Influenced by or possibly lifted from the Peckham Constitutions of 1281,[1] they are divided into three volumes written between 1320 and 1323,[2] the book sought to be a comprehensive manual for parish priests (many of whom were poorly educated),[2] and covered the confessional, sacramental theology and preaching.
Described as "deep, all-encompassing and quite encyclopaedic",[3] sections of the book were in use up to the late Middle Ages, and approximately fifty copies are known still to exist in various libraries.
[4] Since the Fourth Council of the Lateran in 1215, much effort was made to educate the clergy so that they could better help others understand and live essential Christian beliefs and practices.
[6] In Oculus Sacerdotis, William of Pagula wrote: "For parish priests to rule well in this regard they should be discerning, knowing how to bind and loose sins, lest, out of ignorance, the blind take it upon themselves to lead others and they both fall into the pit.
[2] These instructions, summarized here from the Broadview translation, and many of which reflect current Catholic practices, provide insight into the religious and spiritual values of 14th-century English Christianity: 1.
Although priests should be the ones to baptize infants, parents (father or mother) may perform the rite in an emergency.
Should parents find themselves in such an emergency, they should say "I crysten thee in the name of the fadyr and the sone and the holy ghost" as they sprinkle water over the child.
Godparents should speedily have their godchildren confirmed by a bishop, and should teach them the Lord's Prayer and the Creed; chastity, justice, and charity, as they grow up.
Beware, parents, not to sleep in the same bed as infants, as the possibility of rolling over and smothering them would be considered homicide by law.
Because of a spiritual kinship between children and their godparents and parents (as well as sponsors at confirmation), no marriage between any of these parties is allowed.
The verbal consent between a man and a woman to marry, even if not betrothed, is enough to make their marriage binding.
Clerics, priests, or others present at secret marriages are to be suspended from office for three years.
No male or female older than seven years old should lie in the same bed, even siblings, to guard against fornication and incest.
Beginning at age 14, the faithful should confess sins to their own parish at least once a year, and receive the Body of christ during Eastertide (unless the priest counsels to abstain).
For all parishonors who comfortably are able, kneeling is appropriate during Mass, while saying the words, "Hail salvation of the world, Word of the Father, true sacrifice, living flesh, fully God, truly man" or "Glory to you who is born" or the Lord's prayer or other prayers.
No usury (interest) should be imposed on the payback of money, grain, wine, oil, or anything else that is loaned, as it is expressly forbidden in the Old and the New Testaments.
[12] Punishment for clerics is suspension from office, and excommunication for lay people until restitution is made.
All clergy are required to be tonsured (the crown of their heads shaved), and this is to be announced three times yearly.
Upon hearing the sacred Name of Jesus, they should react by internally or externally genuflecting; bowing their heads; or beating their breast.
Disagreements, disturbances, or discussions should not take place in churches or graveyards, neither should fights or profane conversations, as all these things can interrupt the divine servies or remove from the holiness.