CHAPTER 1. Of Piety.

1. WHERE as the cheifest scope and end of Euery Religious Order is to aduance the Professours there of to the Saluation and spirituall perfection of their Soules, therefore all that enter this Congregation, must dilligently apply themselues, that by meete and conuenient, meanes, they may attayne to the proposed end of their Vocation: the cheife meanes where of are, the exercises of true piety, and deuotion, as often prayer, meditation, confession of their Sinnes, the holy Communion, and the Mortification of themselues;

2. Besides the tyme appoynted for the accompl • shing of the deuyne Office, and reading of spirituall bookes, euery one shall each day imploy one whole hower in mentall prayer▪ the which tyme that they may fruytefully spend, to the comfort of their Soules; the Abbesse shall endeauour that thy may bee instructed by such spirituallmen, as are well experienced in that godly exercise that they may not onely stirr vpp in themselues, such affections as may further them to vertue, but that they may alsoe the better discouer the illusions of the Ghostly Enemy and know how to auoyde them;

3. If any of the Religious bee found vn apt for this kinde of exercise, lett her bestow the afforesayd tyme, either in vocall prayer, or in some other deuoute imployment, according to the Iudgment of the Ghostly Father;

4. They shall confesse and Communicate once euery weeke, the which they shall doe alsoe vppon the cheifeste Feasts of the Church, and the Order; except the ghostly Father shall iudge some tymes otherwise, for some in perticuler, and more then this they may bee permitted; as the Abbesse with the approbation of the Ghostly Father shall thinke good;

5. When they haue made their vowes and profession, for three dayes they shall receaue the holy Eucharist; that they considering the greatnesse of the benefitt which they haue receaued▪ they may become more gratefull to the king of heauen to whom they are espowsed.

6. Out of the tyme of Confession none shall speake with her ghostly Father vppon any pretence whatsoeuer, but in such manner and tyme as to the Abbesse, and Superiour shall seeme meetest, and then leaue shalbee graunted to conferr with him soe oft, as the Abbesse or Superior shall perceaue that it will bee for her good, that requesteth licence: which licence the Prioresse, Mistris of the nouices, ād Cellarier may grante to those that are vnder their seuerall Charges: soe that first they know the ghostly Father his opinion whether, and in what manner hee shall thinke it profitable for them;

7. The Lady Abbesse must sett downe a certayne tyme for their confessions, and shee must see that all goe to one ghostly Father (whom the Bishopp shall appoynte them for that purpose) if the number will permitt it, otherwise shee with her Conuent shall choose another approued by the Ordinary, vnto whom that parte of the Conuent shall confesse, which the Abbesse shall thinke good to appoynte;

8. None of the Religious shall presume to censure her Confessor, either in the way of praysing or discommending him before others, neither by Comparison to prefer the one aboue the other, or to manifest their defects, but onely to the Abbesse; and if hee haue giuen Counsayle or aduise to any of them, lett her not discouer it in any such sort, that any hurt or detrimēt may en • ue thereof;

9. They shall all confesse to their Ordinary Ghostly Father, and to noe other, except the Abbesse giue them leaue, and all shall confesse twice or thrice euery yeare to that Preist that the most Reuerend lord Bishopp in speciall manner for that purpose shall appoynte; alsoe the Lady Abbesse shall prouide some three or fower Preists (according to the number of the Couent) vnto whom, by her leaue they may confesse, as often as shee shall deeme fitting for their spirituall good, hauing notwithstanding still good regard, that shee disturbe not the good order of her Monastery hereby; And this conformable to the decree of Clement the VIII. made for Superiours of Monasteryes in th • yeare of our lord 1594.

10. Let the Abbesse appoynte them a certayne tyme for the dayly examination of their Consciences, that thereby they may the better Consider of the state of their Soules, and what fruyte they reape by their holy Exercises;

11. If the Abbesse perceaue that some doe not soe much attend to their spirituall proffitt, as they should, and thereby giue her lesse satisfactiō, let her in a mother like manner exhort them to vse more dilligence for the tyme to come, and therefore it will much proffitt them, that at lest once a yeare all the Religious liue retyred from the rest (but not all at one tyme) that they may the better Recollect and confirme themselues in Spirit, but this wilbee most expedient for them, that make lesse progresse and aduancement in vertue and Religious life;

12. None shall seeke for any spirituall aduise or receaue any such directions, but from those which the Abbesse shall approue neither shall shee receaue any Instructions for that purpose without the expresse consent of her sayd Superiour;

13. Lett the Abbesse haue especiall care that noe bookes that sauour not of a Religious Spirit, or which doe not helpe there vnto, bee at any tyme brought into the Monastery; And lett the Catoloque of all the bookes of the Monastery bee examined of some learned discreete man, whoe may discerne whether they are profitable for Religious Spirits or noe▪ and lett her allow but some few for euery one, commaunding the rest to bee kept by one of the Religious, to bee communicated vnto others as neede shall require;

14. None without the leaue of the Superiour shall vse vppon herselfe any Corporall austeritie, ouer and aboue that which the rule and Statutes doe appoynte, or which the ghostly Father shall not approue; yet the Lady Abbesse may not onely permitt, but alsoe enioyne some austeritie to her Religious Subiects, when shee shall Iudge it meete for their spirituall good;

15. If the Abbesse see any one of her Religious giuen to more austeritie then the rest, and to bee more feruent in her good Exercises, shee must endeauour to aduance and helpe her in her good desires, yet soe that all bee done with in the limitts, of prudence and discretion; And all the Religious of this Congregation are to vnderstand that there is nothing appoynted in any other Religious Order, which may helpe for the increase of Gods holy Spiritt, which shall not alsoe bee most willingly permitted to them of this holy Congregation, if soe bee it shall bee thought expedient for them;

16. They that are permitted to v • e vppon thems • lues any bodyly affliction, or mortification, must soe endeauour to conceale the same, that (as farr as lyeth in them) it may not bee knowne to the rest, except the Abbesse for some other good respects shall otherwise appoynte

17 Once euery weeke each one shall make a disciplyne for soe long a tyme as the Abbesse shall thinke good, and it is to be • done on Friday at night, except the Abbesse some tyme s • all appoynte some other day;

18. Although the Abbesse may apply the prayers and deuotions of her Religious, for the obtayning of gods assistance and grace▪ or for some other benefitt from his deuine goodnesse, yet shall shee bring in noe new obligations, but with great moderation▪ or with very great Consideration;

19. They shall say or sing their howers, and the deuyne office, according to the Romane vse, they shall say the litle Office of our blessed lady, the Office of the deade, the Graduall Psalmes, the seuen penetentiall Psalmes, and Litanies, in such sort as is appoynted in the breuiary of Rome;

20. They shall sing the Mattines, laudes ād the rest of the howers vppō the principallest Feasts of the yeare, kept either by the precept of the Church; or vppon Custome, vppon the Feasts of their Patrones; and Patronesses, both of their Order and of their perticuler Churches▪ and of the Feast of the dedication of the same, alsoe they a • e to sing euery day their conuentuall Masse, except the Abbesse for iust causes for a tyme ordayne otherwayes, both in these latter, as alsoe in the former Solemnities; Once euery weeke a Masse of the holy Ghost is to bee sung, or sayd, and as often as the Office of • he blessed Virgin is sayd on the Saturdayes, soe often a Masse is to bee celebrated of our blessed Lady, for this end that the Conuent may obtayne of our lord spirituall progresse and aduancement

22. Whyle they sing, or say the deuyne Office, lett them obserue due grauitie and Modesty, and decent composition of their cariage, neither may they post oure their seruice▪ but they must pronounce each worde with moderate leisure, distinctly, and truly, and with soe loude a voyce, that they may bee well herd and vnderstoode by those that are out of the Quire;

23. None may intreate or labour to haue leaue to intone or reade any thing, but as it shall bee appoynted her, neither may shee any wise refuse any thing that shee is willed to sing or reade, except shee first make know her impediment to the Superiour; to whose Commaundement shee is wholly to submitt her selfe;

24. They may some tymes vse Musicke in the deuyne office, yet it must bee with great Modera • ion, togeather with the good edification of the hearers, and only such Songs they are to sing as are truly graue and modest;

25. If vppon iust hindrance any shalbee absent from the other Canonicall howers, yett all must bee present at Complyne, except some vrgent Cause shall excuse them, or that the Abbesse shall iudge some other businesse to bee more necessary and important;

CHAPTER 2. Of Pouertie;

1. ALL such as make their profession of Religion in this Congregation, must vnderstand that they can haue nothing in propriety, euen as the Rule hath enacted; what soeuer therefore is giuen them by ther frends and kinsfolkes▪ is to bee applyed to the vse of the Conuent and Communitie; But if the Abbesse will permitt any to haue any thing of smale price as a memory of their Frends, it may not bee any thing that is made of gould or Siluer, and much lesse of pretious stones, sett either in gould or Siluer;

2. Goulden or Siluer Vessells may not bee vsed in this Congregation, except for the Church or Infirmary, and for this latter in meane and smale quantitie and number; Neither may the Abbesse vse such Vessell in her Cell, or in the Refectory, but this may bee permitted for the intertaynment of Guestes, (when it shalbee thought expedient to vse any such entertaynment) yet with this moderation, that in them all vanitie and secular pompe is to bee eschewed;

3. They must auoyde all notable singularitie and curiositie in their apparell, Images, and all other Furniture of their Cells, and they are to haue only those things, which befitt religious decency, and are for their health, and they must willingly imbrace what soeuer appertayneth to their diett and Apparell according to true Religious pouertie;

4. There woolen or linnen apparell may not bee made of any fine Costly Cloath, yea though itt bee giuen them, or bee by their parents bestowed vppon them, but they are to weare those things, that are of a moderate price, and are lasting;

5. They shall not giue or receaue one of another any thing, without the lady Abbesse o • the Superiours licence, ye • the Prioresse, Mistresse of the Nouices, and Celarier may some tyme giue leaue to those that are vnder their charge, to giue or take one of another, some matter of litle moment or value;

6. Let none begg any thing of her frēds or Parents, for her proper vse, but if her frēds or Parents will giue any thing, lett it bee soe done that it may bee applyed to the Communitie, or left to the will and disposition of the Abbesse, that shee may bestow it vppon them as shee shall thinke good;

7. It may not bee lawfull to lend or grāt any thing appertayning to the Monastery to any abroade, without leaue from the Abbesse;

8. Each Religious shall once euery yeare (to witt before the first Sunday in lent) goe to the lady Abbesse and with due humilitie and reuerence declare vnto her, that what soeuer they haue, they willingly offer it vnto her, leauing it to her Will, whether shee will suffer them to retayne, restore, or otherwise dispose ther of in the best sort, as in our lord, shee sh • ll thinke most meete, and if the Abbesse will take a vew of each thing in perticuler, they shall bring them all vnto her, in all Fidelitie, neither may they haue any thing locked vpp in Chestes or Coffers, without the leaue and knowledge of the Abbesse;

9. And to the end euery one may stricktly and carefully keepe their vow of pouerty, it is enacted, that if any after her death (which God forbidd) should bee found a Proprietary and to haue any thing of notable value for her vse, or in the Custody of any other, without the Abbesses knowledge, sh • e shalbee infallably depriued of Christian Buriall;

CHAPTER 3. Of Chastitie;

IT is very fitt the Spouses of Christ imitate all Angelicall puritie, which may conserue in them the integritie of their bodyes and myndes; therefore they must fly all such things which may any wayes cause any impression in their myndes, contrary to puritie

2. They shall conceale noe greiueous temptation, which they shall not manifest to their ghostly Father yea and to their immediate Superiour, or to the Abbesse, if they thinke they may receaue from them any comfort or helpe; lett them shew all modesty and humilitie in their wordes, Countenances, gestures, and Actions, and lett them behaue them selues each to others wi • h due respect, and Religious grauitie, and euery one is to behould as it were Christ himselfe in • er Sister;

CHAPTER 4. Of Obedie • ce;

1. AS the Religious haue vowed to God and to their Superiours them selues, and w • at soeuer els they haue, soe must they suffer themselues to bee guyded and gouerned by their Abbesse, and Superiour, as the Interpretours of Gods holy will; therefore let them wholy giue themselues to perfect holy obedience, and let them labour to bee excellent in the same, not onely willingly and promptly, performing those things that are enioyned them, but fullfilling them in such sorte and fashion, as they thinke to bee most conformable to the Superiours Will;

2. Euery one must bee ready to vndergoe all base Offices and exercises, what soeuer the Abbesse shall thinke good to impose vppon them, neither may they thinke themselues exempt from this by any office, degree or Qualitie, nor may they expect any priuiledge, but in case of Necessitie onely, but euery one is to know that all are to liue equally vnder one and the selfe same Rule of Obedience, without exception of any persons or person;

3. When the Superiour commaundeth any thing, that may bee hurtfull to their health, or an hindrance, of a greater good, or that it cannot bee performed within the tyme allotted them, then let them soe manifest the difficultie to her, that yet withall, they leaue all to her Iudgment and discretion, and soe obey, if it may bee done without manifest Sinne;

4. If any should request any thing of her Superiour which shee thinketh needefull for the health of her body or Soule, or for the performance of any duty and charge enioyned her, lett her first commend the matter to God, and with a resigned mynde lett her open the case to the Superiour, and after it hath beene some two or three tymes denyed her, lett her neuer mention the matter more, except shee verely thinke, her Superiour hath for gott it, and that shee will take it well, that shee bee put in mynde there of;

5. They shall not onely obey the lady Abbesse, but alsoe all others of the Conuent, whether they bee of the Quire or Conuerse) whoe from her receaue power and Authori • ie▪ otherwise none may commaund, or reprehend another, without expresse leaue from the Abbesse, and of her • hee is to vnderstand how farr sh • e may proceede in commaunding, or in her reprehension.

6. If any bee commaunded any thing by the subordinate Superiour, which is different from that which the cheife Superiour or Abbesse did commaunde or apoynte, let the Inferiour manifest to the Subordinate her Superiours Will, and Order, and lett her without further Contradiction reuerently obey, if shee see her persist and con • inew in her commaunde, but let the subordinate afterwards informe her Superiour of the Case if any error or fault happen thereby.

7. If at any tyme happyly the subordinate Superiours, commaunde diuersly any one, in things appertayning to their charges, lett them represent their difficulties, each one to the other, without all contention: and if the case soe require it, with externall and mutuall shew of Reuerence, lett • h • m remitt it to the arbitrement of the Abb • sse, or Superiour laying barely open the Case without further dispute, and soe lett them thinke that to bee best whic • the Abbesse or Superiour, sufficiently informed, shall iudge to bee soe;

8. What soeuer is denyed by any subordinate S • periour, shee may not aske the same of the Abbesse, except alsoe shee declar • vnto her, that the Subordinate Superiour did deny it, togeather • ith the reason of her sayd deniall, soe far as shee knoweth or can guesse;

9. They are to obey her that commaundeth anything in the lady Abbesses name, although in very deede shee haue noe such authoritie soe to commaunde, and ordinaryly in th • ir Commaundements, they are rather to vse the Abbesses name, then their owne, except onely the mother Prioresse, Mistresse of the Nouices, and Cellarier, towards those of their charge;

CHAPTER 5. Of the Inclosure;

1. THey must haue a speciall care of keeping their Inclosure, soe much commended and (with vehement • words expressing the necessitie thereof) commaunded by the sacred Counsell of Trent: moreouer seing they haue bound themselues by vow to the obseruation thereof, they must hold it necessary to bee kept;

2. Their Inclosure must bee enuyroned with high Walls, which may contayne that parte of the Church, to witt the Quyre allotted to their proper vse, togeather with the Cloyster dormitory Refectory, and all the Offices and buyldings, which are appertayning to the proper vse of the professed Religious; togeather with the Gardens, Orchards, and such like, soe that none from abroade may enter into this Inclosure, by any Stayres, or Gates, but onely by one dore or Gate, if it may bee any wise so contriued commodiously;

3. Noe professed Religious may goe out of this Inclosure▪ but vppon constrayn • e of Fyre, extreme famyne, Warr, ruyne of the buyldings, and such like greueous dangerous cases, and for other Cases approued vppon vrgent necessitie, or commaunded by the lord Bishopp, or the Visitor; yet when the Schollers of Religion are to receaue their Religious habitt, or the Nouices are to make their Profession, the Abbesse with some few of her Religious, may goe out of the Quier, and enter into the outward parte of the Church, that they may assist them in that solemne Action; which is alsoe permittted to the Abbesse newly chosen▪ that with a decent Company of her Religious, shee may alsoe enter the same, to receaue the Bishopps Benediction: for which, and for some other necessary Causes and vses, there may bee a Conuenient passage betwixt the Quier and the outward Church.

4. All that are not Religious or not of the Conuen • of what sex, age, or Condition soeuer they bee, may not enter into the Inclosure but vppon necessary Causes, approued and licenced by the Bishopp in writing, without which licence according to the decree of the Counsayle of Trent, both the person that entreath, and the person that admitteth him, incurreth the payne of Excommunication;

5. Other Religious weomen of the same Orderliuing vnder these Statutes, being sent by their Superiours to some other place, may in their passage be receaued in to any Monastery of this Congregation, and therein they may stay for two or three dayes, or longer, as according to prudence and Charitie it shalbee thought conuenient;

6. The Visitours accompanyed with certayne modest and graue Clergy men may enter in, to performe their Visitation, or for any other necessary businesse;

7. When the ghostly Father entreth into the Monastery to visite the sicke, or for some other necessary matter, one or two Religious appoynted by the Abbesse for that purpose shall allwayes bee present with him, and if any Religious bee to bee buryed, soe many f • om abroade may bee present at that Office, as shalbee thought needefull.

8. The Phisition, Surgeon, Workemen, Gardiners, Porters, Carters, Masons, and all such as haue any necessary imployments within the Monastery may bee suffred to enter; they must keepe accompt in what number they ent • r, that in the same number they may departe, and those that enter must bee accompanyed by two or three of the Religious to those places where they are to bee ymployed, none of the Religious may approach to those that are entred without the expresse licence of the Abbesse, the which not withstanding shee may not graunt to any one alone.

9. When the people from abroade haue leaue to speake with the Religious, lett it bee done at a Grate when neede shall require▪ within the Grate lett a Curtayne hang which may soe hang shutt, or bee drawne to lett the Religious bee seene, or not to bee seene, as the Abbesse shall thinke best expedient.

10. In the place where the Religious make their Confessions, lett a Gloth bee soe drawne and fastned, that the penitent may not see the Ghostly Father, nor yet bee seen by him; All that the Religious are to receaue into the Inclosure, lett them receaue it by a Turne, except it bee of that kinde, that by the Turne they cannot receaue it; the Turne with in must bee locked and made fast, in such sort that it may not bee tourned about, but at such tymes as any thing is to bee receaued in thereby;

CHAPTER 6. Of Silence;

1. IN such place • and tymes as soueraigne silence is to bee kept; (to witt, in the dormitory, Re • ectory, Chapter house, Quier, and Cloyster, and in the howers assigned for silence, as are to bee seene afterwards in the twelueth Chapter, and in the 7. 8. and 9. Numbers, and after Complyne vntill Prime ended, none may speake but vppon vrgent necessitie, and that by noe other meanes shee can expresse her meaning, and make her selfe vnderstoode, for then shee may speake, but yett with a low voyce and with all breuitie;

2. At what tyme they worke togeather in the Common worke house they may speake, but yett onely of things necessary and with a low voyce;

3. If any should seeke for another, lett her goe and seeke her, but without noyse, ād shee may not call her with a loude voyce, and if shee finde her with others, lett her deliuer vnto her the Superiours commaundement, that others may not vnderstand it, and shee that is called for to another place, lett her giue notice thereof to the Superiour of that place to the end shee may know whether shee goeth;

4. Soe often as they speake togeather, they must haue good care that they may not bee heard out of the place where they are at that present; In their Recreations (when they are permitted them) lett them bee soe myndefull of modesty and Religious decency, that one push and thrust not another, noe nor soe much as touch her, soe farr as lyeth in her; In their speeches and Conuersation lett them auoyde and fly all shew of contempt and litle esteeme of others, all kinde of mocking, and scoffings, and all other things what soeuer, whereby either throughe their wordes or actions, any kinde of occasion of brabble or displeasure may arise;

5. And for as much as here mention is made of the Recreations of the Religious; it is prohibited that within the Inclosure any kinde of beasts bee kept or fedd, but for the vse of the Communitie, and not for the priuate Recreation of any one alone, nei • her vppon any coulor or pretext what soeuer may they permitt any dwarfes, • diotes, or young Infants to bee nourished or brought vpp within the Inclosure.

6. Their mutuall conuersation must bee vsed for their health, and Conseruation of Charitie, and • herefore it must bee vsed in publike, and not in Corners, or in their Cells ne •• her may the Religious vse any speech of such matters, which they haue heard o • secular people abroade, except they •• e of such, which may yeald Edification, and spirituall Comfort and proffitt to the hearers.

7. In their Conuersation lett thē so shew loue and Charitie to euery one, they withall they take good regard that they shew not themselues mare singularely affected to one then to another, and lett them doe • euerence to euery one, according as their State shall require, neither may th • y shunn the speech and Conuersation of any whoe soeuer.

8. They must bee very carefull that they talke not of their Stocke, and Nobilitie of their kindred, nor of plightes, Controuersies and debates, among their Parents, kindred, and Families, or dispute of them, yea they may not admitt any talke among themselues (but with great warynesse) of the Iarrs or enmities that one Prouince or Country hath with another.

9. None may speake of the imperfection of any other, but onely to the Abbesse, or Superiour, or to those from whom they may expect helpe and redresse; and if any dammage or hindrance by any ones defect, may bee thought to fall vnto the Monastery, and that by noe other way it can bee remedied, all shalbee bound to informe the Abbesse there of, that in good tyme both the hurt that may be fall vnto any person in perticuler, or the mischeife that may happen to the whole Conuent in generall may bee hindred.

10. None shall heare any thing of any Religious vppon Bond of secrecy, and vppō that Condition that the Abbesse may not know it, yea rather they ought to hould it a thing right gratefull and pleasing to them, that shee should bee informed of all matters that may any wayes aduance, and sett forward the good gouernment of the Monastery.

11. None may enter into the Office or Cell of another, without leaue, or vppon commaundement of the Superiour, and nether may they then enter, before they haue giuen a signe by knocking at the doare and haue receaued an answeare to enter, lett t • e dore stand open soe long, as they talke and bee togeather within, except the Superiour doe expressely appoynte it otherwise;

12. Whyle they speake one to another, or of another, they may not call them by their bare names, but the Abbesse, Prioresse, Mistris of the Nouices, and Celarier shall call their Subiects Sisters, the professed of the Quier shall call alsoe the Conuerse, Sisters; but the professed of the Quier, must call them dames speaking of others that are professed of the Quier, the Prioresse must bee called of all Mother; the Mistrisse, of her Nouices must bee called Mistrisse, the Cellarier is alsoe to bee called Mother of those that are vnder her charge; But the Abbesse of all is to bee named lady: that by these names due honour and Reuerence may bee yealded each one in that Vocatiō, ād degree in which shee is placed by our lord ād Sauiour Christ;

13. As they meete one with another lett them doe Reuerence each one to the other by an Inclination and bending of their bodyes, and lett each one endeauour to preuent the other with honour according to due Religious modesty; and all thoughe the Iuniour professed ought principally to vse this preuention to her elders, and more Ancient in Religion by honoring and Reuerencing them▪ yet none but Superiours may exact it of them;

14. Inspeaking lett none vnmannerly interrupt anothers speech, or in twight her Sister of Errours: but in there Conuersation lett them bee myndfull to vse all due modesty, and decent cariage, with all Ciuilitie auoyding both in their Words and behauiour, all Rudenesse, sowernesse, or lightnesse, as alsoe all secular vanity and affectation: which noe wayes standeth with the grauitie, which appertayneth, vnto Religious persons; let alsoe their speech bee very sparing, and for the most part lett it bee about spirituall matters, or at lestwise about such matters as may sauour of spiritt, and nourish the same;

15. In their going and shutting of the doores, lett them make noe noyse, as much as lyeth in thē, but this they must beware of in tyme of soueraigne Sylence, and whē the Religious are at their reading ād meditaion;

16. When any (hauing obtayned leaue) visitt the Sicke, lett her soe behaue herselfe, that shee may recreate and ease them; and to the end shee may not bee trouble some vnto them, shee must first learne of the Infirmare by what meanes • hee may best Cō fort them, and auoyde to bee greiuousto thē

17. When secular people come, and (by the Superiours permission) speake with the Religious at the Grate, lett them signify vnto the Abbesse eit • er by themselues▪ or by such as are appoynted to accompa • y them, those things whereof they had talke as the matter shall require; And then let them auoyde long conference, if it may bee done wi • hout offence, or except the matter bee of that moment and consequence, that longer speach may bee permitted.

18. Whyle they speake with secular people, and those that come vnto them from abroade; if the Prefect of the Turne, or her Companion cannot be present, let them haue another appoynted by the Superiour, who may heare and see all that is spoken and done, who may neuer departe or leaue them alone till the speech bee fully ended.

19. Although nothing ordinarely ought to bee sayd which • hey would not haue herd and vnderstoode, yet when the case requireth Secrecy, and that the Religious cannot goe commodiously to the Abbesse, lett her request leaue by the Thourere to speake insecrett, and by her lett her deliuer the causes for which shee requireth such secrett conference, and of her shee is to expect an answeare how shee must proceede.

20. If any Religious bee not permitted to speake with any at the Greate, none may tell her that shee was called for any abroade, and that shee was denyed to speake with them.

21. None may speake with people abroade of the domesticall affayres of the Monastery, except they bee such matters as euery one may well vnderstand them, or which they know the Superiour will not bee vnwilling they should bee made knowne vnto them: and if any Externe should request the assistance of any of the Religious in any affayre, yet lett her not take vppon her to doe or write any thing without the lycence the Abbesse;

22. Whyle the Religious are in the speaking place, lett them speake with soe lowavoyce, that they may bee onely heard of their Companions, and of the persons with whō they speake; More ouer lett them endeauour to behaue them selues there with all edification, and to apply some parte at lest of their talke to a spirituall end, neither lett them show that in such Conuersation they seeke for their omne priuate solace and Comfort, but rather for the Comfort of those that come to Visitt them, finally lett them soe bestow that tyme vppon others, that at the first peale they depart to the Quiar, from which none may bee absent, without the expresse licence of the Abbesse or Superiour;

23. In lent and in tyme of Aduent this accesse of externes may not bee permitted, as neither vppon the dayes of Confession and Communion, and then the Religious may not bee seene of them, if vppon any occasion they bee permitted to speake with them except some important great reason shall require the contrary;

CHAPTER 7. Of the Fasts, and the Common diett;

1. IN Aduent they must fast except the Sundayes, on which they obserue abstinence, and from Quinquagesima Sunday, included vntil Easter (excepting all Sundayes) they shall Fast, and abstayne from white meates; except the approued Custome of the Country, and the dearth of lenten meates doe perswade otherwise;

2. From Septuagesima included vntill Quinquagesima they shall abstayne from all flesh, in which tyme vppon Mundayes, Vednesdayes ād fridays they shall fast, except some double Feasts fall on those days; Alsoe frō the Feast of the Ascention of our lord ex • cluded, vntill the Vigill of Penticost they shall keepe Abstinence;

3. From the Feasts of the Natiuity of our blessed lady excluded, vntill Easter they shall Fast euery wednesday and from the Kalends of Nou • mber excluded, they shall fast alsoe Mundayes, except vppon those ferias (out of lent) a double Feast bee celebrated;

4. From the Feast of the Resurrection of our Sauiour Christ, till the Feast of the Natiuity of our blessed Virgin Mary included they may receaue twoe Refections euery day excepting Notwithstanding Fridayes, on which they shall obserue the approued Custome of the Prouince where in they liue, or els they shall fast;

5. They must appoynte the howers of their Meales according to the Differences of the tymes of the yeare, or according to the deuine Seruice, and the holy Office of the Masse, as is sett downe in the Roman Missal

6. In the Fasts and abstinences of the Rule and Statutes, the Abbesse may dispence with such as are weake, and aged, and whēsoeue • any perticuler reason may perswade he • there vnto, soe that Flesh bee not eaten in the Refectory,Vnlett a • t a table part. and that the grant passe not into a custome: but vppon those dayes th • t are 〈◊〉 bidden by the Church, their approbatio • 〈◊〉 to bee required who • aue authoritie 〈…〉 , according to the Custome of each 〈◊〉 ;

7. Vppon due Consideration of the paynes and labours that are to bee sustayned in this Congregation, as alsoe of the Sex, but especially of the weake Complextions, and educations of very many which are admitted into this order those things that appertayne to their dyett, are so to bee moderated and tempered, that the Religious may with more strength goe forward in the performance of the deuine Seruices, and burthens of their Institute, and with more alacrity perseuer and continue in the same; therfore ordinaryly vppon Sundayes, Tuesdayes, and Thursdays through out the yeare, as alsoe vppon Chrismasse day falling vppon a friday, or Saturday, they may eare flesh, excepting hereafter according to the Rule they shall altogeather abstaine from flesh.

8. The measure of their meate and •• inke shall depend vppon • he Iudgment of 〈◊〉 Abbesse, and as shee is not to permitt 〈◊〉 any superfluyty in their dyett, soe is 〈◊〉 alsoe to haue care that nothing bee •••• ting according to Religious decency, 〈◊〉 •• ch persons necessity, as on the cō • ra • y 〈…〉 haue a speciall regard, that whilst sh ••• 〈◊〉 •• auoreth to priuide for euery one in • 〈◊〉 •••• essaryes, shee permitt not superfl ••• 〈…〉 and take place amongst th • m yet ordinarely when they eate flesh, shee may giue to each one an Antipast, or sallet, a pittance of flesh of halfe a pound, and a post past in fruyte, or some what els in sleade of fruyte, when thy fast, besides the afforesayde (if they may bee had) lett her endeauour or giue vnto the Conuent what may bee gotten, or may well serue for their necessitie, If besides this the Phisition thinke any thing more, and aboue to bee giuen to any or that their necessitie or infirmity doe require any thing in perticuler, lett her endeauour to performe it towards them, with all pitty, charitie, and alacritie, soe that it bee not done in the Common Refectory, but either at the Superiours or infirme table or in th • Infirmary;

9. Out of tymes of Refection they may not eate or drinke any thing, without the leaue of the Superiour, neither may they refuse those things that are appoynted them by their Superiour for their health and comfort, yet in these things the Prioresse, Mistresse of the Nouices, and Cellareir may giue leaue vnto those that are vnder their seuerall Charges;

10. If by experience it bee found, that the Comon dyett is not whole some for some lett that bee made knowne to the Abbesse, who shall prouide therefore, as in our lord shee shall thinke good, and shee shall euery yeare declare vnto the Visitor what forme and manner shee obserueth in these things and withall lett her not suffer any to keepe any sweet meates, conserues, or Confections in their Cells, except the Phi • ition thinke that they must haue often vse thereof;

CHAPTER 8. Of the Apparell of the Religious and of those things that appertaine to their bedding;

1. FOR their apparell they may vse that which the Abbesse (hauing regard of tymes and places) shall approue;

2. Besides the vpper or greate habitt they may haue two vnder Coates whereof the one or both in Winter may bee lyned with Furr;

3. The greate habitt must bee longer then their other Garments, which must reach to the ground, yet it may not bee soe long that it may hinder them in going, or bee dragged on the ground, and soe worne; and soe it must bee made, that the sleeues must bee three foote large, and what soeuer couereth the body must bee loo • e;

4. This greate habitt must bee blacke, and soe must the Scapular, and inward coate next to the Scapulare, if they vse any other coates or garments, it shall litle importe of what colour they bee, soe they bee either white, or blake or some other brownish or darke Colour;

5. Their Cloathes which are vnder their scapulare must bee open from the shoulders downe to the gird le and soe clasped, and for their sleeues they must not bee two wide, nor yet soe straight that they may not put their hands eas • ly into each sleeue, neither in any of their garments, may they vse any buttons or any silke;

6. They must not haue or weare any linnē next their bodyes, without leaue from t • e Abbesse or Superiour, or except their necessitie, or health should otherwise require;

7. The habitts of the Conuerse Sisters must bee like that of the Quiar: excepting onely that the sleeues of their greate habitt must bee straighter by the halfe and when they weare their greate habitt they must gird them to their bodyes;

8. All must put on their greate habitt when they goe to the Quier, Refectory, Chapter house▪ and speaking place, in such sort and soe oftē as in their Ceremonyes is expressed

9. Euery one must haue a note of all their Cloathes, where of the Guardroabe must haue a Coppy, that they may bee able to render an accompt of them, when it shallbee demaunded; they may not sett any letters of their names on their Vayles of Garments which they are to weare, but rather certayne numbers or other Carecters, they must not bee two carefull of hauing new Cloathes, but lett them permitt themselues to bee prouided for herein, by the Abbesse, as in other matters;

10. At what tyme soeuer they shal chance to haue a new Garment, they must giue vpp their old, neither must they bee desirous to haue more then may bee seruiceable for their health, and necessitie and what soeuer cloathes they receaue, lett them haue regard to keepe them carefully, and clenly as those things that appertayne to th • poore of Christ;

11. In the night they are to take their rest in their Cloathes, hauing on their Scapulars, and stokens that they may bee the readyer to rise vnto mattins; The professed must weare their white and blake Veyles, but the Nouices must sleepe in their white: yet when the heates are greate, or when they are sicke, they may leaue of their Cloathes and stokens and lay their Scapulars on their bedds, yet may they not then bee without their Veyles, and they are dilligently to keepe, and obserue all other things what soeuer is appoynted and set downe in the holy Rule;

12. Euery one must sleepe apart vppon a straw and a Wollen Matrice: for their Couerle • ts and Curtaynes they must stand there into the Iudgment of the Abbesse in what sort they are to haue them: they mustly in Wollen, except through the Indisposition of their Corporall health, the Abbesse shall thinke otherwise;

13. Those that are in health may not haue the vse of Feathers but in their pillowes, which may bee couered with linnen Pillow beeres, and they may admitt nothing in their Cloathing or bedding, which hath any shew of singularitie: but onely they may haue such things as are af a meane price, and best indureth!

CHAPTER 9. Of letters and Messages.

1. NOe Religious may receaue any letters writings or tokens, either for her selfe or for any other, for that is the Office onely of the keeper of the Parlow; what soeuer is deliuered, the Abbesse or by her permission the Prioresse shall see▪ and they shall deliuer or retayne it as they shall thinke good: neither may any tell that such letters or tokēs were brought to any, except the Abbesse or Prioresse (by the consent of the Abbesse) shall iudge otherwise!

2▪ When they write to their frends, lett them study to write those things which bee seeme their state and profession, and lett them doe it discreetly and prudently, that that i • frends may receaue Edification, and spirituall proffitt from them.

3. They must not bee very easy to write often to their frends, or parentes, except vppon necessitie, or for some spirituall good that may seeme to ensue thereof, yea a Religious person ought to bee very sparing in that kinde, as benig one dead to the world, and that desyreth onely to liue to Christ alone.

4▪ They may not write to their frends or parents before they haue leaue, neither may they prepare for them any tokens, without the knowledge of the Abbesse, and without her consent; It is alsoe forbidden all of them, to bestow any Newyeares gift vppon any; yet the Abbesse may send somewhat to the Common Frends of the Monastery or bestow somewhatt vppon others inway of gratitude!

5. What writings letters, or Tokens soeuer they are to send lett them deliuer to the Abbesse and lett them leaue it to her iudgment, whether shee wll send them or noe; neither afterwards may they curiousty inquire in what sort shee disposed of them!

6. None may carry any Messages or Salutatio • s from people abroade to any of the Monastery wthout the Abbesse commaunde them soto doe!

CHAPTER 10. Of the Chapter;

1. The Chapters were instituted and appoynted for the exercise of humilitie, Conservation of Monasticall disciplyne, and for the aduancement of the Common good of the Conuent: There fore very great heede must bee taken that the peace tranquillitie, and due subordination (whereby increase of spiritt, and due order is wont to bee gotten and conserved) may not thereby bee disturbed!

2. Once e • ery weeke Chapter is to bee kept, and that vppon friday, except some solemne Feaste fall vppon that day, for then it must bee kept vppon Manday, or Wednesday not hindred with the like Feast except some of the ensuing Vigils come that weeke, or some other iust occasion hinder it;

3. They are to meete in Chapter vppon the Vigils of Christmasse, and Easter and the Assention of our lord, and on the Vigiles of Penticost of the Assumption of our blessed lady, and of the Patrone of their Order, and of their Church, and so often like wise as the Abbesse shall thinke good wherein they are to performe the things that are sett downe in their Ceremonyes, both for the manifesting of their defects, and for the Correction thereof, as alsoe for the ordering businesses, and affayres as may occurr!

4. In the Chapter the Religious are to accuse themselues of the breach of their Rule, or Statuts, or of their negligenc • s or defects, which when they doe, lett them doe it in such • orte, that those that heare and see them, may bee edefyed by the Exemple of their humilitie! if it may bee doubted whether they may bee rather offended then edifyed, lett them not accuse themselues in publik thereof, vntill they have consulted with the Superiour about the same!

5. Ordinarely they are to accuse themselues of those things that they committed in • ublike, or which they thinke in tyme will • ome to the notice of others; therefore lett them no publish their secrett faults, and defects, except the matter bee of smale moment, or for their greater mortification, or which they thinke may proue of great edification vnto others, which notwithstanding they shall first declare vnto the Superiour, that from her they may haue leaue to doe the same!

6. It properly appertayneth to the Prioresse, Mistris of the Nouices, and Cellarier to informe the Abbesse of those persons that are subiect vnto them, and to accuse them in the Chapter, although others of the Religious alsoe may, and must in forme the Abbesse about them, when they see any tking committed domageable for the spirituall good of any or contrary to the common good, or reputation of the Conuent, or that they perceaue that these things are not marked by others, or to bee neglected by them!

7. If any bee commanded to accuse another lett her doe it with due modesty, moderation laying aside all bitternesse of mynde, and exageration of Wordes, but rather see they doe it with great shew of Charitie, and beneuolence!

8. In the Chapter none may bee accused of any fault, which is onely knowne to the accuser her selfe, or which cannot bee pro • ed by the Testimony of two at the least, yet all may tell the Abbesse or Superiour of the Faults of any, though neuer soe secrett, except perhapps priuate admonition, may more proffitt the offendors, and there fore may wel suffice, whereby it may bee Iudged to bee preferred and first to bee vsed! yea euery one is to know that it is most seuerely prohibited them to accuse any, or blame them to the Superious, without sufficient ground and knowledge of the matter!

9. None may either by worde or deede tax any Sister, or gird at them for any fault, or defect, whereof they haue beene admonished by the Abbesse, or Superiour or for which they cōiecture or suspect that they haue beene reprehended, or punished! for they are to thinke that that admonition, reprehension, or Correction proceeded of Charitie, togeather with an intention to vphold good discipline and Order; and that it was alsoe receaued of the party offendent, with full purpose to amend and reforme her selfe thereof, for the tyme to come!

10. The Sister accused may not refute the saying of her that accuseth her, except the Superiour commaund her to declare the State of the matter; neither may they contend, or pre • ume after wards to brabble amongst thē selues vnder punishment of a great Pennance, which the Superiour is to impose on them; which thing is alsoe to bee obserued, when any may c • ance to bee accused out of the Chapter, As the faults whereof they are accused, some are greater, then other some; in like manner for the better auoyding and redressing of them, greater and smaler penances are to bee enioined, which is left for the most parte to the Discretion of the Superior, to enioyne such penances for euery offence which may bee thought conuenient who is to haue regard shee seeke notto afflictor trouble any but rather to endeauor their amendment, for the greater honour of God, and her Charges proffitt, None must thinke them selues exempt from these Penances, but as all are tyed to the same Rule and Statutes, soe must they thinke them selues subiect to the same Penances, for their negligences in obseruation of disciplyne, or exerciseing vertue: and there fore the Abbesse may not in these things bee more indulgent or fa • oureable to one, then to another, but shee is to beare an euen hand ouer all, seeking fo • the spirituall good and proffitt of all!

12. For as much as Penances are not oneby to bee giuen for the correction of faultes, but for the exercise of Vertues, and mortifition of their Passions (as hath beene sayd) there fore whoeseouer shalbee reprehended at any tyme by the Abbesse or Superiour, or shall by them receaue any Pennance for any Fault, for which the Rule or Statutes haue sett downe nothing expressely, lett her giue noe shew of impatience, soe farr • ort as lyeth in her, nether lett her frame answeares, or excuses for her selfe except perhapps the reasons of those things for which shee is reprehēded and punished; bee demanded of her, or that somewhat bee to bee revealed which was not knowne, but let her endure all without murmuration, and with as great peace of mynde as shee may much lesse it may bee lawfull for any to excuse her that is reprehended, and (espe • ially in her presence) seeke to extenuate her fault, although shee may after wards certify the Abbesse of all that hath passed; if soe bee that it may seeme soe expedient; And to the end all occasion of murmuring may bee taken away none may complayne to any of the Religious, or to any other person, but onely to her from whomshee may expect redresse, and if any feele any disgust for any matter, lett her make her recourse to the lady Abbesse, or to the Superiour, who shall with Compassion giue eare to her Playntes, and performe that towards her which shalbee iudged to bee according to Iustice!

13. If shee that is penanced, or any other for her at some tyme, will not confer about her with the Superiour or Abbesse, for that they may thinke that they cannot deale with them in such free manner as were necessary, then may they goe to the Assistants, or to some one of them, and make knowne to them those things, whereof they would haue their Abbesse or Superior to bee informed

14. For smaller faults such penances as these following may bee enioyned by the Abbesse or Superiour vnto the offenders as the sayd Superiours shall thinke good: to witt certayne prayers, kneeling on the ground, and eating on the same, to serue in the Refectory or Kitchin, to abstaine from some parte of their meate, and such like And if any committ often any error, or through Custome or contempt fall into greater trespasses, shee may bee punisted with fasting, with publick or priuate disciplynes, and with other such like Chastisements yet noe Religious may giue a discipline to an other, but the offendor is to inflict it vppon her selfe, except the Abbesse for some great cause doe otherwise appoynte •

15. For most greweous faults let those things bee done, which are appoynted in another place for the correction of such faults, without exception or regard had to any degree, or Office what • oeuer, although wee hope that (throughe the grace of God) this Congregation wilbee allwayes cleere and free from all such faults!

16. When in the Chapter they are to conferr about the affayres of the Monastery▪ lett euery one deliuer their opinions with all Religious simplicie and sinceritie, as god shall put in their myndes, and shee that hath once finished her speech, may not speake aga •• e except shee haue new leaue granted her, neither may any presume to argueor dispute ag • inst the saying of any other Sisters!

17. The professed of the Quier haue voyces in the Chapter, and their they sitt each one according to the order of their Professions, except the lady Abbesse, the mother Prioresse, the deames, and the Mistris of the No • ices, who take their places, both here and in all places where the Conuent meeteth, in that order as here they haue beene named; for the most part the Iuniors or younger professed speake first, that with greater liberty they may vtter their opinions concerning those affayres, that are then in deliberation;

18. In matters of great moment the Abbesse shall fore warne the Chapter of them some two or three dayes before, if the matter will suffer soe long delay; But in those maters where in the Religious may confer among them selues, they may take their light and information onely from the Abbesse, Prioresse, Assistents, or the Officers, if the matters to bee deliberated vppon, appertayne to their Charges and Iurisdictions;

19. what by the Chapter is approued or denyed, the same the Abbesse is to approue or deny, except in some cases hereafter specified;

20. That both the Abbesse, and alsoe the whole Conuent may procede in their Consultations, and determinations with more sweetenesse, light▪ and assurednesse; it is expedient that they haue some one prudent and vertuo • s man, but especialy well practised in regular life and discipline, with whom they may conferr and consult in matters of greater difficulty and wight; And this Manmust bee such an one; as may bee according to the liking and Iudgment of the Religious, and by their suffrages hee is to bee elected;

21. If it soe happen that the Religious disagree in their opinions about some matter; lett the sayd difficultie bee propounded either in Worde or writing to the chosen person in the presence of the Abbesse▪ of the Assistents, and of some other two of the Chapter, vnto whom the saye Chapter shall committ this affayre, and all shall bee bound to follow that Order and Resolution, which hee hee shal iudge expediēt, vntill the right Reuerēd lord Bishopp or the Visitor shall other wayes ordayne; But hee shall deliuer in writing to the Conuent his sayd Iudgment, that afterwards to the Bishopp or Visitor it may better appeare howand in what termes the whole businesse passed;

22. If the Abbesse would appoynte any thing which the Conuent doth not like of, or would not doe that which the Conuent would haue done, and if shee would proceede in some cases cōtrary to the Iugdment of all her Assistēts, or will not assemble thē togeather (for some secrett Cause which shee thinketh good not to communicate with them) if the matter bee of great momente shee must cōsult with the afore sayde hosen person, and shee may proceede according to his Counsayle deliuered her in writing;

23. Out of Chapter none may seeke to disproue the saying of any vttered in Chapter, neither may any manifest vnto any that was absēt from the Chapter, that which was sayd or done by her selfe, or any other, which may any wayes touch her or any other whoe soeuer; They are to bee absent from the Chapter, about whom there is any question to bee propounded in Chapter, or any thing to bee handled about them: as all those (if the Chapter thinke it meete) whoe are neere in bloode or kindred to them; and the Superiours are to warne and commaunde such persons, as are to bee soe absent, that curiousty they doe not enquire what was any way handled concerning them selues;

CHAPTER 11. Of the sicke and infirme Sisters.

1. When any feeleth her selfe more greiued in her bodely health then accustomed, lett her warne the Superiour and Gouernour of the the Infirmary thereof, and when shee hath fully informed her of her State, with due humilitie and quietnesse of mynde, lett her suffer hir selfe to bee disposed of by them, as they shall thinke goode;

2. Lett none refuse any thing ordayned them by the Phisitions, but hauing made knowne her difficulty to the Abbesse, shee must leaue it to her what shee will determyne of her case, and soe shee must bee obedient to her, with all patience and shew of religious resignation;

3. See that shee bee not greivous to the Infirmere and others that haue care of her, neither may shee bee over importune in craving of those things which by thē shee shall vnderstand not to bee expedient for her;

Whyle shee vseth corporall remedyes for the recouery of her health, let her not forgett her spirituall good, which allwayes is to bee more prised; there fore shee must haue regard to arme and shengthen her selfe inwardly with the holy Sacraments of Confession, and of the blessed Eucharist; and if shee perceaue, that the force of her Disease with perill to grow vppon her lett her endeauour to call for the Sacrament of Extreme Vnction, and for the holy Viaticum, according as the Abbesse, and Confessarius shall th •• ke best for her;

5. Shee must take noe medicine which the Phisition or Superiour shall not approue, nether may any of the Religious Councell her to receaue any medicine, nor may the sicke her selfe aske the Counsayle or advise of any other, without the Superiours knowledge; yea noe Religious may bee soe presumptuous, as to finde fault with the vsage of the sicke person▪ in her hearing.

6. As it is expedient that the sicke vse such dispensations as by the Superiour are granted them whyle they are infirme and weake, yet they must beware that they bee not ouer care full of them selues; yet all may vse a discreete and prudent liberty, vntill they bee sufficiently recouered, and restored to their former strength, and such as are in their Recouery (if they bee many) must sitt togeather with mod • sty at one Table▪ and in the beginning of their meales some spirituall thing must bee read vnto them;

CHAPTER 12. Of the distribution of their Tyme and howers;

1. TO the end they may proceede in the Seruice of God with greater alacritye, and that their spirituall Exercises doe not ouerpasse their bodely strength and health, it is thought meete and conuenient, that euery one haue granted her seuen whole howers to take her rest, and sleepe, and that from eight of the Cloke at night, vntill three in the morning or from ten till fiue except hereafter it bee thought more fitt ād expedient, that thy rise to Mattins at midnight;

2. There fore they shall rise to Mattins at three, vnlesse the sayd ouer night, and when they haue ended the sayd Mattins with the la • de euery one must repayre to their Celles in good and fitt tyme (ād as the Abbesse shall •• poynte) they shall bestow an hower in Meditatiō or mentall prayer, after which hower ended they must cōtinue in their Celles v • till nen in soueraigne silence.

3. At seuen of the Clocke they beginne Prime after wich hower ended ordinaryly they keepe Chapter when it is to bee kept, al thoughe the Abbesse may call a Chapter at any o • her hower, when neede shall require.

4. After Prime▪ or the Thirde, a Masse is to be sayd, at which all are to bee present, excepte some Officer vppon necessitie bee excused.

5. After nyne of the Clocke (when they doe not fast) they must recite their third: after their Third, their Conuentuall Masse is to bee sung, or sayde; after Masse the Sixt is sung or sayd: after that hower is ended they goe to the Refectory; But when they Fast according to their Rule, or according to the Commaundment of the Church the Prime, or the Third being sung, or sayd after seuen of the Clocke a Masse is to bee celebrated, if there bee a Preist to celebrate at that tyme; after ten of the Clocke they must sing or say their Sixt, their Conuentuall Masse and Nynth; In lent after their Sixt, Nynth and Conuentuall Masse, the C • ensong is to bee song or sayd.

6. Lett them soe end their Masse and howers before noone, that when they fast not, they may din • at the halfe hower before a eleuen; but when they fast according to the Rule, they may dine at a eleuen; but when it is a fast of the Church according to the Custome of the Country, they dine at the halfe hower before twelue: but in lent they are to dine at twelue: and Whyle they are at the Table their must bee allwayes reading; Therefore at the first Table whether it bee at dinner or Supper, the Benediction, and afterwards Grace, must bee allwayes sunge or sayde; But at the second Table euery Religious shall performe this by her selfe; But the reading both at the first and second Tables must bee performed after the same manner and altogeather with the same obseruation of silence and then they are to reade whom the lady Abbesse, or Superior, or shee who shall haue the Charge shall appoynte.

7. After dinner an hower is permitted thē for Recreation, and afterwards at Noone or somewhat after, they sing or say the Nynth, but soe that vppon those dayes in which they fast not, they may bee all in silence about one of the Clocke after Noone, that their for the space of an hower they may recollect themselues▪ or occupy themselues in prayer, or in the reading of some spirituall bookes: But vppon fasting dayes this hower of silence is put of vntill foure of the Clocke.

8. Out of lent they are to sing or say their Euensong at three of the Clocke after noone, which ended they may spend the rest of their tyme till supper or Collation according to their discretion, or deuotion; yet allwayes in silence except the Abbesse shall thinke good to vse their helpes and assistance in some businesse or Office: but if they fast then they keepe their silence from foure till fiue, as hath beene sayde.

9. When it is not fasting day they goe to Supper halfe an hower before fiue, but when it is a Fast they receaue their Colation at fiue which being ended an hower of recreation is permitted them; halfe an hower after six they must all goe • o Complyne, frō which time they are to keepe soueraigne silence vntill the end of Prime the next day; as alsoe the sayd silence is to bee kept, from the first Peale to all the howers and Euēsong vntill they bee ended▪ except for some very great reasons the contrary bee thought some tymes requisit.

10. They are to haue allowed them a quartir of an hower after Complyne for the examination of their Consciences, ymmediately after they are to reade or heare the matter of their meditation for the next day. When they haue ended that they must forthwith depart to their dormitoryvn lesse they say ma • ins. and soe apply the Remnant of their tyme in their necessary affayres, as at eight the may bee in bede.

11. Wee haue thus breifly comprised these matters in this place which are more amply and perticulerly sett downe in their Ceremonies, what tyme soeuer shall bee Vacant and free from the deuine Office, from Silence, and from their other affore saide Obseruances, the Religious must imploy in such labours and Workes as by the Abbesse and Superior shalbee appointed soe that they worke noecurious, vayne, and seculer things for wordly vses, as are purses, Bandes handchercheifes and the like.

12. When they come to the Worke house the Mother Prioresse, or the more ancient deane in her absence beginneth the Prayer Actiones nostras &c. after which followeth some short Lesson or reading in some Spirituall booke, from the hearing where of none may bee absent without leaue This ended euery one is to bee dismissed or licenced to their workes, labours, or Offices as it shalbee appointed them, all they must indeauor to accomplish with due silence, except perhapps neede require that they speake some what breifely, and by the way of such matters as appartayne to their Offices and businesses, Finally when they leaue of their worke the prayer Suscipe Clemen • issime Deus, being sayd, they are in all peace to depart to their other Obediences.

CHAPTER 13. Of such prayers as by Obligation are to bee sayd for the liuing and the dead.

1. ONce euery Month a Masse is to bee sung or sayd for your Benefactors that are aliue, and soe often euery Religious shall say for them one Rosary, or the third parte of the Psalter of our blessed Lady, contayning fiue Pater nosters and fifety Aues with a Greede.

2. When the Abbesse hath rendred her Soule to her Creator, euery Religious in fitt tyme when they shall haue opportunitie shall say fifeteene Rosaryes in manner before specified, and the Conuent shall take care to procure that therty Masses bee sayd for her.

3. Thirely in their Church after the whole Office of the dead a solemne Masse must bee sung for the Abbesse deceased: like wise a solemne Masse (without the Office of the dead) is to bee sung on the third, seuenth, and thirtith dayes after her decease, or vppon some other dayes more fitt.

4. Alsoe euery yeare vppon the Friday of the first weeke of Aduent, not hindred with a Feast, other wise vppon some other day in like manner not hindred, they shall sing the Euensong and the Nocturne, with the Laudes, and a solemne Masse for all the Abbesse of ther monastery departed this life.

5. When any professed Religious dyeth, in her Monastery, at the first opportunity the whole Office of the dead, and a solemne Masse is to bee sung, and the like is to bee performed for her vppon the Third, Seuenth, and Thirtith dayes (but without the Office of the dead) or soe many Masses shalbee sung for her vppon some other dayes more fitt for the performance there of, and other seuen Masses are to bee sayd for the some, Moreouer euery one of the Conuent shall say fiue Rosaryes for her, and euery day after Ma • tines and Euensong for the space of a moneth they shall say de profundis with the Prayer Absolue, both for the Abbesse as alsoe for the Soules of their Sisters deceased.

6. Vppon the Friday after the first Sunday in Lent, not hindred with a double Feast, otherwise vppon another fitt day next following, a solemne Masse shalbee sung for them t • at haue dyed in the Monastery as alsoe the Euensong of the dead with one Nocturne and the Laudes shalbee sung or sayd for them, the which may bee performed the day before the afforesayd solemne Masse bee celebrated.

7. One solemne Masse, with the whole Office of the dead, shalbee sung for those Nouices, who in their Nouishipp shall depart out of this life, after they haue receaued the habitt of holy Religion.

6. Such Scollers as haue entred in to the Monastery with intention to goe forward in Religion, shall haue granted them after the Euensong and whole Office of the dead, a solemne Masse to bee offered and celebrated for them.

9. Once euery yeare in Aduent after the Masse celebrated for the Abbesses (as hath beene sayd) another shalbee sung in due tyme for the Soules departed, of such Religious of other Monasteryes as are of your Congregation, and liue vnder the same Rule and Statutes with you.

10. For the founder departed this life, all those things are to bee performed which are appointed for an Abbesse deceased, and for a perpetuall memory they shall • ing his Anniuersary Office with a solemne Masse and both aliue and dead • ee is made pertaker of all the Merritts of the whole Congregation.

11. When the Father or Mother of any professed Religious depar • eth this life, a Masse must bee sung for euery one of them.

12. For the right Reuerend Bishopp in whose diocesse they reside they shall sing the whole Office of the dead, and vppon the Third, Seuenth, and Thirtith dayes, or some other three more fitt dayes▪ they shall sing three other Masses, and euery one shall say a Rosary for his Soule: all which must bee performed for their Ghostly Father, who hath much laboured and taken paynes in aduancing the good of the Monastery, and hee may bee made pertaker of the mirritts of the Conuent, if soe to the Conuent it shall seeme expedient. Other Benefactors and frends when they dy, besides this Offices and Masses which the Conuent may grant them in perticuler they shall al soe bee made pertakers of all those Masses which (according to the Missall of Rome) are sayd or sung euery Munday by your Chaplaine.

13. If any thing be thought expedient to bee further granted to any of the afforesayd, lett it bee done vppon deuotion, and according to their deserts, with this prouiso, tha • noe burthen bee imposed vppon the Conuent for any long space.

14. The Abbesse and Conuent shall found noe Masse for any person in perticuler: yet they may mayntayne a Chaplaine whoe may say Masse for such persons deceased, as appertayne to the Monastery, yet soe, that the Fundation may not bee thought to bee made for any one in perticuler.

15. Let a Register bee made, where in the names of all the Benefactors both liuing and dead who haue notably aduanced the temporall good of the Monastery may bee sett downe, In the same al soe are to bee sett downe all the names of such Religious as in the Monastery departed this life, and in the same also is to bee written if any thing of noate hapned to them, either in their life or at their death that it may serue for an Example to Posteritie, and lett these things bee reade the day before their yeares yndes, or Annyuersaryes, that peculiar care and memory may bee had of them.

16. And for as much as after holy deuoute Prayers, Almes deeds doe much helpe for the extinguishing of the Paynes in Purgatory, it is here ordayned that in that monastery, where in any of the professed Religious passeth out of this • life, all such meate and drincke as is giuen to the rest of the Religious, bee dayly sett on the Ta • le in the Refectory, in the same place where the fore sayd Religious was wont to sitt, as if shee ware yet liuing; all which or as much as the Lady Abbesse or Superior shall appoynte, afterwards is to bee giuen in Almes to some one poore person or to diuers, for the space of thirty dayes and that for the benefitt of the Soule departed, Neither may any other sitt in that place, but it being left voyde, lett a litle Crosse bee placed on the Table couered with a blacke Cloth, and another blacke Cloath bee made fast to the Wall in the vacant place in Remembrance of the dead Religious Sister, that the rest may bee moued to due Compunction by the memory of death, and bee the more excited to pray with greater feruour for her that is dead, and finally may there by bee stirred vpp to lead their liues more carefully and perfectly for the tyme to come▪

THE FIRST. CHAP: Of the Visitor, and Visitation of the Monastery.

1. THE Abbesse with her Conuent shall propose to the Bishopp, that hee would vouchsafe to appoynte and constitute some one Visitor of the Monastery, whose authoritie shall wholly in all things depend of the Bishopp; and the place of his ordinary residence must bee at the most but one dayes Iourney from the Monastery, and he must yearely make a visitation of the monastery and that must bee within the Feasts of S. Iohn Baptist, and of the Assumption of the blessed Virgin Mary, if it can possibly bee soe.

2. If at any tyme the Visitation cannot bee made at the ordinary appoynted tymes, the Abbesse shall certify the Conuent of the hindrance, and when the tyme of the Visitation approacheth; shee must v • e that forme of writing to the Visitour, which is sett downe in the booke of Ceremonyes.

3. The Conuent must chouse one that is skillfull in the practise of Religion, and is a Religious man, who may assist at the Visitation. And because the Abbesse is likelyest best to know who may bee most fitt for this purpose, after shee hath deliberated of the matter with her Assistants, shee shall propose two or three to the Conuent, leauing free vnto them to chuse one of them or some other, as may seeme meetest to them.

4. During the Visitation all must yeald their accustomed obedience to the Abbesse, and other Superiors, in those things that appertayne to ordinary disciplyne, neither may they require of the Visitor leaue to doe any thing before they haue first warned the Abbesse thereof.

5. The Abbesse must deliuer a noate of all the names of her Religious and Family to the Bishopp or Visitor, when hee commeth to visitt, and shee must write downe what Office, euery one beareth in the Monastery.

6. To the end that euery one with better aduise may declare to the Visitor their mynds, and difficulties, they shall deliuer vnto him in writing what they would say vnto him. And all must haue free accesse to the Visitor, that in any sort appertayne to the Monastery. But they that cannot write, may explicate to him their myndes by word of Mouth.

7. They shall auoyde and fly all kinde of exagerations in those things that they write and propounde, and they shall onely make a naked Relation of the matter, and they must maturely ponder with themselues, whether their Superiors could not haue sufficiently of themselues amended and reformed those things which they declare vnto the Visitor or whether at leastwise the Superiors vnderstoode the case, that they might thereby haue prouided some remedy for it.

8. Those things that are to bee conferred about whith the Visitor (besides that which of himselfe he may enquire or examen) may bee reduced to these heads. The defects of good obseruation of the Rule, or Statutes, those things that belong to Chastitie, Pouerty, Obedience, and Clausure • to much Conuersation with seculer people, danger of scandale, occasion eithēr offered or permitted of breach of peace, and disunion of myndes, want of necessaryes for their life and dyett, comming from those whoe of duty should haue mad due prouision, vnprofitable expences and excesse in anything: notable defectes in the Abbesse, ghostly Father, Chaplaynes, or in the rest of the Superiours, Officers, and whatsoeuer els may seeme to bee greatly hurtfull to the good of the Monastery.

9. The bookes of accomptes, and the some of the Prouision they haue made, must bee shewed to the Visitor, as vnto him alsoe must bee declared, what is lett, and in what manner and by whose ayde and assistance, more ouer hee must see the Orders left them by former Visitours, and especially those of the last Visitation (if any thing were left in writing) all which their Orders and Ordinations are to bee committed to writing, but yet they may not bee ioyned to the Statutes, because they are to bee thought onely such things, as are onely accommodated to certayne tymes and persons.

10. If any would deliuer her Complaynte to the Visitor, lett her see that shee doe it vppon a good ground, freing her mynde from all Passion, and shee must onely mention those things that are of moment. If any thing bee found to bee deuised, or to discouer in them any notable Passion, the offendor must expect a good Pennance (which the Visitour is to impose) according to her desertes.

11. If any Complaynte should bee deliuered vpp against the Abbesse, or any of the Superiors, or of the Religious▪ the accused may neither directly or indirectly, goe about to finde out the Authors of the sayd Complaynte; neither may shee shew any signe of any greife or disgust against any, if by any circumstances she may thinke that she haue discouered the Author thereof.

12. When the Visitor entreth in to the Inclosure the Abbesse; Prioresse, and Assistants shall allwayes accompany him, whyle there hee remayneth, neither may they conceale any thing from him, which hee ought to see, or wherewith hee ought to bee acquainted.

13. None may tell vnto any other any thing that the Visitor inquired of her; or where of hee examined, neither shall shee signify her suspicion of any thing that was sayd, or done with the Visitor, and if by any meanes the sayings, or doings of others shall happen to come to her knowledge, shee may not bewray it to any other, except the Vi • itor giue her leaue, vnder payne of being disabled to all offices afterwards and of other punishment which the Visitor shall please to enioyne.

14. What soeuer shall bee suggested or ordayned by the Visitour the Abbesse and Conuent must receaue with due reuerence: neither may they directly or indirectly make their recourse to any other seculer or ecclesiasticall person, but to him selfe or his Assistant (before named) or to the Bishopp, or his Superior; and if at any tyme any shall dare to seeke for remedy of those things, that belong to the O •• ice of the Visitour and Bishopp, by seeking to any seculer or Ecclesiasticall Princes, or Magistrates, the Abbesse and Conuent shall iudge and condemne such for vnquiett persons, for as much as they trouble the common peace of the Conuent, and soe punish them by separating and debarring them from the Conuersation of the rest.

15. If any of the Professed would at any tyme write to the Bishopp or Visitour, shee shall haue free liberty to doe the same, and shee may deliuer her letters to the Thourier, who may not (vnder payne of losse of acti • e and passiue Voyce for euer, and of other punishments which by the Chapter may bee enioyned her) discouer to any, that euer shee receaued any such letters to bee addressed vnto them, except the Religious that deliuered them vnto her, doe leaue it in her freedome and discretion; what shee receaued to bee sent vnto them, shee must see th • t shee deliuereth to a fayth full Messenger, or to him whoe is esteemed such an one, soe that it will not bee likely that the sending of such letters will euer come to the notice of the Superiors, or of others by his meanes.

16. Neither may the Abbesse or any other Superiors either Directly, by any wayes, signes or outward shew of Countenances, hinder the free writing of their Religious to their Superiors (to witt the Bishopp or Visitour) vnder payne of suspention from their Offices, and other greater penalties to bee inflicted on them by the Bishopp.

THE II. CHAPTER. Of the Family of the Monastery and of such as liu • out of the Inclosure.

1. THE Monastery must haue for their Ghostly Fathers such as are modest, prudent, and learned, and first the Conuent must bee well informed of their sufficiency, Vertue, and honesty before they are to bee admitted; alsoe their Chaplaynes, Phisitions, and Chirurgions, must bee of modest life and good fame.

2. The Conuent must entertayne noe seruant that is not modest, or is noted for any perticuler cryme, or in his apparell and outward cariage is lighter then reason would.

3. All these Seruants must goe to Confession and the holy Communion once euery Moneth, and they must obserue all such Ordinances, as they shall receaue from the Abbesse, Visitor, or the Cellarier.

4. Noe woman of what soeuer State, dignitie or Condition shee may bee, can bee permitted to liue or dwell with those of the family: that all occasion of ill suspi • ion and badd toungs may bee wholly takē away.

5. Hee that is chosen for the Steward or Procurator of the Monastery by the Conuent, must bee such a one, as is graue, godly, prudent, and hee must not bee charged with wi • e, or Children, hee must dilligently attend to the Affayres of the Monastery, procuring still the proffitt thereof▪ with the good edification of such abroade as hee dealeth with all and the Abbesse and the Conuent must bee assured of his honesty, and fidelitie, in those things that are committed to his care and disposition.

6. Hee must bee obedient in all things to those Officers that haue authoritie from the Abbesse to commaunde him, and hee must haue some certayne howers, where in hee must repayre vnto them, but especially to the depositair, and Cellarier, vnto whom the care of the dayly prouisiones doe principally belong.

7. Hee must haue a booke where in hee is to sett downe all his receipts and • xpences, and once a weeke hee must • words • of the depositair, that which shall suffice for the necessary prouisions of that weeke; and when hee receaueth any money, hee must deliuer her a Bill where in hee shall acknowledge the receipt and for what vse hee receaued it.

8. Hee is to vnderstand that hee can take nothing vppon creditt, without the leaue of the Abbesse deliuered him in writing • except for some matter of litle moment, and hee shall incontinently pay for what hee receaueth, or take care that it bee payd, neither may hee euer bee debtor for aboue twentie Florens, except the Abbesse and dispositayre bee consenting there vnto.

9. If hee shall receaue any money due to the Monastery, vppon what title soeuer, hee must deliuer it vpp presently to the depositayre and of her receaue an Acquittan • ce for the receipt there of.

10. Hee may not vndertake noe Processe or call any into law without the knowledge of the Abbesse and Conuent; and if att any tyme hee shall vndertake any such matter, hee must demaund the Counsayle of such as are skillfull, whose aduise hee may follow, and before any Suytes bee commenced (hauing first acquainted the Superiour there with) lett him offer to put the matter to agreement, and Compremise.

11. Hee must often render an accompt to the Abbesse of those things, where in hee dealeth, and hee must like a good and faythfull Seruant in forme her of all such things, as hee thinketh wilbee profitable for the Monastery, and hee must suggest vnto her at what tymes all Prouisions are to bee made, that by these meanes, Costs and Charges may bee moderated; and lett him see that what hee buyeth bee good and profitable for the Monastery.

12. Hee shall certify the Abbesse of whatsoeuer hee findeth to want neede of reparation; and if hee shall thinke any thing fitt to bee sould, or otherwise to bee imployed, lett him not attempt any such thing without her knowledge, or in lesser matters, without at least the knowledge of the depositayre.

13. Lett none bee admitted to eate with the Chaplaynes or Seruants without the Consent of the Abbesse, who must not grant easely hospitalitie to seculer people (except some singuler obligation require the same) and then lett it bee done in some place without the Bowndes and Circuit of the Monastery, where notwithstanding due regard and care must bee hadd of religious Frugalitie.

14. The Steward must not permitt that any thing bee vnprofitably spent and consumed, and if any thing bee ouerplus, lett him take care that it bee brought backe againe, to bee kept for those vses the Superiors shall approue; and hee must haue care of all the Seruants, and must dilligently see that euery one doe their duty and that they liue not idlely.

15. At what tyme soeuer hee requireth of the depositayre any Originall Writings, Registers, Charters, or other Instruments, lett him sett downe in writing that hee receaued them from her, vppon such a day, which writing shee must deliuer againe vnto him, when hee hath restored the afforesayd things.

THE III. CHAPTER. Of bestowing and letting the Goods of the Monastery.

1. WHatsoeuer is giuen to the Monasteryes vse, through the pious liberalitie of good people, is to bee esteemed as applyed to Christ our Lord, or to the Religious as his poore membres, that there by being freed from all care of temporall matte • s, they may the better attend to the Seruice of his diuine Maiesty; and therefore they must interprett that whatsoeuer temporall goods they haue, or receaue, they must imploy in such sort as may best stand with the honour of God, and may seeme to bee most agreable to the In • ention of the giuers.

2. If the Rents of the Monastery, and donations of good people should grow to that greatenesse, that, (the number of the persons liuing in the Monastery, and the difficulties which may happen well considered) they may seeme superfluo • s or not necessary, nor decent for a Religious State; then the Abbesse with the consent of the Conuent may apply them to some pious vses, as to the sustentation of poore families, bringing vpp of poore Schollers in learning and all such like godly workes, as may best aduance the good of Religion and seruice of God.

3. The Abbesse her selfe and by her owne authority, may dispose of those things that are of lesser valew, or giue some things in way of gratitude, yet shall shee sett downe in a booke, what, to whom, and to what end, shee hath giuen any thing, that it may bee shewed to the Visitor if it should seeme necessary.

4. The Abbesse may not giue vppon colour and praetext of Seruice done, more then Iustice beeseeming a Religious State may exact. And if at any tyme any peculier Consideration bee to bee had of some perticuler person, and that some notable thing is to bee added to his wages, lett that bee done by the consent of • he Conuent.

5. The Abbesse must haue in her keeping a Register of all the Lord shipps, landes, and possessions of the Monastery, and of the yearely Reuenew which shee draweth from euery one of them, what was receaued when they were last let, whether any possession bee lett for terme of yeares, together with the names of such persons as occupy them.

6. The Abbesse may not lett any possessions of the Monastery, without the consent of the Conuent, whom shee must in forme how much they yeald yearely, and what the opinion of those that are most practicall in such affayres is here in, and lett such men bee herd by the Abbesse, Prioresse, and depositary, who are skillfull and of good Iudgment in such affayres, that the Conuent may bee the more fully informed, and soe may the better iudge there of, and let the Conuent vse such persons, whom none may suspect that they will draw any thing to their owne priuate lucre, and gaine, or to the benefitt of their Frends.

7. They must vnderstand that noe Ecclesiasticall goods can bee lett aboue the terme of nyne yeares, without the obseruation of such solemnities, as according to law are required, in the alienation of the Church goods, neither may any letting bee renued during the tyme of the former lease, more then for one yeare for the Tythes, and at most for three yeares in respect of other proffitts, before the end of the Rent that ••• neth, neither may they take more then 〈◊〉 Florens for an earnest penny, for re •• wing of the sayd Rent.

• . If any lettings of such goods should 〈◊〉 made by anticipating the Rent before 〈◊〉 ▪ they may noe wayes bind • ther Successo • rs, as is d • creed in the 11. Chap▪ of the 2 • . Session of the Counsayle of • rent. Therefore 〈◊〉 the Monastery will lett forth their possessions for any long tyme, or bynde themsel • es for any money receaued; it must bee done by them whoe according to law are • ble to grant it.

9. In the Monastery nothing may bee made by the Religious to bee • ould▪ except t • er pouerty want or necessitie driue th • thereto.

10. If their Originall writings, Registers, Instruments, and monuments should happen through ouldnesse, Rottennesse, or euill keeping to bee spoyled or corrupted, the Abbesse and depositay • e must take Care to haue them authentically coppyed out, and well kept, and if it happen that the sayd writings are to bee communicated or shewed to any lett him testify vnder his hand and writting what hee hath receaued; neither may the Abbesse and depositayre deliuer to any the sayd publicke Instruments whithout the Conuent bee alsoe assenting there vnto.

1 • . Those that are to per • vse▪ their w • i • ings must bee very fayth full▪ of whose h • nesty and fidelitie there may bee noe doubt • ▪ and the Conuent must haue certayne trusty Frends whom they may vse in this matt • r▪ neither is it conuenient tha • they committ • their affayre • and State, onely to hyrelings.

THE IV. CHAPTER. Of the translation of the Religious from one Monastery to another.

1. THE translation or change of the Religious from one Monastery to another may▪ not bee made, except very great reasons perswade the same; and the sayd reasons must bee allowed by the Bishopp and by the Conuent, from which they are sent, as alsoe by that Conuent whether they are to goe, and it must bee very profitable for the peace and quiett, or at lestwise for the spirituall good of both.

2. None may deale either directly or indirectly: with any person about her own • translation; but onely with her Superiors, and that, onely by proposing the matter vnto them, but noe wayes vrging there vnto, that soe they may leaue it in their full libertie to determyne therein, what they shall thinke good.

3. When any new Monastery is to bee begunn, it shall • ly in the power of the Abbesse and Conuent to make choyce of those persons • hat are to bee sent to the beginning there of.

4. When any of the Religious are sent to supply the want of another Monastery, it must bee done with the consent of the Bishopp, Abbesse, and Conuent, from whence they are taken, and when but one is granted, shee shall haue an other Religious to accompany her thither, and with her some graue matrone, with whom the sayd Religious may retourne backe againe, if shee bee to retourne backe againe.

5. When they are to goe from one Monastery to another, they must receaue in writing from the Bishopp, or the Visitor by what way they are to passe, neither may they goe out of that way, and they must allwayes repayre to the Rellgious houses especially of their owne Order and Congregation, if conueniently they may.

6. The Religious that is sent from one Monastery to another of the same Order and Congregation, shall make her Vou of Obedience in Chapter to the Bishopp and Abbesse where shee shall reside, and there • hee shall obserue all the laudable Customes of the same place.

7. Shee that is sent shall haue her place in the Conuent according to the tyme of her Pro • ession, and shee shall participate of all the priuiledges of the Monastery to which shee is sent; and if the day of her Profession, fall vppon the same in which some of the Monastery were professed, the, professed of that Monastery shall preside and haue the Prioritie.

8. Shee that is translated to another Monastery may not speake of any of the defects of any of that Conuent from which shee was translated, neither may shee extoll the Religious of one Conuent, that shee may seeme there by to detract or diminish any thing from the Creditt of the other, and if shee perceaue any thing to bee in vse and obseruation in the other Monastery, which is not obserued in the Monastery where shee dwelleth, shee may propose it to the Visitor, Abbesse, or Superior but shee may neither directly or indirectly speake there of to the other Religious except from the affore sayd Superiors shee haue licence to doe the same.

9. Shee that for her greater peace and more perfection is sent to another Monastery, if shee trouble the peace and quiett of that Monastery▪ and carry her selfe in • rouble some manner, shee must bee sent backe againe to her former Conuent, that there the Superiours may soe dispose of her as in our Lord they shall thinke best for her owne good, as alsoe for the good of the Conuent.

THE V. CHAPTER. Of the vnion and Combination of the Monasteryes of this Cougregation amongst themselues.

1. A Combination and vnion of diuers Monasteryes liuing vnder the same Rules and Statutes doth make very much for the increase of Religion▪ good discipline, and true Charity amongst those that liue in them; Therefore the Superiours of the seuerall Monasteryes of this Congregation must endeauour to nourish among thē selues by their often mutuall correspondence, writing, and letters this pious Coniunction and charitable affec • ion, whereby it will come to passe that where as the seuerall Conuents of this Congregation will make one body among themselues by meanes of this Combination soe will they alsoe be made partakers of all those priuiledges, graces and such like holy meri • orious workes, which the rest either ioyntly or seuerally doe enioy or exercise.

2. Therefore these Monasteries liuing vnder the same Rule and Statutes▪ shall healpe and assist each the other, when they suffer any necessitie; as may happen through plagge, fier, vniust persecution, and the like; yet that must bee performed herein by each Monastery, which by the Iudgment of the right reuerend Lord Bishopp▪ and Visitor shalbee appoynted and de • ermyned.

3. When soeuer any Monastery of this Congregation shall chance to bee v • iustly wronged or oppressed, the rest shalbee obliged ioyntely to defend their right▪ and in thē their common good; and they must dilgently labor that▪ what soeuer may appertayne to the spirituall or temporall good there of, they may by any good manner deliuer from the vniust assaults and oppressions of others.

4. The Religious by those Conuents with whom they haue this Society, must bee intertayned in their Monasteries▪ and they shall bee subiect to the Abbesse▪ or Sup • rior, soe long as they remayne therein.

5. If any Religious in this sort intertayned in any Monastery, should chance there to • nd her life, let that bee there performed concerning her buriall, which is accustomed to bee performed to those, that are resident in the same Monastery; But the Monastery from whence shee came, must fullfill those Masses, and suffrages for her Soule, which it doth for others.

6. When in any Monastery of the Congregation an Abbesse is to bee chosen, the other Monastaries whoe shall haue notice of this election, shall sing o • cause to bee sayd a Masse of the holy Ghost for the same; and • he Superiours shall write one to the other of the decease of such Religious as depart this life in their seuerall Monasteryes, that there by they may bee made partakers of the merits, and deuoute • prayers of their fellow Sisters.

7. Who soeuer is chosen Abbesse of any Monastery must with all conuenient expedition write to the other Abbesses of this Congregation; and shall offer them her assistance in all those things▪ • hat may any wayes concerne the spirituall and temporall common good of the wh • le Congregation.

8. 〈…〉 first proceeded, or to which they were co • ioyned by the admission of the same Statutes; soe that they must deferr the prioritie to the same, and they shall beare it a peculier respect, and whatsoeuer (concerning Religious perfection) is done there in, the rest must follow and perfo • me the same, framing and forming themselues to the imi • ation and gouernment there of.

9. If any Monastery by not obseruing fully the Statutes shalbe notably al • red, and changed from the first, and soe from the rest▪ It shall bee depri • ed and loose all those priuiledges▪ which is enioyed by reason of this Vnion, recept it recall and reforme it selfe.

10. If the first Monastery should notably fayle in disciplyne and Spirrit (which God for di • d) it shalbee depriued of the priuiledge of priority ouer the rest, and the prior •• ie shalbee transferred to the second, and if that should in like sort proue defectiue then it must goe to the Third, and thus in all the rest; otherwise the prioritie must stand according to the antiquitie of the Monasteryes, and of their vnion and Combina • ion with the rest.

11. These • re the Statutes and Constitutio •• 〈…〉 for the more perfect and better obseruation and keepeing of the most holy Rule of the most glorious Father and Pa • riarch Sainte BENEDICT, which all though they ought to bee of highe esteeme • and authoritie with the Religious, and Child • en of this Sodalitie, and consequen • ly to bee pr • cisely kept by them, soe farr forth as their diuers and sundry regular imployments may require, or occasion may bee offered, yet they impose not further obligation vppon their Consciences, then the very nature of the things, and reason it selfe shall require or in force, yet they are greatly obliged in Conscience to obserue those things that are appoynted touching the Election and deposition of the Abbesse as alsoe those things that concerne the Correction of most greueous faultes, where by any may deserue to bee seperated from the Company o • the rest; moreouer euery one is obliged neuer to require or to permitt that more liberty bee admitted, then the Rule and the Statutes will yeald vnto: but if any thing bee brough • in, or practised, which is not s • tt downe in the Rule or Statutes, that must bee to greater perfection and austeritie; and it shall onely belong to the right Reuerend the Lord Bishopp, or Visitor, to explicate the sense and meaning of the words and Clauses contayned there in, if there may happen any doubt or Controuersy there in; to whose Verdict and Iudgment euery one must stand in this matter; therefore for as much as all the professed Religious in this Congregation ought to obserue all the Statutes according to that sense and me aning▪ which the Bishopp or Visitor shall admitt (as hath beene sayd) none may bee suffered to make their profession amo • g you, whoe shall not first promise in the Chapter house (according to a certayne forme of writing • eet downe in the booke of Ceremonyes) that they will accept of any reformation, proceeding from the Bishopp conformable and agreable to the Rule and Statutes, and that they will not admitt any greater liberty, then the Rule and Statutes will permitt▪ and this their purpose sett downe in writting they shall confirme with their owne hand, and deliuer it to bee kept in the place of their other principall writings and monuments.

The End of the Statutes.