The Second Part

Which treats of the dismissal of those who have been admitted to Probation, and are found unfit for the Society

Chap. I. What persons may be dismissed, and by whom

[1] As it conduces to the end proposed by this Society, viz. the service of God, and the salvation of souls, that labourers fit and useful to promote the work of God be maintained and increased in number; so ought those to be dismissed who are not so; and of whom it may appear, in the course of time, either that that this is not their calling, or that it is not to the common interest of the Society that they continue in it. But as we ought not to be too easy in granting admission; so, still less should we be too free in dismissing; but proceed with all consideration and circumspection in the Lord. And although it is proper that the causes deserving dismissal be the more weighty, in proportion to the closeness of the individual's connexion with the body of the Society; stiU, however intimately he may be united, in certain cases he may and ought to be removed; as will appear in the following chapter.

[2] The power of dismissal belongs, in the first place, to the Society at large, when it may assemble in general Congregation. It is vested also in the General in all cases excepting those concerning his ovm person. So much of this power may be conferred upon other members of this Society as the General shall determine. On Pro\ancials it is expedient that very ample power be conferred; and in due proportion, also, upon local Superiors and Rectors of colleges, in cases where it shall seem fit; that thus, throughout the body of the Society, the subordination of holy Obedience be better maintained; whereby inferiors may more distinctly understand that they depend upon their immediate superiors, and that it is highly expedient, and even necessary, to obey them in all things, for the sake of Christ our Lord.

Chap. II. Of the causes for which it is expedient that any one be dismissed

[1] The prudent charity of the Superior who has this power should weigh before the Lord the causes which may justify the dismissal of any one; but generally speaking, there seem to be four kinds of them.

[2] First; if it should appear in the Lord to be contrary' to His honour and glory, that an individual should continue in this Society, who seems to be incorrigible in any depraved affections or vices offensive to the divine Majesty; which should be the less tolerated, the more serious and culpable they are: and that too in cases where, being concealed, they give no offence to others.

[3] Secondly; if it should be considered in the Lord, that to retain any person would be prejudicial to the interest of the Societ)% which as it is a matter of universal concern, should doubtless be preferred to the private advantage of any one who is sincerely seeking the service of God. Such should be the case, if in the course of probation any impediments or notable defects concealed in the examination should be discovered; or if upon trial it shoiild be foimd that he would be veiy useless, and that he would rather impede than aid the Society through his ob'ious inaptitude to its several duties; and stiU more if he should be injurious to it by the e'il example of his life, especially if he be unquiet and offensive to others, either in his words or actions. To tolerate this would not be charity, but the very contrary, in him who is bound to maintain the peace and good estate of the Societ}- entrusted to him.

[4] Thirdly; if it should appear that it would be contrary to the interest of the Society and of the person also about to be dismissed; which as relating to the body may happen, if dming Probation, disease or debilit}' be perceived in any one, by which it is probable he could not advance in his studies according to our Institute and method of proceeding in furtherance of God's service: as concerning the mind; when the probationer cannot settle himself to a life of Obedience, to be regulated according to the Society's manner of proceeding; if he cannot, or will not, subject his own opinions and judgment; or for other impediments, whether natural or habitual.

[5] Fourthly; if it should appear prejudicial to others who are not of the Society; as if the bond of matrimony should be discovered, or of legal servitude, or debt of great amount, wherein upon his first examination he had concealed the truth. Any one of these four reasons appears sufficient for judging it more agreeable to God, that he in whom it is found should be honourably dismissed, than an imprudent charity be exercised in retaining him.

Chap. III. Of the manner of dismissal

[1] It will be meet to observe such a method with those who are dismissed as shall be most satisfactory in the sight of God to him who dismisses, to him who is dismissed, and all others whether within or without. As to him who dismisses, for any of the causes before stated, let three things be observed.

[2] The first is, that he pray the Lord, and see that prayers be made within the house to the same effect (although particulars be not known), that our Lord would vouchsafe to signify his most sacred will respecting the business in hand.

[3] The second is, that he consult with several, or some one of the inmates, who seem best adapted for this purpose, and hear their opinion.,

[4] The third is, that divesting himself of every affection, and setting before liis eyes the greater glory of God, and paying attention to the general interest, and as far as possible, the individual's also, he weigh attentively the reasons either way, and so determine whether he should dismiss him or not.

[5] Three things also should be observed with regard to him who is dismissed. The first, of an external nature; that he retire from the House with the least possible disgrace or ignominy, and carry with him all that belongs to him.

[6] The second, of an internal nature; that the Superior take care, as far as possible, that he be sent away with mutual kindness, and a feehng of good-will towards the House, and with all possible consolation in the Lord.

[7] The third; that he study to direct him with regard to his condition of life, so that he may enter upon some fitting way of serving God, cither in a Rehgious Order, or not, as shall seem more agreeable to the divine wdl. In short, that he study to assist him with advice and prayer, and whatever else his charity shall suggest.

[8] Let three things be observed to satisfy the rest, whether within or without. The first is; that great care be taken, that no irritation be allowed to remain in any one's mind on accoimt of the dismissal, a sufficient reason being given where it is necessary, and sUence being observed, as fai as possible, concerning all defects not of a public nature, even though several be discovered in the party who is dismissed.

[9] The second is; that attention be given lest any animosity be felt against the dismissed person; and as far as possible, that they may think no ill of him, but rather regret him, and love him in Christ, and commend him to the divine Majesty in their prayers, that He may vouchsafe to direct him, and shed His mercy upon him.

[10] The third is; that pains be taken, should any be conducting themselves in the House with less edification than they ought, that they profit by his example; and beware, lest the same thing befall them, if they strive not to improve. Persons not of the Society also, to whom it is known, may take warning, that none will be tolerated in the House, who ought not to be tolerated to the glory of God.

Chap. IV. How the society should behave towards those who leave it of their own accord, or those whom it dismisses

[1] Those who are dismissed, or go without permission from one place to another within the Society-, appear to us in the Lord not to be re-admitted, unless he who discharged them, or the Superior of the place he left without permission, or the General, or his vice-gerent, being made acquainted with the case, first yield his assent; that no want of information of any error either of things or persons, be a cause of offence to God.

[2] It is evident, that whatever power or influence may have been imparted to the several members of the Society as such, must cease whenever they cease to be members.

[3] It shall be declared to those that are dismissed, that they stand absolved from the simple vows, if they have uttered them according to the usual form of the Society (which will be seen in the fifth part); and that they need no further dispensation.

[4] There will be no exertion needful to bring those back who have gone away without permission, if they have previously been considered as possessing httle talents for the benefit of the Society; but rather let them be directed to some other institution, wherein they may serv'e God, being disengaged from their VOWS, if they have taken them, so that all scruples may be removed.

[5] If they are of that description, that it would appear to be agreeable to God not thus to give them up, more especially if they appear to have gone away under any violent temptation, or deceived by others, some pains may be taken to bring them back; and it will be la%\4Td to use the pri\Tleges to this effect granted by the Apostohcal Chair, so far as the Superior shall see fit in the Lord. And when any one shall be so brought back, he shall be committed to the prudence of the aforesaid Superior, who shall see whether any punishment be necessary, or determine whether it may not be altogether better to proceed in the spirit of lenity: in all which, the interest and edification, both of him who is brought back, and likewise of all the inmates must be considered.

[6] But if any one of his ovm accord return to the College or House which he had left mthout permission, and he is thought useful in other respects to the service of God; it must be considered whether he bring with him a true purpose of persevering, and be ready to make any satisfaction and probation: if otherwise, and he shows no signs of true penitence, he will not be worthy of re-admission.

[7] If any one who has been justly dismissed return to the House whence he was discharged, prepared for any punishment; if the same reasons yet remain, for which he was dismissed; it is clear that he should not be re-admitted. If they do not remain, and he who cUsmissed him should judge it to be agreeable to God, that he be again received into the same or any other House; let him inform the General, or Provincial, and do what is commanded by him.

[8] Whether he who returns went of his own accord, or was dismissed; if he be re-admitted, he ought to be again examined, and a general confession should be made, beginning from that which he last made in the House do\Ti to his return; and he shall be put to other probations and trials, as shall seem good in the Lord to the Superior, with a view both to the general and individual edification.