THE RULE OF THE RELIGIOUS, OF THE THIRDE ORDER OF SAINT FRANCIS, both sexes, making the three vows, and living together in Community and Cloister. With certain other things which the leaf following doth show. IHS. AT BRUXELLES, By John Pepermans, at the golden Bible, 1624. THE bull of Pope Leo the tenth, in which is declared that the professed Sisters of the third order of S. Francis, living together in Community and Cloister having made the three vows, are truly Religious and may enjoy the privileges granted to the Freers Minors. THe perfections of the rule The praise of the rule. Three privileges which S●. Francis obtained of God. Three other privileges granted him. Seven other privileges granted him. Certain Indulgences granted to S. Francis Order. An examine of conscience for a Religious person. Twelve evils which come by venial sin. Nine ways by which we participate of others sins. Twelve fruits of the blessed Sacrament. Twelve Evangelical counsels. The malediction of S. Francis. The Litanies of our holy Father S. Francis. QVicumque hanc Regulam secuti fuerint, pax super illos & misericordia. Gal. 6.16. Whosoever shall follow this rule, peace upon them, and mercy. Galat. 6.16. Regula est, qua rectum probari solet: quam si flectes, quicquid ex illa mutaveris, iniuria est recti. Seneca Epistola 72. A rule is, that whereby the right useth to be proved: which if thou decline, whatsoever thou change of it, is injury to the right. Seneca Epist. 72. Nisi ad Regulam, prava non corriges. Unless by rule thou canst not correct the wrong. Epist. 11. Regulam tuam gestabis per omne tempus vitae tuae. S. Athanasius lib. de Virginitate, tom. 3. Thou shalt bear thy rule for all the time of thy life. Hard, great, difficult, but great are the rewards. S. Hierom. Epist. to Rustic. the monk. THE PROLOGUE. SAint Francis having a most fervent desire to draw all men to God of what state or condition soever. Rested not, but having ordained for the men his first rule, called the Rule of the Freers Minors, and his second Rule for women, called of S. Clare, hath also written the thirde Rule, called of Penance, for retired persons remaining in the world, Ecclesiastic, and saecular; married, and unmarried; of both sexes: confirmed by Pope Nicolas the fourth. In this Order very many holy persons have lived, of which a great number are beatified, and some also Canonised in the holy church, as Saint Elizabeth, S. Ludovic, king of France. S. Iuo Priest, S. Elzearius, Count: through whose merits the order is very much multiplied in all parts of the world. Whereas therefore great multitudes of persons, of both sexes, are gathered together into several communities, holding the foresaid third rule, and after the manner of spiritual and Religious people binding themselves with the three vows, to wit, of obedience, Poverty, and Chastity, the same notwithstanding hath been done by permission of the sea Apostolic: which hath holden it for good, and all such persons lawfully professed for true religious. Afterward Leo the tenth Pope of that name, out of the first rule of Nicolas, above related, drew the rule following and wrote it and confirmed it, for all the religious of the third order, of both sexes, living in communities and Cloisters; in the form ensuing, which he will of all to be observed. And whereas some people have been and as yet are found, who will not acknowledge for religious the professed of this third rule: it was necessary at the end of the same rule, here set down, to add the Bull of the said Leo the tenth, Pope, out of which it is manifest that even before his time they have been holden for true Religious, and that he will also that all men do acknowledge and hold them for such, and that no man do contradict it, and other things he forbiddeth therein under pain of excommunication. He hath endued the fore said Religious with all privileges given and granted to the Freers Minors. Omnia autem honest & secundum ordinem fiant in vobis. 1. Cor. 14.40. But let all things be done honestly and according to order among you. IN THE NAME OF OUR Lord beginneth the rule of the thirde Order of S. Francis called the Order of Penance. To our beloved children the Brothers and Sisters of the third Order of S. Francis living in Congregation under the three essential vows. Lo the tenth Pope. Beloved sons, and daughters, health, and Apostolical benediction. Among other things committed to our charge and government, those chief do make us solicitous, by which, the concupiscenses of the world and flesh being bridled, the quiet state of innocence, and first peace given us from heaven is known to be reduced to his original state and perfection. Long since truly for this cause and respect, Pope Nicolas the fourth, our predecessor, confirmed and approved the third rule of S. Francis, which he termed of penance, by which the holy confessor of Christ, full of the spirit of God, laboured to further the salvation of all faithful Christianes'. But forasmuch as by course of time, through the inspiration of the holy ghost, not only married persons, & such as dwell in the world, (for whom the foresaid third rule was made by S. Francis) but also quires of innumerable virgins taking upon them the three essential vows, and some also that of enclosure, by our authority, and having builded very many monasteries, not without manifold fruit and edification of the militant church, subdued their necks under the yoke of the foresaid third Order. And because in the said thirde rule, some things to married persons accommodated, are inserted which to single, and virginal estate, under this third Rule serving our lord, are no ways convenient, for which the pure affects of chaste minds, are now & then averted from entering into the said order; we according to the will of our lord, separating the precious from the vile, do confirm anew, & approve, the same third rule distinguished in manner, as followeth and deliver the same to you, and your successores to be kept, the tenor whereof followeth, and is such. Of the entrance of Novices. CHAP. I. THe Brothers, The condition of those that are to be received. or sisters to this thirde Order to be received aught to be faithful Catholics, not tied in marriage, free of debts, sound in body, prompt in mind, not taxed with any vulgar infamy, reconciled with their neighbores. And of althees things, before they be received, of him who hath faculty to receive them, they are diligently to be examined. Of the things which the Brothers and Sisters are to promise in the profession of this third rule. CHAP. II. THe Brothers, and Sisters, after they have for a whole year borne the habit of probation (which ought to be of course cloth according to the judgement of the visitor) if their conversation shall be thought laudable in the Convent wherein they have borne the habit of probation, Of the habit of the Brothers and Sisters. by the counsel of the discreetes of the said Convent, let them be received to the profession of the said order. Of the form of their profession. In which profession let them promise to keep the commandments of God, and to make satisfaction for the transgressions, which they shall commit against this third Rule, when of their prelate's they shall be required, living in obedience, without propriety, and in chastity. Of the Fast. CHAP. III. THe Brothers, and Sisters, perpetually, on the second, fourth, sixth feries, and the sabbath must eat no flesh except on the feast of the nativity of our lord. And from the feast of all saints unto the resurrection of our lord every fourth and sixth ferie, they must be tied to fast. and likewse every sixth ferie of the whole year. Also from the feast of S. Martin unto the nativity of our lord let them fast every day, adjoining the lent of the universal church, till the resurrection of our lord, which nevertheless from quinquagesima they must begin. But on those days in which they fast not, let them eat only twice a-day. Except that from the feast of Easter unto the month of October, those that labour in painful, or hard work may eat thrice aday, Of the laborers. the days of fast always excepted. Not withstanding travellers, infirm, and weak persons in time, of necessity may break their fast. Of the divine office, and Prayer. CHAP. IU. THe Brothers and Sisters must in the church keep silence, Of silence. specially when mass is celebrated, or the word of God proposed. But in other places, let them keep what by their superiores concerning silence shall be ordained them, they ought also every day in the evening, between themselves, and God, to think what they have done, said, Of mass to be heard for clerks. for lay. or thought: And every day (if they can comodiously) they ought to hear mass. And they must procure, that they have a religious man, who on in days may propose to them the word of God, and induce them to penance and virtues. And he or she or they who by themselves do know to say the Canonical hours, aught to fulfil the Canonical hours according to the use of the holy Roman church. But those that do not know how to say the Canonical hours, let them say twelue Pater nosters for matines, and for every one of the other hours seven, adding Gloria Patri in the end of every Pater noster, adding also Credo, and Miserere mei Deus, in the beginning of Prime and of Complete. and who know not these fore said things, must say three times, the Pater noster, for penance. And as often as they take dinner, or meat, they ought to giu hankes to God. but of Sacramental confession, Of Confession and Communion. and receiving the sacred Communion; they shall keep the ordination of Pope Nicolas the fourth, that thrice in the year they confess, and Communicate, or else the statutes of their superiores here upon ordained. Of the ordaining of Prelates and Officers. CHAP. V. Every house, if it shall be a Monastery of men, shall have a Superior of this fraternity, who shall be called the Local minister. But if of women, she shall be called the Mother: and they shall be chosen by their convents, or instituted by their Provincial superiors, or General visitors so nevertheless, Of their subjection to the order of Freers Minores that none be perpetual, but for a certain time. Which Ministers, and Mothers shall obey in all things, which belong to this present rule, to the Provincial ministers of the order of Minores of B. S. Francis and to the visitors deputed by the same ministers, as long as they shall be in the said offices. But as concerning other offices within the house, they shall keep their own statutes. Of the manner of Conversing within and without. CHAP. VI Whereas the Brothers and sisters of this fraternity are called of penance, Of the quality of their vesture. it behoveth them to abstain from all curiosity, aswel in vesture, as other things what soever. And according to the wholesome counsel of the prince of the apostles Saint Peter, other vain ornaments of this world laid aside, they ought to carry no corporal ornament, but only an humble, and necessary tegument of their body. They ought also to avoid by all means access to the courts of Princes, lords, or ladies where the delicacies of this world are had; as our saviour doth witness; Of the sparing of speech. Nor ever at onie time to be present at dances, plays, sports, and other vanities of players. They must also be sparing in words, and speeches which seeldom without sin are multiplied. And above all things they must abstain from every lie, and whatso ever oath, according to the commandment of our lord, unless it be for peace, fidelity, calumny, and giving testimony. And every day at evening among other things they ought examine themselves, if either lie, or any oath they have made, and for every one they must say three times Pater noster. Of the visitation, and care of the sick. CHAP VII. IF any Brother or sister of this fraternity shall fall into infirmity, the Minister of the house, or Mother, once every day by themselves, or by another person shall be bound to visit them. And of the common goods, they shall diligently cause all things necessary, to be ministered unto them. let them be bound also to move the sick person to accept penance, and to make a true conversion to God, by proposing the nearness of death, and the distriction of the divine justice, and withal the divine mercy. Of the visitation which the Prelates ought to make of the Brothers and Sisters. CHAP. VIII. THe Provincial minister of the Freers Minores, or the visitor of the same order, to whom he shall commit it, shall visit every year, once only in every house, with presence of the elders, and the visitation made, he ought not to enter into the offices, or other inward places of the Sisters. Of entrance of the enclosure. And let never the visitor himself remain alone and separate with any Sister. And the Ministers, and Mothers, aught to tell the visitor, the defects which want correction, like wise also the other Brothers, Of the incorrigible. and Sisters. And if any shall be incorrigible, by the judgement of the discreetes of the house, as infectious let them be cast out of the congregation. Of the Offices for the dead. CHAP. IX. AFter that any Brother or Sister shallbe departed out of this world, Of making exequys the Minister, or Mother, shall take care that their exequys be solemnly celebrated: at which, all the Brothers, or Sisters of any house, where they shall happen to dye, ought personally to be present, nor to depart until the body be put into the grave. And for the soul of every one dead, within eight days, let every Priest be bound to say one mass, And they that can the psalter, fifty psalms, but they that can not the psalter, fifty Pater nosters, and at the end of every one, Requiem aeternam. And at the end of every year, or within every year, every Priest ought to say three masses for the dead, those that can the psalter, one psalter, but those that can not the psalter, a hundred Pater nosters with Requiem aeternam, at the end of every one. And concerning these offices of the dead, and other divine offices, in this present rue annexed, the care is imposed on the Ministers, and Mothers, that they be faithfully discharged. Of the obligation of the things contained in the rule. CHAP. X. ALL and every thing in this present rule contained, are counsels, to sau● more easily the soul's o● the wayfaring. and none o● them are obligatory to sin mortal, or venial, unless, by humane or divine law any one should be out of some other respect obliged. The Brothers and Sisters are nevertheless obliged to do the poenances imposed upon them by their superiors, when here upon they are required. they are obliged also, to the three essential vows, poverty, by having nothing in special: chastity, because after the vow they cannot contract matrimony, nor without transgression, mix themselves in vices of the flesh: and obedience, in as much as toucheth those things, without which this fraternity can not commodiously be manteined. They are also bound to keep enclosure those Sisters which have expressly vowed to keep it, which to all and every Convent we grant, so that the hospitality, and charity, which they are want to exercise with the infirm, do with reputation suffer no detriment. Given at Rome at Saint Peter under the ring of the fisher, the 20. day of januarie 1521. in the 8. year of our Papacy. THE BVL OF POPE LEO THE TENTH, wherein is declared that the professed Sisters of the third order of saint Francis living together in community and cloister, having made the three vows are true Religious, and endued with the privileges given to the Freers Minors. To our well-beloved son Christopher, of the title of S. Marry of Aracoeli, Priest Cardinal. LEO THE TENTH, POPE. TO our beloved son, health and Apostolical benediction. Those things which by the sea Apostolic are known to be providently constituted, or deined, and declared, sometimes the Roman Bishop, according as in our lord he seethe profitably to be expedient, hath accustomed, (when it is demanded of him) to approve, and of new to ordain, and dispose, lest the same in success of time be subject to impugnation. It is true indeed that heretofore Sixtus iv of happy memory, our predecessor hath established, and ordained the Sisters of the third Order of S. Francis living collegially by making the three essential vows to be true Religious, and the vow of obedience, poverty, and chastity, by the Sisters of the third Order of S. Francis, living collegially, then made in the hands of their Superiors, or by them for the time hereafter to be made, to have the force, and validity of a solemn vow, and to induce every effect, which a solemn vow doth induce, made in whatsoever of the Religions approved by the Apostolic sea, and to hinder matrimony to be contracted, and to take away that which is already contracted. And although we in the sacred Council of Lateran last celebrated for conserving of peace and unity between Prelates and Religious persons, the same sacred Council approving it, have profitably ordained, willed, and decreed, that the Brothers and Sisters of the foresaid third Order, bearing the habit thereof, and leading collegially virginal, and vidual, or continent life by express vow, aught to enjoy all the privileges of the Freers Minores, as in our and our foresaid predecessores letters respectively is more fully contained. Nevertheless, as your vigilancy hath lately related unto us, many Praelates and Rectors of parish, churches chief in France, and Germany affirm the said sisters not to be religious, and that therefore they can not enjoy the fore said privileges, and do not permit them to have oratory's, and places for burial, and in their oratory's the Sacrament of the Eucharist, and holy oils, and to sing masses, and make holy water, but as mere seculars do endeavour to compel them to hear masses, and receive the Sacraments of the church, in their parish churches, to the great trouble of the sisters, and scandal of very many: wherefore you who execute the office of General minister of the said order of Freers Minors by Apostolical grant, have made humble supplication to us that we would out of our Apostolikall Clemency vouchsafe to approve, renew and furthermore entirely to establish the declaration of Sixtus 4. and the brief thereupon given; hence it is that we yielding our consent to such your desires, do by our Apostolic outhoritie, by the tenor of these presents approve, and renew, and decree that the said declaration of the forenamed Sixtus our praedecessor with all, and every clause therein contained aught to obtain the force of perpetual stability. And moreover to all and every Praelate aswel regular, as saecular and Rectores of parish churches and all other Ecclesiastical persons, under pain of excommunication lata sententia, we forbid that the said Sisters (whom according to the ordinance of our foresaid predecessor, we declare for true Religious) they do not hear after presume to hinder in what sort so ever, but that they according to the privileges of the said Brothers, may have freely, and lawfully, oratory's with a low steeple and bell, and in th● same oratory the Sacrament of the Eucharist, in a comely, and decent place, and also holy oils for their own use only, and hallowed burial in which the bodies of the Sisters decessed by their confessor may be buried, and in the same oratory's holy water to be solemnly made, and masses according to their devotion solemnly to be song and celebrated. And that to hear masses and other divine offices in any other place then in the said oratory's, or to receive the Ecclesiastical Sacraments of an other, than the confessor secular, or regular by their superiors to them assigned, by no means, by the said Prelates and Rectors or any others to be compelled or any way for such respect to be molested: and the confessor himself, if he be secular, as long as he shall continue in the office of confessor imposed upon him by his superiors, cannot at all be hindered in the premises by the ordinaries of the places. And notwithstanding to all and every the Archbishops, Bishops, and persons constitute in Ecclesiastical dignity, metropolitans also, or Canons of Cathedral churches, who heerupon on the behalf of the said Sisters shall be required, by these presents we do command, that they, or two, or one of them by himself, or another, or others assisting the said sisters, or their houses in the premises, with safeguard of efficacious defence, do make them to enjoy these like privileges in peaceable possession, not permitting them heerupon by the ordinaries and Prelates and foresaid Rectors, or whosoever else wrongfully to be molested, repressing the gayne-sayers, & disobedient and rebellious, (all Appellation laid aside;) calling herunto also, if need shall be, the aid of secular power: whatsoever constitutions, Apostolical ordinances or other of any sort, to these contrary notwithstanding. And because it would be hard for these present letters to be sent originally to all provinces, we will, that to the copies of them subscribed by the hand of a public Notary, and firmed with the seal of any person constitute in Ecclesiastical dignity, the same credit be fully given in judgement, and out of it, as if the originals present were shown or exhibited. Given at Rome at Saint Peter under the fisher's ring, the last day of August 1517. in the fifth year of our Papacy. THE PERFECTIONS OF THE RULE CONsist in six Seraphical Wings, to wit, in total Obedience, in Evangelicall Poverty, in immaculate Chastity, in profound Humility, in pacifical Simplicity, in Seraphical Charity. OBedience is a Virtue which hath three degrees: the first is Obedience by profession, which is when one doth accomplish the commandment of God, or the Prelate, touching the exterior. The second is Obedience by conformity, wchich is when the commandment is performed not alone in the exterior, but also without murmuration, according to the intention and will of him that commandeth. The third is Obedience by union, by which he that is truly Obedient, hath no other respect but the pleasure and will of God. 2. Evangelicall Poverty is a virtue that hath three degrees: the first is Poverty by Profession, that is, to have no right nor propriety in any thing what soever: the second, to retain only the simple use of things necessary, & rest contented with the most vile: the third, not to have any affection, even in things necessary, but by way of constraint to take the bare use of them. 3. Chastity is a virtue that hath three degrees: the first, Chastity of body, by which all the exterior members are restrained from any impure or suspicious act: the second, chastity of hart, by which the hart is preserved from any dishonest or unclean thought: the third, Chastity of the spirit by which we not only refrain from any dishonest love, but also from all excessive delectation or spiritual consolation. 4. Humility is a virtue that hath three degrees: the first is, Humility of knowledge, by the which man doth acknowledge to be vile and abject in himself: the second is Humility of exhibition, by which the interior humility is expressed in the exterior, as by the attire, by words, and by will, and abject works: the third is Humility of affection, through which a soul doth not only humble herself in the sight of God, but also in the sight of men, desiring to be esteemed poor & abject. 5. Simplicity is a virtue which hath three degrees: the first is simplicity of thoughts, that is, not to enter into higher cogitation than the understanding is capable of, neither of honours and worldly dignities, but to esteem himself the most unworthy to serve God of all others: the second is, Simplicity in words, avoiding all affected curiosity in speech, speaking plainly without superfluity, which still comes of an ill root, to wit vanity: the third is Simplicity of works, employing ourselves in no other but such as are simple and profitable. And a general rule of this Virtue is to have a pure; right, and simple intention: but Simplicity without Prudence is not of value: for God loveth those that walk in Prudence. 6. Charity is a virtue of three degrees: the first is to lone God not only for his benefits, but also for that he is most worthy of it: the second, is to love our neighbour, not only for the love of our neighbour but simply for the love of God: the third to love ourselves in labouring for virtue, our happiness, and glory; not for our own respect but for the love of God, and to be pleasing unto him. Praise of the Rule. THe holy Father S. Francis, encouraging his Religious to the observance of the Rule, said It was the book of life: the fruit of wisdom: the marrow of the Gospel: the hope of health: the path of salvation, the ladder by which one ascendeth to heaven: the key of Paradise: and the pledge of Eternal Peace. Three Privileges, which our holy Father Saint Francis obtained of Almighty God. POpe Gregory the Ninth said he had understood of the holy Father S. Francis, that Almighty God had granted him three Privileges: the first that the more the Religious of his order did increase, the more he would provide for them: the second that none should ever unhappily dye in the habit; the third that whosoever should persecute his Order should be grievously punished by Almighty God. Three other Privileges which he said to have received by the Seraphim, when as he appeared unto him, in the mountain of Aluerne. THe first, that his order should last to the day of judgement: the second that whosoever would live wickedly in the Order should not endure long: the third that whosoever did love his Order although a great sinner, he should receive and obtain mercy of Almighty God. Seven other Privileges which by an Angel were revealed unto the holy F. S. Francis in the Covent of S. Vrbane, to all that observed his Rule and died in the Order. THe first, that if their intention be good, they shall ever be governed by the holy Ghost: the second, that in this their peregrination they shall still be particularly defended, & in all their temptations also, from mortal sin: the third, that the fire of Purgatory shall not detain them after their death from the immediate enjoying of everlasting glory: the fourth, that they shall receive in themselves that promise of our Saviour made unto his Apostles, of sitting on the twelue seats to judge the tribes of Israel: the fifth that such as love the Order Almighty God will increase his graces, and blessings towards them in this world and the next: the sixth, that those who are enemies to his order, & do persecute it without repenting, either their life shall be shortened, or if it be long it shallbe replenished with misery, and after their death be eternally lost: the seaventh that there shall ever be Religious of good and holy life, lovers of the honour of God, & their Religion, in this Order. Certain Indulgences granted amongst many others, by the sovereign Bishops of Rome, unto all the Religious of the Order of Saint Francis. THe Religious both men and women shall gain a plenary both à paena & culpa, from pain & fault, on the days of their Clothing, Profession, and article of death: also at the article of death, the Fathers & Mothers of the said Brothers & Sisters may have the same given them, by any lawful Confessor. 2. All the Religious that shall receive the most holy Sacrament upon all Sundays throughout the year, all the feasts of our Blessed Saviour, & of our Blessed Lady, of the Saints of the Order, shall gain a plenary Indulgence, And if it happen that any could not confess & communicate these days, their hindrance being lawful, they may gain the same Indulgence if after being freed of that impediment, they confess and communicate for that intention, notwithstanding the day of the feast be past. 3. The Religious who shall recite the Corone of our Lord, that is 33. Pater nosters, and Aue Maria, in honour of the 33 years he lived in the world, or the Coronne or Rosary of the Glorious Virgin Mary, containing 72. Aves with 7. Pater nosters and one Pater noster and Aue for the Sovereign Bishop, do gain plenary Indulgence, Like wise the same is granted as often as they say the seven Psalms and Litanies, the Gradual Psalms, the office of the dead, or assist at the Litanies of every second Sunday in the month. 4. As often as the Religious either by day or night, in what place soever they be, shall recite six Pater nosters and Aves, and Gloria Patri, five for the necessities of the Church, and the sixth for the Pope's Holiness, shall gain the Indulgences of the Stations of Jerusalem, of Rome, of S. james, and of Portiuncula. 5. Item reciting the Psalm Exaudiat te Dominus in die tribulationis etc. three Pater nosters and Aves, for the Pope's intention, they shallgaine all the Indulgences granted by the Sovereign Bishops, to the Confraternity of the Rosary, to the Churches of our Blessed Lady of Loreto, of Montserat, and of saint james de Compostella. 6. Every time they say the Angelus Domini at the accustomed time when it ringeth, a plenary Indulgence; and the like every time they communicate. As often as they hear the Mass of the Conception of our Blessed Lady, praying for his Holinesand the universal Church, is granted a Plenary indulgence, Saying the divine office, or the office of our Blessed Lady, besides all other Indulgence, they gain 100 years of pardon. 7. Saying once every day one Pater noster and Aue Maria, calling devoutly three times upon the Holy Name of jesus, they gain 3000. years of pardon. 8. It is granted unto the Sisters that four times a year they may have a general absolution in full remission of their sins whatsoever, and be restored to the estate of innocency, as fully as they could receive it from his Holiness: & the like is granted them on every feast of our Blessed Saviour, our Blessed Lady, on the feast of S. Peter and S. Paul, S. Francis, Saint Clare, S. Catharine Queen and Martyr, the feast of All Saints, and every day of the holy week; yet notwithstanding these graces will profit nothing, unto those who should upon presumption to gain them, sin more freely. They may apply all privileges and Indulgences granted to themselves, unto the faithful departed. Note that for the gaining of these or any indulgences is requisite the applying of the intention for the same. An examen of Conscience for a Religious Person. WHat are his evil inclinations and bad customs, whence they proceed, & what war & exercise he useth against them. 2. What Passions most reign in him, and by what means he hath hitherto endeavoured to mortify them. 3. What are his principal, most frequent, and most troublesome temptations, and how he hath hitherto behaved himself in them. 4. If he be indifferent in accepting any employment of the holy Religion, willingly accepting whatsoever is appointed him. 5. Whether God be the only intention of all his actions, or if he seek proper commodity or praise in his works. 6. Whether he do not prefer exterior matters, as good qualities and natural gifts and graces, before the study of virtue and perfection. 7. If he desire, and be most contented his Superiors should have knowledge of all his faults. 8. If he be confident and open hearted to his Superiors & confer with them in any necessary occasion of things touching the good of his soul. 9 Whether he be truly united by affection unto his Superiors, or if he have any aversion, & from whence it proceeds. 10. Whether he be not too familiar with some, and if that familiarity be not hurtful to himself and the other party, and if by that occasion he lose not time, & disedify others. 11. If he love and embrace the interior and exterior mortifications, and rather those matters that be humble & abject, then of esteem and credit. 12. If he observe all his Rules & Constitutions, of which he maketh less esteem, & for what reason. 13. If he desire truly to be penitent for all his faults, truly confessing them with strong purpose of amendment. 14. If he make a particular examen every day upon one imperfection and with what preparation he receiveth the holy Sacrament: and how he frequenteth the holy exercise of prayer. 15 If his words & discourses in Recreation or other wise, as also with secular be of edification: how he observeth silence, and spendeth his time. Twelue great Evils which come by Venial sins. FIrst, they do so darken and obscure the eyes of our understanding, that they cannot see almighty God. 2. They kill the fervour of dilection and divine Charity. 3. They hinder our prayers and petitions from being heard by God. 4. They defile and spot the soul. 5. They contristate the holy Ghost, and rejoice the enemy. 6. They deprive us of the sweet and amiable familiarity of our Blessed Saviour. 7. They are a great cause and means of our fall into more grievous sins. 8. They cause a soul to fall into great sloth and tepidity in all goodness. 9 They weaken exceedingly the forces of the soul, from resisting her bad inclinations. 10. They incline our affections and desires to temporal matters. 11. They prolong and augment the pains in purgatory. 12. They exceedingly hinder us from seeing & enjoying the presence of God. Nine ways by which we participate of the sins of others. BY Counsel. 2. By commandment. 3. By consent. 4. By procuration or persuasion. 5. By flattery 6. By holding our peace of his fault of whom we ought to have care. 7. To dissemble or not to reprehend, and hinder if we be thereunto obliged. 8. In participating of the matter, whereof such a sin doth proceed. 9 In defending the fault of another. Twelve fruits of the B. Sacrament. IT not only maketh possible but also most easy the forsaking and leaving of all earthly & fading things. 2. It causeth great profit & advancement in heavenly things. 3. It raiseth the soul above all things created. 4. It enforceth the spirit unto all good. 5. It illuminateth and giveth light to the understanding, in the knowledge of God. 6. It causeth an inflamed fervorous possession of the pure love of God alone. 7. It is the consummation of all virtue & perfection. 8. It giveth the soul possession of the treasury of all goods & riches. 9 It causeth a continual interior joy. 10. It indeweth her with a happy security & assurance, in seeing him in whom she believeth. 11. A perfect peace beginning in this life & continuing for eternity. 12. A parfaict union with Almighty God, whereby the soul is made participant of all divine perfection. Twelve Evangelicall Counsels. Poverty, whereby a Religious person is estranged from all terrestrial things. 2. Obedience without which no virtue is perfect. 3. Chastity which beantifieth and adorneth all other virtues. 4. Charity towards our enemies, whereby all spiritual infection of any sin is expelled. 5. Mansuetude, which (as saith S. Ambrose) is the medicine of the hart, whereby the soul is illuminated by God Almighty, to know his secrets. 6. Mercy, which extendeth itself to the help of every one without limit, entereth sweetly into the hart with pity, & cleanseth it from all sin. 7. The simple word always fructifying in God, in purity of intention, in charity etc. 8. Shunning occasion of sin, conducting the soul with prudency, and security to the purchase of virtue. 9 Right intention, which maketh all works to proceed of humility, to the edification of our neighbour. 10. Conformity of the work unto the word, whereby all special instruction is seriously, & with all profit accepted. 11. Avoiding of un profitable solicitude, thereby better to attend unto spiritual illuminations, which are obscured by earthly cares. 12. Fraternal Correction, which is a light that illuminateth the understanding, according to that of the Apostle, saying, That which is corrected is made apparent by the light that followeth. The Malediction of S. Francis. BY thee O Eternal, and Heavenly Father, and all the celestial Court, and by me most Unworthy, be accursed all those Brethren, who by their evil example do ruin and destroy the things which thou hast built, and ceasest not build, by so many holy Brethren of this Order. Cum votum voveris, etc. Deut. 23.21. WHen thou hast vowed a vow to our lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: because our lord thy God will require it. And if thou delay, it shall be reputed to thee for sin. If thou wilt not promise, thou shalt be without sin. But that which is once gone out of thy lips, thou shalt observe, and shalt do as thou hast promised to our lord thy God, and hast spoken with thy proper will, and thine own mouth. Vow ye, and render to our lord your God. Psalm. 75. They shall vow vows to our lord, and pay them. Isaas. 19.21. Psalm. 21.26. I will render my vows in the sight of them that fear him. S. Bernarde in his treaty of precept and dispensation. PErfect obedience knoweth no law, it is not straightened within bounds: nor content with the breadth of our profession, with larger will it is carried to all the latitude of charity: and to all that is enjoined free, by the vigour of a liberal and cheerful mind considering no mean: unto infinite liberty is extended. Out of a treaty of S. Bernardine, to which the title is. Qui habendi Proprietarij. They violate their vow and are proprietaries. I. WHO whatsomever thing, or of whomsoever given, do hide in fraud from their Prelate, or do not forthwith restore it, when he commandeth, either that it be restored, or lent, or given to another. 2. Who change the use of things of the community into their proper use, or give them to others, without licence of the Prelate. 3. Who hide the key lest the Prelate take onie thing away, or otherwise dispose: and if onie thing be taken away, are troubled, and do murmur. 4. Who deliberately are of that mind, that if onie thing were taken away, or called back, they would not forthwith yield. 5. Who will not spend Alms deposed or given for their necessity, but by a kind of providence for the time to come, or treasuring, do reserve it: seeking in the mean time more. LITANIAE B. P. N. S. FRANCISCI. KYrie eleison. Christ eleison. Kyrie eleison. Christ audi nos. Christ exaudi nos. Pater de c●●●is Deus, Miserere nobis. Fili Redemptor mundi Deus Miserere nobis. Spiritus sancte Deus, Miserere nobis. Sancta Trinitas unus Deus, Miserere nobis. Sancte Francisce, Pater amabilis, ora pro nobis. Pater admirabilis. ora. Pater benigne, ora. Pater venerabilis, ora. Vexillifer jesu Christi, ora. Eques Crucifixi, ora. Imitator filij Dei, ora. Seraphim ardens, ora. Fornax Charitatis, ora. Arca Sanctitatis ora. Cultor pacis, ora. Vas Puritatis, ora. Norma justitiae, ora. Speculum prudentiae, ora. Regula Poenitentiae, ora. Magister Obedientiae, ora. Exemplar Virtutum, ora. Patriarcha Pauperum, ora. Profligator Criminum, ora. Lumen tuae Patriae, ora. Decus Morum, ora. Vivificator Mortuorum, ora. Saluator Famelicorum, ora. Obsequium Leprosorum, or. praeco magni Regis, ora. Forma Humilitatis, ora. Consors Sublimitatis. ora. Victor Vitiorum, ora. Dux Minorum, ora. Praedicator Siluestrium, ora. Portans dona Gloriae, ora. Auriga militiae nostrae, ora. Novis utens Prodigijs, ora. Caelum caecis aperiens, ora. Gratum gerens obsequium, ora pro nobis. Templum Christo consecrans, ora pro nobis. Hostes malignos proterens, ora pro nobis. Tenens vitae bravium, ora. Spargens virtutum munera, ora pro nobis. Amplians iter ad gloriam, ora. Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, Parce nobis Domine. Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, Exaudi nos Domine. Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, Miserere nobis. Vers. Ora pro nobis Beate Pater Francisce. Resp. digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi. Oremus. DEus qui Ecclesiam tuam Beati Francisci meritis foetu novae prolis amplificas: tribue nobis ex eius imitatione terrena despicere, & caelestium donorum semper participatione gaudere. Per Dominum nostrum, etc. Amen. FINIS. APPROBATIO IVssu R. P. N. F. Andreae à Soto Sereniss. Infanti Hispaniarum à Confessionibus, Commissarij Generalis, regulam hanc Tertij Ordinis S. Francisci ex Latino in idioma nostrum Anglicanum versam, cum adi●cta Bulla, ad exemplaria latina diligenter contuli, & peromnia ijsdem conformem inveni. 30. Octobris, 1624. Ita Testor F. Bonaventura Frat. Minorum Anglorum, Duac. Guardianus.