The Ninth Part

Of those things which relate to the Head of the Society, and to the authority emanating from him

Chap. I. That the general should be appointed for life

[1] As in all well- constituted Commonwealths, or Societies, beij- sides those who labour therein for certain objects, it is requisite that there be some one, or even more to undertake the care of the general interest, and to look after it as their pecuhar duty: so also in this Society, besides those who preside over the several Houses, Colleges, and ProA'inces wherein such Houses and Colleges exist, it is needful that there be some one to undertake the care of the whole Societv; who shall make it his business that the entire body of the Society be properly governed, preserved, and enlarged; and this is the General, who, seeing he may be elected in two wavs, namely, to preside over the Society for a definite time, or as long as he Uves: because experience and practice in government, and the knowledge of individual men, and authority over them greatly assist in the due discharge of this duty; he shall be chosen for life, and not for anv appointed time. To other advantages this also shall thence accrue, that the Society, almost alwavs abundantly occupied in concerns of great moment to the glon,- of God, will suffer less labour and interruption from these general meetings.

Chap. II. What sort of man the general should be

[1] Amongst the various endowments with which it is desirable the General should be gifted, this is the most important: that he be most intimate and familiar with God and our Lord, as well in prayer as in all his actions; so that, thereby, he may more abundantly obtain from Him, as the fountain of all good a plentiful participation of His gifts and graces for the whole body of the Society, and much profit and efficacy in all the means which it shall employ for the assistance of souls.

[2] The second is, that he be a man, whose example in every kind of virtue may assist the other members of the Society; and chiefly let the splendour of his charity be conspicuous towards all his neighbours, but especially towards the Society; and let his true humility render him dear to God and men.

[3] He should be free too from all inordinate affections, subdued and mortified by the grace of God; so that, internally, they shall not disturb the decisions of reason, and externally that he shall be so composed and circumspect especially in speaking, that nothing, not even a single word may be observed in him, not tending to the edification of the members of the Society, to whom, as well as to strangers, he should serve for a mirror and model.

[4] Nor should he the less have learned to interchange necessary severity and firmness with mildness and mercy, so as not to allow himself to be turned from what he has determined to be most acceptable to God and our Lord; but yet still that he should know how to sympathize with his children as he ought, behaving himself so that even those who are censured or corrected, however it may mortify their inferior nature, may nevertheless acknowledge that he is doing his duty justly and lovingly in the Lord.

[5] Strength of mind and firmness also arc very necessarv for him to bear the weakness of so many, to undertake important enterprises in the service of God, and steadfastly to persevere in them when needfid; neither by reason of contradictions (raised bv the great and powerful) losing confidence, nor suffering himself to be driven by any threats or entreaties from that which reason and the service of God demand; so as to be superior, in short, to aU the chances which may betide; and not to allow himself to be elevated by prosperity, nor dejected by adversity; prepared, whenever it may be needfid, to submit to death for the interests of the Society in the sen^ice of Jesus Christ our God and Lord.

[6] The third is, that he excel in the bright endowment of intellect and judgment, so that in occurrences invoh"ing either speculation or practice he may not want that talent. And although learning is highly necessan' for him who is to govern so many learned men; prudence is still more necessar}", and in spiritual and internal matters, skill to discriminate various tempers, and to give advice and rehef to numbers labouring under spiritual necessities. The gift of discretion in external matters, and in the method of conducting such various concerns, and managing such different classes of men ANdthin the Societ" and without will be absolutely necessar}-.

[7] The fourth is vigilance, essential to the transaction of business, earnestness to commence and strenuousness to bring it to conclusion and perfection; that nothing once commenced be left incomplete through carelessness and negligence.

[8] The fifth concerns the person of the General; in which in all that relates to health, external appearance and age, regard must be paid on the one hand to dignity and authorit}', on the other to that strength of constitution which his station demands, to enable him to discharge his duty therein to the glorj' of God and our Lord.

[9] The sixth relates to external matters, amongst which, those most conducive to edification and the sendee of God in that office ought to be prefeiTed. Such are, if a man be of great character, and celebrated name, and in short, every quahty contributing to maintain authority over those who are, and those who are not, of the Societv.

[10] Finally the General should be of the number of those who are most illustrious in aU the grace of virtue, who have best deserved of the Society, and have long been recognized as such within it. And if any of the gifts aforesaid ai-e wanting; at least let there be exemplar}- probity, and affection for the Society; and a sound judgment, accompanied by useful learning. For in the rest, much may be supplied through the divine help and favour by those appointed to assist him, and of whom mention shall be made hereafter.

Chap. III. Of the pow^er of the general over the society, and of his duty

[1] That the Society may be well governed, we have judged it especially expedient that the General should have all power over the Society for edification; which power, showing also the duty of the General, shall be this; first: the General, by himself or others, shall admit into Houses or Colleges, or elsewhere, those who shall to him seem adapted to the Institute of the Society; whether he shall deteraiine to admit them to probation, or to profession, or to be Coadjutors, or approved Scholars. He can dismiss them also, and remove them from the Society.

[2] He shall send such as he shall so determine to the study of literature, w'herever he pleases. He may recall them before and after the completion of their studies, and transfer them from one place to another, as he shall think most expedient in the Lord to their own or the general benefit.

[3] He shall have the wdiole superintendence and government of the Colleges; wdiatever pertains to Students, Preceptors and Officials, amongst whom Rectors stand first, w^hom he shall appoint and remove, and invest with that authority which he shall think necessary in the Lord; and by the Rectors he shall conduct the government of the Colleges in whatever relates to the edifices, and temporal property provided for the use of the Students, as is set forth in the ApostoUcal Letters.

[4] He shall see also that they render him an account of their duty in such wise as he shall deem most expedient. And what is said of the Colleges, may be understood of the Universities of the Society committed to his care. For it shall be the General's duty to regulate those matters pertaining to the instruction ot life and doctrine, which he will discharge by oflicers appointed by himself according to the Constitutions.

[5] Also the General shall have all power to make contracts of piuchase and sale of all temporal goods whatsoever as well of the Houses as the Colleges of the Society, and of raismg and redeeming any revenues on the freeholds of the Colleges for their use and benefit, on condition that it may be law^xd to acquit himself of the obUgation on restoring the money which shall have been received. But the General shall not ahenate nor altogether dissolve the Colleges or Houses of the Society once raised, without a general assemblv.

[6] Of such thuags as are left to the Societv- to dispose of at its pleasure, whether they be real propert}-, as a house or estate not specifically applied or annexed to any particular College by the donor; or whether they be goods, as monev, com, or other moveables, the General may dispose of them bv selling, or retaining, or appl-ing to this or that place, whatever he shall think expedient to the greater glory of God.

[7] The Provincials, or local Superiors, Rectors and Commissioners shall have so much of this power, as the General shall impart to them. But the officers of Colleges shall not be corporately assembled for acts of this nature.

[8] As it belongs to the General to see that the Constitutions of the Society be every where obsen-ed; so shall it belong to him to grant dispensation in all cases where dispensation is necessary,• which duty he vrill execute with that prudence which the Light eternal shall communicate, keeping in -iew the object of these Constitutions, which is no other than the greater ser-ice of Gtjd, and the good of those who follow this maimer of life. And this is said as much of the trials of those who are under probation, as of other things in which it shall be judged that such was the intention of the framers of the Constitutions to the glory of God and our Lord.

[9] The General shall have all power in missions, in nowise however opposing those which originate from the Apostolic See, as is set forth in the Seventh Pait. He may send all that are subject to him, whether Professed or not, (whom he may resolve to send) to any parts of the world, for any period, definite or indefinite, as he shall determine, to do any action of those which the Societ)^ is wont to exercise for the succour of souls. He mav recall missionaries, and in short, proceed in all things, as he shall think will be to the greater glory of God. He shall arrange the duties of Preachers, Lecturers and Cono fessors, being acquainted with the talents bestowed upon the members of our Society; and the same shall be understood of other offices: and he shall place each man in that station which he shall consider he will most advantageously fill to God's service, and the salvation of souls.

[10] He shall avail himself of the powers conferred upon the Society bv the Apostolic See, and communicate so much of them to each inferior member as he shall judge to be usefully imparted to him to the end set before us, the service of God. He shall recall, or contract such delegated powers, reducing every thing to the same rule of the divine pleasure.

[11] It shall be the General's duty to employ corrections and enjoin penances, adequate to the satisfaction of all defects, regard being had to persons and other circumstances: the consideration of which is committed to his charity tempered with prudence which he shall use to the gloiy of God.

[12] He shall convoke the Society in a general assembly (whenever other subjects than the election of a General are in agitation,) and shall order provincial congregations to be holden whenever he thinks fit, and those to preside who are best qualified, and in due time to dismiss them on the completion of the business to be discussed.

[13] Without his hcense and approbation no one can accept any dignity out of the Society; nor shtill he grant such permission, nor approve of it, except obedience to the ApostoUc See compel him.

[14] He shall appoint at his pleasure Rectors of Colleges and Universities, and local Superiors of Houses, whom he shall think best qualified, and Provincials also generally for three years; (and even that period may he shortened and extended, when it shall seem to be to the greater glory of God and our LordJ to whom he shall communicate so much power as he shall deem expedient.

[15] He shall revoke, restrain or even enlarge the power of administration, of appointing local Superiors and Rectors which he has communicated; and he shall confirm or remove them. 1 6 He shall appoint the other officials necessary for government; as the Proctor gencnU, and the Secretary of the Society, communicating to them so much power with regard to affairs luiil persons as he shall think proper in the Lord. 17 He may accept of Houses, Colleges, and Universities ofl'ered to the Society, no general assembly being in contemplation, and admit those whom he deems admissible amongst the Founders, with the privileges stated in the Fourth Part, and provide Lecturers and Priests, and for other things as thev occur. But he must take care to admit them on such conditions that the Societ\mav derive advantage and not detriment to the end proposed to it, the ser\ace of God. But if it is found by experience that the Society is rather burdened than assisted, and that the General can provide no remedy; in the first general assembly of the Society it shall be determined whether it is expedient that any House, College or University of this sort be given up, or retained with such a burden. 18 Tlie General as is said in the Fourth Part can neither transfer nor dissolve Houses or Colleges once erected, nor convert their revenues to the use of the Professed Society. 1 9 He shall scrutinize, as far as possible, the consciences of those u'ho are under his obedience, and especially of Provincials, and of others to whom he entnists duties of great importance. 20 Generally speaking, in all things which pertain to the end proposed bv the Societv% the perfection and succour of our neighbour to the glory of God, he shall order all in the A-irtue of Obedience; and although he may impart his authority to inferior Chiefs, or Visitors, or Commissioners, he may nevertheless sanction or annul what they have done, and determine as he sees good in everv thing: and obedience and reverence should always be paid him, as one who holds the place of Christ.

Chap. IV. Of the power or superintenden'ce of the society over the general

[1] The power or superintendence of the Society over the General consists of six things which may assist to the glory of God, regard being ever paid to the general good and the greatest edification.

[2] The first concerns things external, as the di-ess, food, and expenses of all kinds for the General's person; all which the Society may increase or diminish; as it shall consider becoming the General and itself, and pleasinj^ to God. And the General ought to acquiesce in the Society's decision.

[3] The second relates to the care of the body, that he exceed not prudence in laboriousness or extreme severity. In which also the Superior shall allow himself to be brought back to moderation, and shall acquiesce in the Society's judgment. 3 The third relates to his soul; since even to perfect men a care of this kind is at times necessary either as to person or duty. The Society shall have therefore near the General (and with inferiors also this may be done) some one, who applying to God in prayer, and having consulted the di\anc Goodness, and determined that it is right, should with due modesty and humihty inform the General what he believes is required of him to the greater service and glory of God; whether he be his Confessor, or some other appointed by the Society best quahfied for this duty. 5 Tlie fourth is that if any one urge him to accept a dignity (not compelling him under pain of sin) by which the duty of General must necessarily be resigned, he cannot accept it without the consent of the Society. And the Society, ever regarding the greater service and glory of God shall not yield its assent, except obedience to the Apostohc See compel it. G The fifth occurs, if it should happen that he become exceedingly negligent or remiss in things of great moment pertaining to the duty of the General through bodily sickness, or old age, without hope of amendment, whence the pubhc interest would sustain much detriment. A Coadjutor or Deputy must then be selected, to discharge the General's duty, whether the General appoint him in his own place with the approbation of the Provincials; or they ajjpoint him with the concuiTcnce of two local Superiors, or of the Provincial Rectors; or they, with the approbation of two local Superiors, or the Rectors of all the Pro-inccs elect him by a majority of votes by letters to the government of the Society, with so much power as the General shall think should be allowed, or the Society, if it made the election. 7 The sixth would take place in certain cases which we hope by the goodness of God and the comnmnication of His grace will never happen, such as morttd sins proceeding to external acts, namely, copula carnalis; wounding any one; applying to his own use any of the revenues of the Colleges, or giving them to any one not of the Society; or alienating any real property of Houses or Colleges; or holding depraved doctruie. If any of these things should happen, the Society may and ought to deprive him of his office, (if the evidence is sufficiently conclusive); and if need be, remove him from the Society, in aU things keeping before their eyes whatever shall be judged to be to the greater glory of God, and the general good of the Societv.

Chap. V. Of the manner in which the society should proceed in things pertaining to the general

[1] First, the Pro^-incials whom the General himself has appointed, are bound to consider in the sight of God and do what they ought for the general interests of the Society, in things aforesaid pertaining to the General, as they shall judge in the Lord.

[2] In the next place, whatever relates to the charges and care of the General's person, and other less important matters, needs no general assembly; but it is necessary that the Society should appoint four men of great discretion and zeal for the general good of the Society to be his Assistants. These shall reside with the General, and shall be bound in the sight of their Creator and Lord to say and do whatever they shall judge conducive to the greater glory of God touching the three things first-mentioned in the preceding chapter.

[3] The election of these four Assistants shall belong to those who elect the General, when assembled for that purpose. But if one should die, or it should become necessary for him for important reasons to be away from the General during a considerable time, the General shall substitute some one else, pro^^ded the Provincials of the Society do not object, and he shall remain in the place of the dead or absent Assistant, with the concurrence of aU, or of the majority.

[4] In the third place, if any of those sins occur (may God forbid) which suffice to deprive the General of his office; as soon as the charge is proved, by adequate e^-idence, or his own confession; let the four Assistants be bound by oath to denounce it to the Societv, and under the signatures of all, or three at least. convoke a Congregation; namely, the Provincials wnth two others whom each shall bring with him from his Province, who shall be bound to assemble. And if the matter is di'ulged, and generally known, without waiting for the summons of the four Assistants, the Provincials ought to assemble summoning one another: and the very first day in which they shall enter the place of assembly, where the four who convoked them shall be present, with the others assembled, he to whom everything is best known shall open the business, and the accusation shall be distinctly unfolded; which being heard, the General shall retire; and the eldest of the Provincials with the Secretary and another assistant shall make inquin»- into the whole matter; and first, whether the imputed offence is proved; and in the next place, whether it be such that he should be deprived of his office; and the same Provincial shaU declare the^ votes, which to be sufficient should exceed two-thirds; thereupon, the General being deposed, the election of another shtdl be commenced, and if it can be done, they shall not leave the place until the Society has a General; and if the choice cannot be made on that day, it shall be determined on the next, or as soon as possible.

[5] If the fault be not sufficient to justify a deprivation of his office, but desei-ving of correction only; let four be elected, on whom the duty shall be enjoined to consider what correction is most expedient: and if all are not agreed, and the votes are even, let a fifth be associated, or three others, to determine what is expedient in the Lord.

[6] If it should happen that the General become disqualified for the government of the Society, the question being debated partly in his presence, and partly in his absence, let it be considered whether there is need of electing a Vicar with absolute power, although without the name of General (so long as he lives, who was so) • and it shall be so arranged, if it seems good to more than one half of the voters. If they shaU not deem it necessary, they sludl consider whether besides those four whose assistance the General enjoyed, the Society should provide others, so that he being better aided and assisted thereby, nothing essential to the government of the Society may be wanting. And in this matter such resolution shall be adopted as the majority, greater than one-half of those who are assembled, shall determine. If it be a question of dignity which is upon the whole incompatible with the otfice of General, unless such obedience to the Pope, as is compulsive under the penalty of sin, oblige him, the matter shall not be brought into consultation: but this is to be altogether held as certain, that no consent mav or ought to be yielded for the accepting of such dignity.

Chap. VI. Of those things which assist the general to discharge his duty properly

[1] Since the peculiar duty of the General is not to preach, nor hear confessions, nor the like, (in which notwithstanding in a private capacity,- he will consider what he can do, when he shall be allowed by the other more especial avocations of his duty, and not otherwise) but so to govern the whole body of the Society, that it may be maintained and increased to the glory of God and our Lord by the assistance of the di%-ine Grace in its good estate and manner of proceeding, to attain which proposed end he should employ aU his energies.

[2] Besides those gifts of great spiritual perfection and -irtues mentioned in the second chapter, he will require effective officers to fulfil their several duties. For although he mav sometimes attend to them himself, he must have subordinate Directors (who should be select men) on whom he may confer much power, and almost always commit particular matters of this nature. His correspondence shall be ven,' frequent with the inferior officers and Pro-incials: and theirs with the Rectors and local Superiors, that subordination may be more perfectly maintained. Sometimes however the General shall communicate >vith the Rectors and local Superiors and even with private persons in order to acquire fuller information on all subjects, or for other reasons which may frequently occur; and he shall endeavour to assist them with ad"ice, censure and correction if it be needful; because it is his duty to supply the defects of subordinate Superiors, and to bring to perfection bv the di\nne favour and assistance, whatever is not perfect in them.

[3] It will conduce to all these if the General keep by him the Apostolic Letters; and all grants relating to the institution. powers or privileges of the Society, with an aljstract of them, and a catalogue of all Houses and Colleges of the Society with their revenues, and another of all the persons who live in each Province, not only of the Professed and formed Coadjutors, and approved Scholars, but of those also who are under probation, wherein their names and qualities are recorded; and he wiU see that this catalogue is renewed every year, if necessary. And in short he wiU keep all things in view as far as possible, that he may better provide in all for the divine glory.

[4] What is said universally in the Seventh Part concerns the General more than all the rest, namely that the members of the Society should not engage themselves in secular affairs, however pious; nor should he allow himself to be occupied in them nor any religious emplo}Tnents even in not pertaining to the Society, lest his time and strength fail him for what concerns his duty, which indeed requires more than all the man.

[5] Nor should he be deeply occupied in the performance of particular duties pertaining to the Society, which can be performed by others; such as the peculiar care of any House, in what relates to its temporal support and government, but rather, as before said, have his officials in every place even where he resides himself: on whom if he cast not the whole responsibility, he may be at least relieved by them, and freed from attention to that duty.

[6] So too, in every Province he shall have Provincials of such approved fidelity, and such usefulness, as one who vmderstands that the good government of the Society depends very much upon them and the local Superiors. And when these are so, by dividing the labour with them where it may be done, and taking care to obtain intelligence in all important cases, he will feci that he has greater leisure and time left him to attend to general affairs which he alone can conduct. He will find that he will have more light to perceive what is needful to be done, if his intellect have not lost some of its original powers; as happens to those who are overburdened with minor particulars whereby the strength of the intellect is often oppressed and disqualified for the apprehension of general matters.

[7] Nor has the General need of officers for particular employments only, as is set forth, but for the universal concerns also, and those peculiar to his own duty, that he may get through them well and pleasantly. It is needful therefore that he have some one to assist him, in his anxiety to attend to so many points of duty, by recaUing things to memory; in the arrangement of business; by good advice; and lastly, in his exertions to accomplish them, by diligence and labour. For it is evident that the memory of no one man is sufficient for the recollection of so many things; nor were that possible, could the intellect of any one be equal to their full consideration and arrangement; nor were that also possible, could the powers of any one suffice for their performance.

[8] For the first point then, namely, the sohcitude of attending to every thing, there is need of some minister ordinarily to reside with him, and to strengthen both his memon- and his hands in things to be written and transacted, and in short to take upon himself all parts of his duty; to sustain the character of General; and except the authority, to feel that the whole burden of his duty is laid upon his shoulders.

[9] This minister of the General should be a careful and discreet man, and if possible, endowed with the gift of learning, of an agreeable aspect and manner in dealing with all kinds of men, personally and by correspondence; a man especially to whom any thing may be confidently entrusted, and who loves the Society in the Lord, that the General may employ his aid and ministry more usefully to the glory of God.

[10] How necessary the second assistance to the General is, namely, that of council in the ordering and constituting of important matters which occur, may be understood from their multitude, and from the feebleness of the himian intellect, which cannot sustain its attention when distracted by so many concerns, or at least is not equal to the ascertaining and pro^'iding what is needful in every respect. It seems therefore absolutely necessary, that certain men celebrated for learning and all other gifts of God, may reside with the Superior to assist him, and take upon them the care of considering with pecidiar sohcitude aU the affairs of the Society committed to them by the General, which he may divide among them, thereby the more accuratelv to examine ever}- thing; as, one to inspect the concerns of India; another of Spain and Portugal; another of Germany and France; and another of Italy and Sicily; and so of the rest, when the Society is scattered over other parts. And everv one of them ought to recommend to God that part specifically entrusted to him by private prayer, and remembrance in his sacrifices; and consider what will be most beneficial within it in securing that which the Society proposes to itself. He should confer with the rest, whenever it seems essential to do so; and they may refer to the General what they have so discussed. They shall attend to subjects proposed by the General or the Secretary of the Society: that when they are thoroughly discussed they may be referred to the General. And in a word they should assist and relieve the General by weighing and arranging things relating as well to learning as to practice which require very great consideration. Besides this, and whatever else they can do in many things more usefully, they may find leisure for preaching, lecturing, hearing confessions, and other good and pious works to the glorj'^ of God and the assistance of souls. 1 1 The number of these Assistants at present shall be four; and they may be the same as those mentioned before, page 89. And although highly important matters are to be handled by them, still the power of determining shall remain with the General after he has heard them. 12 In the third kind of assistance, namely, diligence to accomplish and fulfil whatever is resolved upon for the necessary interests of the Society; such as to expedite all manner of business pertaining to the Houses or Colleges, and also to protect their property; and generally to transact all affairs, the aid of one Proctor general will be very useful, and is indeed essential; he shall reside in Rome, and shall be rich in prudence, fideUty and dexterity in dealing with mankind, and in all other good qualities; but he shall not be Professed, nor hve ■ in any of the Houses of the professed Society, but in some other (of which mention is made in the Fourth Part) and he shall be assisted by his agents and officers necessary for those matters which he cannot effect alone. 13 Provided with assistance of this extent the General shall occupy that time which his health and bodily strength permit, partly with God, partly in business with his officials and ministers, partly in solitan- contemplation and in resolving what is to be done with the aid and favour of God and our Lord. 14 Provincials also, and Rectors of Colleges or Superiors of Houses should be supported by assistants, more or less numerous according to the importance and weight of the business confided to them, and above all, they shall have certain members appointed of their council to whom they shall ccniimunicate the more important occurrences, although, after hearing their opinions, the power of determining shaU remain with themselves.