STATUTES COMPILED FOR THE BETTER OBSERVATION OF THE HOLY RULE OF THE MOST GLORIOUS FATHER AND PATRIARCH S. BENEDICT  
Confirmed by the ordinary Authority of the right honourable and Rever. Father in Chr. the Lo. MATHIAS HOVIUS Archbishop of Macklin and Primate of the Netherlands etc. as also by authority from the Pope his Holiness delegated to him, and by him delivered to the English Religious Women of the Monastery of our blessed Lady the perpetual Virgin Mary in Bruxelles and to all their Successors;  
Quis est homo qui timet Dominum; legem statuet ei in via quam elegit. Psal. 24.  
What a kind of person is that, who feareth our lord he will constitute him a law, for that State of life where of he hath made choice.  
Printed at Gant by JOOS DOOMS.   

THE FIRST PARTE OF THE STATUTES OF THOSE THINGS THAT Appertain to common Disciplyne AND ARE TO BEE OBSERVED OF ALL  

CHAPTER 1.  
Of Piety.  
1. WHERE as the chiefest scope and end of Every Religious Order is to advance the Professors there of to the Salvation and spiritual perfection of their Souls, therefore all that enter this Congregation, must diligently apply themselves, that by meet and convenient, means, they may attain to the proposed end of their Vocation: the chief means where of are, the exercises of true piety, and devotion, as often prayer, meditation, confession of their Sins, the holy Communion, and the Mortification of themselves;  
2. Besides the time apppointed for the accomplishing of the divine Office, and reading of spiritual books, every one shall each day employ one whole hour in mental prayer▪ the which time that they may fruytefully spend, to the comfort of their Souls; the Abbess shall endeavour that thy may be instructed by such spirituallmen, as are well experienced in that godly exercise that they may not only stir up in themselves, such affections as may further them to virtue, but that they may also the better discover the illusions of the Ghostly Enemy and know how to avoid them;  
3. If any of the Religious be found un apt for this kind of exercise, let her bestow the aforesaid time, either in vocal prayer, or in some other devout employment, according to the judgement of the Ghostly Father;  
4. They shall confess and Communicate once every week, the which they shall do also upon the cheifeste Feasts of the Church, and the Order; except the ghostly Father shall judge some times otherwise, for some in particular, and more than this they may be permitted; as the Abbess with the approbation of the Ghostly Father shall think good;  
5. When they have made their vows and profession, for three days they shall receive the holy Eucharist; that they considering the greatness of the benefit which they have received▪ they may become more grateful to the king of heaven to whom they are espoused.  
6. Out of the time of Confession none shall speak with her ghostly Father upon any pretence whatsoever, but in such manner and time as to the Abbess, and Superior shall seem meetest, and then leave shallbe granted to confer with him so oft, as the Abbess or Superior shall perceive that it will be for her good, that requesteth licence: which licence the Prioress, Mistress of the novices, and Cellarier may grante to those that are under their several Charges: so that first they know the ghostly Father his opinion whether, and in what manner he shall think it profitable for them;  
7. The Lady Abbess must set down a certain time for their confessions, and she must see that all go to one ghostly Father (whom the Bishop shall appoint them for that purpose) if the number will permit it, otherwise she with her Convent shall choose another approved by the Ordinary, unto whom that part of the Convent shall confess, which the Abbess shall think good to appoint;  
8. None of the Religious shall presume to censure her Confessor, either in the way of praising or discommending him before others, neither by Comparison to prefer the one above the other, or to manifest their defects, but only to the Abbess; and if he have given Counsel or advice to any of them, let her not discover it in any such sort, that any hurt or detriment may en●ue thereof;  
9 They shall all confess to their Ordinary Ghostly Father, and to no other, except the Abbess give them leave, and all shall confess twice or thrice every year to that Priest that the most Reverend lord Bishop in special manner for that purpose shall appoint; also the Lady Abbess shall provide some three or four Priests (according to the number of the Covent) unto whom, by her leave they may confess, as often as she shall deem fitting for their spiritual good, having notwithstanding still good regard, that she disturb not the good order of her Monastery hereby; And this conformable to the decree of Clement the VIII. made for Superiors of Monasteryes in th● year of our lord 1594.  
10. Let the Abbess appoint them a certain time for the daily examination of their Consciences, that thereby they may the better Consider of the state of their Souls, and what fruit they reap by their holy Exercises;  
11. If the Abbess perceive that some do not so much attend to their spiritual proffitt, as they should, and thereby give her less satisfaction, let her in a mother like manner exhort them to use more diligence for the time to come, and therefore it will much proffitt them, that at lest once a year all the Religious live retired from the rest (but not all at one time) that they may the better Recollect and confirm themselves in Spirit, but this willbe most expedient for them, that make less progress and advancement in virtue and Religious life;  
12. None shall seek for any spiritual advice or receive any such directions, but from those which the Abbess shall approve neither shall she receive any Instructions for that purpose without the express consent of her said Superior;  
13. Let the Abbess have especial care that no books that savour not of a Religious Spirit, or which do not help there unto, be at any time brought into the Monastery; And let the Catoloque of all the books of the Monastery be examined of some learned discreet man, who may discern whether they are profitable for Religious Spirits or no▪ and let her allow but some few for every one, commanding the rest to be kept by one of the Religious, to be communicated unto others as need shall require;  
14. None without the leave of the Superior shall use upon herself any Corporal austerity, over and above that which the rule and Statutes do appoint, or which the ghostly Father shall not approve; yet the Lady Abbess may not only permit, but also enjoin some austerity to her Religious Subjects, when she shall judge it meet for their spiritual good;  
15. If the Abbess see any one of her Religious given to more austerity than the rest, and to be more fervent in her good Exercises, she must endeavour to advance and help her in her good desires, yet so that all be done with in the limits, of prudence and discretion; And all the Religious of this Congregation are to understand that there is nothing apppointed in any other Religious Order, which may help for the increase of God's holy Spirit, which shall not also be most willingly permitted to them of this holy Congregation, if so be it shall be thought expedient for them;  
16. They that are permitted to v●e upon themselves any bodily affliction, or mortification, must so endeavour to conceal the same, that (as far as lieth in them) it may not be known to the rest, except the Abbess for some other good respects shall otherwise appoint  
17 Once every week each one shall make a discipline for so long a time as the Abbess shall think good, and it is to be● done on Friday at night, except the Abbess some time s●all appoint some other day;  
18. Although the Abbess may apply the prayers and devotions of her Religious, for the obtaining of gods assistance and grace▪ or for some other benefit from his divine goodness, yet shall she bring in no new obligations, but with great moderation▪ or with very great Consideration;  
19 They shall say or sing their hours, and the divine office, according to the Roman use, they shall say the little Office of our blessed lady, the Office of the dead, the Gradual Psalms, the seven penitential Psalms, and Litanies, in such sort as is apppointed in the breviary of Rome;  
20. They shall sing the Matins, laudes and the rest of the hours upon the principallest Feasts of the year, kept either by the precept of the Church; or upon Custom, upon the Feasts of their Patroness; and Patronesses, both of their Order and of their particular Churches▪ and of the Feast of the dedication of the same, also they a●e to sing every day their conventual Mass, except the Abbess for just causes for a time ordain otherways, both in these latter, as also in the former Solemnities; Once every week a Mass of the holy Ghost is to be sung, or said, and as often as the Office of ●he blessed Virgin is said on the saturdays, so often a Mass is to be celebrated of our blessed Lady, for this end that the Convent may obtain of our lord spiritual progress and advancement  
22. While they sing, or say the divine Office, let them observe due gravity and Modesty, and decent composition of their carriage, neither may they post our their service▪ but they must pronounce each word with moderate leisure, distinctly, and truly, and with so loud a voice, that they may be well herd and understood by those that are out of the Choir;  
23. None may entreat or labour to have leave to intone or read any thing, but as it shall be apppointed her, neither may she any wise refuse any thing that she is willed to sing or read, except she first make know her impediment to the Superior; to whose Commandment she is wholly to submit herself;  
24. They may some times use Music in the divine office, yet it must be with great Moderation, together with the good edification of the hearers, and only such Songs they are to sing as are truly grave and modest;  
25. If upon just hindrance any shallbe absent from the other Canonical hours, yet all must be present at Complyne, except some urgent Cause shall excuse them, or that the Abbess shall judge some other business to be more necessary and important;   

CHAPTER 2.  
Of Poverty;  
1. ALL such as make their profession of Religion in this Congregation, must understand that they can have nothing in propriety, even as the Rule hath enacted; what soever therefore is given them by their friends and kinsfolks▪ is to be applied to the use of the Convent and Community; But if the Abbess will permit any to have any thing of small price as a memory of their Friends, it may not be any thing that is made of gold or Silver, and much less of precious stones, set either in gold or Silver;  
2. Golden or Silver Vessels may not be used in this Congregation, except for the Church or Infirmary, and for this latter in mean and small quantity and number; Neither may the Abbess use such Vessel in her Cell, or in the Refectory, but this may be permitted for the entertainment of Guests, (when it shallbe thought expedient to use any such entertainment) yet with this moderation, that in them all vanity and secular pomp is to be eschewed;  
3. They must avoid all notable singularity and curiosity in their apparel, Images, and all other Furniture of their Cells, and they are to have only those things, which befitt religious decency, and are for their health, and they must willingly embrace what soever appertaineth to their diett and Apparel according to true Religious poverty;  
4. There woollen or linen apparel may not be made of any fine Costly Cloth, yea though itt be given them, or be by their parents bestowed upon them, but they are to wear those things, that are of a moderate price, and are lasting;  
5. They shall not give or receive one of another any thing, without the lady Abbess o● the Superiors licence, ye● the Prioress, Mistress of the Novices, and Celarier may some time give leave to those that are under their charge, to give or take one of another, some matter of little moment or value;  
6. Let none beg any thing of her friends or Parents, for her proper use, but if her friends or Parents will give any thing, let it be so done that it may be applied to the Community, or left to the will and disposition of the Abbess, that she may bestow it upon them as she shall think good;  
7. It may not be lawful to lend or grant any thing appertaining to the Monastery to any abroad, without leave from the Abbess;  
8. Each Religious shall once every year (to wit before the first Sunday in lent) go to the lady Abbess and with due humility and reverence declare unto her, that what soever they have, they willingly offer it unto her, leaving it to her Will, whether she will suffer them to retain, restore, or otherwise dispose there of in the best sort, as in our lord, she sh●ll think most meet, and if the Abbess will take a view of each thing in particular, they shall bring them all unto her, in all Fidelity, neither may they have any thing locked up in Chests or Coffers, without the leave and knowledge of the Abbess;  
9 And to the end every one may strictly and carefully keep their vow of poverty, it is enacted, that if any after her death (which God forbid) should be found a Proprietary and to have any thing of notable value for her use, or in the Custody of any other, without the Abbesses' knowledge, sh●e shallbe infallably deprived of Christian Burial;   

CHAPTER 3.  
Of Chastity;  
IT is very fit the Spouses of Christ imitate all Angelical purity, which may conserve in them the integrity of their bodies and minds; therefore they must fly all such things which may any ways cause any impression in their minds, contrary to purity  
2. They shall conceal no greiveous temptation, which they shall not manifest to their ghostly Father yea and to their immediate Superior, or to the Abbess, if they think they may receive from them any comfort or help; let them show all modesty and humility in their words, Countenances, gestures, and Actions, and let them behave themselves each to others wi●h due respect, and Religious gravity, and every one is to behold as it were Christ himself in ●er Sister;   

CHAPTER 4.  
Of Obedience;  
1. AS the Religious have vowed to God and to their Superiors themselves, and w●at soever else they have, so must they suffer themselves to be guided and governed by their Abbess, and Superior, as the Interpreters of Gods holy will; therefore let them wholly give themselves to perfect holy obedience, and let them labour to be excellent in the same, not only willingly and promptly, performing those things that are enjoined them, but fullfilling them in such sort and fashion, as they think to be most conformable to the Superiors Will;  
2. Every one must be ready to undergo all base Offices and exercises, what soever the Abbess shall think good to impose upon them, neither may they think themselves exempt from this by any office, degree or Quality, nor may they expect any privilege, but in case of Necessity only, but every one is to know that all are to live equally under one and the self same Rule of Obedience, without exception of any persons or person;  
3. When the Superior commandeth any thing, that may be hurtful to their health, or an hindrance, of a greater good, or that it cannot be performed within the time allotted them, then let them so manifest the difficulty to her, that yet withal, they leave all to her judgement and discretion, and so obey, if it may be done without manifest Sin;  
4. If any should request any thing of her Superior which she thinketh needful for the health of her body or Soul, or for the performance of any duty and charge enjoined her, let her first commend the matter to God, and with a resigned mind let her open the case to the Superior, and after it hath been some two or three times denied her, let her never mention the matter more, except she verily think, her Superior hath for got it, and that she will take it well, that she be put in mind there of;  
5. They shall not only obey the lady Abbess, but also all others of the Convent, whether they be of the Choir or Converse) who from her receive power and Authority▪ otherwise none may command, or reprehend another, without express leave from the Abbess, and of her ●hee is to understand how far sh●e may proceed in commanding, or in her reprehension.  
6. If any be commanded any thing by the subordinate Superior, which is different from that which the chief Superior or Abbess did command or appoint, let the Inferior manifest to the Subordinate her Superiors Will, and Order, and let her without further Contradiction reverently obey, if she see her persist and continue in her command, but let the subordinate afterwards inform her Superior of the Case if any error or fault happen thereby.  
7. If at any time happily the subordinate Superiors, command diversely any one, in things appertaining to their charges, let them represent their difficulties, each one to the other, without all contention: and if the case so require it, with external and mutual show of Reverence, let ●h●m remit it to the arbitrement of the Abb●sse, or Superior laying barely open the Case without further dispute, and so let them think that to be best whic● the Abbess or Superior, sufficiently informed, shall judge to be so;  
8. What soever is denied by any subordinate Superior, she may not ask the same of the Abbess, except also she declar● unto her, that the Subordinate Superior did deny it, together ●ith the reason of her said denial, so far as she knoweth or can guess;  
9 They are to obey her that commandeth anything in the lady Abbesses name, although in very deed she have no such authority so to command, and ordinarily in th●ir Commandments, they are rather to use the Abbesses' name, than their own, except only the mother Prioress, Mistress of the Novices, and Cellarier, towards those of their charge;   

CHAPTER 5.  
Of the Enclosure;  
1. THey must have a special care of keeping their Enclosure, so much commended and (with vehement sword's expressing the necessity thereof) commanded by the sacred Counsel of Trent: moreover seeing they have bound themselves by vow to the observation thereof, they must hold it necessary to be kept;  
2. Their Enclosure must be environed with high Walls, which may contain that part of the Church, to wit the Quyre allotted to their proper use, together with the Cloister dormitory Refectory, and all the Offices and buildings, which are appertaining to the proper use of the professed Religious; together with the Gardens, Orchards, and such like, so that none from abroad may enter into this Enclosure, by any Stairs, or Gates, but only by one door or Gate, if it may be any wise so contrived commodiously;  
3. No professed Religious may go out of this Enclosure▪ but upon constrained of Fire, extreme famine, War, ruin of the buildings, and such like grievous dangerous cases, and for other Cases approved upon urgent necessity, or commanded by the lord Bishop, or the Visitor; yet when the Scholars of Religion are to receive their Religious habit, or the Novices are to make their Profession, the Abbess with some few of her Religious, may go out of the Quire, and enter into the outward part of the Church, that they may assist them in that solemn Action; which is also permittted to the Abbess newly chosen▪ that with a decent Company of her Religious, she may also enter the same, to receive the bishops Benediction: for which, and for some other necessary Causes and uses, there may be a Convenient passage betwixt the Quire and the outward Church.  
4. All that are not Religious or not of the Convent of what sex, age, or Condition soever they be, may not enter into the Enclosure but upon necessary Causes, approved and licenced by the Bishop in writing, without which licence according to the decree of the Counsel of Trent, both the person that entreath, and the person that admitteth him, incurreth the pain of Excommunication;  
5. Other Religious women of the same Orderliving under these Statutes, being sent by their Superiors to some other place, may in their passage be received in to any Monastery of this Congregation, and therein they may stay for two or three days, or longer, as according to prudence and Charity it shallbe thought convenient;  
6. The Visitours accompanied with certain modest and grave Clergy men may enter in, to perform their Visitation, or for any other necessary business;  
7. When the ghostly Father entereth into the Monastery to visit the sick, or for some other necessary matter, one or two Religious apppointed by the Abbess for that purpose shall always be present with him, and if any Religious be to be buried, so many f●om abroad may be present at that Office, as shallbe thought needful.  
8. The Physician, Surgeon, Workmen, gardiner's, Porters, Carters, Masons, and all such as have any necessary employments within the Monastery may be suffered to enter; they must keep account in what number they ent●r, that in the same number they may depart, and those that enter must be accompanied by two or three of the Religious to those places where they are to be ymployed, none of the Religious may approach to those that are entered without the express licence of the Abbess, the which not withstanding she may not grant to any one alone.  
9 When the people from abroad have leave to speak with the Religious, let it be done at a Grate when need shall require▪ within the Grate let a Curtain hang which may so hang shut, or be drawn to let the Religious be seen, or not to be seen, as the Abbess shall think best expedient.  
10. In the place where the Religious make their Confessions, let a Gloth be so drawn and fastened, that the penitent may not see the Ghostly Father, nor yet be seen by him; All that the Religious are to receive into the Enclosure, let them receive it by a Turn, except it be of that kind, that by the Turn they cannot receive it; the Turn with in must be locked and made fast, in such sort that it may not be turned about, but at such times as any thing is to be received in thereby;   

CHAPTER 6.  
Of Silence;  
1. IN such place● and times as sovereign silence is to be kept; (to wit, in the dormitory, Refectory, Chapter house, Quire, and Cloister, and in the hours assigned for silence, as are to be seen afterwards in the twelfth Chapter, and in the 7. 8. and 9 Numbers, and after Complyne until Prime ended, none may speak but upon urgent necessity, and that by no other means she can express her meaning, and make herself understood, for than she may speak, but yet with a low voice and with all brevity;  
2. At what time they work together in the Common work house they may speak, but yet only of things necessary and with a low voice;  
3. If any should seek for another, let her go and seek her, but without noise, and she may not call her with a loud voice, and if she find her with others, let her deliver unto her the Superiors commandment, that others may not understand it, and she that is called for to another place, let her give notice thereof to the Superior of that place to the end she may know whether she goeth;  
4. So often as they speak together, they must have good care that they may not be heard out of the place where they are at that present; In their Recreations (when they are permitted them) let them be so mindful of modesty and Religious decency, that one push and thrust not another, Noah nor so much as touch her, so far as lieth in her; In their speeches and Conversation let them avoid and fly all show of contempt and little esteem of others, all kind of mocking, and scoffings, and all other things what soever, whereby either through their words or actions, any kind of occasion of brabble or displeasure may arise;  
5. And for as much as here mention is made of the Recreations of the Religious; it is prohibited that within the Enclosure any kind of beasts be kept or fed, but for the use of the Community, and not for the private Recreation of any one alone, nei●her upon any colour or pretext what soever may they permit any dwarves, ●diotes, or young Infants to be nourished or brought up within the Enclosure.  
6. Their mutual conversation must be used for their health, and Conservation of Charity, and ●herefore it must be used in public, and not in Corners, or in their Cells ne●●her may the Religious use any speech of such matters, which they have heard o● secular people abroad, except they ●●e of such, which may yield Edification, and spiritual Comfort and proffitt to the hearers.  
7. In their Conversation let them so show love and Charity to every one, they withal they take good regard that they show not themselves mare singularely affected to one then to another, and let them do reverence to every one, according as their State shall require, neither may th●y shun the speech and Conversation of any who soever.  
8. They must be very careful that they talk not of their Stock, and Nobility of their kindred, nor of plights, Controversies and debates, among their Parents, kindred, and Families, or dispute of them, yea they may not admit any talk among themselves (but with great wariness) of the jars or enmities that one Province or Country hath with another.  
9 None may speak of the imperfection of any other, but only to the Abbess, or Superior, or to those from whom they may expect help and redress; and if any damage or hindrance by any one's defect, may be thought to fall unto the Monastery, and that by no other way it can be remedied, all shallbe bound to inform the Abbess there of, that in good time both the hurt that may be fall unto any person in particular, or the mischief that may happen to the whole Convent in general may be hindered.  
10. None shall hear any thing of any Religious upon Bond of secrecy, and upon that Condition that the Abbess may not know it, yea rather they ought to hold it a thing right grateful and pleasing to them, that she should be informed of all matters that may any ways advance, and set forward the good government of the Monastery.  
11. None may enter into the Office or Cell of another, without leave, or upon commandment of the Superior, and neither may they then enter, before they have given a sign by knocking at the door and have received an answer to enter, let t●e door stand open so long, as they talk and be together within, except the Superior do expressly appoint it otherwise;  
12. While they speak one to another, or of another, they may not call them by their bare names, but the Abbess, Prioress, Mistress of the Novices, and Celarier shall call their Subject's Sisters, the professed of the Quire shall call also the Converse, Sisters; but the professed of the Quire, must call them dames speaking of others that are professed of the Quire, the Prioress must be called of all Mother; the Mistress, of her Novices must be called Mistress, the Cellarier is also to be called Mother of those that are under her charge; But the Abbess of all is to be named lady: that by these names due honour and Reverence may be yielded each one in that Vocation, and degree in which she is placed by our lord and Saviour Christ;  
13. As they meet one with another let them do Reverence each one to the other by an Inclination and bending of their bodies, and let each one endeavour to prevent the other with honour according to due Religious modesty; and all though the juniour professed aught principally to use this prevention to her elders, and more Ancient in Religion by honouring and Reverencing them▪ yet none but Superiors may exact it of them;  
14. Inspeaking let none unmannerly interrupt another's speech, or in twight her Sister of Errors: but in there Conversation let them be mindful to use all due modesty, and decent carriage, with all Civility avoiding both in their Words and behaviour, all Rudeness, sourness, or lightness, as also all secular vanity and affectation: which no ways standeth with the gravity, which appertaineth, unto Religious persons; let also their speech be very sparing, and for the most part let it be about spiritual matters, or at lestwise about such matters as may savour of spirit, and nourish the same;  
15. In their going and shutting of the doors, let them make no noise, as much as lieth in them, but this they must beware of in time of sovereign Silence, and when the Religious are at their reading and meditaion;  
16. When any (having obtained leave) visit the Sick, let her so behave herself, that she may recreate and ease them; and to the end she may not be trouble some unto them, she must first learn of the Infirmare by what meanes● he may best Comfort them, and avoid to be greivousto them  
17. When secular people come, and (by the Superiors permission) speak with the Religious at the Grate, let them signify unto the Abbess either by themselves▪ or by such as are apppointed to accompany them, those things whereof they had talk as the matter shall require; And then let them avoid long conference, if it may be done without offence, or except the matter be of that moment and consequence, that longer speech may be permitted.  
18. While they speak with secular people, and those that come unto them from abroad; if the Perfect of the Turn, or her Companion cannot be present, let them have another apppointed by the Superior, who may hear and see all that is spoken and done, who may never depart or leave them alone till the speech be fully ended.  
19 Although nothing ordinarily aught to be said which ●hey would not have herd and understood, yet when the case requireth Secrecy, and that the Religious cannot go commodiously to the Abbess, let her request leave by the Thourere to speak insecrett, and by her let her deliver the causes for which she requireth such secret conference, and of her she is to expect an answer how she must proceed.  
20. If any Religious be not permitted to speak with any at the Great, none may tell her that she was called for any abroad, and that she was denied to speak with them.  
21. None may speak with people abroad of the domestical affairs of the Monastery, except they be such matters as every one may well understand them, or which they know the Superior will not be unwilling they should be made known unto them: and if any Extern should request the assistance of any of the Religious in any affair, yet let her not take upon her to do or write any thing without the licence the Abbess;  
22. While the Religious are in the speaking place, let them speak with so lowavoyce, that they may be only heard of their Companions, and of the persons with whom they speak; More over let them endeavour to behave themselves there with all edification, and to apply some part at lest of their talk to a spiritual end, neither let them show that in such Conversation they seek for their omne private solace and Comfort, but rather for the Comfort of those that come to Visit them, finally let them so bestow that time upon others, that at the first peal they depart to the Quiar, from which none may be absent, without the express licence of the Abbess or Superior;  
23. In lent and in time of Advent this access of externes may not be permitted, as neither upon the days of Confession and Communion, and then the Religious may not be seen of them, if upon any occasion they be permitted to speak with them except some important great reason shall require the contrary;   

CHAPTER 7.  
Of the Fasts, and the Common diett;  
1. IN Advent they must fast except the Sundays, on which they observe abstinence, and from Quinquagesima Sunday, included until Easter (excepting all Sundays) they shall Fast, and abstain from white meats; except the approved Custom of the Country, and the dearth of lenten meats do persuade otherwise;  
2. From Septuagesima included until Quinquagesima they shall abstain from all flesh, in which time upon mondays, Vednesdayes and fridays they shall fast, except some double Feasts fall on those days; Alsoe from the Feast of the Ascension of our lord ex●cluded, until the Vigil of Penticost they shall keep Abstinence;  
3. From the Feasts of the Nativity of our blessed lady excluded, until Easter they shall Fast every wednesday and from the Kalends of Nou●mber excluded, they shall fast also mondays, except upon those ferias (out of lent) a double Feast be celebrated;  
4. From the Feast of the Resurrection of our Saviour Christ, till the Feast of the Nativity of our blessed Virgin Mary included they may receive two Refections every day excepting Notwithstanding Friday's, on which they shall observe the approved Custom of the Province where in they live, or else they shall fast;  
5. They must appoint the hours of their Meals according to the Differences of the times of the year, or according to the divine Service, and the holy Office of the Mass, as is set down in the Roman Missal  
6. In the Fasts and abstinences of the Rule and Statutes, the Abbess may dispense with such as are weak, and aged, and whensoever any particular reason may persuade he● there unto, so that Flesh be not eaten in the Refectory, 
Vnlett a●t a table part.  and that the grant pass not into a custom: but upon those day's th●t are 〈◊〉 bidden by the Church, their approbation 〈◊〉 to be required who ●aue authority 〈…〉, according to the Custom of each 〈◊〉;  
7. Upon due Consideration of the pains and labours that are to be sustained in this Congregation, as also of the Sex, but especially of the weak Complextions, and educations of very many which are admitted into this order those things that appertain to their dyett, are so to be moderated and tempered, that the Religious may with more strength go forward in the performance of the divine Services, and burdens of their Institute, and with more alacrity persever and continue in the same; therefore ordinarily upon Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays through out the year, as also upon Chrismasse day falling upon a friday, or Saturday, they may ear flesh, excepting hereafter according to the Rule they shall altogether abstain from flesh.  
8. The measure of their meat and ●●inke shall depend upon ●he judgement of 〈◊〉 Abbess, and as she is not to permit 〈◊〉 any superfluyty in their dyett, so is 〈◊〉 also to have care that nothing be ●●●●ting according to Religious decency, 〈◊〉 ●●ch persons necessity, as on the cō●ra●y 〈…〉 have a special regard, that whilst sh●●● 〈◊〉 ●●auoreth to privide for every one in● 〈◊〉 ●●●●essaryes, she permit not superfl●●● 〈…〉 and take place amongst th●m yet ordinarily when they eat flesh, she may give to each one an Antipast, or salad, a pittance of flesh of half a pound, and a post passed in fruit, or some what else in sled of fruit, when thy fast, besides the afforesayde (if they may be had) let her endeavour or give unto the Convent what may be gotten, or may well serve for their necessity, If besides this the Physician think any thing more, and above to be given to any or that their necessity or infirmity do require any thing in particular, let her endeavour to perform it towards them, with all pity, charity, and alacrity, so that it be not done in the Common Refectory, but either at the Superiors or infirm table or in th● Infirmary;  
9 Out of times of Refection they may not eat or drink any thing, without the leave of the Superior, neither may they refuse those things that are apppointed them by their Superior for their health and comfort, yet in these things the Prioress, Mistress of the Novices, and Cellareir may give leave unto those that are under their several Charges;  
10. If by experience it be found, that the Common dyett is not whole some for some let that be made known to the Abbess, who shall provide therefore, as in our lord she shall think good, and she shall every year declare unto the Visitor what form and manner she observeth in these things and withal let her not suffer any to keep any sweet meats, conserves, or Confections in their Cells, except the Physician think that they must have often use thereof;   

CHAPTER 8.  
Of the Apparel of the Religious and of those things that appertain to their bedding;  
1. FOR their apparel they may use that which the Abbess (having regard of times and places) shall approve;  
2. Besides the upper or great habit they may have two under Coats whereof the one or both in Winter may be lined with Furr;  
3. The great habit must be longer than their other Garments, which must reach to the ground, yet it may not be so long that it may hinder them in going, or be dragged on the ground, and so worn; and so it must be made, that the sleeves must be three foot large, and what soever covereth the body must be loo●e;  
4. This great habit must be black, and so must the Scapular, and inward coat next to the Scapulare, if they use any other coats or garments, it shall little import of what colour they be, so they be either white, or black or some other brownish or dark Colour;  
5. Their clothes which are under their scapulare must be open from the shoulders down to the gird le and so clasped, and for their sleeves they must not be two wide, nor yet so strait that they may not put their hands easily into each sleeve, neither in any of their garments, may they use any buttons or any silk;  
6. They must not have or wear any linen next their bodies, without leave from t●e Abbess or Superior, or except their necessity, or health should otherwise require;  
7. The habits of the Converse Sisters must be like that of the Quiar: excepting only that the sleeves of their great habit must be straighter by the half and when they wear their great habit they must gird them to their bodies;  
8. All must put on their great habit when they go to the Quire, Refectory, Chapter house▪ and speaking place, in such sort and so often as in their Ceremonies is expressed  
9 Every one must have a note of all their clothes, where of the Guardroabe must have a Copy, that they may be able to render an account of them, when it shallbe demanded; they may not set any letters of their names on their Veils of Garments which they are to wear, but rather certain numbers or other Carecters, they must not be two careful of having new clothes, but let them permit themselves to be provided for herein, by the Abbess, as in other matters;  
10. At what time soever they shall chance to have a new Garment, they must give up their old, neither must they be desirous to have more than may be serviceable for their health, and necessity and what soever clothes they receive, let them have regard to keep them carefully, and cleanly as those things that appertain to th● poor of Christ;  
11. In the night they are to take their rest in their clothes, having on their Scapulars, and stokens that they may be the readier to rise unto matin's; The professed must wear their white and black Veils, but the Novices must sleep in their white: yet when the heats are great, or when they are sick, they may leave of their clothes and stokens and lay their Scapulars on their beds, yet may they not then be without their Veils, and they are diligently to keep, and observe all other things what soever is apppointed and set down in the holy Rule;  
12. Every one must sleep apart upon a straw and a woollen Matrice: for their Couerle●ts and Curtains they must stand there into the judgement of the Abbess in what sort they are to have them: they mustly in woollen, except through the Indisposition of their Corporal health, the Abbess shall think otherwise;  
13. Those that are in health may not have the use of Feathers but in their pillows, which may be covered with linen Pillow beeres, and they may admit nothing in their Clothing or bedding, which hath any show of singularity: but only they may have such things as are of a mean price, and best endureth!   

CHAPTER 9  
Of letters and Messages.  
1. No Religious may receive any letters writings or tokens, either for herself or for any other, for that is the Office only of the keeper of the Parlow; what soever is delivered, the Abbess or by her permission the Prioress shall see▪ and they shall deliver or retain it as they shall think good: neither may any tell that such letters or tokens were brought to any, except the Abbess or Prioress (by the consent of the Abbess) shall judge otherwise!  
2▪ When they write to their friends, let them study to write those things which be seem their state and profession, and let them do it discreetly and prudently, that that i● friends may receive Edification, and spiritual proffitt from them.  
3. They must not be very easy to write often to their friends, or parents, except upon necessity, or for some spiritual good that may seem to ensue thereof, yea a Religious person ought to be very sparing in that kind, as benig one dead to the world, and that desireth only to live to Christ alone.  
4▪ They may not write to their friends or parents before they have leave, neither may they prepare for them any tokens, without the knowledge of the Abbess, and without her consent; It is also forbidden all of them, to bestow any Newyeares' gift upon any; yet the Abbess may send somewhat to the Common Friends of the Monastery or bestow somewhatt upon others inway of gratitude!  
5. What writings letters, or Tokens soever they are to send let them deliver to the Abbess and let them leave it to her judgement, whether she will send them or Noah; neither afterwards may they curiousty inquire in what sort she disposed of them!  
6. None may carry any Messages or Salutatio●s from people abroad to any of the Monastery without the Abbess command them soto do!   

CHAPTER 10.  
Of the Chapter;  
1. The Chapters were instituted and apppointed for the exercise of humility, Conservation of Monastical discipline, and for the advancement of the Common good of the Convent: There fore very great heed must be taken that the peace tranquillity, and due subordination (whereby increase of spirit, and due order is wont to be gotten and conserved) may not thereby be disturbed!  
2. Once e●ery week Chapter is to be kept, and that upon friday, except some solemn Feast fall upon that day, for than it must be kept upon Manday, or Wednesday not hindered with the like Feast except some of the ensuing Vigils come that week, or some other just occasion hinder it;  
3. They are to meet in Chapter upon the Vigils of Christmas, and Easter and the Ascension of our lord, and on the Vigiles of Penticost of the Assumption of our blessed lady, and of the Patron of their Order, and of their Church, and so often like wise as the Abbess shall think good wherein they are to perform the things that are set down in their Ceremonies, both for the manifesting of their defects, and for the Correction thereof, as also for the ordering businesses, and affairs as may occur!  
4. In the Chapter the Religious are to accuse themselves of the breach of their Rule, or Statutes, or of their negligenc●s or defects, which when they do, let them do it in such ●orte, that those that hear and see them, may be edified by the Exemple of their humility! if it may be doubted whether they may be rather offended then edified, let them not accuse themselves in public thereof, until they have consulted with the Superior about the same!  
5. ordinarily they are to accuse themselves of those things that they committed in public, or which they think in time will ●ome to the notice of others; therefore let them no publish their secret faults, and defects, except the matter be of small moment, or for their greater mortification, or which they think may prove of great edification unto others, which notwithstanding they shall first declare unto the Superior, that from her they may have leave to do the same!  
6. It properly appertaineth to the Prioress, Mistress of the Novices, and Cellarier to inform the Abbess of those persons that are subject unto them, and to accuse them in the Chapter, although others of the Religious also may, and must in form the Abbess about them, when they see any tking committed domageable for the spiritual good of any or contrary to the common good, or reputation of the Convent, or that they perceive that these things are not marked by others, or to be neglected by them!  
7. If any be commanded to accuse another let her do it with due modesty, moderation laying aside all bitterness of mind, and exageration of Words, but rather see they do it with great show of Charity, and benevolence!  
8. In the Chapter none may be accused of any fault, which is only known to the accuser herself, or which cannot be pro●ed by the Testimony of two at the least, yet all may tell the Abbess or Superior of the Faults of any, though never so secret, except perhaps private admonition, may more proffitt the offenders, and there fore may well suffice, whereby it may be judged to be preferred and first to be used! yea every one is to know that it is most severely prohibited them to accuse any, or blame them to the Superious, without sufficient ground and knowledge of the matter!  
9 None may either by word or deed tax any Sister, or gird at them for any fault, or defect, whereof they have been admonished by the Abbess, or Superior or for which they conjecture or suspect that they have been reprehended, or punished! for they are to think that that admonition, reprehension, or Correction proceeded of Charity, together with an intention to uphold good discipline and Order; and that it was also received of the party offendent, with full purpose to amend and reform herself thereof, for the time to come!  
10. The Sister accused may not refute the saying of her that accuseth her, except the Superior command her to declare the State of the matter; neither may they contend, or presume after wards to brabble amongst them selues under punishment of a great Penance, which the Superior is to impose on them; which thing is also to be observed, when any may c●ance to be accused out of the Chapter, As the faults whereof they are accused, some are greater, than other some; in like manner for the better avoiding and redressing of them, greater and smalller penances are to be enjoined, which is left for the most part to the Discretion of the Superior, to enjoin such penances for every offence which may be thought convenient who is to have regard she seek notto afflictor trouble any but rather to endeavour their amendment, for the greater honour of God, and her Charges proffitt, None must think themselves exempt from these Penances, but as all are tied to the same Rule and Statutes, so must they think themselves subject to the same Penances, for their negligences in observation of discipline, or exerciseing virtue: and there fore the Abbess may not in these things be more indulgent or fa●oureable to one, then to another, but she is to bear an even hand over all, seeking fo● the spiritual good and proffitt of all!  
12. For as much as Penances are not oneby to be given for the correction of faults, but for the exercise of Virtues, and mortifition of their Passions (as hath been said) there fore whoeseover shallbe reprehended at any time by the Abbess or Superior, or shall by them receive any Penance for any Fault, for which the Rule or Statutes have set down nothing expressly, let her give no show of impatience, so far ●ort as lieth in her, neither let her frame answers, or excuses for herself except perhaps the reasons of those things for which she is reprehended and punished; be demanded of her, or that somewhat be to be revealed which was not known, but let her endure all without murmuration, and with as great peace of mind as she may much less it may be lawful for any to excuse her that is reprehended, and (especially in her presence) seek to extenuate her fault, although she may after wards certify the Abbess of all that hath passed; if so be that it may seem so expedient; And to the end all occasion of murmuring may be taken away none may complain to any of the Religious, or to any other person, but only to her from whomshee may expect redress, and if any feel any disgust for any matter, let her make her recourse to the lady Abbess, or to the Superior, who shall with Compassion give ear to her Plaints, and perform that towards her which shallbe judged to be according to justice!  
13. If she that is penanced, or any other for her at some time, will not confer about her with the Superior or Abbess, for that they may think that they cannot deal with them in such free manner as were necessary, then may they go to the Assistants, or to some one of them, and make known to them those things, whereof they would have their Abbess or Superior to be informed  
14. For smaller faults such penances as these following may be enjoined by the Abbess or Superior unto the offenders as the said Superiors shall think good: to wit certain prayers, kneeling on the ground, and eating on the same, to serve in the Refectory or Kitchen, to abstain from some part of their meat, and such like And if any commit often any error, or through Custom or contempt fall into greater trespasses, she may be punisted with fasting, with public or private disciplynes, and with other such like Chastisements yet no Religious may give a discipline to an other, but the offendor is to inflict it upon her self, except the Abbess for some great cause do otherwise appoynte●  
15. For most greweous faults let those things be done, which are apppointed in another place for the correction of such faults, without exception or regard had to any degree, or Office what ●oeuer, although we hope that (through the grace of God) this Congregation willbe always clear and free from all such faults!  
16. When in the Chapter they are to confer about the affairs of the Monastery▪ let every one deliver their opinions with all Religious simplicie and sincerity, as god shall put in their minds, and she that hath once finished her speech, may not speak agapae except she have new leave granted her, neither may any presume to argueor dispute against the saying of any other Sisters!  
17. The professed of the Quire have voices in the Chapter, and their they sit each one according to the order of their Professions, except the lady Abbess, the mother Prioress, the deames, and the Mistress of the Novices, who take their places, both here and in all places where the Convent meeteth, in that order as here they have been named; for the most part the juniors or younger professed speak first, that with greater liberty they may utter their opinions concerning those affairs, that are then in deliberation;  
18. In matters of great moment the Abbess shall fore warn the Chapter of them some two or three days before, if the matter will suffer so long delay; But in those matters where in the Religious may confer among themselves, they may take their light and information only from the Abbess, Prioress, Assistants, or the Officers, if the matters to be deliberated upon, appertain to their Charges and jurisdictions;  
19 what by the Chapter is approved or denied, the same the Abbess is to approve or deny, except in some cases hereafter specified;  
20. That both the Abbess, and also the whole Convent may proceed in their Consultations, and determinations with more sweetness, light▪ and assuredness; it is expedient that they have some one prudent and virtuous man, but especially well practised in regular life and discipline, with whom they may confer and consult in matters of greater difficulty and wight; And this Manmust be such an one; as may be according to the liking and judgement of the Religious, and by their suffrages he is to be elected;  
21. If it so happen that the Religious disagree in their opinions about some matter; let the said difficulty be propounded either in word or writing to the chosen person in the presence of the Abbess▪ of the Assistants, and of some other two of the Chapter, unto whom the say Chapter shall commit this affair, and all shall be bound to follow that Order and Resolution, which he he shall judge expedient, until the right Reverend lord Bishop or the Visitor shall other ways ordain; But he shall deliver in writing to the Convent his said judgement, that afterwards to the Bishop or Visitor it may better appear howand in what terms the whole business passed;  
22. If the Abbess would appoint any thing which the Convent doth not like of, or would not do that which the Convent would have done, and if she would proceed in some cases contrary to the judgement of all her Assistants, or will not assemble them together (for some secret Cause which she thinketh good not to communicate with them) if the matter be of great moment she must consult with the afore said hosen person, and she may proceed according to his Counsel delivered her in writing;  
23. Out of Chapter none may seek to disprove the saying of any uttered in Chapter, neither may any manifest unto any that was absent from the Chapter, that which was said or done by herself, or any other, which may any ways touch her or any other who soever; They are to be absent from the Chapter, about whom there is any question to be propounded in Chapter, or any thing to be handled about them: as all those (if the Chapter think it meet) who are near in blood or kindred to them; and the Superiors are to warn and command such persons, as are to be so absent, that curiousty they do not inquire what was any way handled concerning themselves;   

CHAPTER 11.  
Of the sick and infirm Sisters.  
1. When any feeleth herself more grieved in her bodily health then accustomed, let her warn the Superior and Governor of the the Infirmary thereof, and when she hath fully informed her of her State, with due humility and quietness of mind, let her suffer herself to be disposed of by them, as they shall think good;  
2. Let none refuse any thing ordained them by the Physicians, but having made known her difficulty to the Abbess, she must leave it to her what she will determine of her case, and so she must be obedient to her, with all patience and show of religious resignation;  
3. See that she be not grievous to the Infirmere and others that have care of her, neither may she be over importune in craving of those things which by them she shall understand not to be expedient for her;  
While she useth corporal remedies for the recovery of her health, let her not forget her spiritual good, which always is to be more prised; there fore she must have regard to arm and shengthen herself inwardly with the holy Sacraments of Confession, and of the blessed Eucharist; and if she perceive, that the force of her Disease with peril to grow upon her let her endeavour to call for the Sacrament of Extreme Unction, and for the holy Viaticum, according as the Abbess, and Confessarius shall th●●ke best for her;  
5. She must take no medicine which the Physician or Superior shall not approve, neither may any of the Religious Council her to receive any medicine, nor may the sick herself ask the Counsel or advise of any other, without the Superiors knowledge; yea Noah Religious may be so presumptuous, as to find fault with the usage of the sick person▪ in her hearing.  
6. As it is expedient that the sick use such dispensations as by the Superior are granted them while they are infirm and weak, yet they must beware that they be not over care full of themselves; yet all may use a discreet and prudent liberty, until they be sufficiently recovered, and restored to their former strength, and such as are in their Recovery (if they be many) must sit together with modesty at one Table▪ and in the beginning of their meals some spiritual thing must be read unto them;   

CHAPTER 12.  
Of the distribution of their Time and hours;  
1. TO the end they may proceed in the Service of God with greater alacritye, and that their spiritual Exercises do not overpass their bodily strength and health, it is thought meet and convenient, that every one have granted her seven whole hours to take her rest, and sleep, and that from eight of the Cloak at night, until three in the morning or from ten till five except hereafter it be thought more fit and expedient, that thy rise to Matins at midnight;  
2. There fore they shall rise to Matins at three, unless the said over night, and when they have ended the said Matins with the la●de every one must repair to their Cells in good and fit time (and as the Abbess shall ●●poynte) they shall bestow an hour in Meditation or mental prayer, after which hour ended they must continued in their Cells v●till nen in sovereign silence.  
3. At seven of the Clock they begin Prime after which hour ended ordinarily they keep Chapter when it is to be kept, all though the Abbess may call a Chapter at any o●her hour, when need shall require.  
4. After Prime▪ or the Thirde, a Mass is to be said, at which all are to be present, except some Officer upon necessity be excused.  
5. After nine of the Clock (when they do not fast) they must recite their third: after their Third, their Conuentuall Mass is to be sung, or said; after Mass the sixth is sung or said: after that hour is ended they go to the Refectory; But when they Fast according to their Rule, or according to the Commandment of the Church the Prime, or the Third being sung, or said after seven of the Clock a Mass is to be celebrated, if there be a Priest to celebrate at that time; after ten of the Clock they must sing or say their sixth, their Conuentuall Mass and Nynth; In lent after their sixth, Nynth and Conuentuall Mass, the C●ensong is to be song or said.  
6. Let them so end their Mass and hours before noon, that when they fast not, they may din● at the half hour before a eleven; but when they fast according to the Rule, they may dine at a eleven; but when it is a fast of the Church according to the Custom of the Country, they dine at the half hour before twelve: but in lent they are to dine at twelve: and While they are at the Table their must be always reading; Therefore at the first Table whether it be at dinner or Supper, the Benediction, and afterwards Grace, must be always sung or said; But at the second Table every Religious shall perform this by herself; But the reading both at the first and second Tables must be performed after the same manner and altogether with the same observation of silence and then they are to read whom the lady Abbess, or Superior, or she who shall have the Charge shall appoint.  
7. After dinner an hour is permitted them for Recreation, and afterwards at Noon or somewhat after, they sing or say the Nynth, but so that upon those days in which they fast not, they may be all in silence about one of the Clock after Noon, that their for the space of an hour they may recollect themselves▪ or occupy themselves in prayer, or in the reading of some spiritual books: But upon fasting days this hour of silence is put of until four of the Clock.  
8. Out of lent they are to sing or say their Evensong at three of the Clock after noon, which ended they may spend the rest of their time till supper or Collation according to their discretion, or devotion; yet always in silence except the Abbess shall think good to use their helps and assistance in some business or Office: but if they fast then they keep their silence from four till five, as hath been said.  
9 When it is not fasting day they go to Supper half an hour before five, but when it is a Fast they receive their collation at five which being ended an hour of recreation is permitted them; half an hour after six they must all go ●o Complyne, from which time they are to keep sovereign silence until the end of Prime the next day; as also the said silence is to be kept, from the first Peal to all the hours and Evensong until they be ended▪ except for some very great reasons the contrary be thought some times requisite.  
10. They are to have allowed them a quartir of an hour after Complyne for the examination of their Consciences, immediately after they are to read or hear the matter of their meditation for the next day. When they have ended that they must forthwith depart to their dormitory 
un less they say ma●ins.  and so apply the Remnant of their time in their necessary affairs, as at eight the may be in bede.  
11. We have thus briefly comprised these matters in this place which are more amply and particularly set down in their Ceremonies, what time soever shall be Vacant and free from the divine Office, from Silence, and from their other affore said Observances, the Religious must employ in such labours and Works as by the Abbess and Superior shallbe appointed so that they work noecurious, vain, and secular things for worldly uses, as are purses, Bands handchercheifes and the like.  
12. When they come to the Work house the Mother Prioress, or the more ancient deane in her absence beginneth the Prayer Actiones nostras etc. after which followeth some short Lesson or reading in some Spiritual book, from the hearing where of none may be absent without leave This ended every one is to be dismissed or licenced to their works, labours, or Offices as it shallbe appointed them, all they must endeavour to accomplish with due silence, except perhaps need require that they speak some what briefly, and by the way of such matters as appertain to their Offices and businesses, Finally when they leave of their work the prayer Suscipe Clemen●issime Deus, being said, they are in all peace to depart to their other Obediences.   

CHAPTER 13.  
Of such prayers as by Obligation are to be said for the living and the dead.  
1. ONce every Month a Mass is to be sung or said for your Benefactors that are alive, and so often every Religious shall say for them one Rosary, or the third part of the Psalter of our blessed Lady, containing five Pater nosters and fifety Aves with a Greed.  
2. When the Abbess hath rendered her Soul to her Creator, every Religious in fit time when they shall have opportunity shall say fifeteene Rosaryes in manner before specified, and the Convent shall take care to procure that therty Masses be said for her.  
3. Thirely in their Church after the whole Office of the dead a solemn Mass must be sung for the Abbess deceased: like wise a solemn Mass (without the Office of the dead) is to be sung on the third, seventh, and thirtieth days after her decease, or upon some other days more fit.  
4. Alsoe every year upon the Friday of the first week of Advent, not hindered with a Feast, other wise upon some other day in like manner not hindered, they shall sing the Evensong and the Nocturne, with the Laudes, and a solemn Mass for all the Abbess of their monastery departed this life.  
5. When any professed Religious dyeth, in her Monastery, at the first opportunity the whole Office of the dead, and a solemn Mass is to be sung, and the like is to be performed for her upon the Third, Seventh, and Thirtith days (but without the Office of the dead) or so many Masses shallbe sung for her upon some other days more fit for the performance there of, and other seven Masses are to be said for the some, Moreover every one of the Convent shall say five Rosaryes for her, and every day after Ma●tines and Evensong for the space of a month they shall say de profundis with the Prayer Absolve, both for the Abbess as also for the Souls of their Sisters deceased.  
6. Upon the Friday after the first Sunday in Lent, not hindered with a double Feast, otherwise upon another fit day next following, a solemn Mass shallbe sung for them t●at have died in the Monastery as also the Evensong of the dead with one Nocturne and the Laudes shallbe sung or said for them, the which may be performed the day before the aforesaid solemn Mass be celebrated.  
7. One solemn Mass, with the whole Office of the dead, shallbe sung for those Novices, who in their Novishipp shall depart out of this life, after they have received the habit of holy Religion.  
6. Such Scholars as have entered in to the Monastery with intention to go forward in Religion, shall have granted them after the Evensong and whole Office of the dead, a solemn Mass to be offered and celebrated for them.  
9 Once every year in Advent after the Mass celebrated for the Abbesses (as hath been said) another shallbe sung in due time for the Souls departed, of such Religious of other Monasteryes as are of your Congregation, and live under the same Rule and Statutes with you.  
10. For the founder departed this life, all those things are to be performed which are appointed for an Abbess deceased, and for a perpetual memory they shall ●ing his Anniversary Office with a solemn Mass and both alive and dead ●ee is made partaker of all the Merritts of the whole Congregation.  
11. When the Father or Mother of any professed Religious depar●eth this life, a Mass must be sung for every one of them.  
12. For the right Reverend Bishop in whose diocese they reside they shall sing the whole Office of the dead, and upon the Third, Seventh, and Thirtith days, or some other three more fit days▪ they shall sing three other Masses, and every one shall say a Rosary for his Soul: all which must be performed for their Ghostly Father, who hath much laboured and taken pains in advancing the good of the Monastery, and he may be made partaker of the mirritts of the Convent, if so to the Convent it shall seem expedient. Other Benefactors and friends when they die, besides this Offices and Masses which the Convent may grant them in particular they shall all so be made partakers of all those Masses which (according to the Missal of Rome) are said or sung every Monday by your Chaplain.  
13. If any thing be thought expedient to be further granted to any of the aforesaid, let it be done upon devotion, and according to their deserts, with this proviso, tha● no burden be imposed upon the Convent for any long space.  
14. The Abbess and Convent shall found no Mass for any person in particular: yet they may maintain a Chaplain who may say Mass for such persons deceased, as appertain to the Monastery, yet so, that the foundation may not be thought to be made for any one in particular.  
15. Let a Register be made, where in the names of all the Benefactors both living and dead who have notably advanced the temporal good of the Monastery may be set down, In the same all so are to be set down all the names of such Religious as in the Monastery departed this life, and in the same also is to be written if any thing of note happened to them, either in their life or at their death that it may serve for an Example to Posterity, and let these things be read the day before their years' yndes, or Annyversaryes, that peculiar care and memory may be had of them.  
16. And for as much as after holy devout Prayers, Alms deeds do much help for the extinguishing of the Pains in Purgatory, it is here ordained that in that monastery, where in any of the professed Religious passeth out of this ●life, all such meat and drink as is given to the rest of the Religious, be daily set on the Ta●le in the Refectory, in the same place where the fore said Religious was wont to sit, as if she ware yet living; all which or as much as the Lady Abbess or Superior shall appoint, afterwards is to be given in Alms to some one poor person or to diverse, for the space of thirty days and that for the benefit of the Soul departed, Neither may any other sit in that place, but it being left void, let a little Cross be placed on the Table covered with a black Cloth, and another black Cloth be made fast to the Wall in the vacant place in Remembrance of the dead Religious Sister, that the rest may be moved to due Compunction by the memory of death, and be the more excited to pray with greater fervour for her that is dead, and finally may there by be stirred up to lead their lives more carefully and perfectly for the time to come▪    

THE SECOND PARTE OF THE STATUTES▪ OF THE OFFICERS OF the Convent, and of certain other people belonging to the Monastery.  
AT GANT.  
Printed by JOOS DOOMS. 1632.   


CHAP: THE FIRST.  
Of the chousing of the Abbess.  
1. ALL Order of good discipline, and almost the whole good and Conservation of the Monastery dependeth upon the prudent government of the Abbess, therefore it appertaineth to every one, for the good desire they bear to the good advancement of the Convent, to be very careful in this point, that they choose such an one for the Governess of all, who is likest to provide for the peace and tranquillity of all, and especially for the setting forth of God his honour in all things; Therefore such Religious as are professed for the Quire, (for such only have active and passive Voices in the choosing of the Abbess, and chiefest Officers) shallbe bound as in a matter of so great moment and weight, to make election of her whom in their Consciences they think most fit for that Office.  
2. None may be chosen for Abbess that is under forty years of age, and who hath not lived laudably for eight years, after their express Profession, as the holy Council of Trent hath decreed; except in Case such a one cannot be found in the Monastery, then by grant of the same Counsel, another fit person may be chosen who is above thirty years old, and that hath been professed for the space of five years, and hath all requisitt Conditions for this dignity, so that with all the Bishop do yield his consent there unto.  
3. They shall observe that Order in delivering their Voices that is set down in that Counsel, which is, that they are to deliver them at the Grate, and moreover the Elect must have two parts of three of the Voices, according to the Bull of Gregory the 13. set forth the 7. of April▪ in the year of our Lord 1574.  
4. The Abbess (be sides those Conditions where of mention is made in the second, and sixty four Chapters of the Rule) must be such a one, as of whom their hath been had no sinister opinion, either since her coming to the Convent, or before while she hived in the World, that she be endued with the Gifts of body and mind as may best retain Authority, that she be in especial manner free from all inordinate Passions, and finally that she be such a one, that she may be ●udged fit and able to govern, and administer well the Temporalities and Spiritualities of her Monastery.  
5. Albeit it may so fall out that she which is unlawfully be gotten, may be admitted into this Congregation; yet is not expedient to promote any such to the government of the Manastery; Wherefore she shall not have passive Voice to this dignity, except very great Reasons do urge the contrary: and when it shall seen requisite to proceed otherwise, she must have for her election, three parts of all the Voices of the Choosers, as in like manner that Religious who is within three degrees of Consanguinity to the next precedent Abbess, must have the same number of suffrages for her Eliction.  
6. No particular Religious may have a double Voice for the Election of the Abbess, or of any other Officer of the Monastery, as neither she that is absent out of the monastery hath any Voice to chouse all though the said absent Religious may have passive Voice. But the Religious that is so sick that she cannot be present at the Scrutiny must deliver up her Suffrage and Voice by those Scrutatrices, that for that time shall be chosen by the Convent.  
7. None of what dignity, Nobility, or degree soever besides the Religious of the same Monastery professed for the Quire may have any Voice to elect. If therefore any other person either by word or writing shall commend any one to be elected by the Convent they must all take good ●eede that they deliver not their Voices in regard of that Commendation: as also she may not succeed t●e deceased Abbess, for whom the said Abbess did in her life time solicit the Convent, except ●hee be chosen in such sort as before hath been declared.  
8. The Prioress when the Abbess is wanting must govern the Monastery, until an other Abbess be elected. She shall certify the right Reverend Lord Bishop of the death of her Superior, whom she shall diligently hasten to the election of her that is to succeed, the which ought to be done with in a Month, at the most, if the Bishop cann be present or conveniently appoint an other, who in his place may assist as the Election.  
9 The Prioress shall certify the Convent what answer she hath received from the right Reverend the Lord Bishop, and if she receive from him any letters let her carefully see they be read to the Convent, as also all such Statutes concerning the Election, neither may any ask any Counsel of any person for he Election of any but only of the ghostly Father, to the End she may be the better directed in her Conscience yet so that the Religious consult not one with another about the promoting or putting down of any, if they shall do otherwise, they shall not only ever be deprived of actium and passive Voice, but she shall endure all whatsoever other Censures the Prioress and Convent shall in flict upon her.  
10. It shall not be lawful for the Prioress or any other Religious to speak with Externes except some most important cau●e persuade the Contrary; and how often soever they are then to speak with them two of the Deans shallbe present who together with the Prioress shall hear, and see whatsoever is said or done; and what soever of special moment happeneth after the Abbesses' decease, she shall diligently declare to the Bishop or to his Vicegerent.  
11. For as much as they incur privation of Active and passive Voice, as also other penalties who have solicited to get the Voice of another to the promotion of any, so all shallbe obliged to reveal all such practices under the same penalty; and it shall belong to the Bishop to discern and determine what words and proceedings are to be held for direct or indirect soliciting.  
12. Although they may have an Eye to the Nobility, and honour of the kindred of any that is to be elected, yet the Convent must be very careful, that they do not neglect the spiritual good of their Monastery, while they regard the temporal commodity.  
13. To the End the election may the better proceed, and that they may procure for themselves God his holy assistance in that which so much maketh for their common● good, after the Funerals of the deceased Abbess the Convent shall apply all their prayers▪ and Exercises for this End.  
14. When they are to deliure their suffrages they shall abstain from mutual Conversation for the space of three days, neither shall they come to gather but to the celebrating of divine service, to the reading, and to the Refectory; and upon the very day of the election, after they have sung a Mass of the holy Ghost, they shall retire themselves to their Cells, until they be called to give their Voices.  
15. To the end no Error happen in delivering their Suffrages, the Prioress shall deliver the names of all the professed in writing that have any Voices, either to the Bishop or to him who supplieth his place and in the said writing she shall set down their age, the years and time of their proffession, together with all such Exceptions or Canonical impediments, as the Statutes have set down against their Election.  
16. Two or three mature grave and Religious men are to be chosen by the Chapter, who for the more honour of that Action may be present with the Lord Bishop at ●he Election, and the Bishop or he, who (at the bishops appointment) shall pre●ide at the Election having observed all that ●s set down in the Statutes, shall declare ●t the Grate the person elected; But if in it ●he first two Scrutinyes sufficient suffrages ●oe not agree, then let those three which ●ad the most suffrages in the last Scrutiny ●ee proposed to the Convent, and in the ●●ird she that by balloting or by Bowls shall have sufficient Voices, is to be held for Elect. And if again in all the said three Scrutinyes they have equal, or not ●ufficient suffrages▪ then the more Ancient proffessed among them is to be preferred and to be denounced Abbess.  
17. The election ended, and declared by him that presided, all the Religious are to retire themselves into the Chapter: where (after the Elect hath according to the manner accused herself in general of all her defects) she must according and to the tenor and form of that writing that is set down in the book of Ceremonies, promise that she will never suffer any further liberty to be brought into the Congregation, than the holy Rule and Statutes do permit; but that she will endeavour together with the grace and assistance of God that the Congregation be conserved in Spirritt, and advanced in the same, and if she shall espy that it faileth in any thing other wise than it ought, that she will labour (calling those to counsel by whose prudence and authority she may best work reformation) to reduce and restore it to the former good estate, and to all this she is ●o sign and subscribe, After this protestation made, let the Rules and Statutes be read which concern the Abbess, and then by the Prioress, or (if the Prioress be thosen) by the ancientest deane let her be placed in her Sea●e, and aftherwards ●●ath one in particular shall do her that Reverence▪ and in such manner as is declared in the book of Ceremonies, and from that time ever afterwards, shall yield dutiful Obedience to all her Commandments; and all the Officers shall in public resign to her their Offices, leaving it to her Freedom, either to confirm them in their Officers, or according to the Statutes by suffrages to appoint new Officers, even as in our Lord she shall think most expedient.  
18. The Elect is absolutely forbid and prohibited to inquire of any whether she gave her suffrage for her Election, neither may she either directly or indirectly sift what passed by her Subjects in the matter of her Election, neither may any tell to any of the Religious, or to the Abbess, or to any other, either directly or indirectly upon whom she bestowed her Voice; If the Abbess shall offend herein, she is to understand that there by she hath lost all jurisdiction, but if others signify so much either to the Abbess or to any others, in so doing they lose both active and passive Voice for ever;  
19 The Elect, before her benediction, for the space of some days shall live separate from the rest▪ that well and diligently she may examine her own defects and that she may employ that time in Contemplation of spiritual matters, where by being illuminated by thy spirit of God's light, she may the better employ herself in those things that appertain to her Office: and principally to obtain of him the gift of Wisdom, and humility, and a fervent and burning zeal of his divine honour, and that she may endeavour to Correct and reform her own defects, or any such particular abuses, as she shall note to have crept into the Congregation.  
20. In fit time (when the Lord Bishop shallbe at leisure) let the accustomed Benediction be performed, either in the Church of her own Monastery, or in some other as he shall appoint: at which some four professed Religious (at the least) elected by the Convent shallbe present, and those Expenses (by consent of the Chapter with regard had of Religious poverty) are to be made, as may seem fit and seemly for such an Action.  
21. The Abbess of this Congregation must be perpetual, except through age, notable Infirmity, or (which god forbied) for some grievous Fault, (as here after is set down) she shallbe judged by the Voices of two parts of three of the Convent, together with the Verdict of the Ordinary to be unfit for government.  
22. It may not be lawful for the Abbess or Elect (that is accused of any ●ault for which she may be brought into danger of deposition (either by herself or others, to seek out who gave their Voices against her. If she shall do otherwise even thereby she shallbe deprived of her dignity, and they who either directly or indirectly discovered what others have done there in concerning her, shall lose both active and passive Voice for ever after.  
23. If the Abbess would resign her Office because she findeth herself much broken in age, and in her strength, or that she might the better attend to her own spiritual good, she may not obtain leave to do it, except two of three parts of the Convent, together with the consent of the Ordinary do yield there unto.  
24. If the Abbess shall obtain leave to resign, she shall make her said Resignation in the presence of the right Reverend Lord Bishop, or of him whom he shall substitute in his place▪ And because it is presumed, that she hath done this for the common good of the Covent, the Abbess tha● shall succeed, must use her as aperpetuall Assistant about her, and to be subject to none but to herself only; and in her die●● all such allowance must be given to her as is accustomed to the other Abbess, and the rest are to use the said Reverences to her, as they are accustomed to their other Abbesses, and when she dyeth she is to enjoy all those privileges, which they enjoy that die in their Offices, and she is to have a double Voice in the Election of her Successor, (but for her own Resignation she shall have no voice) as also she must have a double Voice in the election of all the other Officers, which by the Conuents Voices are to be chosen.  
25. If the Abbess espy any Error committed by her predecessor, let her so handle the matter, that she seek still to conserve her Reputation, and as often as she maketh mention of her deceased Predecessor, she must never name her but in honourable manner, as she must likewise hau● care that all her Subjects do the same.   

THE II. CHAPTER.  
Of the choosing of the other Officers.  
1. No Religious may have passive Voice for the principal Officers, except ●hee have lived laudably four years at the least in Religion, after her Profession; and be five and twenty years old complete, except urgent necessity be to the contrary.  
2. The principal Officers, to wit the Prioress, deans Mistress of the Novices, Assistants, depositary Cellarier, Sacristane, Chantresse, Portresse, Thourier, Infirmare, and Guardrobe, must be chosen by more than half the Voices of the Convent, their Voices must be set down in writing, and the said writings must be perused by the Abbess, and the Scrutatrices, and they are to be publicly read in the hearing of all either by the Abbess or by one of the Scruta●rices, whom she will appoint, and the said writings are all to be burned before they depart out of the Chapter.  
3. If any difficulty arise about the delivering of their Suffrages, and that it happen that sufficient Voices do not ●agree, let that Order be taken as before was set down in the Election of the Abbess, when the like case doth fall out.  
4. She th●t shall endeavour to procure for herself, or for any other, by any means the Voice of any for any of the aforesaid Offices, she shallbe deprived of all active and passive Voice while she liveth; which punishment she shall also incur, that by un just persuasions and complaints shall labour to hinder any from any Office, except she make her complaints only to the Lady Abbess.  
5. These before named Officers are to be chosen every third year, and therefore at a time for this apppointed (to wit upon the first Monday in Lent not hindered by a Feast, otherwise upon the next day following) they shall all resign their Offices in the Chapter house, and the Convent must choose others in their places; Yet it is permitted that the Convent may only once confirm the self same person in her Office; where in notwithstanding she shall not continue more then for fix years; But if any one is able to fulfil and well accomplish diverse Offices, it is left to the Conuents liberty to constitute fewer.  
6. The term of three years is limited only for those Officers as have well performed their Offices: but if any be found not sufficiently fit for her Office, she may be discharged of her Office, whensoever the Abbess and Convent think fit.  
7. The Sister of the Lady Abbess may not be chosen for Prioress, deane, Assistant, depositary; Cellarier, Thourier, or Portresse, while the Abbess liveth, except she hath the third part, of four of the Voices of the Convent.  
8. The Inferior Officers, who are not set down among the afforenamed principal Officers, and are apppointed for diverse Functions in the Convent, may be chosen for such offices by the Abbess herself alone, and whereas they may be often changed, as the rest, yet if any have laudably behaved herself in her charge she may the longer be continued in the same, yet so, that this be done rather upon necessity, then upon any private and particular affection.  
9 None may confer with any about the ●etting up or taking away of any Office, but with the Abbess alone▪ or in public Chapter, and if she proceed otherwise, she is to be punished at the discretion of the Abbess and Convent.  
10. All the Officers are to read or hear once every month all such Rules, directions, and Statutes as appertain to their Offices: and the Inferior Officers are to have them written, and set up in some place in their Offices.   

THE III. CHAPTER.  
Of the Office of the Abbess.  
1. FOr as much as the Abbess is by almighty God apppointed Governess over the Spouses of jesus-christ, to direct and confirm them in the way of his holy Commandments and of a perfect Religious life, there fore she ought to excel all her Subjects in Charity, faith, Chastity, Wisdom, and notable humility, that she may advance and set them forwards to the due keeping and observance of their holy Rule and Constitutions and to the top of all perfection no less by her exemplar life, and behaviour then by the authority and dignity of her Office, Where upon she must carry to all a motherly heart and affection, and endeavour to make them familiar and tied in love towards herself, that with greater confidence they may make their recourse unto her, as to their common mother and there by submit themselves to all her Commandments, and Counsels, and perform all things, drawn rather by the spirit of love, then by fear and force of constraint;  
2. Every day in particular manner she ought to employ some time where in she may seriousty consider with herself, by what manner and means, she may best set forward the Common good and proffitt of her charge. And she ought to endeavour (so far forth as the sundry burdens and businessesfo the Monastery will permit) to assist with the rest and be present in the Quire and other places of Observances, and to observe all those things unto which the rest are tied.  
3. She must have a care of the spiritual and Corporal good of all, yea and of every one in particular, she must suffer each of them to have a free access unto her, so often as they shall request it, or as she shall know or understand it willbe profitable unto them, and that she herself may well and fitly attend thereunto.  
4. She must receive and entertain suc● as come unto her with all suavity and gentleness; and she must be very wary that by her Countenance, or vehemency of her words, or manner of carriage and proceeding she do not at any time fear them, that with freedom and Confidence they may not discover and lay open their difficulties unto her.  
5. Let her show a motherly affection to such as any way offend, that they may see that heir fault and not their person is displeasing to her, and let her carry her self, that she may not be noted to be disgusted with any one; finally in giving of Penances let her have an Eye to the spiritual good of every one, and that no ways she seek their trouble and vexation, always diligently and maturely thinking and casting with herself, by what means the pennances which she enjoineth may help to advance their spiritual good.  
6. In such things as touch the Common discipline, let her show herself firm and constant, and let her not at any time suffer any thing to be violated and infringed; where unto they are bound by Rule or Statute. But in those things that are heldlesse essential let her not be to hard, and difficile in dispensing, and so let her maintain good Order and discipline, that she may discreetly and prudently apply her pensations to the solace of her Subjects, and the more service of almighty God.  
7. Let her often inquire of the Prioress and confer with her, concerning the State of the Convent, and also of the Mistress of the Novices, depositayre, and Cellarier, concerning all such matters as belong to their Charge; and she must command them to repair to her so often as need shall require.  
8. She shall once every month, either by herself or by some o●hers, whom she shall appoint, (especially the deans) visit all the Offices of the Monastery, but especially of the depo●itayre, Cellarier, Sacristane, Guarderoabe and In●irmair; also once every month she shall visit by herself, or by her said assigns the Cells of all the Religions, and the peculiar offices of all under Officers, that she may see how in a●l things Religious decency, cleanliness, and order be kept, and observed;  
9 Let her b●e vigilant that all the Officers execute and perform their Offices with great sweetness, Charity and humility, and let such be put from their Offices, that behave themselves trouble somely therein; and are found harsh and grievous to other; yet let her not give casy ear to Inferiors against their Superiors, and what she heareth let her maturely and diligently wayghe and examine, and without very reasonnable cause Inferiors are not to have access unto her, for those matters, which the subordinate Officers can sufficiently per form by themselves, and would do so if the said Inferiors would come unto them.  
10. Although she ought much to confide upon her Officers, yet let her beware that nothing be permitted to their inordinate Passions, and if at any time any Contention or dispute should happen among them, whereby aversion of minds and indignation may be feared, let her carefully seek to hinder this Inconvenience, by making peace among them, and by procureing that they always show such signs of humility, and Charity each to other, as may nourish and increase religious affection, and love among them.  
11. She must have a special care of such as are sick and infirm, and those she must often visit, and endeavour to comfort, and in all things (as much as lieth in her power) let her have care of perverty, but yet so that Religious decency be still maintained.  
12. Let her frequent the common Refectory with the rest, so often as by her health, or her other great affairs she may and at Table let her have some meat above, and different from the rest, whereof she may impart to those whom she shall think to be most infirm and weak, and when she is absent from the Refectory▪ let her by turns invite such Religious, as by this way she shall think their weakness and infirmity may be holpen or comforted.   

THE IV. CHAPTER.  
Of the Office of the Prioress.  
1. THE Prioress is chosen to ●ase the Abbess of a great part of her burden, she, in her speech especially, and in her conversation, aught to study how to edify every one, whoe as she is a guide to others, so much she be a Rule of all good Virtuous life and behaviour, not making any show of affected Superiority or permitting the same to any other, that the Inferiors being conjoined with Elders and Superiors may serve each other in sincere humility; and therefore albeit she be the mother of the rest, yet according to her Office is she to labour to serve the rest;  
2. When the Abbess by reason of her other hindrances cannot execute those things that appertain to her Office, than it belongeth to the Prioress, to do all those things which the Abbess herself should have done, if she had been present, as to give the Benedictions in the Quiar, to grant leave to speak with Externes, to receive and give presents, and such like; where of afterwards she is to certify the Abbess in sit time, yea commonly she may do all those things, which in these Statutes are said, and set down, that by the Superior they may be done, especially then when they cannot have access to the Abbess herself.  
3. In the Absence of the Abbess she is to command according as matters occur in the Quiar, Chapter house, Refectory, dorture, and Work house, yea and in all other places, where the Convent is in any time assembled; In these places she is always to be present with the Convent, or if she cannot be present, she shall have care that some one of the deans may supply her place  
4. In her Words and external behaviour let her demean herself with all sweetness, and let her take diligent care that in the Chapter house (where in the absence of the Abbess she is to reside as hath been said) nothing be● done either by herself or others, that may give just occasion of offence, but let her endeavour to induce her Sisters with all suavity, and external show of love to the accomplishing of those things which are expedient, and let her offer herself ready to yield them all comfort and satisfaction, making herself familiar unto them yet retaining her due gravity, that by those means all may reverence her and with their dutiful carriage acknowledge her for their Superior.  
5. Once every month she shall go to the Abbess to acquaint her with those things, which shallbe thought requisitt she should understand.  
6. Let her not thrust herself in to meddle which those Offices, whose care and Charge, are by the Abbess and Convent committed to others, neither let her offer to dispose of the Converse Sisters.  
7. She must not suffer such as have Offices to dispose of themselves without her knowledge, yet may she not hinder them in their Functions, and Offices; that so all matters may be performed in the best Order, and without Confusion.  
8. She must not permit that any thing be infringed or innovated, and when she perceiveth or feareth any great inconvenience to ensue, let her acquaint the Abbess therewith, that according to her appointment some remedy may be provided for the same.  
9 Although she may reprehend and correct her Subjects for lesser faults, as the Mistress of the Novices may the Novices and Scholars, and the Cellarier the Converse Sisters, yet if any faults be doubtful or more greiveous than ordinary, or of that Consideration that they may seen worthy of more severe Chastisement. than she (as also those two others) shall make them known to the Abbess, that it may be provided for according to her judgement, and by her authority.  
10. Let her diligently put in Execution what soever is apppointed and ordained b● the Abbess, and in her proceedings an● Actions let her wholly submit her judgement and opinion to hers, persuading al● others to do the same, not contradicting or improving her Ordinances; if she do●● other wise, besides due Correction (unto which she is subject) she must understand that she may be deposed from her Office as unworthy thereof.  
11. Let her not permit any to be in the Cloister, or Garden without leave, nor in the Garden without a Companion; in time of Recreation let her have care that all meet together, that she may see what soever passeth; finally at night when they go to bed, either by herself or by some other, she is to visit all their Cells.  
12. She shallbe exempt from serving in the kitchen, and Refectory, except the Abbess for the increase of her humility, shall otherwise ordain or permit.   

THE V. CHAPTER.  
Of the Deans.  
1. T●E Deans have no other Office in the Monastery, then prudently to observe, if there happen any thing in the behaviour, or proceedings of the professed Religious, that may need correction or amendment, yet may they reprehend none, but that which belongeth to their Office, is this, to help all by their Counsel, and their mature judgement if so be that they may think they be able to help them with their friendly admonition; but if by that way they find that they do them little or no good, then let them make it known to the Abbess, or Prioress, or Cellarier that they may apply more forcible and necessary remedies to the spiritual disease.  
2. Alsoe of these deans the Assistentes are chosen, and if all the deans cannot be Assistentes (because the number of the deans may be greater than the number of the Assistants, which may be but four) than they that are the more ancient professed, mnst be preferred before the rest. If the deans are fewer than the Assistants, than those Religious who have no other Office in the Monastery may be elected to make up the number of the Assistants.  
The lady Abbess is to appoint ten Religious, or thereabouts to the ca●● of these deans: so that all the professed (only the lady Abbess and Prioress excepted) must be under their charge; every one of the professed unto these deans (as all the Religious to the lady Abbess, and Prioress: and the Converse Sisters to the Cellarier; and the Novices to their Mistress) must do that Reverence and show that respect, which the holy Rule in the seventy one Chapter commandeth to be done to their Ancients, and in that case, these only are to be esteemed their Ancients.  
4. The deans in the absence of the Lady Abbess and Prioress, are to preside in all places of observances, and to bear the place of their Superior, which every one of them are to perform, according to the antiquity of her profession; as also in the absence of the deans the more ancient professed must bear the same Office, except the Abbess or Prioress shall appoint otherwise.   

THE VI CHAPTER.  
Of the Mistress of the Novices.  
1. ALL singular show of Virtue, together with a great Zeal, and sesire of perfection must appear, and brightly shine, in the life and behaviour of the Mistress of the Novices, that by her good Example she may the better excite and stir up those, that are under her charge, unto all those things which their State of life requireth of them; In her carriage let her always give show of sweetness, and love▪ and in her words, let her have a special care to avoid all bitter contumelious, and disgraceful language, and let her accommodate her commandments to times, persons, and places, well considering with herself what every one is able to do, and not only what they ought, or should do, seeing they come to Religion, that desire to be there in perfected, and are not as yet perfect.  
2. As every one cometh to the Monastery, let her so dispose of her as the Abbess shall appoint, and she shall have care that such as have entered do examine and discuss their life past very diligently and so make their general Confession, as soon as they can possibly.  
3. Whatsoever they that come bring with them, let her receive it of them, to be delivered to the depositary, and what soever she receiveth or delivereth, let her setr down in writing, which writing every one that entereth shall subscribe with their own hand, of all which things they must dispose a little be fore they make their profession.  
4. She must have care that the Novices and Scholars have a good method in meditating delivered unto them, and she must see they be taught how they may use vocal prayer fruytefully, she is to teeth them the Catechism and Christian doctrine, and the manner how to examine their Consciences and the way how to root out all Vices and to overcome all evil habittes and Customs, and finally to mortify their Passions that together with the contempt of themselves, they may increase in the love of God.  
5. After they are entered, she shall declare unto them, what they are to undergo, and what the Congregation expecteth at their hands, she shall often read unto them those Rules and Statutes which appertain to them and belong to common discipline; then shall they deliberate with themselves (weighing duly the forces of their bodies and minds) what is most expedient for them, and if they continue in their former purpose, than they are by holy meditations to prepare and arm themselves for those things, which they are to take upon them, in the holy State of Religion.  
6. Moreover the Mistress of the Novices must teach those that are under her government a Religious manner of carriage touching their standing, going, looking, speaking, eating, and all other such Actions; that they show therein a Religious decency and comeliness; to wit, that in their gate they be not two hasty, except urgent necessity force them that in talking they use no gestures with their hands, especially while they speak to their Superiors, and to Externes, but either they are to hold them under their Scap●lare, or within the Sleeves of their great habbitt, that they altogether fly and avoid all affected speath, and whatsoever may savour of secularity, or Courtly Vanity and Curiosity, which also in their outward be behaviour they must diligently eschew▪ that they cast or fasten not their eyes upon the Countenances of their Superiors, or of Externes, neither holding them to much upward, or downward, that they speak not to loud, or burst out into to much intemperate laughter, especially when at the Grates they speak with Externes, the which liberty they mu●t understand is seldom to be granted or permitted them, that they eat, not two fast, to slowly, or to greedily, or that they look not about them while they eat, that while they drink they hold their cup with both their hands, that they seek to prevent every one in doing them honour, and Reverence that they carry themselves with gravity, and staidness, that they have ● care to keep cleanelynesse in their Cells ●nd Garments, and that in their Countenances they show mirth and Alacrity, that w●yle they turn, they turn their body as well as their head; and finally that they c●rry themselves gratefully and lovingly to all; and if their be any thing unhandsome in their natures, Customs, or Education, let the Mistress endeavour to reform it, ●nd bring them to a better fashion, and let her have a care to instruct them exactly, in the holy Ceremonies of the divine Service, and in all the Observances of their Religious State.  
7. If she see any to be Drawn to do their duty upon fear, she is to understand that such are not very fit for Reliligion, although a moderate fear (especially of God) doth not a little help and conduce thereunto.  
8. She must labour to encourage such as are dejected, and pusilaminous, yet if she see any to be of sufficient Spirit and Courage, she must not for all that urge them to much; let her be wary and Circumspect in all her proceedings towars them, and let her persuade them to discover their difficulties to their Ghostly Father, that they may the better be grounded in their Vocation, and consequently be the more securely guided and Directed in the Scope and end which they ought to aim att.  
9 The Novices and Scholars must be tried in base and humble Exercises, so often as may be thought expedient, yet they shall not be sent to the places appertaining to the charge of other Officers, except the said Officers consent thereunto; and let the said Scholars and Novices be warned, that the Convent ought and will seek to be informed of their humility, Obedience, and desire of the Contempt of themselves.  
10. Let her not persuade or oblige any of them to any kind of austerity, but by the Counsel of the Abbess.  
11. She must beware that they be not overthrown and carried away with their first fervour, while therein they pass the limits of discretion, and therefore she shall admonish the Ghostly Father hereof, if their happen any i●●t cause therein.  
12. To the end all may be the better in formed of the natures and dispositions of the Scholars and Novices, and that they that enter for such may better know the unity Charity, modesty, and Religious manner of life which the Religious embrace and lead, the Mistr●●●● (by Commandment from the lady Abbess) shall make choice of such to converse and confer with her Nouices● and Scholars, who either by their behaviour, experience, or good example, are best able to edify instruct and help them.  
13. The Mistress is to be subject in all things for domestical discipline to the Prioress, so far forth as she be not hindered from the Execution and accomplishing of her Office, where by she is obliged to teach her Scholars, and Novices, to sing, read, pronounce a right, and the like; So also the Novices and Scholars in the Quire, Chapter house, Resectory, and in all such places, where the whole Convent must be subject to the said Prioress, wherefore the Mistress may not command them there in any matter, that there by she may yield the more Reverence and respect to the Superior, and if any difficulty or inconvenience happen here by or that the Mistress be hindered from the due Execution of her Office, let her seek to the Lady Abbess, for the Remedy there of.   

THE VII. CHAPTER.  
Of the Assistants.  
1. LET such Assistants be chosen, as upon whose prudence, and Counsel the Abbess may very well rely, in such difficulties as may occur: whose also may well Guide and direct such Religious as come unto them at any time for comfort, or would inform them of matters occurring according to the Statutes. Therefore they must be very discreet and circumspect, no ways heady, free from all inordinate Passions, Zealous of the common good of the Convent, which they ought to set forward according to their best skill, and they ought to be very care full maintainers of what soever maketh for the peace and good discipline thereof.  
2. For as much as the Prioress is wont to be admitted to the Cons●ltations, four Assistants willbe sufficient, and they are not to exceed the number of four, and the younger professed among them, must first in Order deliver her opinion, before the Abbess declare her mind, or what she would have concluded; let them all well and maturely ponder the matter propounded, and if so be that the matter may suffer delay, and be of great Consequence, let them have longer time to discuss and consider it with themselves, that thereby it may be the better determined.  
3. Once every week or at least twice every Month, they must be called to Consultation at that hour which the Abbess shall appoint, where she herself must also preside, and be present; and one of these Consulters and Assistants must every week have access to the Abbess, to know of her when the Assistants are to be called to Consultation. Before the Consultation begin, Veni Creator Spiritus etc. with the prayer. Deus qui corda fidelium etc. is to be said, and the Consultation being ended; Suscipe clementissime Deus etc.  
4. The things that are handled in Consultation most commonly are these, The Causes and remedies of discipline broken or neglected; the defects of Officers in their Offices; the trouble or disgust of any one conceived against any Officer; want of health in any through indiscretion; dissensions, secrets meetings, and whisperings; what manner is to be observed in enjoining of Penances; the Receiving or delivering of Messages or writings to Externes; the deposing of Officers; or appointment of new Officers; the Measure of their diett, to greather with the defect or excess committed in the same; what persons are to be propounded to the Convent, and such like.  
5. Let them permit nothing that may weaken discipline, and if they consult about the enjoining of any Penance, after the thing hath been maturely determined, let them not afterwards interpose themselves for any moderation. But if upon better Information they find the Case, to stand other wise then when they consulted about-it, and that thereby they fear any hurt or inconvenience may ensue, they must make it known to the Abbess, and so commit it wholly to her discretion.  
6. Of those things that are propounded unto them they may not debate among themselves out of the place of Consultion, and then no otherwise then in the presence of the Abbess; and so in like manner of those things about which they have had Consultation. If they shall offend in the contrary, they must endure the same penance, that ●he other professed should incur, if they offended in the like Case, much less may they communicate unto others, either within, or without the Convent, what hath passed in Consultation, or which may any wise touch any person of the Convent; and if any should understand that Consultation hath been had about herself, yet none shall tell her what resolution hath been taken about her, but they shall remit it to the Relation of the Abbess herself, except the Abbess doth otherwise ordain.  
7. In their judgements let them conform themselves to the Commandment of the Abbess neither may they contend among themselves, or stand to st●bbornely in their own opinions, they must answer each other with meaknesse, and propose their reasons with all humility, yet also with Religious freedom and liberty. Where upon the lady Abbess must be willing to hear their advices, and must permit them to have their necessary liberty in speaking their minds; yea moreover she must invite, rnd encourage them, that herein they carefully do their Office, and duty, and if any thing chance to be spoken by any of them, that may be distasteful to her, let her rather wink thereat, then that the Assistants be made afraid to deliver with freedom their opinions, as they are obliged to do in matters appertaining to the common good: neither ought the Abbess to depart from that they all Counsel her, but upon sufficient ground and reason.  
8. If nothing occur whereof they should consult yet the Abbess ought to call them together to see if her ●onsulters have any thing to propound unto her, and if nothing of worth do occur they may be dismissed.  
9 When the Religious will declare to the Assistants their minds concerning those things which they are not willing to declare to the Abbess herself, whereby s●ee may be the better informed, let the Assistants, (naming none) perform this with all charity, and sincerity, and bring them an answer and resolution as the Case requireth.  
10. Every one must know that they may not deal about any matter with the Assistants, but upon this Condition, that what they declare unto them, should be made known unto the Abbess, neither may they give ●are to any thing under Condition that it be kept secret and unknown to the Abbess.  
11. After the Assistants leave their Offices, yet they may not discover to others in any sort those things that have been done or uttered in their Consultations, except only such matters as by the Abbess were made common be fore and imparted to others, and if they shallbe found faulty here in, there by they shallbe disenabled t● have this Office again for ever after; and to the end the assistants may be more free in delivering their opinions, by the Statutes it is for bidden, that the Abbess do manifest unto others, what was said or counseled her by any of the assistants, but only (as the Case may require) she may tell the Convent what was counseled her, yet so that she discover not unto them, the name of her that gave her Counsel or adveses there in.   

THE VIII. CHAPTER.  
Of the despositayre.  
1. THE Office of the depositayre is to keep all such things as belong to the necessary provision of the monastery, as woollen, linen, money, and the like: and she is to render an exact account of all Receipts and expenses to the Abbess, whom she is to certify of all such things of moment which she receiveth, or spendeth▪ and there in she is to follow her order and and appointment.  
2. She must have a Chest with two locks, one of the keys the Abbess must keep, and she the other, so that it may not be opened without them both. In this Chest all the money of the house must be kept, and from thence it must be taken as need requireth, except the Abbess will keep by her some small somme, for such uses as some times may occur.  
3. She must have the keeping of the great Seal of the Convent, and therewith she may Seal nothing without the Consent of the Convent, she also must keep all Originals and other writings, and Evidences in a Coffer with a double lock, where of the Abbess must have one key and she another.  
4. Once every year the depositor together with the Guardroabe must see what every one hath, and what they want, they must set all down in writing, that afterwards they may consult with the Abbess, how they may provide for the necessity of ea●h one, and let them labour to carry an even hand to all▪ And to the end all Confusion may be a●oyded, a certain hour must be apppointed, at which time ●●ery day all the Officers and the Religious ●ust repair to the depository for their Ne●essities.  
5. When she delivereth by appointment ●f the Abbess any thing to the Cellarier, ●●ardroabe, or Cater, let her demand a writing of the person that receiveth it, where in the Receipt is contained, and let her show herself prompt and easy to execute those things, unto which she is bound by her Office, and in no wise must she show herself wrangling or contentious; yet if in her opinion, she thinketh that any thing may be better done, or that she espieth, that any thing is more spent than ought to be, let her make Relation there of to the Abbess.  
6. Let her take care that all Provisions be made in their due times; for which cause she must some times confer with the Abbess, and Procurator of the Monastery, as also with the Cellarier, concerning those things which are under her charge, and which she is to use.  
7. She must gather together all old things of the Monastery, as the old locks old Iron and such like, also she must keep an account of all the Revenues, and sums of all the particular debts, and of such things as are owing to any; or by any to the Monastery, and what time th● said payments are to be made.  
8. Once every year she shall render a●● exact account of all her Receips and Expenses, where of she is to deliver a Copy to the Abbess, who shall also writ it down in her book, and she must seek to have the Abbess subfigne to her yearly Reckonings, whereby it may appear that she hath approved all, and that all things have passed according to her Order and well liking.   

THE IX. CHAPTER.  
Of the Cellarier.  
1. THE Cellarier must often confer with the Abbess about those things which appertain to her Office, and she must perform that both for quantity and quality of the meat, which she shall appoint; she must see that all things be well kept in the Spence and Buttery, that nothing be negligently spent or wasted in meat drink or any other thing committed to her charge, and with a special care she must endeavour that what soever belongeth to her Office▪ be kept clean ●nd hand some.  
2. In the manner of dressing and seasoning her meat, she must look to that which is most whole some, and let her ●●oyde all Curiosity and excess in all things ●●ll beeseeming a Religious estate; yea if any thing be superfluons let her keep it care fully, to be spent, and used in due time and Season.  
3. Let her foresee what is to be provided for the day following, and let her certify the Cater thereof, and that by writing▪ so likewise let her inquire in good time of the Cook▪ what she wanteth, that in due time Provision may be made thereof; and if the depositair shallbe wanting to her in any thing, she shall only signify it to the Abbess.  
4. If at any time any of the Professed of the Quire be sent unto her for any thing, she is to deliver unto them that which they have need of with all due Charity and sweetness as her ability will permit her.  
5. She must so dispose all her businesses that she may be still present at the divine Office, so far forth as she can possible.  
6. The Converse Sisters both Scholars, Novices as also the professed, and all th● Servants of the house are under her char●ge, and she must be very watchful t● keep them all in peace and Concord, dir●●cting them with all meakenesse and gentle●nesse, taking care that they be not tw● much over charged with their labour, an● that nothing be wanting to their spiritual proffitt and good; but especially of her Converse Sisters.  
7. Sh●● must instruct her Converse Sisters in the Catechism, and Christian doctrine, and how to pray and make their Confession, and to 〈◊〉 to the sacreed Communion with 〈◊〉 and proffitt.  
●. L●tt her s●● that such Converse Sisters ●s ●re appaynted for sundry Offices have their directions written in their several Offices, which she must take care that once every Month they be read unto them, she must also have an Inventory of all such things, as everyone under her charge doth use, and she must often visit them all, that she may see that nothing be brok●● or ned● rep●●●tion.  
9 Let her not behave herself contentionsly ●r distastefully to others, but rather endeavour to maintain both herself and all her charge in ●●ward peace, and let h●r seek by her Religious outward temperate government, moderation, and man●●r of speech to give edification to others, by the example of her virtuous ●nd true religious life.   

THE X. CHAPTER.  
Of the Portresse.  
●. IT is the Office of the Portresse to keep the key of the Gate oft the Monastery, the lock where of must have two ●eyes, so that it may not be opened without them both. One of these keys must be kept by the Abbess, and when soever ●●y person is to enter into the monastery, or any thing is to be brought in, someone Religious is to be sent by the Abbess who may bring with her, her key, and there with open and shut the said Gate, and so carry it back to the Abbess again.  
2. If any are to enter into the Monastery from abroad, the Portresse together with her Companion whom the Abbess or the Superior shall appoint (for fewer than 〈◊〉 shall never accompany them) must bring them to the place whether they are to go●, and none may speak unto those persons but in a word or two, and as it wear, Obiter, or by the way, neither may the Portresse permit every one to open the Gate, or deliver her key to any, but to her whom the Superior shall appoint.  
3. If there shallbe more Gates to th● Monastery than one, every one of them must always have two keys, where of the Abbesse● must have one, and the Por●resse another; and the Portresse must be very careful to see they be always well shut; and that whosoever are let into the Monastery, do always enter and depart at full day light, except some most urgent Causes of necessity do exact the contrary, and after Complyne she is to give up her keys to the Custody and keeping of the Lady Abbess.   

THE XI. CHAPTER.  
Of the Thourier, or the Perfect of the speaking place.  
1. THIS Officer must have a Cell near unto the speaking place▪ ●hat she may be the readier to answer ●uch as come, and to deliver such messages as are requisitt.  
2. She must demand the names of such persons as come to the speaking place (if she know them not) and she must endeavour to inform the Lady Abbess, or Prioress of the quality of such persons, as require to speak with any one.  
3. She shall call no Religious to speak with Externes at the Grate without the the licence of the Prioress at the least, and what soever she receiveth of Externes, she must deliver it to the Abbess or to the Prioress so soon as well she may.  
4. When the Religious are called to speak with Externes she must notify unto them the quality of the persons, that if they be persons of quality they may go unto them in their great habit, and when she calleth any to the Parloy or speaking place, let her ●ignify unto her what Companion she is to have, according as the Abbess or Prioress shall appoint; and if the Conversation seem to be unprofitable or inconvenient let either her Companion or the Perfect of the place prudently and discreetly call her thence.  
5. If any Extern be denied to speak with any, let her in good Religious manner seek to give the person due satisfaction, by her yielding those reasons that are for that purpose, and in her speeches, or answers, let her have care of edisication, and religious Civility, and being by the Bell called to the Parloyre, let her make haste to go thither, and make answer to the person that called, and see that there she use no other talk, then that which is necessary and convenient.  
6. She may not suffer any to execute her Office, but only that Religious whom the Superior shall appoint.  
7. She may receive no writing or message to be sent to any, except the Abbess, Prioress, or Convent be acquainted there with, except it be to be sent and addressed to the Bishop, or Visitours, as hereafter in the third part, and first Chapter shallbe declared.   

THE XII. CHAPTER.  
Of the Chantresse.  
1. ALL the books that appertain to the Quiar must be in the Custody of the Chauntresse, who must have care that in their singing and reading, the hearers may be edified, and every week upon Wednesday she shall set up a Paper, wherein there names are to be written, that in the week following must sing, or read any thing in the Quiar, She must make choice of the more skilful according to the solemnity of the Feasts, and in all things let her take that Course and method in her proceedings, that she be not over greiveous or troublesome to any.  
2. Every week upon Saturday let her set up in writing the Order of the Office for the weak following, and withal the extraordinary obligations, both for the living and the dead; for which cause she must ●●ue the keeping of that book wherein the said Obligations are contained.  
3. Let her be very wary and Circum●spect before she begin to sing, or intone●● any thing, and let her use the same warrynesse in every thing else, that if any erro● happen she may seek to amend it wit● Zeal, yet without any sign of impatience, so far as she can possibly.  
4. If they shall sing any thing in Music in the Church, ●hose are to be apppointed by her (or by some other who perhaps may be fitter for this Office) that must sing, neither may any other presume to sing, but such, as by her are apppointed.   

THE XIII. CHAPTER.  
Of the Sacristane.  
1. THE Sacristane must be very diligent to see that what soever belongeth to the Church, Cloister, Chapter house, and Sacristy be kept very carefully and han somely.  
2. Let her carefully provide that the wine which must seru● for the most holy Sacrifice, be good and pure and drawn the same day; that the Chalices, Purificatoryes, Corporals, Cruetts, Water, Towels and all the furniture and appurtenances of the Church, be whole and very clean, she must carry holy-water to the Cells, and the accustomed places of the Monastery▪ where every week she must put it into Vessels, that there are apppointed to contain the same.  
3. Let her appoint the time when every one is to go to Confession, by the advice of the Abbess, and let her see that all the Masses be said in fit times, if they have sundry Priests to celebratt. Let her make the hosts as fair as she can possibly, which she must provide may be sufficient for the Masses, and the Communicants, and she must see that she always have them in readiness, as need may require.  
4. She must keep the kyes of the Turn, and Grate of the Church, or Sacristy, neither may she receive or deliver any thing by them, but only such things as appertain to the Altar, the holy Sacrifices, or Church, let her see that this grate or Turn be all ways well shut and locked, except in times of Communion, or when any thing is to be delivered, or receaned by the same.  
5. She must not speak or talk with any at the Grate, but only about those things that necessaryly appertain to her Office and if any Extern demand any thing of her which concerneth not immediately the Church, let her send him to the Tourier, and when she speaketh with any at her Turn or Grate, let her do it with a low voice, and let her be still ready to deliver those things, which belong to the Service of the Church.  
6. She must deliver every Evening to the Abbess, the keys of her Office, and in the morning let her demand them of her at a competent tyme.  
7. See that with due care and Dilligences he write down in some book all such donations, as have been made to the Church, together with the names of the givers, and she must take an Inventory of all such things as are committed to her charge.   

THE XIV. CHAPTER.  
Of the Infirmaire.  
1. THE Infirmayre must assist the sick with singular Charity, and seek to procure their comfort accordingly, wherefore she must endeavour to perform all those things, that may tend to the ease and comfort of the diseased, with very great alacrity.  
2. About the sick all things must be neat, and decent, and the Infirmaire must have an Inventory of all such things, as belong to her Office.  
3. She must have all medicinable things and what soever else are neceessary for the sick in some convenient place, and she must often visit them, to see that nothing be corrupted, and to procure by Order from the Superior that new be had in due tyme.  
4. If the disease so require it, let her send for the Physician, yet with the consent of the Abbess, and let her punctually observe his prescriptions, and ordinations, concerning the diett and Physic of the Patient, She must also have certain common Rules and instructions▪ according to which she may proceed, when the disease seemeth not to require the presence or advice of the Physician.  
5. If the disease increase let the Abbess be certified there of, that other Physicians be sent for in due time, if it seem needful, or if the disease be infective, that others be for bidden to have access to the diseased, or to converse with her.  
6. If the Sick be in any danger she must provide that in fit time they be armed with the holy Sacraments, and assisted which the devout prayers of the Religious and withal may be excited with holy admonitions to endure patiently the grief of their disease, and willingly to embrace the will of almighty God in all things.  
7. Some holy Pictures and Images must be had in the Infirmary, and she must see that a Table be decently adorned and prepared when the most blessed Sacrament is to be brought thither, and she is to make it ready and to prepare all other necessaries for the Communion of the sick, so often as the ghostly Father shall think it expedient, that they communicate.  
8. She may not change or omit any thing that the Physician hath apppointed, except some evident reason move her to the contrary, and let her have a book where in all must be set down that he prescribeth.  
9 Whensoever the Physician or Surgeon cometh to the Monastery, by some sign the Convent shallbe advertised of their coming, that if any have need of their help, by the Superiors licence they may come unto them.  
10. When the Ghostly Father, the Physician, or Surgeon enter the Infirmary, she or some other, with a Companion, must be present, who shall never depart out of the place, till they be thence departed.  
11. She must not dismiss those that are on their Recovery, till she see then strong and able to undergo their accustomed labour.  
12. She must have a Care that they observe due modesty, while they are under her charge, lest that while they seek to restore their corporal strength, they lose their Zeal and Spirit, yet they shall not so much employ themselves in their meditations and devotions as before, until that they may be able to return to their former Exercises, in perfect health, and without any inconvenience.   

THE XV. CHAPTER.  
Of the Guarderobe.  
1. THE Guarderobe must keep all such clothes as the Religious do not use: ●s also all linen, and woollen which are applied to their bedding or to any other Monastical uses, the which she must diligently look unto, as to those things which are belonging to the poor.  
2, She must keep an account of all such things that are under her charge, as of all those things whereof the Religious have the use, and if she be to make provision for any, either in linen or in Woollen, let her acquaint the Lady Abbess therewith, neither may she deliver to any a new garment, or any thing else that is new, without the consent of the Lady Abbess.  
3. Let her have great care of cleanelynesse, and handsomeness, and she must have commodious places, to lay up those things that appertain to her custody, the which she must look unto, that by no means they be spoilt.  
4. When she delivereth out any thing to be washed, or which is already washed, she must deliver them by account, and by account she must receive them back again; also all such things as are deputed, for the use either of the Refectory or of the kitchen, and when she delivereth any linen or Woollen to the Religious, she● must deliver them on Saturday, and she shall keep written what and when, and to whom, any thing is delivered, that every one may receive their necessaries in due season.  
5. Let her separate and keep a part that which is new, from that which is old, and put every thing in their several places, and distinguish by certain figures or numbers, what soever is granted for the particular use of each Religious. But if any thing cannot be accommodated for the use of the Religious, let her make the Abbess know thereof, that she may dispose thereof accordingly.  
6. She shall have care to see that the Garments be mended, and she shall at the appointment of the Superiors deliver them to be mended by those whom the Superior ●hall please to name.  
7. She must have care of all their Shoes▪ and she must see that they be mended in due time, and new must be given to every one, according to their necessity and as the Superior shall appoint.  
8. In her Office let her carry herself meek and gentle, neither must she suffer any to endure any Want in Clothing and Garments.  
9 She must eschew and avoid all novelty, secularity, and Curiosity in all things and therefore a certain Pattern of their habbits, Veils, and other garments, must be made and prescribed, the which she must keep in her Office of the Gua●droabe, she and all the rest shall be bound and obliged to observe this fashion, neither may any be so bold, as to presume to make, or fashion, or have any thing but according to the said Pattern, according unto which every thing must be praecisely made and accommodated.   

THE XVI. CHAPTER.  
Of the Converse Sisters.  
1. THE Conuers● Sisters are admitted into this Congregation, that by their pious labours they may serve their God and Creator, and that they may assist those, who have dedicated themselves to his holy Service, and so serve with them the self same sovereign Lord, under the self same Statutes, Rules and Sacred Vows; therefore they must endeavour to draw that spiritual proffitt and commodity from their said Labours, in such sort that they may fully accomplish all their ymployments to the glory of almighty God, and to the Salvation of their omne Souls.  
2. The Converse Sisters (being no less Religious than are those of the Quire) must in like sort be provided for in all things that appertain to their spiritual and Corporal good: as both alive and dead they enjoy all those Graces, and proviledges which the others enjoy, only those excepted, which special and particular exception is made in the Statutes, whereof, by reason of their sundry employments, businesses, and impediments that are incident to their estate, they cannot be capable.  
3. They must know that all such Statutes, that any wise touch the Religious of the Quiar▪ do also appertain unto them, so far forth as by their State they may be accommodated unto them.  
4. They unto whom any particular Offices are enjoined must receive their special directions from their Superior in writing, the which they must have set up in the places of their Offices.  
5. Every day they must attend to mental and vocal prayer, for so long a time as the Superior shall appoint them, which may be longer or shorter as their Labours, and businesses will permit them, If they shall perceive that they are not so apt for mental prayer as they might wish, let them acquaint their ghostly Father therewith that they may employ the time of prayer in some other exercise of devotion.  
6. Let them pay to our Lord God a daily task and oblation of their Prayers, to wit for their Nocturnes and Matins, they shall say thirty Pater Nost●rs, and so many Aue Maria's; for their Prime, Third, sixth, None, and Compline● for each of these seven Pater Nosters, and seven Aue Maria's; and they shall recite the said Pater nesters and Aue Maria's twlue times over, in stead of their Evensong; But they that are able, and can find leisure may say the Office of our blessed Lady, or of the dead, or the seven penitential Palms, with the Litanies, instead of those Pater nosters and Aue Maria's prescribed.  
7. They that are admitted for Converse Sisters, after they have made their Profession, may never pass to the State of the Professed of the Quire, and therefore they may not learn to sing, read or write, nor yet may they be taught to do the some.  
8. They may use all religious freedom with their Superiors, for which cause they may confidently repair unto them if they want any thing, or in their labours find themselves overcharged above their strengths, and both Superior as also all the rest must love them as their most dear Sisters, and carry themselves towards them in all Charity, benevolence, and true loving affection.  
9 If at any time the Novices be sent by their Mistress, or the Professed of the Quiar by the Superior to serve in the kitchen or such like places, the Converse must so seek to direct them in their labours, that withal they carry themselves towards them with all religious gentleness humility and discretion, neither may they take more upon them than is meet in their proceedings or speeckes, but they must with sweetness teach them, when they see any thing worthy to be amended in them, but in those things which! appertain not to their Offices, let them in form their Superiors of them.  
10. Let them avoid all bitterness among themselves, but rather let them seek to nourish that mutual charity, which be seemeth them, let them behave themselves with all obedience towards their Superiors, whom they must reverence in most humble manner, the Religious of the Quire they must honour and respect each one according to that Estate where in she is.  
11. They must be very diligent and marry that there happen no danger by their Fire or Candle in the places of their Offices, they must see that all things be neat ●nd cleanly, they must have a note of all such things as are delivered to their use and Custody, that they may make a due account and reckoning of all things when it shall be required of them.  
12. They must be very careful and diligent that nothing be unprofitably wasted or spoilt in their Offices, they must also be very great lovers of Poverty, and in all the places of their labours they must speak very sparingly, and for the most part of things necessary, and then they must speak with a submissive and low Voice.   

THE XVII. CHAPTER.  
Of those that are admitted in to the Monastery to receive the Habit, and to make holy Vows, and Profession of Religion.  
1. AS the Conditions and dispositions of those are, that are admitted into this Congregation, such also will the whole Congregation be, therefore with great choice must they admit such as offer themselves to the Congregation, lest by admitting such that are unfit their spiritual progress and vigour of discipline fall and decay:  
2. Therefore they are especially to be admitted into this Congregation, who have given some show or proof of their Virtuous life, in the places of their education and former Conversation, and whose reputation was always held for good, while they lived in the World.  
3. They that are notably defective either in body or mind may not be admitted, nor they that are in danger of continual sickness, the Abbess and the Convent must be judges whether they be in these things defective: but yet where there may be any doubt or question, they must seek for the Counsel of those, whose judgement and experience may assist them in these matters.  
4. Widows, Sisters, or such as are near of blood, may not be received without great● Cause, nor they very easily who have had government over others in the world, and were subordinate to none, because such are not governed but with great difficulty.  
5. They that are entered into the lawful bond of Matrimony, although they have not consummated the same; may not obtain admittance without very great wariness and deliberation, nor they who have been suspected to take upon them this State of life, by the hard and unkind usage and dealing of their Friends, wherefore if any such shall enter, and shall conceals these things, they must know that they cannot continue in the Monastery, if these things do afterwards come to light; but if the Convent shall see any somewhat constrained here unto, and proceed afterwards 〈◊〉 to a true and an assured spirit of Religion, she may be admitted, after 〈◊〉 hath yielded due proof and experiment of her sincere Vocation.  
6. She that is unlawfully begotten or is held for such, ought not to be admitted, except some reason of especial moment may be alleged for her, which reason must be approved by the most Voices of the Religious, before she be permitted to enter in.  
7. She that is in debt or in Process, may not enter, until the debt be paid, and the Process ended.  
8. She that hath received the Habit of ●nother Religious Order, or hath lived in any Monastery of this Order, that observe not these Statutes and hath there received the Habit of Religion may not be taken into this Congregation, except upon most important Reasons.  
9 None may easily be received that are above seven and twenty years old, yet if they be such that are expert in reading and song, and are known to be of strong and healthy bodies, they may be admitted, although they be thirty years old.  
10. For as much as the impediments of those that see●e to enter among you may be often very secret, and hard to be known, let her that offereth herself to this Congregation be demanded, if she have any such impediments, whether she be able to pass with the common dyett, whether she be often or seldom sick, and what sickness that may be, of what health or strength she findeth herself for the present, whether their parents had any disease, which may be feared to be hereditary unto her, whether she be subject to any Obligation upon any contract whatsoever, whether she hath publicly celebrated any spowsales, or plighted her promise of marriage to any man, of all which the Congregation must be plainly and particularly informed.  
11. Further more she must be demanded what it was that induced her to have this desire, why she rather desireth to be in this Convent then of another. If perhaps, for that she hath here of her kindred, or some Sister, or Cousins in the Congregation, who might much incline her here unto, or for the place, Country, or Education, moreover it must Be inquired of her whether she be content to be ymployed in the base sort of labours, and to be perpetually exercised there in according to her State and degree▪ whether she be resolved to endure those things which may help to bring her to humility, patience, and contempt of herself, what qualities she hath, what difficulties she hath suffered in making her Resolution▪ finally what she hath to dispose of, and what satisfaction she hath given to her Friends, out of all which, if the Abbess and Prioress (who are both severally to examine those that would enter) can draw any thing that may seem worthy of great deliberation, they shall remit it to the judgement of the whole Convent.  
12. They that after their entrance give little hope of their good proceeding in Spirritt, must be dismissed in good time, but with great Charity, but they that yield some hope, and yet not so certain and assured as may be wished, their clothing may be so long deferred until the Convent be sufficiently satisfied, yet the Convent is not bound upon Charity to retain, and maintain such among them who may rather be a burden unto them than that they are like to make that proffitt in spirit which they should.  
13. ascertain number of Religious as also of the whole family must be apppointed, according to their certain temporal means and Revenues, neither may they admixed more than their Ordinary Revenues or Alms are able well to entertain and nourish.  
14. None may be admitted to be either of th● Quire, or a Converse, upon indiscreet pity and Compassion; as neither that person ought to be admitted to be of the Convent, who hath not a mind to undergo, and end●r● what soever is according to Religion.  
15. The Scholars must have a Veil delivered them, before they can be permitted to come to the Quiar, or Refectory as also a certain kind of habit convenient 〈◊〉 the state and Vocation.  
16. Such as are admitted must ordinarily have a whole year before they receive the holy Habit of Religion, if it happen otherwise that this time be either prevented or prolonged, let the Convent approve the Cause and Reason, that afterw●res it may not happen to be turned in to a Custom.  
17. She that is admitted may not urge, or be to earnest to receive the Habit, but let her only show her propension, and good desire to proceed in her holy course, and leave the rest to the disposition of the Convent.  
18. They shall admit none to receive the holy habit of Religion, before she be twelve years old, nor may they permit her to make her Profession before she be sixteen years old full complete according to that which is decreed in the holy Counsel of Trent, in the twenty fifth Session and in the fourth Chapter; and ordinarily let none be received, that after two years cannot make her Profession.  
19 The Scholars and Novices must live in silence separated from the rest, at lest for the space of eight days before their Clothing and Profession that they may seriously and maturely consider of the greatness of the matter they are to take in hand; again after three days are expired after their clothing, they must return to their former silence, for at lest eight days more, that they may well ponder and cast with them, by what means they may best with fruit use that benefit of god his holy Grace and favour which he hath bestowed upon them and how they may Zealousty accomplish those things, which to the honour and service of God they had before purposed and determined with themselves.  
20. The place of Recreation for the Scholars and Novices must be different from that of the professed; neither yet may they converse with those, who although they live in the Monastery, yet are not there with intention and purpose to be Religious, except for sometime the Abbess ordain otherwise.  
21. They must not ordinarily be admitted to make their Profession before they be eighteen years old, although reason may sometime persuade the contrary; as when their jugdments and forwardness may supply the defect of their years, and she that after the year of her Probation i● found unfit must be dismissed.  
22. All the Religious must receive from the Mistress of the Novices information, concerning the dispositions, Virtues, and aptness, of the Scholars, and Novices, especially when otherwise they cannot have sufficient notice and knowledge thereof; But as touching the Converse Sisters, they must inquire of the Celarier, concerning what soever may occur touching them.  
23. When the Religious deliberate among themselves in Chapter concerning the admission of any either to the habiti or profession the Sister or kinswoman of the party within the third degree (yea although it be the Abbess herself) may not be present, as neither the Mistress of the Novices, or Cellarier, while the Religious do there debate among themselves concerning those that are under their several charges, yet they must be present when by balloting they all are to deliver their suffrages and Voices. The Suffrages of the Religious for those that are to be admitted for clothing or Profession, must not be delivered by writing, but by Bowls, and they that are to be admitted must have more than half the Voices of the Convent, and the Convent must give these their Voices some six Weeks before their Clothing and Profession, but especially before the Profession, that the Lord Bishop or his deputy may be certified in fit time of those that are to be admitted, that he may examine them according to that which is decreed in the fife and twenty Session of the holy Counsel of Trent.  
24. They must dispose of all things that any wise appertain unto th●m, before the day of their Profession, and if they shall not be found fit, all what soever was any ways bestowed upon the Monastery must be rendered to them back again, as in the holy Counsel of Trent, in the 25. Session and 16. Chapter is enacted.  
25. After the Profession the Mistress shall inform the Prioress of their natures and dispositions, so far forth as it is convenient for her to know them, and after their Novitiate she shall ordinarily leave them to the Prioress to dispose of them and to be subject unto her in all things, in such sort as the rest of the Profested for the Quire are.  
26. If at any time young Children be received into the Monastery for their education, let that be done with great choice and in regard of a greater good, and whose good education (in regard of those things which pass in Religion) may prove to advance them to a greater good: they may not be received before they are seven years old, and they may not be retained in the Monastery after they are passed fifteen, they may not be admitted with any burden to the Monastery, excepted it be otherwise sufficiently provided for.  
27. While these Children live in the Monastery they may not be curiousty clothed or adorned, but the Habit which they are to use must be decent, and fitly beeseeming the place; they may not converse with the Scholars, Novices, or Professed, but as the Lady Abbess and Prioress shall give them leave, neither may they speak or have any Conversation with such as come unto them from abroad, and when this latter shallbe permitted them, let them do it at a certain Grate, that must be peculiarly apppointed for them, and they must always have there some grave Religious ordinarily to accompany them, and to be present with them.    

THE THIRD PARTE. OF THOSE MATTERS that are more extrinsecally and externally appertaining to the Congregation, and Monastery, and are belonging to the Temporalities of the same.  
AT GANT.  
Printed by JOOS DOOMS. 16●2.   


THE FIRST. CHAP:  
Of the Visitor, and Visitation of the Monastery.  
1. THE Abbess with her Convent shall propose to the Bishop, that he would vouchsafe to appoint and constitute some one Visitor of the Monastery, whose authority shall wholly in all things depend of the Bishop; and the place of his ordinary residence must be at the most but one days journey from the Monastery, and he must yearly make a visitation of the monastery and that must be within the Feasts of S. john Baptist, and of the Assumption of the blessed Virgin Mary, if it can possibly be so.  
2. If at any time the Visitation cannot be made at the ordinary appointed times, the Abbess shall certify the Convent of the hindrance, and when the time of the Visitation approacheth; she must v●e that form of writing to the visitor, which is set down in the book of Ceremonies.  
3. The Convent must chouse one that is skilful in the practice of Religion, and is a Religious man, who may assist at the Visitation. And because the Abbess is likeliest best to know who may be most fit for this purpose, after she hath deliberated of the matter with her Assistants, she shall propose two or three to the Convent, leaving free unto them to choose one of them or some other, as may seem meetest to them.  
4. During the Visitation all must yield their accustomed obedience to the Abbess, and other Superiors, in those things that appertain to ordinary discipline, neither may they require of the Visitor leave to do any thing before they have first warned the Abbess thereof.  
5. The Abbess must deliver a note of all the names of her Religious and Family to the Bishop or Visitor, when he cometh to visit, and she must write down what Office, every one beareth in the Monastery.  
6. To the end that every one with better advice may declare to the Visitor their minds, and difficulties, they shall deliver unto him in writing what they would say unto him. And all must have free access to the Visitor, that in any sort appertain to the Monastery. But they that cannot write, may explicate to him their minds by word of Mouth.  
7. They shall avoid and fly all kind of exagerations in those things that they write and propound, and they shall only make a naked Relation of the matter, and they must maturely ponder with themselves, whether their Superiors could not have sufficiently of themselves amended and reform those things which they declare unto the Visitor or whether at leastwise the Superiors understood the case, that they might thereby have provided some remedy for it.  
8. Those things that are to be conferred about which the Visitor (besides that which of himself he may inquire or examen) may be reduced to these heads. The defects of good observation of the Rule, or Statutes, those things that belong to Chastity, Poverty, Obedience, and Clausure● to much Conversation with secular people, danger of scandal, occasion eithenr offered or permitted of breach of peace, and disunion of minds, want of necessaries for their life and dyett, coming from those who of duty should have mad due provision, unprofitable expenses and excess in anything: notable defects in the Abbess, ghostly Father, chaplains, or in the rest of the Superiors, Officers, and whatsoever else may seem to be greatly hurtful to the good of the Monastery.  
9 The books of accounts, and the some of the Provision they have made, must be showed to the Visitor, as unto him also must be declared, what is let, and in what manner and by whose aid and assistance, more over he must see the Orders left them by former Visitours, and especially those of the last Visitation (if any thing were left in writing) all which their Orders and Ordinations are to be committed to writing, but yet they may not be joined to the Statutes, because they are to be thought only such things, as are only accommodated to certain times and persons.  
10. If any would deliver her Complain to the Visitor, let her see that she do it upon a good ground, freing her mind from all Passion, and she must only mention those things that are of moment. If any thing be found to be devised, or to discover in them any notable Passion, the offendor must expect a good Penance (which the visitor is to impose) according to her deserts.  
11. If any Complain should be delivered up against the Abbess, or any of the Superiors, or of the Religious▪ the accused may neither directly or indirectly, go about to find out the Authors of the said Complain; neither may she show any sign of any grief or disgust against any, if by any circumstances she may think that she have discovered the Author thereof.  
12. When the Visitor entereth in to the Enclosure the Abbess; Prioress, and Assistants shall always accompany him, while there he remaineth, neither may they conceal any thing from him, which he ought to see, or wherewith he ought to be acquainted.  
13. None may tell unto any other any thing that the Visitor inquired of her; or where of he examined, neither shall she signify her suspicion of any thing that was said, or done with the Visitor, and if by any means the sayings, or doings of others shall happen to come to her knowledge, she may not bewray it to any other, except the Vi●itor give her leave, under pain of being disabled to all offices afterwards and of other punishment which the Visitor shall please to enjoin.  
14. What soever shall be suggested or ordained by the visitor the Abbess and Convent must receive with due reverence: neither may they directly or indirectly make their recourse to any other secular or ecclesiastical person, but to himself or his Assistant (before named) or to the Bishop, or his Superior; and if at any time any shall dare to seek for remedy of those things, that belong to the Office of the visitor and Bishop, by seeking to any secular or Ecclesiastical Princes, or Magistrates, the Abbess and Convent shall judge and condemn such for unquiett persons, for as much as they trouble the common peace of the Convent, and so punish them by separating and debarring them from the Conversation of the rest.  
15. If any of the Professed would at any time write to the Bishop or visitor, she shall have free liberty to do the same, and she may deliver her letters to the Thourier, who may not (under pain of loss of acti●e and passive Voice for ever, and of other punishments which by the Chapter may be enjoined her) discover to any, that ever she received any such letters to be addressed unto them, except the Religious that delivered them unto her, do leave it in her freedom and discretion; what she received to be sent unto them, she must see th●t she delivereth to a faith full Messenger, or to him who is esteemed such an one, so that it will not be likely that the sending of such letters will ever come to the notice of the Superiors, or of others by his means.  
16. Neither may the Abbess or any other Superiors either Directly, by any ways, signs or outward show of Countenances, hinder the free writing of their Religious to their Superiors (to wit the Bishop or visitor) under pain of suspension from their Offices, and other greater penalties to be inflicted on them by the Bishop.   

THE II. CHAPTER.  
Of the Family of the Monastery and of such as liu● out of the Enclosure.  
1. THE Monastery must have for their Ghostly Fathers such as are modest, prudent, and learned, and first the Convent must be well informed of their sufficiency, Virtue, and honesty before they are to be admitted; also their chaplains, Physicians, and Surgeons, must be of modest life and good fame.  
2. The Convent must entertain no servant that is not modest, or is noted for any particular crime, or in his apparel and outward carriage is lighter than reason would.  
3. All these Servants must go to Confession and the holy Communion once every Month, and they must observe all such Ordinances, as they shall receive from the Abbess, Visitor, or the Cellarier.  
4. No woman of what soever State, dignity or Condition she may be, can be permitted to live or dwell with those of the family: that all occasion of ill suspi●ion and bad tongues may be wholly taken away.  
5. He that is chosen for the Steward or Procurator of the Monastery by the Convent, must be such a one, as is grave, godly, prudent, and he must not be charged with wi●e, or Children, he must diligently attend to the Affairs of the Monastery, procuring still the proffitt thereof▪ with the good edification of such abroad as he dealeth with all and the Abbess and the Convent must be assured of his honesty, and fidelity, in those things that are committed to his care and disposition.  
6. He must be obedient in all things to those Officers that have authority from the Abbess to command him, and he must have some certain hours, where in he must repair unto them, but especially to the depositair, and Cellarier, unto whom the care of the daily provisiones do principally belong.  
7. He must have a book where in he is to set down all his receipts and expenses, and once a week he must ●words● of the depositair, that which shall suffice for the necessary provisions of that week; and when he receiveth any money, he must deliver her a Bill where in he shall acknowledge the receipt and for what use he received it.  
8. He is to understand that he can take nothing upon credit, without the leave of the Abbess delivered him in writings except for some matter of little moment, and he shall incontinently pay for what he receiveth, or take care that it be paid, neither may he ever be debtor for above twenty Florins, except the Abbess and dispositayre be consenting there unto.  
9 If he shall receive any money due to the Monastery, upon what title soever, he must deliver it up presently to the depositayre and of her receive an Acquittan●ce for the receipt there of.  
10. He may not undertake no Process or call any into law without the knowledge of the Abbess and Convent; and if at any time he shall undertake any such matter, he must demand the Counsel of such as are skilful, whose advice he may follow, and before any Suits be commenced (having first acquainted the Superior there with) let him offer to put the matter to agreement, and Compremise.  
11. He must often render an account to the Abbess of those things, where in he dealeth, and he must like a good and faithful Servant in form her of all such things, as he thinketh willbe profitable for the Monastery, and he must suggest unto her at what times all Provisions are to be made, that by these means, Costs and Charges may be moderated; and let him see that what he buyeth be good and profitable for the Monastery.  
12. He shall certify the Abbess of whatsoever he findeth to want need of reparation; and if he shall think any thing fit to be sold, or otherwise to be employed, let him not attempt any such thing without her knowledge, or in lesser matters, without at least the knowledge of the depositayre.  
13. Let none be admitted to eat with the chaplains or Servants without the Consent of the Abbess, who must not grant easily hospitality to secular people (except some singular obligation require the same) and then let it be done in some place without the bounds and Circuit of the Monastery, where notwithstanding due regard and care must be had of religious Frugality.  
14. The Steward must not permit that any thing be unprofitably spent and consumed, and if any thing be overplus, let him take care that it be brought back again, to be kept for those uses the Superiors shall approve; and he must have care of all the Servants, and must diligently see that every one do their duty and that they live not idly.  
15. At what time soever he requireth of the depositayre any Original Writings, Registers, Charters, or other Instruments, let him set down in writing that he received them from her, upon such a day, which writing she must deliver again unto him, when he hath restored the aforesaid things.   

THE III. CHAPTER.  
Of bestowing and letting the Goods of the Monastery.  
1. Whatsoever is given to the Monasteryes use, through the pious liberality of good people, is to be esteemed as applied to Christ our Lord, or to the Religious as his poor membres, that there by being freed from all care of temporal matte●s, they may the better attend to the Service of his divine Majesty; and therefore they must interprett that whatsoever temporal goods they have, or receive, they must employ in such sort as may best stand with the honour of God, and may seem to be most agreeable to the In●ention of the givers.  
2. If the Rents of the Monastery, and donations of good people should grow to that greatness, that, (the number of the persons living in the Monastery, and the difficulties which may happen well considered) they may seem superfluous or not necessary, nor decent for a Religious State; then the Abbess with the consent of the Convent may apply them to some pious uses, as to the sustentation of poor families, bringing up of poor Scholars in learning and all such like godly works, as may best advance the good of Religion and service of God.  
3. The Abbess herself and by her own authority, may dispose of those things that are of lesser value, or give some things in way of gratitude, yet shall she set down in a book, what, to whom, and to what end, she hath given any thing, that it may be showed to the Visitor if it should seem necessary.  
4. The Abbess may not give upon colour and pretext of Service done, more than justice beeseeming a Religious State may exact. And if at any time any peculiar Consideration be to be had of some particular person, and that some notable thing is to be added to his wages, let that be done by the consent of ●he Convent.  
5. The Abbess must have in her keeping a Register of all the Lord ships, lands, and possessions of the Monastery, and of the yearly Revenue which she draweth from every one of them, what was received when they were last let, whether any possession be let for term of years, together with the names of such persons as occupy them.  
6. The Abbess may not let any possessions of the Monastery, without the consent of the Convent, whom she must in form how much they yield yearly, and what the opinion of those that are most practical in such affairs is here in, and let such men be herd by the Abbess, Prioress, and depositary, who are skilful and of good judgement in such affairs, that the Convent may be the more fully informed, and so may the better judge there of, and let the Convent use such persons, whom none may suspect that they will draw any thing to their own private lucre, and gain, or to the benefit of their Friends.  
7. They must understand that no Ecclesiastical goods can be let above the term of nine years, without the observation of such solemnities, as according to law are required, in the alienation of the Church goods, neither may any letting bee renewed during the time of the former lease, more than for one year for the Tithes, and at most for three years in respect of other proffitts, before the end of the Rent that ●●●neth, neither may they take more than 〈◊〉 Florins for an earnest penny, for renewing of the said Rent.  
●. If any let of such goods should 〈◊〉 made by anticipating the Rent before 〈◊〉▪ they may no ways binds their Successors, as is decreed in the 11. Chap▪ of the 2●. Session of the Counsel of ●rent. Therefore 〈◊〉 the Monastery will let forth their possessions for any long time, or bind themselves for any money received; it must be done by them who according to law are ●ble to grant it.  
9 In the Monastery nothing may be made by the Religious to be ●ould▪ except t●er poverty want or necessity drive th● thereto.  
10. If their Original writings, Registers, Instruments, and monuments should happen through ouldnesse, Rottenness, or evil keeping to be spoilt or corrupted, the Abbess and depositay●e must take Care to have them authentically coppyed out, and well kept, and if it happen that the said writings are to be communicated or showed to any let him testify under his hand and writing what he hath received; neither may the Abbess and depositayre deliver to any the said public Instruments without the Convent be also assenting there unto.  
1●. Those that are to per ●vse▪ their w●i●ings must be very faith full▪ of whose honesty and fidelity there may be no doubt●▪ and the Convent must have certain trusty Friends whom they may use in this matter▪ neither is it convenient tha● they committ● their affairs and State, only to hirelings.   

THE IV. CHAPTER.  
Of the translation of the Religious from one Monastery to another.  
1. THE translation or change of the Religious from one Monastery to another may▪ not be made, except very great reasons persuade the same; and the said reasons must be allowed by the Bishop and by the Convent, from which they are sent, as also by that Convent whether they are to go, and it must be very profitable for the peace and quiett, or at lestwise for the spiritual good of both.  
2. None may deal either directly or indirectly: with any person about her owns translation; but only with her Superiors, and that, only by proposing the matter unto them, but no ways urging there unto, that so they may leave it in their full liberty to determine therein, what they shall think good.  
3. When any new Monastery is to be begunn, it shall●ly in the power of the Abbess and Convent to make choice of those persons ●hat are to be sent to the beginning there of.  
4. When any of the Religious are sent to supply the want of another Monastery, it must be done with the consent of the Bishop, Abbess, and Convent, from whence they are taken, and when but one is granted, she shall have an other Religious to accompany her thither, and with her some grave matron, with whom the said Religious may return back again, if she be to return back again.  
5. When they are to go from one Monastery to another, they must receive in writing from the Bishop, or the Visitor by what way they are to pass, neither may they go out of that way, and they must always repair to the Rellgious houses especially of their own Order and Congregation, if conveniently they may.  
6. The Religious that is sent from one Monastery to another of the same Order and Congregation, shall make her You of Obedience in Chapter to the Bishop and Abbess where she shall reside, and there ●hee shall observe all the laudable Customs of the same place.  
7. She that is sent shall have her place in the Convent according to the time of her Pro●ession, and she shall participate of all the privileges of the Monastery to which she is sent; and if the day of her Profession, fall upon the same in which some of the Monastery were professed, the, professed of that Monastery shall preside and have the Priority.  
8. She that is translated to another Monastery may not speak of any of the defects of any of that Convent from which she was translated, neither may she extol the Religious of one Convent, that she may seem there by to detract or diminish any thing from the Credit of the other, and if she perceive any thing to be in use and observation in the other Monastery, which is not observed in the Monastery where she dwelleth, she may propose it to the Visitor, Abbess, or Superior but she may neither directly or indirectly speak there of to the other Religious except from the affore said Superiors she have licence to do the same.  
9 She that for her greater peace and more perfection is sent to another Monastery, if she trouble the peace and quiett of that Monastery▪ and carry herself in trouble some manner, she must be sent back again to her former Convent, that there the Superiors may so dispose of her as in our Lord they shall think best for her own good, as also for the good of the Convent.   

THE V. CHAPTER.  
Of the union and Combination of the Monasteryes of this Cougregation amongst themselves.  
1. A Combination and union of diverse Monasteryes living under the same Rules and Statutes doth make very much for the increase of Religion▪ good discipline, and true Charity amongst those that live in them; Therefore the Superiors of the several Monasteryes of this Congregation must endeavour to nourish among themselues by their often mutual correspondence, writing, and letters this pious Conjunction and charitable affection, whereby it will come to pass that where as the several Conuents of this Congregation will make one body among themselves by means of this Combination so will they also be made partakers of all those privileges, graces and such like holy meritorious works, which the rest either jointly or severally do enjoy or exercise.  
2. Therefore these Monasteries living under the same Rule and Statutes▪ shall help and assist each the other, when they suffer any necessity; as may happen through plagge, fire, unjust persecution, and the like; yet that must be performed herein by each Monastery, which by the judgement of the right reverend Lord Bishop▪ and Visitor shallbe apppointed and determined.  
3. When soever any Monastery of this Congregation shall chance to be unjustly wronged or oppressed, the rest shallbe obliged jointly to defend their right▪ and in them their common good; and they must dilgently labour that▪ what soever may appertain to the spiritual or temporal good there of, they may by any good manner deliver from the unjust assaults and oppressions of others.  
4. The Religious by those Conuents with whom they have this Society, must be entertained in their Monasteries▪ and they shall be subject to the Abbess▪ or Sup●rior, so long as they remain therein.  
5. If any Religious in this sort entertained in any Monastery, should chance there to ●nd her life, let that be there performed concerning her burial, which is accustomed to be performed to those, that are resident in the same Monastery; But the Monastery from whence she came, must fulfil those Masses, and suffrages for her Soul, which it doth for others.  
6. When in any Monastery of the Congregation an Abbess is to be chosen, the other Monasteries who shall have notice of this election, shall sing o● cause to be said a Mass of the holy Ghost for the same; and ●he Superiors shall write one to the other of the decease of such Religious as depart this life in their several Monasteryes, that there by they may be made partakers of the merits, and deuoute● prayers of their fellow Sisters.  
7. Who soever is chosen Abbess of any Monastery must with all convenient expedition write to the other Abbesses of this Congregation; and shall offer them her assistance in all those things▪ ●hat may any ways concern the spiritual and temporal common good of the wh●le Congregation.  
8. 〈…〉 first proceeded, or to which they were conjoined by the admission of the same Statutes; so that they must defer the priority to the same, and they shall bear it a peculiar respect, and whatsoever (concerning Religious perfection) is done there in, the rest must follow and perform the same, framing and forming themselves to the imitation and government there of.  
9 If any Monastery by not observing fully the Statutes shallbe notably al●red, and changed from the first, and so from the rest▪ It shall be deprived and lose all those privileges▪ which is enjoyed by reason of this Union, receipt it recall and reform itself.  
10. If the first Monastery should notably fail in discipline and Spirit (which God for di●d) it shallbe deprived of the privilege of priority over the rest, and the priority shallbe transferred to the second, and if that should in like sort prove defective than it must go to the Third, and thus in all the rest; otherwise the priority must stand according to the antiquity of the Monasteryes, and of their union and Combination with the rest.  
11. These ●re the Statutes and Constitutions 〈…〉 for the more perfect and better observation and keeping of the most holy Rule of the most glorious Father and Pa●riarch saint BENEDICT, which all though they ought to be of high esteeme● and authority with the Religious, and Children of this sodality, and consequently to be precisely kept by them, so far forth as their diverse and sundry regular employments may require, or occasion may be offered, yet they impose not further obligation upon their Consciences, than the very nature of the things, and reason itself shall require or in force, yet they are greatly obliged in Conscience to observe those things that are apppointed touching the Election and deposition of the Abbess as also those things that concern the Correction of most grievous faults, where by any may deserve to be separated from the Company o● the rest; moreover every one is obliged never to require or to permit that more liberty be admitted, than the Rule and the Statutes will yield unto: but if any thing be brought in, or practised, which is not s●tt down in the Rule or Statutes, that must be to greater perfection and austerity; and it shall only belong to the right Reverend the Lord Bishop, or Visitor, to explicate the sense and meaning of the words and Clauses contained there in, if there may happen any doubt or Controversy there in; to whose Verdict and judgement every one must stand in this matter; therefore for as much as all the professed Religious in this Congregation ought to observe all the Statutes according to that sense and me aning▪ which the Bishop or Visitor shall admit (as hath been said) none may be suffered to make their profession among you, who shall not first promise in the Chapter house (according to a certain form of writing ●eet down in the book of Ceremonies) that they will accept of any reformation, proceeding from the Bishop conformable and agreeable to the Rule and Statutes, and that they will not admit any greater liberty, than the Rule and Statutes will permit▪ and this their purpose set down in writing they shall confirm with their own hand, and deliver it to be kept in the place of their other principal writings and monuments.  
The End of the Statutes.    

THE CONFIRMATION O● THE STATUTES.  
MATHIAS by the grace of God, and of the holy Sea Apostolic Arch Bishop of Machlin 〈…〉 welbe loved Daughters in Christ 〈◊〉 Abbess and Convent of ●he ●lessed 〈◊〉 Mary of ●he Order of St. B●nedict ●e●●ding in the City of Brux●lles subject to us by ordinary right health in our Lord. Although the Rule ●f the holy Father Saint Benedict which you profess be written, ●nd 〈…〉 〈…〉, so that it truly deserveth, ●nd aught to be esteemed 〈◊〉 of itself to be an absolute and perfect g●ide 〈◊〉 directory of good life, to such as follow the same; Yet for as much as di●ers precepts there of are some what general, and therefore are diversely understood, and observed by diverse, according to the di●ersitie of their nature's, a●d Countrayes, your piety and ●eale of perfection was such, that 〈…〉 supplication to the 〈◊〉 Father the So●eraigne Bishop of 〈◊〉, that by us you 〈…〉 Statutes and Constitutions, in 〈…〉 the said Rule, to be by us 〈◊〉 to yo●, confirmed for you, and by o●r 〈◊〉 to be imposed vpp●● 〈◊〉 that (as by the motion of 〈…〉 desire) yo● ●ay by the● be directed to the exact and uniform observation of the said R●le; 〈◊〉 we knowing right well our own ●●perfection, would not tr●st only to o●r sel●es in this ●atter, b●t we would use the help 〈◊〉 Counsel of di●ers men well seen and experienced in Monastical manner of life, for the best compiling of these Statutes, yea and whe● they were so compiled, we would not so hastily command you to keep them except that first you had fully tried for more than the space of a whole year, whethere your h●●ane and natural infirmity could observe them; after which your trial, when you had declared and made known to us your promptitude and willing minds, we thought good to confirm them by the authority of the said holy Fater delegated unto us for 〈…〉  〈…〉  

NOTE that the words interlived in a diverse Carecter are only observed by this monastery of Gand, by grant of his lordship who at least for the present judged it fitter. For us to sing our office over night and keep only one refectory though some for health are ordained to eat flesh when the comunity eateth fish.