What a testament is.

A testament is the definite expression of our will and determined intention concerning the distribution of our goods after death, which names and appoints a particular heir, who is nowadays popularly called the executor. And anyone who alters the entire testament, or knowingly violates any part of it for any reason whatsoever, shall be punished by excommunication and put out of the community of Christian fellowship.

Of ﹛providing having﹜ witnesses.

A testament shall be backed by lawful witnesses, and the following in particular shall be included [as far as may conveniently be done] : the minister himself, the [syndics]3 of the church, who are called wardens [so that the testament may enjoy greater authority, and if for some reason these people cannot be employed], either two or three men of known integrity and proved faith shall be added, and finally the testament itself [shall be signed] by the hand of the testator [or and] two or three witnesses.

Of a nuncupative testament.

If someone departs this life suddenly, the common testimony of three witnesses of proved trustworthiness shall be accepted if no testament has been committed to writing. And in either kind of testament, whether written or taken from the speech of the testator, which is called ‘nuncupative’, it will be enough if the testator of the testament has named an heir.

Quod testamentum valere debeat.

Semper hoc teneri placet, ut omnis auctoritas ad postremum testamentum accommodetur, et quaecunque sunt antegressa pro nullis habeantur, nisi certarum in illis positarum rerum testator aperte iusserit in postremo testamento [65a] rationem haberi. Quod si contigerit, illae solum res consist[a/e]nt, de quibus separatim testator cavit.

De codicillis.

Quoniam saepe contingit ut, perfecto conclusoque testamento, multa testatori veniant in mentem, de quibus in testamento non praecaverit, et quae vehementer ad illud apponi velit, propterea concedimus ut ista posteriora non minus habeant roboris, quam ea quae sunt in testamento collocata; si litteris illa custodiri providerit, aut a praesentibus duobus aut tribus probatae fidei testibus petat, ut illa velint attestari.