Letter XX. To the Society at Trent

Rome, first months, 1546.

Instructions for the Journey to Trent.

ffi

JHUS.

FOR CONVERSATION.

First: Just as in conversing and dealing with many persons with a view to the health and spiritual advantage of souls much can be gained with divine assistance, so on the contrary., in such conversations, if we are not watchful and favoured by Our Lord, much is lost on our part, and sometimes on that of all. And since in accordance with our profession we cannot avoid such conversation, the more we are prepared and armed with some predetermined purpose, the more evenly shall we go on in Our Lord. The following are some points, to which we may add others, and from which we may subtract, to keep ourselves in Our Lord.

2. I should be slow to speak, but deliberate and sympathetic, especially if it concerns matters that are being dealt with, or likely to be dealt with, at the Council.

3. I should be prudent in my speech, helping myself with what I hear, calmly noticing and making myself acquainted with the understanding, the feelings, and the desires of those who speak, so as to be able the better to make answer or to be silent altogether.

4. When matters of this kind are being discussed, we should give the reasons ad utramgue partem, a so as to show ourselves not inclined merely to our own side, and not to leave anyone dissatisfied.

5. I should not bring forward as witness on my side any persons, especially if they are of great consequence, unless it be in matters that have been duly considered from all sides; thus showing myself equally friendly to all, with no marked inclination to anyone.

6. If the matters discussed are so clear that one could not or ought not to remain silent, I should give my opinion on the subject with the greatest possible calm and humility, ending with salvo meliori judicio. b

7. Finally, in conversing about and in discussing matters of doctrine acquired or infused, when I wish to deal with them, it is of great advantage not to consider my own leisure, or my want of time, or my pressure of business, i.e., not my convenience, but to adapt myself to the convenience and leisure

Google of the person with whom I wish to deal, in order to move him to the greater glory of God.

TO HELP SOULS.

1. To the greater glory of God Our Lord, the principal object we have in view in this journey of ours to Trent, and in our efforts to be united in our work, is to preach, to hear confessions, to teach, at the same time instructing children, setting a good example, visiting the poor in the hospitals, and exhorting our neighbour, according as each one finds himself in possession of this talent or that to move such persons as we can to devotion and to prayer. Thus they will be led to pray, and to join us in praying God Our Lord that His Divine Majesty may deign to pour forth His Divine Spirit upon all those who are engaged in discussing the matters that belong to so exalted a gathering, so that the Holy Ghost may come down upon the Council with the greatest abundance of gifts and graces.

2. In preaching I should not touch upon any of the points in which Protestants differ from Catholics, but should simply exhort to the good practices and devotions of the Church, bringing souls to the entire knowledge of themselves, and to a greater knowledge and love of their Creator and Lord,, speaking frequently of the Council, and always at the end of the sermon, according to what has already been suggested, having prayers said for its success.

3. In teaching I should do the same as in

So preaching, thus eagerly endeavouring to influence souls with the love of their Creator and Lord, explaining the meaning of what is read, and encouraging the hearers to pray, as before.

4. In hearing confessions I should take care that what is said to penitents is in conformity with what is said in public, in all confessions giving some penance consisting of prayers for the end in view.

5. When giving the Exercises, and in other Conferences, my sentiments should be the same as those I express in public; and I should take care to give to all in general the meditations of the first week, and no more, unless it be to a few persons who wish to arrange their lives by the method of the Elections. During this Election, and during the Exercises, they should not be allowed to make vows, nor in other ways bind themselves, especially at the beginning; later on, according as time allowed;, they might do so, though our work should be always to moderate, especially if there was a prospect of the entire Exercises being made at any time. Meanwhile I should still commend prayers for the Council.

6. I should teach boys, at suitable times, according to the facilities and arrangements of the various places in which I am; teaching the first rudiments, and then expounding more or less according as the audience may require it; always concluding the lessons and exhortations with prayers for this same intention.

7. I should visit the hospitals at the hour or hours of the day that are most convenient, con- sidering your own health, hearing confessions and comforting the poor, and even taking something to them, if possible, and making them say prayers, as has been said in the instructions for Confession. When we are three together in number, our visits should be made every fourth day.

8. I should exhort people (by means of conversation where possible) to go to Confession and Communion, and to celebrate Mass frequently, to public devotions and other good works, encouraging them to pray for a blessing on the Council.

9. While on the one hand, when laying down definite opinions, it is well, as has been said above, to speak late and to speak little, on the other hand, when it is a question of bringing souls to a sense of their spiritual good, it is profitable to speak at length with method, love, and feeling.

FOR OUR OWN GREATER HELP.

We will take an hour at night to commune all together on what has been done during the day, and on what it is proposed to do on the day following.

With regard to past or future matters we will decide by votes or in some other way.

On one night let one ask all the others to correct him in whatever matter they think fit; and let the one thus corrected not make any answer, unless he is asked to give an account of the matter in which he has been corrected.

On another night let a second do the same; and so on for the rest; so as to help one another on to G

82 LETTERS AND INSTRUCTIONS greater Charity, and to greater good influence in all things.

In the morning we will renew our resolutions, our examinations we will make twice a day.

This order is to be begun five days after our arrival in Trent. Amen.

Notes on the text

• a “On both sides.”

• b “In deference to better judgment.”