The history of the popes, from the close of the middle ages : drawn ...

REFORM DECREES. 29I
into a proper condition. Monasteries held in commendam,
and in which the rules of no Order were observed, as well as
all secular and regular benefices, were to be subject to an annual
visitation by the bishop, as well as all monasteries where
regular observance was still in force, in cases where the
superiors were not fulfilling their duty. Finally, in order to
abolish once and for all the abuses in connection with the
publication of indulgences, it was laid down that, in the first
place the name and office of the collector of the indulgence was
to be suppressed, and the publication of all indulgences and
spiritual favours was to be entrusted to the bishops, who,
with two members of the cathedral chapter, should receive
the voluntary offerings of the faithful, so that all might know
that the treasury of the Church was opened for reasons of
piety and not of gain. These reform decrees were accepted
by all, with the exception of seven of the bishops, who desired
some unimportant alterations. The decree which fixed the
next Session for September 17th was received with general
approval.^
Soon after the fifth Session, an occurrence took place which
was of great importance for the further progress of the Council
this was the restoration of unity among the legates. Ever
since May, strained relations had existed among them, especially
between Cardinals Gonzaga and Simonetta ; these had
originated in their difference of opinion on the subject of the
duty of residence. This question, as well as the disturbing
reports of an intended dissolution or adjournment of the Council
by the Pope, had caused the legates to send the Archbishop
of Lanciano, Leonardo Marini, to Rome on June 8th, in order
1 See Raynaldus, 1562, n. 70-2; Theiner, II., 56 seq. Cf.
Pallavicini, 17, II ; Knopfler, in the Freiburger Kirchenlex.,
XI ^., 2097 seq. In a letter to Borromeo of July 16, 1562, the
legates speak at length of the reasons for the further postponement
of the next session (the difficulty of treating of the doctrine of
the sacrifice of the Mass ;
the question of the chalice ;
the proposal to come to a decision on
and the desire of the fathers for some
rest after their protracted labours during the dog days). Susta,
II., 249.
;