaths, the
Vicars doing all they can to prevail with ibme
to undertake the charge of their Education for
God's fake,
Decree XilL
ALL that fhall be converted from Heathe-
nifm to Chriftianity, being of Age , ihall
be well inftruded in the matters of Faith, be-
fore they (hall be admitted to Baptifm, and ihall
knojv at leaft how to Crofs therafelves, and be
able to fay the Fater Nojier , Jve Marjf^ the
Creedy
of the Synod of Diamper. 201
Creed^ and the Commandments^ as well as they can
be taught 5 in which Matter there has been hi-
therto a great Negleft, commanding the Vicars
to examine all fuch in the Faith before theyChri-
ften them, without they ihould happen to be in
danger of Death before they have learn'd thoíè
things 5 in which cafe their making a profeffion of
Faith, and the necefíàry Myfteries thereof, and
fignifying a defire to be Baptized, (hall be fuffi-
cient : And whereas the Synod is inform'd, that
great numbers of Infidels living among Chrifti-
ans, have long defired Baptifm of them, but
through the coldneis of Priefts and others, have
had none that would be at the pains to inftrudt
them, it doth therefore charge the Confciences
of the Vicars therewith , fpeedily to fet about
inftrufting fuch, according to the fervour of thofe
that defire it, that fo they may be brought to
the Sacred Font of Baptifm, defiring all other
Chriftians likewiíè to be diligent and zealous in
that Matter.
©ectec XIV.
T^He Holy Oils having hitherto not been uíèd
■■- in this Biihoprick in any of the Sacraments^
and if any have been ufed, it having been with-
out any diftindlion, and without being Bleílèd
by the Biihop'5 wherefore for remedy thereof,
the moft Illu(lrious MetropoUtan, in his Refor»
tnation of the Afifairs of this Church, having on
the Thurjday of the laft Holy Week bleíTed tl^e
Oils.
202 Tl)e J^s and Decrees
OHs^ and furniihed all the Churches therewith, in-
ftruding them in their Holy Ufes and Diftinfti-
ons 5 the Synod doth therefore command all Vi-
cars in virtue of holy obedience5to ufe the íàid Oils
in Baptifm, Anointing all that are Baptized there-
with on the Breaft , and the Sides, and after
they are Baptized, anointing them with the Holy
Chrifm on the Head, and making the fign of the
Crofs thereon with their Thumb dipt in the Ho-
ly Oils , or with a Feather kept in the Veilel
for that uíè, wiping the Oil off afterwards with
a Cloth or Towel, which fhall likewife be kept
in the fame place : The Synod doth alio com-
mand under the fame Precept , That all Cu-
rates and Vicars do celebrate this Sacrament,
with the Rites and Ceremonies, Exorcifms and
Prayers, that are contained in the Roman Cere-
montai '^ which the moft lUuftrious Metropolitan
has order'd to be Tranflated into Syrian for the
adminiftration of all the Sacraments, and is to
be kept in all Churches , and that the Priefts
when they adminifter Baptifm folemnly in the
Church, ihall have on a Surplice^ and a Stole a-
bout their Necks, for the more decent admini-
ftration of that Sacrament , and ftiall not per-
form it in their ordinary wearing Habit, as they
have done hitherto.
'Dztxtz XV.
WHereas hitherto the ancient Cuftom of the
Church of having Godfathers and Godmo-
thers, has not been in ufe in this Biíhoprick, by
which
oftheSrviODof Diamper. 203
which means there has been no knowledge
therein, of the Spiritual Affinity that is contraâ:-
ed betwixt the Party Baptized, and the Parents
thereof, and the Godfathers and Godmothers,
therefore the Synod does command , That all
that are Baptized, ihall have one or two God-
fathers and Godmothers, to prefent them in the
Church, and to touch them on the Head before
Baptifm , and •to receive them from the Holy
Font : The Men muft be fourteen Years of Age
at leaft, and the Women twelve, neither ihall
any be admitted under thofe Ages. The Synod
doth likewife declare. That there is fuch a clofe
Spiritual Affinity betwixt the Godfathers and
Godmothers, and their God-children, and the
Parents of the Children , that they can never
Marry with one another, without a Difpenfation
from the Pope, or from one empowered by him,
and which is feldom granted , and never but
when there is a very urgent caufe for it 5 and
that iuch Marriages celebrated without a Diipen-
iation, are void, and of no eifeft. The Synod
furthermore declares, That this Spiritual Affinity
reacheth no further than to the one or two God-
fathers, and one Godmother, but not to thoíê
that ihall ftand for them , tho' they touch the
Heads of the Children, neither (hall the Prieft
admit above two.
SD^ccee
204 ^^ ^^ ^^^ Vecrees
Decree xvi.
SEêing that by our Lord Jefus Chrift, and
his Death, we are paiTed from the Old Lavp^
to the New Law of Grace, it is therefore reaibn-
able, that we íhould in all things be ingrafted
into the fame ; and whereas in this Biftioprick
Chriftians do take feveral of the Names of the
Saints of the Old Tejlament^ as alfo íèveral of the
Names of the Country, infomuch that there are
but very few called by any of the Names of
the Law of Grace 5 wherefore the Synod doth
command the Priefts to do all they can to have
the Names of the Law of Grace given in Bap-
tifm, but chiefly thofe of the Holy Apoftles, and
of the Saints that are moil celebrated in the
Church, not intending hereby to take them from
any Devotion that feveral among them may have
for fome of the Saints of the Old Teftament^
whoíè Names have been hitherto very common
in the Dioceis, fuch as Abraham^ Jacob^Zacharias^
and others j nevetheleis from henceforward they
ihall not prefume to take the Name of Hijo^
which has been very common among them, nei-
ther fhall the Priefts ever give it to any, it be-
ing the moft fweet * Name of JESVS, tq
* illame of 3IcfU0.3 The to be offended with (uch a Name ;
Fortuguezes had the leaft reafon Emanuel being by much the
of any Chriftians that I know of, moft common Name in Portugal,
which
of th Synod of Diampcr. lOj
which that Relpeit and \ Reverence is due,
that none ought to take it upon them 5 . for that
in the naming thereof, all K.nees both in Heaven
and Earthy and under the Earthy ought to bovp them-
fehes, and every Tongue ought to confefs, that ■Jt
is from that Divine Name that we defire all the
good things that we enjoy on Earth '^ command-
ing all that are called by that Name, to change
it for another when they come to be Con-
firmed 3 and as for the common Names of the
Countrey, they may ftill retain them, if they
are fuch as have been ufed only among Chri-
ftians, but not among the Heathens, for as to
thofe Names which the Heathens have |{ in com-
mon with Chriftians , the Synod will not have
them to be given in Baptifm, charging the
Vicars and Priefts that Baptize, to take care
thereof.
t 3ilEljerence3 Francifco Rs^y
and the other Jefuits, ought to fj 3In COmtUOn.] The Popes»
hare had their Order excepted among whom we have had fo
here, for if the Synod^s Reafon many AUxuidert and JuUhs^s,
why none ought to be called by have had little regard to this
that BleiTed Name holds good, Rule.
it will reach their Order no lefs
than particular Ferfons.
Occtee
20 6 The Aãs and Decrees
Dectec XVii.
THe Synod being informed, That there are
fome Chriftians fo far unmindful of their
Duties in this Matter, as to give other Names
to their Children, than the * Chriftian Names
they received in Baptifm, and fometimes fijch
as are not ufed among Chriftians j it doth there-
fore ft ridly command, that no Chriftian ftiall
prefume to give their Children, or to call them
by any. other Names, than thofe that were given
them when they were Chriftened 5 or when
there fhall happen to be any )uft caufe for the
changing of their Baptifmal Names, it (hall be
done only at their Confirmation, and whoibever
fhall tranfgrefs herein, (hall be feverely punifhed
by the Prelate , and the Priefts muft not be want-
ing frequently to admoniih their People there-
of.
'^ €lui0m iliameíí. ] This left their Baptifmal Names which
is what feveral Popes have done, were Chriftian, and have taken
who upon their Creation, have thofe that were rank Heathen.
Decree xviir.
'' I^He Synod being informed. That when ma-
-*- ny Children are brought together to be
Baptized, there are great heats, which ftiall be
firft Chriftened 5 and that after having lay'd Wa-
gers, they give Money to the Curates for the
pre-
of the Synod o/Diamper. 207
preference, all which are intolerable diforders,
and fuch fcandalous abominations as the Church
ought not by any means to give way to, and
which might be eafily prevented, if People could
but be perfwaded to bring their Children to be
Chriftened upon the eighth day, it being their
deferring of their Baptifm fo long, that is the
caufe of fo many coming together 5 wherefore
for the removing of thefe diforders in the
Church, the Synod doth command that the Chil-
dren be baptized as they come, without any di-
ftinftion of firft or laft, and that the Priefts do
accuftom themíèlves, either to baptize the poor-
eft firft, or all indifferently 5 and the Vicar or
Prieft that ftiall be found to have taken Money,
or any Fee, before or after Baptifm, tho' it ihould
be voluntarily oiFer'd, and of never fo fmall va-
lue, or only what is to be Eat, ftiall be con-
demned of Simony, and puniftied according to
the Canons.
Decree xix.
IN all Parochial Churches there ftiall with
all poflible expedition be Fonts provi-
ded for Baptifm, which may be built with the
Fabrick Money, or with the Alms Money of the
Church, or by a Colledion among the Pariftii-
oners 5 it muft be ereded in a decent place, in
a corner of the Church, and ftiall have a hole in
the bottom, through which the Water may be
conveyed away, that fo it may not be thrown
out
2o8 The ASls ana Decrees
out where it may be trod upon, or treated with
any irreverence, it (hall alfo be cloíè covered at
top, and locked up, and until fuch time as a
Font (hall be provided, they íhall have a Veííel
of fome Metal or other, which íhall be put to
no other ufe, and íhall be always kept in fome
decent place in the Church, or Sacriity 5 neither
íhall they hereafter make ufe of any common
VeiTel, as has been the Cuftom hitherto ^ and
the Water they have baptized with, íhall be
thrown in fome place of the Church, where it
will not be trod upon, and all the Water that
íhall be made ufe of in Baptifm, whether it be
in a Font, or a Veiiel, íhall be bleíTed with the
Holy Chrifm, according to the Roman Ceremo*
nial, which they are to make uíè of.
Decree xx.
npHis Synod, conforming it felf to the De-
-■" crees of the Holy Council of Trent^ and
the Univerfal ufages of the Church, doth com-
mand every Pariíh-Church to provide a Book,
wherein the Vicar íhall regifter the Names of
all that are baptized, together with the "Names of
the Parents, and of the place where they live,
and of the Godfathers and Godmothers, naming
the place alfo where they were Chriftened, the
day of the Month, and the Year, in this Form ;
On fuch a day of the month, in the Year N, IN.
Vicar of the Church of N. baptized there^ or in
fuch a place, N. the Son of N. and of N. naming
of the Synod o/" D lam per. 209
the Father and Mother Natives ot fuch a place,
and the Godfathers and Godmothers were N.
and N. the Vicar figning his Name to it at the
bottom 0 and when anv Prieft that is not the Vi-
car (hall Chriften a Child, which ihall never be
done without the Vicars leave, he (hall Regi-
fter it thus : I N. Curate, with leave from the
Vicar of fuch a Church, naming both the Vicar
and the Church, did Baptize N. and fo on as a-
bove, figning his Name at the bottom 5 which
Book ihall be always kept in the Church, and
the Vicars (hall be obliged to give an account
thereof, and at every Viiitation to ihew it to the
Prelate, out of which the Curates are to give
Certificates of the Age of fuch as are to be Mar-
ried, or to receive Holy Orders, that fo their
Age may be certainly known 5 and that fuch
Matters may not be fo in the dark, as they have
been formerly, when there v/as no certain way
of coming to the knov^^ledge of Peoples Age,
which muft needs create great icruples in thts
Minds of fuch as were to be Married or Or-
dained.
The jOoFlrine of the Sacrament of Confrmation.
THe Second Sacrament is Confirmation^ which
our Lord Chrift inftituted, in order to
the confirming and eftabhfhing of Chriftians in
the Faith, fo that nothing might be able to fe-
parate them from it through the Power of the
P Holy
2\o The Jcls and Decrees
Holy Ghoft which is given therein, particularly
to that effect 5 befides the lanftifying Grace which
it gives in common with the otirer Divine Sa-
craments 5 the Matter of this Sacrament is the
Holy Oyl ofChriiin, made of the Oyl of the
Ohve-^tree, fignifying the light and purity of the
Confcience , and of Balfam, vv^hich figniiies the
fvveet fmell pf a good Name, both mixed
together, and blelièd by the hand of the Eiihop ,
the Form are the words fpoke by the Bifliop
when he dips his Thumb into the faid Chrifm,
makmg therewith the Sign of the Crofs on the
Forehead of the Perfon that is confirmed, faying,
Ifign thee with the fign of the Crofsj and do can-
firm thee nith the Chrifm of Healthy in the Name of
the Father^ and of the Son^ and of the Holy Ghofi ;
to which the Bifhop fubjoyns three holy and
whohbme Prayers, wherein he befeeches God to
fill thofe that are confirmed with his Divine Spi-
rit. The ordinary Minifter of "^ Confirmation is the
Bifhop, for tho' fimple Priefts may perform ie-
veral other Undions, this can be done only by
'*" The Englifh Jefu'us, who dinary AiTiflances, that the Chrifm
could not endure thac the Pope in Baptifm had nor only the iigni-
fhould put a Biihop over them fication, but al! the effefts of Con-
here in England^ in their Books firmation, fo far at leaft as to
wherein they laboured to prove make ic not to be very necefla-
thac there was no need of one, ry. In a word, that Confirmati-
fpoke very llightingly of Cor.fir- on was not (imply neceííary, nei-
mation ; affirming it to be a Sacra ther Necejitate Medity not Necef.
ment that was not enjoyncd but fitate Pr^^cepti ^ fo that it was not
only where it might be had very likely, that the want of it in Eng'
cafily •, chat the cflcâs thereof land was the caufe of fo many
might be abundantly fupplycd by Peoples a poftarizing from the Ca-
the other Sacraments, nay by or- tholick Faith : So little do either
a
of the Synod of Diamper. 2 1 1
a Biihop, theBiihops being the Succeííors of the
Apoftles, by the impofitiori of whofe hands the
Holy Ghoft was given 5 in the place of which
impofition of hands the Church gives Confirma-»
tion, Chrift having fo ordained it, wherein the
Holy Ghoft is given likewife ^ Neverthelefs, by
a difpenfation trom the Holy See, and by no o-
ther way, when there is anv very urgent Ccca-
fion , or when it happens to be neceilary
for the good of the Faithful , fimple Priefts
may confirm with Chrifm , that has been
confecrated by a Biihop in the forementioned
Form 5 the effeâ: of this Sacrament is, that there-
in the Holy Ghoft is given, tctheftrengchening
the Sacraments, or the Hierarchy,
not excepting che Papacy ic felf,
fignifie, when they ftand in the
way of che Jefuits ambition.
I do not except the Papacy,
becaufe when it was generally be-
lieved that Clement the Vlllch.
was refolved to condemn Molina"*,
Book of 5cifnf/4 Media^ the Spa-
nijlj Jefuits endeavoured to ward
off that blow, by affirming in
their pubUck ConciufioBs in their
College at Complutum^ that it was
not a matter of Faith, to believe
that Clement the Vlllch. was true
Popf ; for which Luifiw turrianm
the Prefident of the Difputation,
the Redor of the College, and
Vafque^, who were pre lent at the
Aft, were all fummoncd to
appear before the Inguifition of
Toledo, asOafpar H-jYtiidus, GregO'
ry d^U Camará^ aad Alx>are:^ de
Villegeii, were to appear at Rime
before che Pope, for having de-
fended the fame Concliifion pub-
lickly in the faid Univerf;cy much
about che fame time ^ fo chat had
C/e/;zenrcheVIiIch.condemncdj/>
/iw.i's Book after the whole order
of the Jefuits hsd cfpoufed ihe me-
rits thereof fo publickly, which
the Dominicans Í2\' ht would cer-
tainly have done, had he but li-
ved a few Months longer, Ignati.
w Loyola appearing to fome Jefu-
its in5p4?n,andaíruring them thac
Jiiotinas Book would never be
condemned by anv Pope nocwich-
ilanding j we fhould have had
Simony, or fome other NyJiiiy
found in his Eleâi :n by the Jefu-
irs before this time : By this we
fee thac Jefoits have wherewuh
to intimidate Pope-:, as v\e]I as
Princes ar.d Biiliops.
and
2 12 The Jãs and Decrees
and fortifying of the Soul, as it was given to the
Apoftles on the day of Pentecoji^ that Chrifti-
ans may with boldnefs confefs the Name of
Chrift and his Cathohck Faith, for which rea-
fon the Perfon confirmed is anointed on the
forehead with the Sign of the Crofs, that being
the moil open place of the Body, and the Seat
of Shame and Confufion, which is very diffe-
rent from what is done to People when they are
baptized, who are anointed on the Head 5 Peo-
ple are confirmed on the forehead, that they
may not be aihamed to confeis the Name of je-
fas Chrift and his Crofs, which as the Apoftle
iai^h, is to the Jews an Offence^ and to the Heathens
foolijimefs '■) this Sacrament differs much from that
of Baptifm, for as by Baptifm we are born into
the Faith, fo by this we are confirmed therein 5
for as in the "Natural Life, to be born is different
from growing, fo in the Spiritual Life it is one
thing to be born to Grace and Faith, which is
done inBaptifm, and another toencreaieandgrow
ftronger therein, which is done in Confirmation,
and fo in Baptifm we are born to a Spiritual Life,
and are afterwards prepared and confirmed for
our Warfare, and do receive fo much ftrength,
that no dangers or terrors of Puniiliments, or
Lofiès, or Torments, or Deaths are able to fepa-
rate us from the Confeffion of the Name of
Chrift, and of the true Faith we profefs.
iDmtz
of the Synod of Diamper. 2 1 5
Decree i.
FOrafmuch as hitherto there has been no uie,
nor fo much as Knowledge of the Holy Sa-
crament of Confirmation among the Chrifrians of
this Bifhoprick, the Heretical Prelates that go-
verned it, having neglected to feed the People
in a great many cafes with whoUbme Catholick
Food 5 therefore the Synod doth declare, That
all Perfons who are come to the ufe of reafon,
ought to receive this Holy Sacrament, halving
the opportunity of receiving it at the hands of a
Bifhop, and that all Mailers of Families, and o-
thers having the Charge of Children', are in Du-
ty bound to command their Children and Slaves
to receive the faid Sacrament, and that all who
out of contumacy or contempt (hall refufe to re-
ceive it, or to order fuch as belong to them to
go to it, are guilty of a Mortal Sin, and if they
negleft it out of a conceit of it's not being a Sa-
crament, they areHereticks and Aliens fiom the
true Catholick Faiths wherefore the Synod doth
command, that in the Vilitation that is to be
madefpeedily by the moO: Illuftrious Metropoli-
tan in the Churches of this Bifhoprick, all Men
and Women that are above feven years old do
come to be Chriften'd or Confirmed, thcfe on-
ly excepted who were confirmed by the faid Lord
in his former Vifitation, or at fome other, or on
ibme other occafion, by fome other Bifhop 5 this
Sacrament as well as that of Baptifm being ne-
P I Ytr
t- 1 4 'Vhe AEis ana 3ecrees
vçr to be repeated, in fo much, that all that re-
ceive it a fecond time wittingly, are guilty of a
great piece of Sacrilege, befide?, that they re-
ceive no Sacrament thereby : But in caíè any are
doubtful whether they have ever been confirm-
ed or not, or iliould not remember that they
were ever, they (ball declare fo much to the (aid
Lord, or to the Biihop that is to confirm them,
that they may order the matter according to the
merit of their doubts : But if any, which God
forbid, fhould facrilegioufly- and obflinately de-
ipife the faid Sacrament, it being proved upon
them, they (ball be declared Excommunicate
until fuch tim-e as they have done condign Pe-
nance, and (hall be puniihed at the pleafure of
the Prelate.
Decree ii.
THe Synod, to its great forrovv, having been
informed, that fome ignorant PerfoBs in
^Sacred Matters and the Dodrine of the fjòly Sa-
craments of the Church, being inftigated by the
Devil to periift in their cur fed Schifm, did in fe-
veral places reiifi: the moil lUuftrious Metropoli-
tan in his former Viiitation of thefe Churches,
ib far as not only to refufe to receive the Holy
Sacrament of Confirmation from him, bUt did al-
fo oppofe him publickly in the Churches, and
that many did abfent themfelves , fome whereof
excufed themfelves by pretending, that it was an
unneceííl\ry thing,and that they had never feen nor
heard
of the S Y N on of Diamper. 2 1 y
heard of it before, and others that they fliould
be affronted by the Holy Ceremony oi the Pre-
lates touching their Cheek ^ Icurriloufly upbrai-
ding thoíè that had received ir, with baíè pro-
voking words, telling them that they had iiif-
fer'd themfelves to be affronted and buffeted,
v^ith other fuch Sacrilegious Expreíiions, full of
Infidelity and Herefy , ariiing from the Schifm
wherein they have been brought up ; Whole
Towns confpiring together Co iar in this Mutiny,
that the deipifing or receiving this Holy Sacra-
ment, became the Teft of their obedience or
difobedience to the faid Metropolitan, doth
therefore (notwithftanding it knows they have ali
in common, and every one in particular repen-
ted of this, and being fenfible of the greatnefs
of the error they committed thertin, have beg'd
pardon for it, and upon their having confef 'd their
Ignorance, have been gracioufly received by the
faid Lord Metropolitan, and having fubmitted
themfelves to the obedience of the Holy Roman
Church, are ready to do all that,iliall be enjoy-
ned them, to prevent the life however, that none
for the time coming may commit the like faults
or Sacrileges) command, That if any (which God
forbid) ihall dare to do or (ay any fuch thing
againft this Sacrament or the Holy Ceremonies
and Rites wherewith it is adminiPtred to th^
Faithful, that they be declared Excommunicate,
and be feparated from the Church and the Com-
munion of' the Faithful, until fuch time as they
have undergone condign Penance at the plea-
P 4 Uue
2 1 6 77;e JFls 'and Decrees
iureof the Prelate, and fhall demonftrate their
due fubjeftion to the obedience of the Holy
Church, and have taken the Oath of the Faith
contained in this Synod, and declared that all
that rejed and defpife the Rites and Ceremonies
approved of, and received in the Church, in the
folemn adminiftration of this and the other Sa-
craments, are Hereticks and Apoftates from our
Holy Catholick Faith, as was determin d in the
Holy Council of Tretit^ and ought to be pro-
ceeded againft and puniíhed as fuch, according
to the Sacred Canons.
Decree in.
npHe Synod doth declare, That in the Sacra-
-^ ment of Confirmation or Chrifm^úitvç, muft be
a'Godfather and Godmother as well as in Baptifm^
to preíènt fuch as are to be Confirmed according
to the ancient Cuftom of Holy Mother Church,
but there fhall be but only one Godfather and
Godmother , who muft themfelves have been
Confirmed , it being very indecent, that any
Perfon íhould preíènt one to have that done to
him, which they have not had done to themfelves 0
and that the Man (hall be above 14, and the Wo-
man above 12 Years Old, or one of them at
leaft ihall be of that Age ^ and in this Cafe the
Godfathers and Godmothers do contraâ; the fame
Spiritual Affinities and the fame Impediments that
the others do in BapUfm^ the faid Spiritual Affi-
nity being equally contraded' in both thefe
Sacraments, AcTi.
of tjje Synod of Diamper. 217
Action V.
Of the Holy Sacra7?ient of the Eucharift, and
of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mais.
T/je Doãrine of the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharift.
THe third Sacrament in the Oi Jcr of the
Spiritual Life^ h the Holy Em-hariji , tho'
in Veneration, Sanftity and «dignity, it is the fiift
and moft excellent, for containing in it the tr/n\
real and fnbftantial Boày and Bloody together Vyiih
the Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jefus Chriji,
the Son of God, true God^ and true Man^ our Sa-
viour and Redeemer'^ which reas 7?:fitutcd by him
the day before he fufferd for m^ as the moft fveet
Remate^ or Conclufion of all his Workf, and a Me-
morialof his Fãjfion^ the fílfilli}?g of all the ancient
I'igureSj the oreatefl of all ths Miracles that ever
he wrought^ and for the fingnlar Confolation of the
Faithful in his abfence. The Matter of this Sa-
crament is Bread of Wheats and Wine of ihe
Grape only, fo that all that Confecrare in Bread
made oi Rice^ or of any thing elfe but the
Flower of Wheats or of Wine that was not preiled
out of the ripe Grape of the Vine do not make
the Sacram.ent^ there mufi alio be Water rrúy.i: A
with the Wine before it is Gonfecrated, but in a
much fmailer quantity than the Wine, that Ío it
may eaiily "^ tarn it felf into Wine before the Con-
* STurn.] For Wa:er to rum Miracle as for the Pneii to tura
it felf ioto Wine, is as great a Wine into Elcod.
fecration:
2 1 8 Tl?e J^s md Deems
fecration : which mixture is therefore made,
becaufe from the Teftimony of Holy Fathers,
Holy Mother Church believes that our Lord
Chrift himfelf did fo, whofe having mixed Water
with the Wine that he Confecrated, makes it a
great Sin to omit to do it. It is alfo agreeable
to the reprefentation of the Myftery of what
paííèd on the Crofs, and of our Lord Chrift,
out of whofe precious Side flowed Water and
Bhod 5 as alio to fignifie the EfFed of this Sa-
crament, which is the Union of the Faithful with
Chrift, the Water fignifying the Faithful, and
the Wine our Lord Chrift, and the converfion of
the Water into the Wine^ the Union of our Souls
with Chrift by means of this Divine Sacrament,
according to wha^t our Lordfaid^ He that eateth
my FleJJj and drinketh my Bloody divelleth in me^
and I in him. The Form of this Sacrament is
the words of our Saviour, by which the Sacra-
ment is made 5 for tho' the Prieft pronounceth
many and divers words in the Mafs^ and makes
many Prayers and Petitions to God, yet when
he comes to Confecrate, he ufeth only the words
of Chrift, none others belonging to the fub-
ftance of Confecration 5 fo the Prieft ipeaking
in the Perfon of Chrift, makes this Divine Sacra-
ment, becaufe by virtue of thofe words, he tur-
neth the fubftance oi Bread into the fubftance of
the Body of Chrift, and the whole fubftance of
the Wine into his Bloody there remaining nothing
of Bread and Wine after that, but only the Ac-
cidents or Species of them ^ and that after fuch
a
of the S Y ^^ o i> of Diamper. 2 1 o
a manner, that the whole of Chrift's Body
and Soul, and Divinity, are contained under
every Particle of both, tho' never ib fmall when
feparated 5 fo that in every crumb of the
Hoft, tho' never fo fmall , there is Chrift intire,
and in every drop of the Species of Wine that
is feparated there is Chrift entire, ib that in each
of the Species whole Chrift, God and Man is re-
ceived, as alfo the true Sacrament 5 for which
realbn Holy Mother Church does not ufe to
Communicate the Faithful but t under one Spe-
cies, becaufe in that they receive Chrift entire.
To this Divine Sacrament the Worftiip, Venera-
tion and II Adoration of Ltíír/í2 is due, or the
t SilnDfr one ^prciejsf.]
What makes the Sacrilege of de-
nying the Cup to the People in
the Sacrament to be fomething
the greater, is, that moft of the
Roman Doftors do hold, that there
is more Grace convey 'd to People
by communicating under both the
Species of Bread and Wine, than
under that of Bread only, Vafques^
Cap. 2. Huifi. 80. Art. 1 2. Difp.2 1 5.
Nay, Pope Clement the VI?*, in
his Bull to the King of England in
the Year 1341, acknowledgeth
as much, wherein he tells that
King, that he granted him the
privilege of communicacing un-
der both kinds, that he might re-
ceive the more Grace by receiving
the Sacrament fo.
ÍI ^DO^afion.]] The Primitive
Chriftians muft have been People
of a ftrange confidence in tri-
umphing as they did over the
flupidity of the Heathen Worihip,
for being direftcd to Objefts than
were fubjeit to all the Accidents
and Cafuakies, thatany other Bo-
dies are fubjeft to, had they thera-
felves ar the fame time Worfliiped
the H0ÍI, which is fubjcft to more
Accider.cs than che Scone, Wood,
or Brafs of the Heathen Im?ges;
for they that do Worihip ir can-
not deny, but that the Hoft may
be Stole, Burnt, eat by Mice, or
other Verraine, and if kcp' too
long, will of ic felf Mould and
Corrupt. They muft cerrainly
have the privilege of believing
what they have a mind to, thsc
can believe , That if the Pri-
mitive Chriftians had had any fuch
Doftrine as tllis of Tranfubihima-
tbn among themj confidering how
many, efpccially- in times of Per-
fame
2 20 The JEis and J)ecrees
fame tbat is due to God who is contained there-
in, and is really prefent there. The EfFeâ: that
this Sacrament worketh on the Souls of thofe that
receive it worthily, is the Union of the Man
with Chrift, and by it, through Grace, the Man
is incorporated into Chrift, and joyned to his
Members : Moreover by this Sacrament, Grace
is increaíèd in all fuch as receive it worthily, ib
that whatever eíFeds Carnal eating and drinking
works upon a Man as to his Corporal Life, the
fame are wrought upon Man by this Divine Sa-
crament as to a Spiritual Life.
fccution , apoftatized from the mentioned any fuch thing, confi-
Faith, that it was poifible for them dering the Wic and Spite of the
to have concealed it from Celfm, Men, is a demonftration , that
Luctan, Porphyry^ and above all, there could be no fuch Doftrine
from Julian the Apoftate ; or among Chriftians in their days ;
that thofe Heathens, if they had neither can Schelflrat's Doilrina
but had the leaft inkling thereof /IrMW, confide ring the great num-
would not have made the World bers, quality, and temper of Re-
tohave rung with the noife of it; negado's, do any fervice in this
wherefore their having never caie.
THere being nothing fo neceflary for the
Faithful, as the acknowledgement of, and
thankfulnefs for fo profound a Bleifmg, and fo
excellent a Mercy as that which our Lord Chrift
did for us, in leaving himfelf under the Sacra-
mental Species, to be the true Food of our Souls,
and for the confolation, fupport, and remedy of
the Spiritual Life of Believers, we ought there-
fore wholly to occupy our felves in the Venera-
tion
of the Synod 0/ Diampcr. 221
tion of that Divine Myftery : In order whereunto.
Holy Mother Church , befides the continual
Thanks and Veneration which ihe always gives
and ihews, hath ordained a particular Day in
the Year for the celebration of the Memory of
fo great a Bleiling : which not being * obferved
in this Diocefs, the Synod deiiring that in all
things this Church may conform her felf to the
Cuftoms of the Holy Mother, the Univerfal
Church of Rome doth command the Feftivity of
the moft Holy Sacrament to be Celebrated in all
the Churches of this Diocefs , on the Thurfday
after Trinity Sunday^ according to the Stile of
theíè Parts, and the faid Day to be kept by
all forts of People 5 and that thereon, either be-
fore or after Mafs^ they make a ProceJJion through
the Town , or in fome convenient place with
all poffible Solemnity, in the fame manner as
they do upon Eafler-day,
* jSDbfertco in tl^ig] This
Feaft is of later ftanding by at
leaft 100 Years, than iheDodrine
of Tra}ifub(tantiatton : Ic was In-
ftituted in the Year 1240 by Pope
Vrban^ as is commonly faid upon
a Vifion a Nun had,of the Chui ch's
being Imperfeft for want of it j
but the Spaniards will have a Mi-
racle that was wrought in Spain at
that time, which is both too long
and too ridiculous to relate , to
have given occafion to the Pope's
inftitucing ic. The Indulgencas
granted to it by Pope Vrban^
Martin, and Eugenm^ are 500 days
Pardon to all that ihall.be pre-
fenc at its firft VejperSy 500 to
al! that fhall be prefent at tlie
Mafs of the day, 500 to ajl^'that
fhall be at its fecond Vefpers^
and Ç00 to every day of its
Ociiix.es ^ as alfo 500 to every
hour of them *, and wherefoever
it finds any place interdiâed, ic
takes off the Interdict for eight
days.
1
V
©ccree
221 Tlje Aãs and Decrees
2)ectec 11.
THe Synod doth declare, That every faith-
ful Chriftian fo foon as he attains to the
Years of perfect Diicretion, that is to fay, Men
at the Age of fourteen, more or lefs, according
as their Confeilors (hall think fit, and Women
having a Capacity to know what they do at the
Age of twelve, are obliged to receive the mod
Holy Sacrament oi the Eucharifi^ once a Year in
Lefit, or at Eajier^ from the hands of their own
Vicar or Curate of their Church, and that whofo-
ever does not receive it, being capable, betwixt
the beginning of Le»t^ and the fecond Sunday
after E^|ler^ fhall be declared Excommunicate
on the third Sunday^ and be held as iuch until!
they have confefied themfelves, and Communi-
cated. Nevertheleis the Synod gives Licence to
fuch Vicars as know their PariQies to be of that
Nature, that it is not poilible for the People to
comply with this Obligation in fo ihort a time,
to wait 'till Whjtfnntide^ and then to declare
ihem h provided that before they declare thoie
that live on the Heaths, they fhall firft take care
to admonifh them, either by themfelves, or by
others of known fidelity, that ib they may do
their Duty herein, letting them know if they
fail, that they muft be declared Excommunicate.
The Curates muft alfo be fure to obferve who
have complyed with this Obligation, putting
their Names in a Roll as is ordered in ConfeiTi-
i)n.
of th Synod o/Diamper. 2 2 j
on. But notwithftanding the Sacred Canons do
oblige the Faithful only to confefs and ccmmu-
nicare once a Year at the time aforefaid, never-
thelefs the Vicars (hall advife their Parifhioners
to do it oftner, namely at Chrifimafs and Whit^
funtide^ and the Jjfnnipion of our Ladj^ giving
warning thereof ftill the Sunday before.
Decree HI.
npHe Synod doth declare and teach, That no
-^ Chriftian, how contrite foever for his Sins,
may lawfully come to receive the Divine Sacra-
ment of the Altar^ being guilty of any Mortal
Sin, without having firft confeílèd all his Sins
entirely, to fome approved Prieft that has Au-
thority to receive his ConfeiTion, that being the
Tryal and Examination that the Apoftle fpeaks
of, and faith a Man ought to make of himfelf,
and being fo approved and confefíèd, let him
eat of the Divine Bread, and drink of the Di-
vine Cup 5 For he that eateth aud drwketh vf^rvor-
thily^ and with a Confcience of Sin, eateth and
drinketh Judgniej^t and Condemnation to himfelf:^
for which reafon this Divine Sacrament muft not
be given to publick Sinners, without they have
left their Sins, as publick Witches, and common
Women, and fuch as keep Concubines publick-
ly, and fuch as are in open mahce, before they
are reconciled, and all other open Sinners what-
foever. In which Matter the Vicars muft be ex-
treamly careful, beingfeniiblcjihat as it is a grie-
vous
2 24 ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ Decrees
vous Sin in fuch to receive the Divine Sacrament,
before they have forfaken their Sins ^ Co itislike-
vviíè a grievous offence in them to give the Sa-
crament to fuch publick Sinners, and who are
known by all to live in fuch Sins, and not to
have forfaken them, notwithftanding they (hould
have been confeiTed by others, and (hould bring
a Note of their being abfolved. This matter
ought to be kid home to the Confciences of the
Vicars by reafon of the great diííbluteneís that
there is in this Bifhoprick. in giving the Commu-
nion to publick Sinners, and efpecially to thoíè
that keep Concubines, and are Married, but
will not live with their Wives, and to others
who live in open Malice, without any Body to
hinder them, of all which the Vicars muft give a
ftridt Account to God •, but at the point of death
they may give the Divine Sacrament even to
fuch as have been publick Sinners, if they are not
finally impenitent.
Decree iv.
npHe Synod teacheth. That this Divine Sacra-
-^ ment ought to be received Falling, as Ho-
ly Mother Church commands, and that upon
the day on which people are to communicate,
they are neither to eat nor drink any thing from
Midnight untill after they have received the
Com-
of the Synod of Diamper. 225
Gommunion, not to do To being ^ a mofl: giie-
vous Sacrilege, fuch only excepted as are under
any great infirmity, or much fpent with Sick-
nefs, who may take Electuaries, and other light
things to ftrengthen them, of which the Con-
fellbr muft be judge.
* 31 moil grÍEbOU0 ^arri- Apoftlesw'.ienhefirftinftkutedir,
lfge.3 Tho' the cuiiom ÓÍ re- ror by the Faithful for fome Ages,
ceiving the Sacrament Fafting is they muft needs carry themattc*^
very laudable, yet confidcring too far, that call the receivir.gic
that it was not fo received by our ochervvife than Parting, a grievous
Bleffed Saviour himfelf, nor his Sacrilege.
Decree v.
~^Hriftians are not only bound to receive the
J raoft Holy Sacrament of x\íq Altar once a
Year, at Eafler^ but as often as they are in pro-
bable danger of Death, and efpecially in any
great Sicknefs, for which reafon this Divine
Sacrament is called the Viaticum , that is to
fay, the Support in the v/ay from a Mortal to
an Eternal Life, wherefore the Synod doth com-
mand all Sick People, whofe Diftempers are any-
thing dangerous, to receive it with much De-
votion t, and as they that look after the Sick
ought to give the Vicars timely Notice, {o the
Vicars them-felves muft be diligent to enquire
what Perfóns are fick in their Pariíhes , that fo
before|they come to be too weak, at a time whe a
it will do them no prejudice, they may be
brought in a Palanquin, or in fomething elfe that
Q^ covers
11 6 Tk Jãs and Decrees
covers them, to the Church, there to receive the
Holy Sacrament 5 for which ufe there (hall be a
Palanquin^ or Net, made commodious with Car-
pets, in every Church, in which the Sick ihall be
carried with due care, which ihall be bought
within a month after the publication hereof out
of the Fabrick money of the Church, all which
the Synod doth recommend earneftly to the Vi-
cars, this being truly the chief Duty of their Of-
fice 5 and if it ihall any time happen that a Pari-
ihioner ihall die without having received the
Communion, thro' the Vicars default, the (aid
Vicar iliall be fufpended for fix months, from
his Office and Benefice, and if it happen thorow
the Vicars not having been adviíed thereof, then
thofe that attended the Sick Perfon, ihall be fe-
verely puniihed by the Prelate. *
íDectee vi.
' Hereas Women are many times in danger
of Death in Child-bed, a great many
dying therein, the Synod doth therefore de-
clare. That all Women with Child ought about
the time when they reckon they are to be deli-
vered, to confeis themfelves, and receive the Ho-
ly Sacrament, but efpecially before the Birth of
their iirft Child, in which the danger is greateflr,
recommending it to them to be careful to doit
in time, that they may not be prevented by their
Labour from going to Church. Such alio as de-
fign to undertake any long and dangerous Voy-
age,
of the Synod 0/ Diamper. 227
age, ought to do the íàme,to whom the Synod
recommends it much, and requires it of them.
Decree vir.
FOraimuch as there are feveral Priefts and Ca^
zanares of this Dioceís that do never cele-
brate, fome by reafon of their having been or-
dained when they were but Boys, and fo do
wait till they come to be of a due Age, and o-
thers through other Impediments, therefore the
Synod doth command all fuch to receive the Ho-
ly Sacrament upon all the folemn Feftivities, and
at leaft once á month, wiihing they would do
it every Smtday with a due preparation and re-
verence 5 and as often as any Prieft doth com-
municate, he (hall be in a Surplice and Stole^
with a Crofs on his Breafl: to diftinguiih him from
other People, by reafon of the Reverence and
Refped that is due to the Sacerdotal Office which
he bears.
©ectee vm.
SEeing as is aforefaid, it is not lawful for any
Perfon to come to the moft Holy Sacrament
of the Altar, having the leaft icruple of any Mor-
tal Sin about him, without having been Sacra-
mentally confefs'd, the Synod doth declare, That
even to Priefts it is not lawful, and that none
finding in themfelves the leaft fcruple of Mortal
Sin, and having an opportunity of a ConfeiTor,
q 2 iliall
2i8 The AEis and Decrees
ihall fay Mafs, tho' under an Obligation to do
it, without having Brft coiiicired themfelves : But
befides, that fuch when under any icruple are
obhged to confeG, for the greater purity of their
Souls, tho' under no fcruple the Synod com-
mands all Priefts to confefs at leaft once a Week.
Dectxe ix.
^'T^^He Synod doth furthermore command all
-*- Deaccns and Sub- Deacons, that Minifter
iblemnly in the folemo Mujfes on SHndayí and
Saints-days, to receive the moft Holy Sacrament
at thoxQ; times, and on the Feftivity of our Lord
Chriji^ our Lãdy^ and the Holy Apoflles^ all the
Chama-Le s^ ox: C\Qvgy ú\2Lt are in the Churchy of
which the Vicars ought to take fpecial care, and
the Prelate in his Viikations is to make diligent In-
quiry, how thefc things are obferved.
The DoBr'mc of the Holy Sacrifice of the
ah.
^]pHe great Love of God to Mankind, does
-^ not oilly appear in the Inftitution of the
Holy Sacran^ent of the Eacharifl^ and in the
putting of his Divine Body and Blood under
the Sacramental Species^ to be the heavenly Food
of our Souls, by which the Spiritual Lileismain-
tained and prcfcrvcd, but in his having likewife
lo inftitutcd it, that the Catbolid^^ Church Mili-
tant
of the Synod of Diamper. 229
tant might have a perpetual and vifible Sacrifice
for the purging away of our fins, and fiar turn-
ing the Wrath of cur Heavenly Father, who is
many times offended with cur wickednefs into
Mercy, and the rigour of his juft puniihunent in-
to Clemency: So in the Mafs there is oifered.
unto God a true and proper Sacrifice, for the
pardon both of the Living and of the Dead, by
the offering; of the which Sacrifice the Lord is
10 far appeafed as to give Grace, and the Gift of
Jlepentance to Sinners, and by means thereof
does forgive Men their Sins and Otrences, tho'
never fo enormous 5 the Hofi that is oifered by
the Miniitry of the Prieft on the Altar of the
Church, being one and the fame that was oifered
for us on theCrois, with no other ditference be-
fides that of the reafon of their being offered : And
Co it is not only offered for the Sins, Punifh-
ments, Satisfaftions, and other "Neceifities ofthe
Faithful that are Living, but alfo for the Dead,
departed in Chrifr, and that are in the Torments
oÇ Purgatory^hén^, not as yet fully purged by rea-
fon of their not having made acompleat fatistadtion
for the punifhm':nts due to their fins, it being but
juft andreafcn:ibie,that all ihould be bencfiiedby a
Sacrifice, which was inftiiutedfor theKeaiedy and
Health of all Mankind', which Oblation is of
that purity, that no indignity or wickednefs in
the Offerers is abJe to defile it : 10 that as to the
fubftance, value, and acceptation, it is the fame
when offered by a wicked and unclean finner,
as when- by a pure and holy Prieft, becaufe it
Q, 3 doe
2J0 The JBs and Decrees
does not derive its Dignity from the Offerer^ but
from the Majefty and excellency of what is offer-
ed, neither does the Eternal Father accept there-*,
of for the Merits and Vertue of the Prieft that
offers it, but for the value of the Sacrifice it felf,
and the infinite Merits of Chrifi^ v^^ho is offered
therein 5 io that our Saviour being about to
cfi'cr himfelf to God the Father on the Altar of
the Crois, could not poffibly have given us a
greater expreííion of his immenfe Love for us,
than by leaving us this vifible Sacrifice in his
Church, in v^hich the Blood which was preíènt-
1y to be once offered upon the Altar of the Crois,
vas to be renewed every day upon the Altar of
ihe Church , and the Memory thereof to our
great profit, was to be adored every where in
the Church until the end of the World , which
Divine Sacrifice is offered to God only , not-
withftanding it is fometimes celebrated in Me-
mory and Honour of the Martyrs , and other
SaiKts in Bliis 5 it not being offered to them
but to God only, who has been pleaíèd to Crown
them with Immortal Honour, rendring him there-
by our bound en thanks for the notable Vidory
of the Alartjrs , and the publick Mercies and
Bleffings he has vouchíàfed to other Saints^ and
for the Vidories which by thefe means they ob-
tained over the World, the Flefh, and the De-
vil 5 befeeching the faid Saints to be pleafed to
intercede for us in Heaven, whofe Memories we
celebrate on Earth : and tho' the Divine Encha-
rifl OQQ'i ftiil continue to be "a Sacrament, yet it
is never a Sacrifice, but as it is offered in the Mafs,
of the Synod of Diamper. i j i
Decree i.
FOrafmuch as it is of great moment, that all
things belonging to the Sacrifice of the Mi^/r,
(hould be preierv'd pure and undefiled,and where-
as this Church has been for "^ i -200 years from under
the Obedience of the Holy Roman Church, thç Mi-
ftrefs of all the other Churches, and from whence
all good Government and true Doftrines do come,
all the Biihops that came hither from Babylon ha-
ving been Schifmaticks and Nefiorian Hereticks,
who have added to, and taken from the Mafs
at their pleafure without any order , from whence
it has come to pafs, that feveral things are fcMÍled
into the Syrian Mafs which is íàid in this DiocelJ,
without any confideration, and fuch things too
as may give occafion to many Impious and He-
retical Errors : For which, if due Order were
obferved, all the Mijlfids of this Biihoprick ought
to be burned, as alfo tor their having been of Ne-
fiorianwÇk^ and compiled by Ncjiorian Hereticks,
but being there are no other at prefent, they
are tolerated , until fuch time as our Lord the
Popç íhall take fome Order therein, and there
* 1200, ,||ear0»] it would to ú\t Pope ztuxeCmmloiTrent^
puzzle them to prove that they was j which Father Paul tells us
had ever been at any time under made a mighty noife in the World,
her obediencei however this iho»vs the Court of Rome boafting there-
what a Cheat that fubmiíTion of upon , that the Pope had goc
the Patriarch oiBabylon^ in his own more new Subjcds by that fubmif-
name, and in the name of all the fion, than he had loft by the Ks-
ChuTçhçs thaÇ|Werc fubjeít to him, formation»
Q, 4 fliall
2^^ .T^^^ ^s mi Decrees
fa all be MiJJals fent by him printed in the Chat-
dee Tongue, which is what this Synod humbly
and earneftly deiires may be done : And in the
mean time, it doth command, that the Mijjkls
now in ufe be purged and reformed as to all the
following Matters, and that tillfuch time as they
are fo purged, which the moil lUuftrious Metro-
politan, with the aíliílance of fome Perfons well
verfed in the Chdcke Tongue will fee done
the next Viiitation, no Prieft (hall prefume to
make ufe of them any more.
Whereas from the above declared Doctrine of
this Sacrament it is evident, that the Prieft does
not Confecrate wath his own words, but with
thofc of our Lord Cbrifly the Author and Infti-
tutor of the faid Divine Sacrament j it is not
therefore lawful to add any Claufe, how good
foevcr in it felf to the Form of Confccration, or
to what our Lord Ckrift faid therein ^ in which .
we do not comprehend the word E^nra ^ which
the Church of F^ome adds to the Confccration of
the Body and Blood ^ for beiides that, there is
the f Tradition of the Holy Jpojilcf, for our
Lord Chrifl^s having ufcd it in the Confccration
fHCrílDiíinn ^ This is v/Hk & Ax_ifno famei]tato^ify diu agitata
(he confidcnrly pretends ro have hter Grscos (^ Latitm, fartmmpo-
for ail her Novelties. Cardinal tins qucfr, verttatis inveniendie jhi-
Bora in the %.{ Ciiap. of Ins dio^ut in fimiUbm fieri fokt^atque
liril Eook of Liturgias , pslfech bine faãum eft ut pertinacirer am-
thtr following true judgment tenderirtfucúnquifcfiiecor.fHCtudinem.,
upon the common praftice of the à Chrijl'o (^T ab Apoiiolis ad mftra
Church of Rome in a!I fuch ufqite tempra derivavi : fed ft omif-
Matters j Orta dcindc eft 4 fere fis ha: de re Sckolafticorum fubtili-
f-tculis poji 6 S)noinmcontroverfi.ide tatibw çfy arg'imentis qu* aptid
of
of the Synod o/^ Diamper. ijj
of the Bodjij and that St. Matthew alfo relates
it in the Confecration of the Cup^ it is no Clauie
or diftind Sentence, but a conjunfticn to a Sen-
tence of the words of Chrift which immediately
follow. As alfo the word JEterni in the Coniecra-
tion of the Cup 5 and the v/ords Mjifterinni Fidei^
which tho' not mentioned by the Evangelifts,
yet as it is proved by Apojiolkal Tradition? ^ were
ufed by our Lord Chnji in the Confecration of
the Qip 5 and for that reafon the Holy Church
continues to ufe them irt the fame , but as for
the words added to the Confecration of the Cup
in the Syrian Miflal, Et hoc erit vobk pigmis in
fécula feculorum^ they being no where in any of
the four Evangehfts, nor in any Book of the New
Teftament, and it not appearing to the Church
by Apoftolical Tradition^ that Chrift ufed them in
that Confecration, the Synod doth prohibit them
to be ufed therein any more 0 but the words in
themfelves being good and Holy, and agreeable
ipfoslegipoffmt^víritãtemfincerè<^ the Cardinal goes on, Q^isnonvi-
fine ajfeiltt ad altermam partem ex det Scholajluos ad banc rem per-
leteriitn Patritm monumentU ■& ex traClandam pr. occupatis memtbus
praxi Ecclefi.i inv^fligdre volueri- acceiJtQe, cum einm ab infantiafola
mw, inveniemus p'oculdubio, quam azyma offtni viderinr, eaque fola in
parvi momenti fint in re, qus. àfaão fcbolis ^ in exedris prxdicari audi-
pendet^ Do^orum fpecuUtiones 5 turn erint, ea fylajemper in vfufuiffe ere-
perfpicuè cognoJcettiHi multum inter- diderunt, ify" hoc poftto variai fubin-
effe inter têmpora qux prítcejfermt, deconvenientias^variaque argumenta
iy qH£ poftea fecuta funt ^- erfque excogitúnwt^ ut quod femel concepg'
turpiter errare^quiexpróifentirerum rant ^ f\rmiii4 jlahUirent. Never
j\atu omnem ^ftimant antiquitatem ; was there a truer ctefcription given
which is what the church of Rome of any tiling, than this the Car-
has done above chefe 600 Years, dinal gives of the Genius of the
and will do tor all that Cardinal People that defend the Novelties
Bona or any body elfe can tell her of the Cburcb of Rome.
of theunrcafonablenefsof ic. Euç ^q
2J4 ^^ ^^^ cind Deems
to what Holy Church (ingeth of this Divine Sa-
crament, that it is the pledge of the Glory that
xve expeãy that we may keep to the Old Miffàl
fo far as the fincerity of the Faith, and the pu-
rity of this Divine Sacrifice will permit, the Prieft
ihall fay them after the elevation of the C»p,
where making a profound Reverence, he ihall
begin the following Prayers with them, only
changing the word Vohis, which was ufed as
fpoke by Chrift, for Nobis^ as fpoke by himfelf,
laying, Hoc erit nobis fignus ^ and for the words
in fécula faculorum which follow , they being
commonly faid in the Church of fuch Matters
only as are to laft for ever , or are wiihed
to be Eternal, feeing the ufe of this Divine Sa-
crament as well as of the reft, is to continue but
to the end of the World, (they having been in-
ftitutedonly as a remedy for our Spiritual necef-
iities in this life, for in the other we are to fee our
Lord no more under Sacramental Species , but
clearly as he is , neither fhall we in Heaven eat
this Divine Bread of Angels Sacramentally, but
ihall eat as the Angels do in the Vifion of the»
Divine Word.) The words in frcula f£CHlorum
ihall be therefore left out, and inftead thereof
ihall be put nfque ad confummationem faculty lay-
ing, hoc erit nobis pignus ujque ad confummationem^
faculty the Sacrament being a pledge only for
fo long as we do not fee the Glory that we
hope for, but is and ever will be fuch a pledge
in this life, Chriii: having promiíed to his Church,
that he vpjU be with her to the end of the Worlds
fo
of the SmOD of Diamper. i j 5
(b that the Divine Sacraments, which were in-
ftitutcd for our benefit, can never fail till then 5
after theíè words the Prieft (hall go on with
what immediately follows in the Mafs , Gloria
tibi^ Domncy gloria tibi^ and ib on.
Furthermore in the Confecration of the Cup
there is added to the words of Chrift, novi tefia-
menti qui pro vobk^ 8cc. novi ó* ^terni teflamenti
myflerium fidei^ qui pro vobis d^ pro multis^ &c.
Therefore the Synod doth command, That the
words of Confecration of the Body and Blood be
reformed, and put in all their Mtjfds^ according
to the Canon of the Roman Miilal ufed in the
Univerfal Church without the leaft addition or
diminution, and with the fame Adorations, In-
clinations, and Ceremonies as are in the Roman
Miflal.
Furthermore, where the Prieft faith Domintfs
Deus nofier quando fpirabit in nobis odor fnainjjl'
mm^ it is faid in the fame Prayer, ó* cum anim4i
noflr^ veritatis tH£ fcientia fnerint illujirat£^ tunc
occurremus dik&o filio tuo^ 8cc. fpeaking of the
day of Judgment , it fliaU be faid, Cum corpora
noflra veritatis tu£ fplendore fnerint iUufirata^ tunc
occHrremus dileão filio tuo^ the Souls of the Juft
being illuminated and glorified in Heaven before
the day of Judgment, which is the time when
the Bodies receive their Glory, this Paflage
feeming to allude to the Nejiorian Herefie, which
teacheth that the Souls of the Juft do not fee
God, nor are Glorified, nor are in Blifs> before
the day of Judgment»
Furthsi»
2^6 77;e Jãs and Decrees
Furthermore, where the Deacon íàith. Orando
pro fanais patribur noflris Patriarcha noflro pajiore
univerfalis totius Ecclefi£ Catholic<e^ meaning the
Schifmatick of Babylon^ Ó* Epifcopo hujus Metro-
polis 5 it ihall be faid Fro fanais Patribus nojlris^
beatijfimo Fapa noflro totius Ecclefi£ Catholic£ paftore,
naming him by his Name, d^ Epifcopo hujus Me-
tropolis^ naming him alfo, Ò' Miniftrisipforum'-^zna
a little lower where the Deacon praying, faith,
pr£cipnè nos oportet orare pro incolumitate Patrum
noflrorum fãnBorum^ domini Patriarch£ totius Ec-
€leJ/£ Catholic£ paftoris^ naming the Patriarch of
Babylon by ISJame, inftead thereof he (hall fay,
Pr£cipiíè oportet nos orare pro incolumitate patrum
noflrorum Domini Pap£ , naming him alio, Ó*
Epifcopi hujus Metropolis^ naming him alio.
Furthermore, when the Deacon a little before
faith, Commemoramus autem beatijfimam Mariam^
mrginem Mat rem Chrifli 0* falvatoris^w. (hall be faid
Sana am Matrem Dei vivi , ó' faivatoris, ó' Re-
demptoris noflri^Scc. becauíè theperveríe Neflorians
do impiouQy deny the Bleílèd Virgin to be the Mo-
ther of God, as has been obferved.
Furthermore, when the Deacon a httle low-
er iaith , Qommemoramtis quoque Patres noflros
fanBos 0* veritatis DoBores Dominum Ó* SanBum
Neflorium, 8cc. all which is Heretical, it being
an impious thing facrilegioufly to pray to God
to prefervethe Doftrine of Neflorius^ and of o-
ther Hereticks his followers in the Church, all
the forementioned having been fuch except St.
Ephraim ^ whçrefore inftead of them he ihall íày.
Com-
of the Synod 0/ Dkmper. 2^7
Commemoramm qmque V aires noflros fanUos veri^
tatis Doãores S. Cyrillum^ 8cc. And tho' in ibme
MiJJhls the Names of Nejioriu^^ Theodorm^ and
Diodorus are already left out, yet they do ftill
remain in fome, and the Names of Abraham and
'Narcijfm^ two of the Ringleaders of that curíèd
Seft are in all of them. Wherefore there muft
be care taken to have them alio left out.
Furthermore, in the beginning of the Prayer
wherein the Deacon faith, Oportet nos or are c^
ex alt are unum Deum Patrem Do mi num omnium
adoratione dignijfimum^ qui per Chriflum fecit no-
bis bonamfpem^ it fhall be ^id, ^i per Jefum
Chrijium filium fmm Dominnm nojirum fecit nobis
bonam fpem.
Furthermore, where the Prieft pouting the
Wine into the Cup faith, Mifceatur pretioftfs
Sanguis in Cálice Djmini nojiri Jefu Chrifli^ it ihall
be iaid, Mifceatur Vinum in Cálice Domini nojiri^
that no occafion may be given to the Error of
calling the Wine before it is confecrated, Tke
Precious Blood ofChriji^ alluding to the condem-
ned Cuftom of the Greeks-^ who as they offer
the Bread and Wine before they are confecrated,
fb they adore them too, faying they do it for
what they are to be, and prefently after v/here the
Prieft fiiith, Expeãans expeãavi Dominum^ Corpus
Chrijii S^ fanguinem eju'S pretiofum fuper fanãiim
altare offer amus^ it ihall be faid for the fame rea-
icn, Panem Sana um Ó^ Calicem pretiofum offtratnus 5
and immediately after v/here the Deacon faith,
Edc7'7t pauperes ò' faturabuntur^ Corpus Chrifii &
San-
2j8 17;^ ABs and Decrees
Sangninew ejus pretiofum Juper fmUum altare offè'
ramus : He (hall fay for tfie fòme reaíbn, Edent
pauper es & faturabuntur^ Fanem fan^Hmy(^ Calicem
pretiofupt, 8cc.
Furthermore, where the Priefl: with a low
Voice in the Prayer, which begins, Offeratur ^
glori£ immoktur^ faith, 0* Chriftus qui oblatm eft pro
Jalute nojlra^ he fliall íày, Jefus Chriftm Dominus
nofier Deifilius qui obUtns c/^, 8f c. And where the
Prieft railing his Voice faith, Gloria Patri^ &c.
Fiat Commemoratio Virginis Mari£ Matris Chrifii^
he ihall íày. Fiat commemoratio Virginis Maris
Matris ipfius Dei Ó* Domini nojiri Jefu Chrifli 3
And a little lower, where the Deacon faith , In
f£cula ufque in focula^ Amen^ Amen^ Apojloli ipfitfs
filii Ó* amici unigenti'-i he ihall íày , Apofioli
ipfiusfiliiDei d^ amici. And where the Prieit
hcgms, Pufilli cummajoribus ^ and íàith, Refur-
re&ione tua fuperglorioja refufcitabk eos ad gloriam
tuam^ he íhall íày. Per Fiefurreãionem tuamfuper*
gloriofam fufcitabis eos.
Furthermore, where the Deacon faith, Ef-
fundite coram illo corda veftra, jejunio^ oratione^
0* pcsnitentia^ placaverunt Chrijium^ Patrem quoque
Ó* Spiritumejm fanãum^ wherein faying, Spiri-
turn fanãum ejus^ they ieem to allude to the Error
of the Greeks^ that the Holy Spirit proceedeth only
from the Father, and not from the Father and
the Son , as from one principal, as the Catholick
Faith confeíièth, and becaufe the Nejlorians by rea,-
fon of the great Communication they have had
with the Greeks , have imbibed fome of their Er-
rors,
of áe Synod o/Diamper. 259
rorsjthat there may be therefore no countenance
given to fuch an Error, it íhall be reformed thus,
Placaveruftt Patrem Filium^ d^ Spiritum, Sana urn, ^
Furthermore, In the Prayer where the Prieft
faith , Dominus Deus fortk^ ttia eíi Ecclejia fan"
&a Catholica, qH£ admirahili Chrijii tut pajjione
entpta efi 5 it (hall be laid, ^£ admirabili Chrifii
filii tui^ 8cc.
Furthermore, near the end of the Gofpel ta-
ken out of that Chapter of St. John^ which, as
has been obierved, is corrupted in the Syrian
Tranflation, where it is read quoniam venit hora
in qua omnes qui in monumtntis funt audient vocem
ipfíHs^ it íhall be read audient vocem filii Dei^
as it is in the Goipel.
Furthermore, in the Creed that is fung in the
Mafs there are wanting leveral fubftantial words,
where fpeaking of our Lord Chrift^ and faying
that he was born of the Father before all Worlds^
there is wanting God of God, light of light, very
God of very God, all which (hall be added to it :
as alfo the word confubfiantial to the Father, lea-
ving out the words that are in its place, in the
Syrian, filim effentien Patris, and the whole íhall
be reformed and tranflated into the íàme words,
as it is fung in the Catholick Church in the Ro-
man Míílàl.
Furthermore, preíèntly after the Creed, where
the Deacon praying for, and making a Comme-
moration of the Holy Apofiles, Martyrs and Con-
fejfors, deííres of God that he would raiíè them up
that they may be Crowned with Glory at the Re-
furreftion
240 77?g JBs and Decrees
furredion of the Êead, faying, Oremus^ inquam^
ut refirreciione qH£ eji ex mortuis a Deo corona do»
nemnr^ which beiides that it is not the Cuftom of
the Church to pray for the Holy Apofiles^ Mar-
tyrs^ and Confcjfors^ nor to defire any good thing
for them, whom we believe to be in poíleííion
of BliG, but much rather to '^ Pray to them, to
intercede for us, and to obtain for us of God,
wliofe famihar Friends they are, all that we ftand
in need of, and is of importance, both as to ail
our Spiritual and juft Temporal Concerns 5
it feems to allude to the Nejiorian Opinion,
That the Souls of the Saints are not to fee God,
until after their Bodies are raifed at tlie day of
Judgment , and that till then they are in a Terre-
ftrid Parad/fe^ which is Irnpious and Heretical ,
wherefore the Synod doth command. That iince
there are no fuch Prayers ufed in the Church, nor
any fuch Petitions made to God in behalf of the
Saints, notwithftanding they are faid in the Reve-
lation to make them for themfelves, that thofe
words be blotted out , and what follows be
joined with what went before, faying, ó* Con-
fijfores hujíís loci c^ omnium Regionum^ or emus ^
inquam , nt det nobis ut efficiamur focii eornm^ &c.
leaving out the fore-mentioned words 3 and at the
end of the Prayer where it is faid, per gratiam
* ^^a|> to tlicm»3 The Met- in the Petition Thi Kjngdom come ;
lahetr Cuftom in this is much the and in the Office for the Burial
anciencer, as appears from all the of the Dead, where \vc bcfeecb God
ancient Liturgies ; in all which of his gracious goodnefs, flmtly to
Petitions Cliriftians prayed for the accompliJJj the number of his Elsify
Dead no ocherwife than as we and to bajien his Kingdom.
pray for tliera in the Lord's Prayer,
Chrip
of the Sy í;oj> of Diamper. 241
Chrijii^ it (hall be iaid ^ergratiam Dei^ 0* Domini
nofiri Jefu Chrifli,
Furthermore where the Prieft begins Confite-
mur Ó* laudamm^ JDomine Deus nofier^ where he
iaith below Dignos nos fecifli difienfatione ficra'
nientornm fanãorum corporis ^ finguinis Chrifli
tui^ it (hall be faid Chrifli filii tui ^ as alfo before
where the Prieft fpeaketh to thofe on the right
fide of the Altar, and they anfwer with the Dea-
con Chriflus exAudiat orationes tnas^ hoc facrificium
quodtn offers fro /e, fro nobis ^ C^ pro toto orbe a
minimo ufque ad maximum^ the laft words ó*fro
toto orbe a minimo ufque ad maximum^ muft be left
out, for the Mafs being a publick Prayer of the
Church, Infidels^ Schifmatickj and Hereticks are
not to be prayed for therein, but only Catholickj^
and fuch as are united to the Church , wherefore
inftead thereof it ihall be faid, quod tu offers pro
te^ pro nobis ^ d^ pro univerfa Ecclefla Catkolica^ ^
omnibus orthodoxis^ atque Apoflolide Ó* Catholiae
fidei cultoribus.
Furthermore, where the Prieft begins Etiam
Domine Deus BxerciUmm^ where he faith, d^pro
Sacerdotibns^ Regib^^ d^ Principibus^ it ihall be
íàid, Ó* pro Regibus é^ Principibus Catholicis^the.
thriftians of this Church being fubjedt to hfidel
Princes 5 and a little lower, where the Prieft be-
gins Tu Domine cui propter^ &c. where he faith,
recordatione corporis d^ fanguinis^ it iliall be iaid,
Chrifli filii tui 5 and a little lower in the fame
Prayer, near the end, it ftiall be faid, fanguins
Chrifli filii tfii redsmpfa,
■ K Farther-
24^ The JBs and Decrees
Furthermore, where the Deacon and Clergy
praying, do íày, Et pro ommbtu Patriarchis^ Epi-
fcopis^ Ó' Presbperk, 8cc. it ihall be faid, 0* pro
beatíjpfíw P^p'a noftro^ naming him, 0* pro omni-
bus Pdtrhirchk 0* Epifcopk,
Furthermore, in the Hymn faid by the Clergy,
and the Deacon altematim after the elevation of
themoft Holy Sacrament, intheVerfe where the
Prieft faith, ^ando ad fanãum^altare i?7greditHry
manus fuas pure protendit m ccelum^ d^ invitat
fpirjtitm qui de fnperk defce^idit Ó* confecrat cor-
pus d^ fanguimm Chrifli^ in which words the
Prieft ieems to call upon the Holy Ghoft, to
come down from Heaven to conlecrate the Body
of Chrift, as if it were not the Prieft that confe-
crated it , whereas in truth it is the Prieft that
does it, tho' not in his own words, but the words
of Chrift 3 wherefore that no colour may be
given to fuch an error, it ftiall be íãid, manus
fuas pure protendit in caelum 0" confecrat corpus <d^
fangninem Chrijii , leaving out the words of Ó'
invitat fpiritum qui de fuperk defcendit^ &c. and
the following words a feculo ufque in fdiculum.
Furthermore, in the Prayer faid by the Dea-
con, which begins Omnes timorc pariter Ó* amore
accedamus^ where it is (aid, unigenitus Dei mortale
corpusá^fpiritualem^ rationalem^ intmortalemque ani-\
warn ex filijs hon/inun/ fufcepit, that there may be
no countenance given to an^rror held by fomej
and followed by feveral Ncflorians^ that the Soul
as -well as the Body, is ex traduce^ or derived
from the Parents ; whereas in truth it is created
by
of the Synod of Diamper. 243
by God out of nothing, and infufed into the
Body when it is perfedly formed ^ it (hall there-
fore be faid unigenitus Dei mortale corpus exfilik
hominum^ 0" fpriUiaUrd^ rationalem^ immdrtdem-
que animam ffifiepit. As alio where the Deacon
after the Communion of the Prieft, inviting the
People to communicate, faith, fratres mei fufci-
pite corpus ipjtus fifii ^ he (hall iay ipfius filii
Dei,
Furthermore, in the firfl: word of the Bene-
diction of the People, where he faith, lUe qui
benedictt nos in ccelis^ per filium HHmanitatiSy
he (hall fay Ver filium faum 5 and in the firft
Bleffing which the Prieft gives to the People,
at the end of the Mafs , where he faith, Ca-
thedra gloriofii Catholicorum orientalium^ meaning
Schifmatical Babylon^ he ihall fay bcnedicatur Ca-
thedra gloriofa Romafjãj and in the following verie
of the fame Bleffing, where fpeaking of the Bi-
ihop of the Diocefs, he faith, Dominus totius gre^
gis epifcopus plenus fobrietate cujiodiatur a malo^ 8cc.
he fhall name our Lord the Pope, faying,, Domi-
nius totius gregis catholici Papa A/, plenus fobrie-
tate cujiodiatur a malo^ una cum bono Doãore^ d^
Epifcopo noflro N. naming him by his Name: And
a little after in the fame Bletling, where he faith,
lUujlris in congregatione Sanciorum religiofus Hor-
mifda^ fattãitas janãitatum^ 8f c. the name of Hor^
mifda^ who as has been obferved, was a Nejio-
rian Heretick, ihall be left out, and inftead there-
of he ihall fay, lUujlrk in congregatione Sancio-
rum S. Apoftolus Thomo'S^ 8cc. all that follows
R 2 agree-
^44 "^t^^ -^^^ ^^^^ Decrees >
agreeing very well v/ith that glorious Apoflle,
who firft taught the Faith in thefe parts, and
not to that falfe Heretick.
Furthermore, in the firft Vèrfe of the Bleiling
of the Solemn Days, where it is faid of the Di-
vine Word, ^wi faãuf eji homo^ ó' opcruit fpe^
ciem fuam in filio hominis^ for fear of the iVe-
florian Dodrine it íhall be íàid, gwi fiiãus ejl
homo^ C^ operurt Divinitatem fnam humilitate tjo-
fira-i and a little lower where it is faid, Benedic
Eccleflitm tnam qii£ patitm\-d^ in ovili pejjlmi D£-
monis ecce cOMprehejiditur , it ihali be faid, ^<e
fatitur i»fcftdtio?2es a pejjimo D^mone^ libera iU
Um^ &c. for the Catholick Church tho* it be
infefted and perfecuted by the Devil, is not held
nor oyercome by him, our Saviour having pro-
mifed, that all the Powers of Hell ftmll never pre*
vail againfl her. And afterwards where it is faid,
Benedic dextr atua fihrifle^congregationem hanc^it (ball
be faid, Benedic dextra tua^ JefaChriJle, Sec. and
in the fame Bleiung, where it is faid. Salva Re-
ges noflros d^ Duces »i?/?r<?/, it (hall be faid, Salva
Reges noflros d^ Duces nojiros Catholicos^ all the
Kings and Princes of this Church being Infidels^
and ib ought not to be prayed for in the pub-
lick Prayers of the Mafs 5 and a little after,
where it is fàid, Sicut dccet coram ipfojefu Salva-»
tore^ it (hall be faid, Coram ipfo Jefi Deo Salba-
tore^ becaufe of the Ncftorian error $ and in the
lait Verfe but one of that Bleííing , where ilt is
faid,- ^7 comedi t corpus menm ó* hihit ex Jangui?ie
meo finãificante liierabitur ah inferno per me^ the
words
of the Synod of Diamper, -245
words of ChriiV, Hahct qjitam ster^am^ (hall be
uied inftead oi Liberabitur ab it^fir^io i, and in the
end of the third Bleffing, where it is faid, Glo-
ria illi ex ontni ore Jefi Domifio^ it fh all be faid,
Jefii Dof^/i^o Deo^htcauCc the Nejiorians do im-
piouQy affirm. That the name of Jefus is the fzaetie
of a htimAue Verfon^ and does not agree to God.
All the above-mentioned particular the Synod
doth command to be Corredted.as is here ordered,
with fuch caution as is neceflary in thefe Matters,
wherein the curfed Neflorian Hereticks have
ibwn fo many Errors.
Decree ii.
WHereas in the Mijfals of this Dioceis there
are fome MaJJès that were made by Nejh-
r/;^, others by Theodorus^^nò. others by Diodorits^
their Mafter, which are appointed to be faid on
fome certain days, and which, carrying thofe
Names in their Titles, are full of Errors and
Herefies , the Synod doth command all fuch Maf-
fes, entire as they are, to be taken out, and burnt,
and in virtue of Obedience, and upon pain oF Ex-
communication Lat£ Sententi£^ doth prohibit all
Priefts from henceforward to prefume to ufc
them, ordering them to be forthvvith cut out
of their Books, and at the next Vifitacion to be
delivered by them to the moft Illnflrious Metro-
politan^ or to fuch as he fhall appoint to correct
their Books, that fo thefe MaJJès may be burnt.
K 3 ^mu
2^6 The Acis and Decrees
Decree in.
TTTHereas in the Maffis of this Biilioprick, there
^^ is an impious facrilegious Ceremony, which
is the Priefts, after having dipt that part of the
Hoft^ after his having divided it, which he holds
in his right hand, and has made the fign of the
Crois upon the other part that is upon the Fatw^
opening this latter part that was upon the Patin
with the Nail of his right Thumb, to the end,
according to their Opinion, that the Blood may
penetrate the Body, that fo the Blood and Body
may be joyned together, which is ignorantly
done in allufion to the Hereiie of Nefionus^ or
of his Followers, who do impioufly affirm, That
under the Element of Bread is only the Body ofChrijl
mthoHt Bloody and under the Element of Wine the
Blood without the Body: Wherefore the Synod
doth command in virtue of Holy Obedience, and
upon pain of Excommunicatioit to be Ipfo faãa
incurred, that no Prieft prefume to uíè any iuch
Ceremony, and that they throw it out of their
Maííes, for that befides it alludes to the foremen-
tioned Hereiie, it contains a great ignorance in
íuppoíing that the Species can penetiute the Bo-
dy and Blood of Chrift.
Decree
of the Synod of Diamper. 247
T>ttXtZ !V.
FOrafmuch as the Syrian Mafs is too long
for Prieits that have a mind to celebrate
daily, the Synod doth grant Licenfe for thetran-
ilating of the Roman Mafs into Syrian^ defiring
the Reverend Father Francijco Roz^ of the So-
ciety of Jefus to undertake the Work, which
Mafs together with all the Roman Ceremonies the
Prieft may fay on particular Occafions, but the
folemn and fung Maffès of the day ihall be al-
ways the Syrian^ as they fhall be emended by
the moft Reverend Metropolitan : and fuch Priefts
as are able to fay Majfeshoth. in Latin and Syrian
in the Churches of other Dioceííès, .may fay it in
Latin^ but not in this Biihoprick, in which to
avoid confufion, it fhall be faid only in Syrian,
Wherefore the Synod delires the Biihops of thoie
parts to give Licenfe, that the Priefts of this Dio-
ceis, having Letters dimiffory from their Prelate,
that do not know how to fay Mafs in Latin^ may
be permitted to fay the Syrian Mafs in their
Churches, or at leaft the Roman tr'anflated with
all its Ceremonies into Syrian , the Schifm which
this Church has. been in, being now thorow the
goodnefs of God removed, entreating the moft
lUuftrious Metropolitan^ the Prefident of this Sy-
nod, that he would be pleafed to prefent this
Petition in behalf of the Priefls of this Dioceft
to the firfl Provincial Council that (hall be cele-
R 4 brated
24^ Tí^^e Ms md Decrees
bmted in the Province, that foif the Fathers (hall
think fit, it may pafs into a Decree.
Decree v.
WHereas the Power of handling the Holy
Veííèls is given particularly to the. order
OÍ the Subdeacon, this Synod doth command that
from henceforward if the Minifter th:t í^í-ifts at
the Mafs be not a Subdeacon^ that the Prieit (hall
not put the 'Patin into his hand, when he is or-
dered by the Syrian Mafs to do it, fuch a one
having no Authority to touch it ^ but he may
lay his hand only on the ftone or wood of the
Altar, fo as not to touch the Putin, which is
according, to the Rubrick, of the M^Jfd, which
fuppofesthePerfonth:.: ^ííiítsat the Mafs to be
a Deacon., ordering exprefly that the IPriefi fljall
pit the Fat in into the hand oft he Deacon,
Decree VL
ITTHereas the Stole that is thrown over the
^' Shoulders is the particular Badge of the Or-
der of Deacon^ it is not lawfn! Lherefore for any
Peribn that has not taken the faid Order, to uie
the Stole in the Church with any publick Cere-
mony i, and v/hereas hitherio all of the Clergy
that have aíTifted at Mafs^ tho' but in 7;:fcrior Or-
ders, or wiihont them, have wore the faid Stole
over their ffloulders, no lefs than the Deacons^
contrary to the Cercmoniak^ which fuppofeth him
that
of the Synod o/" Diamper. '249
thataffifts at the Mafs to be a Deacon^ the Sy-
nod doth therefore ordain and command, that
from henceforward the Chantazes, who do affift
at the Mafs^ and are not Deitcons^ be not per-
mitted to wear the Stole 3 it would alfo be de-
cent for the Deacons wherf they wear the Stole^
to be in a Surplice^ and to have a Ti?2re/, and not
to have it over their ordinary wearing Cloths,
as has been hitherto the Cuftom.
Decree vli.
THe Synod doth command, That in all
Churches there be Stamps of Hofis (or In-
ftruments wherewith to print the Wafers that
are to be Confecrated) which fhall be bought
forthwith out of the Fabrick-money, or the Alms
of the Church ^ and that the Vicars takecareto*
be always provided of the flour of Wheat, for
the making of them, which they muft be fure
not to mix with any thing elíè, as is dene com-
monly in other Bread, for fear there ihould be
no Confecration therein 5 wherefore they muft
either make them themíèlves, or employ fuch as
are of known Skill and Fidelity to do it, and
the fame care (hall be taken of the Wine that it
be no other than that of Portugal^ and that it be
not mixed with the Juice of Raifins^ or with any
other Wines of the Countrey for the fame dan-
ger.
Decree
2 JO The Jãs and T>ecrees
Decree viii.
THe Synod doth earneftly recommend it to
the Pr lefts of this Diocefs to take heed in
what Wine they celebrate, having been inform-
ed. That as fome Churches, by reafon of their
Poverty, are without Portugal Wine, fo where
it is that the Prieft keeps it in Glafs Bottles,
where being in a fmall quantity, and kept a long
time, it muft neceílàrily decay and turn to Vi-
negar, with which they celebrate notwithftand-
ing, not coniidering the danger there is of there
being no Confecration ^ for remedy whereof the
Synod in the ftrideft manner that it can, d©th
command, That in every Church there ihall be
in the Vicars keeping afweet pipe, or (mall Run-
let of Wood, or a Frask, in which the Wine for
•the M^ffif ihall be kept, and that the Vicars be
extreamly careful, that the Wine do not decay
or turn to Vinegar , which if it ihould happen
fo as to have loft the eíTence of Wine in the Opi-
nion of thofe that have good Palates, they ftiall
not then celebrate therewith, it being a great
Sacrilege to do it, feeing there can be no Confe-
cration.
Decree ix.
WHereas for want o( Portugal Wine, it ma-
ny times falls out that there are no Maf-
fes celebrated in this Diocefs, to the great pre-
judice
of the Synod o/Diamper. 251
judice of the Faithful Chriftians, who for that
reafon are feveral months without hearing Maj^^
and without an opportunity of receiving the
moft Holy Sacrament, and the Sick of receiving
the Holy Viaticum'^ wherefore the Synod, for
remedy hereof, doth entreat his Majefiy the King
of Portugal^ out of his great Piety, and as he is
Froteãor of the Chriftians of thefe parts, once a
Year to fend us as an Alms, a Pipe and a half,
or two Pipes oi Mufcatel Wme oi Portugal, to be
diftributed among the Chriftian Churches of
this Biihoprick, and of the whole hdies , and
till inch time as an Anfwer (hall be returned to
this Petition, the moft llluftrious Lord Archbijhop
of Goa, Domffi'aj Akixo de Menezes, Metropoli-
tan of this Church, Primate of fndia, and Pre-
fident of this Synod, is pkaied to give the faid
quantity of Wine to be diftributed among the
Churches of this Biftioprick, the diftribution
whereof ftiall be made by the Prelate according
to the Informations he ihall receive of the Ne-
ceftities of every Parifti, and whereas all the fuc-
ceiles of this Life are uncertain, if this ftioulá
happen to fail at any time, the Prelate ftiall then
at his Vifitation take fo much out of the ftock
of every Church as ftiall fuffice to purchafe what
Wine is necefíàry, and the Wine ftiall be commit-
ted to the Vicar, who ftiall make ufe ot it only
in the Majfes that are faid in the Church, and
order ftiall be taken that the Mafs of the day,
which belongs to the whole Parifti, and is the
chief obligation of the Church, ftiall be celebra-
ted without tail. jDííXCS
2 5 2 The Jãs and J)ecrees
£)ecree x.
THis Synod being very doubtful whether the
Stones of the Altar, on which the Maffet
are faid in the Churches of this Dioceis, be con-
fecrated with Holy Oil, or truly Bleiled, by rea-
fon of the fmall care and knowledge which the
former Prelates coming from Babylon had of fuch
Matters , doth command , That all fuch as are
not well known to have been lawfully Confecra-
ted, (hall be brought to the moll: Reverend Ale-
tropolitan that they may be Confecrated by him,
whom the Synod doth intreat to provide fuch
Churches with Stones as want them : Comman-
ding likewife, aM Cups that are not of Gold, Sil-
ver, Copper or Tin, to be broke, and "^no Cups
to be ufed but what are made of one of thefe
Metals, and thai Mafs be never faid in any of
thefe after they are broken , and feeing there
are many Churches that for want of Cups have
no Majjès^ the Lord Metropolitan is defired to
give order, that all Churches be furniihed with
Cups.
*i|ioCupif.3 In the Pri- of Ment^^ being asked in the
mitive Cliurch they thought it no Council of Tribnris , whether ic
fuch Crime to make ufe of wooden were Lawful to celebrate in
C/.'/i/ice/ in the celebration of the Wooden Chalices^ anfwered ,
Sacrament. So Hmoriut in the íí»ond>im Sacerdotes aurei ligneis
89 Chap, of his 3. Book De^emwii Cal'tcibus utebantur^ nunc è contra,
animtfy faith, Ayoflili <ly eorum lignei Sacerdotes oureis utuntur
fuccejf^res in iigneis Calicibus M'ffiU Calicibkf.
celebrurunt ; And Boniface Biihop
Decree
of the S y N o p of Diamper. 2 5 j
IDztuz XI.
WHereas there are many poor Churches in
this Biihoprick, and efpecially in the
Heaths^ that have no confecrated Veftments for
the faying cf Mafs^ and for that reafon have but
few faid in them, to the great prejudice of the
faithful Pariihioners 5 therefore the Synod doth
command. That out of the Alms of the Pariih
the moft Reverend Metropolitan may provide all
Churches with Holy Veftments, íb that none may
be without them, and» for that reaibn be with-
out having Majjes every Sunday:, and in thoie
Parifhes where the Alms ihall not be found to be
fufficient to do it, the faid Lord Metropolitan is 4e-
fired to take fuch order therein, that they may be
fome way or other provided, and have fo great
a want fupplied.
Decree xil.
Hereas the Chriftians of this Diocefs have
not hitherto heard Majs as upon obliga-
tion, having never imagined that the not hearing
thereof upon fome particular days was a mortal
fin^for which reafon,rome have without any fcruple
neglected going to hear it, and others have not
flayed to hear it out 5 therefore the Synod doth
declare. That it is the Precept of the Univerfal
Church,, and that upon penalty of a mortal Sin,
that all Chriftians, Men and Women, having no
lawfoi
254 ^^^ ^^^ and Decrees
lawful impediment,, do hear an entire Mafs upon
every Sunday and Holy-day that is commanded
to be kept, if they have the opportunity of a
Prieft to fay it to them. As alfo, that all Ma-
ilers of Families are obliged by the faid Precept,
to make their Children, and fuch of their Servants
and Slaves as are Chriftians, and all other Perfons
living in their Families, to go every Smday and
Holy-day to hear Mafs^ which every one ihall
endeavour to hear at his own Par ifh- Church, or
at the place where he then happens to be , and
as for thofe who with juft reafon are afraid to
leave their Houíès alone without any body in
them, and eípecially fuch as live in Heaths^ and
are a great way from any Church , they íhall
fo order the matter, that all in their Families
(hall take their turns» of going to Mafs and (lay-
ing at home on Sundays 5 and the Vicars of the
Churches muft be careful to mark all fuch as
are negligent herein, and reprove, admoniih, and
puniih them, fo as they fhall judge neceííàry :
and where there is any number of Clergj^ they
(ball fing the Mafs on Sundays and Holy-days :
and when there is not a competent number, there
the Mafs ihall be faid at a convenient hour, the
whole Pariib being prefent, and he ihall at the
fame time Preach, publifh their Admonitions,
the Banes of Matrimony, and whatfoever elíè is
neceíTary in the Church.
Decree
of the Synod of Diamper. 2 j 5
Decree xiil.
TH-e Synod being informed that moft of all
the Chriftians that live out of Towns and
Villages in the Heaths , being a great way from
Church, do go to Church but once a Year, on the
three days before Lent^ which they call Monorbo,
and then rather to fill their Bellies with what is
given by Chriftians at that time, than to hear
Mafs'^ aind that there are others who content
themfelves with going to hear Mafs twice or
thrice in the Year, and fo have no opportunity of
being inftruded in matters of Faith and Religion
as they ought to be, nor of complying with their
Obligations, doth command all Chriftians living
within two Leagues of the Church to go to Mafs
at leaft once a Month, and on the principal
Feflivities of our Lord and Ladj/^ commanding
the Vicars alfo to conftrain them to do it , and
ail fuch as are but one League, to hear Mafs once
a Fortnight, and fuch as are lefs than a League, to
hear it every Sunday and Holy-day, comman-
ding all that ftiall trangrefs herein, being obfti-
nate, after the third Admonition, to be thrown
out of the Church v/hen they come thither 5
neither (hall the Prieft go to their Houfes,or give
them the G?/2//re, or Bleiling, until they ihall come
to heariVi^/r, more or lefs, in the Form afore-
faid 5 and befides, they ftiall be puniftied b}^ the
Prelate as he ftiall think good.
Decree
2^6 Voe ABs and "Decrees.
T>mzz XIV.
WHereas upon íèveral Feftivals of the Church
there are Muficians called to the celebrati-
on thereof, according to the cuftom of the Coun-
try, who are all Heathens^ fmall care being taken
in what part of the Church they are placed, or
to hinder them from playing during the time of
the Holy Sacrifice, at which no Excommunicate
Perfon or Infidel ought to be prefent, there-
fore the Synod doth command, that great care
be taken not to fufFer them to remain in the
Church after the Creed is faid, or the Sermon, if
there be one, is ended, that ib they may not be-
hold the Holy Sacrament ^ the Vicar (hall alio be
careful to drive all Heathens who may come up-
on fuch occafion, from the Doors and Windows
of the Church.
©ectee xv.
WHereas there is nothing that is fo great a help
to the Souls of the Faithful that are in the
Fire OÍ '^ Purgatory as the Holy Sacrifice of the
Maffy of which there is no memory remaining in
* idurgatO^Ji. ] I ihall give in the matter of Indulgences to
the Reader one inftance out of a Souls io Furgitory.
hundred of the Topes liberality
Indulgenciat
of the S r N o D of Diamper. 257
" TNdulgencias Concedidas pello
" X Papa Adriano VI. de boa Me-
" moria ás contas, ou grãos que
*' benzeo á Inftancía do Illultrif-
"íimo Cardeal Laquinaues Tri-
" germano Barbirino no Anno de
*'i5Z3. E. Confirmadas pelo
*' SantiíTimo Padre Gregório De-
"cimo tercio aos r6 de Mayo
*'de 1576. E bien aíliconfirma-
*' das pelo Saníliífimo Padre Pape
" Paulo quinto no anno de 1607.
" E. também agora confirmadas
" por noíTo fanciífimo Papa Ur-
*' bano Oftavo no quarto anno de
**fue Pontificado.
*' Primeiramente, quem tiuer
" humaideftas contas, rezando hum
•* Pater Noter, et huma Ave Maria
"cada dia tira três Almas das
*' penas do Purgatório & de for
" em Domingo, ou em Dia fe fe-
" fta rezando dobrado tira de is.
" Itera, Cada fexta feira re-
*' Zando finco vezes O Pater No-
*' fter, & Ave Maria à honra das
" finco chagas, de Chrifto, gan-
"ha fetenta mil annos de per-
"dam, et remiíTam de todos fe-
*' us peccados.
"Icem, em cada Sabbado re-
"zando fete Pater Noftres, et fete
" Ave Marias, aos ítiç. gozos de
*' noíTa Senhora, ganha indulgea-
" cia fem numero.
"Item, Quem nano poder cor-
"rer as eftaçoens de Roma na
" Quarefma rezando finco Pater
" noftres, ec finco Ave Marias
*' diante da imagem de humCru-
*' cifixo ganha as ditas eflaçoens
"dentro et fora, dos muros de
"Roma Scjerufalem.
" Item,Trazendo configo huma
"dcftas rontas confeffado, et
** comungado ganha indulgência
" plenária, et remiíTam de todos
" feus peccados.
"Irem, O Sacerdote, quecon*
" feíTa ec comunga ganha indul-
" gencia plenária, et remiíTam de
"todos feus peccados, ec alem.
"dirto ganha tam bem todas as
"indulgências, que eftam dcn-
" tro, ec fora de Roma, & Hiera-
" falem.
"Itemí a vendo comungado,
"quantas vezes rezerO Pater No-
"íter, & à Ave Maria» tantas almas
" tira do Purgatório.
"Irem, Concede fua Santidade,
"que eftas contas, qua fua Santi*
"dade benzeo, poíTam tocar a
*' outras, as quaes tocadas ficam
"com as mefmas graças, falvo
que cftas tocadas nam poíTam to-
" car as outras Dada em Roma a
" 15 de Janeiro de 1607.
"Nos Joano AmbrofioRcferen-
" dario Apoftolico Viflo eí^ar
"conforme com o Original, pò-
" decorrer efte Summario de ín-
"dulgencia Lisboa 11. de Jur.ho
" de 1641. Er. Joano de Vafcoce!.
"Franc.Card.de Torn.SebaíTiano
" Csefar de Mcnefes.
"Com. Licença. Em. Lisboa
<'Na Officina de Domingos Caríiey-
" ro Anno \í6o.
Indulgences grar.ted by Pope A-
drian VI. of Blejjed Mcm:>ry^ to
forni Beads or Grains rçhich he'
blejjed at the inliance of the trojl
IllujlrioHi Cardinitl Laquin^ucs Tri-
germano Barbarino, in the Tear
1523. and vpbkb mere confirmed
by the troft ff-Jy Father Gregory X*
on the: 6 of May 1570. ^nd wer*
3 rtf/j
258
The AEls and T>ecrees
alfo confirmed by the mofl Holy Fa-
ther Pope Paul V. in the Tear 1607.
and vrere now again confirmed by
our Holy Father Pope Urban VIII.
in the 4th Tear of his Pontificate.
Fir ft. Whofoever 0yaã have one
of thefe Beadsy and (Imll recite a
Pater Nofter a^^d an Ave Mary e-
very day, (fjall tal^ three Souls out
of the Tnrments 0/ Purgatory ; and
if he (full double them upon a Sun-
day or fíoh-da:J:ef}}aíI tiil(eoutfix.
1. If he p^ili fay five Pater No-
Aers and five Ave Maries to the
honour of the fi.ve Wounds of Chrijl
upon a Fiiday, he fhall gain feventy .
thoufar.d Tars Pardon and Kemijfion
of all ks Sins
3 . If he flmU every Saturday fay
feven Pater Nofters, andfeven Ave
Maries to the feven Joys of our
Lady, he flmll gain Indulgences
without number.
4. He that cannot go the Stations
at Rome in Lent, // he fhall fay
five Pater Nofters and five Ave
Maries before a Cruciã^^he fijall gain
the faid Stãúons within and without.
the Wal/s. of Rome and ]erah\cm.
5. He that fl}all bring one of thefe
Beads along with him, and fliall
Cotrfefs and Communicate, fl}allgain
a plenary Indulgence and remijfion
cf aH his Sins.
6. The Prieft that ffjali Confefs
bim^ and give him the Sacrament,
flmll likewife gain a plenary Indul-
gence, and the remijfton of all his
Sins ; and tnoreover, all the Indul-
gences which are within and with-
out Rome and Jerufalera.
7. Having Communicated, as of
ten at he fhall fay a Pater Nofter
and Ave Mary, fo many Souls be
jfjall tal^e out o/Purgatory.
His Holinefs does likewife grant.
That thefe Beads which have been
blefjed by his Holinefs, may touch
other Beads, which being touched by
them, (hall have the fame Graces,
faving that thofe which are touched
cannot touch others.
Dated at Rome the içh. of
January, An. xóo-j.
We John Ambrofio, Referen-
dary Apoftolick, having jeen thit
fummary of Indulgence to be con-
formable to the Original, it maybe
Publifhed.
Er. Joan, de Vafconcel. Franc.
Card, de Torn. Qxizx dc
Menefes.
With Licence. In Lisbon in the
5ÃÍ);) o/Domingo Carneyro, i6io.
this DioceG , that Holy Sacrifice having been in-
ftituted for the health and remedy of the Living
and of the Dead : Wherefore the Synod doth ex-
hort all the Faithful of this Biihoprick to accuftom
them-
of the Synod of Diamper. 259
themfelves to procure '^ MaJJes to be faid for the
Souls of their deceafed Friends, and to leave
fomething by Will that they may have Majfer
faid for their own Souls, which will be much
more profitable for them than the Feafts that they
uíèd to make for their Kindred and others in-
vited to their Funerals 0 which Cuftom ihall be
left off, and inftead thereof, they ihall give a
'*■ ípaíTejS-] Private .%í^í are
not only a flat contradiftion to the
Primitive Praftice, but to the very
office wherein they are celebra-
ted, all that office being made in
the name of a Congregation, not
only as prcfenc, but as communi-
cating. A demonitration that the
offices of the Roman Church are
older than her Errors 5 it is
plain likevvife from the very Canon
of the iW.í/í, that when that Office
was compofed, Tranfubjlantiation
was notfo much as dreamt of in
the Roman Church •, but as to the
thing in hand , Cardinal Bona in
the 3 Chap, of his i Bock of Li-
turgies, faith, Ab initio Sacrijicium
principaliter irjiitutum /«ff, utpub-
licèiac folemniter firer , Clero ify-
popuio ajiante ac commuricante, ipfe
tenor Mijfe ify" veteris Ecdefne
praxis evincmt •, omnes enim Crati-
ones atque ipia Canonis verba in
plurali numero tanquam pluriam no-
mine , proferuntur '. hinc facer dos
populum imitat ad Orationem dicens
Oremus, ^ poji Communionem ait
quod ore fumpfimw , &c. Suntque
fere omnes ejufdem tenoris Orationes
fix peraciâ Comriiunione recitantur :
And in the iSfòChap. of the fame
Book he faich, Soknne hoc fiat in
litraqiis Ecclefia Grxca & La-
tina, Mtunum 'iff idem SacificiutTi
a fluribus interdum Sacerdctibut
csleb^aretur-f Epifcoto enim ftve PreS'
bjtero celebrante , reliqui q^otquot
aderar.t Epifcopi feu Vresbyteri fimul
celebrabant e']i<fdemqne Sacrificii par-
ticipes erant, écc- Anda little af-
ter he adds, Cur autem dcfsrit ilTe
mos cayfa mihi videt^r fuiffe primo
quidem quod fundatis ordimbus men^
dicantibus ify longe latcqne prcpa'^a-
tis, multiplicara funt onera Miff ar um^
atque adeo necejfe fuit fmgulos Sa^
cerdotes, ut iis jatisfa:erent finguln
diebus priva tim celebrare , deinJe
quia charitas multnum refrtxit^
ceffarit etiam frequens accejfus ad
hoc Sacf amentum ade/) ut hodie nee
ipfi quidem minifiri in plerif^ue Ec-
clefiis Commur.icent^ licet Sacripcii
cooper antur. To which the Cardi-
nal might have added the Intro-
duâlon of the Voilrine of Purga-
ta-ry, and the confequent DoHrine
of Miffes being the moft etfeitual
means of delivering the Souls one
of the Torments thereof. So John
the IV. of Portugal, ortiered ten
thoufand Maffes to be faid for his
Soul, as foon as he was dcad^
S 2
BoU
2 6o The JBs and Decrees
Dole to the Poor, which is alfo very profitable
to the Souls of the departed. And that the De-
cree relating to fuch Majfes may have its due
cííed, the Synod doth command. That all that
ihall be found to have died worth 2C00 Fanoins^
and have lefc nothing for a certain number of
Majfes to be iaid for their Souls, iliall have fo
much taken out of their Eftates before they
ihall be divided among the Heirs, as ihall pro-
cure the faying of five Mdjfe.i for their Souls,
which ihall be depofited by the Executors in the
hands of the Church-wardens, by them to bedi-
ftributed among five Priefts, that they may be the
fooner faid 5 and where there are more than five
Priefts, the Alms fliall be given to the five Eldeft,
there not being fufficient to divide among them
all 5 and where there is only the Vicar of the
Church, the whole ihall be given to him: which
Cuftom cf procuring Majfes to be faid for the
Souls of the Faithful departed this Life, as it is
ufed in the Univerfal Church, fo it is what this
Synod is extreamly defirous to introduce into
this Biihoprick, wherein it has been totally dif-
uíèd, recommending this Matter earneftly to the
Preachers and Confeííors, to perfuade all Chri-
ftians to it in their Sermons and Confeffions, and
to the Vicars to do the fame in their Admonitions.
Ac T I-
•/ the S Y N o D of Diamper. i6i
Action VL
Of the Holy Sacrament of Penance and
Extream Unótion.
THe Fourth Sacrarnent is that of Penatice^ in
which the Ads of the Penitent arc, as it
were, the Matter, and are diftinguiihed into theie
three parts, Contrition of Hearty Confejjion of the
Mouthy and Satisfaãionfor Sins^ according to the
direãion of the Confcjfor. It belongs to the Con-
trition of the hearty that the Penitent be forry at
his Soul for the Sins that he has committed, and
detefting them, is firmly refolved not to com-
mit them any more : which Contrition^ xho it
fometimes happen to be perfeâ: through Charity,
ib as to reconcile one to God even before he has
aftually received the Sacrarnent oi Co^vfejjlon, yec
it can never be perfed, nor a means of reconci-
liation with God, if not attended with a readi-
nefs and purpofe of mind to confeis thofe very
fina which it is converfint about ; fuch fins be-
ing no lefs fubjed than others, to the Keys and
the ingagements to Cojfcjfion. It belongs to the
Confejjion of the mouthy that the Penitent Confeis
himfelf entirely to his own Prieft, as to all the
fins that he remembers, ufing all due diligence
according to the length of the time, fince he
laft ConfelTed himfelf 5 and this Confejjion is jot
to be only of fins in general, nor only of the
S ^ $peciei
%6i The ABs and J)ecrees
Specks of them, but of every fin in particular,
and as tar as the Penitent is able to remember
of their number ^ declaring withal, all the ag-
gravating Circumftances, and all fuch as change
the Species 'j in a word, all mortal fins, how ft-
cret foever, tho' only in thoughts and wicked
defires --, as alfo all faults committed againft the
two laft Commandments 5 Thou fialt mt covet
thy Neighhopirs Wijè-, Thou flmlt not covet any
thing that is another s 5 filch fins being at ibme
times more dangerous for the Soul, than others
that are open 5 all which we are commanded to
do by the Divine Law 5 our Saviour when he
afcended into Heaven, leaving the Priefts for
his Vicars upon Earth, and conftituting them
Judges, before whom all mortal fins committed
by ChrJitians, were to be brought, that by the
power of the Re)^s, which he committed to them
10 forgive or retain fins, they may pronounce
Sentence, Vv'hich cannot be juft and Righteous,
neither can the puniihments they impofe be e-
qual or proportionated to the Nature of the Faults,
without their having a full knowledge of the
fame, as of the matter that they pafs Sentence
upon ^ vvhich knowledge cannot be had but by
-the Penitents confefiing all and every Mortal^in^
whereon Judgment is to pais, not only in gene-
ral, but in fpccje and number, making mention
of every fiach Sin in particular, with all its ne-
cefiary circumftances, that fo a juft fentence of
abrokuion or retention may be pronounced up-
on them. And as to Venial Sins which we fre-
quently
^ of the Synod of Diamper. 26}
quently fall into, and for which we are not ex-
cluded from the Grace of God, tho' the confef-
fing of, and being abfolved from them, is very
profitable to the Soul, yet we are nor under
any fuch precife obligation of confeffing thera,
there being other ways by which they may be
pardoned, fo that it is no fin not to diicover
them. The third part of Penitence^ is, Satisfj-
&ion for Sins according to the judgment of the Con-
fijjbr 5 which fatisfaãion is chiefly performed by
Prayer, Fading and Alms, the Penitent being
obliged to comply v.ith the Penance impofed
upon him by the Prieii, who being as a Judge
in the place of God, ought to impofe what he
thinks to be necefiary, not only with refpeft to
the amendment of Sin for the future, bar chief
ly with refpect to the Satisfiãion and Pe?rancc
ofpaftSins. The Form of this Sacram.ent ii^, /
ahfolve thec^ to which neceílàry words the Church
has thought fit to add the words following, from
all thy Siffs^ in the Na/^^e of the bather^ of the Sof/,
and of the Holy Ghofi. There are alfo fome Pray-
ers which the Prieft fiich iinmediately after o-
ver the Penitent, which, tho' th.y are not ei-
fential to the form, yciare very profit.ible and
healthful for the Penitent. Now by pronouncin^qj
the form, not only all the Sins that are confei-
fed, but all thofe likewife which afier a due di-
ligence and Examination of the Confcience do
not occurr to the Memory, fo as to be difcover-
ed, all fuch being included in the faid Cont'eiii-
on, are all pardoned 5 tho' with an obligation of
S 4 - con-
264 TJ^e ^s and Decrees *
confeiTmg them, if they ihould ever after come
to be rcmembred, fins being as it were chains
to the Soul, from which it is delivered by the
abfolution of the Prieft, which is applicable to
fjch, as by virtue of contrition joyned with a
deiire of confeiTmg, have obtained pardon of God
for their Sins, which they were under an obli-
gation to have confeiled : as alfo to thoíè Sins
which were never confeOed, becaufe not re-
membred after a due diUgence, and to thoie
likewife which having been once lawfully con-
fef ed and truly pardoned, are by the Penitent
of his own accord, and for the greater Penance
confeilc-d and fubmitted to the Keys íèveral
times. The Ivlinifter of this Sacrament is a Pried,
rt>Lâ hath Authority to ahfohe^ and is either the Or-
dwary^ as tne Prelates, or fuch as are commiííion-
fd a Lid approved of by them. The eíFedt of
this S.icramentis, The ahfolatjon aridpardon of Sifts,
and for that icifon it h by the Doctors proper-
ly called the Table after Shipirracl^^ becauie the
Grace wliich was given to us in Bapiifm, being
loft by the commiiiion of Mortal Sin, by which
we make Ship wrack thereof, and of all the other
Vertuc!» and Gifts, which together therewith
were poured down upon us, there remains no
other remedy or means whereby we can be fa-
ved, DIM only by the plank of penance^ or the
Sacraiiient of Cofrfijion 5 for that without this ei-
the»* actually received, or firmly purpofed ac-
cording to the command of Holy Mother Church
v.ith contrition, wherein íuch a purpofe is al-
ways
of the Synod of Diamper, 265
ways included, we cannot be faved nor enter
into the Kingdom of Heaven 5 for which reaibn
this Sacrament ought to be much reverenced and
frequented, as the only remedy that finnershave
for all their evils.
Decree i
VliJHereas an entire Sacramental C(i?»^^<?;/ is of
• "^ Divine right, and neceílàry to all thoíè
who after Baptifm fall into any Mortal Sin, and
Holy Mother Church doth command all faith-
ful Chriftians who are come to the uíè of Rea- *
ion, upon pain of Mortal Sin, to confefs at lead
once a Year in the time of Letit, or at Eafler^
when all that are capable are bound likewiie
to receive the moil holy Sacrament of the Al-
tar, declaring all that negleft to do it, to be
excommunicate 5 and notwithftanding, this Pre»*
cept has not hitherto been in ufe in this Bifhop-
rick, in which no Chriftian has ever confeiTed
upon Obligation, and a great many not at alJ,
which was occafioned through their ignorance
of this healthful precept, and of the neceíTity of
this Divine Sacrament, this Church having been
governed by Schifmatical Chald^eatis^ and Neftori^
an Hereticks, the particular Enemies of this Sa-
crament, being the caufe of their being totally
unacquainted with the Virtue, Efficacy, andNe-
ceflity thereof. Seme not ufing it all, others
being perfwaded by the Devil into a vain and
fuperftitious Opinion, That if they ihould con-
fefs
t66 Tlje ASls and Decrees
fefs themfelves, they íhould die immediately, all
which having been made known to the moft II-
luflrious Metropolitan in his firft Vifitation of
thefe Churches, he at that time perfvvadcd a
great many that had never done it before to
confefs themfelves, having undeceived them as
to the unreaibfiableand pernicious miftakes which
they lay under, therefore the Synod the more
to further this, doth declare that it is the Duty
of every faithful Chriftian, upon penalty of
Mortal Sin, to obferve the precept of the Church
concerning Confejfion^ at the time by her deter-
mined and founded on the Divine precept of
Cof7fejJio*n^ for all fuch as are fallen from Grace,
by the Commiilion of any Mortal ^m^ and doth
command all faithful Chriftians Men and Wo-
men, that are arrived at the Years of Diicreti-
on, to confefs themfelves to their own Vicar, or
to fuch Priefts as are licenfed by the Prelate to
hear Confeilions, at the time of Lent^ or againft
Eafier^ and that whofoever ihall not have com-
plyed. with this Precept, or is not confeílèd
Ibmetime betwixt the beginning of Lewi, and the
fecond Snndãy after Eafter, fhall be in the
Church declared Excommunicate by the Vicar
without waiting for any order from the Prelate
to do it, until he has eíFedually confeíTed him-
felf, and has undergone the puniihment due to
his Rebellion 5 and if the Vicar ihall for fome
juft reafon think fit to wait any longer, for
fome that have been negligent, and who being
bufie have defired to be difpenfed with till Whit-
ffifrtide^
of the Synod o/Diamper. i67
fnntide^ it íhall be in their power to bear with
them, according to what is determined in the
7d. Decree of the ph, Aãion^ of the Sacrament
of the Eucharift^ having firft admoniihed thoíè
that live in the Heaths^ or are at Sea, or enga-
ged in Buiinefs in fuch places where there are no
Churches to confefs in, that when they return
home, they are bound to do' it within a
month.
And that the whole of this may be executed,
with the more eafe, and be performed as is rea-
fonable, the Vicars of the Churches (hall be obli-
ged a month or more before Lent^ if it be ne-
ceiTary to go to all the Houfes of their Pariíhes
belonging to Chriftians, however remote in the
Heaths^ either in Perfon, or by fome other Cler-
gyman, whom in Confcience they can truft with
fuch a bufinefs, and taking the Names of all the
Chriftians even to theA'ery Slaves in-every Fa-
mily that are nine Years old and upward, and
of thofe too that are abroad, obferving whether
they do return home after the time ot the Obli-
gation, and having made a Roll of Parchment
of all that are of Age to conftli. themfelves, they
íhall afterwards make a mark at their Names as
they come to ConfeiTion, that fo they may know
certainly who have, and who have not comply-
ed, that the Difobedient may be Excommunica-
ted, which we declare to be the precife Obliga-
tion of their Office, the Paftor being bound to
know his Sheep, that he may give them Food,
and fo far as he is able, fupply all their necei^
iities.
2^8 Tie Ais and Vecrees
fities, Temporal as well as Spiritual, and to have
their number, that he may know when any are
loft 5 and for the perteding of fuch a Roll the
Vicars may take the advantage of the Monoibo^
at which time all Chriftians do flock to the
Churches, at which time likewife they may hear
of many that live in the Heaths, And as to
thoíè that have confeílèd themfelves to ibme other
approved Confeflors, they (hall bring a Note
figned by them of their having been confeííèd,
which they (hall deliver to their Vicar, who
fhall thereupon mark them in his Roll \, but tho'
it is lawful for them to confefs themielves to
Confeflors that are Strangers, yet they cannot
receive the moft Holy Sacrament, nor the Com-
munion upon Obligation in Lent any where, but
in their own Parifh Churches, and the Prelates
in their Vifitations (hall call for thoie Rolls, in
order tt) inform themfelves how this Decree is
obferved.
Decree n.
WHereas the Precept of Confejjion obligeth
all that have the ufe of Reafon, and con-
fcience of mortal Sin , which happens fooner to
fome than others, the Synod therefore taking the
raoft fafe and probable v/ay, according to the
knowledge it hath of the People of Malabar^
dcth ordain, That at eight Years old and up-
ward, all People fhall Confefs themfelves, and
that without prohibiting fuch as are younger and
capable
of the Synod 0/ Diamper. 269
capable to do it fooner , on the contrary, the
Vicars, if they (hall underftand that there are
any under eight , of íò much Judgment and
Difcretion, as to be capable of committing a
mortal Sin, they ihall immediately conftrain them
to come to Confijfion^ as being oblig'd to it, which
muft be left to the difcretion of the Pariih Priefts.
Decree ni.
''I^He Synod doth admoniih all Mailers of Fa-
-^ milies, and all that have the charge of o-
thers, to be careful to make all the Períbns in
their Families to confeis themfelves at the time
of Obligation, and particularly their Servants
and Slaves, both Men and Women, v^ho if they
do never come to Confejjion^ their Mafters and
none elíè muft be certainly in the Fault, in ha-
ving negle£ted to put them in mind of it, and to
order them to do it, it being their Duty, and
that upon penalty of Mortal Sin, to call upon
them to do it, of which they muft give a ftriâ:
Account to God, the Apoftle St. Vaul affirming,
That he who does not take care of his Servants^ has
denied the Faith^ and is worfe than an Infidel ^
which words are chiefly to be underftood of the
Spiritual Neceffities of thofe of his Family, and
of Matters appertaining to their Salvation 5 about
which matters the Vicars ought to be very care-
ful, and muft obferve whether the Slaves, whole
Names as well as others, they muft have down
in their Rolls, do come to Confejfion^ declaring
fuch
270 Tl^^ ^^s (^nd Deems
fuch of them as have not complied with theii
obligation at the time appointed, Excommuni-
cate,having firft admonifhed their Mafters to com-
mi<nd them to come, and acquainted them with
the Declaration that will be made if they do not:
and the Vicars that fhall be found negligent here-
in, (hall be punilhed at the diicretion of the
Prelate.
Dectee iv.
ALL faithful Chriftians are not only obliged
to Confeis themfelves once a Year , under
penalty of mortal Sin, but alio as often as they
are in any probable danger of Death, or are
very Sick, they are under the fame obligation ^
wherefore the Sick Perfons or thofe that attend
them, fo ibon as ever they (hall apprehend any
danger, where-ever they live, tho' in the Heaths^
(hall (end to call a Confelíòr, and ihall adviie
the Vicar of the Church thereof, who ihall ei-
ther go himfelf,- or fend another to hear their
Confeiiions. The Vicars are alfo to underftand,
that it is their indifpenfible duty to enquire
after the Sick, and either to go to Confefs them
themfelves, or to fend another to do it, when-
foever they (hall be fent for, that fo none may
die without the Holy Sacrament of ConfejfioK^
they being guilty of the Condemnation of iuch
©f their Sheep as go to Hell for not having con-
feílèd their Sins before they died, if it v/as through
their fault or negligence it was not done. And
the
of th Synod of Diamper. 27 1
the Vicar , through vvhofe fault or negligence
any of the Parifh (hall die without Confejfioft^
ihall be fufpended from his OfEce and Benefice
for a whole Year without any difpeniation, and
another ihall be appointed to fupply his Cure,
and the Perfons that attend the Sick, that (hall
negled to fend for the Pariih-Prieft, ihall be
feverely puniihed at the diicretion of the Prelate 5
and fuch as die in Hamlets or in Heaths without
Çonfejpon^ if they did not fend to call a Confelíòr)
if their death was not fo fudden as to prevent
them, ihall not be buried in Holy Ground, nei-
ther (hall the Clergy go to their Houies, or fay
the Office of the Dead for them, nor fo much as
the Chata,
Decree v,
NOt only fuch as are dangeroufly Sick , but
_ all that are any ways in danger of Death,
are obliged to Confefs themíelves ^ wherefore
iince all Women in Child-birth, are in danger
thereof, they ihall before they are in Labour,
Confefs themfelves , but efpecially before the
birth of their firft Child , at which time the
danger is known to be the greateft^ and íhall
likewife, if capable, receive the moft Holy Sa-
crament 5 and if any fuch, not being furprized
by their Labour, ihall die without Confejjion,
or being in vifible danger, did not defire it, their
negligence being proved, and efpecially if they
lived in Towns, they fhall be proceeded againft
in
27^ Tlye ABs and Decrees
in the fame manner, as thoíè are who through
their own fault die Wixhom Confej]ion2& is above
decreed.
Decree vi.
npHe Synod being informed that the gfeateft
-*- part of thofe that die of the Small-Pox^
tho* they lived in Towns and defired Confejfion^
do die without it, that Diftemper being fo very
dangerous and infedious , that the Priefts are
airaid of coming near thoie that have it ^ doth
command all Vicars to be careful, that none fuch
do die without Confijfion^ and either to go them-
felves, in PerfoUjOr to iend one to Confefs them 5 a
due regard being ftill to be had to their own health,
either by confeifing them at fome difl:ance,or fo that
the Wind (hall blow the fteams from them, and
by having taken prefervatives againft tlie Di-
ftemper ^ that fo none may die without ConfiJJi-
0», which is what the Synod doth very earneftly
recommend to them in the Lord.
Decree vn.
'T^He Synod doth earneftly recommend to all
-*- the faithful Chriftians Inhabitants of this
Biihoprick, not to fatisfie themfelves with having
confeíièd their Sins once a Year at Eajier^ when
they are bound to it upon the penalty of mortal
Sin 5 but that they do frequently make ufe of
this Sacrament, in proportion to the Sins they fall
into
0^ ífe S Y N o D o/ Diamper. 273
into daily, and not to fail to Confefs themíèlves
on the Feftivities of the Nativity of the Holy
Ghofl^ and the Ajfumpion of our Lady^ and at the
Wake of their Pariih, and the Vicars muft not
fail to admoniih their People thereof on the
Sunday before thofe Feftivities.
©eccee viiL
THe Synod doth declare, That notv/ith-
ftanding the power of pardoning Sins is
annexed to the Sacerdotal Order, nevertheleis
that all Priefts cannot hear CofifiJJio?fs^ but only
fuch as are Licenfed by the Prelate 5 for the AÍfc
of Abfolution being an Aâ: of Jurifdidion, and
Judicature, cannot be without Subjects , which
the Prelate only can give when he appoints Con-
feííòrs with fuch limitations as he thinks neceíTà-
ry ^ fo that a Prieft haviHg no Licence, or tranf-
greiling the bounds that were fet to him by his
Prelate, if he ihall prefume to hear Confeííions
and Abfolve, his Confeííions and Abfolutions are
void and of no force 5 neither are the Sins of
the Penitents pardoned, who are therefore bound
to Confeis themfelves again to a Confefibr that
has power to Abfolve, as if they had not Con-
fèíTed before, but when any one is in probable
danger of Death, and cannot have a Prieft that
is Licenied, any Prieft, tho' he is not Licenfed,
may Confefs apd Abfolve him in that cafe.
Decree
274 ^'-^^ ^^^ ^^^J- 'Decrees
Decitr IX.
Hereas it belongs to the good Government
of the Church and the Faithful, that
Crimes of a heinous nature ihould be judged
not by ev^ery Pried, but by Prelates or Biihops,
becaufe for thnt reafon Chriftians will be the
more fearful to commit them 5 befides that, it
has alwayb been the Cuftom oi the Church, to
refeiA'e to the Pre! aces, and even to the Pope
as the Univerfal Head of the Church, fome
Crimes from which they and none elfe can Ab-
folve, or not do it without their leave : there-
fore the Synod doth declare, That notwithftan-
ding this Dcftrine has not hitherto been under-
ftood or praftifed in this Eifhr;piick, by reafon
of the great Ignorance of the Church and facred
Canons that has reigned therein : Nevertheleis,
that the ordinary Confeííors have no power to
Abfolve in cafes refcrved to the Prelate, and
leafi: of all in thofe that are rcferved to the
Pope, namely, thofe contained in the Btil/a Cosn^
Domini'^ which all Confefibrs ought to be ac-
quainted wich 5 neither can they Abfolve in the
Crime of Herefy, or in any cafes wherein the
Faith is concerned ^ all which do belong to the
Court of the Holy Office of Ivquifition^ or to
fuch as are Commiilioned by them, or to the Bi-
iliop who by himfelf may Abfolve in the Form
OÍ the Holy Council of Trewi, and according
to the Ordinations of the Holy Fathers : Nei-
ther
o/í/;e S Y NO D o/ Diamper. 275
ther can ordinary Confefíòrs difpenfe with or
change the Vows of Penitents, becauíè that be-
longs to the Prelate, or fuch as arc deputed by
him, or that have obtained Apoftolical Privi-
leges to that eíFed. Only at the point of Death,
not only approved Conteffors, but alio all fimple
Priefts, there being no other to be had, are ob-
liged to hear Confejfions^ and may alio Abfolve
in all Cafes and from all Cenftires to vvhomfoe er
referved. Tho' as to" the Cenfures with this
Obligation, that if the Sick Pei Ton fiiall recover,
they lliall return to the Perfons again to whom
they were before referved , from whom they
iliall receive fuch healthful Penance as ihall be
thought meet.
©eccee x.
Hat Confeiibrs may the better know in
what Cafes they may, and in whatCafes
they may not abfolve their Penitents, having no
Authority to do ir, the Synod doth command the
Bulla CceKaDomim^'ana. all the Caies referved in this
Bifhoprick to be pafted on a Board, and fct up in
all Sacrifties^ and where there are no Sacriftjcí^m
the chief Chapel in every Church in the Malabar
Tongue, for the direftion of the ConfeíTors, and
doth furthermore in its regulation of the reíèr-^
ved Cafes in this Dioceft, declare, That willful
Murther, publickly committed with violence on
the Perfon of an Kcclefiaftick, the voluntary
firing of Houfcs, or of any Goods belonging to
T 2 Chri-
7/6 The JEis and Decrees
Chridians, formal Simony both in the givers and
receivers, marrying wuhout he Vicar and two
Wi neííès, Schifm and Difobedience agamft the
Prelate, in all that are guilty thereof, or that fa-
vour fuch as are, the having of any ot the Books
condemned by this Synod in their Houfes, or the
reading of any of them, the performing of the
publick Ceremonies called Taliconnm Coliconu^
the having of Pagods cr Idols in their Houfes,
and the giving them any Veneration, have all
the cenfure of Excommunication annexed to
them, of which tho' fome are "^ rderved by Lavv,
yet that they might be the better known, it was
thought fit to have them expreíièd here.
"^ J^ffcrbrl?, ] This is what
deilroys all Dilcipline in the
Church of Ro/ne, ard ^vhat the
BiPoops rherco^ complain of io
much. D'liams Abuienfis in the
"i'^d. page of his Book of Crun-
cils, gives the following account
of it, Efl in urbe Romaníi ptrnicio-
filí abwui qui di^iwulamne quudam
jam diu toleratur, nam fcelerattf-
Jimi hcmves Epifcopornm (^ alio-
rum Judicum ordinariorum , )nfijf-
fimam punitionem tjfugientes tan-
quam ad tuti;Jimum ajylum Roma-
ram accedunt curiam^ nihil dind
cogit antes quam qund eoipjofivt à
gravijjimii maxima cum Juftitije
jaílurâ immuves : Hinc fane paffim
videmm Cierkos Crimtnum atro-
affimnrum autores^ ab ordinariif
Judicibui fugientes in Romanam
Curiam^ proprin beneflciU^ qute obti-
mbant^ tíquijjimè piivatoSy brevi
compendio icmporii in Hifpaniam pa-
niamque redire ita liberos^ ut non
tanrum beneficia^ quibui ob fcelera
privjti fuerant , cum máximo de-
decore líj '-juftititt^ contemptu^favore
(^ importunii precibm obtinuerini
ite'^um apud Romanam Curiam ;
fed <^ aliif pinguioribm honorati in
pr^mi»m crimitmm^ liberam itcrum
wiUies peccandi licentiam fere im-
petrave) int\ (unt enim in Curia. Rc-
maivi tot Officiates, quorum munu4
pctijjimum ejl pYtf. avarititi maxima
(^ voracitate ab ipfts litigantibm
^ aliif extorquere, ut tandem jam
nihil cbt inert apud e andem curiam
poQit, aliter quam ingenti peatniu,
veluti in pretium rei ímfetrat£ im-
penfâ. And in the 6aÀ^. Page he
gives the Pope himfelf the follow-
ing wholfome advice; Caveredi-
bet fummm ipfe Fontifex, ne dum
agitur de morum cenfura, qui ad
ciericos, Fpifcopos (/^ alios chriflian<e
profejjhn'u hominesy omnino in ipfo
omni'
of the S Y N o D of Diamper. 277
omriumcapite requirantitr^ea morum tot advtrfw vaturalia ^ Dhira
corredio atque injhiutto qnx à f»b- jura fcekra^ palam in totVAi orbii
ditis exigenda eii : fr£[ertim vero fcan-iulími perwittantur ; id evim
mud el} ab eo podidandcim, acdeni- adeoj.im in omnium aures dev^ntt,
que fummopere petendum, ne in cu- ut à nemrm, njfi is prorfm à (erfu
ria Romana ofcitanter tot confractw alienm judicni cupiat^ tAccri pojfit,
Simoniaciy tot manifejt£ fa:ides,
Decree xi.
THe Sentence of Excommunication being the
laft and moil rigorous punishment of the
Church, and which for that rtiifon ought not to
be inflidted but with great Caution and Confidc-
ration, the Synod doth thereiore condemn the
facility wherewith it has been ufed in this Dio-
ceis upon very (light and impertinent occaiions,
commanding it not to be infliâred hereafttr, but
for weighty caufes, and with great coníiderati«
on, and never by word of mouth, but always
in Writing. The Synod doth like vvife condemn
what has been formerly commanded in this Bi-
ihoprick, which was, that in certain Cafes Pe-
nitents were not to be abfolved, but at the hour
of Death, and in fome not then neither, which
is contrary to Chriftian Charity, and the Rules
of the Church, who as a Pious Mother at all
times receives true Pemtents, and never ilnits
the Gates of Salvation againft any of her Chil-
dren : So that let their Crim^es be never fo enor-
mous, yet upon their doing Penance, and ex-
preiTmg a deep forrow for their Sins, and yield-
ing the fatisfadtion that is impofed upon them,
they are gracioufly 'received, and made free at
T3 leaii
178 The Acis and Decrees
leaft in the Internal or Sncramental Court: But
being there is no other punifhment in this Church,
by reafon of its being under Kings that are Lifi.
dels, bey en d that of Excommunication or Ex-
cUifion from the Church, ibme who are ablbl-
ved in the. Internal Court may ftiil continue ex-
communicate in the External, fo as not to be
permitted to enter the Church 5 and tho' the
Priefts may go to their Houfes, they fhall. not
give them the Cafinre^ until fuch time as the Pre-
late fhall order it to be done, having a regard to
the heinoufnefs of their Crimes, and the length
of time from the Commiiiion of them, that by
this means the facility wherewith the Chriftians
of this Diocefs commit feveral Crimies, namely
Murther, and the Ceremonies of the Tdkomtm
may be removed. ' *
Decree Xli.
FOrafmuch.as the Ignorance of Confefibrs is
the deftruftion of Penitents, and thorow the
Error of the Key, there is nothing done, and
it being known to the Synod that in this Dioceis
there are many Confeílòrs that are fuch idiots,
as not to know what they do in ConfeiTion, all
the Priefts exercifing themfelves therein with-
out ever having been examined as to their fuf-
ficiency 5 it doth therefore command, that from
henceforward no Prieft iliall prefume to hear
ConfefTions without being Licenfed thereunto in
writing by the Prelate, which Licenfe fhall not
be
of the Synod of Diamper, 279
be granted to any, but what have been fir ft exa-
mined by Learned Perfons, as to their fufficien-
cy for fuch an Employment, and until flich time
as this Church is provided of Prelates to regulate
all fuch matters to the beft of their underftand-
in^, the Synod doth commit the Examination
and Approbation to the ^ Fathers of the Society
of Jcfifs, of the College of Vaipicotta^ upon
jf a*{)eri(. 3 This is what the'
Billiops and other Orders in the
Church of Rome compl-in of fo
much, that the Jjjuitt every
where in the //j.^reiingrofs all Ju-
riídiâion and Advantage"; to thcm-
fclves. OÍ their ingrofll ig all to
themfclves to the exclunon of
all other orders in Cbina^ Japan,
and the other pares of the Eaji-
Indies^ we have large complaints
in the Apologies of Diego CoJlado
a Dominican, and in the Letter of
Father Luis Sotela, a Franafcan,
written to Vrbav VIÍÍ. and as to
the IVeft Indies, Bifhop Pallabox
in his Defence of Ecckfiaftical
Jurifditftion againft the Jesuits,
who had worryed him out of his
Archbiihoprick,afccr twenty more
fuch charges, faveth, ' En las
* provincias del Peru ha fetenta
* annos que fe quez an las Cache-
* drales, de que las Rcligiofos de la
*Çompania com immoderadifli-
*mosadquifjiones lesdefpoian de
* los diesmos, ejlos caliando y paf-
*fando y comprands haziendos
* con grandiíTima paz y Tilencio
* van dcfnud ando a los ocifposde
* fus rentas, a los pohes de fu fo-
* corro, a los Cabildas de fu con-
*grua fuflenracion lo rnifmo hazen
'eia la iiueva Efpana, quanto mas
* corre et tiempo, tanto mas crece
* eldano iegan ya con la naval a
' hafta cl'ihueilo. 7 hat is, In the
Provinces of Peru, the Cathedrals
have compi.iined thefe 70 Tears of
the Jefuirs robbing them of their
Ttthes, by their vafi -pu* chafes, they
hold their Tongues, and go on purcha-
fing Eft.ites, nithout any mife,
thereby gripping the Bifjops of their
Rents, the poor of their Alrns, and
the Chapter of a convenient m>'in'
tenance ; they do the fame in New
Spam, and tbU e il hits gone on in-
creafing daily, fo that they are no'cv
come TO the bone with their Rafr.
* Revego a Dios, faith the fame
Bi/fjop, 'Que ne fean las piucas
' de un rabardillo psligroiiilimo,
'que neceRie dc fercurado en
' algunos hiJDS defta [Religion por-
' lama no del pontífice fumo com
'rcpitiJas fangrias de '•anro podcr;
And I pray God that thefe things be
not the fpots of a mofi dangerom
iiialign.ir.t Feavouf, not to be cured
infmeofihe Sins of that Reli giap,
any other a>a-s than by repeated bleed'
ir.gifrom the Chief Font i^.
T4
vvhofe
28o Tloe ABs mi Decrees
whoíe Examination and Approbation, and a Li-
cence granted by the Governour v/hora themofi:
lUuftrioifs Metropolitan will leave in this Biihop-
rick, the Priefts may hear Confeffions with the
limitations exprelTed in the faid Licences, and all
fuch as are at prefent ConíeíTors, íhall be exami-
ned by order of the Lord Metropolitan at his
next Vifitationj and fuch of the Clergy as (hall
be made Parifli-Priefts, or Vicars, (ball be firft
examined, and approved of in the iame form to
be Confeilbrs, that fo fach as are not qualified
to be Confeilbrs, may not be admitted Vicars,
vi^hofe precife Obligation it is to confeis their
Sheep : And all Confeilbrs that are not appro-
ved of by the faid Lord Metropolitan in the form
aforefaid, this Synod doth fufpend from the Of-
fice of Confeíiòr till fuch time as they (hall be
efFeftually examined and allowed of, and if any
Prieft, which God forbid, (hall be found hear-
ing Confeifions without fiach a Licence, except
in the caie of danger of Death, and where no
Confeíiòr is to be had, he fhall be fufpended
from his Office and Benefice for a Year, and be
further puniíhed according to the degree of his
Contumacy, and the Penitents íhall be admo-
niihed to confeis themfelves again to ibme appror ]
vcdConfeflbr,
Decree
' of the St NOD of Diamper, 281
Decree XIII.
BY reafon of the great want there is of know-
ing and able Confeilbrs in this Biihoprick,
the Synod for the fake of the Sheep thereof doth
approve of all fuch ConfeiTors as underftand the
Malabar Tongue, and are Liceníèd Confeííòrs
in any other Diocefs, of whom aifo the Prelate
may make ufe for the affiftance of the Pariih-
Priefts in Le»t^ where it ihall be judged necef-
íàry, and efpecially of the Priefts of this Diocefs
reiiding at Cochim,
Decree xiv.
THe Synod doth grievoufly condemn the
Sacrilegious Ignorance of thofe Priefts,
who when they have confeiled any at the com-
mand of the Prelate, or of any other by whom
they are authorized, after having heard the Sins
of their Penitents, do carry them to the faid Pre-
late, to be abfolved by him in the Sacramental
Court 5 which was what happened to the m-oft ll-.
luftrious Metropolitan in thefe parts 5 the Synod
doth therefore teach and declare. That none
can abfolve the Penitent in the Sacramental
Court, but the Prieft only that heard his Sins 5
for whereas he is the Judge, it is he that ought
to pafs fentence and abfolve , in conformity to
what he has heard confeiled, the contrary be-
ing a grofsand manifeft Error.
Decree
i8z T7;e Aãs and Decrees
^ttttZ XV.
FOrafmuch as there are fome ignorant Cler-
gymen, who being deiired by Chriftians to
read the Gofpels and Prayers to them, or to
give them the Bleffing on their heads, do igno-
ran^V ufe the form of Sacramental Abfolution,
faying, / abfolve thee from thy Sins in the Name
of the Father^ 8cc. wherefore the Synod doth
advertife and admoniih them not to commit fuch
an Error, it being a moft grievous Sacrilege to
apply the Sacramental form, where it ought not
to be, wherefore they ihall only read the Go-
ipels and Prayers allowed, ending with the
Bleffing In the Name of the Father ^ 8cc.
The DoFi/me of the Sacrament of Ex-
tream Unótion.
THe fifth Sacrament of Fxtream Unãion has
for its matter, the Oyl of Olive bkjfed by a,
Bijhopj it is called Extream 'Dnãion^ becauíè it
is the laft of all the Holy Undtions, inftituted by
our Lord Chriftin his Church, and the laft that
is received by a Chriftian ^ this Sacrament is to
be adminiftred to an adult Perfon that is fick,
when apprehended to be in probable danger of
death, who is to be anointed by the Prieft the
only minifter of this Sacrament, on thofe parts
wherewith he hath offended God chiefly ^ that
is to fay, on the Eyes, becaufe of Sins commit-
ted
of the S Y N o,D o/Diampcr. 283
ted by the fight 5 en both the Ears, becaufe of
Sins committed by hearings on the mouth, be-
caufe of Sins committe-d by tailing and ipeaking 5
on both the hands,for the fins committed in feeling
and touching 5 on both the Feet, for the Sins com-
mitted in walking : on the Loins and Reins, for be-
ing the chief feat of Carnal pleafure 5 every one of
which parts muft be anointed by the Prieft, making
the fign oftheCrofs upon them with his Thumb
dipt in Holy Oil, and at the fame time repeating
the words of the form, which are, £;' this Holy
Unãion^ and his mojl tender mercy may our Lord
forgive thee all the Sins thoit haji committed by
thyfght ^ and io on, naming every part or fenfe
as it is anointed : The effeS of this Sacrament, is
the Health of the Soul, and of the Body alfo, fo
far as it is convenient and neceilary to the Soul,
which is the chiefs moreover, it waiheth away
the Reliques of fin, if there are any remaining
in the Soul, comforting the Soul of the Sick
withall, and confirming and exciting in it a
great confidence in the Divine Mercy, by vir-
tue of which Confolation it fufFers the troubles
of Sicknefs with the more patience, and with
the greater eaferefiftsthe Temptations of Satan,
whofe cuCtom it is to aíTault the Soul with ex-
traordinarv violence in ics lalf Hour : It like-
wife cheriihes and fuccours the Body, fo iar^iis
it is convenient for the falvation of the Soul, as
S. James teacheth us in his Canonical Epiftle,
faying, Is any one Sick^^ let him call for the Priejis
of the Chnrch^ and they J/jall pray over him^ anoint-
ing
284 TJ^ JEis and Decrees
ing him With Oyl in the "Name of the Lord, attà
the Vrayer of Faith fljall fave the Sicl{^ and the
ijoràjhall give hint eafe, and if he he in Sins ^ they
fhall be forgiven him : The Apoftle in faying they
fiall be pardoned^ demonftrates it to be a Sacra-
ment, whoíè Virtue and Nature is to conferr
Grace, that pardoneth Sins, and in faying. If
any arefick, among you^ he declares the time when
this Sacrament is to be received, that is in time
of dangerous Sicknefs 5 and in faying, they Jljall
call the Priejis of the Church, he iheweth that the
Priefts are the only Minifters of this Sacrament,
and in faying, they {hall be anointed tvith Oil in
the Name of the Lord, he iheweth, that Holy Oil
is the matter of this Sacrament 5 and in faying,
they fhall pray over the Sicl{, anointing, he ihew-
eth, that the form of this Sacrament is to be pro-
nounced by way of deprecation, or Prayer 5 and
in faying, the Lord fiaU give him eafe, he ihew-
eth alfo, that the effed of this Sacrament is to give
health to the Body, io far as it is convenient and
neceffary to the health of the Soul. And where-
as this Sacrament was inftitutedfor the uíè of the
Sick, none but what are dangeroufly fo muft take
it, and a Perfon who (hall recover after having
received it, may when dangeroufly fick receive
it again, it having been inftituted by our Lord
for that end 5 and to prepare, defend and forti-
fie us at the time of our departure out of this life,
whenfoever it is.
Dttm
of the Synod of Diamper. 185
Decree i.
jHerefe^ in this Bifhoprick there has not
been hitherto any ufe of the Sacrament
of Ext ream Unliion^ in which for want of Ca-
tholick Inftruâion, there has been no knowledge
of the Inftitution, EiFefts, or Efficacy thereof 5
therefore, the Synod does moft earneftly re-
commend the ufe of this Sacrament, comman-
ding the Vicars to be vigilant over the Sick of
their Parifhes, where- ever they live, whether in
the Villages or in the Heaths 5 and whenever
they fhall hear of any in danger of Death, to car-
ry the moft Holy Sacrament of Unãion^ and
adminifter it to them according to the Ronton
Ceremonial, which is to be tranflated into Syru
an^ and kept in all Churches, anointing them
with Oil, and making the fign of the Crois with
Holy Oil on both their Eyes ' (hut 5 doing the
right iirft, and then the left, upon the Eye-laihes,
and upon both the Ears, the Noftrils, and the
Mouth, being (hut, on both the Lips j but if
the Diftemper iliould be fuch, that the Sick Per*
fon's Mouth cannot be ihut, or not without dan-
ger, then the upper Lip ihall be anointed, ma-
king the fign of the Crofs upon it 5 as alfo both
the Palms of the Hands , the Balls of the Féet
and the Loins, ordering the Sick Perfon to be
moved gently 5 neither is it necefiàry that any
more of thefe parts iliould be anointed than what
is convenient for the making the fign of the
Crois
1 8 6 Tl?e A[is and Decrees.
Grofs with the Holy Oil 3 and the Prieft muft
be fure to remember in this , as in all other Sa-
craments, to join the Form with the Matter, re-
peating the words of the Form ashe anoints the
parts : If the Sick Perfon fhall happen to ex-
pire while the Prieft is anointing, the Prieft be-
ing fatisfied that he is dead , fhall proceed no
further with the Office 5 and the Vicar, through
whofe negligence any Pariftiioner (hall die with-
out having received this Sacrament , ihall be
fufpended from his Office and Benefice for fix
Months.
Oecree ii.
FOrafmuch as the Troubles the Sick are in,
together with the want of good Inftrudi-
ons in matters appertaining to their Salvation,
do but too often make them unmindful of. the
Holy Sacraments 5 wherefore the Synod doth
command and earneftly recommend it to all
Gonfefiiors that are called upon to Confeis any
Sick Perfon to inftrudt them in the Dodrine and
Efficacy of this Sacrament of Unãion^ admonifti-
ing, perfuading and intreating them when they
ihall come to ftand in need of it, to have it
adminiftred to them ^ and they ftiall alfo admo-
niih the People, and particularly thofe who at-
tend the Sick Perfon, not to fail to call the
Vicar when it is neceííhry, that is, when they
apprehend the Sick Perfon to be in any danger,
and before he has loft his Seníès, to give him
the
of the Synod of Diamper. 287
the Holy Vn^ion , and fuch as ihall be negligent
therein, beiides the offence they do to God and
the Sick Perfon, (hall be puniihed feverely at
the pleafure ot the Prelate.
Decree ill.
THe Synod doth command the Priefts that
go to anoint the Sick, tho* it ihould be to
the Hamlets^ to go in their Surplice and Stole,
carrying the Velíèl the Holy Oil is in, in their
hands, covered with a piece of Silk, with great
reverence, having the Ckamns or Pariih-Clerk
before them with the Crofs of the Church in his
Arms, who, or fome other Perfon, fha 11 alfo car-
ry a Pot of Holy Water, and if it is in the Night,
a Lanthorn or fome other Light before him, that
fo all People may know what he is going about ^
and if the Sick Perfon is in a condition, he ihall
perfuade him to Confei^^ himfeif again, and be
reconciled, notwithftanding he ihould have Con-
feiled himfeif the day before, letting the Sick
Perfon know that it is neceilary in order to his
receiving the Holy Sacrament of Unãion with
the greater purity 5 and when the Prieft (hall be
to carry this Sacrament a long way to thofethat
live in Heaths^ he ihall go in the heft Form he
can, and ihall carry the Surplice and Stole along
with him, that ib when he comes to adminifler the
Sacram.ent, he may do it with all due reve-
rence 0 he ihall likewife, if the Sick Perfon has
not a Crucifix of his own , leave one upon his
Pillow,
*88 TJe Afts and Decrees
Pillow, exhorting him to fix both his Eyes and
confidence thereon at his laft minute, begging
by it the pardon of his Sins of our Lord, who
for our fake died thereon.
Action VII.
Of the Holy Sacraments of Order and
Matrimony, . r:
T^e Doãrine of the S^icrament of Oidcr.
nPHe fixth Sacrament is that oi Order ^ which
•*■ was inftituted by our Lord Jefus Chrift the
day before he fuffered for us, after that he had
made an end of inftituting the Sacrament of the
Eucharift, that fo he might inftitute the Sacrifice
and the Priefts that were to offer it together 5
at which time he created the Apoftles Priefts,
giving them withal power to confecrate others,
that io the Sacrifice and the Priefthood might be
continued in the Church till the end of the
World. The Matter of this Sacrament is that
which is delivered to the Perfon that is ordained,
for the exercife of that Order he has received 5
to the PrieiVs, a Cup with Wine in it, and a
Patten with Bread ^ to a Deacon the Book of the
Gofpels^ and to a Sub-Deacon an empty Cup and
Patten, and fo as to the other in feriou r Orders:
The Form of the Priefthood and other Orders,
^e the words fpoke by the Billiop when he
deli-
of the Synod of Diamper. iSp
delivers to every one that which belongs to
his Miniftry and the exerciie of his Order, The
Minifter of this Sacrament is only a Biihop, to
whom only Chrift committed the power of
Coníècrating Priefts 3 the effeâ: of it is the en-
creaíè of Grace, to the end that the Perfon or-
dained may be a fit Minifter. This Sacrament
was inftituted by Chrift as highly neceilary in his
Church 3 for a Sacrifice and Priefthood are fo join-
ed, that the one cannot be without the other 5
wherefore fince under the New Teftament the
vifible Sacrifice of the Holy Encharift was to be
inftituted, it became therefore neceíTàry, that
there fliould be a new, vifible and eternal Prieft-
hood in the fame Church, whereby the ancient
Priefthood of the Old Law was tranflared 5 and
there were Priefts provided accordingly for the
Offering of the Divine Sacrifice 5 which Priefts be-
ing lawfully ordained , our Lord Jefas Chrift has
given them power over his true and real Body, to
Coníècrate, Offer, and Ad minifter it, as alio o-
ver his Myftical Body the Church 3 giving them
power to pardon and retain Sins ^ to which power
it likewife belongs to rule and govern all Chri-
ftian People, and to lead them in the way to
Eternal Life. Now the Priefthood being fo high
an Oifice, that it may be exercifed with the
more decency and veneration, it was conveni-
ent that there ftiould be different Orders or
Minifters, who are bound by their Fundion to
íèrve the Priefthood, and to be divided in fuch
a manner, that after having received the Clerical
V Tofifure^
IÇO The AEis and Decrees
Tonfnre^ they are to àfcend through the lower
to the higher Orders. The * lower are the
Ojiiary^ Reader^ Exorei fl^ Acoljthus, The higher
thole which are called Holy ^ and are the Sub-
DeacoJi^ Deacon^ and Prieji , to which degrees
there is joined that of BiJ/jops , who fucceeded
in the place of the Apoftlcs, and as St. Paul
íàith, are ordained to govern theChfirchofGodj
fo that they are in a higher degree than the
Priefls, and to them only it belongs, by virtue
of their Office, to adminifter the Sacrament of
Cof7firmation^ to Confecrate the Holy Oil of Chrifm^
and to Confecrate Altars and Churches, and or-
dain Priefts and other Bifhops. The Church en-
joins Conthtency and Chajiity to all that take
Holy Holy , that fo being difingaged from ,all
other bufincfsthey may employ themfelves whol-
ly in the Miniftry of the Altar , and be intent
only en matters appertaining to our Lord, and
Divine Worihip. The Church does not admit
Slaves to be Priefls , becaufe it is neceííáry to
the Divine Woriliip, that the Minifters thereof
ihould be free and not fubjed to others , and
* íLoiXicr.3 That there was fed non probant , dkenium igitur
none cf the lefier Ecclefianical cum St. Ti^oma^ qmd temforibm
Order in the Primitive Churcli is Apojlolorum^ omnia Minifleria qu£
acknoulcdgcd by Card. B:na \n ordinibw rtiinoribm competunt, non ã
his Book of Liturgies , Tertia dijiinilii perfonis^ fed uno duntaxat
claffis Miuijhantium ^ faith the Miniftro exerccbantuTy contingii ni-
Card. Ckricos minoram ordinum [om- mirum Ecclefis. quod hominibm folcty
pkCiithr^ Acol)thos,Jcil. Exorcifl^f, qui dum tenue palrimoninm k^bent^
leílorcs (^ OJiiarios, quos antiquiffi- uno fervo contenti fmt , qui foLm
mos e^i i^ ixb Apolhlti vel ab im- omnia adminifirat ^ fi vero reditus
mediatis eiruin Succejforibw iiijii- augeantur, fcrvorum etiam augitur
tutosj Doçiores ScholaJ}ici fiffermi^ mmerníj eoque modo oefcit família.
that
J
of the Synod of Diamper. 2 9 1
that they ihonld not have been guilty of Miir-
tber or Blood, neither muft they have been born
out of lawful Wedlock, nor have any blemiih
or maim, nor have been twice Married, nor
have married a Widow, nor be Soys that are
not come to perfeâ: Age ^ all which is ordered
for jaft Reafons and Confideration^, and out of
refpeâ: to the high Myftery wherein they are
exercifed.
Decree i.
Hereas it has been hitherto the Cailom
^^V of this Dioceis to ordain Boys even
Priefts, and that without examining their Lives
and Manners, having for Money and not for
any extraordinary fufficiency, all the Orders In-
feriour, as well as Holy, conferred upon them
^,in one day, contrary to the Holy Canons and
the Laws cf the Church : Therefore the Synod
doth command. That from henceforward, none
be ordained bat what have firft been examined
as to their Sufficiency, Lives, and Manner?, which
^.£ball be done by the Prelate, or by íòme ap-
**^i)ointed by him, fearing God, and who arc ob-
felervers of the Holy Canons , and the Forms of
^^'the Holy Council of Tref:t. A-nd whereas in
^!the íàid Council it is commanded. That none
[vie ordained Sub-Deacon under Two and Twcn-
'ty, nor Deacon under Three and Twenty, nor
Prieft till they are Five and Twenty :> this Sy-
nod doth command the íàme to be inviolably
^^- V 2 obfer-
592 The Acls and Decrees
obferved 5 declaring, that no Prelate can difpeníè
therewith without being particularly impowered
and authorized thereunto by the Apoftolical See.
And forafmuch as there are great numbers in
this Diocefs that have been ordained before they
were at that Age, the Synod fufpends all iiich,
whether PrieQs, Deacons, or Sub-Deacons, from
the exercife of their fcveral Functions, until fuch
time as they have perfectly attained to it, they
ihali neverthelefs hold their Places, and reap the
benefits thereof, in the fame manner as if they
were in the exercife of their Funftions: Andas .
to their Sufficiency, the Synod doth declare, That
as the Council of 7rc/7i requires, that all that are
ordained do underftand Latin^ fo in this Dioceis
it is required, that all that are ordained if they
do not underiland LMin^ fhould underftand Sy-
rian : Neither íhall any Syrian that does not un-
derftand it Co well, as to be able to read and
iing it, fo as to underftand what they fay in the
Offices, be admitted into Orders, or at leaft not
into thofe that are Holy*
Drci'ce n.
ALL that are in Orders in this Diocefs having
been Simonaically ordained in having pay d
a certain price, upon a foimal Bargain for their
Orders, have thereby incurr'd the grievous pu-
niiliments of the Law. Neverihekfs in conii-
deration of their Ignorance, and the falfe Do-
éfcrine wherein they have been educated by their
former
of the Synod of Diamper. 29 j
former Prelates, the Mofl Reverend Metropolitiu;^
both by his ordinary Authority, this iSec being va-
cant, and the Apoftolical Authority committed to
him over this Church, doth Abfolve all that have
been fo ordained, from all Penaliies andCenfurcs
which by the Law they have incurred, by having
been Simonaically ordained, commandmg them
to have no farther fcruple? about that matter,
and difpenfing with them all as to the exerciie
of their Orders, fo that they may lavvfully offici-
ate, as in right they may and ought to do.
Decree m.
' I ^He Synod being informed that there are
-■- ieveral Priefts, who tho' infected with the
Leprofie, and miferably deformed thereby, do
prefume to Celebrate, to the great loathing of
the People, and to handle the Holy Vcileli and
Veftments, to the endangering of th^- healch of
others, doth command , That none that are
notorioufly Leprous, do prefume to Celebrate,
all fuch being irregular according to the Law
of Corporal defcfts , on the account of the
diiguft they give to People when they fee them
Celebrate in fuch a condition, and receive the
moft Holy Sacrament of the Altar at th^ir
hands.
Yti i>3J/,
V g^ Drct:e
2^4 '^^■'^ ^'^^ ^^^^ Decrees
Decree iv.
Hcrcas it is the cuftom to receive the
Ojbire or Blcffing from the hands of the
oldeft Cler£>y-man that officiates in the Quire,
and for all that are prcfent to return it to him *,
which according to the ufage of this Dioceis,
contains in it a Symbol of Charity, Communion,
and BrotV.crly Love , the Synod being informed
that there are thoie, who not being in Charity
with their Neighbours, do not fpeak to them,
nor take them by the hand , and do neither
give nor take the Cafinre from them , thereby
diicovering that they live in mahce with their
Neighbours, denying them the ordinary Ecclefi-
aftical Salutation tifcd in the Church of this
Dioccfs j doth command, that all that fhall re-
faie to give or receive the fame, be puniíhed by
the Prelate as Perfons living in hatred or out
of charity with their Neighbours 5 and that un-
til fuch time as they ibali give the faid Cafiure^
they ihall not be fuíFered to come to the Altar,
according to the command of our Lord Jefus
Chrift : Neither fliall they be permitted to offici-
ate or Minifter in the Church 5 neither ihall the
BleiTing be given them until they have eíFedtu-
ally reconciled themfclves to their Brother.
Dtmz
of the Synod of Diamper. 295
Decree v.
WHereas it is the Precept of the Llniverfal
Church, that all that are in Holy Orders
do recite the whole Divine Office, and theufàge
of this Diocefs is, to recite it only when they
go to Church, and there, tho' it happen to be
near ended before they come, having heard a
little to go away immediately, reckoning they
have complied with their Obligation, tho' they
do not fay over what they were not prefent ar,
there being very few that recite the Divine
Office in their Houfes, fome imagining that they
are not bound to do it any where bnt in the
Church, and others excufing themfelves for want
of Books, there being but very few, and thofe
that are, are in Manufcript in this Biihopiick ^
therefore the Synod doth declare, That all that
are in Holy Orders, are obliged upon pain of
Mortal Sin, to recite the whole Divine Office as
it is recited in the Churchy and that all fuch as
(hall come late, fhall be obliged to recite what
they have milled^ and if they do not recite it in the
Church, they ihall do it at home in their Houfes, *
having the conveniency of a Book, which being
what a great many do want, the Synod obligeth
all fuch to recite the faid Divine Office bv Beads,
that fo there may be none but what perform
this duty either by Book or Beads : And tho'
the Divine Office confifts of feven diftind Ca-
nonical hours, yet in this Church, in conformity
V 4 ta
^9^ 77;^ ^Bs and Decrees
to the Breviary thereof, they (hall only recite
one part at two times in the Morning, and the
other part in the Evening, without making any
other difference in the Divine Office, beiides that
of repeating one part thereof in the Morning
and the other in the Evening , and whereas they
who have no Books are to recite with Beads,
fach beginning in the Morning as the Divine
Office is begun in the Church, ihall fay
Thirty, three Pater Nafiers ^ and as many Ave
Maries^ with the Gloria Patri^ &c. in the Mor-
ning ^ and v/hen they are ended, they (hall more-
over fay twelve Pater Nofiers^ and twelve Ave
Maries^ for the Souls of the Faithful departed,
and one Pater Nojier and one Ave Mary for the
Pope, and the fame for the Eiihop , inftead of
the Prayers that are faid for them in the Church ;
and inftead of the Prayers that are to be re-
cited by them in the Evening , they fhall íày
Thirty-three Pater Nojiers^ and as many Ave Ma-
ries^ with the Gloria Patri, &c. as in the Mor-
ning 5 and when they are ended , they ihall lay
"^nine Ave Maries to our Lady,and one Pater Nojier
and one Ave Mary for the Pope, and another
for the Biftiop as in the Morning, provided that
■<..-.
"" i^inp.^ Tc would have been has one made to him *, and of this
no true Rotnan Devotion, had not the TabuU Votiv* in their Chur-
the Ave Maries exceeded che FaHr ches, are a clear demonftration,
Núfiers -J for one may fpeak within there being few or none of ihefe
compafs, and fay, that the bieíTed Tables (and there are vaft num-
Virgin has ten Prayers and an hun- bers of them in feveral Churches}
dred Vows made to her in the but what are dedicated folely ro
Church of Rme^ where Chrift the honour of the blefled yir^in.
fuch
of the Synod of Diamper. 297
fuch as have Books ihall recite by them, and
not by Beads, and fuch as recite by Beads, if
they have faid any of the Prayers either in the
Morning or Evening at Church, ihalJ not be ob-
liged to recite them again, but ihall only recite
thofe which they may have omitted there.
SDccrcc vr.
THe Synod doth command the Creed of St.
Athanafiuf, ^icunque vult^ to be tranflated
into Syrian^ and to be put into all the Brevia-
ries^ and Books of Prayer of this Diocels, and to
be read every o'wWrf)' in the Church immediately
after Morning Service, defiring the Reverend
Father Francifio Roz, of the Society of Jefus to
tranflate it, and all the Curates and Clergy to
learn the faid Creed by Heart, which is what the
Holy Canons recommend to them, for as much
as that Creed contains in it fummarily the chief
Myfteries of our Faith, and is uíèd and fung in
the Univerfal Church.
Decree vir.
npHe Synod doth earneftly recommend it to
-■- all the Clergymen and Curates, not to be
abfent from Church at the time of Divine Ser-
vice, Morning nor Evening, and that none of-
fer to talk or divert themielves there any other
way, as has been the Cuitom, or to difpoie
themielves to ileep whilil others are reciting,
who
apS 77;e AEls ana Decrees
whcr are alfo to take notice, that in reciting they
ought not to begin a new Verfe before the Con-
gregation has done with the former, and that
tho' it has hitherto been the cuftom for the old-
eft Clergyman that was prefent at Divine Service
to give the Caflure^ that from henceforward the
true Vicar of the Church being prefent, fhallin
every thing be preferred to all others as he is the
particular Paftor of the Church.
Idmtt VIII.
THere being no reafon why they that do
not minifter in the Church, íhould be e-
qually rewarded with thofe that do , it feems juft
to the Synod that the Curates and other Cler-
gymen, that are abíènt either from Morning or
Evening Service, or from the Mafs of the day
on Simdays and Holydays, be marked by the Vi-
car, or the oldeft Clergyman in his abíènce, that
when the Dividend comes to be made, for eve-
ry time they have been abfent ib much may be
deduded from their ihare, as they that make
the diftribution (hall think fit, in proportion to
the quantity of the Dividend, which (hall be
done only when they are not hindred by fome
lawful Impediment, as Sicknefs, or are not other-
wiie employed in the Service of the Church, or
by the Prelate, in all which cafes they are to
be excufed : and the Sconfes fball be equally divi-
ded among the reft.
Vztuz
of the Synod of Diampcr. i^p
t)tcm IX.
THe Synod being informed, that great num-
bers of Clergy-men do ufe fuperftitious
and Heathen Exorcifms, taking words out of an
impious and prohibited Book called Farifman^
for the cafting out of Devils, doth command in
virtue of Holy Obedience, that none prefume
to ufe any other exorcifms to that eíFed, but fuch
as the Roman Church makes ufe of, and have
been approved of by the Holy Fathers, which
are to be bound up with the Ofiices of the Admi-
niftration of the Sacraments, and all Clergymen,
that (hall be found to ufe any other, or to ufe
any unknown fuperftitious words or Ceremo^
nies with fuch as are poílèílèd, íhall be fufpended
from their Office and Benefice for a Year, and
be fubjeâ: to what other penalties the Prelate
iliall be pleafed to lay upon them, according to
the quality of the Superftitions they have made
ufe of5 and in cafe they fhall after they have
been admonifhed and cenfured, perfift therein,
they (hall then be Excommunicated ^ and when
it iliall appear that any have adted thus upon
any compaâ: or contraft with the Devil, which
God forbid, as it is faid fome do, they fnall be
declared Excommunicate, until they have done
the condign Penance, which the Prelate íhall
have impofed upcn them, and iliall be more-
over fufpended from their OSice and Benefice
during their Lives, without any hopes of a dif-
penfation.
^oo Tl^e J&s and Vecnes
peníàtion, and (hall be yet further punifhcd, as.
the Law requires they ihould be, who are guil-
ty of filch Crimes, and are convided of having
had a compad with the Devi!.
»,y'^
Decree X. ^^io/^^''
WHereas there are íèveral Clergymen, who;
according to the fuperftitious Cuftomof
the Heathens, do give good days for Marriages,
and do íèveral other things, at the requeft of
Chriftians for the Heathens, and for that end,
keep an account of the lucky and unlucky days
of the Gentiles in their Books, and do ufe fome
of their Prayers, and do make Schemes after the
manner of Aftrologers , as appears from feve-
ral even of their Church-books, the Synod doth
command in virtue of Holy Obedience, and
upon pain of the greater Excommunication, that
no Eccleiiaftical or Secular, or Caffanar^ (hall dare
to give good or bad days for Marriages, or on
any other occafion, or to draw any thing out
of a Book of Lots, and namely out of that which
is generally bound up with the Book called Pa"
rijman^ or out of any other place, or by whom-
foever invented 5 and whofoever ihall tranfgreis
lierein fhall be declared excommunicate, and
ihall befuipended from their Office for a Year,
and fix Months from their Benefice, it being
the duty of the Priefts rather to admoniih the
People to avoid all Heathen Superftitions, and
to chufe the folemn days of the Church, or the
Saints
of the Synod of Diamper. j 0 1
Saints days, who may intreat God for them, for
the celebration of their Marriages, or any other
days they pleaíe, all days being good to thoie
that do good upon them, being all equally the
work of Gods hands. Thoie only which are
fpent in the greateft works and the higher cele-
bration of the Divine Myfteries, being the days
that are to be moft reverenced.
Decree xi.
WHereas it is decent that Priefts being the
Mafters , from whom the People are to
learn good Manners ihould themfelves give good
example, the Synod is therefore much concern-
ed for the fcandal fome give by their being dif-
orderly in their eating and drinking, to the
great difgrace of the Sacerdotal Office among (b
many Infidels^ and does recommend Moderation
to them, ordering fuch as ihall be found at any
time overtaken with drink to be iharply repro-
ved by the Prelate, and if it appear that they
are frequently fo drunk, as to loie their Judg-
ment, they ihall be fufpended from theExercife
of their Orders for ever, tho' not from reading
Prayers with others in the Church, nor from
the profits they may receive from thence. The
Synod doth likewife command, That no Prieft
ihall dare to eat or diink in a Tavern or Pub-
lick Eating houfe, it being very uabeccming the
gravity cf the Sacerdotal Office fo to do,
and is therefore forbid the Priefts by Law : it
doth
2 01 T7;e Jãs and 'Decrees
doth likewife prohibit all Priefts to eat with /«-
fidels^ whether Heathens^ Mahometans^ or jft'n?/.
Upon pain of being fufpended for four Months,
from their Office and Benefice.
Dectee xir.
IT being convenient that Clergymen fhould al-
ways go in a habit different from that of the
Laity, and in fuch a one as becomes their Fun-
dion, wherefore the Synod doth command, that
no Clergymen prefume to go abroad in Dou-
blets with their Skirts flanting out, as has been
too cuftomary, or with any open Linen: but
when they ihall go into Town, or to the Church,
or when they travel upon the Road, they ihall
wear u white and black, or blew Veftment, ac-
cording to Cuftom, and a Hat or Bonnet
on their Heads , neither ihall they at any time
go difguiíèd, no not at Nights, nor when they
go a hunting, or Fifhing : and all that ihall
tranfgreis herein ihall be feverely puniihed ^
neither (hall they walh themíèlves, or if they
do, it ihall not be in the Company of Women,
according to the cuitom of the Country, it bdng
a thing very unbecoming the gravity of the Mini-
fters of the Church: and as for their Beards,
they ihall be left to their liberty to do what
they ihall think fit, only fuch as are Young
ihall not fufFer their Beards to grow, but iliall
ilill keep them ihaved, and they that v/car them
vefy
- o/ í 7?e S y N o D of Diamper. 30}
very long, ihall take care to '^ cut off the Hair,
that grows near their Lips, that fo they may not
be a hinderance to their receiving the Blood of
the Cup in the Mafs^ by being fo long as to touch it.
^Cut 3 This is one of the | thebdkiofTranfnbJ}antiatm has
many fuperfticious Cautels that [ introduced into the Roman Church,
T>mtt XIII.
WHereas the Apoftle S. Panl faith. That the
Peribns that are particularly dedicated to
the fervice of God and the Divine Worihip, ought
not to entangle themfelves in fecular Affairs,
for which reaibn all Clerks are by the Sacred Ca-
nons prohibited to Merchandize, a thing very lit-
tle obierved in this Diocefs, therefore the Synod
doth prohibit all the Clerks thereof to go upon
the publick Exchange, or to Farm any of the
Revenues, or to be Factors or Agents, or to farm
any Contracts iingly,or in Company: or to fell any
forts of Merchant Goods publickly in their houfes,
or any fort of Viâuals, or to bear any "^ fecular
Office, all that ihall tranfgrefs herein, (hall be moft
rigoroufly punifhed by the Prektc, and if they do
not reform, fhall be fufpended from their Orders,
and fuch as are Tarcgas^ if they iliall not renounce
that Office within a month, ihall not be iuffer-
ed to enter the Church, and iliall be fufpended
from their Office and Benefice, until fuch time as
they have eifeftually abandoned it.
* Secular. 3 There are leve - in 3 years was made the Supream
ral Cuftom-houfes, where you fhall Governor of the Inaies^ could noc
feldom fail to find je/wii difpatch- but eKccute this Decree vvich a
ing Sugar, Tobacco, and other very good Grace.
Coodi: f he Archbiihop who vçith-
Decjcee
304 T1?e ASl$ and Decrees
T>ttm XIV.
WHercas feveral Priefts in this Dioceis not
having the fear of God or of the Church,
or of their Prelates, before their eyes, and with-
out having a due regard to the high Station and
Dignity they are in, do occupy themíèlves in
Secular Bufineisand in publick. Merchandize, and
that they may do it the more fecurely, do neither
wear the Sacerdotal Habit, nor the Tonfure^ nor
any mannei of Crown, but do wear their Hair
long like the Laity : Therefore the Synod doth
command in vertue of obedience, and upon pain
of Excommunication, That all Clerks in Holy
Orders, do wear the Habit Tonfure and fhaved
Crown, and not long Hair after the faíhion of
the Laity 5 and that whofoever (hall tranfgreis
herein , (hall be declared Excommunicate, until
they have put on the iaid Habit and Tonfure^
and (hall have their Crown ihaved as other
Ecclefiafticks.
5>ecrec XV.
WHereas there are íèveral Eccleíiafticks, as well
Cajfafzars as Chamazes^ who being unmind-
ful of their obligations, to free themfelves from
ibme vexations of Infidel Kings , or, which is
yet more fcandalous, to be favoured and pro-
tefted byfuch Princes againft their Prelates, that
they may not puniih them for their faults, do
receive
of the Sr NOD o/'Diampen jof
receive Pay from the faid Kings as the Natives
do, whereby they are obliged to take the Field as •
Souldiers, and Fight when commanded, which
is exprefly contrary to the Holy Canons and Ec-
clefiaftical Laws: Therefore the Synod doth
command in virtue of obedience, and upon pain
of Excommunication to be ipfo faão incurred.
That no Cajjknar nor Chamai do from henceforward
prefume to receive pay from any Ring as a Soul-
dier, and that whofoever ihalltranfgrers herein,
(hall be immediately declared Excommumcate,and
ihall not be Abfolved before they have renounced
the faid pay, and all the obligations thereof, and
have undergone condign puniibment for their
fault.
Decree xvi.
IT having been the Univerfal cuftom from the
beginning of the Church, for all that are
in- Holy Orders, and efpecially Priefts, to keep
Chaftity and Conttnency, as is evident from all
the ancient Councils, Eajiern and Weflem 5 and
tho' in the beginning of the Church, as well for
the want of Priefts, as for the making ufe of
feveral Learned Men who were Married when
they turned Chriftians , but net having been;..,
twice Married, feveral who were Married were
not only confecrated Priefts but Biftiops alfo 5
which cuftom ftill remains both in the Greek,
Church , and in fome that are fubjed to the
Apoftolical See^ by which it is tolerated for juft
Reafons : Neverthelefs the Chu rch Catholick did
never confent that Priefts (hould Marry after
. X they
^q6 The Acls and Decrees
they are in Orders , but was much rather for
• having fach as were Married to leave their Wives,
that that they might ferve the better in the Holy
Miniftry : And v/hereas in this Dioceis (which the
Synod has taken notice of with great forrow)-
through their vile ignorance ot the Law, and the
abounding iniquity of the Times, and their ha-
ving been governed by Schiimatical Prelates,
Priefts have Married after they were in Orders,
nay have taken Orders on purpofe that they
might Marry the better , -and have frequently
Married Widows, and fome have Married three
or four times, making no account of the impe-
diment of Bigamy , fo ftriftly obferved in the
Church from the beginning, but did, notwith-
itanding that, go on ftill exerciiing their Fundi-
on, fome few excepted, who after they had been
twice Married, gave over celebrating and per-
forming all other Exercifes and Minifteries of
Priefts ; all which they thought they might do
lawfully by virtue of a Licence granted by their
Prelates, who notwithftanding they prohibited
them to Marry upon pain of Excommunication,
and had declared them Excommunicate, did
neverthelefs Abfolve them for a fum of Money,
or upon fome Simonaical contradt 5 fo that not-
withftanding that Excommunication, they did
all Marry and continued in Wedlock, reckoning
themfelves fafe in Confcience upon their having
obtained a Licence after fuch a manner: All
which being detefted by the Synod as the inven-
tions of the Devil , and deviled by the covet-
oufnefs
• of the S Y N o i> of Diamper. 3 07
oufnefs of Schifmaticks , and defiring to reftore
this Church to its due purity, and the ufage of
the Roman Church, doth command, in virtue of
obedience and upon pain of Excommunication
lat£ Sententi£j that henceforward no Clerk ia
Holy Orders prefume to Marry, nor ihall any
Cajpinar Marry any fuch, nor iliall any prefume
to be prefent at any fuch Marriage , nor give
Council, Favour, pr Aííiftance thereunto : And
whoever ihall oííendin any of thefe particulars,
muft know that they are Excommunicate and
Curfed, and are to be declared as fuch by the
Church '■) and as to thofe who are already Mar-
ried, the Synod fufpends them all, whether
Married once or oftner, from the Minidery of
their Orders, and all Sacerdotal Ads, until fuch
time as they have put away their Wives efFedu-
ally , which is what the Synod intreats them in
the Lord to do : And to thofe who have been
twice Married , or have Married Widov/s, or
Women that were publickly difhoneH:, the Synod
doth command all fuch as being Bigamifts , and
having Married contrary to their confciences, as
it appears feveral ot them have done; by their
giving over thereupon to Celebrate, notwith-
ftanding their having obtained a Licence from
their Biihop , in virtue of. obedience and upon
pain of being declared Excommunicate, fofoon
as this Decree (hall come to their knovv/ledge,
to turn off the faid Vv^omen , not only as to
Bed and Board, but io as not to dwell in the
fame Houfe with them s declaring,^ that until they
X 2 have
3o8 The ABs and Decrees
have done it they are in Mortal Sin^ and do live
in Concubinate , fuch Marriages having never
been true or valid , but on the contrary, void
and of no force : neither can any Prelate or
Biihop grant Licences in fuch cafe, having no
Authority to do it, by reafon of its being con-
trary to the Rules of the Church, th^t have been
always punftually obferved, and conWry to the
Holy general Councils received all over the
World 5 and as to thofe who have been but
once Married, the Synod will confult the moft
Holy Pope and Biihop of Rome , that he as
Prelate and Head of the whole Church of God,
and Mafter and Doóbor of the fame, may teach
* and command what ought to be done therein,
and whatfoever his Holwefs ihall ordain, (hall
be punâ:ually obferved.
íDecrec xvii.
''T^He Synod doth declare. That thoíè Priefts
-^ who as obedient Sons (hall follow the ad-
vice of the Synod in turning away their Wives,
may, alter they have fo done, continue in the
exerciie of theii Funftions 5 and if not other-
wife hiLdered, may Celebrate, notwithftanding
they hcve been twice Married, or may have
Married Widows, iince by fuch Weddings not
being true Marriages, they did not incurr the
irregularity of Bigamy : All which the Synod
grants out of pure Grace, being extreamly de-
firous to have them turn away fuch Women, and
out
of the Synod of Diamper. 309
out of refpecl to their Ignorance , and the
Cheat that was put upon them by their Pielates,
who inftead of inftrufting them better, granted
them Licences : And whereas all Priefts that Mar-
ry are Irregular, according to the Holy Canons,
the moft lUuflrioHs Metropolitan by the Ordina-
ry, as well as the Apoftolical Authority, that he
has in this Church by reafon of the Sets being
vacant , doth difpenfe with the Priefts and all
the other Clergy-men in Holy Orders that ihall
yield obedience to the Synod, in turning away
their Wives, and fhall defiie to continue to offi-
ciate, as to the faid irregularity which they have
incurred, granting them Licence as to this free-
ly and without fcruple, to exercife their Orders,
lOtzm xviii.
WHereas the Wives of Priefts who are cal-
led Qtatiaras or Cajjkfieiras , have not
only the moft Honourable place in the Church
for their being fuch, and are the more reveren-
ced, but do moreover partake of the profits of
the Churches wherein their Husbands miniftred
equally with the furviving Priefts , and have
fometimes a greater (hare of them than any of
the Priefts, by reafon of the Seniority and Prehe-
minence that their Husbands had in the Churchy
therefore the Synod doth ordain , That iiich of
them as do not from henceforward depart from
their Husbands, ftiall receive no fach benefit :
but if obeying the admonition of the Synod
X 3 . they
^ 1 o The Acis and Decrees
they [hall leave their Husbands, they (hall then
iiTimediately receive their proportion as an Alms
to help to faftain them and their Famihes, and '
ihall injoy the fame place and Honour in the
Church, and every where eife which they did
before.
Oectee xix.
THe Synod doth declare, That notwithilan-
ding it has received the Holy Council of
Trent^ with all its Decrees, relating both to the
good Government of the Church and Man-
ners, nevertheleis that what was declared therein
relating toPriefts Baii:ards,not being permitted to
Minifter in the fame Church, wherein the Fathers
have Minillered before, is not to be extended,
to the Sons of the Married Priefts in this Dio-
ceis that are now born, by reafon of the great
numbers there are of fuch at prefent in all
Churches, and of other great inconveniencies
that would follow thereupon 5 it is therefore
permitted to fuch to Minifter, nay to be Vicars
of the Churches wherein their Fathers have offi-
ciated^ but this is to be underftoo4 of fuch
only as were born of Marriages, that were reputed
true, the provifion of the forementioned Holy
Council being to take place, as to all that (hall
be born hereafter.
Decree
of the Synod of Diamper. J 1 1
Decree xx.
WHereas the fin of "^ Simony is one of the
greatefi: offences in the Church, and a per-
nicious plague therein, which God has always
puniihed with great rigour, it being the ielling
of Spiritual things for Money ^ and this Bifhop-
*■ ^imonp,] This noife of
Simony was railed for r.o other
reafon, but to throw Dire on the
Memory of their former Bifhops,
whofe Fees at their Ordination
Tvere not in all probability fo great
as they are at Qoct^ and had as
little in them of a formal Bargain :
But the truth is, Simony, as well
as Herefy, is a Stone the Church
of Komt throws blind-fold ac all
that difplcafe her, tho' at the fame
time ihe's the Church in the
World that's moil guilty of it \ fo
when flie was crving fhame of the
Emperors as Simoniacks , Fe-
trw Ctemangis tells us, (he her fel f
was toríí44 negotiatm'Hy latrocinii <^
Tapinte officina., in quo venalia. ex-
ponmtur Sacramenta^ venales ordi-
nes. And Didacnf Abulenfis^ a lear-
ned Spamfl) Bifhop, and who v\as
no ftranger ac Rome^ ac the fame
time fhe was thus reproaching the
poor Church of Malabar, tells us
in his Book of Councils, that vi-
tium Simonu frequens efl ^ veluti
tes hpneftiljlma in ufum deducitur in
Curia. Romana^ nulla urquam puni-
tione hujiti fcelerU à '■judicibiís Ec- . contra eleilum p'.hji oppini vera ^
defiaflicM prjimi^â , I do not de- indubitata h rreji f, & eleFiUi Simo-
ny buc the Canons and Bulls of niacs annllus pro P,ipà habeatw»
' that Church are fevcre againfl all
X 4 rick^
forts of Simony^ namely, the Bull
of Juliui the ir. publifhcd in the
Year 1555, ap/iinli Simony^ in ob-
taininp, the Pap:icy, I flull here
fet down the fuhftance of chac
Bull, and then leave ic to any to
•udge, whctl^er according ta that
Bull we have had fo much as one
true Pope fince ic was made, or
are likely ever to have one fo
Jong as the Papacy continues fo
great a preferment.
Si Papa el'gatur per Simoniam^
nempe aUquc) Cardinale quomodo libet/
fujfiagium ferente, data vol accepta.
vel proniffi picuniu, vel bonis cu]uf>
libet generis, Caflrii ^Officii s. Bene-
fiHf, Promi^oaihii.', velObligatio-
Tiibus^ veiper fe, vel per aiium^ pro-
Portifice mn bubeatur, item etiam/i
duarum partium f^jfr^-'giis, veluna-
nirni Carditmliurn concórdia, ctiam
per viam ajfurnptior.is comorditer ne-
mine difcrepante, iy eiiam [tns {cru-
tiniu fíilh fit elí^Uo, nulhn exii}at
^ nihil ]t:ris eUHwacquirat, five
in Spiritua'ibw, five in Temporalis
bin, (Ar contra ekStiini per Simoniam
ovpotii criminii exceptin p''(Jít, ficui
3 1 2 . Tl)e AHs and Decrees
rick, which the Synod takes notice of with great
legrer, having hitht:-io abcucded with it, Mo-
ney having been pubhckly taken for the ad-
miniilration of the Holy Sacrarnenrs, and after
fuch a manner that none of them were given,
before the Money was either pu^ into the Prieft's
hands, or into the Church Box, to be divided
among them, no, not fo much as the Holy Sacra-
ment of the Eucharift, at which all pious Ears
do tremble, nor any other Sacraments or Difpen-
íàtions for Marriages, nor Abfolutions from Ex-
; communication, nor the Confecrations of Stones,
nor any of the leiTer Orders, nor Licences, nor
Keverendas^ to go to feceive thofe Orders in a-
nother place, nor Letters DimiiTory for Clerks,
to go to other Diocefiès , all which was done
at a Rated Price, or by a Publick Agreement :
All which the Sydod detefting as a moft execrable
and horrid abomination, doth therefore in virtue
of Holy Obedience, and upon pain of Excom-
munication to be i^fo faão incurred, command,-
That no Money, nor nothing elfe, be taken for
any of the forefaid. things 3 and that no Priefts
ihall dare to take any thing for the adminiftra-
tion of any of the Sacraments, nor to give them
upon any fuch coniideration to any Perfon what-
foever, but ihall give the Holy Sacrament gratk
to the Faithful, according to the Precept of our
Lord Chrift, who faid, Jrrccly yon have received^
freely yon fiall give 5 neither ihall they fo much
as receive Alms that the Faithful would give
voluntarily, though not given ^ith any refpe(^
tQ
of the Synod of Diamper. 3 1 3
to -iire'^acranient, if offered at the fame time
wlien the Sacrament is adminiftred: And the
Prieft that íhall be found to tranfgrefs herein,
befides being Excommunicated, íhall be fufpen-
ded from his Office and Benefice for three Years,
and the Vicars muft take care to advertife
the People thereof. The Synod being more-
over informed, That a great many poor People
who live in the Heaths^ do not bring their Chil-
dren to be Baptized, becaufe they have not fo
much Money as is demanded , doth order the
Prieft to b/e íàtisfied with the profits ariiingfrom
ttte-Dead, the Alms they receive for their Majfer,
in which the Synod declares there is nothing of
Simony^ but only a congruous maintenance for
the Prieft that Celebrates, given by the Perfon
that he recommends, and with the other Alms
which the Faithful are accuftomed to give ^
which being Juft and Holy, (hall be divided af-
ter the fame manner as they have been former-
ly : And the Synod doth declare further, That
fuch as are abfolved from Excommunication, if
it was for any great Crime that they were under
that Cenfure, though there can be nothing taken
for their Abfolution, yet for the- Fault that they
have coramitted,yiey may, by way of Puniihment,
be Condemned in a Pecuniary Muld, if Autho-
rized by the Prelate, which Money muft be put
to fome Pious ufe, or employed in the building
of a Church 3 and the Offender being Poor, he
may be employed in Perfon to do fome work
about a Churchy for fo long as ftiall be thought
fit.
314 T^^^ ^^^ and Decrees
fit, áí^á in that Cafe no Money iliall be required
of him.
Dectee xxi.
THe Synod deiiring by all means poifible to
deftroy and root out of this Diocefs the
pernicious Vice diSimony^ which it underftands
to have been encreafed in part by the want the
Minifters of the Church are in of a neceflary
maintenance, doth therefore moft earneftly en-
treat the People of this Bifhoprick to apply a
certain Yearly Summ to be raifed by the way of
Alms, CoUeáion, or AílèíTment, or by the way
of Tithes, according to Peoples Abihties 5 for
the fupport of the Vicar and Curate of their
Souls, and the other Minifters that are neceílàry
to the Divine Service in the Church, which the
moft Revere?id Metropolitan may treat about in
every Par.ifti^ for they muft know, that Chri-
ftians are bound both by Divine and Humane
Laws to maintain the Priefts which pray to God
for them, and give Spiritual Food to their Souls,
of which they are to render an account to God
and their Prelates.
©ecree xxii.
^Hat this Synod may by all ways poilible fup-
ply the Neceflities of the Minifters of the
Church, and by that means extirpate Simony 5 .
befides what it deiires the People to contribute
towards
of the Synod of Diamper. ^ \ 5
towards their maintenance, undçrftanding their
Poverty to be fuch, that they are npt able to fup-
ply them with fo much as is necefíàry, it doth
further befeech his Cathohck Majefiy^ the King
of Portugal^ that ás Protedor of th^ Chriftians of
thefe parts, and the only Chriflian King and Lord
in the Indies^ he would be gracioufly pleaíèd to
provide the Vicars of this Church with a fufficient
Maintenance, as he does in all the other Qiurch-
esof the Indies^ allowing them at leaft fifteen
thoufand Cruzados to be divided among them
all, befides what (hall be gathered for them in
their refpeftive Pari(hes 5 which as the Synod is
informed, is the Summ that was formerly defi-
red of his Majefty in the third Provincial Coun-
cil of G^^, in order to the reducing of this Church
. to the Obedience of the Church of Rome^ and
the extirpating of Simony, The Synod doth
moreover intreat the raoft Illtiftrious Metropolitan.
to prefent this their Petition to his Majefty , in
the Name of this Church, repreienting therewith
the great NeceiTities of the Minifters thereof,
and that until fuch time as they ihall have his Ma-
jefty's Anfwer, the faid Lord Archbiftiop, Metro-
politan of this Church,and Preiident of the Synod,
Dom fray Aleixo de Menezes^ underftanding how
effeftual a courfe this will be for the rooting
the Peftilential Sin of iS^^i?^^ out of this Dioceis,
and for the tying of Vicars to their Churches,
there to govern the Faithful, and adminifter the
Holy Sacraments to them, would be pleaied to
give the faid Summ of fifteen thoufand Cruzado's
Yearly
5 1 6 The A^s and decrees
Yearly out of hi^ own Revenues, and to pay it
Quarterly at Goa^ to be divided among the faid
Vicars, the diftribution whereof the Synod or-
ders to be made in all Churches according to the
Allotments, in the Inftrument paílèd, and figned
and fealed by the faid Lord Arch-bifhop, under
the Great Seal of his Chancery, every Church
being to receive fo much, as was now read in
the prefence of the whole Synod.
Oecrec xxiii.
WHereas this Dioceis is not only provided
with a fufEcient number of Clergy, but
has a great many more than are neceflary, and
the Holy Council of Tre^t having prohibited
that any more ihould be ordained than what are
neceflary for the Churches, the Synod doth
therefore command, that during the vacancy of
this See^ none ihall be put into ^ Holy Orders,
neither ihall any Kevenndd's^ or Licences be
granted for that purpoíè, fach only as are in
Holy Orders may go afcending therein, as the
Governour, who is to be left in this Dioceis
by the moft lUuftrious Metropolitan ihall judge
convenient : The Synod doth alfo put fuch as do
afpire to Priefts Holy Orders in mind of not fail-
ing to learn the Dodtfine of the Sacraments,
and the Form of Sacramental Abíblution, fo as to
* If this was one of the Grie- | ing above a Hundred Priefts a-
vances of this Church, the Arch- j mong them in lefs than three
Biihop did not do well in Ordaih- 1 Monchs time»
be
of the Synod 0/ Diamper. 317
be ready to ufe them on all occafions, and in all
Cafes of Neceiliry, as alfo the abfolution from
Cenfures, or at leaft the Conditional one, which
always goes before the Sacramental Abiolution
from Sins in Confeilion.
The DoSirine of the Sacrament of Matrimony.
THe ieventh Sacrament is that of Matrimo-
mony^ which according to the Apoftle is
the fignification of that Union which is betwixt
Chrift and his Church. The efficient Cauíè of
Matrimony regularly, is the Confent of both par-
ties declared by Words or Signs at pr£feriti. This
Sacrament our Lord Jefas Chrift Founded on the
Matrimonial Contratlr, which has always been in
the World, and in all Religions, from whence it
is that Matrimony is to be confidered in two
refpefts^ either as a Natural Contradt, or as a
Sacrament inftituted by our Lord Jefus Chrift :
The Bond of Matrimony God hath made to be
perpetual, infomuch that it cannot be diflolved
by any thing but Death, according to what
Chrift íàid. Whom God hath joined let no Man
put afunder 5 which is alfo in it felf very con-
venient. As it is a Sacrament, there is Grace re-
ceived therein, as in other Sacraments, our Lord
Chrift, who was the Author and Inftitutor of
the Divine Sacraments, having by his Pailion
merited Grace for us, whereby the Natural Love
which is betwixt the Married couple is perfeâ:-
ed, and the conjundtion that is betwixt them is
con-
:j i 8 Tl)e J^s and Decrees
confirmed, and made Perpetual, and the Huf-
band and Wife are Sandified. There are two
Regions or Ends for which Matrimony was or-
dained and inftituted 5 the firft and principal is
the Procreation or Generation of Children, for
the confervation of the World, and the multi-
plication of the Faithful, and Servants of God,
The fecond is, for a remedy for Uncleannefs.,
and that fuch as are incUned to that Vice, might
have a remedy given them by God, fo that li-
ving with their Wives, they might not fall into,
that Sin, from whence it is that People may not
only Marry once, but as often as one of the
Parties dies, becaufe this end of Matrimony may
not only be compaiTed in the firft, but equally
in the fubíèquent Marriages , wherefore the
Church detefts thofe as Hereticks, who condemn
fecond Marriages, holding them to be unlawful,
as fome Hereticks did anciently, and as ibme of
the moft Superftitious Heathens do at this day in
theie Parts 5 from whence it may alfo be colleded,
that this Sacrament may not only be lawfully ce-
lebrated betwixt Perfons capable of having Chil-
dren^ but alio betwixt thofe, who according to
the ordinary courfe of Nature, cannot have any,
becaufe the iecond end may be anfwered in
fuch Marriages 3 but where neither the one nor
the other end can be anfwered, as in Children,
for whom the Church has let a certain time, and
in fuch as are under a Natural Impotency that
will laft as long as they Hve, as to Matrimonial
Ads, Matrimony is not to be celebrated : And
tho'
Of th Synod of Diamper. 3 1 p
tho' both under the Law of Nature and of
Mofes ^ there were Diipenfations whereby Matri-
mony was made to deviate from its firft Origi-
nal, fome of the. Patriarchs having had feveral
Wives at once by a Divine Difpenfation, and
the Law of Mofes having permitted Divorces,
or the repudiating of Wives, yet under the Evan-
gehcal Law, by which Matrimony was perfected
and reftored again to its firft Eftate and Purity^
it is prohibited for a Man to have more than
one Wife at a time» and to turn away his Wife
and take another fo long as (he lives. The Be-
nefits of Marriage are three principally j the
firft is the Generation and Education of Chil-
dren for the Worihip and Service of the true
God 5 the fecond is the Fidelity which the Mar-
ried couple ought to keep to one another 5 and
the third is the Perpetuity of Matrimony, which,
in that it cannot be diifolved, fignifies that in-
feparable Conjundtion and Union that is betwixt
Chrift and his Church : And notwithftanding for
the caufe of Fornication or Adultery, it is law-
ful for the Married couple to part as to Coha-
bitation, yet it is not lawful to Marry with any
other, becaufe the Bond of Matrimony, being
once lawfully tied, is Perpetual, and cannot be
difiblved by any thing but the death of one
of the Parties.
Dtrnz
3io 'The ABs and Decrees
Decree i. i
Holy Mother Church has always fo ordered
the celebration of Matrimony^ as to make
it to be underftood to be a Holy thing, aYid thac
as Holy, it ought to be Holily treated ^ where-
fore for the removing of feveral inconveniencies,
and thofe efpecially that attend Clandeftine Mar-
riages, ihe has ordained and commanded, that
Matrimony be celebrated in the face of the Church
by the Vicar, or PariQi-Prieft, or fome other
Prieft, Licenfed by him or the Prelate, and in
the prefence of two or three Witneíiès at leaft 5
and that all Marriages that are not celebrated
with this Solemnity by the Pariíh-Prieft before
two Witneíiès, are void and null : And that the
Prieft, who without leave from the Pariíh-Prieft,
and the Parifh-Prieil who without two Witneíiès
íhall prefume to Marry any couple , íhall be
íèverely punifhed. Now the Synod under-
ftanding that this Rule is not obíèrved in this
Diocefs, but that the Peribns who are to be mar-
ried do imploy any Prieft, and are married where
they pleaíè, from which great Inconveniencies
and Diforders do many times follow, different
Rites and Ceremonies being alfo ufed in divers
places in the celebration thereof, doth command,
that all that is above related be punftually ob-
íèrved according to the Decrees of the Holy
Council of Trent ^ which has been received by
tlus Church in this Synod , declaring all Marri-
' ages
of the Synod of Diamper. j 2 i
ages not celebrated in this Form, or not by the
Parilli-Prieft before two Witnefíès, to be null, and
the Parties not to be Married, neither are they
to be permitted to live together as Man and
Wife : And the Priefts who ihall prefume to
Marry without leave from the Pariila-Prieft or
Ordinary^ íhall be fufpended from their Orders
and Benefices for one Year without Indulgence,
and the Marriage (hall be declared void, and
the Parties ihall be obliged to Marry again in
the forefaid Form. The Synod doth furthermore
declare, That the Contrafted may be Married
by the Parifb-Prieft of either of the Parties,
tho' the ordinary Cuftom is to be Married by
the Parilh-Prieft where the Woman lives.
"Dmtz n.
WHereas Matrimony ought to be celebrated
with words fignifying a prefent Confent,
and in many places of this Diocefs, it is com-
monly celebrated with words iignifying only a
Confent for the time to come : Therefore the
Synod doth command, That when the Perfons
that are to be Married, come to the Door of the
Church, the Parifh-Prieff, or fome other PriefV,
having his or the Prelates Licence, being in his
Surplice^ with his Stok^ and at leaft tv/o Wit-
nefles prefent, (hall ask them, if they are pleafed
to Marry 5 and if they fay they arc, or expreis
their Confent by fome other evident figns, the
Prieft then (hall take one end of his Stok , and
Y b.ying
5 2 1 The AEls and Decrees
laying it on the Palm of his left Hand , Ihall
take the right Hand of the Bride and lay it on
the Stole, and lay the Palm of the right Hand
of the Bridegroom on the Palm of the right
Hand of the Bride, in form of a Crofs, and
covering both their Hands with the other end
of the Stole , and laying his own right Hand
upon all, ÍO that the Hands of both Parties, and
both the ends of the Stole are betwixt the Prieft's
Hands 5 After having bleíièd them with the iign
of the Crofs, he ihall fay, In the name of the
Fatherland of the Son, ana of the Holy Ghoft^ Amen'-y
and ihall make the Bride fay firft , 1 N. receive
thee N. for my lavpfd Husband , fo as the Holy
Mother Church of Rome doth command 5 and (hall
afterwards make the Bridegroom fay the fame
words, i N. receive thee N. for my lavpful Wife,
fo as the Holy Mother Church i?/Rome doth com-
mand--^ and after they have both faid thefe words,
the Prieft fhall fay, l,hy the Authority I have, do join
you in Matrimony i?7 the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghojl, Amen 5 after
which he ihall fprinkle them both with Holy
Water, faying, By this fpr inkling of Holy Water ^
the Lord give you Health and Blejjing, Amen, And ^
if neither of the Parties was ever Married be-
fore, they iliall then be carried before the High
Altar, where being upon their Knees, the Prieft
(hall give them the Bleilings, as they are in the
Roman Ceremonial of the adminiftration of thte\-
Sacraments, which iç to be tranflated into Syrian^ H
and to be ufed in all Churches 5 but if either '
of
of the Synod of Diamper. ^ 2 j
of the Parties have been Married before , he
(hall not then give them the faid Bleííings, but
difmifs them, after having faid a Prayer in the
Church.
T
Decree III.
Hat there may be no Frauds.in Matrimony,
and that the Impediments, which, if they
were known, would hinder the fame, may be
diicovered 5 and that in all things we may con-
form our felves to the Decrees of the Holy Coun-
cil of Trent^ the Synod doth command , That
what is ordained by the faid Holy Council,
be pundually obferved 5 to wit, That the Par-
ties to be Married, ihall have their Banns pub-
liihed by the Vicar, or by one appointed by
him , on three Sundays or Holy-days in the
Churches where the Bridegroom and Bride live,
when the People are aílèmbled at Mafi^ in this
Form 5 N. bom infuch aplace^ doespurpofe to Marry
N . the Daughter of N. and N. horn infuch a place ,
wherefore if there be any that k^tovp any Impedi-
mento they muft declare it upon pain ofRxcommu-
nication : And the Vicar, in cafe he has any
lawful Impediment declared unto him, ihall not
Marry the Parties before he has made the Pre-
late acquainted therewith, that fo he may de-
termine what is jufttobedone therein; which
Publications caiiiiot be difpenfed with by any
but by the Prelate, or one reprefenting him:
And in caíè it is probable that if fuch Publi-
Y 2 cations
324 The Ms and 2)ecrm ' > '^^^^^^^
cations are made, there are thoíè that will
licioufly endeavour to hinder the Marriage, tho'
in fuch a cafe the parties may be received with-
out them, yet for the better diicovery of other
Impediments that may happen to be therein, they
cannot be joined together, nor receive the Blef-
fings, tho* capable thereof, before the publicati-
ons are made in the Churches, without the Pre-
late fhould be pleafed to difpenfe therewith, t,Ci
whofc i^rudence and Judgment the Holy Coun-i
cil of Trent has committed the whole of thiii
Matter, and the Prieft who ihall receive anj;
couple without a Liceníè from the Prelate, be-
fore fuch publications have been made, fhall bo
iiifpended from his Office and Benefice for fo
months.
Decree iv.
THis Synod conforming it felf in all things t(
the Holy Council of Trent^ doth com
mand that in every Pariih there be a Book, 2i
was ordered as to Baptifm, wherein the Vica:
of the Church ihall write the Names of the Mai
ricd Perfons, and the Place, day of the Monti
and Year, and the Names of the two Witnelft
commonly called the Padrinhos, where the
were Married, regiftring them thus, 0« f»rh
Day of fuch a Month and Tear^ I N. Vicar of tl
Church, naming the Saint to whom it is dedic:
ted, in fuch apart, naming where the (aid Chare
is, did joy n N, the Son of N, and N. to N. ti
Daughtt X
of the Sy N OB of Diamper. 325
Daughter ofl^. and of^. born in fuch a place, both
at the gate of the Church according to the Holy Conn^
cil of Trent, the WitneJ/cf were N. and N. to which
the Vicar and the two Witnefles (hall fign their
>iames, and' when any Prieft (hall by a Licenie
from the Vicar, or Prelate, marry any couple,
he (hall write. On fuch a day of fuch a Months ana
Tcar^ IN, a Prieji^by a Licenfefrom the Ficar of fuch
a placcy or front the Bifiop^ if he granted the Li-
cenie, did receive at the gate of the Church N, na-
ming him, the Son ofN. and N. naming his Pa-
rents, born in fuch a place, naming the Town ac-
cording to the Holy Council of Trent, the Wit^
nojfes were N. and N. to which the faid two
Witneííès and Prieft (hall put their Names ^
which Book (hall be kept among the Regifters of
the Church, and the Prelate at his Viiitations
ihall fee that there be no fault or negled there-
in.
Decree v.
^''\ Stloiy Matrimony is a Sacrament, and as
jtx, inch conveys Grace, it ought therefore to
be received with great Purity and Holinefs, where-
fore this Synod conforming it felf to the Holy
Council OÍ Trent, doth exhort and admoniih, and
command all that are to be Married, that at leaft
three days before the celebration of this Sacra-
ment, they do confeis themCelves, and being ca-
pable do receive the Holy Sacrament of the Eu-
charifi neither (hall the Vicars receive them be-
• .j^-^;r^..^,.jo,i- fore
316 The ABs and Decrees
fore they have complyed with this Obligation,
concerning which they (hall make diUgent En-
quiry. The Synod doth furthermore command.
That all Marriages be celebrated in the Church,
and that the Parifh-Prieft do not accommodate
himfelf to the negligence of thofe who do not care
to be feen to marry in the Church , but declaring
withall that wherefoever Matrimony is celebra-
ted, if it be done by a Pariih-Prieft, and in the
prefence of two Witneifes, .it is true and valid,
tho' the Pariih-Prieft ought not to Marry any
out of the Church, but upon very urgent Rea-
fons.
T>mtz VI.
Here have been always in the Church, even
under the Old Law prohibited degrees of
Kindred, within which Matrimony was not to be
celebrated, and being celebrated, was null, and
that not only as to fuch as were prohibited by a
Divine Natural Law,as betwixt Perfons in the firft
degree, and betwixt Brothers and Sifters, but as to
others alfo who are prohibited by a Divine pofi-
tive Law ^ wherefore the Synod doth declare,
that the degrees at this time prohibited in the
Church, without which Matrifjwny cannot be
celebrated without a Difpenfation, and being
celebrated, is void, are only to the fourth de-
gree inclu five of Confanguinity, and of Affinity
only to the fecond degree, as firft Coufins, fe-
cond Coufins, third Coufins, fourth Coufins, by
Fa-
of the Synod of Diamper. 327
Father and Mother, and the fame degrees are
prohibited in the Kindred of Affinity, betwixt
the Kinsfolk of the Husband and Wife, with
whom either of the Parties have been Married ,
and befides, that the Kindred in the firft and Se-
cond degree only with fuch, or of chofe with
whom either of the Parties have at any time had
unlawful Carnal Knowledge, beyond which de-
grees there are no other of Carnal Kindred that
•can hinder Matrimony^ but in all thefe that have
been mentioned, all Marriages that are made,
are null, and of no force, and all thoíèthat have
Married ib, do live in the Mortal Sin of foul For-
nication : but if any upon juft and reaibnable
accounts (hall deiire to Marry within any of theie
degrees that are prohibited only by a pofitive
Law, they muft have ^ recourfe to the Holy Apo-
* SRcfOUrfe. ] The church ceiving the rated fumm in Tar-
of ilowf fecms to have multiplied tugal^ had the Difpenfation dif-
prohibitions in Matrimonial mac- patched at Raw?, and fenc to
ters forno other end, but to get him by the Jevps that live there,
the more Money by Difpenfati- who by reafon of their gene-
ons. In Romana Curia^ faith Di- ral Corrcfpondence, have in a
dacm Abidenfts, adea frequentes manner ingrciíed the whole trade
difpenfationes ad Matrimonia con- of Dilpenfttioni, fo little is the ho-
trahenda inter Conf anguine os^ ut nour of Chriilianicy regarded
jurif Canonici pchibitiones hac in by iome People, vvhere it clafh-
parte nullu fint impedimento^ nifi eth with convenicncies. Ema^
his qui paiiperes fmty nee patrima- nuel King of Portugal^ with a
ninm habent unde poffint aliquam difpenfation Married twoSiilerSj
fummamproobtinenda difpenfatione notwithftanding his having had
erogare. I have a rate by m.e a Son by the krfi •, and I knew
of _ Matrimonial Difpenfations, a Nobleman in a certain Popiih
which is too long to be here in- Country that was both Uncle and
ferted. I had ic from a Prote- firft Coufm tO his Wife.
dint Merchant, who upon re-
Y 4 ftolick
328 The Ms and Decrees
ftolick See for a Difpenfation, or to their Pre-
late, having power from the faid See to do it,
declaring the degree of Kindred wherein they
defire to be difpeníèd, together with the Caufes
why they do defire it, in which the Prelate íhall
do what he (hall judge convenient in the Lord,
and fo the Prelate being impowered by the Ho-
ly See to do it, (hall do it gratis, without taking
any thing for the difpenfation, tho' the Parties
of their own accord ihould offer to pay_ him
for iti^ JioiloqA srij oi ara^l
oiQ úúitii booii
£ V, DcCtee VII. ííê nf bbHaqir
BEfides the Carnal Kindred of Confanguinity
and Affinity, which hinders Matrimony in
certain degrees, there isalfo another fort of Kin-
dred that does the íàme, which is called Spiri-
tual Kindred, and is contraded in Bapifm be-
twixt the Godfather and Godmother, and the
Child that is Baptized, and the Parents of the
íàid Child, and in Confirmation or Chrifm betwixt
thofe who offer and prefent the Perfon that is
confirmed, as was ordered in the Decrees of
Baptifm and Confirmation 5 which Spiritual Kin-
dred of Godfathers and Godmothers, and Gof-
fips, does fo hinder the celebration of Matrimo-
ny, that without a Difpenfation from the Apo-
ftohck See, or from fome authorized by the Po'pe
to that purpofe, the Matrimony is null, and of
no force, all that live therein living in Fornica-
tion, andaftateof Damnation, and if any that
are
of the Synod of Diamper. 329
are thus a kin have a mind to marry together,
they (hall preferr a Petition, as they Úiall be di-
refted hereafter, but are to know that the Church
does very feldomor never, but for weighty Cau-
fes difpenfe in Cafes of Spiritual Affinity.
.H aril id b^ JDecree viii.
WHèreàs hitherto the prohtbited'^ degree?,
and the refervation of difpenfing with the
fame to the Apoftolical &, has not been under-
ftood in this Dioceis, the Prelates thereof having
difpenfed in all degrees, prohibited only by a
poiitive Law, without having had Authority for
what they did, fo that great numbers by virtue
of fuch Difpenfations, have lived many Years in
a Married Eftate, without any fcruple concern-
ing what was granted by their Prelates , for
which reafon the Synod for the greater fecurity
of the Confciences of fuch People has thought
fit that the moft Reverend Metropolitan ihould
difpeníè with them in all the faid degrees, by
virtue of the Apoftolick Authority granted to
him in theie parts to thateíFed, and particular-
ly by the brief of Gregory the X1IÍ. of glorious
Memory, obtained at the inftance of the Jefnits^
and confirmed by our Holy Father Clement the
VIII, at this time prefiding in the Church of
God 5 wherefore for the quieting of the Confci-
ences of iuch as have been Married with the
forementioned Difpenfations, the faid Lord with
the approbation of the Fathers of the Society,
doth
3 } o Tl:)e AEls and Decrees
dotk by the Authority of the faid Brief, effedu-
ally difpenfe in all and every one of the faid
degrees of Spiritual as well as Carnal Kindred
and Affinity, which are prohibited only by a po-
iitive Law, and with all Perfons who have Mar-
ried within the fame with fuch difpenfations fo
far as of right can or ought to be done, as much
as if they were here particularly named ^ com-
manding them for the further fecurity of their
Confciences to be "^ Married again privately in
their Houfes, or elfewhere, as they íhall judge
molt convenient, by any Prieft they pleafe, there
being two WitneiTes prefent, according to the
form of the Holy Council of Trent : And the
Synod doth command that henceforward fuch
Difpenfations be not granted any otherwife than
in form of the Briefs of the Holy Apoftolick See
in theie parts to that effed, declaring all that
íhall be granted otherwife to be null, and of
no force , and the Marriages that are celebrated
by virtue of them, to be void, and the Parties
not to be Married.
* í^arrieD. 3 By this Decree
all the Children born before fuch
Marriages were born Baftards '-,
now how many thoufandBaftards
would fuch a Decree make in any
Councry, where fuch Prohibiti-
ons concerning Natural and Spi-
ritual Affinity are not regarded ?
SDectee
of the S Y M o D of Diamper. j j i
Decree ix.
THe Synod recognizing for the time to come
the ancient prohibition, obferved in the
UniverfalGhurchof not Marrying, from thefirft
day OÍ Advefit nntW the Epipha^y^ and from Jflj-
vpednefday until the Sunday of the Oãaves of Ea-
fter inclufíve, doth command the fame to be in-
violably obíèrvedin thisDiocefs, adding to thofe
days the time from ^inquageffma Sunday forward
when by ancient cuftom Lent is begun in this
Church, but that at all other times, tho' of Fail-
ing, marriage may be celebrated as People ihall
think fit.
Decree x.
\)l 7Hereas in this Diocefs there has hitherto
V V been no refpedt had in the celebration
OÍ Matrimony to the Age of the Parties that the
Law appoints, therefore the Synod doth com-
mand, that no Man ihall be Married hereafter,
until he has attained the Age of fourteen Years
at leaft, nor no Woman before (lie is full twelve,
declaring that herein the Prelates have no power
to difpenfe, but can only, if any that are under
that Age fhould pretend to marry, judge in their
Confciences whether they are ripe for Matrimo-
ny^ and judging them to be io^ may grant them
a Licenfe, and difpenfe with their marrying j
nevertbeleis, for feveral juft refpeds, and the
greater
5^2 The ASls and Decrees
greater íècurity of Peoples Confciences, and to re-
move as far as is poflible for the Synod to do it,
the imitations of the marriages that are fo much
in uíè among the Heathens, who marry people
very young, there being alio great numbers in
jthis Diocefs who have been married at nine or
içn Years old, or under, the Synod will not
4iave the faid Difpenfation or Anticipation of
time to exceed four months as to men, and fix
as to Women j nor to be granted by any but
the Biihop 5 and if any man hereafter fhall pre-
fume to marry without fuch a Difpenfation, be-
fore he has attained the Age of fourteen, or any
Woman while (he is under twelve, all fuch mar-
riages (hall be void, but may be refolved into
Contrads dc fitturo^ and the Priefts that (hall
marry any fuch, (hall be fufpended from their
pfEce and Benefice, for fix months, and the Par-
ties (hall be kept afunder until they are of a due
Age.
Dmtz XT.
-Í5.
He Synod being informed, that great num-
^_^ bers of married people in this Dioceis do,
«jyithout any fentence of the Church, ( to which
"all Matrimonial cauics do belong ) forfake their
Wives, and, to the great offence of God, ab-
."íènt themfelves from them for a long time toge-
ther, doth command that there be no fuch fepa-
Xiations made without the order of the Church,
aixi if any ihall preiiime to make them, that
^j oj^fjibiu
of the Synod o/ Diamper. 33 j
they be conftrained to come together again, up-
on pain of Excommunication, or whatfoever o-
ther Penalty the Biihop (hall think fit to infliâ: ;
and in cafe they refufe to comply, they (hall be
declared Excommunicate, until fuch time as they
return to one another 5 and in caie they have any
juil Caufe to feparate, they (hall carry it before
the Prelate to be Judged according to Law, and
what is Juft, and (hall be obliged by Cenfures
to ftand to his laft determination. The Synod
doth furthermore declare, That the non-payment
of the Portion that may have beeti promifed, is
no juft Caufe to leave their Wives, which they
might have been careful to have iecured before
they were Married to them $' and that whoib-
ever íhall forfake their Wives on that account,
(hall be puniftied and conftrained by Excom-
munication to live with them.
Decree xil.
'T^He Synod being informed that the Black
"*■ Slaves that are Chriftians , and even fuch
of them as live in the Mountains with Chriftians,
do Marry without a Prieft, by only tying a Thred
about the Brides Neck, according to the uíãge
of the Heathens , doth declare. That all fuch
Marriages are void and null , and that all that
live fo, do live in Uncleannefs 3 commanding
all that have been fo Married , to be brought
to the Church, there to be Married by the Vicar,
according to the Form of the Holy Trent Council,
' and
5^4 ^-^^ ^^^ and Decrees
and as is above ordered. The Vicars rauft take
pains to inform themfelves of the Marriages of
all inch Slaves, in order to make them obferve
the faid Decree inviolably j and the Mailers who
have confented that their Slaves or Servants
ihould be thus Married , and have celebrated
fuch Marriages themfelves, and ihall not íènd
them to Church to be Married, tho' they defire
it, iliall be feverely punifhed at the pleafure of
the Prelate, and ihall be told of the great wrong
they do to their own Confciences therein, and
of the Scandal they give to Chriftianity.
^zcm xiir.
T^He Synod being informed that ibme
-■- of the Chrlftians of the Mountains have
been Married to feveral Women in the face of
the Church, their firil Wife being ftill alive, to
the great affront and injury of the Holy Sacra-
ment of Matrimony , doth command all Vicars
and Curates at their firft inititution into their
Churches, immediately to make flrift enquiry
into this Matter , and to force all fuch to Uve
with their firft Wives, and, in cafe they refufe,
to declare them Excommunicate, until fuch time
as they comply, and do turn away all their other
Wives, removing them from the place where
they live, which fhall be done to all, who du-
ring the life of their firfl Wife have prefamed
to take others until they ihall be brought to
Jive only with the firfl 5 and befides, they fhall
tt be
of the Synod of Diamper. 3 ^ j
be puniihed with other punifhments at the plea-
fure of the Prelate, or of the Holy Office of
^ Inquifitton to which this doth belong.
* There are two Crimes which Inquifitm^ where having confefs-
both the Jnquifition and Civil ed their Fault, and fubmicted
Courts take cognizance of, that themfelves to Penance, they are
is, Polygamy ^nd Sodomy. The in no further danger, and fo by
Civil Courts punifh both with that ihift fave their lives. No\y
Death, the Inqnifitm only with this Politick piece of Clemency,
Penances : This makes, that all for it is no other, quite drowns
that are guiliy of either of thofe the noife of all the barbarous
Crimes , when they apprehend Cruelties of the Court of Inquifi-
themfelves in any danger of being tian, and alone gains it the repu-
accufed of them before the Civil tation of being a much more
Judges, do cake Sanduary in the merciful Tribunal than the Civil.
£)a:ree xiv.
WHereas it is a thing unworthy of a Chri-
ftian to obíèrve the Superftitious Cere-
monies of the Heathens, from whence it is ima-
gined good Succeis may be derived, the Synod
being informed that there areíbme ill Chriftians,
that, in imitation of the Heathens, do go to fome
of them, and others to fome of their own 'Su-
perftitious Priefts , to learn which are the beft
Days and Hours to be Married on , after the
manner of the Infidels ^^ and do furthermore on
their Wedding-day make certain Circles, into
which they put Rice, and certain Perfons ufing
feveral Superftitious Ceremonies, which are plain-
ly Heathen, and do moreover make certain
Figures behind their Doors to.make thei'r Marri-
age Fortunate, and ufe íèveral Prayers with Ce-
remonies,
a 6 77;e JEis and Decrees
remonies, which they call the Ring of Solomon^
all which being Deviliíh, Superftitious, and Hea-
theniih Ceremonies, condemned by Holy Mo-
ther Church : Wherefore the Synod doth com-
mand and exhort all Faithful Chriftians, neither
to pradife anyfuch Ceremonies themfelves, nor
to fuíFer others to ufe them in their Houfes j and
that all who fhall prefume to praâiíè them them-
íèlves, or permit others to do it in their Houfes,
(hall be denied the Sacrament for a whole Year,
and be rigorouily puniíhed at the pleafure of
the Prelate: and the fame ihall be done to
thole that go to Heathens, to leara what Days
are Fortunate.
Dcctce XV.
THe Synod having been informed, that whea
Contraârs de fkturo are celebrated among
the Chriftians of this Diocefs, or Marriages are
concerted, that it is performed with fome Hea-
theniih and Superftitious Ceremonies, and that
many times when the Parties contraâred are not
of Age, or have not Judgment enough to give
their coníènt, doth command, that no fuch Con-
tracts be made, but when the Parties contrading
are of fuflScient Age to underftand what they
do, and are capable of giving their confent de
fnturo 5 and, if the Parents will make fuch Matches,
they ihall do it by a (imple Writing , or by
(baking Hands, çr by any other way that has
nothing of Superftition in it 3 neither ihall they
uie
of the S T N o D of Diampet. j ; 7
OÍè any Superftitious Ceremonies, upon, pain of
being feverely chaftifed at the pleaiure of the
Prelate 5 commanding the Priefts, in virtue of
Holy Obedience, not to be preíènt at Contracts,
where any fuch damnable Superftitions are per-
formed, that fo they may not feem to Autho-
rize them by their Perfon and Dignity.
imi^ ^ 2)ecrcc xvi.
j^-
'T^He Synod doth condemn the Cuflom, or
•*- abufe that has obtained in this Diocefs of
the new-married couple's not going to Church
till after the fourth day after their Marriage,
when they ufe to VVaíh themfelves, which is ac-
cording to the Judaical Ceremonies condemned
by the Law of Chrifi:, but on the contrary, doth
exhort all new-married People, without refpect
of Days, to go to Church and iay their Prayer?,
knowing for certain, that if any of the Days
that they ftay irom Church, íhould happen either
to be a SatHt's'day or a Sunday^ upon which all
People are obliged to hear Mafi^ that they fin
mortally in not hearing it, if hindred by no o-
ther caufe : Neither are they to imagine, that
fuch Waihings do any way contribute to the
Spiritual Health of their Souls, the VVorihip of
Cod, or the Reverence of the Church.
Act I-
338 The Jfis and Vecrees
Action VIII.
Of the ^formation of Church-Ajfalrs,
Decree i.
WHereas the Univerfal Catholick Church is
Ruled, Infpired, and Taught by the Holy
Spirit, by vvhofe direâ:ion,for the betterGovern-
ment of Chriftians, and the more ccramodious
adminiftration of the Sacraments to the Faithful,
it has divided the Provinces of the whole World
into Dioceiies, which are all fubjedt to their
Teveral BiQiops f. and the Dioceiies into Pariihes,
which are allfubjeâ: to their Pariih-Priefts, fo
that as the Dioceiies and all the faithful Inhabi-
tants of the fame are fubjed to their feveral Bi-
(hops, and through them to the Biihop of Rome,
the Univerfal Pajior and Head of the Churchy and
Chnfi's Vicar upon Earth 5 fo all the faithful In-
habitants in every PariQi are fubjed to their
Redor or Vicar, that adminiiler the Sacraments
to them, and are the particular Paftors and Cu-
rates of their Souls, through whom they are
fubjed to their Biihop, and through the Biihop
to the Pope, and through the Pope to Chrift 5
which Order has been at all times preiervcd in
the Church all over the World , and for want
whereof, this Church is ib Confufed and Dif-
erderly as it is 3 every one doing what íèems
good.
tf the Synod of Diamper. 359
^ood in his own eyes, without ever being cal-
fed to an Account for what they do, having
none that are under any obligation to take care
of their Souls, nor no particular Paftor to affift
them in their Neceffities , nor diftinâ: Pariíhes,
unto which every one is bound to refort 5 there-
fore this Synod conforming itfelf to the Govern-
ment of the whole Catholick Church, doth or-
dain, that this Dioceis be alfo divided into Pa-
riíhes, allotting fuch a number of People to each
Parifh as ihall be found moft convenient, and.
furniihing them with particular Vicars and Cu-
rates, tQ watch over the Souls of the Faithful ,
and as^ for other Priefts and Curates that- ihall
be in any Church, they (hall be therein as Be-
neficed Rerfoni, and Co-adjutors to the Vicars in
the adminiftratioa of the Sacraments to the Peo-
ple, as alfo in the Divine Service and VVcrihip
of the Church, as they have hitherto, been, ha-
ving the fame Profits and Dividend they had
formerly, fave that the Synod intends to deprive
them of thofe Fees which formerly they Simo-
naically received for adminiftration of the Sacra-
ments,as to which they ihall obíèrve what is before
decreed, as the Vicarsi and Pariih-Priefts are to
have what is allotted for their maintenance in
the Twenty- firft and Twenty-fecond Decrees,
and the faid Vicars ihall make a Roll of ail the
inhabitants of their feveral Pariíhes, that fo they
may be acquainted with their Cuftoms and way
of living, and may adminifter the Sacram.ents
unto them, and comfort them in their Troubles
Z 2 and
540 The ABs and Decrees
and Neceffities 5 neither ihall the Faithful receive
the Sacrament from any but their own Vicar^
without his Licence in Form.
THe Synod doth declare, That the Divifion
of Parifhes, and the laying ot People to
them, has at all times belonged to the Prelate 5
ÍO that he may at any time Divide or Unite
Pariihes at his pleafure, and as he ihall find to
be moft convenient for the adminiftration of the
Sacraments to the Faithful, to whom it alfo be-
longs to provide Vicars and Curates for Churches,
whom he may Inftitute or Depoie as often as he
ihall judge it to beneceííàry, to the better feed-
ing of the Flock of Chrift, which he is charged
with, and is to give an account of 3 and for the
preient the moft Reverend Metropolitan (hall
make fuch a reparition of Pariihes and People
in this his Vifitation, Uniting or Dividing them as
ihall feem to him to be moft commodious for
the adminiftration of the Sacraments to the Faith-
ful, who at the end of the Synod will name
Vicars for every Parifh : And the Synod, for
the juft Refpeds and the better Government of
the Church, will not have any Vicars ío Efta-
bliihed, as not to be removable at the pleafure
of the Prelate.
©ectcc
of íí>^ S Y N o D of Diamper. 341
©ectce III.
THe Synod doth furthermore declare. That
no Prieft (hall hold Two Churches with
Cure, or receive the Fruits of them according to
the Holy Canons : And whereas in this Dioceis
there are many that have two or three Churches,
which they have had commended unto them in
íèveral parts, either becaufe they were built by
their Relations, or for fome other Keafon 5 all
which being a great Abufe, the Synod doth de-
clare, That after the divifion of the Pariihes is
made, none (hall have any Jurifdidion therein
befides their proper Vicars, to whom only it ihall
belong to order all the Affairs of their Churches,
and to whom whofoever ihall deny to yield
Obedience, ihall be declared Excommunicate,
and (hall be puniibed at the pleafure of the Pre-
late as difturbers of the Church 5 and all fuch
Priefts as are in prefent poffeffion of the Churches,
if quahfied, and there be no juft Impediment,
the Synod will have it be inftituted Vicars of
one of their Pariíhes, as the moft Reverend Me-
tropolitan ihall think fit, not that the Synod in-
tends to proliibit the Prelate, in cafe he is not
provided of a fufficient number of able Priefts,
or where there is not a fufficient maintenance,
to recommend two Churches to one Vicar, pror
vided they are at fuch a diftance that he can
look after both, without any wrong to the
adraifiiftration of the Sacraments. However,
Z § this
34^ Tk JBs and Decrees
this ihall never be done, but when there is an
urgent and neceflary Reafon for it.
Decree iv.
TITHereas there are a great many Churches in
' ' this Diocefs that have no Priefts, to the
great detriment of the Faithful , who by that
means are for feveral Years without Mafs^ or any
to adminifter the Sacraments to them, as has ap-
peared to the Reverend Metropolitan in his Vifi-
tation of the Churches , in fome of which he
found there had been no Majffes faid in five or
fix Years, and that there are Children of that
or a greater Age, that have never been Bap-
tized 5 therefore the Synod both command.
That there be no Church that is made Parochial,
how poor and inconfiderable foever the People
may be, for any long time without a Curate or
Vicar to adminifter the Sacraments to the Faith-
ful, of which the Prelate is to take fpecial care ,
and if it ihould fo happen, as it does too often,
that he cannot have a Prieft to fupply fuch Cures,
in that Cafe, the Synod declares, that the Prelate
may oblige whomibever he pleafeth, by Penal-
ties and Ceniures to íèrve fuch Churches, that
ib the NeceiTities of the Faithful may be pro-
/ vidèd for , giving them whereon to fubfift in
the faid Churches.
Decree
of the Synod of Diamper. 34 j
jDccrec v.
nPHe Synod being informed that there are
-*- many Villages in this Dioceis, which, by
reaibn of their great diftance from any Church,
have little of Chriftianity left in them befidesthe
Name of the Chriftians of St. Thomm^ which has
been occafioned through the great negligence of
the former Schifmathd Prelates of this Biihop-
rick 5 wherefore the Syrvod doth, in virtue of
Holy Obedience, command all Priefts that are
nominated Vicars, fo foon as they (hall come to
their Churches, to make a ftrid inquiry into the
Chriftians that live in the Skirts of their Parifhes,
and to report what they iliall diicover as to
this Matter to the moft Reverend Metropolitan, th^t
fo he may take fuch courle therein as fliall
be moft for the Service of Chrift, and the Be-
nefit of Souls 5 and the. fame diligence ihall be
uíèd in all Parts, where there are fuch People
found, and have never been Baptized , and
where it is thought neceííàry, there ftiall be
New Churches built, and Vicars appointed for
the reducing fuch to true Chriftianity, and the
ufe of the Holy Sacraments of the Church.
Z 4 D:atz
344 1'''^ ^^ ^^^ í)ecrees
Decree Ví.
Hereas the Church oiTravancor is at this
time totally deraoliihed, the greatef
part of itsPariihioners having above forty Years
ago turned perfed Heathens, all v^^hich has hap-
pened through the negligence of fending Priefts
among them by reafon of their great diftance
from any other Church, there being nevertheleis
feveral good Chriftians there ftill, therefore the
Synod doth command, that a Vicar be forthwith
collated to that place, who (hall fet immediate-
ly about rebuilding the Churchy there (hall like-
wife be fome Preachers fent along with him to
reduce the faid People into the bofom of Holy
Mother Church, and to the Holy Catholick Faith
of ChrifV, according to the Orders given therein
by the mod Reverend M^etropolita??^ and the Vi-
car ihall continue there baptizing and receiving
all, according to the neceíTity of the Church,
for which an Qlla^ or Licenfe has been already
obtained from the ¥>AY\gi^i Travancor^ and ihall
from henceforth continue in the Church accord-
ing to the neceifity thereof. ' ■ •'
Decree viL
^He Synod being informed. That upon the
^ borders of the Territories belonging td
the Scmorim King of- Calecut^ at the diftance of
four leagues from any Church in this Biihoprick,
there
of the Synod of Diamper. 345
there is a Country called Tadamal/a, in which
there are certain Villages of Chriftians, who
were anciently of this Church, but at prefent
have nothing of Chriftianity but the bare Name,
doth command that Priefts and Preachers be íènt
thither immediately from this Church to reduce
them to the Catholick Faith, and baptize them,
in which matter, through the diligences that
have been ufed by the moft Reverend Metropo-
litm^ they will meet with no difficulties on the
part of thofe who have loft their Chriftianity
only for want of Inftrudion, and the Synod
doth recommend this People, as a Member of
their Church to the Spiritual Care of the moft
Reverend Metroplitan,
Decree viii.
WHereas the ufe of the Holy Oils was in-
ftituted by Chrift in the Church, who
made the Oil oiChrifm^xhi^ matter of the Sacrament
oiConfirmation and Extream Utiãien 5 and did fur-
thermore appoint other Holy Undions for the Ca-
techumeni^ delivering the Dodlrine of the Confecra-
tion of fuch Oils in his laft Supper to his Difciples,as
we are taught by Holy Tradition from the Apoftlei
and theDoftrine of the Holy Fathers of theChurch,
and there having not withstanding this been no
fuch thing in ufe, or known in this Church to
this day : Therefore the Synod doth command,
that in all Pariih Churches there be a Box that
(hall hold three Veííèls of Plate, TiHj or Glais,
in
^4^^ T7;e Aãs and Decrees
in which the Holy Oils fhall be kept with due
Decency and Reverence, with their feveral
Names upon each Veflel, fo that they may not
be ufed one for another, commanding the Vicars
that are to be nominated, not to go from hence
without carrying thefe Boxes along with them,
to their refpedive Churches, which the moft Re-
verend Metropolitan will furoiili thern withal,
and with the Holy Oils which be ccnfecrated on
Holy Thurfday laft for this purpofc in the Church
o(CartHrte in this Diocefs, which Boxes theyihall
put under Lock and Key in their Repoiitories,
either in the chief Chapel of the high Altar, or
in their Veftries, or near to the Font, having
them always decently covered with Silk, or in
caíè the Vicars live at a confiderable diftance
from their Churches, or in the Heaths^ in fome
decent place in their Houfes for fear of Infidel
Robbers, and that they may be always at hand,
when they (hall be called to adminifter the Sa-
crament of Unãion^ and whenibever they are
carried to Church for Baptifm, or are carried
to the Sick, they (hall be always carried by a
Prieft, if it is poiiiblej but at leaft by one in
Holy Orders , and upon Holy Thurfday they
ihall either burn all the Oils that remain of that
Year in the Lamps of the Church, or pour them
into the Font, ib as after that day not to make
ufe of any Oils but fuch as are new, which af-
ter Eafter they ihall either go or fend to the
Prelate for, or to the place where he has or-
dered them to be diftributed, and in cafe the
4 ^^r^n See
of the Synod of Diamper. 3 4/
See be vacant, they (hall then by order from
the Governour of the Diocefs, have recourfe to
the Bifhop oiCochim, and the Vicars that ihall
negled to go or fend for the faid Holy Oils for
the ufe of their Churches, fo as not to have them
within a month after Eafler^ (hall be fufpended
by the Prelate, who is defired to be very watch-
ful in this matter, from his Office [and Benefice
for fix months, and be obliged to fetch them,
and the Children that ihall be baptized during
that time, ihall be anointed with the Holy Oils
of Baptifm when they come, neither ihall the
Vicars depart from hence, until they are fully
inftruded in the ufe of the Oils by Perfons ap-
pointed by the Synod to teach them, that fo they
may not bemiftaken in the adminiftration of the
Holy Sacraments.
lOZittZ IX. ,
THere being a great Confafion in this Bi-
(hoprickas to the Holy days that are to be
kept under the Obligation of a Mortal Sin, as
well as to the hearing of Mafs^ as to the doing
of Work 5 wherefore the Synod doth declare
that they are thefe following, to wit, all Úíq Sun-
days in the Year.
In Jamtary^ the firfl: day being the Circumci""
(ton of our Lord^ and the fixth being the Feaft of
the Èpphany,
In February^ the fecond day being the 'Purifi-
cation of our Lady J and the twenty fourth being
the
348 The AHs and Vecrees
the Feaft of the Apoftle St. M^ííÃen?, which in the
Biílèxtile isto be celebrated on the twenty fifth.
In March J the twenty fifth day, being the
Ammciatiojt of our hady.
In April^ the twenty third being the Feaft of
St. George the Martyr-, according to the cuftom
of this Biihoprick.
In May^ the firft being the Feaft of the Apo-
ftles St. Philip and St. James.
In June^ the twenty fourth being the Feaft of
St. John the Baptift, and the twenty ninth being
the Feaft of St. Feter and St. Pad,
In July^ the fecond being the Viftation of our
Lady^ and the third being the Feaft of the glo-
rious Apoftle St. Thomas^ which by ibme is iaid
to be the day t)f his Tranflation, by others of
his arrival in thefe parts, and which has by an^
cient cuftom been ftill kept in this Biftioprick 5
and the twenty fifth being the Feaft of the Apo-
ftle St. James,
In Jngiiftj the fixth being the Tr an figuration
of our Lora^ according to the cuftom of this Bi-
ihoprick, the fifteenth the Ajfumpion of our Lady^
and the twenty fourth the Feaft of St. Bartholo-
•meiv the Apoftle.
In September^ the eighth being the "Nativity of
our Ladyy the fourteenth the Feaft of the Holy
Crofsj according to the cuftom of riiis Biihop-
rick. The twenty firft the Feaft of St. Matthew
the Apoftle, the twenty ninth the Feaft of ^t.
Michael the Archangel.
In October J the twenty feventh being the Feaft
of thé Synod of Diàmper^ 3 49
of the Apoftles St. Simon and St. Jude,
In Ndvef.-.écr^ the fiift being the Feaft of All
Saints^ thz thirtieth of St. Andrew the Apoftle.
In Dccei^her^ the eighth being the Coftception
of our Lady, the eighteenth being the day where-
on the ^ Holy Croís of the Apoftle St. Thomas
did fweat : the twenty firft being the Feaft of
the fame Holy Apoftle St. Thomas 5 the twenty
fifth the Feaft of the Nativity 5 the twenty fixth
the Feaft of St. Stephen the Protomartyr, the
twenty feventh of St. John the Evangelift, the
twenty eighth of the Innocents,
The Thnrfday of our Lord's Supper, from the
time the Offices are begun in the Church until
midnight, according to the cuftom of the Church.
Eafter^^nà the three days following, notwithftand-
ing they may have hitherto obferved only two days.
The day of our Lord'si4/^e;3f//<7//,the moft Holy Feaft
oiPentecofi^ with the two following days.
The moft Holy Feaft of the BodyofGod^ or of
the moft Holy Sacrament, which, according to
the cuftom of thefe parts, they celebrate on the
Thnrfday after Eajier,
* 3^0ípC^0C8í'3 Theftone Írf</ríf Earpeffrfmn, being the i8íí»
Crofs that was found under oiDectmber^ in the Year 1557.
ground at Maliapor, with the and to have continued always to
Blood 0Í St, Thomas, and the fweac upon the fame Feftivityun-
Sword wherewith he was Mar- til the Year 1566.10 which pious
tyr'd , by Gabriel de Ataide, a Fraud, for that is the beit that
Porí«á«e:^e Prieft, as he was dig- can be faidofit, the Archbifhop
ging a Foundation for a Church, and Synod it feems gave fo much
about the Year 1347. is reported credit, as to dedicate the i8f//.
to have fweat at a moil prodi- of December to the Memory there-
gious rate upon the day of our of.
Alio
J 5 o Tl?e JlJs and Decrees
Alfo the days of the Confecration of their
Churches, and the Feafts of the Saints, to whom
they were Dedicated, in their own Parifhes only.
The Synod doth furthermore declare, That
the Fridays from Chriftmas to Le«i, which life
to be obíèrved in fome Parts, ihall not be kept
hereafter, the Saints that were Celebrated on
ibme of them, having their particular Feafts 5 and
others of them being Dedicated to Hereticks,
as is above obíèrved, whofe Memories ought not
to be Celebrated 5 and the Vicars (hall not fail
on Sundays at Mafs^ to v/arn the People of all
the Holy- days of the Week, that fo they may
be advertifed to keep them.
Oeceee x.
Not only what Holy-days were to be kept,
were uncertain, and not uniformly obíèr-
ved in this Biihoprick, but the fame alfo hap-
pened to the Fafting-days, which Chriilians are
under an obhgation to keep 5 wherefore the
Synod doth declare, that the Failing-days , as
well the Ancient ones , as thofe that are now
commanded, are thefe follovv'ing.
The Holy and Solemn Faft of Lent ^ which
according to the Cuftom of this Bifhoprick, be-
gins upon the Monday after QuinqHagefima.
The Holy Faft of Advent , which is kept in
this Bifhoprick with great rigor from the Sunday^
that is next to the firft of December^ until
Chriftmas,
The
of the Synod of Diamper. 3 5 i
The firft day of February^ being the Vigil of
the Purification of our Lady^ the i^d, being the
Vigil of St. Matthias the Apoftle.
The 23^/. of Jum^ being the Vigil of St. John
the Baptift, and the 28^/». of St. Peter and St. P^?///.
The 24ÍÃ. of Jiily^ being the Vigil of St. James
the Apoftle.
The iith. OÍ ÂHgufi:^ being the Vigil of the
AJfumption of our Lady^ and the 2^d, of St. Bar-
tholomevp the Apoftle.
The 7th. of September^ being the Vigil of our
Ladys iSlativity^ the 13^^. of the iZ^/)/ Crofs,
The 27ÍÃ. of O^i^/'er, being the Vigil of St. Si-
mon and Jnde^ and the laft, of ÂU-Saints.
The 29ÍÃ. of November^ being the Vigil of
St. Andrevp.
The 2i/. of December^ being the Vigil of the
Glorious Apoftle St. Ihomoi^ on the 24ÍÃ. of our
Saviour's Nativity^ notwithftanding thefe two do
both fall in Advent.
And that this Diocefs may be in all things
conformable to the Cuftoms of the UniverÊl
Church, the Synod doth command, the Faji of
the four Times to" be publiftied and obferved
therein, they are the íirí\. Wednefday^ Friday^ znd
Saturday after the firft Sunday in Lent'-, and the
the firft Wednesday and Friday^ and Saturday after
Whitfuntide , and the firft Wednefday^ Friday^ and
Saturday after the Feaft of the Holy Crojs^ in Sep-
tember '-^ and the Wednefday^ Friday^ and Saturday
after the Feaft of the Holy Crofs, on the i^th. of
December^ which falls in with the Advent Faft.
And
352 TJ^e ABs and Decrees
And the Synod doth furthermore declare.
That the Faft of our Ladys AJJumption^ which be-
gins on the firft of Auguft^ and lafts to the day
of the Feftivity, and the Faft that is called the
Apoftles^ which begins on the firft day after Whit-
funtide^ and lafts fifty days, notwithftanding they
are Holy and Laudable, it wiíheth they were
not kept as they are by the Chriftians of this
Dioceis , after the fame manner as the ancient
Fafts are^ nevertheleis, fince they are obíèrved
by fome and not by others, that there may be
no Scruples nor Diíbrder, the Synod doth de-
clare, that the keeping of them is not comman-
ded under the Precept of a Mortal Sin, though
they may be kept out of Devotion by thofe that
have a mind to't, neither are People under any
obligation to a Lent Fare on thefe Days 5 and
as to the three Fafting Days of the Prophet Jonas^
called Monombo , which begins eighteen days be-
fore the firft day in Lent^ the Synod, out of re-
fped to its Antiquity and Holineís, doth permit
it to be obferved with great ftriftneís : But
whereas People do aííèmble together in the
Churches on thofe days, there to eat the Nerchaf
that are diftributed, the Synod , tho' it is not
willing to oblige People to Faft on thoíè three
days under the obligation of a Mortal Sin, doth
nevertheleis oblige them to a Lent Diet at leaft
upon them 3 and the Vicars ftiall be obliged to
give notice to the People of all the Fafts of the
Week upon Sundays^ that ib all may be warned
to obferve them.
of the Srn 0J> of Diamper. g 5 j
^Decree t\.
^T^He Synod doth approve of the Holy and
-*" Laudable Cuftom obferved by the Chriftians
of this Oiocefs, of eating neither Eggs nor Cheeie,
nor any thing made of Milk, norofFifh, and of
abilaining totally from Wine , and from their
Wives during the whole time of Lent-^ all which
it deiires them to continue to obferve inviolably,
as alfo to begin the Fail upon the day after .^'/V/-
qno-gefima Sunday ^ and fome Abufes being retor*
med, it doth declare. That Fafting doth not only
coniift in Peoples abftaining from feme forts of
Meat, but alfo in their not eating fo often as
they may defire , the Integrity of the Precept
cf Fafcing obliging People not to eat above one
Meal a day 5 and that at "^ an hour appointed,
and at Night they that (hall (land in need of
* The Fails of the Church of
Rome, as they are now obferved,
are little elfe than aMockery of the
Duty, cf which Card. Bona in the
21^? Chapter of his firft Book
of Liturgies, complains as loiid
as he durft: Ita fallum e/f, faith
the Cardinal , ut non prorfw vene-
rarda vetuflas interierit, dum ordo â
fanfíís patribifi pr<efcíptw, faltem in
publica officiorum recitatiotie, retine-
tur , quarmis legittmus borarum
pHTiHiu nuUo tnodo attendatur, neque
eram hora nona officium, tenia vel
quarta pojl meridiem in Vigiltis pfat-
limiti, nejue vefperas in Quadrage-
Jimay circa folis occafum, jed una
A a
vel duabus horis ante meridiem, qua
anticipatio , ut doãijfimm France*
liaus fcribit Cap. 34. qiutdam eji
mftri temporis calamitas, ne dicam
abufus : C<epit hxchorarum praven-
tio pojl jitcubm duodccimum intro-
duci, cum prijtina feveritas paulatlm
relaxata, mo'dior aifciplina jf.cceffn^
de qua. fatius eji tacere quam loqui.
And fo that they may obferve ti e
ancient Rule of not eatirg upon
a Fafting- day till afcer VcfperSy
they have turned the Morning in-
to Evening, and fay the Vefpeis 3z
Ten i Clock, that they may go to
Dinner at Eleven.
it,
3 54 ^^'^ ^^^ ^^^ Decrees
it, and have an appetite to drink for their
Healths-fake, may eat a light Collation, accor-
ding to the permiffion of the Church , but if
they ihall exceed either in the quality or quan-
tity of the faid Collation, or eat oftner than
twice after this manner , they do violate the
Fafr, and Sin Mortally 5 and if through infirmi-
ty or weakneis, they (hould break the Faft up-
on any day, they ihall not, as fome imagine,
be releafed by their having broke Lent once:
from continuing the FaiV, but on the contrary,
they (hall be guilty of fo many Mortal Sins, as
there are days of Obligation , on which they
ncgledt to Faft: They are alfo bound to Faft
on all the Saints days, tho' never fo Solemn, that
ihall fall in Lent , Sunday only excepted, upon
which it is not lawful for any Chriftian to Faft, as
to which matter there are great Abuíès introduced
in to this Dioceis.
Decree xii.
THe Synod doth declare, That notwithftan-
ding Fafting is of great benefit, that it doth
not intend to oblige any that are under one and
Twenty, nor fuch as are very ancient, or weak,
or fickly , nor Women with Child , nor thoie
that give Suck, nor thofe that cannot Faft con-
veniently by reafon of ibme hard Labour they
are obliged to, to Faft any otherwiíè than by
eating a Lent Diet on Fafting- days, as to which
too the weak and fick are excepted, who may
at
of the Synod of Diamper. 355
at all times eat what is neceíTary to their health 5
and it iliall alfo be lawful for Women with
Child to eat whatfoever they long for, to pi^-
vent Abortion.
©eeree xin.
THe Synod doth very much condemn what
ibme ignorant obfervers of Heatheniih Su-
perftition imagine, viz. That if they do not waíli
their Bodies betimes in the Morning on a Faft-
day, their Faft will be of no worth, and that
if they happen to touch any of a baíè Race, or
a Naires , they rauil wafn themielves to make
their Fail to be of any Merit, and declares,
that all fuch Wailiings and Superftitious touches,
are commanded neither by God nor the Church,
and are no ways proper for Chriftians^ and doth
furthermore command the obfervers of all fuch
Superftitions to be puniffied feverely by the Pre-
late, as followers of "^ Heatheniili Vanities, con-
demned by Holy Mother Church, earaeftly de-
firing that all fuch things may be totally rooted
*put ofthe hearts oftheveryi/^/Tí^e// in thisDioceis,
^^eatíjenííí) ^UperfíífiOIlff.j cil oíConftantimpk under Leo Ifau-
The Church of /iowe has httlerea- r«j, palfed upon the endeavours
fon to condemn any praffife pure- of ciiofe who were for introducing
ly for being Heathen, her Crea- Images into the Chriflian Church ^
ture Worfíjipj with ai! the Ceremo- That to do it would be to reftore
nies thereof, being viiibly of fuch Heathemfm again under a Scheme
extraâion j for it was a true judg- of Chrijhanity.
ment that the Fathers of the Coun-
A a 2 'Dmzt
1^6 The Jãs and Decrees
©ecree xiv.
N
lOtwithftanding the Synod doth approve of
M the laudable Cuftom that has obtained in
this Diocefs of beginning the Holy Fail: oiLent^
upon the Monday following ^inquagejfima Sun-
day : Never thelefs in conformity to the ufage of
the Univerfal Church, it doth ordain and com-
mand, that on the riW//e/?/^j/ following, they con-
fecrate Aíhes in the Church, which fhall befprin-
kled on the Heads of the People by the Prieft
that celebrates Mafs^ uiing thefe words, Remem-
ber Alan that thoit art cluji^ and that to duji thon
fialt return^ as he is direded by the Roman Ce-
remonial tranllated into Syrian^ by the order of
the moft Reverend. Metropolitan^ leading by this
Holy Ceremony the Faithful to a deeper Repen-
tance, for their Sins, and a fenfe of their own
vilenefs in that Holy time 5 which Aíhes fo far
as it can be done, ihall be made of the branches
that were bleflèd the former Year upon Palm
Sunday^ which is called Ofana in this Dioceft, as
it is likewife ordered in the fai d Ceremonial, but
at the fame time the People ihall be told that
this is only a Holy Çe^çemony of the Churcfct^ and
hot a Sacrament. • 3::t *a
Decree
of the Synod of Diamper. 357
Decree xv.
THat this Bilhoprick may in all things be
conformable to the Cuftoms of the Ca-
tholick Church, the Synod doth command all
the Members thereof upon pain of Mortal Sin,
not to eat Fleih upon Saturdajs^ in memory of
our Lord's Burial, but Eggs, Milk, Butter or
Checfe they may lawfully eat upon S^itiirdays^
as alfo upon all Fifh days that are not Fafts, and
fince the cuftom of not eating FleQi on Wcdnef-
days is not obferved over the whole Diocefs,
but only in fome parts thereof, and that but
by a few ^ the Synod doth declare, that albeit
that cuftom is Holy and Laudable, and it were
to be wiihed that it were univerfaliy obferved
by all Chriftians, it doth not think fit to oblige
People thereunto upon pain of Sin, fo that all
that lift may eat Fleih upon IVed.nefdays,
\ 6\ .::iili.\ [hid
Decree XVL
''r^He Synod doth declare, That the Obligati-
-■- of not eating Flefh on prohibited days,
lafts from midnight to midnight, beginning at
the midnight of the prohibited day, and ending
at the midnight of the day following, fo that
the Obligation of not eating Fleili upon. Fry days
and Saturdays^ begins at the midnight oi Fry-
day^ and ends on the midnight of Sunday^ and
the Obligation of ceafing from labour begins at
A a 3 the
358 The Acls and Decrees
the midnight of the faid day, and ends at the
midnight of Monday ; being to underftand that
in beginning the Fafts and Feftivities on the Even-
ing of the former, and continuing them to the
Evening of the latter day, they do conform
themfelves to the Cuftoms and Rites of the Jews
condemned by Holy Mother Church, in which
days and their obfervances arc not reckoned
from Evening to Evening, but from midnight
to midnight.
Decree xvii.
jHereas it is the Cuftom of the Univeríàl
)/ Church, to have * Hoiy Water at the
entrance of the Churches, that io the Faithful
by rprinkling theraíèlves therewith, may have
their Venial Sins pardoned, and the Holy Water
that has been hitherto made ufe of in this Dio-
cefs has not been bleílèd by the Prieft, nor by
any Prayer of the Church, the Sextonf only
throwing a little of the Clay intoit,that is brought
by Pilgrims from the Sepulchre of St. Thomas^ or
from feme oiher Holy Place relating to him,
and where fuch Clay has been wanting, the faid
Sexto-TS have thrown fomc^ Grains of Inceníè into
it: Whereupon without any further Confecrati-
on, it has been eflecmed Holy : Therefore the
* ^Clp» 3 This Ceremony of dcmned in the former Decree, as
fprirkling the people with Holy is acknowledged by the Learned
Water, is no Icfs of Heathen Ex- Valefius., in his Annotations on the
traftion than the wafhings con- 6 Ch. of ihe 6 Book of 50:533^^0.
Synod
of the Synod of Diamper. ^59
Synod doth declare, that fuch Water is not Ho-
ly, and that the Faithful ought not to make
uleof it, and albeit that all the Eaith of Holy
places, and of the Sepulchres of Saints approved
of by the Church, ought to be kept with much
Veneration, yet that the Earth of the Holy
places belonging to St. Thomas^ has not the vir-
tue of fuch a Confecration in it: for which rea-
fon it commands all Priefts to blefs the faid Wa-
ter, by throwing Holy Salt into it, accoraing
to the cuftomofthe Univerfal Church, as is di-
rected by the Roman Ceremonial tranllated into
Syrian by the order of the moft Reverend Me-
Jropolitan^ according to the Form whereof the
true Vicars íhall take care to confecrate Water,
and every «S^/^/T^ Evening, or Smiday Morning
to furniih the Water-pots therewith, and w^onSan-
days the People being afíèmbled,the Prieft being in
,his Surplice and Stole^ but without his Planet^ (hall
, before he begins M^í/j , fprinkle the whoiC\Çongre-
gation, repeating the iiz/i/p^i'^^?, and the Prayer
contained in the faid Ceremonial : and at MaJJes sit
which the Deacon and Sub-Deacun oiiiciaie, the
^Deacon may repeat the Antiphona^ but the Prayer
J^ihall always be faid by the Prieft. The Vicars mull:
^alib inftrud the People at their entrin^ into the
_^Çhurch, to take Holy Water and blefs them-
i^íèlves therewith, in the form of a Crois, and to
give over the faying the Prayer to the impious
Fleretick Nejioriuf» which they ufed to do v/hen
they took Holy Water as they entred into the
Church, the Synod condemning the íàme as He-
retical and Blafphemous, A a 4 ptçrçç
3^0
TItc Ms and Decrees
Decree xvili. ^h,^u«z'1o
■Rcreas thegreateft part of the People of this
Birnoprick are not inftructed in the Dq-
Urine^ and they that are, know only the ^aUr
Jslofler^ and Ave Mary in the Syrian Tongue,
which they do not underftand, and moil of the
Children know not how to blefs themfelves, nay
the Clergy themfelves are ignorant thereof, not
being able to fay the Commandments 5 there-
fore the Synod doth command, that in all Pariili
Churches in the Morning and Evening, as the
Vicar {hall think mcft convenient, one of the
Boys o£ the Bell-man fliall ring the little Bell to
call the Boys and Girls together in the Church,
where being aOembled, the Vicar, or feme o-
ther Clergyman that he ihall appoint, ihall in-
ÇtxuÕL them in the Doctrine, that is to fay, the
Sign of the Crofs, the Pater JNofier^ Ave Mary^
the Creed^ and the Commandments of God^ and
the Churchy the Articles of Faith^ and other Chri-
ftian Dodrines in the Malabar Tongue, that fo
all may undcrí\ãnd them, and not in the Syri-
an^ which the People do not underftand, it be-
ing the cuftom of the Church to teach the Do-
Brine to Children, and to the People in their
Mother Tongue, and furthermore upon all Sun-
days and Holydays, either before or after Mafs^
the Vicar ihall teach the íàid Do&rine in the
Congregation, that fo all may be inftrufted there-
in, and (hall alfo after having called the people
toge-
of the Synod of Diamper. ^ói
together with a Bell, teach it on the Evenings
of Sundays^ and i.s for the Churches that are in
the Heaths^ the Vicars (hall give orders that the
Children, or at leaft fuch of them as arenigheft
to the Church, ihall upon a certain day of the
Week come to learn the Doãrine^ employing o-
thers perfons to inftrud the reft therein, and
the Schoolmafters that teach Syrian^ or that
teach to read and write, ihall every day before
they begin School repeat the iaid DoUrim to
their Scholars in Malabar^ neither ihall any in-
ferior'Orders, no not the firji Tofjfure^ be given
to Children before they can fay the whole Do-
ãrine in Malabar^ in which they muft be exami-
ned according to the Holy Council of Tr^;?/, and
in all Churches there (hall be a Book of the "^ Do-
ãrine in the Malabar Tongue, for the inftrudi-
on of Children : which the Synod doth entreat
the Father Redtor, of the College of Jefuits of
Vaipicotta^ to order to be tranflated by fome of
that College, commanding all the Churches of
this Diocefs, as alio exhorting all the Chriftians
* lE^Ottrine. ] The Chrifti- there is one Pfieft of a thoufand
ans of Miiabar would certainly in Spain or Portugal, who if they
lofe the fecond Comraandmenr, fhould have the whole Second
by receiving this Roman Doãrine, Commandment repeated to them
in which that Commandment ne- would not fay, what I have heard
ver appears, no not as pare of more than one, and thofe very
thcfirft, nay in the Tridentine d- grave Priefts too, fay of it, That
techifm, tho' writ in Larin, and it might be John Calvin's, but they
for the Dfc of Parifli-Priefts, there vcerefwre it was none of God's Com-
is only the three firft words of it mandments,
mcmioned, and I doooc believe
thereof
J 6 2 ' The AEls mi Decrees
thereof at Night to caufe the faid Doãrtm to
be taught in their Houfes to their whole Fami-
lies, that fo their Servants and Slaves may be
inftrudted therein, and the Confeííòrs in their
ConfeiTions muft not fail to examine their Peni-
tents in the Doãrine^ and to exhort them to
learn it.
Deccec xix,
THat the Faithful Chriftians in this Diocefs
may in their Common Prayer be confor-
mable to the whole Catholick Church, they muft
not from henceforward fay the Ave Mary^ as
they have been taught by the Perfidious Nefiori-
ansj but muft fay it thus, Ave Mary full of Grace^
the Lord he with thee^ blejfed art thon among Wo"
men^ blejfed is 'Jefus the fruit of thy Womb 5 Holy
Mother of Cod pray fir us Sinners^ now^ and at
the hour of our Death^ Amen^ J^f^' And in this
form it ihall beinferted into all the Prayer Books
. of thisDioceis.
©ectee xx.
WHereas the Chriftians of this Diocefs do
not fhew the leaft Reverence to the raoft
Holy Name of Jefus when it is mentioned, which
arifeth from the falfe Doftrine of the Nefiorian
Hereticks, who do impioufly aílèrt. That it is not
worthy of R.everence,being theName of a Humane
Perfon, teaching falily that there are two Pcr-
fons
of the Synod of Diamper. 36^
ions in Chrift, therefore fince that Divine Name
contains in it fo many Divine Myfteries, being
the Name of our Redemption, and the Name
above all Names, Jt which St. PaulMth^ every kpee
in Heaven and in "Earthy and below the Earth ought to
bow^ the Synod doth command, that as often either
in the Gofpel or Prayers of the Mafs^ or OflBces, or
any where elfe that that Name is mentioned, all
People do reverently bow their Body,whether they
be fitting or ftanding, and the Clergy and other
Chriftians, having their Caps on ihall take them
off, and the Vicars and Preachers muft not neg-
led to put their People frequently in mind there-
of 5 and whereas the Name Lyo is the fame with
the moft fweet Name of Jefus in the Malabar
Language, and is commonly given to Children
in Baptifm 5 the Synod doth ftridly prohibit the
giving of that Name to any body for the future,
commanding all that are called by it, to take
another Name in Confirmation, or at any other
time, it being a great irreverence for any one to
be called by fo high and Divine a Name.
Decree xxi.
WHereas it is neceííàry that the Feaft of
Chrift's ISJativity fliould be celebrated
with great folemnity and uniformity through the
-whole Catholick Church 5 the Synod doth copi-
mand that on the Eve of that Feftivity, all the
Clergy and People do afíèmble together in the
Church, there to fay the Matins, with the great-
eft
3S4 T7;^ ^^s and Decrees
eft Solemnity poiTible, and that after they have
done thefe Prayers, which fhall end about Mid-
night, they ftiall make the cuftomary Proceilion,
which being over, a Solemn Mafs fhall be iaid,
with all poflible Feftivity , after which the Prieft
may iay a Mafs at break of day, and a third at the
ufual time of Mafs , for the Prieft mnft know, that
for the greater Solemnity of this Feftival, they are
permitted to fay three Maffès upon it, that is,
one at Midnight, one at break of day, and a third
at the ordinary time, or being private M^/, all
three together after break of day , but being
publick, (hall be all faid in the fore-mentioned
Order 5 neither ftiall they after the firft two take
the Lavatory^ but after having received the Blood,
ihall go on with the Mafs without taking the
Lavatory^ that fo they may be Fafting to celebrate
the third 5 and they fhall be very careful to have
the Cups well fcoured, and their Fingers waftied
clean with Water, which fhall be prefervcd in a
particular Veiiel in order to its being afterwards
either thrown into a Pond, or poured under the
Altar, or into the Baptifmal Water that is in the
Font 3 and if any Prieft through careleísneís fhould
in either of the two firft Maps take the Lavatory^
after that it fhall not be lawful for him to fay
any more, becaufe the Mafs is not to be celebra-
ted but Fafting, which the taking of the Lavatory
breaks. vl^^ii ^*'' iz^av... í c^U.^di 1
'Dtttit
of th Synod of Diaiiiper. j é j
©fcree xxii.
'^"T" He Synod doth command, That thePriefts
? in the folemn adminiftration of the Sacra-
ments of Baptifm^ Matrimony^ and Extream Un-
Uion^ or when they adminifter the Holy Eachariji
without the Mafs^ for the greater decency and
reverence for what they are about, do wear a
Surplice with a Stole about their Necks : And
whereas hitherto there has been no fuch thing
as a Surplice in this Biihoprick, the moft Reve-
rend Metropolitan having been pleafed to pro-
vide fuch Veftments as are necefíàry in this Bi-
ihoprick, no Vicar fhall go from hence without
taking a Surplice along with him, which he is
to wear in the adminiftration of the Holy Sacra-
ments, wherein the Synod commands them like-
wife to ufe the Rites and Ceremonies prefcribed
in the Roman Ceremonial, which the iaid Lord
Metropolitan has commanded to be tranflated in-
to Syrian and to be kept in all Churches , which
contains the Forms of Biiptizing, of Anointing the
Sick, of Marrying , of Sacramental Abiblution,
with the cuftomary Prayers therein 5 of adnii-
niflring the Holy Sacrament of the Altar, of the
Exorcifms of the Church, for People poííeíTed
with the Devil, the Bleifings of Holy Water, of
Aihes, of Chains and Branches, as alfo the Form
of Burying the Dead, Cld and Young, and of
reconciling Churches and Church- Yard?. Which
Books being Bound, fliall be kept in all Churches,
neither
7^66 Tloe Jãs and Decrees
neither (hall any Prieft preiume to apply them
to his own private ufe, or to take them out of
the Church : And the Synod doth earneftly re-
commend it to the Reftor of the College of the
Jefnits oiPaipcotta^ to have always ibme of theie
Books Tranflated by fome of the (aid College by
him, in order to the fupplying of the Neceííities
of theíè Churches.
'£>ttUZ XXIIl.
'T^He Synod defiring that this Church may in
-■- all things be conformable to the Holy Ro-
man and whole Italian Church, doth command.
That on the fecond of February^ being the day
of our Lady's Purification^ before Mafs^ the Wax
Candles v^^hich are in the Church, be Bleft, as
alio all the Candles that (hall be brought by the
People out of Devotion, according to the Ro-
man Ceremonial , tranflated into Syrian ; and
after the publick and folemn BenediòYion is over,
there fhall be a Proceííion in or round the Church,
in which all the Clergy ihall carry Bleiled Can-
dles lighted in their hands, as the People ihall alfo
do that have any,in Memory of the Myftery of.our
Lord Jefus Chrift, the Divine Light and Splen-
dor of the Father, firft entrance into the Tem-
ple, there to offer himfelf to his Eternal Father,
cloathed with our Humanity : So likewife upon
the Monday^ Tnefday^ and Wednefday before the
Feaft of our Lord's Holy Aficnfion^ in the Mor-
ning, either before or after Mafs^ there iliall be
of the Synod of Diamper. 3 ($7
a Proceflion in the Church, or where the Vicar
ihall appoint, in which the Litanies fliall be faid
according to the cuftoms of the Church , which
ihall alfo be tranflated in the faid Roman Cere-
monial , expunging the Names of all the Here-
ticks, who according to the cuftora of the Ne-
jtorians^ were commemorated in this Church 5
and it is the defire of the Synod, that the ufe
of the faid Litanies be brought into this Church '
to be read in their Neceffities, or when they de-
fire to implore the Divine Mercy.
Decree xxiv.
'T^He Synod being informed, that in the re-
-^ mote parts of this Biihoprick, as well to-
wards the South, as towards the North ^ the Chri-
ftians that dwell in the Heaths are guilty of
Working and Merchandizing on Sundays and Ho-
ly-days, efpecially in the Evenings, doth com-
mand the Vicars to be very vigilant in this
Matter, and to admoniih and reprehend all that
they ihall find fo doing 5 and if after three par-
ticular Admonitions, they ihall not reform, they
ihall after that be thrown out of the Church,
■ and have the Caflure denied them 5 neither ihall
"any Prieft go into their Houfes until they have
yielded Obedience.
Decree
3<58
TJoe ABs and Decrees
Decree xxv.
TTT'Hereas in this Diocefs there are many
^^ Churches dedicated to Marxohrp and Mar-
phrod, who are commonly ftiled Saints^ of whom
there is * nothing known, only it is commonly
(aid, That they came into thefe Farts and vpr ought
* iliotijing fenoton.] At
Compoftellay the moil famous place
of Devotion in 3l[Sp4Ín, the Peo
pie pray to fome that they know
as little of, as the Malabars do of
Aiarphrod.
For the famous Spanifl) Antiqua-
ry Ambrofius Morales^ in the 9Í&.
Book of his Chronicle, gives us a
particular Account of an Altar
with fome Names upon it that he
met with there, and that had
great Devotion paid to it.
In the famous Monafie^y of the
Eenedidine N«n/ that joins to the
Holy Church of St. James, faith
Morales, and is dedicated to the
Glorious Martyr Pelayo, whom in
that Country they commonly caS
St. Payo, there is av Ara on the
Altar, tvh'xh they affirm to have
been Confecrated by the Apoftles, and
that they themfelves faid Mafs on
it, and that it tvas brought thither
with the bleffed Body of St. James.
jViw there is not , faith Morales,
not only no foundation for the Truth
of this Story, but there is juji ca!:fe
to believe, that that Stone, which ii
at prefent in the fame jiate it was
in when it was firjl made, could
never be an Altar. I obferved it
with great attention in the company
of fever al great and learned Men,
who had all the fame thoughts of it
that I had, the thing indeed being too
clear and manifefi for any fuch to
doubt of ; for it is vifible, that
the Stone is the Grave- Stone of
fome Heathens, with this following
pfcription.
VMS
ATI AMO Et AT-
TE T LVMPSaO
VIRIA E MO
NEVTIS VIANO XVI
KT S.E. C.
The words are very plain and
clear, there not being a Letter want-
ing; fo that notrvithflanding the
Blunders committed by the Graven
in Spelling it, they may be with great
eafe Tra^ijlated, which I wiJ do
as weã as I can into Spanifh.
♦* This Stone is Confecrated to
" the Gods of the Dead, and De-
" dicated to the Memories of
" Atiamo, and of Atte, and of
" Lumpfa, as alfo to her Memory
'* who Erefted it, Viria Emofa.
" their pious Grandchild, being
"id Years of Age.
Tins
of the Synod of Diamper. 1 6c}
this is what the Stone contains^
therefore, they that Confecrated it an
Altar i rpould have done well to have
defaced the Letters^ by which means
they would have removed the indig-
mty that ft ares all People in the
face, that confider what a thing it
is to have the mofi Holy Body and
Blood of Cbriji our Redeemer^ con-
fecrated and placed upon the Tomb-
Stone of Heathens, whereon the De-
vils are invocated. thus far
Morales.
But as this Stone has had a great
deal of Honour done it, incoming
to be Coniecrated an Altar in fuch
a famous place of Devotion , fo
the Perfons whofe Names are up-
on it, have had no lefs done to
them, who are all great Sainrs in
that Country , and particularly
Piano^ wiio in all probability is the
Sr. Payo, to whom the Church and
Monaflery is dedicated.
For firft, Sala:^ar\n his Spanifjj
Martyrology upon the 50th. day
of Decejr.bcY, gives this following
Account of the faid Stone and
Perfons. Don Didacus Sequinus,
Ei(l^>p of Auria, who has Epitomi-^ed
the Life of his Predecejfor Senan-
du\y gives therein the foilowing Ex-
pofition of the Infcription that is up-
on this Altar Stone, in the Galccian
Language y which /jiftory I have mw
by me in MSS.
Confegrada a Decs Maximo,
Atiamp, Er.ito , Telumpfa Viriamo
NepotifpianOy XuuitOy Teliforo,
Forem Martyres e padczeron em
Gali-ja., no Pago Sarenfe antes
que Ô Apoflolo fe fofe a Jerufa-
letn^ e por ifto deyxon efía Ara,
a feus Difcipolos, paraque fobce
de la dixieiem Mifia, en niembra-
za deftes Santos : afi dexou ef-
crito 6 Bifpo Don Serrando : That
isto fa^i
' Confrecated to the greateft Godj
* Atiamo, Erato, Telumpfa, Viriamo^
* Nepotifpianoy Xuuito, Teliforo^
* Were all Martyrs, and fulfered
* in Galeciain the Village of Sarep,
* before the Apoftle went co Jcru-
^ falem, who for thai: reaiou itfc
' this Altar to his Difcipks. to fay
*Mafs on in memory of chofe
* Saints, as Bifliop Don Serrando
*has!efc upon Record.
Lobarinus cells us, ihat Don Ser-
randus after having given a de-
fcription of the Alcar , fubjoins
the following Account of it
' Efte he ò Retrayto de Ara
*que dcyxo efcripta o Apofiol
* Santiago, 3 feus difcipolos, e he
' un tanto da que trouxa con figo
* nó mar , fobre que , p^ufjran
* o fanto corpo e fobre dc la deria
*nnira Arcádio i Bifpo do Orcncs
'en fan Maria Madre-, autro canto
* como eíle efta en fan Fayo, de
' Santiago com iilas mifnias letras
'defios Santos Martyres. That is
to fay : This is the Portraiture of
the Altar which the Apofile 5^ James
left, with an Inja ittion upon it, to
his Difciples, who curried uQother of
the fame Dimenfions, and with the
fame Infcription, along rvith him to
Sea ; upon which his Holy Body n-as
laid, and Arcadius the firft Li(}iop
of Orenes^ faid Mafs upon it in the
Church of St. Mary the Mather -of
b Gody
The ABs and Decrees
370
God •, the other which if the fame
mthtbis,iiin thiChurch c/5f.Payo
of Compoileila, Tsoith the fame
Names ofthefe Holy Mart}rs.
I liope the Reader will pardon
me, if I oftcr one cr two more
inrtancesof the fjme Nature.
In the Spani/fj Martyrology up-
on the 22íí^. of Mj), ic is faid,
Suntiiu Puhlini Bebim Vemfln4
Martyr qui pntcm in honor em tern-
fli beat.e AUri<; andiiit^fetente Or-
dine Oretar.orum ut patcret aditm ad
Tcmplum^ XX. CHS- in quo ponte
fu£ Pietatis^ huynfmodi in xifceri'
b.u lapidii Monnmentum reliquit.
P. B/HBIUS VENUSTUS P.
B.T.BUVENETÍEP E.ÍLSISCERIS
NEPOS ORETANUS. PETEN-
TEORDINE ET FOPULO, IN
HONOREM DOMllS DIVINE,
PONTEM FECIT EX HS XXC.
CIRCENSIBLISEDITIS.
a D.
This needs no Commentary, it
being plain from t'ne Monumcnc
ic fclf, chat this P. h^BlVS was
a Heathen, and thac Domiif Di-
zina herein mentioned, was not
a Church ded'cJced to theblelled
Viigin, but to Ibme Heathen god.
And at Ebna in Portugal^ Si.
Viariiu, \\\\o infallibly cures all
pains in tl;e Loins, and for tluc
reafon is very much prated co,
was railed out of fuch another
Heathen Ronuin Monument ,
V. hereon r/.j»«//2 Curator was writ,
as Refendius lel'.s us.
Cut as in fome places they
have made Saints of Heathers, in
o hers they have made Heachet:s
ofSnas: For in cheCaftle of /.r-
tia in Tortt'.galj there is over tb.e
Inner Gate a Stone Statue, with
a long infcription under it, of
which there is noching legible
from the ground but the word
Venerifj which is very plain, the
Portugueze who fhewed us the
place, for we were feveral Pro-
teftants in Company, told us very
gravely that theCaftlc was built by
the Romans^ and thac the Statue
we faw fo much defaced, the
Head and Arms being broke of,
and the Body very much mailed
with Scones, was the Statue of
the Roman Goddefs Venw : we
kept our Councenanccs as well
as we could, perceiving plainly,
thac neither th.e Cafile nor the
Statue were Roman work, and
the Letters oiVcmrif were per-
fedly Gothick, fo I and two more
having induftrioulTy loft our For- -
tu^ue^e, wt refolved if pcffible to
find out the truth of the matter,
andi* after fome poring, we be-
gan to difcovcr fomc mere Let-
ters, and with fome pains fpelc
cue the word ^nte after Venerii ^
whereupon v.e concluded, thac
Veneris t\\txc muft htzVcrby zx\à
not a Subjiantive, and thac Vene-
rii ante mnú be cheend ofaMon-
kiih Verfe : and we were quick-
ly fatiified chat ic was fo by what
followed, which v^as,
Pertrar.fire cave^ nifi prin4 dixeris
Ave
Regina cceli mater,
what followed was fo defaced
thac we couU make nothing of
it, neither indeed were we foli-
ctcous about ir, being abundantly
fatisiicd from what we had read,
cliac sc was 4 Scacue of the moij
BieiTed
of the Synod of Diamper. 7^'fl
Blefled Virgin ; when we return- found him and them all in the
ed to ■ our Portugue^Cy we asked fame Story, that the Name of
him as we did the People alfo ac the Goddefs was written under it,
our Inn, how he came to know and that it was the conftanc Tra-
certainly that it was the Statue dition of the City and Country,
of a Heathen Goddefs, and we
wrought Miracles, and returned afterwards to
Babylon^ from whence they came, others aífirm-»
ing that they died in Coulaon, there being no-
thing writ of them that is Authentick, neither
does it appear that they were ever canonized
by the Church ; but on the contrary, fince they
came from Babylon^ there is juft caufe to fufped:
that they might be Hereticks: Wherefore the
Synod doth command, That all the Churches
which are dedicated to them, be dedicated to
all the Saints, and that the Feftivities ufed to
be kept to their Honour , and the Ner-
chm that ufed to be given upon their days,
(hall be given on All Saints day, being the iirft
of November : and for the future there be no
more Churches dedicated to them. Churches and
Feftivities being never to be dedicated, nor Pray-
ers made to any but to Saints canonized and ap«
proved of by the Church.
%h 2
37^ The JSls and Decrees
©eccec XXVÍ.
WHereas Experience has demonftrated that
many Churches have been Robbed by
reafon of the Poors Box being kept in them
and not opened in many Years, no not when
the neceilities of the Churches did require it j
therefore the Synod doth command , That in
every Church upon the firft of January there be
choíè four fubftantial and confciencious Men to
be Overfeers of the Poor, and to take care of
the Church, who at the end of the Year fhall
open the Poors Box and take out all the Alms
they find therein, which (hall be put down in a
Book by one of the four Overfeers, and the iaid
Alms fhall be afterwards put into a Cheft Lock-
ed with three different Keys, which fhall ftand
in any one of their Houfes as they íhall agree,
of which Keys the Vicar iliall have one, and the
other two the two Overieers, who are not the
Scrivener, nor in whofe Houfes the Cheft is not
kept: He that's the Scrivener fhall alfo have a
Book, in which he íhall fet down the Expences
of the faid Alms, how much has been laid out
upon the Fabrick of the Church , and in the
reparation of the Walls and Roof, how much
in adorning it, and in neceílàry Linen, and in
Pidures, and in keeping it clean : And when-
foever there is any great extraordinary Expence,
it fhall not be made without the conient of the
four Overfeers, according to cuftom, neither
iiiall
of ík S Y N o D of Diamper. 37 j
ihall the Cheft be opened bat when they are all
five prefent, or fome ox\e in the place of him
that is lawfully hindred 5 and when new Over-
feers are chofe, the old ones ihall deliver the
iiiid Cheft to them, for which the Eleit ihall give
a Receipt, that fo it may always appear how
much has been received and how much is re-
maining : And the Prelate in his Vifitation ihall
look over the iaid Books and inform himfelf
of the Expences, and may order the Alms to be
difpofed of as he (ball think fit and neceííàry.
And the Synod intreats the moft Reverend Me-
tropolitan to fee that this Decree be put in exe- -
cution at the Vifitation he intends to make, it
being a thing of great advantage to the Churches.
Decree xxvu.
^ X THereas moft of the Churches of this Dio-
V\ cefs are kept very Nafty, being full of
Duft and Cobwebs, for want of an Officer to
keep the Church clean , therefore the Synod
doth command, that the Overfetr^ appoint a Capiar^
who fiiall be paid out of the Alms, for Sweep-
ing the Church and keeping clean the Lamps
and Candlefticks, and the Capiar ihall take care
that the Church be Swept at leaft three times a
Week, and there be always one Lamp at leaft
lighted before the High Altar, and the Vefiels
wherein the Lamp-Oil is kept, without they be
fo fmall as not to be feen, fhall not be kept in
the Church, nor the Bátegas ov Kettles, nor any
B b 3 thijig
2 74 '^'^^ -^^^ ^^^ i)ecrees
thing elfe that is undecent, but ihall be kept in
the Capiars or Overfcers Hcufes , that fo the
Church tpay be kept clean and decent.
Decree xxviiL
He Synod doth command , That in all
Veftries of Churches there be Cupboards
and Chefts with Locks, to keep the Cups, Cor-
porals, and Ornaments in 5 and where there is
no Veftry until one ihall be built, they ihall be
kept ibme where in the Church , except in the
Hedths^ where the Churches are in danger of being
robbed , where the Vicars ihall keep them in
fheir Houfes, and fh-all by no means leave any
of them upon the Altars, as has been the cuftom,
which v/as the occafion of the Ornaments be-
ing fo dirty, and of the Altars being fo much
out of order : And whereas raoft of the chief
Chapels are extreamly dark , they ihall take
care to have Windows opened , and fortified
with iron to let in Air and Light, which muft
nevertheleis be fo contrived, that the Heathens
when they come may not fee the Divine Myile-
ries thoroy/ them.
Decree xxix.
THereas almoft all the Churches of this Dior
cefs are without Pidures, which was the
effeâ: of their being governed by Nefiorian Víq-
í-ç[ick?3 who do not allow of the healthful uie
of
y
of the Synod of Diamper. 375
of Sacred Images^ therefore the Synod doth
command , That in Churches that are finiihed,
the firft work that ihall be done alter that of
the Baptifmal Font out of the Alms of the Pa-
riih, ihall be to fet up fome Images, according
to the diredlions of the Prelate , who fnall al-
ways be confulted about every PiftiU'c^ and af-
ter that of the High Altar is once fet up, if
the Church has any Side- Altars, they íliaíl alfo
have Images fet up in them, and on every Altar
befides an Image, there ihall be a Crofs or fome
Matter or other fet up 5 and in all Churches that
are large enough, and yet have no Pulpits, Pul-
pits fhall be erefted for the Preaching of the word
of God 5 and they ftiall alfo put Bells in their
Steeples to be rung at meet times, and to call
the People to Church, which iliall not be hung
within the Church, where befides that they can-
not be rung as they ought to be, they do take
up too much room ^ and in places where there
is danger of having their Bells dole, they fliall
have their Steeples fortified and (hut up after
the manner of Towers , and where the Kings
and Bramens of the Pagods will not conient to
their having a Building higher than the Church,
which often happens through their imagining
th^t the Pagods are made melancholly by the
hearing of fuch Bells f, they iliallhang them with-
in the Church but at fuch a height, that they may
ring them without touching them with their
hands, and that they ihall take up no room be-
low in the Church 3 and in thofe Churches where
B b 4 they
37Ó Tl^e Ms and Decrees
they have no Bells, the Synod grants Licence un-
til Rich time as they can procure fonie, to make
ufe of BcTards, as they have done formerly, to
call the Faithful together, and to give the Signal
at the Mafs,
T)ttm XXX.
He Synod doth teach and declare, That by
ancient Right always obferved in the
Church, Churches mav be fo violated in certain
Csfes, that it is not lawful to Celebrate inthem,nor
to bury the Dead until they are reconciled, which
through ignorance of the Canons has not hither-
to been obferved in this Bifhoprickf, the Cafes
are, ivhe^z hufiutne Blood is injuriou fly (bed in
the Church, or there is a Natural Caufe given
of fuch (bedding, or of Death 5 as if one has a
Mortal Wound given him in the Church, or a
Wound that fetches Blood, notvvithftanding the
Wounded Perfon fhall be got out of the Church
before any Blood isfhed, but if the Wound was
given without the Church, notwithftanding the
Blood thereof fhould come to be ilied therein,
lhe Church is not violated thereby 5 and by a
Wound that is injuriouily given in the Church,
whereby Blood is {bed, tho' the Wound fliould
not prove Mortal, the Church is violated. The
fecònd Caie is , when humane Seed is voluntari-
ly /pent in the Church , tho' in conjugal Copula-
tion : The third is, when one that is Exconwm^
nicated is buried in the Church: ■ The fourth,
n'hcn
of the Synod of Diamper. ^yy
when an Infidel is buried in it ^ in which Caie
the Church is not only to be reconciled, but the
Walls are alfo to be fcraped : The fifth is , voken
the Church has been Confecrated or Blejfed by
a Bipoop that vpas publickly Excommunicate 5 in
all which Cafes the Church is to be reconciled,
which reconciliation being to be done to a Church
that was Confecrated by a Biihop, none but a
Biihop can perform it : But having been only
Blefled by one, or by a Prieft , the Vicar may
perform the Reconcihation , according to the
Form, and with the Prayers and Ceremonies
contained in the Roman Ceremonial Tranflated
into Syrian , and it is to be obferved, that when
a Church is violated, the Church-yard that be-
longs to it is violated alfo , if they are not
at fome diftance the one from the other, but
when the Church-yard is violated in any of the
forementioned Cafes, the Church it belongs and
is joined to, is not violated thereby.
Decree xxxi.
]T being of mighty moment that Confecrated
Churches be had in great Reverence 5 and
whereas in this Diocefs it is a common thing for
Sick People out of Devotion to lie in Churches
with their Wives and Families for feveral days,
hoping thereby to be cured of their Oiftempers,
which cannot be done without many Services ,
wherefore the Synod doth command. That no
Perfon whatfoever, tho' never fo Sick , do lie
in
578 IXe ASls and Decrees
in the Church with his Family, the time of War
only excepted, but the Sick having performed
their Devotion , ihall lie at home at their own
Houfes, or if they ihall deiire it may Lodge
in ibme Houfe^ that are near to the Church, or
in the Porches thereof, but by no means within
the Church.
T>zint XXXII.
WHereas there is a great negled in carrying
the Corps of thofe that die in the Heaths
to the Church, which are fometimes buried with-
out a Prieft, and in unconfecrated Earth 5 where-
fore the Synod doth command. That the Kindred,
or thofe in whofe Houfes Chriftians do die, do
carry their Corps, how far foe ver they may live
off, near to the Church, where the Vicars (hall go
to fetch them, with the Crofs of the Church, and
in their Surplice and Stole^ praying all the way
they go with the reft of the Clergy, and Interr
them, which all, tho' never fo poor, ihall be
obliged to do : And if at the time when they
bring the Corps they ihall meet with no Priefts
in the Church, they ihall then aíTemble as many
Chriftians together as conveniently they can, and
bury the Corps in the Church- yard, praying for
their Souls with Chriftian Charity : And who-
foever fhall negledt to bring their Dead to the
Church, and ihall bury them in Profane Ground,
ihall be feverely puniihed by the Bifhop.
I3eccee
w
0/ ífce S Y li o D o/ Diamper. 3 79
Decree xxxiii.
Hereas the Small-Pox is looked upon ia
theíè parts as a very dangerous and infe-
dious Difteraper, for which reafon a great ma-
ny Chriftians dying thereof are not carried to
the Church, nor buried in Holy ground 5 here-
fore the Synod doth very much recommend it
to the Vicars to take order, that the Corps of
fuch as die of that Sicknefs may be brought with
due caution to the Church-yard, where they
with the reft of the Clergy at fome diftance are
to recommend them, and pray for them, as
they do for others, and to fee them interr'd:
all which Chriftian Charity will teach them to
doj according to the Obligation of their Office.
Decree xxxiv.
'T^He Synod doth order that no Town or Vil-
-*- lage, wherein there is a Church dedicated
to any Saint, ihall dedicate the fame to any o-
ther, or if they do, they ihall appoint another
Orago^ or Wake, fo as to have two Feftivals to
prevent thofe Emulations that are common in
thefe parts. The Synod alio condemns the '^ Ig-
norance of thofe Chriftians who imagine that they
* 31ffn02ance '] upon S. Te- a great many people complain of
refa bemg joyned with St. James, the Indignity done to St. James^
in the Patronage oí Spain by Pope their old Patron and General in
Vrban the Vlllih. how loud did all their Wars, by that Partner-
380 Tie JBs and Vecrees
do an injury to a Church, in dedicating a New
one in the fame Country to a different Saint,
from whence it is that all the Churches in the
fame Country are as it were called by the fame
Name, and doth furthermore command, Tliat
upon the Oragds of Churches where there are
Sermons, people having no Sermon in their own
Parifh, do repair thither that fo there may be
no divifions among Churches, to the prejudice
of Charity and Chriftian Unity, as the Synod is
informed there is in many places, all which it
is deiirous to remove, as not becoming Chrifti-
ans, and for the further fervice of the Church
commands Fraternities to be ereded, but efpe-
cially for the feftivities, by which means fuch
things as are neceííàry for the Church may be
greatly advanced.
fhip. Among others, í^«íx;eí/(3, as That the Saints in Heaven did re-
in Honour bound, being a Knight fent fuch Affronts. 3. That it was
of the Order of Sx.. fames^ drew monftrous Ingratitude in Spain to
his pen in his Patron s (parrel, treat a Patron thus,who had fought
and having laid down this as an perfonally on Horfebacic for her
undeniable pofition. That St. in all her Battels with the Moors,
James muft necejjarily be difpara' among whom to this day the Cap-
ged bi having onejoyned with hinji tain on theWhitehorfe wasformi-
and efpeciallj! a Woman^ in a Patro- dable. As to the Text in Scrip-
nage he had enjoyed folelyfor fo ma- ture urged by S. Terefd's Friends
tiy Ages ', did manfully maintain for fuch a partnerihip. i'/^. It k
that, its being faid in the Pope's not good for manto be alone y I mil
Bn\l,That nothing was grantedt herein mahehiman help meet for him. He
to 5.Terefa that fhould be inany wife faith, That confidering what was
to the prejudice or diminution of St. the true intent of thofe words
James, did make that whole grant when they were fpoke, fuch an
null and void, for that joyning her application of them was profane
with St. James in fuch an Office and Heretical*
mufl neccffarily leflcn him : idly.
Decree
of the Synod of Diampen j 8 1
Decree xxxv.
THe Synod doth very much recommend it to
the Vicars of Churches, and other Priefts
to labour much in the Converfion of Infidels^
and that by juft and gentle methods, namely,
by the preaching of the Gofpel to bring them to
the Catholick Faith, and to omit no opportuni-
ty of inftrufting as well the Naires as the Chegos^
or baíèr fort of People in the knowledge of the
Truths but above all, the poor Malleans who
live in the Heaths, who as the Synod is inform-
ed, are lefs wedded to their Errors, particular-
ly that of the Adoration of Idols, and are much
better difpoíèd to receive the Evangelical
Doftrine than others 5 and wheníbever any
Infidel is converted, the Prieft ihall advife the
Prelate thereof, that he may take fuch order
therein as he (hall judge mcft convenient, and
to be moft for the fervice of Chrifl:, earneftly
entreating that the Converfions that are begun
in fome parts by the moft Reverend Metropoli-
tan^ may be carried on by the Clergy of this
Dioceis, by providing themfelves continually of
fuch Priefts as are fit to advance the fame, and
where-ever there is any confiderable number of
Converts, they ftiall immediately build Church-
es, and appoint Vicars to take the Cure of their
Souls.
Decree
J 8 X Tl?e A5ls md Decrees
Decree xxxvi.
WHereas the Synod is informed, That the
meaner fort of People are much better
difpoíèd to receive the Faith than the Naires^ or
Nobles, and being ei^reamly defirous to find
Ibme way whereby fuch well difpofed People
may be made Chriftians, fo as to aíTemble toge-
ther with the old Chriftians, as why íhould they
not, fince they all adore the fame God, with
whom there is no diftinftion ofPeribns,and are all
of the fame Faith, and do all uíè the fame Sacra-
ments, and whereas after matu re deliberation,and
having oftentimes recommended the matter to
God, and conferred about the moft proper me-
thods for the eifedrng oi it in the Congregati-
ons, we have not been able to find any, that are
effedual, by reafon of the Heathen Kings and
Lords to whom all the Chriftians in thefe parts
are fubjed, who, if they ftiould obferve that
we withdraw their common Subjects from their
ReUgion, would correfpond with us no longer to
the lois of the Trade and Commerce we do at
prefent maintain with them, all which being ob-
íèrved by the Synod, it doth command that if
any of the poorer fort of People ftiall deiire to
turn Chriftian, that they be received to Baptifm,
and the Prelate ftiall be advifed thereof, that he
may give order for the building of diflinót
Churches for them, and may appoint Priefts to
take the Cure thereof, that to the meaner fort of
of the Synod of Diamper. 3 83
People may not have the Gate of Chriftianity
and Salvation (hut againft them, as it has been
hitherto in this Church 3 and in caie they have
not a Church to themfelves, they ihall then hear
Mafs without doors in the Porch, until Chrift
(hall provide fome better way for them, and the
Heathen Kings (hall be brought to allow the
mean People that turn Chriftians to be efteemed
as Noble,upon the account of the Relation that all
Chriftians ftand in to one another : and the Sy-
nod doth beg it of His Majefty the King of P<?r-
tugal^ that by means of the great Power he has
in thefe parts, he would procure this privilege
of the Kings and Lords of Malabar^
Decree xxxvii.
T^He Synod being defirous that the Church of
-*- the Serra^ fhould in all things be confor-
mable to the Latin cuftoms, or Holy Mother
Church of Rome^ unto which See ihe has now
yielded a perfed Obedience, and whereas in the
Roman Church, the cuftom is to make the Sign
of the Crofs and Bleilings from the left to the
right, fo that in faying, In the Name of the Fa-
ther^ and of the Son^ and of the Holy Ghofi^ they
put their hand on their Forehead, and after that
deicended to their Breaft, where after having
croiTed themfelves, they go next to the left Shoul-
der, and from thence to the right, thereby fig-
nifying among other Myfteries, that by virtue
of the Crofs of Chrift the Son of God, we are
tran-
384 7?;e JBs and Decrees
tranflated from the left hand, the place of Repro-
bates, to the right, the place of the Eleâ: 5 and the
cuftom of this Diocefs is to make the faid fign from
the right to the left 0 wherefore the Synod doth
command that all Children and all other Peo-
ple be taught to crofs and blefs themfelves from
the left to the right, according to the Latin cu-
ftom, which ihall alfo be obferved by the Priefts
in the bleffings they give to the People, and in
the Croffes they make in the Holy Sacrifice of
the Mafs^ and the Adminiftration of the other
Sacraments,
©ectee xxxviir.
THe Synod doth declare. That the Executi-
on of Laft Wills lawfully made by decea-
fed Chriftians does by the Canon Law belong to
Prelates and Biihops, who are to take care that
they be obfer^^ed , and that whatfoever Chrifti-
an has made a Will that is valid according to the
cuftom of the place, if it is not comply ed with
in a Year after the Death of the Teftator, the
Bifliop (hall by cenfures, and other Penalties, if
found neceflary conftrain the Heirs, or others,
whofe Duty it is to fulfill the fame.
Darn
of the Synod of Diamper. j 8 5
Deem xxxix.
WHereas it often happens that Perfons dy-
ing who were under the fcandal of ha-
ving committed fome grievous Sin, tho' never
proved upon them, are upon that account de-
nyed the Prayers, and other Offices of the Dead,
eipecially if they defired Confeffion, and were
confeffed at their Death, which is contrary to the
order and cuftom of the Church, which deprives
none of her publick Prayers, but fuch as die Ex-
communicate, or in the Aâ: of fome Mortal Sin,
without having given any fign of Contrition :
Therefore the Synod doth command, that what-
ibever Sins one may have committed, if thecen-
fure of Excommunication was not annexed to
them f. or unlefs the Perfon died in the very Ad
of fome Mortal Sin, without giving any fign of
Contrition, or flowly in his Bed, without defi-
ling to be confeílèd, or to have a Prieft called to
him to that eíFed, as is appointed by the Decrees
of the Sacrament of Penance^ they ihall pray and
perform the Office of the Dead for him, and bu-
ry him in Holy Ground with the fame Prayers
they do other People.
©eccee XL.
THe Synod having; thanked the Jefiits of
the College of Vaipcotta in this Diocefsj
and of the other Refidencies, for the pains they
C c ' have
3 Sá The Ms 4)ti Decrees
have been at in inftrufting the Chriftians of theie
parts, does for the greater benefit of the Souls of
the faid Chriftians, grant Licence to the faid Re-
ligions, as well of the College, as of their other
greater Reiideneies to preach and hear Confeffi-
cns, and adminifter the Sacraments in all Chur-
ches where-eveir they come, without ftânding in
need of any further Licence, the Sacrament of
McLtrimony only excepted, which it (hall not be
lawful for them to adminifter without leave from,
or at the requeft of the Parifli- Priefts, command-
ing all Vicars and Curates of Churches, and all
the People to receive the faid Fathers cheerful-
ly, and to entertain them with great Kindneis
and Thank?, for the great trouble they are at
in travelling continually ever the Mountains only
for the Salvation of their Souls, and rejoyce to
learn from them how to adminifter the Sacra-
ments, and to have their Flocks inftruc^ed by
them in all fuch Dodrines as are neceiiary to
their Souls, and their Vicars ftiall oblige their
People to come to Church, to hear them, when-
ever they preach, tlie Synod being very confi-
dent, that the faid Fathers will exercife all the
iaid Fnnfttons in great Love and Charity with
the Parifn, and all the other Priefts of th&
' Church.
'^ZiKZZ
of th S Y N o p of Diaraper. |8'7
C)ectee XLI.
Hereas the Conftitutions of the Biílioprick
OÍ Goa have been received in the Pro-
vincial Councils thereof, and have been ordered
to be obierved thorow the whole Province, of
which this Church being a Suffragan^ is obliged by
the faid Councils, and to which this Synod yield-
ing a due Obedience, doth command. That in
all things that can be obferved in this Biíhoprick,
or concerning which there is no proviíion made
m this Synod, the iaid Conftitutions be kept
and obeyed, and doth likewife command, That
Appeals whenfoever made from Sentences given
in this Biíhoprick to the Meírí?pí>//í^;?, fuch Ap-
peals being made in fuch Cafes wherein the Ca-
nons allow them, ihall be granted , neverthe-
kfs not intending hereby to alter any thing iri
that mild method of the Prelate, and four or
more Perfons compofing Matters amicably to the
prevention of many Difcords, but if the Parties
ihall not fubmit to fuch determinations, but will
appeal to the. Metropolitan^ it (hall not be denyed
them, being done in due form.
Ce â Acíi-
J 88 The ABs and Decrees
Action IX.
Of the (^formation of Manners»
Decree I.
WHereas of all the evil Cuftoms that are to
be Footed from among the Faithful, thofe
are the raoft dangerous which have fomething of
the Heathen Superftition in them, of which this
Biihoprick is full , therefore the Synod deiiring
that allfuch cuftoms were totally extirpated, that
fo Chrifiians may enjoy Chriftianity in its purity,
doth in order thereunto command,that aU Superfti-
tious waihings which are by fome moft fuperftiti-
oufly praftifed as Holy Ceremonies be utterly abo-
li fhed, fuch as the wartiing of Dead Corps the Day
afcer they have given z Dole , reckoning it a Sin
to negled fuch wailiings, the making of Circles
with Rice, into which they put the Parties that are
to be Married, having given Rice before to Chil-
dren, as alio the taking a thred out with great Su-
perftition when they cut a Webof Cloath, and the
taking two grains of AWe back again, after they
have fold and meafured it : all which Heatheniih
Vanities the Synod totally prohibits, commanding
oil that ihali ufe them hereafter to be feverely
puniilied.
Decree
i
of th S Y ?í o D of Diamper. 389
Decree n.
THo* it would much rejoice the Synod to
fee the Superftitious and abfurd Cwftoms of
the Heathen malavars of the better ibrt not
mixing with the lower, and of having no com-
munication or correfpondence with thofe that
have but touched any of them, totally abohilied
among theChriftians of this Biihoprick s yet for-
afmuch as the Chriftians thereof, by reaíbn of
their being fubjeâ: to Infidel Princes, whom they
are forced to obey in all things, wherein the
Faith is no ways concerned, and that Chriftians,
if they (hould but touch thofe of the bafer rank,
could not after that, according to the Laws, have
any Trade or communication with the better
fort of People, and ib would not be able to live
among them 5 for which reafon the Synod doth
declare. That the cuftom of not touching any
of the bafer fort, being obferved only in com-
plyance with the Heathens , and looked upon c.s
a Superftitious Heathen Vanity, and not volunta-
rily obferved, is no Superftition, nor for the above-
mentioned Reafons any matter of fcruple, and
that Chriftians may in all places thus lawfully
obferve it , where there are Naires or any of
the better fortf or where it is likely they may
be, or may come to hear of it : But in all places
w^here thefe Cauies do not concurr, or in iecrer,
or among the Porti/guezes^ this Superftition cannot
be obferved without" doing a great injury to
C c 3 their
^po The^Jãs and Decreed
their Confciences 5 on the contrary, the Synod
doth admoniih all the Faithful to receive all
fuch with great Love and Charity, tho' never fo,
poor nnd mean, and efpecially if they are Chrih
ftjans , knowing that there is no diftinftron of
Perfons with God, who is Lord of all": And
albeit they do not touch the bafe fort of Peo-
ple upon the forementioned account, yet if they
ihould happen to touch any of them, they íhalí
not waih themfelves thereupon, that being a thing
that can never come to the knowledge of the
Heathens, and would therefore be a manifeft
Superftition ^ thofe alfo that will not touch the
Ndtres^ or if they ihould, do waih themfelves,
v/hich, as the Synod is informed, is what the
Chriftians in the Sonthern parts do obferve, where
the forementioned impediment is not among the
Heathens, who are rather fcandalizcd by fuch a
contemptuous Carriage : Therefore the Synod
doth ccmsmand all that fhall be found guilty of
forbearing to touch fuch , or having touched
them, iball wafii themfelves, to be feverely pn-
niihed as Superftitious followers of the Heathen
Cuitoms, and commands the Preachers and Con-
felibrs to admcnifn them thereof in their Ssr-
niohs and ConfeiTions,
Deccce
of the S V N o D of Ufamper. 3 p i
Oecçíc HI
''T^He Synod being informçcl, that in fomc parts
-■- when any one of the bafer fort do but couch
the Cifterns of Chriftians , that Chriftians dp
* Difef^polear or Purify them, by performing cer-
tain Ceremonies after the manner of the Hea-
thens, which is very contrary to the Purity of
the Chriftian Rehgion, being an intolerable Sii-
perdition, doth with great rigour command thofe
that make the faid Difempokdmsnto or Vurificati-
on^ oruie the faid Ceremonies, to be thrown out
of the Communion of the Church, and to be de-
nied the Cajltire during the Prelate's pleafure, or at
leaft for one Year, and to be punifhed with the
Penalties that fuch Ceremonies do deferve.
* This word Dí/èm;)o/M>-, comes j this vile caft of People is called
from Lleas , which is the name ( by.
Decree iv.
"ITjTHereas in the Feaft of the Heathen, called
^^ Qna^ which is Celebrated in Auguji ^ in
vyhich they go out one againft another with
Bows and Arrows, and other Arms, in which
conflids fome are killed, and more wounded 5
and fome Chriftians, unmindful of their Obliga-
tions, living among them, and communicating
much with them, do go forth with them, and
Armed as they are to the faid Feafts, and are
thereby liable to the fame Difafters : Therefore
C c 4 the
59i 'ti'if ABs and Decrees
the Synod doth command all the Faithful Chri-
ftians of this BJihoprick, in Holy Obedience, and
upon pain of Excommunication, not to prefume
to refer t to this or any other Heathen Feftivity,
tho' there fhould be no Ceremony belonging to a
Vdgod therein , forafniuch as all fuch Feafts are
dedicated to the faid Pagods, and are celebrated
and cbferved to their Honour and Veneration 5
which is the rather to be forbore in this of the
0/;.^, by reafon of the danger of death that there
is probably therein, the Heathens fuperftitioufly
imagining that all that die in that occafion, go
immediately to Heaven ^ but Chriftians fhall only
obferve their own Holy Feftivities am.ong them-
^ielves, and that wjth a due moderation and de-
cency, as becomes the Profeílòrs of the Law of
Chrift^ without having any thing to do with
the Snperftitious Fefuvals of the Heathens, vi^hich
are dedicated to the Honour of the Devil, and
if any Chriftian ihall die in the faid Heathen
Feaftj he ihall be denied Eccleíiaftical Burial.
V
^ttttt V.
Ai:hful Chriftians muft not only avoid the
Ceremonies and Saperftitions of the Heathens^
but thi^ Jt/dairal Rites and Ceremonies alio, which
were alx abrogated by the fufiicient promulgati-
on of -the Gofpel, for which reaibn the Synod,
tho' it doth very much commend the Holy Cu-
ftom of carrying Children to Church forty dsys
ifi^'tGjíh^V;^re.bpri3, to offer, theni tc the Lord,
of the Synod of Diamper. ^ ^ j
In imitation and praife of what was done by our
Lady the raoft Holy Virgin ^ nevertheleís it con-
demns the feparating of Women for the faid forty
days after the birth of a Male, as if they were
unclean fo as not to fuííer them to enter into
the Church, imagining they would fin in doing
it, and eighty days after the birth of a Female 5
both which are Jtwiffj Ceremonies, that are now
abrogated, and not only ufelefs but prejudicial,
and as fuch, the Synod doth totally prohibit the
obíèrvance of them 5 declaring, that if Women
have Health and Strength fooner, they ihall be
obliged to go to Church to hear Mafs upon
Sundays 2i\\à Holy- days ; and after forty days they
may,according to their Cuftom, carry their Sons to
Church with Devotion, underftanding that there
is no Precept of the Church for it, but that it
is only a pious Devotion of faithful Women
that are willing to make fuch an Offering of
their Sons to God in imitation of the moft Holy
Virgin Mary^ the Mother of God, taking her
for the Intercefior of the Children thus offered
to God both for Spirituals and Temporals.
Decree vi.
ONe of the greateft Sins in the fight of God,
and which he has always prohibited and
punilhed above all others , is the confilting of
Witches^ and fuch as hold a cofrefpondence with
the Devil 5 wherefore the Synod being informed
that a great many Chriftians of this Biíhoprick,
and
394 ^ ^^^ ^^^ Decrees
and efpecially among thofe that live in the
Heaths^ by reafon of the Communication they
have with hfidels , and their having fo many
Witches and Fortime-tellers about them, when
they intend to Marry, have recourfe to fuch
People to know what Succefs they ihall havç,
governing themíèlves fo much by what they are
told , as to break off Matches after they are
concluded, and to make new ones at the plea-
fure of the faid Witches i^ as alfo when they are
Sick, that they fend for fuch People to perforn^
fome Ceremony whereby they hope to have their
Health reftored 5 and at other times to help them
to Children , and to difcover Thefts , and for
ieveral other purpofes ; all which are things re-
pugnant to the Chriftian Religion, doth corar
mand all Chriftians convifted of having con-
fulted any of the faid Witches for theíè or any
other purpofes , to be thrown out of the Church ;
neither (hall any Priefl: go to their Houfes or
give them the Cafinre^ during the Prelate's plea-
fure , or for one Year at leaft , and (hall be
puniihed with fnch other Penalties as the Ce-
remonies they performed and confented to ihall
deferve.
Decree
of the Synod of EKamper. r^j
Decree vii.
THe Synod being informed, that fome wic-
ked Chriftians are not content only to go
to Witches to confult them, but do furthermore
fend for them to their Houfes, where they joyn
vvith them in the Invocation of their Pagods^ and
in making offerings and Sacrifices to them, in
killing Dogs, and performing other Ceremonies,
that are contrary to the Faith, namely, one which
they call ToUicannm^ OUicamtm^ Bellicornm^ Co'
nnm^ which they do often publickly to the great
fcandal of Chriftianity, as if they were not Chri-
ftians, and at other times permit the Heathens to
perform them in their Houfes, doth command in
virtue of Holy Obedience, and upon pain of
Excommunication to be Ipfo faão incurred, that
no Chriftian (hall prefume to perform any of
the faid Ceremonies, or confent to the perfor-
ming of them in their Houfes, and that all that do
tranfgrefs therein, ihall be declared Excommuni-
cate in the Church, until they ihall beg for mer-
cy, and have undergone condign and publick
Puniihment in the Church, and tho' upon their
Repentance appearing to be true and iincere,
they may be abfolved, yet they ihall not have
the Cajiure given them, neither fhall any Prieft
go to their Houfes in two Years, fave in caíè of
peril of Death 5 and they who ihall go to offer
any thing to a Pagod^ or (hall make any Vow to
one, ihall be puniilied after the fame manner,
and
^p6 The AEls and "Decrees
and with the fame Penarice, and (hall incurrEx»
communication Ipfi faão, in all which Matters
the Vicar muft be very watchful for the preven-
tion of all fuch Idolatries.
Decree viii.
AGieat many ignorant Chriftians of this Bi-
ihoprick being unmindful of the Purity of
their Chriftian Obligations, do carry Notes a-
bout them which have been given them by
Witches for the Cure of their Diftempers, hoping
for relief from their vertue, hanging them like-
wife about the Necks of their Cattle to keep
them well, and putting them in their Orchards
to encreafe the Fruit, and communicating them
to feveral other things for various effeds 5 all
which the Synod detefting as Diabolical, doth
command all that are guilty thereof to be fevere-
ly puniihed by the Prelate, and all Vicars not to
permit any fuch Offenders to enter into the
Church, nor to give them the Cajiure^ and no
Priefks to go to their Houfes, and they fhall be
compell'd to deliver all fuch Notes to their Vi-
cars to be torn, and all that have ufed any of
them, tho' they (hould never do it more, fhall
be puniihed for the fpace of fix months with the
raid Penalties,
2?CCltÇ
of the Synod of Diamper. j 97
5)ecree ix.
THe Onzena^ or praâice of llfury, is a grie-
vous Sin in the fight of God, and is very
much condemned in the Scriptures, Chrift com-
manding us to lend to others , homing for nO'
thing again , and the Synod being very much
troubled to find the greateft part of the Chrifti-
ans of this Dioceis entangled therein, through
their ignorance of what gains are lawful, and
what are not, and of what may be kept, and what
ought to be reftored, doth therefore admoniih
in the Lord, all Faithful Chriftians to confult
the Learned about thefe Matters, giving them
an account of all their Contrads, in order to
their being rightly inftruâ:ed as to what they
may lawfully take for Money they have lent out.
And the Synod doth furthermore declare, that
according to the beft Information it has receiv-
ed, the Intereft of Money in Malabar is Ten per
Cent, and whatever is taken more, if the Prin-
cipal runs no "^ risk is Onzena^ or Uiury, and as
* 3ííÍ0fe» 3 Moft Convents in with the common praftice of rhe
trading Cities lend out Money ac Church of Rome^ the Monks and
6 or 7 fer Cent, and take as much Friars not excepted, yet it plain-
care to fecure tlieir Principal, as ly contradiâs the Doârine of
any Ufurer whatfoever, fo that that Church, which is, that all
the diftinfticn of Lucrum CeffanSy fort cf Ufury is a Mortal Sin jfor
zx\à Damnum emergens viWl cither if the taking of lo ^er Cent, {or
jliftifie a legal Intereft in gene- Money, and thai where the prin-
ral, or it will not juftifie what cipal runs no risk, is not Ufury, it
the^ lending Convents do. But will be hard to tell what ij.
tho' this Decree falls in exaâly
to
^ j>8 The JSls and Decrees
to the Ten they (hall likewife confult the Learn-
ed, to whom they (hall declare how Money may
be improved in the place where it is lent, that
ÍO they may be able to tell them, whether k be
lawful for them to take fo much, for it may hap-
pen that in ibme places, there will not be ib
^nuch to be got by the Negotiating of Money,
which muft make fuch an high intereft to be
there unlawful, and whoroe\»er Ihali tak-e -more
than Ten per Cent, if bis Principal runs no risk,
after having been three times admoniihed by the
Prelate or Vicar without Amendment ftiall be
declared Excommunicate, and ihall not be ab-
folved until he has diíTolved the faid Contrad.
£)cci;ec X.
npHe Synod doth condemn the taking of One
^ pr Cent, hy the month, where the Principal
Tuns no risk, being fecured by a pledge, and of
Two per Cent, by the Month, if the one is not
payed punftually, fuch Contrafts being veryiin-
juft and manifeft Onzena^ or Ufury, fo that nei-
ther the want of a pledge, nor any thing elfe can
Juftifie the taking of Two per Cent, by the month,
if the Principal is not in danger, all which Con-
trads the Synod doth prohibit, and the Vicars
to give their confent to any fuch, and where
they are made to diííòlve them, compelling all
that are faulty therein by Penalties and Cenfures
if it ihall be found neceflary : The Synod doth
furthermore condemn their calling all Gain ari-
fing
of the StkCd of Diamper. 399
fing from Money, Onzena^ becaufe it gives occafi-
on for forae to imagine that all fuch Gain is un-
lawful, and notwithftanding fuch Gain is law-
ful, and may be juftly taken in feveral Cafes, to
fcruple the taking any.
S)ect:ee xi.
TT/'Hereas there are great numbers of Chrifti-
'^ ans who for want of having the Fear of
God and the Church before their Eyes, do co-
habit publickly with Concubines, to the great
fcandai of Chriftianity 5 the Vicars ihall there-
fore with great Charity admoniih all fuch Of-
fenders, three times declaring to them. That if
they do not reform, they muft declare them Ex-
communicate, and if after fo many Admonitions
they do not turn away their Concubines, they
muft be Excommunicated until they are effeftual-
ly parted, and be puniihed with other Penalties
at the pleafure of the Prelate, according to the
time that they have lived in that Sin , and
when it (hall fo happen that their Concubines
are their Slaves, they ihall conftrain them not
only to turn them out of their Houfes, but to
fend them out of the Country where they live,
that there may be no more danger of their re-
lapfing, which ihall be hkewife obferved as to all
other Women where there is the fame danger.
Decree
400 Tl)e ASis and Decrees
Decree xii.
npHe Synod doth very earneftly recommend it
-*- to all Mafters and Fathers of Families, to be
very watchful over the Lives and Manners of
their Slaves and Servants, and the rather for ha-
ving been informed, that moft of the Black Wo-
men belonging to Chriftians in this Biihoprick,
do lead very ill Lives in being publick Whores,
and known to be fuch by their Mafters^ never
going to Mdfs or Conpjfion^ and being totally ig-
norant of the Chriftian PLeligion, their Mafters
taking no care to have them inftruâred therein,
or of the good of their Souls, notwithftanding
the Obligation they are under of doing it, St.
Vaul having told us» that he that does not tai^e
care ofhk Family^ is worfe than an Infidel. Where-
fore the Synod doth very much recommend it to
the Vicars of Churches to be very watchful over,
and to make diligent Inquiry into the Lives of
the Slaves that are in their Pariihes, and as they
ihall fee occaiion to exhort their Mafters, and
oblige them not to fufFer their Slaves to live in a
Cnful State.
Decree xin.
"11 rHereas fevcral poor wretched Chriftians fol«
^ lowing the Cuftom of the Heathen among
whom they live, when they find themfelves pin-
ched with any want, do, contrary to all right and
reafon,
of the S y ÍÍ OD t)f Diamper. J^õ-i
rcafon, fell their Children : Wherefore the Synod
doth in Virtue of Obedience, arid npon pain of
the greater Excommunication, prohibit all Cbrt-*
ftians to fell their Children, or any of their Kin-
dred, no not to other Ghriftians, and doth un-
der the fame Precept and cenfure forbid all
Ghriftians to buy any fuch, or to keep them as
Slaves, except when they fee Parents fo far de-
fpife this prohibition, as to be ready to fell their
Children to Infidels, in which cafe they may
buy them to keep the Chriftian Children from
coming under the power of Heathens, whom
neverthelefs they ihall not keep as Slavesj but
ihall forthwith fignifie what they have done, t(?
the Prelate, that he ma^^ take fuch courfe there-
in, that the Buyer may have his Money, and the
Child its liberty, and the Seller may bepuniihed :
all that ihall buy fuch Children in any other cafe*
as well as thofe that fell them, (hall be held Excom-^
tnunicate until they have effeÓtually diílblved all
fuch Bargains ^ and if the Child do happen to be
made an Infidel, he that fold it ihall not» be ab-
folved until he has ranfomed the faid Child, or
at leaft until the Vicar and People are fatisfied
of his having done all that he is able to have re-
deemed it, and the Synod doth furthermore re-^
commend it to the Vicars and Curates of Chur-
ches, and to all Chriftian People, that whenever
any fuch thing happens, they do all that is' in
their power to recover fuch Children, rind to
tanfom them whatever it coft, by contributing
Money towards itj and by complaining thereof
D d to
40I The Aãs and T>ecrees
to their Kings, and advifing the Prelate of it,
leaving no means untried to refcue fuch Chil-
dren, that fo they may not be bred up Infidels.
. Dectee xiv.
'TpHe Synod doth approve of the laudable
-^ Cuftom of this Dioceis of Mens giving the
Tenth part of their Wives Portion when they
are Married, to the Church 5 as alio of that of
making a repartition of the faid Alms betwixt
the Fabrick of the Church and the Priefts there-
of 5 and whereas this Cuftom does not obtain^
all over the Diocefs, and efpecially in the Southern.
Parts, the Synod doth intreat and command all'
People to conform themfelves to the fame , and
willeth that the People among whom this Cuftom
is not as yet introduced, may be obliged to it
by their Procurators , there being no reaibn,
iince it is obierved in the greater part of this
Dioceis, why it ihould not be eftabliftied all
over it.
Decree xv.
WHereas by the ancient Cuftom confented to/
by the Infidel Kings oi Malabar^ the whole
Governfenent of the Chriftians of this Biihoprick,
, not only in Spirituals but in Temporals alfo, is
devolved to the Church and the Bifhop thereof
who is to determine all differences that are 9^
mong Chriftians, and that fome dreading th^
Juaice an^^ Judgmer^,^,flf ,^e ^r^^^ in their
r .. . Con-
of the S T N o D of Diamptr. 40 ^
Controverfies , do without any fear of God,
carry them before Infidel Rings and their Judges,
who are eafily bribed to do as they would have
them, to the great prejudice of ChriftiaDity 3
the faid Kings taking occafion from thence to
intrude themfelves into the Affairs of Chrifiians,
by which means, befides that they do not under-
ftand fuch Matters, being Tyrants and Idolaters,
they become very grievous and vexatious to
Chriftians 5 for the avoiding of which, and feve-
ral other mifchiefs arifing from thence to Chri-
ftianity, the Synod doth ftriftly command all the
Chriftians of this Diocefs, not upon any pretence
whatfoever, to prefume to carry any of their
Cauies before Infidel Kings or their Judge?, with-
out exprefs Licence from the Pre! are ; which,
whenfoever it iliall be judged neceííàry , H^all
be granted to them as (hall be thoughu fit in the
Lord ^ but all Caufes ihall be firft carried before
the Prelate, that he may judge or corapTcfe them
according to Reafon and Juftice y and all that (hall
do otherwife, fhall be feverely punifhed for the
fame, at the pleafure of the Prelate , and be
thrown out of the Church for fo long time as
he (hall think fit.
Í ■ ^ ©ectcc XVL
WHereas the Chriftians of this Bifhcprick
are fubjed: to Kings and Lords that are
Infidels, by whom they are many times obliged
toliandleBars of hot Iron, or to thruft their
Dd 2 Hand
404 The AEls and Decrees
Hand into boyling Oil, or to fwim thorow Ri-
vers that are full of Snakes , reckoning, that if
they are innocent, none of thoie things can hurt
them, but will certainly, if guilty of what they
are accufed ; And feeing ther-e dre not wanting,
ibme ill- minded Chriftians, who finding theni-
felves unjuftiy accufed, do voluntarily offer them*
felves to undergo the faid Ordeals for the mani-
feftation of their Innocency j. and notwithftan-
ding that it is true that God has fometimes con-
curr'd with Peoples Innocency and Simplicity in
fuch Cafes, by not fuifering them to be hurt by
fuch things ô nevertheleís íince for any to offer
themfelves to undergo fuch Ordeals^ is to tempt
God, and to pretend to work a Miracle, which
is not lawful, and may fometimes fo fucceed, as
to be a great affront to our Cathplick Faith ,
therefore the Synod doth prohibit all Chriftians
to prefume to offer themfdves to undergo any
fuch Ordeali^ knowing that they fin mortally in
fo doing , in being guilty therein of tempting
God^ commanding ail that. íhalí tranfgrefb there-
in, to be feverely puniftied. And when it (hall
happen that any fuch Ordeals fhall be ib impo-
fed upon them by their Infidel Princes, that
there is no avoiding it, in fuch Cafes they (hall
fubmit themfelves to the Will of God, as to the
Injuftices and Violences laid upon them by Infidel
Tyrants^ and in cafe of any Oath being tendred
to them by infidels, wherein they muft fwear by
their Pagods , they mufi: know that they ought
rather to fuffer death, than take any fuch Ojtb,
the
of the Synod of Dlamper. 405
lhe taking of an Oath being an ad of Worfhip
and Veneration, that is due to God alone: Nei-
ther ihall Chriftians ufe any Ordeals among them-
felves, or Oaths, but fuch as were in ufe in the
Church, the forefaid Oaths being what Chriftians
ought to dread more than all the Torments of
the World.
Decree xvii,
WHereas the diftindion of the Faithful from
Unbelievers, even by outward figns and
habits, is a thing which has always been endea-
voured, that fo the one may be known and di-
vided from the other 5 therefore the Synod ha-
ving obferved that there is no diftindkion neither
in their Habits nor in their Hair, nor in any
thing elfe, betwixt the Chriftians of this J )ioceft
and the Heathen Naires , doth command, that
hencefcfl-ward no Chriftian do prefume to bore
their Ears, or to do any thing to make .them
large, except Women , among whom it is an
Univerfal Ornament ^ and whofoever ftiall tranf-
grefs herein, fhall be puniftied at the pleafure of
the Prelate, who ftiall not fuffer them to wear
an Ornament of Gold or of any thing elfe in
their Ears 5 and whofover ftiall prefume to wear
any fuch Ornament, ftiall be thrown out of the
Church,neither ftiall the Cajim-e be given them un-
til fuch time as they are brought to yield eifedual
Obedience, and to leave off all fuch Ornaments 3
but as for thofe wbofe Ears are bored already,
Dd 3 if
40 6 The Jcls and Decrees
if they are not Children, they may wear what
they pleafe, or what they have accuftomed them-
felves to. .
Decree xviii.
'He Synod being defiro-us to reftifie what-
ever is amiis in this Dioceis, and ib far
as it is poffible, to reform all evil Cuftoms ,
and having obferved the great Debauchery of
many, and efpecially of the poorer fort, in
drinking Grraca^ from whence do follow maiiy
Diiafters, Murders, and Wounds^ wherefore in
order to the preventing fuch IViifchiefs fo far as
is poffible, the Synod doth prohibit the felling
of Orracam any Chriftian Inn, neither ihall Chri-
ftians Trade in that Commodity upon pain of
being puniilied at the pleafure of the Prelate,
by which means not only Diforders, but the great
Communication the Faithful hath with the Hea-
then in fuch Inns, will alio be prevented.
Decree xix.
WHereasit Is a manifeft Injuftice to have di-
verfe Weights in the fame Country, the
Synod being informed, that in many Markets of
this Bifhoprick every one fells with what Weights
they pleafe, doth command. That there be but
one Weight for the fame Merchandize in a Mar-
ket and all the Shops thereof, and that it be the
pfual Weight of the place 5 to which all that do
not
of the Synod of Diamper. 407
not yield Obedience, fhall be admoniihed by the
Vicars, and ii they do not reform thereupon, fhall
chaftifed at the pleafure of the Prelate , who
Ihall conftrain them to the fame by Penalties and
Cenfures, if they ihall be found neceííáry , there
being no other Government among the Chrifti-
ans of this Diocefs but that of the Church, nor
no other coercive Powei?; t>ut that of Cenfures.
'.^ú^imé'^ iiSyttUZ XX.
' ;■ n ■ OH»; /'<]\:m
-TX/Hereas an unreafonable Cuftom has efetain-
r;;'^' cd in this Diocefs, wz.. That Males only
inherit their Fathers Goods, the Females having
no fhare at all thereof^ and that not only when
there are Sons, but when there are Daughters
only, and they unmarried, and many times In-
fants, by which means great numbers of them
periih, and others ruin themfelves for want of
neceflaries ,' the Fathers Goods falling to the
Males that are next in Blood, tho' never ib re-
mote or collateral, there being no regard had
to Daughters no more than if their Parents
were under no obligation to provide for them 5
all which being very unreafonable, and contrary
to the natural right that Sons and Daughters
ic-have to fucceed, to the good of their Parents,
- the Kindred who have thus poflèíTed themfelves
of fuch Goods, are bound to reftore them to
the Daughters as the lawfal Heireiies to them 5
wherefore the Synod doth decree and decbre
this Cuftom to be UnjaiV, and that the next
D d 4 a- kin
4q8 Tl)^ Ms and Decrees
a-kin can have no right when there areDaughr
ters to inherit their Father's Eftate , and being
poílefièd of fach Eftates , are bound in confci-
ençe to reftore them, neither is it lawful for
the Males to divide the Eftate among them, with-
out giving any equal Portion to the Females 5 or
if they have not done it already, they ftand in?
dgbted for their Portions ^ or if the Father has
difpofed of the third part of his Eftate by Will,
the remaining two parts ftjall be equally divided
betwixt the Sons and the Daughters, the Porti-
ons that have been received by thofe that are
fnarried being difcounted , all which the Synod
doth command to be obferved, intreating and
commanding all the Chriftians of the Diocefs to
receive this Decree as a Law , and obíèrve it
intirely, it being laid as a duty upon their Con-
fciences 0 snd if any (hall ad: other wife, and be-
ing a Kinfman, fhall fcize upon the Goods be-
longing to Daughters 5 or being a Son, ftiall de-
ay w give Portions to his Sifters, or being in
poílèffion of the íàid Goods, ihall refufe to make
reftitutioa y the Prelate, if it cannot be done
otherwiie, ihall compeli them to it by Penalties
and Cenfures , declaring them Excommunicate,'
without any hope of Abfolution, until fuch time
as they fnail pay an efiedual Obedience, and
piall make reítituiion^
ca
!o/ the Synod of Diamper. 40^
Decree xxr.
THe Adoption of Sons is not lawful, but in
defeâ: of natural Children 5 which not be-
ing underftood by the Chriftians of this Bifhop-
rick through their ignorance of the Law, they
do commonly Adopt the Children of their Slaves
born in their Houíès, or of other People, difin»
heriting their lawfully begotten Children, foraq-
times upon the account of ibme diíFerences they
have had with them , and fometimes only for
the affeâion they have to Strangers, all which
is contrary to Law and Reaion, and is a mani-
feft injuftice and wrong done to their legitimate
Children , wherefore the Synod doth declare,
that the faid Adoptions muft not be pradtifed
where there are natural Children, and being
done are void, fo that' the Perfons thus Adopted
are not capable of inheriting any thing, except
what may be left them by way of Legacy, which
muft not exceed the third of the Eft ate 5 no,
not tho' the Adoption was made before there
were any Legitimate Children to inherit. The
Synod doth furthermore declare. That the A-
doptions which have been made iDefore the cele-
bration of this Synod, where there are Children,
and the Adopted are not in actual poílèffion of
the Eftaté, are void, neither ftiall the Adopted
have any (hare thereof, or having had any, ihall
be obliged to reftore it, to which if it be found
peceííàry, the'Prelate ihall compeli thern by Pen-
ipaltiçs,
41 o Tk Aãs and Decrees
nakics and Cenfures s but as to thofe who by
virtue of fuch Adoptions, have for a long time
been in quiet pofieííion of Eftates, the Synod
by this Decree does not intend to difpoíièís
them thereof, by reafon of the great difturbance
"and confufion the doing fo would make in this
Dioceis, which is what this Synod pretends to
hinder, leaving every one however in fuch Cafes,
at liberty to take their remedy at Law.
Decree xxii.
WHereas the way of Adopting by ancient
Cuftom in this Diocefs, is. to carry the
^Parties that are to be Adopted before the Biihop
or Prelate, with certain Teftimonials , before
whom they declare, that they take fuch a one
for their Son, whereupon the Biihop paiTeth an
OUa or Certificate, and fo the Adoption is per-
feded ^ the Synod doth command. That from
kenceforward, the Prelate do not accept of an
Adoption from any that have Children of their
own ^ or in cafe they have none, yet it íhall
be declared in the OUa^ That if they fhall
afterwards happen to have any , that the íàid
OUa íhall be void to all intents and purpofes^
by which means the great Injuftices that
vjre now fo common in this Diocefs will be
prevented.
2?cctee
of the Synod of Diampen 4 \ i
S)ecree xxni.
THe Synod being defirous to have all the
Chriftians of this Diocefs to live together
in Villages, by reafon of the great inconveni-
encies they are under that live in the Heaths^
as well by reafon of the great communication
they muft have with Infidels, as for wanting
opportunities of going to Church, and Sacra-
ments, whereby they are kept in ignorance of
Chriftianity, doth in order thereunto very ear-
lieftly recommend it to all Chriftians that live
in Heaths^ to do all they are able, either to
come and live in fonie Village, ortobaild new
Villages with Churches, that fo they may live
more civilly, and be ieparated from the com-
munication of Infidels, and be the better in-
ftrufted in the Cuftoms of our Holy Catholick
Faith, recommending it earneftly to the Vicars
to perfuade their Sheep thereunto, for the Spi-
ritual profit they will receive thereby: which
the Prelate ihall alio endeavour with all his
power.
©ecree xxiv.
^T^He Synod having taken into confideration
-*- the manifold Injuftices , Oppreilions and
Grievances wherev/ith Infidel Kings and Gover-
nours do often treat the Chriftians of this Bi-
fhoprick 5 aiid that cut of enmity to our Holy
Catholick Faith, and obferving the neceility they
are
41?- The ABs and Decrees
are in of Defence and Proteftion , doth with
great inftance deiire, That his Majefty the King
of Portugal would be gracioufly pleafed to take
all the Chriftians of this Biihoprick under hh
Favour and "^ Protedion , he being the only
Ghriftian King or Lord in all thefe Oriental Parts ,
and the Chriftians of this Diocefs ihall on their
* ^^OtCííion.] By this we
kCj the King of Cochim was doc
jealous without reafon, that the
Arch-Bifhop had a Scare deilgti in
the great pains and charge he was
at in the reduélion of his Ghrifti-
an Subjeftsj and tho' nothing
was talked of but the Pop\ and
the Roman Obedience, that the
King of Spaitii and the augmen-
tation of his fircngth in the Indies
by the acceilion of fo many new
Subjeds, was the main Spring in
the Enterprize. I will noc fay,
tho' it is probable enough, that
the Arch-Bifhop by magnifying
this Service ac the Courc of Spain,
got firft to be Governour of che
Indies, and afterwards to be Go-
vernour of all the Dominions of
Portugal, and Prefident of thç
Council of State at Madrid ; but
this we are fure of, that that Ser-
vice to the Crown of Spdn was
much boailed of here in Ewope by
others. For the Jefuic //<?>«/ in
his Book De Rebus Japonick,
fpeaking of this very thing, faith,
Chx res quanto Regite Majeftati
emolumento fit latuya, mrunt qui
non ignorant, quanti fit momenti,
gentem in tota India leãijjimam, à
temporibus B. Thoma Chrijiiano cul-
tui dedi^um^ tàmç^v.e mmerofum (^
potentem, ut armatos ad Trtginta
Millia in prompt u h abe at cum Lttft-
tanis unire, ad Eccleftee Romans
obedientiam revocare, <iy in Fidem.
ditionemque Regis Catholici accipere.
But as it is vifible that the in-
creaiin^ of the Portuguen^eiirength
in the Indies, by the acceflion of
fo many new Suhjefts, was what
both zhç Arch-Bi(íiop and Spanifh
Government aimed at chiefly in
the troublefome and chargeable
reduition of this Church : So it
is certain , that from this very
Year 1 599, the Portii^ue^e Hifto-
rians do begin to reckon the dc-
clination-ofcheir ftrength inthofe
parts; who give the following
Account of the three Ages of cheir
Indian Government j that it was
in its Infancy till the Y^ar ' S^i,
and from that time iill the Year
1600, in ics Manhood or full
firength, and ever fmcc has been
in its Old declining Age, and is
now in truth become fo decrepit^,
as to be only the Ghoftofa great
Name. Neither is this to be won-
dred at, confidering how common
a thing it is for God to blaft the
moil promifing Securities, when
obtained by fuch violent and un-:
lawful Methods,
of the Synod 0/ Diamper. 41 j
parts be ready at all times to facrifice their Lives
to their Holy Catholick Faith, the preíèrvatioíi
of Chriftianity , and the defence of Chriftirins,
which they (hall be always prepared to do with
their Lives and Fortunes 5 befeeching the moft
Reverend Metropolitan^ Prefident of this Synod,
to prefent this their Petition to his Majefty, and
to let him know how ready all the Chriftians
of this Biihoprick are to íèrve him.
'S>ZtUZ XXV*
WHereas in this Synod , Matters pertaining to
our Holy Catholick Faith,the Holy Sacra-
ments of the Church, the Reformation of Affairs
thereof, and the Cuftoms of Chriftian People
have been handled 5 the Synod doth command
all Vicars of Churches not to fail to have all its
Decrees Tranfcrib'ed from the Original Malabar^
and to have a Copy thereof in all their Churches,
Signed by the Reverend the Arch-Deaeon of
this Diocefs, and the Reftor of the College of
Vatpicotta^ and upon every Sunday and Holy-day^
when there is no Sermon nor no Lefture upon
the Catechifm fet forth by the moft Reverend
Metropolitan , that a portion of this Synod be
read to the People 5 but on the Seaibns when
the faid Catechifm is ordered to be read, it ihall
be read on SHndays^^xià the Synod upon Holy-
days^ that fo all that is decreed therein may
come to the knowledge of the People, and may
be remembred and obferved by them 5 the Ori-
ginal
414 ^ ^^^ ^^^ and Decrees
ginal of the faid Synod being Signed by the
moft Reverend Metwpolitan and all the other
Members thereof, (hall be put in the Archives
of the JefuJtes College oi Vaipicottam this Dio-
cefs, from whence fo many Copies as (ball be
thought neceilary , fhall be tranfmitted to the
Churches 3 there (hall alio be another Original
Signed by the moft Reverend Metropolitan^ the
Arch-Deacon, and other Members, kept in the
Archives' of the Church of Angamale^ called the
Arch-Biihop's &e, that all Copies may at all
times be Correded according to either of thoie
Originals 3 and the Synod doth furthermore re-
commend it to all Vicars, Priefts, and Curates,
and to all and every Chriftian of this Dioceis,
and commands them all in the Lord to conform
themiclves to the Decrees of this Diocefan Synod,
and ib far as is in their power, to obierve and
caufe them to be obferved inviolably, and to
govern themíèlves by them in all things 3 which
the Synod is confident they will do with the
help of God the Father^ Son^ and Holy Ghojiy
Vi>ho liveth and reigneth for ever : Amen,
After the Decrees were read, the Biihoprick
was divided into Seventy-five parifhes, whofe
Bounds were greater or leííèr as was judged to
be moft convenient for' the adminiftration of
the Holy Sacraments, and the Spiritual Food of
the Faithful, Vicars were alfo nominated to
them all, and the Churches that were not able
to maintain a Vicar were united : The Vicars
after they were named , were brought in one
by
o/í/?e Synod p/ Diamper. - 41 j
by one to kiis the Metropolitans Hand, who at
the fame time gave them their Collation, de-
claring to them the greatnefs of their Authority,
and of the Obligations of their Office, and com-
nianding the People to acknowledge them as
their Pariih-Priefts and the Shepherds of their
Souls. After they had all, one after another, per-
formed this Ceremony , they were admoniihed
all together in the prefence of the People by
the moft Reverend Metropolitan^ to comply with
the Obligations of their Funftion, and being all
upon their Knees before him, he delivered the
following Charge to them.
' Venerable and beloved Brethren, and fel-
' low Priefts, and particular Paftors of the Faith-
* ful, We let you all to underftand, that we, tho*
* unworthy of it, are in the place of Aaron, sind
' ye of Eleazar and Ehitaman, the lower Priefts 3
' we are in the place of the Apoflles of our Lord
' Chrift, y^ in that of the Seventy-two Difciples 0
' we are to give a ftriâ: Account of you at the
' tremendous Day of Judgment , you of the
' People that are now committed to you : Now
' that we may be all found good and faithful
' Stewards in our Mafter's Houfe, we do admo-
* niih and befeech you , beloved Brethren in
* Chrift, to remember what we are about to fay
* unto you, and which is of moft importance,
* be fure to obíèrve it and put jt in execution. In
' the firft place we do admonifti and beíèech you
* in the Lord, to have your Life and Conver-
«fatious unblam^iç,> yielditug íhç.6your of a
..i vji^.^^iiv :>..?.,•' ,^«..«..-^.^. «good
4^6 TItc Aã$ and Decreed
good Name, and Example to the People of
God,' in fuíFering no Women, and efpecially
thofe of which the World may entertain any
fufpicion, tho' Slaves, to live in your Houfes^
neither are you to converfe with any of the
Sex ^ you muft not tail to rife every Night to
recite the Divine Office in the Church, which
muft be performed at fome certain hour^ and
after that is done, none of you muft fay Mafs
otherwife than Fafting, and after Midnight for-
ward^ and in the Holy Habits, which muft al-
ways be kept clean, ye ftiall receive the Body
and Blood of our Cord Jefus Chrift, with ali
Reverence and Humility, confefling your Sins
to fome approved Confeflbr, with great con-
trition and forrow for them, but eipecially if
your Coniciences do check you for any fault
you have committed. The Corporal and Valls
muft be made of Linen, neither can they with-
out an Apoftolical 'difpenfation, be made of
any other Cloth, and muft be always kept clean.
The Holy Veffels you are always to wafti with
your own hands, and that in other clean VeiTcls
dedicated to that uie 5 putting the Water where-
in they were waftied, either into the Font or
into ibme Ciftern dug for the purpofe in the
Church-yard, and drying them with all dili-
gence. The Altar muft be covered with clean
Towels, of which at the time of Celebnttion.
there muft be at leaft three with a Cor pôr aL
neither muft any thing befides Reliques or Sacfed
things belonging to the Altar be laid upon it*
of the Synod of Diamf)er. 2^\f
* The Miííâls, Breviaries, and Pn^yer^ Books, muft
^ be perfed and entire: Your Churches nfufr be
'well covered,. and both the Walls and Pave-
' ments muft be kept clean. In the Sacrifty, or
' fomewhere near to the High Altar,there muft be a
' place to hold Water, wherein the Corporals and
' Holy Veílèls are to be waihed, as alfo the Hands of
* thoie that have touched any of the Pioly Oils ^
' and in the Sacrifty there muft be a Vellel with
* dean Water for the Prielb and others that
' have miniftred at the Altar, to wafn their
' Hatids, and a clean Towel to dry them ^ the
' Gates and Porches of the Churches muft be
' ftrong and well ftiut. None of you ftialltake
' the cure of a Church upon you without the
' Prelate's knowledge and order, notVv^ithrtanding
'you ftiould be called to it by the People 5
'neither fhall any of you leave the Churches you
' have a. Title to, nor be tranflnced to another
' Church v^ithout his Order. None iliall pre-
' fume to hold more than one Church, contrary
' to the difpoiition of the Holy Canons. The
' Jurifdiction of no Church ftiall be divided a-
' raong many, but every Church fhall have its
'own Parifti-Prieft and Paftor. None (hall Ce-
' lebrate any v;here but in a Church, or with any
' fort of Arms. None ftiail give the Holy Sa-
' craraentto any of another PariQ), v/iihouc leave
' from their Parifn-pMeft. hi the celebraticn of
' the M^fs ye [hall all obferve the fame Ccrerao-
' mes,that there may be no Confuiion nor Scandal.
'TheChaliCe or Patten muft be of Gold, Silver,
E e 'Brafs
41 8 Tl7e JBs and Decrees
«Brafs orTinn, and not of Iron, Glafs, Copper,
' or Wood. The Pariih and other Priefts muft
' vifit and comfort the Sick in their Pariihes,
* ConfeiTing them and giving them the moft Holy
* Sacrament of the Altar, and the Holy Unftion,
< with their own hands , admoniihing the Sick
' when they vifit them to defire thoíè Sacraments,
' when they (hall judge them necelíàry. None
* fhall take any Fee for baptizing or for the ad-
* miniftring of any Sacrament, or for burying the
* Dead. No Child ihall die without Baptifm
* through your negligence, nor no fick Perion
' without Confejfioff^ and the Holy Commnnion.
* None of you ihall Drink to exceis, or be noted
* for the fame, or for being quarrelfom 5 None
' of you rauft bear Arms, nor eat and drink in
* Taverns and Inns. Ye ihall not eat with, an
' Itjfidel^ Mahometajf^ Jen\ or Hcathen 5 neither
* (hall you imploy your felf in Hawking, Hun-
* ting, or Shooting. What you' know of the
* Gofpel of Chrift, of the Holy Scriptures, and
* of good Examples join'd with pure Catholick
' Dodrine, ye fhall deliver to the People on the
' Lord's'day and Holy- days, preaching the word
'of God, to the edification of your Flocks. You
' muft take care of the Poor, and of Strangers
' and Widows, of the Sick and the Orphans of
* your feveral Pariihes. You muft be fure to keep
' Hofpitality, inviting Strangers to your Tables,
'therein giving good Example to others. Up-
* on every Lord's- day before NUfs ye ihall Bleis
' the Water with Salt in the Church, with which
'you
of the S Y N o D 0/ Diamper. 41^
' yqu are to fprinkle the People, taking it out
^ of a Veflel or Pot made for that purpofe. Ye
' (hall not pawn any Sacred Veílèls or Ornaments
' of the Church, neither to Heathen nor Chrifti-
^ an. Ye ihall not take Ufury, nor engage your
' felves in Contrads or Farms, nor in any Secular
' publick Office ; ye ihall not alienate the Goods
' which ye have acquired after ye were in Orders^
' becaufe they belong to the Church , neither
' (hall ye fell or change any thing belonging to
* the Church. In Churches where there are Bap-
' tifmal Fonts, they fhall always be kept clean,
' and where there are none, ye (hall have a par»
' ticular VeiTel for Baptifm, which (hall be put
' to no other ufe, and (ball be kept in fome de^
' cent place in the Church or Sacrifty. Ye ihall
* teach your Pariihioners, and eipecially the Chil-
' dren, Ú\t Articles of the Creed, the Pater Nofier,
^ the Commandments of the Law of God and
' of Holy Mother Church , the Fafts of the
' four Seafons , and the Vigils. And before
' Lefit ye (hal4 call upon your People to
' Coniefs, and (hall hear their Confeffions with
* great charity and zeal, for their Spiritual profit.
' Upon the Feafts of the Nativity^ Eafier, and
* Whitfhntide^ ye (hall exhort all the Faithful to re-
* ceive the moft Holy Sacrament of Ch rift's Body,
^ and at Eajier at leaft ye fhall take heed that all
* that are capable do receive it. All quarrels, diffe-
' rences and enmities that ihall arife among your
^ Subjects , ye fhali endeavour to compoie and
* oblige them all to live as Friends in Chriftian
E e 2 Charity 5
4 lo The Jãs and Decrees
« Charity 5 and if there be any that give offence by
< refiiiing to fpeak to their Neighbours, being in
* malice with thern, ye ihall admcnifh them there-
* of, and fo long as they continue to behave them-
« ielves fo, ye (hall not faiFer them to receive the
' Holy Sacrament of the Altar. At certain times,
^ but chiefly upon folemn Feftivities and Fails, ye
' fhall admoniQi Married Men, according to a
* Holy Gounci), to abftain from their Wives.
* None of you (hall wear coloured Cloaths, cr
,* any Habit but what is grave and decent for
* Prierts to wear. Ye (hall inftruâ: your People
* to forbear Working on Sundaj/sând Holy-days:,
'neither (liall ye fufFer Women to Sing or Dance
' in the Church. Ye (ball not communicate with
« any that are Excommunicate, nor prefume fo
* much as to Celebrate where any fuch are pre-
' fent. Ye fhall admonifh your People not to
' Marry with any that are contracted to others,
* nor with their near Kinfwomen, nor with any
'they have itole out of their Fathers Houíès ,
' neither iliall ye íiifíer the iblemnities of Mar-
' riage, and of carrying home a Bride, to beat
* a time prohibited by the Church. Ye ihall
'conftrain Shepherds and other Servants to hear
' M^fs. at lead every Lcrd^s-day^ and ihall ad-
'moniih God- fathers and God mothers to teadi
' their God-children the Creed and Pater Noftcr^
'or to appoint others to inftrud them. The
' Chrjfm or Holy Oil of the Catechumeni^ and Sick,
' (hall be kept in the Church under Lock and Key,
' and in a decent and fecure place, of which ye
'ihall
of the S Y x o D of Diamper. 4Z i
' Qiall give none away, no not by way of Alais,
'it being a moft; grievous Sacrilege to do it.
' Every one of you muft have a Catechifm, an
' Expoiition of the Creed, and of the Prayers
*■ of the Church, conformable to the Expoiivion
* of the Holy Catholick Doctors, by which yc
'■ may both ediiie your feives arid others. Ye
' muft alfo have this Synod, that fo you may go-
' vern both your feives and your People by its
' Rules. Ye ihall declare the Catholick Fai:h
' to all that will learn it. The Introitus to the
^ Mafs^ the ]?rnyers^ Epijilcs^ Gofpelf, and Creed
'in the M«i/}, (hall be read with a loud and
' intelhgible Voice, hut xhc Secret Prajcrs of the
' Ca?;on and Co jifcc ration^ fhall be fpoke flowly
* and diftinâ:ly, but with a low Voice: When
' ye recite in the Quire, ye muft let one Vcrfe
' be ended before ye begin another, and not
' confound the Service by chopping it up and
' jumbling it together. Ye muft ftudy to have
' St. i4í/jí2;/<2/7//cf's Creed, v/hich contains the Ca-
' tholick Faith, by heart, and repeat it dayly :
' The Exonijms^ Prayers, the order of "Baptifm,
' Unâion of the Sick, the recommendation of
' the S0UI5 and the burial of the Dead, ye mult
' underftand and practife, according to the Holy
' Canons, and the ufe of the Holy Ror/ian Church,
' the Mother and Miftrefs of ail the other Churches
^ in the World, as alfo the Exorcifmsn and the
' confecration of Salt and Waaler. Ye Qiall ftudy
'to underftand Singing, and. the things that arc
'Cham^id iq, th^ Church,- )a^^,ai&. /the Rnbricks
E e 3 ' 'of
421 TItc JSls and Dtcrm
' of the Breviary and Mijjkl^ that ye may be able
' to find what you look for I as alfo the Account
^ of the Moveable Feafts, and oiEaften, in which,
' that you may not be miftaken, ye muft be fure
' to have the Martyrology of the Saints in all your
* Churches, which we will take care to have
^ tranflated into Syrian. All which ye ihall ob-
'^ ferve, that fo by thefe and your other good
^ Works , ye may, by the help of God, bring
^ both your felves and your People to that Glo-
^ ry which ihall endure for ever, and be beftow-
^ ed on you through the Grace of our Lord Jefus
^Chrift, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
* liveth and reigneth for ever and ever: Amen,
The Speech and Admonition to the Vicars and
Priefts being ended, the moft Reverend Metro-
politan commanded them all to Sign the Origi-
nal Decrees of the Synod, tranflated into M^/W-
l?ar, defiling them, if they had the leaft fcrupie
concerning any thing commanded or declared in
the Synod, thofe excepted that have been de-
creed and decided already , that they would
ilgnifie them openly before they Subfcribed, that
there might be no doubt or controverfie about
11 ny thing hereafter : So after ieveral Doubts
had been coniidercd and fatisfied, they did $à\
unanir£iOí3íly Suhfcribe to the Synod. ^*
Then the Books of the Synod were delivered
to the molt Reverend Metrapolitan^ who being
in his Pofítificaís , ;md feated e^n his Throne
with a Mitie on his Headj Subfcribed the faid
Decrees ^
of the Synod of Diamper. 42 j
Decrees ^ which being done, a Table was íèt in
the middle of the chief Chappel, and the De-
crees being laid upon it, all that were called
to ihr Synod, as well Eccleiiafticks as Secular Pro-
curators, Signed and Subfcribed them with their
own hands before the whole Synod and People.
The Synod coniifted of 819, «//z,. 133 Priefts,
befides Deacons and Sub-Deacons , and others
of the Clergy, and 660 Procurators of the Peo-
ple, and other principal Men of the Laity, befides
the Inhabitants of the Town of Diamptr^ where
the Synod was held, and of ieveral other neigh-
bouring Villages 5 there were likewiie prefent
a great number of Portuguezes^ who came along
with Do?7 Antonio De Neronha^ Governour of
Cochim, who together with all the other Magi-
ftrates of the City, aíTifted at the Synod.
The Decrees being Signed, the moft Reverend
Metropolitan rofe up, and having taken off his
Mitre, kneeled down before the High Altar, and
begun the Te Deum^ with which, to the great
joy of ail that were prefent, a folemn ProceiTion
round the Church was begun , the Quire finging
that and fome other Píàlms, the Latines in Latin^
and the Native Priefts in Chaldcc^ and the People
their Feftivity in Malabar : proceeding to praiie
God with abundance of tears and joy, in three
Tongues in the Unity of the Faith, and Good-
will among them all, for having at laft obtained
that, which they had To long defired of Almighty
God, Three Perfons^ and One Nature^ the Father^
the Son^ and the Holy Ghofi^ who liveth and reigneth
for ever : Amen. E e 4 After
4X4 The Ms and Decrees
After the Proceffion was over, the niofl Re^
x^ercnd Metrnpoht an gomg to the High Altar^
rzd.àxh^VY2LytX Exàíidi qt{£f!imHr^ Domine^ as it
is in ú\Q¥ontijÍ€al'-^ which being ended, he feated .
hirafelf upon his Throne with the Mitre on his
Head, and his Paftoral Staff in his Hand, and
clirefting his Difceurfe to the People iaid, 1 give
many ihankj to Almighty God the Author of all
good thi)igf^ for this great, favour he has vouchfafed
to niQ a/fd j'otiy and ail the faithfnl people of this
Eifioprickj, in fermitting us to celebrate this Synod
matigre all the ipipediments which Satan the enemy
ofSouls^ had created to obflruli it^ by fiirring up
Contentions and Debates on pnrpofe to feparate thk
Chriftiamty from the Union of the Catholick^ Churchy
and to hep them in their old Errors^ as you all
very mell kpoiv, I do alfo give n/any thanks to
God, for hk having been p leafed to order Matters fb^
that this rvhc-le Affhir Jhould end with fo much Joy^
Peace and. Concord, as you all fee it does, andfo
much to the forrow of Infidel and Idolatrous Kings^
and of all the other . Enemies of our Holy Catkolick^
Faith. I do alfo than\ you my moft dear Brethren
and fellow Priefh and Coadjutors, and you my be-
loved Sons the Procurators of the People^ and all
the other principal P-erfons who have been prefent
at this Synod, that not regarding the troubles of
the Ways and Times , nor the difpleafure of the
Kings to whom you are fubjeCl $ you have, as true
Chriftians defirous of Salvation, ov^r-lool{ed aU thofe,
Inconveniencies , and obeyed our Precept in affem-
hling your fèhes together to treat about the good
of the Synod of Diamper. 415
of your Souls , for which- God will reward you
ivith Eterml Life^ ^f you perfevere in the purity
of the Faith you have here profeji, and which you
have been taught by this Synod^ and fJdall conform
your Lives and Manners to its Decrees. I trufl
in the Lord that he will carry you back^ fafe to
your Houfes^ and blefs you and your Families and
Pofierity for ever 5 which God of his infinitç
Grace and Mercy grant. Amen.
This Difcouríè being ended, the moft Reve-
rend Metropolitan rofe up, and with abundance
of tears gave his folemn BleiTing to the People,
and after that, the Arch- Deacon with a loud
voice faid , Let us depart in peace ''^ to which the
whole Synod anfwered in the name of Chrift, -
Amen. And thus the Diocefan Synod ended the
26th of June^ in the Year 1599, to the Honour
and Praife of our Lord Jefus Chrift, who with
the Father and the Holy Spirit^ liveth and reigneth
for ever : Amen.
The Synod being ended in conformity to
what had been ordained therein, there was gi-
ven to every one of the Vicars that was nomi-
nated to any Church by the moft Reverend
Metropolitan^ a Stone Altar, Confecrated by his
LordJIjip for that purpofe, their former Altars not
having been duly Confecrated 5 as alio a Box
with the Vefíels of Holy Oils, together with
Directions how to uíè them : There was more-
over a Book of the Adminiftration of the Sacra-
ments according to the Roman ufe , tranflated
into Chaldee and Syrian, given to every Vicar,
and
42 ó Th AEls and Decrees
and another which contained the whole Chrifti-
an Doftrine in the Malabar Tongue, for the
inftrudion of Children and others, as alfoa Sur-
plice to be ufed in the adminiftration of Sacra-
ments, which was what had never been in uie
among them , the Churches were alio furnifhed
with Corporals, Veftments, Frontais, Cups, and
what- ever elíè was neceflary .to the Miniftry of
the Altar, all which were wanting in moft
Churches j and all the Controverfies, whether
betwixt Corporations or particular Perfons, that
were brought before the Synod, were decided
by the moft Reverend Metropolitan and his Alíèf-
íbrs, after which they all departed in peace. -
The moft Reverend Metropolitau, as foon as
the Synod was ended, begun his Viiication of all
the Churches in the Diocefs, in order to put the
Decrees of the Synod in execution » reciting the
principal and moft neceílàry of them in every
Church, and delivering the Books, Breviaries,
and Miííàls, as well of the Churches as of par-
ticular Perfons every where, and burning the
Books condemned by the Synod, and correâing
others, puting the Vicars in poíTeííion of their
Churches, who were every where received as
fuch by the People, who fettled Revenues upon
them 5 of which, together with what was given
them by the moft Reverend Metropolitan ^ they
made OUas^ or Inftruments in the Churches, cre-
ating four Church- wardens, and opening the
Church Boxes, and in a word, ordering whate-
ver was neceflary to be done. The Clergy,
who
of the Synod of Diamper. 417
who had not been prefent at the Synod, made a"
profeifion of the Faith, the Confeilors were ex-
amined, and had Licences given them in writing
according to their abilities, and the neceíTity of
the Church, prohibiting all others to hear Con-
feffions : Where there was a Font, they alio
Baptized all the Children that they found un-
chriftened^ and had thoíè brought in that were in
the Heaths , where there were many that were
Eight and Ten Years old unchriftened. ' They
Conlfirmed the whole People, and Abfolved all
that were Excommunicate 5 many of which, ac-
cording to their cuftom , had continued ib for
twenty or thirty Years, and efpecially for Mur-
ther, for which they never grant Abfolution, no
not at the hour of death 5 the Metropolitan preach-
ed every day to Chriftians in the Church, and to
Jnfidels (who flocked to fee him) in the Church
Porch, treating with them about Baptiim when
he came to fay Ingredimini in SanUam Dei Ec-
cleftam^ feveral of which he perfuaded to turn
Chriftians, who after having learned their Cate=
chiim, were Baptized by him at other places :
He Catechized the Children in the Malabar
Tongue , and finding there was none of them
that underftood their Catechifm , he ordered
them to be taught it every day out of Books
that were kept in the Church. Finally, where
he met with any that were difpoíèd to Marry,
he Married them, and gave Orders about every
thing elfe relating to the Synod, which he did
in the Form following,
After
428 The AEls and Decrees
. After the mo(\ Pveverend Metropolitan had
been received by the whole People with great
Joy and Feftivity , according to their faihion,
and carried in Proceiiion to the Church, the
way as he went being covered with Cloth or
Mats, or Boughs of Trees , after the common
Ceremony of Bleííing and Abfolution, the whole
People both Men and Women , came with a
mofc profound Humility and Reverence to kiis
his Hands, and to yield Obedience to him 5 he
went to Church betimes in the Morning with
the whole Clergy and People f. where after ha-
ving Confelled himíèlf before the High Altar,
which he did for the great need there was of
having thofe Chriftians inftruded in the Sacrament
of Confeifion,which was in ufe among them but in
few places, he faid Mafs, When Mafs was
ended. Father Francifio Roz, Mafter of the Chal^
dean and Syrian Languages in the Jefuites Col-
lege at Faipicotta^ with the reft of the Fathers
deputed to that Work, and fome of the moft
learned Cac^anares afiembled together in the Sa-
crifty, or in fome other place appointed, where
in obedience to the Excommunication of the
Synod, all the Syrian Books were brought be-
fore them, as well thofe that belonged to the
Churches, as thofe belonging to private Perfons ;
all which were emended, delivering thofe which
were condemned by the Synod to the Metro-
politan^ who burnt them all. The Metropolitan
having in the mean time put on his Pontificals^
fat down and Preached at length to the People^
ail
of the Synod g/ Diamper. 429
all the neceilary Doftrines of Faith and Man-
ners 5 after which Difcourfe the chief Decrees
of the Synod were pubhfhed , and a Proceííi-
OQ for the Dead was made round the Church,
to which fuch vaft multitudes of Heathens re-
forted to fee the Novelty, and the Pontifical
Vefiments, that they filled the Church-yard and
Windows' : After the Proceffion for the Dead
was ended, and the Dodrine of 'Purgatory^ and
the benefits of praying for them declared, the
Metropolitan having feated himfelf, began a Dif-
courfe of the Sacrament of Confirmation^ accor-
ding to the neceffities of the People, and after
that Anointed all that were prefent, then he
Baptized all the Children of Chrifiian Parents
in his Pontificals^ and fuch of the adult Hea-
thens as deiired it, who were called together
the day before to that purpofe. The Metropo-
litan whenever he came to the words Ingredimi^
ni Sana am Dei Ecck^am^ beginning a Diícouríè
to the Heathens and Naires^ that flocked to fee
the Ceremony performed, who the' all Armed
with Bows and Arrows and other Weapons, and
in their own Country remote from the Portu*
gnezes^ did quietly and chearfuUy hear all that
he faid to them, not only concerning the Faith
of Jefus Chrift, but alfo the indignities and hard
words which he beftowed upon their Idols and
Priefls in order to undeceive them : When the
Sermon and Baptifm was over, the Eccleiiafticks
that were not prefent at the Synod, made a pro-
feíTion of the Faiih before the People in tiie
hands
43 o Tl?e AEls and Decrees
hands of the Metropolitan^ and having called all
the Children together, and ordering them to
kneel round his Chair, he began a Chamaz, or fet of
Prayers in their own Tongue , which they all
íàid after him, and having Bleílèd them all, made
a Diicourfe to them fuitable to their Age, to^"
the great iatisfaftion of their Parents, teaching
them the Veneration that is due to the moft
fweet Name of Jefas^ to which, agreeable to the
NeflorUn Doftrine wherein they had been edu-
cated, they had payed no manner of Refped :
After that he induced the Vicar in the preíènce
of the People, charging him with the Flock
which received him for their Paftor, and where
there were any to be Married he Married them ^
great numbers alfo Confeiied themfelves to him,
and received the moft Holy Sacrament at his
hands, among whom were abundance of Ancient
People, whohad never ConfeOed themfc4ves be-
fore : In the Evening the People aOerabled to^
gether and agreed about the Stipend, they de?:
termined to fettle upon their Vicar, which vvas
Regiftred in OUas^ that were to be kept in thç
Church 5 and having opened the Money-Box of
the Church, they diftributed fuch Alms as they
thought neceíTary. The Metropolitan and the
Fathers that were in his Company, having ex-
amined the Ca^a^ares, to fuch as hè found to be
qualified for it, he granted a Licence in writing to
be Confeííòrs ; after that he heard all the Com-
plaints and Controverfíesthat were among Chrifti-
ans, and having thofe four principal Men, with the
confent
of th Synod of CHamper. 4 j \
confent of the Parties, they decided them all
according to the Cuftoms of the Country, and
the Judgment of the Metropolitan^ íò as to exdude
all árther Procefs or Appeals 5 he then Abfol-
ved all that were Excommunicate , and feveral
that had lain twenty or thirty Years under that
Cenfure, there being feveral Cafes wherein they
were fo barbarous, as never to grant Abíòluti-
on, no not at the hour of Death, injoyning
every one fuch Penances as were fuitable to their
Faults, omitting nothing that he judged neceííàry
to the good of the Church and People 5 in all
which he was accompanied and affifted by five
Jefuites^ who were all zealous for the Salvation
of Souls, and well skilled in the Malabar Tongue,
and two of them in the Chaldee alfo, they wer^
Father Hieronyr4o Cotta^ Father Jorgye de Crafio,
Father Francifco Roz^ who is now the moft wor-
thy Biihop of that Dioceís, Father AntomQ Tú-
fcano, and Brother Johu Maria : Father Freji Braz,
de Santa Maria^ a Divine of the Order of St.
AuftiHy was Confeílòr to the moft lUuftrious
Metropolitan , there were alio three Canons of
the Metropolitan Church of Goa^ and the Metro-
politans two Chaplains , and feveral Qa^anares
that were Natives, who celebrated the Divine
Offices both in Chaldee and Syrian^ whom the
moft llluftrious Metropolitan made great ufe of
in íèveral Occafions. In the reduftion of this
Church to the Cátholick Faith, many remarkable
things happened, in which God manifefted how
much that Work j^asi fon.his r^^vkei .and in
""'"^^^"^^^"•^-^ ■ ^ the
4j^ T7;e JBs and tkcrm
the Vifitation of the Churches there were íe»
veral Succeílès of great edification, and that were
much for God^s Praife, which (hall, God willing,
be written in another place, for his Glory who
liveth and reigneih for ever. Ámtn*
The Letter of Dom Andre Bifhop of Coclnm,
to the Synod, being Affembled.
T^Rethren^ in my judgment all you who are cal-
\jt hi the Chriftians of St. Thomas, do owe
PiHch to God^ for his having hy means of that
Apofile^ chofe you from among fitch multitudes of
Infidels as the Eail is filled with .^ to enlighten
your under jlandings with the Truths and for having
made you ^ as St. Peter faith, a Holy Nation, a
purchaíèd People .* For you are not to imagine
ihat your Forefathers did defirve more at the hands
of God, than the other Infidels that were their Con-
temporaries, and yet you fee hovp God was pleafed
to chufe them^ and you by their means, when at
the fame time he left others and their Pofterity
in their natural M.ifery'^ for which there ran he
no other Caufc ajfigned , htit that it was the Will
of God to extend that Mercy to you and your
Forefathers, which he denied to all the other Peo-
ple of thefe Parts ^ and what makes this Mercy to
be the greater and more Vlnflrious, is. That God
was pleafed to bring ypu to the Faith, not by the
Minijhy of fome obfimx Pcrfon of fmall Authority,
which
of the Synod of Diamper. 4J5
which has been the Cafe of m.iny other Chrijiians^
hut by fending two chofn and beloved Apoftks to
yoii^ for your greater Honour^ and that this Church
mght J4ijlly ftik 7t /^//^'Apoíloiical:, a privilege that
VPds granted but to few Churches that arc now in being
in the Worlds iiud which the l\ictro[wlitan of Qox\^
ilaruinople voas long ago amhitiov.s of nj arming to
himfelf if he might have bee^i permiiied. But
Satan, the great Enemy to all that's Good^ envying
the great Glory of this Churchy luboiircd to forv the
Tares of Errours and Hcrefes in this Eield of
Chriji's, and the Apojile St. Thomas 5 and fo coming
from Babylon and the hand, of the Chalcicrins, he
brought along 'ivith him fome of the JDiftiples ef
the perfidious "Neftorius to pervert this Clwrch,-
This Neftorius rras condemned as a EJeretick^ in
Aiia minor, in the City of Ephefus, in a Council
of 200 Bifops^ and aftcnvards in a Council cf
630 Bifiops: He rcas fo wickçd and perverje an
Herctick^, that befides the puniflmient infiClcd. c?t
him fir his Sins by Men^ God alfi begun to pU"
nijh him in this JLife^ c>^^^"S ^-'^^^^ "^^ '^ vccre an
carncfi of thcfc Punijhments and Torments rwhich
be is now fn firing in Elell '^ pr befides his being
depofcd and deprived of his Bijhopric!\^ ani
Condemned by the forementiohxd and other fijl/oiv-
ing Councils^ and Banijhed by lhe Sentem e çf the
Empcrour Theodofius the U. n^ho then R^igfied^
to the Dcfarts íT/^iEgypr, and hií having his Bocks
btfrned by the command of the fiiid Emperour le-
fore his death , his Tongue with which he h<d
uttered finch great BLifphemics, rotted m his Mouthy
" F f ' as
4J4 Xk ^Bs {tnd Decrees ■
as did alfo Jdh wJjole Body^ and bei /!g eat up with
Lice he expired'^ firreudring his Soul to the Devil^
as Evagrius, a Noble Writer who lived at the fame
time^ relates 5 and the fame is reported of him by
^^icephorus, Cedrenus, a^d other Greek Writers.
^he Difciples of this curfed Heretick^ being brought
^ into this Chhrch by the Devil^ fowed their Errours
in it }pjth/)itt being obfervèd by you^ who were a
..ftniple fincere People --^ infomuch that St. Thomas
^when he was on Earthy might have faid the fame
J,fhat St.l^'^iiudid to thofe of Ephefus , where
^^Keilorius ja-izj" afterwards Condemned'^ 1 know
that after my departure greedy Wolves fhall
.come among you^ not fparing the Fiock : And
well might the Paflors you have had among you
be fi?//t'5 , devouring Wolves.^ who being a bafe
and inconjidcrahle People^ had no other intent hut
-J^fi, vçh y ail of. all they could , taking Money for
0j!'ders y "^ Difpçnfãtions^ for Ahfolutions^ and for
all Sacraments úrtd Sacred things , as you very
well k}2on> 5 a thing fo abominable in , the fight of
■,Çjod^ that St. Vq\:(:y the Prince of the Apojlles^ for
^4his Sin only threw Simon Viãgus out of the Churchy
and Excommujiicated him^ as you may fee. in the
Ads of the ApoGlesf infomuch^ Brethren^ that we
fee that filfiltd in you ^ and. in your. Prelates^ who
came from Babylon, which was foretold by God
* ^ifpcnfutíOnçO what was ever heard of in th« Bjh-
■ Goulfl die poor Maiavar s cqk^- ^/i^nChurchjOr that the Declamer
4, ^çlurie from hence, but thac either was one of a ,ftrange aííurance
'.r.o fuch thing às tlie taking of to condeinn the doing of it at
'^oncy for Wfpenfatiorif , i^c. iuch a Tragical rate as he does.
of the Synod of Diartiper. 4] J
fo many Years before by the Prophet ííaiah, The
Shepherds themielves had no underftanding,
they have all gone out of the Way, and froni
the firft to the laft are all turned to Cove-
touíheís. For God's fah^^ Brethren^ tell me what
fort of Prelates ana . BiJIdops could they be, who
fought nothing but their own Intereji^ and who
gave Orders and Difpenfations^ and did every thing
that belongs to a Bifiop, without being Bijhops
themfelves, or fo much as Priefts or Clerks ^ but
were pure Laicks^ as they themfehes afterwards con-
fiffid : What Difpenfation , what Sacrament^ what
Grace, could he who was difpenfed with and or-
dained, receive from thofe who were no Bijhops^
nor fo much as Clerks, but pure Laicas ^ nay La içares,
in whofe Habit they came out of their own Coun-
try. Brethren , this is the Fruit which they fend
you from Babylon, Hereticks and pure Laicas, and
Barbarians for Bifiops : Tell me what has Mala-
bar to do with Babylon, and what correfpondence
is there betwixt the moft pure Doãrine of Chrifl^
which was preached to you by the great Apojile
St. Thomas, and the barbarous Frrours which were
brought hither by Arabians /zW Chaldeans ^ríJ/^í Ba-
bylonia and from their Mafier the Apojiate Nefto-
tius^ Believe me. Brethren, ihefe are they of whoni
St. Paul fpok^ in his Epijile to his Scholar Titus,
That there ihould come Men teaching what
they ought not to teach, for fihhy lucre: And
fo it fell out for thefe Men, that they might not
Ijfe the profits and Honours they were unjujilj^
f offered of, did all they could ta put into yottr
F f 2 heads
43^ The Jcis and Decrees
heads that the Doãriíte of St, Peter was differ e>jt
from that which had been t aright you by ^Ç/, Tho-
mas : It is true that the Doãrirte of the Apojile
St, Peter is contrary to the Herefiesthat have been
brought hither from Babylon , but not what was
f reached here by St. Thomas : For what St. Tho-
tnas, that alfo St. Peter taught , and Chriji him-
fclf and all his other Difiiples taught ^ for as St,
Paul faith^ there is one Lord , one Faith, one
Baptilm, and one Church, of which Chriftis the
Head, aiid that on Earth St. Feter and his Suc-
ceilbrs the Bifhops of Ro//ze : For that St, Peter
and his Succcffors are the Head of the whole Church
* on Earth is plain^from what Chriji before his Pajjion
fromifed St, Peter, as it is recorded in the 1 6, Chap^
of St. Matthew, where Chriji , afier having exa-
uiimd his Faith^ faid to him , Thou art Feter ^
and upon this Rock I will build my Church,
and I will give thee the Keys of the Kingdom
of Heaven, O'C Words which he fpok^ to \\none
of the refl^of the Apojiles ^ but to St: Peter only.
And St, John in the lafi Chapter of his Gofpel
tells us., That Chriji^ after his Refurreãion^ ha-
ving askçd St. Peter // he loved him more than
all. other things , and., St, Peter had anfivercd,
that he kliew very well that he did^ faid to him
three feveral times , Feed my Lambs, feed my
* ÍDn cartliO Biihop finite
did noc ÍO fair in quoting, \_A.'id
on Earthy St. I'cter and his S^c-
ceffwrs^ the Bifliops o/Romc, i^c.']
as Sc. Pants words
II iRone] This is a miftake,
for lie gave the fame Coramiifi-
on to all his ApoAles after his
Refurreftion,
Lambs,
of the Synod 0/ Diamper. 437
Lambs, feed my Sheep : By -rvhich words he made
him the limvcrfd Pãftor of his Steeps ana afier
him all the B^ibops of Fvome who were to fitcceed
him in that Office-^ for Chrift has but one Fold
for all his Sheep^ and one only Church : and fo \ in,
the Creed that is fimg in the hiafs^ we fiy^ Iht-
lieve in one Holy and Apoftolical Church: and
fo Chriji her Sponfe faid of his Church in the
Canticles, My Dove, my pcríeâ:,, is but cne^
that /> to fay^ my Dove^ my perfM^ which \k th
Chfirrh^ is bnt one : And St. John in his lOtB.
Chapter tells us, that the Son of God fpe^kj^^g fo
his Difciples concerning his intent of culling the
Gentiles to his Faith^ faid, 1 have other Sheep
which are not of this Fold, whom 1 muft biing
in, that there may be one Fold and one Shep-
herd. JSJow that Fold wherein the Jews and Gen-
tiks were to concurr in one only Faith, if the Ca-
tholick. Church, and that Skpherd was St, Peter,
and all his Saccejfòrs the Bifjops of Rome 5 eve-
ry one of which as he is Bijhop of Rome, is the
mziverfal Pajhr of the ^ ivhok Church of God, in-
fomnch as that all who will not he fihjcã to kim^
are not of the number of the Sheep of Chrift, but
are without the Fold of the Church, being SchTf-
maticks and Heretickf, fir fitch are all who are
difobedient to the Roman Church 5 in which Ko-
man Church there never was nor will be any en'or
* i^IjOle-T If this had bcfn
the Faith ot che whole Chriltian
Church ac the time when the
Crefds' wcrç made, the compilers
of tfiem would anH ought to hsve
added Koim» co Cacholick ia the
Creed,'
Ff 5
7ft
4} 8 The AEls and T^ecrees
in Faith, by reafon of Chrijl's promije, who^ as
St. Luke reports, fpeaki-fg to St. Peter, faid to
him 5 I have prayed for thee, Peter, that the
1* Faith of thy Church may never fail : The
Faith of other particular Churches , as we have
fieti, may fail, hut the Faith of the Roman Church
has never failed ncr never will. Wherefore, Brer-
thren, faflen your fehes clofe to this firm Pi/Iar
of the Roman Church , againji which, according
to our Saviours fromifes, the Gates of Hell fhall
pever prevail ^ vohich Gates are the Herejies that
are, and have been in the World : Tou ought there-
fore to render many thanhj to God, for his having
relieved you at this time, by fending you the Lord
Arch-Bifnop for a Spiritual Pafior and Majicr,
who having left his Dwelling, and quiet is at all
this Trouble, only for the fake of your Salvation,
dnd to refcue you from the errors you have hither-
to Ifved in : For I k^ow and am certain, that he
is one of thofe Paflors which God fpoke of by
Jeremiah 5 And 1 will give you Paftors accor-
3ing to my heart, and they ihall feed you with
Knowledge and Dodrine. Hitherto you have
been fed with Errors and Ignorances , and your
Pafior s have fought gain , and not the Salvation
of your Spuls : This Pafior, as you fee, does not
come to take any of your Goods from you, but ta
fpend his own for your profit, and to put you in
■ lhe right way to Heaven and Salvation : From
t ifaitljO Here the Biihop | ture again in quoting the [F(àth
makes very bold with the Scrip- j of thy church'] as Si.Lukfò Wocds,
Ij whence
of the Synod o/^^ Diamper. 43 p.
II vphence yoH may chart f perceive the great diffe-
rence there is betmxt hi/uaud thofi other PaflorSy
or to fpeali more properly^ thoie Wolves , which,
yoH have had hitherto among yon , as our Lord
fiifh^ in Sheeps cloathing. Hitherto your Errors
have had fome excufe^ hecaufe you could l{noix> no jnor^
hut what your Majiers taught you j whereas front
henceforward^ you pal/ have no inanner of excufe^
neither before God nor Man^ ^fj'^^^ do not keconie
fuch^ as all that love yon defire yon to he, _JTh^
Faith and Do^rine that has been preached to yon
by the Arch-Bifiop^ is the Faith of all the Chri^
ftians in the Indies, and of aU Clerks and Religi-^^
OHs in thefe PartSy and which ííZ^ Poitugal, Spaiq,'
and in a word all "^ Chrifiendom holds. This if
the Faith that was taught by the Son of God^ the
Faith that St. Thomas preached^ and ivo^ prcacl^
ed alfo by St, Peter and the reji of the Apo filers
and if any fl? all teach the contrary^ let him be, a'S
St. Paul faith^ Anathema , and Excommunicated
and expelled the Society of the Faithful, as he , is
font Chrijiy his Faith and Grace, Fhe Jj^rd
give you a perfeU kfzowledge of himfelf as it is defircd
by your Brother in the Lfiid- Writ at Cochitil the
28i/>^/June, 1599*4 , ■:
Your Broth c,F in the Lprd, .
Biihop FRET ANDREÍ
II ©Itjcnce.] I do noc believe "^ Cl]^iíleniiom.] The Re-
thac tlie ArchBifhopsof MaLibar frmed-, the Gree4> die iVvi'totfire,
%áde half fo much of their Bi- úr^Qeo^gian^úxç Armeaian^úitM'
íhoprick, as Biihop Andre did of mckian^ AlexandtLitiy and Jbjjpn
his of Cochim^ or as Father Rf3^ Church, are in fcems no pivc of
the Jefuit made of Malabar^ atcer Chrifiendom with cliis Declkmer.
he was preferred to it by the Pope.
F f 4 The
44^^ '^kê.i^Bs and V cerces
- ■■ ♦ '
The S Y i%':o.. d''S- ■Apíwen
The Lord Áfílft Us,
'^'P the mpít Illuílrious and Fvcvcrend Lord
' 'Pom Jndrc ^ the mofl; worthy Biíhop of
Cochim ; The Dioceían Synod of the
Chriílians oí St.Thomas of che Biflioprick
of tht Sefra^ aflembled in the Town of
Jjidmper^ wifiiedi eteriial Heakh and Pro-
Í per icy ia our Lord.
"^ Ur f/iofl Reverend Metropolitan ordered
your moft lUnjlrioHs Lord (hip's Letter to
this Syiiod to he read in a full Affimbly
cf'ihe Priefis a/^d People j and having heard and
ynderjlood it^ we rejoiced exceedÍ7!gly intheLord^
to ^ercsivc- that the Holy Doãrine taught m by
your Lordiliip, is the fame with that our'^ltivor
\po]\iàn has preached in all our Churches^ and has
declared, in this Sy7?od , as affo the fame that is
-preached hy the Lathers all over this Diocefs^ by
rrhieh weans tvc are ike more confirmed in the
Catholic^ Fkith:) and the Obedience vpe owe to the
Holy Reman Churchy our true Mother, and to our
Lord the Pope, the Succcjf)r of St, Peter , and
Chriji's Vicar upon Earth, as is manifeji from the
' Aãs of the fqid Synod , Signed by Us^ a^'yonr
Lordfiip may fee j and if 'tc^ havç hither tp been
' . TPdjiting
o/ ífce S Y N o D of Diamper. 44 1
rp anting to our Duty inthefe Matter s^H did fJot proceed
from anyObftitiacy of Mind, or from any Inclination
ive had to he Hereticks^or Schifmaticks, but purely for
want of the Light of true Doárine and healthful (ind
Catholich^ Food, which was not given us by our Pre-
lates, but ivho did injie ad thereof poyfonus with, the
filfe Doãrines of Neftorius , and feveral other
Errors j from which we are now, by the Di'^i^^
Mercy, refiued^ and by the goodnefs of God, and
the Minifiry of our MctropoVitun, enlightened :
from whence alfo rofe the B~ebeUio?i which ivas
made by us, when the Truth began to be firfi
preached to us ^ as alfo all the Troubles and Vex-
ations that we gave to our Metropolitan, and th^
manifefi Dangers we expofed him to j for all which''-'
we are now heartily firry, and do dayly more and
more lament it : But whereas God has been plea-
fed to enlighten us with his Doãrine, the Metro-
politan being difcouraged by none of thofe things
to go on preaching in our Churches , the light of
the Truth coming to us by that means, we have
cordially embraced, and have with an unanimous
confent and great alacrity, made profejfion thereof
in this Synod 3 having alfo put the Affairs of our
Church in the be ft Order we were able, and fib-
^^itiing our felves to the Judgment of our Metro-
politan Mar Aleixo , who as our Majier , has
inftru^ed us in all things : But whereas his Lord--
Jljip , after his Vijitation of this Diocefs is over,
is to go to rejide in his "^ own Diocefs, which we
* £DtDn ^íCCefóO The I the end of hfs Vifitadon, when
Arch Bifhop cured rhem of thefe lhe made a folemn renunciation
fears, for fome time at leaft, at | of the Arch-Biflioprick of Goa^
tak^
442' TJ?e ,JSis and Decrees
takç notice of to our great Sorrow^ by which meafts we
{hall want a Special Protection j we do therefore
hegy that until fuch time as God Jloall be pieafed
to fend the Pafior among us^ which we expeà from
the Holy Apofiolical See^ your Lord/hip, as being
the Prelate that lives neareii to us ^ and from
whom and your PredeceJJors , this Church has re-
ceived fo many Favors^ would be pieafed to tah^
us under your proteBion^ and to concern your felf
in all our Affairs^ and to favour the Prelate^ which
the Metropolitan with his wonted kindnefs and
benignity to his Flock^^ intends to leave among
us. And feeing your moft lUuflrious Lord (hip
in your Charity has been pieafed to favour us with
a Letter^ we take confidence from thence^ to beg of
you^ That whereas our Priefts^ both for their Spi-
ritual ConfoUtioHy and other Necejjities^ do frequent-
ly refort to your City and feveral parts of your
Diocefsj where it will be neceffary for them to fay
Mãfs^ which they have hitherto been hindred from
doings by reafon of their not being in a perJèB
Union with the Holy Mother Church of Rome,
we now being in fuch an Union^ as much as can
be defired ^ the Synod doth humbly befeech your
and as folemn an acceptation of but ic feems all would not do,
that of the Serra^ atid that judi- for the next News we hear of
cially and in Form-, defiring rhe him, is, That inftead of being
Chridians of Sc. Thomas, to whom gratified with the Arch-Bil"hoprick
he delivered both thofc Inftru- of the 5err<i,he was condemned to
ments, to follicice the Pope and be Govcrnour-Geneial of the In-
King of 5p4Í/i Í0 give way to the dies ior three Years, and after
Traoflition •, and promifing wjth- that tranilaied xq thç. Primacy of
al to employ all his own Intereil toftugal.
in both CO perfwade chem to ic j
Lord'
o/ ífce S Y N o D of Diamper. 44 j
Lordfhíp that you vpould be pleafed to give leave to
fuch of our Priefts as have a Licence from onr
Prelate to fay Mafs in your Churches^ at leaft the
Roman tranjlated into Syrian , that it may ap-
pear thereby that we arc all one in the Unity of one
only Catholick. Church 5 and that the divifeon which
Satan had made betwixt us, andmoji other Chur-
ches is at an end, all Churches making one one-
ly Catholicf{_ Church , as your Lordjhip has clear^
ly taught us, as a vigilant Pafior^ in your learned
Letter. The Lord preferve your Lordfhip*s mofl
lUuflrious Perfon^ and prolong your Tears, for the
good of the Church and the profit of the Sheep of
Chrifl, Writ in the Synod of Diamper the 7 $th.
of June, 1599.
Praife be to God.
A
■ í
t^'J^ ..
^\%-^^i^^
,-^í ^
^^tr"
A
• ■ .j;)^""v i-tT'! . "°^r:.
Preface
to a
Ml
â"sitr.
^í:.&r^: mx'^iS
morn
om ZL^J ,j^m:^
_ , ^, oyi'^i
Tlyi Màfsthat is henceforth to he ufeàhy tlx
ancient Cbrtflians of St. Thomas of the
^íBif^oprick 0/ Angamale i« the Serra of
Malabar, in the Eaft-índies, f urged jof the
. ...Neftorian Errors and Slafphemics tt abounded
imthri^ hy the 7noft lUuJirious and ^Vere?id
Dom Frcy Aleixo De Menezes, JrchSi-
jhop of Goa, and Trimate of the Indies, at
?sthe time when he reduced them to the Obedi-
ence of the Holy Roman Church. Tranflated
word for word out of Syriack or Syrian,
j.iinto Latin. s :-i o%, ginhijh.
,r_
Mong the other things which the moil
_ Reverend Arch-Bifliop of Goa^ and
Piim.ite of the Indies^ Dont Frey Akixo
de Mene:^s^ put in Order in the Diecefan
Synod, affembled by him ia the Biihop-
rick of Jngamale of the Serra of Malahar,
of
A Preface to a Missal.
of the Chriftians of Sc. Tioomas^ in which
he purged the Church of the Nejiorian
Hereííes, and reduced it to the Obediencç
of the Holy <I(oman Church; one of the
chief was the reforming the Syrian Mafs,
which was faid in the Chaídee Tongue in
this Biihoprick, which having been com-
pofed or inlarged by Nejiorian Hercticks,
was full of Errors and Blafphemies both
in the Prayers and Commemorations of
NeftoriuSj TJyeodonis^ and Diodorus y and le*
veral other Nejiorian Hereticks, to whom as
to Saints, they prayed, for to intercede for
them : And whereas this People was in a
profound Ignorance, nay the very Bifhops,
who came from !Babylon, not knowing the
true Form of Confeaation , all of them
adding to it and taking from it at their
pleaiure , there being no certain particular
Forni of Coníècration among them, un-
til a certain Arch Bifhop came who had
more knowledge than the reft in Eccle-
fiaftical Matters, and the Holy Scriptures ,•
wko perceiving that the Forrn wherewith
they Coníècrated , contained in- ic^^fotóí
Erro s^
A Preface to a Missal.
Errors, contrary to the Truth of the Di-
vine Sacrament, did eftabliili the true Form,
adding fome words to ic , both in the
Coniecration of the Body and Blood, in
contradidtion to the Error and Herefie of
thofe who fay that the Sacrament is only
the Figure of the !Body of Chriji our Lord.
From whence ic is more than probable^
the Hercticks of our Times, the revivers
of the Errors of all the ancient condem-
ned Se6ls, took this Opinion : The Form
eftabliihed by the forementioned Arch-Bi-
fliop was, Jbis is in truth my "Body ; this
is in truth the Cup of my Blood , which was
fhed for you and for many^ for the propitia-
tion and remijjhn of your Sins ; cmd this fljall
he a pledge to you for ever and ever -, in
which Form they have now Confecraced
for feveral Years. But the moft Reve-
rend Arch-Bilhop Primate, having remo-
ved the words that are not neceffary, e-
ftabliflied the proper Form ufed in the
Catholick Church, as it is in the ^nian
Mijfaly laying afide divers and Sacrilegious .
and ignorant Ceremonies alfo, which fig-
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