The rule of the religious, of the thirde order of Saint Francis, both sexes, making the three vouues, and liuing together in communitie and cloyster. VVith certaine other things vvhich the leaf following doth shevve..

IN THE NAME OF OVR LORde beginneth the rule of the thirde Order of S. Francis called the Order of Poenance . To our beloued children the Bretheren and Sisters of the third Order of S. Francis liuing in Congregation vnder the three essential vowes . LEo the tenth Pope . Beloued sonnes , and daughters ,

health , and Apostolical benediction . Among other thinges committed to our charge and gouernment , those chiefly do make vs solicitous , by which , the concupiscenses of the world and flesh being brideled , the quiet state of innocencie , and first peace giuen vs from heauen is knowen to be reduced to his original state and perfection .

Long since truly for this cause and respecte , Pope Nicolas the fowerth , our predecessor , confirmed and approued the third rule of S. Francis , which he tearmed of poenance , by which the holie confessor of Christ , ful of the spirite of God , labored to further the saluation of al faithful Christianes .

But forasmuch as by course of time , through the inspiration of the holie ghost , not only maried persons , & such as dwel in the worlde , ( for whom the foresayde third rule was made by S. Francis ) but also quires of innumerable virgins taking vpon them the three essential vowes , and some also that of inclosure , by our authoritie , and hauing builded verie manie monasteries , not without manifold fruict and edification of the militant church , subdewed their necks vnder the yoake of the foresayde third Order . And because in the saide thirde rule , some things to maried persons accomodated , are inserted which to single , and virginal estate , vnder this third Rule seruing our lorde , are no wayes conuenient , for which the pure affectes of chast mindes , are now & then auerted from entring into the sayde order ; wee according to the wil of our lorde , separating the pretious from the vile , doe confirme anew , & approue , the same third rule distinguished in maner , as followeth and deliuer the same to you , and your successores to be kept , the tenor wherof followeth , and is such .

Of the entrance of Nouices . CHAP. I.

THe Brothers , The condition of those that are to be receiued . or sisters to this thirde Order to be receiued ought to be faithful Catholikes , not tyed in mariage , free of debtes , sound in bodie , prompt in minde , not taxed with anie vulgar infamie , reconciled with theyr neighbores . And of althees things , before they be receiued , of him who hath facultie to receiue them , they are diligently to be examined .

Of the things which the Brothers and Sisters are to promiss in the profession of this third rule . CHAP. II.

THe Brothers , and Sisters , after thay haue for a whole yeare borne the habit of probation ( which ought to be of course cloath according to the iudgement of the visitor ) if their conuersation shal be thought laudable in the Conuent wherin thei haue borne the habit of probation , Of the habit of the Brothers and Sisters . by the counsail of the discreetes of the sayde Convent , let them be receiued to the profession of the sayde order . Of the forme of their profession . In which profession let them promiss to keep the commandementes of God , and to make satisfaction for the transgressions , which they shall commit against this third Rule , when of theyr prelates they shal be required , liuing in obedience , without proprietie , and in chastitie .

Of the Faste . CHAP. III.

THe Brothers , and Sisters , perpetually , on the second , fourth , sixt feries , and the sabbath must eate no flesh except on the feast of the natiuitie of our lorde . And from the feast of al saintes vnto the resurrection of our lorde euerie fourth and sixth ferie , they must be tyed to fast . and likewse euerie sixth ferie of the whole yeare . Also from the feast of S. Martin vnto the natiuitie of our lorde let them fast euerie day , adioyning the lent of the vniuersal church , till the resurrection of our lorde , which neuertheless from quinquagesima they must begin . But on those dayes in which they fast not , let them eat only twice a-day . Except that from the feast of Easter vnto the moneth of October , those that labour in paineful , or hard work may eate thrice aday , Of the laborers . the dayes of fast alwaies excepted . Not withstanding trauelers , infirme , and weake persons in time , of necessitie may breake their fast .

Of the diuine office , and Prayer . CHAP. IV.

THe Brothers and Sisters must in the church keepe silence , Of silence . specially when mass is celebrated , or the word of God proposed . But in other places , let them keepe what by their superiores concerning silence shal be ordeined them , they ought also euerie day in the euening , betwen themselues , and God , to thinck what they haue done , sayde , Of mass to be heard for clerckes . for laie . or thought : And everie day ( if they can comodiously ) they ought to heare mass . And they must procure , that they haue a religious man , who on certe in dayes may propose to them the worde of God , and induce them to poenance and virtues . And he or she or they who by themselues do knowe to say the Canonical howres , ought to fulfil the Canonical howres according to the vse of the holie Romane church . But those that do not knowe howe to say the Canonical howres , let them say twelue Pater nosters for matines , and for everie one of the other howres seauen , adding Gloria Patri in the end of euerie Pater noster , adding also Credo , and Miserere mei Deus , in the beginning of Prime and of Complet . and who knowe not thees fore sayde things , must say three times , the Pater noster , for poenance . And as often as they take dinner , or meate , they ought to giu hankes to God . but of Sacramental confession , Of Confession and Communion . and receiuing the sacred Communion ; they shal keep the ordination of Pope Nicolas the fowerth , that thrice in the yeare they confess , and Communicate , or else the statutes of theyr superiores heer vpon ordeined .

Of the ordeyning of Prelates and Officers . CHAP. V.

EVerie house , if it shal be a Monasterie of men , shal haue a Superior of this fraternitie , who shal be called the Local minister . But if of women , she shal be called the Mother : and they shal be chosen by their conuents , or instituted by theyr Prouincial superiors , or General visitor● so neuertheless , Of their subiection to the order of Freers Minores that none be perpetual , but for a certein time . Which Ministers , and Mothers shal obey in al things , wich belong to this present rule , to the Prouincial ministers of the order of Minores of B. S. Francis and to the visitors deputed by the same ministers , as long as they shal be in the sayde offices . But as concerning other offices within the howse , they shal keepe theyr owne statutes .

Of the maner of Conversing within and without . CHAP. VI.

WHeras the Brothers and sisters of this fraternitie are called of poenance , Of the qualitie of their vesture . it behoueth them to abstaine from al curiositie , aswel in vesture , as other things what soeuer . And according to the wholsome counsel of the prince of the Aposteles Saint Peter , other vaine ornaments of this worlde layde asyde , they ought to carie no corporal ornament , but only an humble , and necessarie tegument of theyr bodie . They ought also to auoyd by all meanes access to the courtes of Princes , lordes , or ladies where the delicacies of this worlde are had ; as our sauior doth witnes ; Of the sparing of speach . Nor euer at onie time to be present at dances , playes , sportes , and other vanities of players . They must also be sparing in wordes , and speaches which seeldom without sinne are multiplyed . And aboue al things they must abstaine from euerie lye , and whatso euer oath , according to the commandement of our lorde , vnless it be for peace , fidelitie , calumnie , and giuing testimonie . And euerie day at evening among other things they ought examine themselues , if either lye , or anie oath they haue made , and for euerie one they must say three times Pater noster .

Of the visitation , and care of the sicke . CHAP VII .

IF anie Brother or sister of this fraternitie shal fal into infirmitie , the Minister of the howse , or Mother , once euerie day by themselues , or by another person shal be bound to visite them . And of the commun goodes , they shall diligently cause al thinges necessarie , to be ministred vnto them . let them be bound also to moue the sicke person to accept poenance , and to make a true conversion to God , by proposing the neerness of death , and the distriction of the diuine iustice , and withal the diuine mercie .

Of the visitation which the Prelates ought to make of the Brothers and Sisters . CHAP. VIII .

THe Prouincial minister of the Freers Minores , or the visitor of the same order , to whom he shal commit it , shal visite euerie yeare , once only in euerie howse , 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 neuer the visitor himselfe remaine alone and separate with anie Sister . And the Ministers , and Mothers , ought to tel the visitor , the defects which want correction , like wise also the other Brothers , Of the incorrigible . and Sisters . And if anie shal be incorrigible , by the iudgement of the discreetes of the howse , as infectious cattel let them be cast out of the congregation .

Of the Offices for the dead . CHAP. IX .

AFter that anie Brother or Sister shal be departed out of this worlde , Of making exequies the Minister , or Mother , shal take care that their exequies be solemnly celebrated : at which , al the Brothers , or Sisters of anie howse , where they shal happen to dye , ought personally to be present , nor to departe vntil the bodie be put into the graue . And for the soule of everie one dead , within eight dayes , let euerie Priest be bound to say one mass , And they that can the psalter , fifty psalmes , but they that can not the psalter , fiftie Pater nosters , and at the end of euerie one , Requiem aeternam . And at the end of euerie yeare , or within euerie yeare , euerie 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 euerie one . And concerning thees offices of the dead , and other diuine offices , in this present rewe annexed , the care is imposed on the Ministers , and Mothers , that they be faithfully discharged .

Of the obligation of the things conteined in the rule . CHAP. X.

AL and euerie thing in this present rule conteined , are counsels , to sau● more easilie the soules o● the wayfaring . and none o● them are obligatorie to sinne mortal , or venial , vnless , by humane or diuine lawe anie one should be out of some other respect obliged . The Brothers and Sisters are neuertheless obliged to do the poenances imposed vpon them by theyr superiors , when heer vpon they are required . they are obliged also , to the three essential vowes , pouertie , by hauing nothing in special : chastitie , because after the vowe they cannot contract matrimonie , nor without transgression , mix them selues in vices of the flesh : and obedience , in as much as toucheth those things , without which this fraternitie can not commodiously be manteined . They are also bound to keep inclosure those Sisters which haue expresly vowed to keep it , which to al and euerie Conuent we grant , so that the hospitalitie , and charitie , which they are wont to exercise with the infirme , do with reputation suffer no detriment .

Giuen at Rome at Saint Peters vnder the ring of the fisher , the 20. day of Ianuarie 1521. in the 8. yeare of our Papacy .

THE BVL OF POPE LEO THE TENTH , wherin is declared that the professed Sisters of the third order of saint Francis liuing together in communitie and cloyster , hauing made the three vowes are true Religious , and endued with the priuileges giuen to the Freers Minors . To our welbeloued sonn Christopher , of the title of S. Marie of Aracoeli , Priest Cardinal . LEO THE TENTH , POPE . TO our beloued Sonn , health and Apostolical benediction .

Those things which by the sea Apostolic are knowen to be providently constituted , or deined , and declared , sometimes the Roman Bishop , according as in our lorde he seeth profitably to be expedient , hath accustomed , ( when it is demanded of him ) to approue , and of newe to ordeine , and dispose , least the same in success of time be subiect to impugnation . It is true indeed that hertofore Sixtus IV. of happie memorie , our predecessor hath established , and ordeined the Sisters of the third Order of S. Francis living collegially by making the three essential vowes to be true Religious , and the vowe of obedience , pouertie , and chastitie , by the Sisters of the third Order of S. Francis , liuing collegially , then made in the handes of theyr Superiors , or by them for the time hereafter to be made , to haue the force , and validitie of a solemne vowe , and to induce euerie effect , which a solemne vowe doth induce , made in whatsouer of the Religions approued by the Apostolick sea , and to hinder matrimonie to be contracted , and to take away that which is already contracted . And although we in the sacred Councel of Lateran last celebrated for conseruing of peace and vnitie betwen Prelates and Religious personnes , the same sacred Councel approuing it , haue profitably ordeined , willed , and decreed , that the Brothers and Sisters of the foresaid third Order , bearing the habit therof , and leading collegially virginal , and vidual , or continent life by express vowe , ought to enioy al the priuileges of the Freers Minores , as in our and our foresaid predecessores letters respectiuely is more fully conteined . Nevertheless , as your vigilancy hath lately related vnto vs , manie Praelates and Rectors of parish , churches chiefly in France , and Germanie affirme the sayde sisters not to be religious , and that therfore they can not enioy the fore sayde priuileges , and do not permit them to haue oratories , and places for burial , and in their oratories the Sacrament of the Eucharist , and holie oyles , and to sing masses , and make holie water , but as mere seculars do endeuor to compel them to hear masses , and receiue the Sacraments of the church , in their parish churches , to the great troble of the sisters , and scandal of verie manie : wherfore you who execute the office of General minister of the sayde order of Freers Minors by Apostolical grant , haue made humble supplication to vs that we would out of our Apostolikall Clemencie vouchsafe to approue , renew and furthermore intirely to establish the declaration of Sixtus 4. and the brief therupon geuen ; hence it is that wee yeelding our consent to such your desires , do by our Apostolick outhoritie , by the tenor of thees presents approue , and renewe , and decree that the sayde declaration of the forenamed Sixtus our praedecessor with al , and everie clause therin conteyned ought to obteine the force of perpetual stabilitie . And moreover to al and everie Praelate aswel regular , as saecular and Rectores of parish churches and al other Ecclesiastical persons , vnder paine of excommunication lata sententia , we forbidd that the sayde Sisters ( whom according to the ordinance of our foresaid predecessor , we declare for true Religious ) they do not heare after presume to hinder in what sort so euer , but that they according to the priuileges of the saide Brothers , may haue freely , and lawefully , oratories with a lowe steeple and bel , and in th● same oratorie the Sacrament of the Eucharist , in a comely , and decent place , and also holie oyles for theyr owne vse only , and halowed burial in which the bodies of the Sisters decessed by theyr confessor may be buried , and in the same oratories holie water to be solemnly made , and masses according to theyr deuotion solemnly to be song and celebrated . And that to hear masses and other diuine offices in anie other place then in the sayde oratories , or to receiue the Ecclesiastical Sacraments of an other , then the confessor secular , or regular by their superiors to them assigned , by no meanes , by the sayde Prelates and Rectors or anie others to be compelled or any way for such respect to be molested : and the confessor him selfe , if he be secular , as long as he shal continewe in the office of confessor imposed vpon him by his superiors , cannot at al be hindred in the premisses by the ordinaries of the places . And notwithstanding to al and euerie the Archbishops , Bishops , and persons constitute in Ecclesiastical dignitie , Metropolitanes also , or Canons of Cathedral churches , who heervpon on the behalfe of the saide Sisters shal be required , by thees presents we do commande , that they , or two , or one of them by himself , or another , or others assisting the sayde sisters , or theyr howses in the premisses , with safeguard of efficacious defense , do make them to enioy thees like privileges in peacible possession , not permitting them heervpon by the ordinaries and Prelates and foresaide Rectors , or whosoeuer els wrongfully to be molested , repressing the gayne-sayers , & disobedient and rebellious , ( al Appellation layd asyde ; ) calling herunto also , if need shal be , the ayde of secular power : whatsoeuer constitutions , Apostolical ordinances or other of any sort , to these contrarie notwithstanding . And because it wold be hard for thees present letters to be sent originally to al prouinces , we wil , that to the copies of them subscribed by the hand of a public Notarie , and firmed with the seale of anie person constitute in Ecclesiastical dignitie , the same credit be fully giuen in iudgement , and out of it , as if the originals present were shewed or exhibited .

Giuen at Rome at Saint Peters vnder the fishers ring , the last day of August 1517. in the fifth year of our Papacie .

THE PERFECTIONS OF THE RVLE CONsist in six Seraphicall Winges , to wit , in totall Obedience , in Euangelicall Pouerty , in immaculate Chastity , in profound Humility , in Pacificall Simplicity , in Seraphicall Charity .

OBedience is a Vertue 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 exteriour . 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 wil of him that commandeth . The third is Obedience by vnion , by which he that is truly Obedient , hath no other respect but the pleasure and will of God .

2. Euangelicall Pouerty is a vertue that hath three degrees : the first is Pouerty by Profession , that is , to haue no right nor propriety in any thing what soeuer : the second , to retaine only the simple vse of things necessary , & rest contented with the most vile : the third , not to haue any affection , euen in thinges necessary , but by way of constraint to take the bare vse of them .

3. Chastity is a vertue that hath three degrees : the first , Chastity of body , by which all the exteriour members are restrained from any impure or suspicious act : the second , chastity of hart , by which the hart is preserued from any dishonest or vncleane thought : the third , Chastity of the spirit by which we not only refraine from any dishonest loue , but also from al excessiue delectation or spirituall consolation .

4. Humility is a vertue that hath three degrees : the first is , Humility of knowlege , by the which man doth acknowledge to be vile and abiect in himselfe : the second is Humility of exhibition , by which the interiour humility is expressed in the exteriour , as by the attire , by wordes , and by wil , and abiect workes : the third is Humility of affection , through which a soule doth not only humble herselfe in the sight of God , but also in the sight of men , desiring to be esteemed poore & abiect .

5. Simplicity is a vertue which hath three degrees : the first is simplicity of thoughts , that is , not to enter into higher cogitation then the vnderstanding is capable of , neyther of honours and wordly dignities , but to esteeme himselfe the most vnworthy to serue God of all others : the second is , Simplicity in words , auoiding all affected curiosity in speach , speking plainly without superfluity , which stil comes of an ill roote , to wit vanity : the third is Simplicity of works , imploying our selues in no other but such as are simple and profitable . And a generall rule of this Vertue is to haue a pure ; right , and simple intention : but Simplicity without Prudence is not of value : for God loueth those that walke in Prudence .

6. Charity is a vertue 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 loue our neighbour , not only for the loue of our neighbour but simply for the loue of God : the third to loue our selues in labouring for vertue , our happines , and glory ; not for our owne respect but for the loue of God , and to be pleasing vnto him .

Prayse of the Rule .

THe holy Father S. Francis , encouraging his Religious to the obseruance of the Rule , said It was the booke of life : the fruit of wisdom : the marrow of the Ghospell : the hope of health : the path of saluation , the ladder by which one ascendeth to heauen : the key of Paradise : and the pledge of Eternall Peace .

Three Priuiledges , which our holy Father Saint Francis obtayned of Almighty God .

POpe Gregorie the Ninth said he had vnderstood of the holy Father S. Francis , that Almighty God had graunted him three Priuiledges : the first that the more the Religious of his order did increase , the more he would prouide for them : the second that none should euer vnhappily dye in the habit ; the third that whosoeuer should persecute his Order should be grieuously punished by Almighty God .

Three other Priuiledges which he sayd to haue receaued by the Seraphim , when as he appeared vnto him , in the mountayne of Aluerne .

THe first , that his order should last to the day of Iudgment : the second that whosoeuer would liue wickedly in the Order should not indure long : the third that whosoeuer did loue his Order although a great sinner , he should receaue and obtaine mercy of Almighty God .

Seauen other Priuiledges which by an Angel were reuealed vnto the holy F. S. Francis in the Couent of S. Vrbane , to all that obserued his Rule and dyed in the Order .

THe first , that if their intention be good , they shal euer be gouerned by the holy Ghost : the second , that in this their perigrination they shall stil be particularly defended , & in all their temptations also , from mortall sinne : the third , that the fire of Purgatory shall not detaine them after their death from the immediate inioying of euerlasting glory : the fourth , that they shall receaue in themselues that promise of our Sauiour made vnto his Apostles , of sitting on the twelue seates to iudge the tribes of Israel : the fifth that such as loue the Order Almighty God will increase his graces , and blessinges towardes 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 shal be shortned , or if it be long it shal be replenished with misery , and after their death be eternally lost : the seauenth that there shall euer be Religious of good and holy life , louers of the honor of God , & their Religion , in this Order .

Certayne Indulgences graunted amongst many others , by the souerayne Bishops of Rome , vnto all the Religious of the Order of Saint Francis .

THe Religious both men and women shal gaine a plenary both à paena & culpa , from paine & fault , on the daies of their Cloathing , Profession , and article of death : also at the article of death , the Fathers & Mothers of the said Brothers & Sisters may haue the same giuen them , by any lawful Confessor .

2. All the Religious that shall receaue the most holy Sacrament vpon all Sundayes throughout the yeare , all the feastes of our Blessed Sauiour , & of our Blessed Lady , of the Saints of the Order , shall gaine a plenary Indulgence , And if it happen that any could not confesse & communicate these dayes , their hindrance being lawfull , they may gaine the same Indulgence if after being freed of that impediment , they confesse 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 liued in the world , or the Coronne or Rosary of the Glorious Virgin Mary , contayning 72. Aues with 7. Pater nosters and one Pater noster and Aue for the Soueraigne Bishop , do gaine plenary Indulgence , Like wise the same is graunted as often as they say the seauen Psalms and Letanies , the Gradual Psalms , the office of the dead , or assist at the Letanies of euery second Sunday in the moneth .

4. As often as the Religious eyther by day or night , in what place soeuer they be , shall recite six Pater nosters and Aues , and Gloria Patri , fiue for the necessities of the Church , and the sixt for the Popes Holines , shall gaine the Indulgences of the Stations of Hierusalem , of Rome , of S. Iames , and of Portiuncula .

5. Item reciting the Psalme Exaudiat te Dominus in die tribulationis &c. three Pater nosters and Aues , for the Popes intention , they shallgaine all the Indulgences graunted by the Soueraigne Bishops , to the Confraternity of the Rosary , to the Churches of our Blessed Lady of Loreto , of Mont-serat , and of saint Iames de Compostella .

6. Euery time they say the Angelus Domini at the accustomed time when it ringeth , a plenary Indulgence ; and the like euery time they communicate . As often as they heare the Masse of the Conception of our Blessed Lady , praying for his Holinesād the vniuersall Church , is graunted a Plenary indulgence , Saying the diuine office , or the office of our Blessed Lady , besides all other Indulgence , they gaine 100. yeares of pardon .

7. Saying once euery day one Pater noster and Aue Maria , calling deuoutly three times vpon the Holy Name of Iesus , they gaine 3000. yeares of pardon .

8. It is graunted vnto the Sisters that foure times a yeare they may haue a generall absolution in ful remission of their sinnes whatsoeuer , and be restored to the estate of innocency , as fully as they could receaue it from his Holines : & the like is graunted them on euery feast of our Blessed Sauiour , our Blessed Lady , on the feast of S. Peter and S. Paul , S. Francis , Saint Clare , S. Catharine Queene and Martyr , the feast of All Saints , and euery day of the holy weeke ; yet notwithstanding these graces wil profit nothing , vnto those who should vpon presumption to gaine them , sin more freely . They may apply all priuiledges and Indulgences graunted to themselues , vnto the faithfull departed . Note that for the gayning 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 euill inclinations and bad customes , whence they proceed , & what warre & exercise he vseth against them .

2. What Passions most raigne in him , and by what meanes he hath hitherto indeauoured to mortify them .

3. What are his principall , most frequent , and most troublesome temptations , and how he hath hitherto behaued himself in them .

4. If he be indifferent in accepting any imployment of the holy Religion , willingly accepting whatsoeuer is appointed him .

5. Whether God be the only intention of all his actions , or if he seeke proper commodity or praise in his workes .

6. Whether he doe not prefer exteriour matters , as good qualities and naturall gifts and graces , before the study of vertue and perfection .

7. If he desire , and be most contented his Superiours should haue knowledge of all his faultes .

8. If he be confident and open harted to his Superiours & confer with them in any necessary occasion of things touching the good of his soule .

9. Whether he be truly vnited by affection vnto his Superiours , or if he haue any auersion , & from whence it proceedes .

10. Whether he be not too familiar with some , and if that familiarity be not hurtfull to him self and the other party , and if by that occasion he loose not time , & disedify others .

11. If he loue and imbrace the interiour and exteriour mortifications , and rather those matters that be humble & abiect , then of esteeme and credit .

12. If he obserue al his Rules & Constitutions , of which he maketh lesse esteeme , & for what reason .

13. If he desire truly to be penitent for all his faultes , truly confessing them with strong purpose of amendement .

14. If he make a particular examen euery day vpon one imperfection and with what preparation he receaueth the holy Sacrament : and how he frequenteth the holy exercise of prayer .

15 If his wordes & discourses in Recreation or other wise , as also with secular be of edification : how he obserueth silence , and spendeth his time .

Twelue great Euills which come by Veniall sinnes .

FIrst , they doe so darken and obscure the eyes of our vnderstanding , that they cannot see almighty God . 2. They kill the feruour of dilection and diuine Charity . 3. They hinder our prayers and petitions from being heard by God . 4. They defile and spotte the soule . 5. They contristate the holy Ghost , and reioice the enemy . 6. They depriue vs of the sweet and amiable familiarity of our Blessed Sauiour . 7. They are a great cause and meanes of our fall into more grieuous sinnes . 8. They cause a soule to fall into great slouth and tepidity in all goodnes . 9. They weaken exceedingly the forces of the soule , from resisting her bad inclinations . 10. They incline our affections and desires to temporall matters . 11. They prolong and augment the paines in purgatory . 12. They exceedingly hinder vs from seeing & enioying the presence of God .

Nyne wayes by which we participate of the sinnes of others .

BY Counsell . 2. By commandment . 3. By consent . 4. By procuration or persuasion . 5. By flattery 6. By holding our peace of his fault of whome we ought to haue care . 7. To dissemble or not to reprehend , and hinder if we be thereunto obliged . 8. In participating of the matter , whereof such a sinne doth proceed . 9. In defending the fault of another .

Twelue fruits of the B. Sacrament .

IT not only maketh possible but also most easy the forsaking and leauing of all earthly & fading thinges .

2. It causeth great profit & aduancement in heauenly thinges .

3. It rayseth the soule aboue all things created .

4. It inforceth the spirit vnto al good .

5. It illuminateth and giueth light to the vnderstanding , in the knowledge of God .

6. It causeth an inflamed feruerous possession of the pure loue of God alone .

7. It is the consummation of al vertue & perfection .

8. It giueth the soule possession of the treasury of all goods & riches .

9. It causeth a continuall interiour ioy .

10. It indeweth her with a happy security & assurance , in seeing him in whom she belieueth .

11. A perfect peace beginning in this life & continuing for eternity .

12. A parfaict vnion with Almighty God , wherby the soule is made participant of all diuine perfection .

Twelue Euangelicall Counsayles .

POuerty , wherby a Religious person is estranged from all terrestriall things .

2. Obedience without which no vertue is perfect .

3. Chastity which beantifieth and adorneth all other vertues .

4. Charity towardes our enemies , wherby all spirituall infection of any sinne is expelled .

5. Mansuetude , which ( as sayth S. Ambrose ) is the medicine of the hart , wherby the soule is illuminated by God Almighty , to know his secrets .

6. Mercy , which extendeth it selfe to the help of euery one without limite , entreth sweetly into the hart with pitty , & cleanseth it from all sinne .

7. The simple word alwaies fructifying in God , in purity of intention , in charity &c.

8. Shunning occasion of sinne , conducting the soule with prudency , and security to the purchase of vertue .

9. Right intention , which maketh all workes to proceed of humility , to the edification of our neighbour .

10. Conformity of the worke vnto the word , wherby all special instruction is seriously , & with all profit accepted .

11. Auoiding of vn profitable solicitude , therby better to attend vnto spiritual illuminations , which are obscured by earthly cares .

12. Fraternal Correction , which is a light that illuminateth the vnderstanding , 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 Eternall , and Heauenly Father , and all the celestial Court , and by me most Vnworthy , be accursed all those Brethren , who by their euill example doe ruine and destroy the thinges which thou hast built , and ceasest not build , by so many holy Brethren of this Order .

Cum votum voueris , &c. Deut. 23.21 .

WHen thow hast vowed a vowe to our lorde thy God , thow shalt not slacke to pay it : because our lorde thy God will require it . And if thow delay , it shal be reputed to thee for sinne . If thow wilt not promiss , thow shalt be without sinne . But that which is once gone out of thy lippes , thow shalt obserue , and shalt do as thow hast promised to our lorde thy God , and hast spoken with thy proper wil , and thyne owne mouth .

Vowe ye , and render to our lorde your God . Psalm . 75. They shal vowe vowes to our lorde , and pay them . Isaas . 19.21 . Psalm . 21.26 . I wil render my vowes in the sight of them that feare him . S. Bernarde in his treatie of precept and dispensation . PErfect obedience knoweth no lawe , it is not streitned within boundes : nor content with the breadth of our profession , with larger wil it is caried to al the latitude of charitie : and to al that is enioyned free , by the vigor of a liberal and cheerful minde considering no mean : vnto infinite libertie is extended . Out of a treatie of S. Bernardine , to which the title is . Qui habendi Proprietarij . They violate their vowe and are proprietaries .

I. WHO whatsomever thing , or of whomsoeuer giuen , do hide in fraude from their Prelate , or do not forthwith restore it , when he commandeth , either that it be restored , or lent , or giuen to another .

2. Who change the vse of things of the communitie into their proper vse , or giue them to others , without licence of the Prelate .

3. Who hide the key least the Prelate take onie thing away , or otherwise dispose : and if onie thing be taken away , are trobled , and do murmur .

4. Who deliberately are of that minde , that if onie thing were taken away , or called back , they wold not forthwith yelde .

5. Who will not spend Almes deposed or giuen for their necessitie , but by a kind of prouidence for the time to come , or treasuring , do reserue it : seeking in the mean time more .

LITANIAE B. P. N. S. FRANCISCI . KYrie eleison . Christe eleison . Kyrie eleison . Christe audi nos . Christe exaudi nos . Pater de c●●●is Deus , Miserere nobis . Fili Redemptor mundi Deus Miserere nobis . Spiritus sancte Deus , Miserere nobis . Sancta Trinitas vnus Deus , Miserere nobis . Sancte Francisce , Pater amabilis , ora pro nobis . Pater admirabilis . ora . Pater benigne , ora . Pater venerabilis , ora . Vexillifer Iesu 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 Iustitiae , 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 . Viuificator 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 . Nouis vtens 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 brauium , 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. Vt digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi .

Oremus .

DEus qui Ecclesiam tuam Beati Francisci meritis foetu nouae prolis amplificas : tribue nobis ex eius imitatione terrena despicere , & caelestium donorum semper participatione gaudere . Per Dominum nostrum , &c. Amen .

FINIS .