The Third Part

Of superintending and advancing those who remain in Probation

Chap. I. Of the superintendence in those things which concern the soul, and improvement in virtue

[1] bv granting them talents suitable thereto; and in the dismissal of those who manifest by the want of such talents, that they have no call from the di^^ne Wisdom; those particulars must be considered which we have before treated of: so there is need of consideration and due prudence to superintend in their vocation those retained under probation within the Houses and Colleges, and to assist them so to advance in spirit and virtue along the way of God, that attention be paid to the health and vigor of the body which are necessary to labour in the vineyard of the Lord: and therefore, in the first place, what relates to the soul shall be treated of; what to the body, in the second.

[2] As touching the soul; since it is so important to remove those who are under probation from all imperfections and hindrances of any kind to their further spiritual advancement; it greatly tends to this, that they forego all intercourse either by words or writing, with those who may cause them to grow lukewarm in the course proposed bv themselves; and that in their progress along the spiritual path they converse only with such persons, and on such subjects, as may assist them in attaining that object to the service of God, which, at their entrance into this Society, they proposed to themselves as their aim.

[3] For the same reason, they should not leave the House, except at such time and with such companion as the Superior shall allow; nor Avithin the House shall they converse without restraint Wiih any at their own pleasure, but with such only as shall be appointed by the Superior; by whose example and spiritual conversation they may receive edification and not detriment; and may profit in the Lord. Let all most diligently guard the gates of their senses (of their eyes especially, their ears, and tongue,) from all intemperance or vice; and maintain themselves in peace and true internal humdity, and manifest it in silence, when silence is to be observed; when speaking is allowed, in circumspection and ecUfication of words, in modesty of features, in decorum and gra\aty of gait and attitude, without any token of impatience or pride; in endeavouring and desiring to give the preference to others in everything; considering aU in their o^^^l minds as their superiors, and externally paying that honour and reverence which every condition demands, A'ith religious simphcity and moderation; that so it may come to pass, that mutually regarding one another, they may grow in devotion; and praise God our Lord, whom each one should endeavour to recognise in another, as in his image. In the refection of the body, care must be taken that in aU things temperance, moderation, and decorum be observed internally and externally. Let a blessing go before, and a giving of thanks follow; which all should offer with that reverence and devotion which is due. And whUst the body is refreshed with eating, let food be also ministered to the soul, in the reachng of some pious rather than difficult book, which all may understand, and fi-om which all may profit; or on these occasions, some one appointed by the Superior may preach; or somewhat of the same sort be done to the glory of God. Let all who aie in good health have some occupation either in sphitual or external matters. And they who have any particular duty or office should be assisted, if necessary; and so when they are at leisure, they should be occupied -with other things; that idleness, the source of all evils, may, as far as possible, have no place wtliin our Houses. That they may know the value of holy Poverty, let all be taught to use nothing as their owti; although in the time of probation it be not necessary to give up the possession of their awn property, except at the bidding of the Superior after the end of the first veaj', if he think it furnishes an occasion of temptation, and hinders any person's proficiency in the spirit by his clea\nng to it with immoderate fondness and confidence; and then let him who strips himself of his possessions follow Christ's commands: he may, however, in his devotion bestow his property, or a portion of it, upon one object rather than another, as he shall perceive it most agreeable to the di-ine pleasure, as is set forth in the Examen. 8 Let them learn, also, that they may by no means borrow, or lend, or give away anything that is in the House, except with the knowledge and consent of the Superior. 9 Whoever at his entrance, or after his entrance, impelled by his own feelings of devotion to Obedience, may desire to dispense his property, or a part of it, to the benefit of the Society, would doubtless accompUsh a work of greater perfection, ahenation, and denial of all self-love, by not descending through any weak regard into particulars, nor from such regard apphdng his property to any one object rather than another: but by desiring the NAdder and more general interest of the Society' (which is whoUy instituted to the greater glory of God, the imiversal advantage, and the salvation of souls) let him leave its disposal to him who has the care of the whole Society, whether it should be apphed to any one place rather than another within the same pro-ince: since he must know better than any other, what is most needful, and what most urgent, in every place connected with it, regard being paid to kings, princes, and other governors, that no offence be given them; but that aU things give wav to the greater edification of all, the spiritual benefit of souls, and the glory of God. 10 Let them be taught how to detect the illusions of the de-il in their spiritual exercises, and how to defend themselves against all temptations; at the same time let them leam the means, sought out with all possible dihgence, to be resorted to in overcoming temptations, and employed in acquiring real and sohd virtues; whether their spiritual visitations be more or less frequent, let them always make advancement in the way of God's ser-ice. 1 1 Let them daily resort to an habitual examination of their conscience, and at least once a week go to the sacraments of Confession and the Communion; except for some reason the Superior determine othenvise; and let there be appointed one Confessor for aU by the Superior: and if this is not practicable, let each have his own regular Confessor, to whom he may unresen-edly open his conscience. Wliich Confessor ought not to be at a loss ivhat cases should be reserved for the Superior. Those then shall be reserved which shall seem necessary or highly expedient to be known by him; in order that he may the better apply a remedy, and preserve those committed to his care from all things hurtful. 1 2 It win be highly useful, that there be in every House a faithful man, sufficiently skilled in spiritual concerns, to instruct and teach them how they ought to behave themselves, both internally and externally, accorcUng to the Society's Institute and religion; and to encourage, remind, and lovingly persuade them to it: whom aU under probation should love, to whom they should have recourse in their temptations, disclose all their concerns with confidence, and from whom in aU cases they may hope for consolation and assistance in the Lord: and let them be admonished to hide no temptation, but to disclose it either to him, to then' Confessor, or to their Superior; nay more, to take a pleasure in thoroughly manifesting their tohole soul to them; not onlv disclosing their defects, but even their penances or mortifications, their devotions, and all their viitues; desiring with perfect concurrence to be guided by them, wherever they have deviated from the direct path; and not wishing to be led by their own judgment, except it agrees with that of those who are to them in stead of Christ our Lord. 13 Temptations may be encountered, by applying their opposites: as when an individual is obser^^ed to be cUsposed to pride, he should be employed in the more abject occupations which may seem good to humble him, and so of the other depraved propensities of the soul. 14 Moreover, it is a matter of propriety and decency, that no woman enter our Houses and Colleges, but our Churches only; and that neither arms nor other instruments of vanit- be allowed, but onlv those things which conduce to the object which the Society has in view, the service and praise of God. 15 What measure should be observed in enjoining penances and corrections, must be left to the prudent charity of the Superior, and those whom he has deputed; who in these matters will regard the dispositions of persons, and the general and individual edification to the glory of God. Every one must undergo penances of this sort with prompt compliance and an unfeigned desire of amendment and spiritual improvement; even though thev he enjoined for a defect not culpable. 16 Let a Syndic or Censor he appointed in the House, whose duty it shall be to notice whatever relates to decorum and external decency, superintending both Church and House; obser%-ing and communicating with the Superior, or remonstrating with liim who is in fault, if so much power is granted to him the more effectually to discharge his dutv in the Lord. 17 Let all take care to derive some profit from bodily disease, whenever it occurs, not to their o\sti edification only, but to that of others also; not showing themselves impatient or morose; but rather internally maintaining and externally manifesting patience, and obedience to the physician and superintendent of the sick, using pious language tending to edification, to prove that sickness is accepted as a gift, since it is not less so than health itself, from the hand of our Creator and Lord. 1 8 Let aU think, let aU speak, as far as possible, the same thing, according to the Apostle. Let no contradictory doctrines therefore be aUotred either by word of mottth, or public sermons, or in tvritten books, tchich last shall not be published without the approbation and consent of the General ftvho shall submit them to the censure of three at least of learning and clear Judgment in that department^ And indeed all difference of opinion regarding practical matters should be avoided as much as possible which is usually the source of discord, and unfriendly to mutual good-wUl; and on the other hand, let union and reciprocal conformity' be dihgently upheld, and whatever is destructive of them be discouraged: so that thus united in the bonds of fraternal love individuals may more efficaciously and successfully employ themselves in the sen-ice of God, and the benefit of their fellowcreatures. 1 9 Since the example of the elders greatly conduces to advancement in A-irtues, bv which others may be animated to their imitation; the Superior (except it is judged for particular reasons to be inexpedient) and all the priests he may approve of, at some period in even- year shall take upon themselves the dut}- or duties of those who officiate at home, that so this office may be rendered more acceptable to others, to which they have been ordained to the greater sen-ice and glon,- of God. 20 On certain days in even- week let the Catechism be explained c and the method of confessing rightly and with profit be taught; also of communicating, of hearing the mass, and ministering in it; of praying, meditating and reading according to each man's talent; and let it be seen to that they not only learn what they ought, but that they remember, and practise what they learn: let all employ their time in spiritual concerns, and persist in acquiring habits of devotion according to the measure of the grace of God communicated to them; to which it will greatly contribute to assign certain or even all the spiritual exercises to such as have not hitherto employed themselves in them; as shall be judged most expedient for each in the Lord. 21 It is fit that aU be practised in preaching at home (except the Superior exempt any one) so that beyond the useful emplojTnent of an hour after dinner, they may be encouraged and habituated in some degree (as to voice, and manner, and other particulars) to discharge that duty; and to give some evidence of the talent which the Lord communicates to them in this department; and also to express their good conceptions to their own and their neighbours' edification, frequently treating of those subjects which relate to self-denial, advancement in virtue, and perfections of all sorts; mutually exhorting one another to these things, and above aU to union and brotherly love. 22 It wiU assist greatly to discharge those duties with all possible devotion, in which humility and charity are more especially necessary. And generally speaking, the more closely each one has united himself to God, and thrown himself freely upon the supreme Majesty; so much the more bountiful he ^vill find God towards him; and he will daily become more qualified to receive grace and ampler spiritual gifts. 23 It is especially conducive to advancement, nay even necessary, that all yield themselves to perfect Obedience, regarding the Superior (be he who he may) as Christ the Lord; and submitting to him vdth inward reverence and afl^ection; let them obey not only in the outward performance of what he enjoins; entirely, promptly, resolutely, and with all due humility, without excuses, or murmurs, even though he order things hard to be done, and repugnant to their own sense; but let them also strive to acquire perfect resignation and denial of their oivn tvill and Judgment, in all things conforming their will and judgment to that which the St(perior wills and Judges fwhcre sin is not perceived) the will and judgment of the Superior being set before them as the rule of their unll and judgment; whereby they may more exactly be confirmed to that chief and supreme rule of all good-will and judgment, which is the eternal Goodness and Wisdom. 24 And the more to exercise themselves in the ^^rtue of Obedience, it is expedient, and even necessary, that they obey not only the Superior of the whole Society or House, but the subordinate officers also, who have from him derived any authority, in aU those things in which they have power, and accustom themselves not regard him whom they obey, but rather Him for whose sake they obey, namely, Christ the Lord. 25 Let all love Poverty, as their Mother, and according to the measure of holy discretion let them try some of its results at proper periods; and, as is set forth in the Examen, let them be prepared, at the end of the first year to distribute their temporal goods, when it is enjoined by the Superior, under the regulations stated in the Examen. 26 Let aU struggle to maintain an upright intention not only in their condition of life, but in every single action, ever studpng sincerelv to serve and please the divine Goodness, for its own gake, and for Love's sake, and those inestimable benefits with which It has anticipated our wants, not for the fear of punishment, or the expectation of rewards (although these may assist higher motives) so that in aU -things they may seek God, divesting themselves, as far as possible, of their love of all creatures; so as to turn this imiversal affection towards the universal Creator, loving Him in all, and all in Him, accordinoto His most holy and divine Will. 27 Tlie study to which those should apply themselves who are under probation in the Houses of the Societ)'^ should be that which will most advance them in the aforesaid denial of themselves and their progress in A-irtue and devotion. But generally speaking, there shall be no hterary studies within our Houses, unless a dispensation shoidd appear necessary for pecuhai- reasons. For Colleges have been proAdded for the study of Literature; and the Houses for the practice of what they have learnt, and for laying a foundation of humility and everv virtue in those who are to bestow their labour upon them. 28 Let there be some one in each House who once a week, or at least once a fortnight, shall refresh the memory of all in these and the like matters; or they may be bound to read them over • lest through the constitution of our frail nature they cease from the performance of them in forgetfulness. And several times every year let all petition the Superior that penances be enjoined them for neglecting the obsei-vation of the Rules; that this concern may be an evidence of that which every one should maintain for his spiritual advancement in the path of God.

Chap. II. Of the superintendence of the body

[1] As overmuch solicitude in those things which pertain to the body is reprehensible; so a moderate regard for the preservation of health and strength of body to the service of God is commendable, and to be observed by all: and for this reason, whenever they discover anything to be hurtful to them, or anything to be necessary for- their food, clothing, habitation, attention to duty, or other things, let all inform the Superior, or whomsoever the Superior may appoint, observing, in the interim, two things: first, that before they refer anything to him, they betake themselves to prayer; and after prayer, if they still think the matter should be communicated to the Superior, let them do so: secondly, when they have briefly explained it to the Superior, verballv, or in writing (that it may not escape his memory) they leave to him the entire settlement of the question, and consider whatever he determines to be best; nor proceed to argue or ur"-e it, either themselves or by another (whether that which is desired be conceded or not) seeing they should persuade themselves that what the Superior determines after due consideration is most conducive to the divine pleasure, and their own benefit.

[2] Let a time for eating, sleeping and rising be appointed for general observation.

[3] In.ill those things which relate to food, clothing, habitation, and other things necdfid for the body, let care be taken with the divine aid, that in every probation of virtue and act of selfdenial, nature be nevertheless sustained and presented for the honour of God, and His service, due regard being paid to persons in the Laid.

[4] As it is not expedient that any one be burdened with so much bodilv labour, that the intellect be ovenvhelmed, and the body suffer detriment; so any bodily exercise, which aids either, is generally necessaiy for all, those not excepted who ought to be occupied in mental pursuits, which should be interrupted by external employments, and not continued nor taken up without some measure of discretion.

[5] The castigation of the body should neither be immoderate nor indiscreet in vigUs, fastings, and other external penances and labours, which usuaUv do harm, and hinder better things. It is expedient therefore that whatever is done in this way be disclosed by each one to his Confessor, who should refer it to the Superior if he thinks that moderation is exceeded, or even doubts of the excess. All these things, however, are done, that we may proceed more clearly, and that greater glory' be given to God ovu- Lord, both in om* souls and bodies.

[6] Let there be some one in every House to preside over even,-thing that relates to the good health of the body, and as weU for maintaining it in the healthy as in those more especially who from age and other causes are more weakly, as in restoring it to the sick, to which person all ought immediately to refer, if they feel themselves unweU; that the convenient remedy be provided, as charity requires.

[7] In whatever relates to the protection of temporal property, beyond that duty which reason and charity impose upon all, it will be proper that some one be delegated to the office, to w'atch over it, as though it belonged to our Lord Jesus Christ. For all other duties, and those especially wliich are performed more decently at home than abroad, care must be taken that an adequate number of officials be appointed; and let the Coadjutors ui external things learn these duties if they are not already acquainted with them, always directing everything to the greater glory of God om* Creator and Lord.