SAFE-CONDUCT GRANTED TO THE PROTESTANTS

The sacred and holy general synod of Trent, lawfully assembled in the Holy Ghost, the same legate and nuncios of the holy Apostolic See presiding therein,—grants, as far as regards the holy synod itself, unto all and each one throughout the whole of Germany, whether ecclesiastic or secular persons, of whatsoever degree, estate, condition, and quality they be, who may wish to repair to this œcumenical and general council, so that on those things which are to be treated of in the said synod, they may be able and shall have the power in all liberty to confer, make proposals, and treat, to come freely and safely to the said œcumenical council, and there remain and abide, and propound therein, as well in writing as by word, as many articles as to them shall seem good, and to confer and dispute, without any abuse or contumely, with the fathers, or with those who may have been selected by the said holy synod; as also to withdraw whensoever it shall please them, the public faith and full security, which they call a safe-conduct, with all and each of the necessary and suitable clauses and decrees, even though they ought to be expressed specifically, and not in general terms, which it is its wish to be considered as expressed. It hath furthermore pleased the holy synod, that if, for their greater liberty and security, they desire that certain judges be deputed on their behalf, in regard of crimes whether committed, or that may be committed by them, they shall themselves nominate those who are well disposed towards them, even though the said crimes should be ever so enormous, and should savour of heresy.