The chronicle and institution of the Order of the seraphicall father S. Francis conteyning his life, his death, and his miracles, and of all his holie disciples and companions / set foorth first in the Portugall, next in the Spanish, then in the Italian, lastlie in the French, and now in the English tongue.

THE NINTH BOOKE OF THE SECOND VOLVME AND FIRST PART OF THE CHRONICLES OF THE FRIER MINORS.

WHERIN IS DESCRIBED THE INSTITVTION and rule of the third Order called of penitents, made by the holy Father S. Francis. And the liues of many of the said Order, especially of Sainte Elizabeth, Queene of Hongary.

How the Order of the seculer penitents was instituted by the holy Father S. Francis.

THE FIRST CHAPTER.

THE Seraphicall Father saint Francis sowing ouer Italy the word and seed of life, a good part therof fell into the hartes of men that were bound by the knott of Matrimony, and of personnes of such like condicion, whose soules could not freely follow the spiritt of penance as they desired, yet their feruour was such, that sometimes euē whole townes and villages were dispeopled in fol∣lowing the holy Father saint Francis, who purchased the saluation of their soules. Wherupon this holy Father being requested, yea importuned generally and particulerly, to institute an Order and rule wherin seculer and marryed people might liue to doe penance, and to liue in a more secure estate for their saluation: The yeare 1221. he instiruted the Order of Generous Penitents, whereof all Christians that liue not in monasticall Religion might yet be mēbers.

The first that entred this Order was an holy man called Lucius, and though no rule is found to be recorded att that time, nor forme of li∣uing prescribed by S. Francis, to these Penitents, yet it is most assured that he gaue them certaine rules, according to which they should tem∣porally and spiritually gouerne themselues, were it to fast, or pray, more then other seculers, to know what office and deuotions they should vse, what almose they should giue, how they should be cloathed, and what rigour of penance they should vndertake: of which ordōnances deliuered by S. Francis and recorded by them to whome he taught the same, Pope Nicolas the fourth cutt off one part, and left only that which was most easie instituting a rule, which here we will insert, which was also after∣ward confirmed by the Apostolicke sea, by three most ample letters pa∣tentes. And albeit the first and ancient habitt of these penitentes was afterwardes different in diuers prouinces, yet is it most probable, that the most common and general, was the same which those of the third Order yet weare in Italy, as most conformable to their statue. The colour is gray like to that of the Frere Minors; but the forme and fashion is as o∣thers seculers doe weare: and it is credible that S. Frācis his will was that the sayd Penitentes should weare this habitt, si••h in those places where this Order was by him first instituted and where he most conuersed, this manner of habit was vsed. These sayd Penitents may not weare the cord as the Frere Minors. These of the third rul (which haue succeeded those) who liue in cōmon and are Religious by vow, can lesse auouch the wea∣ring of a cord, but must vse a leather belt.

And it is to be noted that the Frere Minors cannot receaue these Pe∣nitents to the profession of Religious obedience, or to any vow but only may admitt and receaue them to the sayd rule of life and company of the Penitents, exhorting and admonishing them to obserue the same. They may also assist them in confession and other spiritual worckes as Cōfreres and true Brethren of the Order. Neuertheles the Religious may not be their Prelates or Superiours, because they are subiect to seculer & ecclesiasticall iurisdiction. These Penitents may yet, as is practised in all their Cōfraternityes, create an head or chefe by the title of Minister, Re∣ctor, or Priour, who shall haue care to assemble the Brethren att certaine times to consult of matters touching their company.

It is also manifest that S. Francis alone, among al other authors of re∣ligions, did institute and ordaine the Brethren and sisters of the third Or∣der of Penitents. And because he had formerly instituted two rules, the one of Frere Minors, and the other of poore Sisters, this Confrater∣nity of Penitents was called the third Order: thence is deriued their de∣nomination. Since that time some others Orders, principally the Beg∣ging Freres endeauour to imitate S. Francis, and to institute also other

Confraternities of imitating Penitents or what such other denomina∣tion they will, and submitting themselues in some sort to the sayd Or∣ders, they withall enioy their priuiledges. But to the end more apparent knowledge may be had of this first and true Order of Penitentes, insti∣tuted by the holy Father S. Francis and the holy sea, and of the fruit which they haue produced in the Church, we will proceed in declara∣tion of this Order. First we will sett downe certaine Apostolicall fa∣uours and concessions bestowed on this confraternity in the beginning therof: then, the rule which the said Pope Nicolas the fourth of bles∣sed memory compiled & approued: finally we wil deduce the illustrious personnes that haue florished in the sayd Order in all sanctity, which wilbe a matter gratefull and worthy to be recorded.

The Briefe of Pope Gregory the ninth, wherby he declared this Order to be confirmed and fauoured by Pope Honorius the 3.

THE II. CHAPTER.

GRegory Bishop and seruant of the seruantes of God, to all the Brethren of the Order of Penitents instituted in Italy. Forso∣much as the detestable enuy of the ennemy of mankinde doth with greater obstinacy persecute the seruants of CHRIST IESVS, spreading his snares against them, and with all his power seeking to withdraw and remoue them from the seruice of the king of kinges, by malicious inuentions, we knowing that these hauing forsaken the va∣nitie of the world, though they be yet with their bodies on earth, ne∣uertheles in soule and spiritt they conuerse in heauen, renouncing worldly desires for the loue of God; they enioy not only transitory plea∣sures, but eternal richesse; so much more also doth he torment them, no otherwise then did the Egiptians persecute the people of God, that went out of the Egipt of this world, till they perished by diuine punition and a new manner of death, finding & receauing the end which their worc∣kes deserued. And after our Sauiour and Redeemer IESVS CHR. hauing* 1.1 receaued holy Baptisme went into the desert, where hauing fasted 40. dayes and 40. nightes, the same wicked spirit feared not to tempt him. Therfor he that addicteth himselfe to the seruice of God, must according to the sentence of the Sage, prepare his soule vnto temptations. Which* 1.2 being considered by Pope Honorius the 3. our Predecessour, and that doeing worckes of Penance you were afflicted by the children of this world by diuers afflictions and crosses: & that therfore you had need to be nourished and fauoured by laudable worckes, he embracing and louing your Religion in the bowels of IESVS CHR. gratified the same

with speciall grace, commanding all Bishoppes and Archbishoppes of Italy to exempt and free you from such oathes as are accustomed to be exacted of Gouernours of townes and other officers of others places: and to protect you that you be not constrayned to accept publicke of∣fices and chardges, or to be receauers of common rentes and such like af∣faires. But because the children of darcknes (who by their humane pru∣dence haue learned to repute darcknes light, and light darcknes, and this by calomnie of sinister interpretation) haue so afflicted you in the preiu∣dice of your priuiledges: that you are for more vexed and chardged then before you had those priuiledges, for albeit the sayd Officers cānot exact your oathes, they find other occasions to enforce you to sweare; not permitting you to giue your reuenues in almose where you please: Wher∣fore you haue with great humility demaunded that we deliuer you from the obligation of such oathes as you haue made, those accepted of peace, faith, and testimony, and that you may not be chardged with impostes and contributions more then your other fellow Cittizens: & that you may employ your reuenues in pious vses, and distribute it att your pleasure, and may not be troubled for the debtes and faultes of your neighbours, but that you be obliged to answeare the debtes of o∣thers for which you shalbe engaged. We then considering that you en∣ter into the way of perfection, and that the children of the world will so much the more hinder you, as they are and know themselues diffe∣rent frō your holy life, and that they make a confused heape of peruerse oppositions, to hide and obscure the veritie: doe by aucthority of these present letters, giue and graunt to all you in your vniuersity (of whose faith and Religion we hold our selues assured) the permission which you demaund of vs in all the sayd matters: most expresly com∣manding you, that yon endeauour to vse the grace and fauour well which we bestow on you, and that none of you abuse the same: Vn∣lesse you wilbe frustrated and depriued of the priuiledge which we graunt you: and therfore lett none &c. Giuen at saint Iohn Lateran the 30. day of March, and second yeare of our Popedone. This pre∣sent Breife was giuen the yeare of grace 1228. wherin appeareth that the Confraternity of the Penitentes was not exempted from seculer or ecclesiasticall iurisdiction, though in this Briefe it be tearned Reli∣gion; because this title of Religion is taken and vnderstood lardgely, for Christian Religion.

The Briefe of the said Pope Gregory the ninth, wherby he permitteth the Penitents of the third Order of S. Francis, to heare diuine office in time of interdiction.

THE III. CHAPTER.

GRegory Bishop and seruant of the seruantes of God, to the Ar∣chibishoppes, Bishoppes and Prelates of the church of Italy. It being euident, that the intention of those who are mindfull of death is, not to follow the vanitie of the world, but IESVS CHRIST, doeing pennance with an humble hart by true contrition, chasticing and subiecting the sences to reason, and that their intention is to apply them∣selues to the seruice of God: So that it were an iniust thing, that these cō∣fraternityes should be separated and depriued of the diuine offices & Ec∣clesiasticall sacraments: it being reasonable that they receaue some speciall fauour of the holy Apostolike sea in these and other matters that con∣cerne the seruice of God. There being then many through Italy that ob∣serue this order of life which some call Brothers Penitents, we cōmand your prudence, by this our Apostolicall Briefe, that in the Churches of your iurisdiction, wherin it is generally permitted you to say the diuine office in time of interdiction, you doe admitt and receaue them also in to the Church in the sayd time of interdiction, prouided alwayes that they be not cause of the sayd interdiction: the which office neuertheles shall not be sayd but after expelling the interdicted and excommunicated out of the Church, the dores being shutt and no ringing of belles; and that you also admitt them to the Ecclesiasticall sacraments and to buriall in Churches or church yardes. Giuen at Perusia the 2. of August, and third yeare of our Popedome.

An other Briese of the said Pope Gregory the ninth in fauour of the Freres Penitents.

THE IV. CHAPTER.

GRegory Bishop, to the Archibishoppes and Bishops of Italy. It doth too manistly appeare, how the clemencie of God is abused by such as hinder or delay those who withall their hart desire and seeke to serue IESVS CHRIST, in conuerting themselues vnto him. And yet no man doubteth but they are accur∣sed of God, that spread their ambushes against the sayd seruants ••o make them stumble, disturbing them by diuerse persecutions, as imi∣tators

of Pharo, who hauing his harte obdurate, neuer permitted the people of God to depart out of Egipt but by force of chasticement: and being departed, did not omitt to persecute them by tyranies and crueltyes, till himselfe and all his were submerged by the diuine right hand, leauing to all an example that his like deserue the like punish∣ment; you therfore must vnderstand, that being come to the kno∣wledge of Pope Honorius the third, our predecessour of blessed me∣mory, that some in your quarters, very prudently considering their end, resolued to doe penance in their owne howses or other where, and desirous more purely to approch vnto almighty God, they aban∣don the vanities of this world, and doe impose on their miserable flesh (the true daughter of Babilon) so much paine and affliction, as it would impose on their soules the true daughters of God, that by this meane the fault and punishment which they haue merited, may by his diuine Maiesty the more easily be remitted. But the Gouerners and Magistrates of the Citties and townes where they resided, not considering, that they who really serue God doe not entangle themselues with affaires and bu∣sinesse of this world, wherwith the Espouse will not foule or defile the* 1.3 feet she hath so well washed with the teares of penance: doe, on the cō∣trary enforce them to sweare to follow and accommodate themselues to the warres, constraying them to accept and vndertake publike offi∣ces, yea they, who the more commodiously to serue God, were rety∣red into obscure places in villages and hermitages, haue bin by them en∣forced to retourne to the citty: then haue they imposed on them new & the greatest chardges, taking pleasure to affront and afflict those whome they ought more to honour and cherish, as the friendes of God. Wherfo∣re our office of Pastor being to fauour such as by such resolutions & lan∣ctity of life become the friendes of God, after the example of our sayd predecessour of blessed memory, we by this Apostolicall B••iefe, doe com∣mand your fraternities, not to permitt the sayd Penitents-besides dome∣stical affaires) to be without reason molested in al the afforesayd thinges, and other like, wherein their holy purposes may be hindered, and that you restraine their persecutors, by Ecclesiasticall censure notwithstan∣ding whatsoeuer oppositions or appeales.

Of an other Briefe of Pope Innocent the fourth.

THE V. CHAPTER.

INnocent Bishop, seruant of the seruantes of God: to our welbeloued children the Generall and Prouinciall Ministers of the Frere Minors of Italy and the kingdome of Sicily, health and Apostolicall benedi∣ction.

We with a benigne fauour doe assist all such as being deuoutly cō∣uerted vnto God, produce in his Church fruites worthy of penance, to deserue att the handes of God an eternall recompence. The Confrater∣nities called the third Order of S. Francis being very remarckable among them through Italy and the Ile of Sicilie, we condescending to their iust petitions, doe by aucthority of these presents command your prudence, to appoint vnto them in time conuenient, Religious of your Order of capacity to be visitors, who instructing them in matters fitt for them to doe, shall correct and reforme them, as cause shall require, and shall cha∣stice the transgressours, and restraine them by Ecclesiasticall cēsures. Not∣withstanding whatsoeuer appeales. &c. Giuen att Lions, the fift of Au∣gust, and fift yeare of our Popedome.

Of the authenticall institution of the first rule and forme of life of the Bre∣thren Penitents of the third Order of S. Francis, ordayned by Pope Nicolas the 4. inserted with the said rule.

THE VI. CHAPTER.

NIcolas Bishop, seruant of the seruantes of God, to our welbelo∣ued children in our Redeemer IESVS CHRIST, the Brethren & sisters of the Order of Penitents, present and to come, health and Apostolicall benediction. The firme foūdation of Christian Religiō, being already grounded & built on the Mount of the Catholick Faith, the pure deuotion of the disciples of IESVS CHRIST, boyling with the fire of charity, and by the word preached to them that liue in darcknesse: this faith is that which the Romane Church holdeth and professeth, the foundation wherof cannot shake for whatsoeuer tribulation that may assault it, nor fall, whatsoeuer violent tempest beat against it: because it is the true, and right faith, without which none can be gratefull to God, nor find grace with his diuine Maiesty. It is the the same also that she∣weth the way of saluation, and that promiseth the recompenses and cō∣tentments of eternall beatitude. And therfore the Confessour of IESVS CHRIST S. Francis, institutor of this Order, teaching by word and ex∣ample the meane to mount vnto heauen, denounced and preached the sincerity of this faith to his children, and instituted this Order, willing them accordingly to make profession of the Catholike Faith, to the end that they who faithfully obserue the same walking securely in the way of vertue, may meritt to be made possessors of the eternall glory, after the prison of this present life.

Of the meane to examine them that will enter into the said Order.

THE FIRST CHAPTER.

ANd for so much as we are willing to assist this Order with cō∣uenient fauour desiting the augmentatation therof: we ordai∣ne that all those who are to be receaued to the obseruation of this forme of life, shalbe formerly withall dilligence examined touching the Catholike faith, to see if they firmely confesse the sayd faith, and o∣bedience to the sayd Church, thē theymay be securely admitted vnto the Order. But especially dilligent care must be had that no heretike, or sus∣pected of heresie, and noted with infamy, be admitted to this forme of life. And if any should be receaued being knowne for such, lett him be presently discouered to the Inquisitor, that he may be punished and corrected.

In what manner they ought to be receaued, who desire to enter into the sayd Order.

THE II. CHAPTER.

WHen any one shall present himselfe to be admitted into this company, the superiour Ministers ordayned to recea∣ue him, shall make an exact enquiery of his estate and con∣dition, and propose vnto him the obligation of the com∣pany: and particulerly restitution of goodes iniustly possessed. Which done, and he consenting, lett him be cloathed according to the Order, and lett him endeauour to satisfie his Creditors, if he owe any thing, ei∣ther with ready mony or security of pledge: and lett him att length find meanes to content and satisfie them in some or other manner, and so be reconciled to his neighbour. Which being accomplished, and the yea∣re of probation expired, if the discreet Brethren be of opinion and hold it requisit to admitt him, he shalbe receaued on these conditions: which are, that he promise to keep the diuine preceptes, and to satisfie the sta∣tutes and constitutions wherto he shalbe bound and obliged: as also to performe the penance that shalbe enioyned him, or the punishment or∣dayned if he proue obstinate and a transgressour: and to obey the visitor, before whome he shall appeare if he be called, and shall submitt himselfe to his iudgement: and to all this aforesayd he shall oblige himselfe by subscription before publike Notaries; neither shall it be permitted to the prouinciall Minister to receaue any, but vpon the sayd conditions, except

some notable considerations doe otherwise require, and that the qua∣lity of the per••onne presented giue iust occasion of an extraordinary proceeding. Besides, we ordaine that none may retire from this con∣fraternity, being once entred, to retourne to the world. But we permitt him to enter into an other approued Religion. Maryed women also may not be receaued, without the consent of their husbands.

Of the forme of their habitt, and how they must be clothed.

THE III. CHAPTER.

LEtt the Brethren of this company be cloathed with course cloth and of meane price, of a colour neither fully white nor directly black, except the visitors find it good to dispense therein with a∣ny one for a time, and with the Counsaile of the Prouinciall Minister, v∣pon some iust and manifest occasion. Their cloakes and other habits shalbe as decencie requireth without cuttinges, and their sleeues shalbe simple, close, and straight: the sisters shall weare a cloake and gowne or coat of course cloth also, and vnder their cloke shall weare a white or black habit, or a very long coat of linnen cloth or canuas without plaites. The sisters may be dispensed withal in the coursnes of the cloth of their habits according to their need, the qualitye of the personnes, and condi∣tion of the places. They shall vse neither buttons nor girdles of silke, nor besides the said cloth, may vse any furres other then lambes skin:their purses shalbe of leather, and their girdles plaine, without any orna∣ment of silke, neither shall they weare any thing else, forsaking, accor∣ding to the behoufull counsaile of saint Peter, all other vaine ornamen∣tes of this world.

That the said Penitentes may not haunt dishonest banquettes, nor come∣dies, nor giue any thinge to stage-players and comedians.

THE IV. CHAPTER.

IT is forbidden to the sayd Brethren to frequent and be present att bā∣quettes, playes, dances, and dishonest spectacles, & to giue mony or a∣ny other thing to see such vanityes: neither must they permitt any of their seruantes to giue any thing to that purpose.

Of abstinence and fasting.

THE V. CHAPTER.

LEtt all the Brethren abstaine from eating flesh foure dayes in the weeke, that is munday, wednesday, friday, and saterday, if they be not hindred by necessity of sicknesse or infirmity. They that haue bin lett bloud, may eat flesh three times that weeke. They also that trauell may eat flesh on the dayes permitted by the Church; it is also permissable

to eat it on principall and solemne feastes. The dayes whereon is no ob∣ligation of fasting, they may eat cheese and egges: and when they shall come to conuentuall houses, they may care with other Religious what shalbe sett before them. But they must content themselues with two meales a day, except in case of necessity, trauell or weakenesse: for then this rule doth not oblige. Lett the eating and d••incking of the heal∣thy* 1.4 be moderate, as the Gospell teacheth vs saying: Be carefull that your hartes be not ouerchardged with surfe••ting and drunckennesse. Lett the sayd Brethren neuer sitt downe att table, but hauing first sayd the Pater Noster and Aue Maria, and after their meale lett them say it with the ordinary graces. And if att any time they fo gett the same, lett them say three for one. They shall fast all the fridayes of the yeare, it they be not hindered by sicknesse, or some other lawfull excuse. If the Natiui∣ty of our Lord fall on a friday, they shall not be obliged to fast on that day. From the feast of Alsainctes to Easter, they shalbe bound to fast e∣uery wednesday and friday, besides the other ordinary fastes appointed by the Church. They shalbe also obliged to fast euery day from the lēt of sainct Martin till Christmas: and from Quinquagesima sunday till Easter, the sundayes excepted. Women with child, if they will, shalbe exempted from all corporall austerityes and rigours from their time of being great, till after their churching, during which time they shalbe obliged only to prayer. Artificers that labour with the sweat of their bodyes, may make three meales, from Easter day to S. Francis day, if they know it needfull. They that are hyred labourers and haue their dyett prouided, may eat of what shalbe presented them except the fri∣day, and other fastes commanded.

How osten in the yeare they ought to confesse and communicate

THE VI. CHAPTER.

ALl the Brethren and sisters must be carefull to confesse their sinnes three times euery yeare, and deuoutly to receaue the Blessed Sacra∣mēt, reconciling thē••elues to their neighbours, & making restitution of others goods. The sayd times shalbe Christmas, Easter and Whitsunday.

That they must not weare offenciue weapons.

THE VII. CHAPTER.

LEtt not the Brethren weare any offensiue weapons, but for defence of the Church and faith of IESVS CHRIST, or for defence of their contry, or with permission of their superiours.

In what manner the said Bre. Penitents ought to say their Canonicall houres.

THE VIII. CHAPTER.

THe Brethren shall euery day say the canonicall houres, that is Ma∣tins, with the Laudes, Prime and other houres to the Compline. The Clarcks: to witt, they that can read the psalter, shall for Prime, say Deus in nomine tuo saluum me fac. and Beats 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the psalme Le∣gem

pone, and att the other howers, the psalmes following, according to the vse of the Romane Church, with the Gloria Patr••. And when they are in the Church they shall for Matins say the psalmes which the Priestes or Cathed••all Church doe say, att least they shall say 12. Paters, and 12. Anes, with Glor••a Patrs, as they that cannot read: and for each of the o∣ther houres 7. Gloria Patrs, and att Prime and Compline they that can say the Apostles Creed and the psalme Miserere, shall adde it thervnto: when they say it not att the ordinary houres, lett them say thrice the Pater No∣ster. The sick shall not be obliged to say these houres, but as they will. They shall endeauour to be present att Mattins att their parish Church in the time of sainct Martins lent, and the great lent, except some law∣full impediment excuse them.

That the Brethren who can, must make their will.

THE IX. CHAPTER.

LEtt all the B••eth••en that haue any substance, be obliged to consider of their estate, and within three monthes after their entry into this confraternity, to make their testament, wherin they shall dispose of their substance, to the end that none dye intestate.

How peace is to bemade betweene the Brethren when occasion requireth, and betweene strangers.

THE X. CHAPTER.

THe meane to appease quarrels & dissentiōs that may arise between•• the Brethrē and Sisters, & to accord thē, shalbe in such necessity to follow the aduise of the Ministers together with the Coūsaile of the Bi∣shop of the Diocese, if he be neere, and to proced according to the matter and occurances.

To whome the Brethren must haue recourse being molested against rea∣son and their pra••ledges.

THE XI. CHAPTER.

IF it happē that the Brethrē or Sisters be iniustly troubled and molested against their priuiledges, by the Gouernours or other Commanders of the place where they dwell, the superiour Ministers must haue recourse to the Bishop or other Ordinaryes of the places, to demaund and follow their aduise how to gouerne themselues in such behalfe.

That the Brethren must withall poss••b••l••ty absta ne from solemne oathes.

THE XII. CHAPTER.

LEtt the Brethrē very carefully abstaine from solemne oathes, vnlesse they be therevnto constrayned by necessity, except in cases contey∣ned in the confession of the Apostolike sea, that is, for peace, faith calō∣niation, and in giuing testimony, and also in contractes of buying, selling and giuing, where it shall appeare to be expedient. But in common talke lett them withall endeauour auoyd swearing: and if any shall incon∣sideratly

sweare (as it often happeneth in talkatiue personnes) calling it to mind in the examen of his conscience att night, lett them say thrice the Pater noster for such oath: and lett euery one be obliged to exhort, in∣struct and educate his family in the feare and loue of God.

How the Brethren ought to assemble in congregation, and of their hearing Masse.

THE XIII. CHAPTER.

ALl the Brethren and sisters in whatsoeuer place or citty they dwell must euery day, if they may, heare Masse, and euery mōth they shall meet and assemble in some place deputed by the Mi∣nister Rectour, to heare a solemne Masse: and there each of them shall giue an almose to the Chappelain or other elected to that end, which shalbe distributed by the Rectour Minister, among the Brethren and sisters that are in greatest necessity, and particulerly among the sick. This almose shall also be employed in the buriall and funerales of the poore deceased: and what remayneth shalbe distributed to the other poore. Some part of this almose also shalbe giuen to the Church where they assēble. And euery time that they meet, they shal endeauour to haue some good Religious to preach vnto them, who shall induce them to penance and to the exercise of charitable worckes. Lett all the Brethren be admonished to keep silence and to be attentiue att prayer during the diuine office, especially whiles Masse is celebrated, and the word of God preached: vnlesse the common good of the confraternity o∣therwise require.

How the sick are to be visited, and what care must be had of the dead.

THE XIV. CHAPTER.

WHen any of the Brethren shalbe sick, the superiour Mini∣sters being therof in the behalfe of the sick party aduerti∣sed, they shall visitt or cause him to be visited at least once in a weeke, admonishing him touching the state of his soule, as farre foorth as they shal find it requisit. And if he be poore, they shalbe carefull to procure him what is necessary, out of the almose of the poore: And if the sick person doe dye, all the Brethren and sisters of the Confraternity that shalbe in the towne or place where they dye, shalbe presently aduertised therof, to the end they be present att the funerals: whence they shall not depart till the

diuine office be ended and the body interred. The like shalbe obser∣ued towardes the sisters that are sick, and that depart out of this life. Eight dayes after the death of any Brother, all the Brethren and sisters of the Confraternity shalbe obliged, to say for their soules (the Priestes) a Masse of the dead, they that can read, 50. psalmes, and they that cannot read, 50. Pater nosters, with Requiem aternam. Lett also be procured to be sayd three Masses euery yeare for the Bre∣thren and sisters departed. They that can read the psalter, shall att their commodity say it entierly euery yeare, and they that cannot read, shall say 100. Pater nosters adding Requiem eternam att the end of each one.

Of the Superiour Ministers.

THE XV. CHAPTER.

LEtt euery Minister and other officer on whom, in this forme, order and rule of life, any office shalbe imposed, receaue the same with deuotion, and labour to execute it piously, and lett not the sayd offices be giuen and distributed, but for certaine time, and lett no Minister Rectour be established for terme of life, butt lett there be a certaine time prefixed, which expired, lett an other be created.

How the Brethren Penitents that are faulty and delinquent, are to be visited and corrected.

THE XVI. CHAPTER.

THe superiour Ministers, Brethren and Sisters of euery towne or place in time to that end appointed, shall assemble in some Monastery or Church there to make their common visitation: where their visitors shalbe Priestes of some approued Religion and of exemplare life, that they may impose on the delinquent, health∣full penance for their sinnes committed, neither lett any other be ad∣mitted to his office of Minister. And because this forme of life had its originall from the holy Father Saint Francis: We counsaile them to choose visitors and reformers of this confraternity, of the Order of Frere Minors, who shall conserue it and haue particuler care therfore. And when the Superiours or Gardians shalbe therunto re∣quired, they shall freely accept therof. This office of visitation shalbe kept att least once in a yeare, or oftener if it shalbe necessary. The obstinate, disobedient and incorrigible shalbe first admonished three seuerall times: after which, if they will not amend, lett them by the aduise of the discreet Brethren, as incorrigible persons be exclu∣ded and expelled their confraternity.

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That the Brethren must auoyd debates and contentions among themselues, or others.

THE XVII. CHAPTER.

LEtt the Brethren and Sisters, to their vtmost, auoyd strifes, disputes debates and contentions. And when any beginning of discord deth appeare, lett them incontinently seeke to suppresse and exting••ish the same: if not, lett the matter be brought before the Magistrate who hath auctority to iudge therof, who hearing the parties with patience, shall determine their discord by iustice.

How the Brethren may be dispenced withall in their abst••nences.

THE XVIII. CHAPTER.

THe O••dinaryes of the places, or the Visitor shall haue power to dispence with the Brethren and sisters, touching the abstinences fastes and other austerities of this rule vpon lawfull cause, and when they shall see it expedient.

That the Ministers must discouer vnto the visitor the manisest saultes.

THE XIX. CHAPTER.

THe Ministers shall aduettise the Visitor of the manifest faultes of the Brethren and Sisters, that the culpable may be punished: And if any be found inco••igible after three seuerall admonitions by the Minister, or by some of the discreet Brethren, lett him be denounced to the Fa∣ther Visitor, who shall expell him the confraternity, and publish them in the congregation.

Approbation of the Pope that none of the Brethren shalbe obliged vnder mortall sinne to obserue the points afor••said.

THE XX. CHAPTER.

BVt in al the afo••esayd thinges, wherunto the Brethren and Sisters of your Order are not obliged by the commandements of God, or ordi∣nances of the Romane Church: we will not that they be bound vnder mortall sinne: but lett them with prompt humility receaue the penance enioyned them for the excesse committed, and study to accomplish it entierly.

The sequell of the confirmation of this rule.

Let no man presume to dismember the page of this our decree & rule, or rashly to contradict it. But if any presume to att••pt it, lett him know that therin he incurreth the indignation of Almighty God, and of his blessed Apostles S. Peter and S. Paul. Giuen att the Reate the 17. of Au∣gust the second yeare of our Pontificate.

The Briefe of Pope Nicolas the fourth, in fauour of the confra∣ternity of Penitents.

THE XXI. CHAPTER.

NIcolas Bishop the seruant of the seruants of God, to all faithfull to whome these presents shall appeare, heal••h and Apostolical bene∣diction. The only sonne of God, by whose precious woundes we haue

bin redeemed and reuiued in the fountaine of his precious bloud, foun∣ded and instiruted the holy Church on the rock of faith instantly after his birth, and committed the iurisdiction and power of his celestiall em∣pire to the blessed Prince of the Apostles and porter of eternall life, gi∣uing to him and to his successors, principality and power to bind and loose the dispea••ced of Israel, that by the mystery of his passion are rety∣red into his fold. And therfore the foueraine Romane Bishop successour of the same principasitie of those principall watches and carefull dili∣gences, and not of studyes and desi••es filled with vanities, is changed by Apostolicall obligation, that the Church alwayes multiply with a new generation and race, to be vnited to the well-disciplined flock, because the condition of humane nature is easily broaken or dissolued (as an earthen vessell that is subiect to fragility) and with difficulty reformed. And therfore it is necessary for the faithfull of the same Church, to haue especiall care, as hauing bin diligently educated in the innocencie of sin∣cerity and verity, not to deface and corrupt the doctrine and constitu∣tions of the Successour of the same Prince, or in whatsoeuer manner by wordes of murmure to hinder the same: for as the Apostle saith: He is contrary to the Ordinances of God that resisteth his power. Sith then the holy seruant of God and singuler Confessour of IESVS CHRIST S. Francis, enflamed with the burning fire of charity, disciple both in wordes and worckes of the glorious Apostles, aduancing himselfe with a spiritt full of verity, to augment the family in the house of our Re∣deeemer IESVS CHRIST, with intention to reduce into the way of saluation the feet of such as walked in darcknes, instructing them without learning, he hath infrituted an Order with the title of Peni∣tents, to whome he hath giuen meane to meritt eternall life. We desi∣siring to fauour the sayd Order, to the end the intention and zeale of the sayd Confessour doe encrease in vertues, and that the Professours of this Order by meane of our care, make good progresse in the way of their saluation: It hath seemed vnto vs requisite, approuing the sayd Order, that therin be performed certaine ordinaces worthy to be ob∣serued, as most behoufull, which by our letters we haue to that end per∣scribed vnto them; and among others, where we counsaile and with a Fatherly affection admonish the sayd Brethren Penitents, to follow and obserue the sayd rule and forme of life: and that so doeing, they with perfect charity by meane therof conse••••e a mutuall vnion and affection. Naturall reason and duety requiring, that for reuerence vnto this holy Confessour, the Professors of the sayd Order be conducted and guided by the doctrine and counsaile of the Frere Minors, the sayd Saint hauing hin institutor of these Orders: and therfore lett them procure to haue of the Frere Minors

to be Visitors and reformers of the sayd Religion: And for so much as some of the sayd Order (which is lamentable) by their peruerse will, being doubtles illegitimate children, yea bastardes of the Church and of this holy Confessour of IESVS CHRIST, doe rebell against this our permission and counselle, and haue presumed to affirme and maintaine that the Religious receauing and obseruing that rule cannot be saued therin, and are so temerarious as that without any feare they attempt to peruert, and att least doe persecut thē that desire to follow our sayd con∣saile: We therfore determining not to lett this presumption with conni∣uence to passe vnpunished, doe totally annull the processe made, or to be made against those that follow our counsaile; and will that all they who with reuerence accept and follow our sayd behouful counsaile, doe parti∣cipate of the grace of the Church and of our benediction, and doe en∣ioy the priuiledges graunted to the same Order of Penitents by the holy Apostolike sea, or to be graunted hereafter. We further ordaine, that they who shall resist or hinder so holy a constitution, be in such sort re∣strayned by the Ordinaries of the places, that they enforce them to de∣sist from their turbulent impedimentes: Notwithstanding whatsoeuer priuiledge, or vnder whatsoeuer forme of wordes, obtained to the con∣trary, and lett the Brethren Penitents that shall follow our sayd health∣full counsaile, haue Ministers taken and elected among, themselues, ac∣cording to the forme contayned in the sayd rule. Giuen att Ciuita Vea∣zia the 8. day of August the third yeare of our Pontificate.

The life of S. Elizabeth the widow, daughter to the king of Hungary, and of the third Order of S. Francis.

Of the Innocencie and vertue of S. Elizabeth in her most tender youth.

THE VIII. CHAPTER.

THis blessed S. the daughter of king Henry of Hongary was roy∣ally educated in her Fathers house: but being by diuine grace il∣luminated, and opening the eyes of hir natural knowledg, she ti∣mely began to misprise the vanities of the world and the apprehensions of youth, chaunging them into desires to serue God. And from fiue yea∣res old she continued and perseuered in prayer in the Church, with such mature grauity and such repose, that her Gouernesse had much labour to withdraw her thence. And therfore she was often constrayned to find occasions to goe into her chappell att accustomed howers, where she would spend such time as she could, and make her prayer prostrate on her bare knees, vsing all industry to induce her waiting ladyes to doe the

like, and to pray, read psalmes, and be deuout and honour the sainctes. She so vsed the matter that she drew a spirituall fruit out of the very playes and pastimes that her Ladyes vsed: for she obliged those that lost, to say certaine Paters Nosters and Aue Maries, or to giue such a somme to the poore. And as her yeares encreased, so did also her deuotion, pu∣rity and zeale in all vertues, choosing the sacred Virgin Mary for her Ad∣uocate and S. Iohn the Euangelist for the Guardian of her innocencie, to whome she was so specially deuoted, that she denyed nothing, which being in her power to giue was demaund for his sake. She had her spi∣ritt so eleuated, that she tooke occasion of euery matter presented, to stirre her selfe to deuotion, in such sort that when she was constrayned to be present att assemblies of magnificence and sportes, she would of∣ten, in the middest of the greatest pleasure and contentment that could happen therin, leaue the company: which she would doe so dexterous∣ly and prudently, that it much edified all that were present. She was cloathed very decently and modestly, and did eat temperatly: and then caused to be giuen to the poore (which then attended for such almose att her dore) the rest of the meat prepared for her: she would be presēt att the diuine seruice with great reuerence and deuotion. Whiles the Ghospell was read, and att the eleuation of the most sacred Host, she would put off her gloues, iewels, and other precious ornaments of her head, and lay them on the ground, for greater reuerence to almighty God. She neuer omitted her ordinary prayers and pious exercises, and sometimes would watch a good part of the night, to satisfye the omis∣sions and employments of the day.

Of S. Elizabeths perseuerance in vertues after she was maryed, of her pious behauiour, and of her patience in her afflictions.

THE IX. CHAPTER.

THis heroicall Lady being eleuated and nourced in these pious exercises, she by diuine inspiration entierly resigned her selfe to whatsoeuer it pleased God to ordayne and dispose of her: for al∣beit she had resolued with her selfe neuer to haue other Spouse then IESVS CHRIST, yet did the diuine prouidence otherwise or∣dayne: for so much as her Father to whome she was most obedient, en∣forced her to mary Lantgraue, Duke of Toringe, of the greatest Princes and of fairest possessions of Germanie; disposing this marriage for the extreme necessity that the Toringians had (being halfe barbarous) of some one to excite them to the loue of God, and to the practise of cha∣ritable worckes towardes their neighbour, and worthy merittes of the

vertue of chastity. This holy princesse found much trouble with her husband the first yeare, not that he wanted sufficient inclination to ver∣tue, but by reason of the ill disposition of those of his counsaile, and of some particuler seruants and domesticall officers of his, who inter∣preted and reputed the great humility of this worthy Princesse, for sot∣tishnes and want of ciuility and Courtlie complements: and therfore did contemne and persecute her to their vtmost. But by her continuall prayers she obtayned of God many particuler graces, and namely that her husband should not only not hinder her holy exercises, but should be very ioyfull, the which incontinently came to passe. For being re∣plenished with the feare of God, he permitted her secretly to doe what∣soeuer she thought to tend to the seruice of his diuine Maiesty, com∣forting her ordinarily in the disgustes and discontentmēts that she might fall into by the subtility of the deuill in spirituall life, and by sweet wordes encouraging her for the good of her soule: In such sort that al∣beit this holy Princesse had chaunged her estate, yet did she not desist from her pious exercises and holy intentions, alwayes vsing very rigo∣rous penance, afflicting her body by disciplines watchinges and absti∣nences, and did also very often arise from her husbands bed, and spent the rest of the night in prayer vnto God. And if sometimes sleep did o∣uercome her, she would only make vse of a pillow on the ground to sleep on. And when her husband was from home, she would employ the whole night in prayer, in the company of her celestiall Spouse. She secretly woare a haircloth, and very often vsed disciplining to confor∣me her selfe to her Sauiour, that would be so cruelly scourged for vs. She was so seuere in her abstinence, and kept it so perfectly, that in the middest of banquettes, of the abondance and delicacie of the most ex∣quisit dishes, she would often content her selfe with only bread, and would entertaine those that were with her att table with caruing and presenting meat vnto them, to the end they might not obserue her, but might thinck shee did eat indifferently of euery dish. Because she tooke no pleasure to behold so much good meat, she would often send to a poore yet vertuous seruant of hers for some of his ordinary dyet. wher∣on she would feed. Her husband obseruing all these thinges did tolerat them with an extreme admiration and deuotion, and would say, that he would wilingly doe the like, but that it was necessary for him to con∣serue his house and estate.

Of the prayer, humility, pouerty, obedience and forgetfulnes of iniuries, of S. Elizabeth, and of the reuelation which God made vnto her of the remis∣sion of her sinnes.

THE X. CHAPTER.

THis vertuous woman was so feruent in prayer, that she neuer prayed without weeping, and yet in such sort as she kept it vnknowne. In her prayer she felt both sorrow and ioy in her soule: she would say that to weepe with force and heauinesse was to shew an euill countenance vnto God. It once happened that being according to her custome in prayer, her hart, eyes and han∣des eleuated towardes heauen, her soule was so rapt and swallowed vp in God, that burning coales falling on a fold or plait of her gowne, burned a good part therof she not perceiuing it, and had burned yet farther, if one of her seruantes passing by, had not hastely ex∣tinguished the same: in doeing wherof she cryed so loud that she caused the pious lady to retourne to her selfe, who with her owne handes sett a piece on that part of her gowne which was burned. She would not ha∣ue her seruantes and the poore people to cal her Lady, but would cōuer∣se with them as their equall causing them to sitt by her, and eating, spin∣ning and worcking with them without any ceremony. She so affected humility, that she disdayned not or omitted the basest occurance for the loue of God. In the middest of the greatest prosperity that she euer had, she alwayes desired the estate of pouerty, to imitate and follow that of IESVS CHRIST in this life, shunning all pompe and worldly glory. By this fauour and holy desire, she would often being alone in her house with her friendes and seruantes, cloath her selfe poorly, affirming that if she fell into pouerty, she would in that sort be cloa∣thed. She would be alwayes present att generall processions and litanies, bare foot, and attyred in linnen, and with great humility would heare the sermons among the simple people. When she went first to Church in the morning, she would not goe attyred accor∣ding to her quality, but the most simply she could, in example of the Virgin Mary, carying her child in her armes and laying it very reuerently on the Altare, there offring a lambe and a candell. Re∣tourning home after the seruice, she would giue the cloathes she woa∣re att masse to some very poore woman. And the more perfectly to obser∣ue the rule of humility, she promised obedience in that concerned the good of her soule to her Cōfessour M. Courard a poore Religious, but of great piety and doctrine, whose counsailes, though generally vertuous,

she so strictly obserued, as if IESVS CHRIST himselfe had comman∣ded her. By this obedience and vpō a scruple of her consciēce she would neither touch nor vse any thing bought with the mony a••ysing of any gaine made by the Officiers of Lantg••aue her husband, fearing that it might be gotten of the blond of the poore subiectes. And albeit the sa∣me were lawfull and permissable to that sainct, in regard of the simpli∣city of those times, yett att this present it may not be done nor permit∣ted to any.

* 1.5 Hauing in her widowhood receaued a great iniury, which exceeding∣ly troubled and disquieted her, she fell to her prayers, and began with great abondance of teares to pray vnto God for those that had done her iniury, beseeching him to bestow on each of them a grace wherby they might receaue some consolation of his diuine Maiesty. During the fer∣uour of this prayer, she heard a voice that sayd vnto her: thou hast ne∣uer presented a prayer vnto me more gratefull then this, which hath thorough pearced my bowels. Wherfore I pardon thee all thy sinnes, and giue thee my grace. This holy Princesse knowing the mercy which God had shewed her, considered with her selfe, what course of life she might thenceforward vndertake to become more gratefull to his diuine Maiesty, and to serue him more dilligently. But being in deep conside∣ratiō herevpō, the ineffable searcher of hartes sayd vnto her: hope in God, doe good worckes, and shunne sinne, & thou shalt alwayes haue cōfort.

Of the deuotion of this S. towardes the Frere Minors, and how, doubting of the loue of God towardes her, he miraculously displanted a tree, and re∣planted it where she desired.

THE XI. CHAPTER.

THis blessed lady was both a singuler mother and daughter vnto the Frere Minors, as one replenished with the spiritt of pouer∣••y and contempt of the world, wherof they made profession: & the••fore hauing bin many dayes without the sight of any she was excee∣ding melancholy. Her husband perceauing that she was more sad then of custome, asked her the cause: wherto she answeared, that it was be∣cause she had not in a long time seene any seruant of God, nor of them heard the word of his diuine Maiesty: And therfore was she so heauy and melancholy both interiourly and exteriourly. Which her busband vnderstanding, he presently sent for Frere Minors to comfort her: who being come she presently resumed her former serenity and mildnes of countenance, and a long time discoursed of the estate of her soule with one of them who was her spirituall Father, and among o∣ther

thinges thus spake vnto him: Father, that which most afflicteth my soule, is when I consider my sinnes to deserue that I be litle loued of almighty God, sith I continually striue with my v••most ability to loue him; and yet I much feare that he ••eiecte••h me as vnworthy his presence and his loue. The Religious thervpon assured her that she was farre mo∣re beloued of God, then he could be of her. Wherto the Sainct replyed: If it were so, my God would not pe••mitt me to be separated from him one only moment, but would ordinarily visitt me with some sicknesses or afflictions, which I desi••e, and would exceedingly effect for the loue of his diuine Maiesty. This good Religious by very pregnant reasons demonstrated vnto her, what and how great is the loue of God towar∣des* 1.6 his creature, and how much it exceedeth ours, in that his loue is infinite, eternall, strong, pure, and entier: and ours is slender, temporall, feeble, impure, and imperfect. But this Religious dis∣coursed to litle purpose: for the vertuous lady could not beleeue him, and therfore, shewing him a tree on the other side of a ••iuer wher∣by they were, she sayd: Father I would rather beleeue that the tree which you yonder see could remoue hither, then beleeue my selfe to be more loued of God then I loue him, being as I am att this present sepa∣rated from the sweetnes of his true loue. The sequell was most admi∣rable, for those wordes were no sooner spoaken, but the tree was dis∣planted by the rootes and transplanted on the side of the riuer where they were. This Princesse then remayning as it were in extasie, experiē∣ced in her soule how much the loue of God exceedeth ours, and so she acknowledged her selfe to be vanquished by the loue of God.

Of the great charity of this holy Princesse, and how she spent her time in worckes of mercy.

THE XII. CHAPTER.

THe liuely waters of the worckes of mercy did continually flow out of this fountaine of diuine loue, wherwith the poore of IE∣SVS CHRIST were refreshed, who saith that he will accept the said worckes as done vnto himselfe. This Princesse was extremely spar∣ing and frugall in what was for her owne vse and pa••ticuler necessitie•• but exceeding liberall towardes to poore, whome she could not en∣dure to want any thing necessary vnto them: for which vertue the people called her the true mother of the poore, who in regard of this her piety, would often inuite her to be God mother to their children in baptisme; whervnto she would voluntarily accord, to haue ••ore occasion to assist thē and to procure the education of their child••ē.

She one time gaue one of her gownes to a poore woman, who with this almose thought her selfe rich, and conceaued therof such an exces∣siue ioy, that att the instant she fell as dead to the ground. And this compassionate Princesse hauing prayd for her, she retourned to her sel∣fe. She earned mony by spinning and sowing with her maydes, which she distributed to the poore. She also employed her selfe in that exer∣cise, to giue example of humility vnto her women and maydnes, and to shunne idlenes. He•• husband being in Italy, there happened in her ter∣ritories an extreme famine, for reliefe wherof this pious woman gathe∣red together all her reuenues, then got a note of all the poore of the Cit∣ty, & relieued them therwith. An other time wanting mony for the like supply, she sold her iewels, and with the price therof, ••eleiued the needy. She would often times withdraw thinges necessary, from her selfe, her women and maydes, to supply the necessity of the poore. She caused an hospitall to be builded att the foot of her castell, which was very high, where she placed all the poore sick people, and euery day went downe to visitt them, albeit the discent was very troublesome and difficult, and releiued their necessities, exhorting them to patience and to purge their soules by confession and communion. She serued, atten∣ded, and dressed them withan exemplar humility, supporting with an extreme patience, the loathsomes that issued out of their soares, and sometimes hauing no other linnen att hand to make them cleane, she would putt off her coife & disfurnish her head to dry and wipe off the filthy matter of the said soares, which so strongly sauoured that her Ladies could not endure them.

Of the death of the Duke her husband, and of many afflictions which she endured in her widowhood.

THE XIII. CHAPTER.

OVr Lord had by his grace and by the prayers and petitions of the Duchesse, cōuerted the Lātgraue, so that albeit he were by the af∣faires of his estate and his possessions exceedingly hindered frō the seruice of God, yet did he not omitt to haue good desires and with his vtmost put in practise good worckes. But because he could not persist in spirituall exercises, he permitted his wife to employ her sel∣fe therin for the honour of God and the benefitt of both their sou∣les. And this vertuous woman desiring her husband should employ his forces, in defence of the Catholike faith, she induced him to visit the holy land, and to assist the Christians in recouery ther∣of. He then to this effect hauing with his troupes for so laudable an enterprise aduanced his iorney so far as Italy, rested att Brindes to at∣tend

conuenient time and weather to take shipping: But it pleased God that he ther fell sick of a mortall infirmity, so that he shortly after with an exemplar contrition, yelded his spiritt vnto God. S. Elizabeth being aduertised of his death, receaued her widowhood with almost the like wil as she had don her mariadge, resoluing to apply her selfe entierly to the seruice of her celestiall Spouse. And so almighty God began to visitt her with greater afflictions, as hauing a soule more free, and was a litle more sublime then euer. For as soone as the death of the Lant∣graue was diuulged, she was by his kinred and vassalles expulsed her palace, as if she had bin a prodigall waster of the reuenue of her estate: and was so abandoned, that the night following (as a reiected crea∣ture) not knowing where to repose, she retyred in to a cottage em∣ployed for the shelter of beastes. There she ioyfully gaue thanckes to God for her misfortune, which she reputed as a great fauour and most singuler grace. The next morning, she repayred vnto the monastery of the Frere Minors, and prayed the Religious to sing Te Deum laudamus in thanckes-giuing to God, for that according to her desire he had affor∣ded her the estate of pouerty. After that she ordered her children to be disposed into diuer▪s places, to be instructed and educated according to their quality and degree, hauing no meane to retaine them any lon∣ger with her, many iniuryes and affrontes being imposed on her by the kinred of her deceased husband in his vassals, which she ioyfully & with inuincible patience supported as a fauour sent her by almighty God. An archibishop that was her vnckle caused her no small affliction, in that seeing her yong and reduced to such pouerty, he resolued to bestow her honorably in mariage. But the espouse of IESVS CHRIST, ha∣uing layd a firme resolution rather to dye then to mary againe, obtay∣ned of God by meane of prayer, the victory in so strong a conflict. Whiles she honorably remayned in a castle of her vnckles, the body of her husband was brought from Brindes, which was receaued by the sayd Archibishop with a very solemne troup and procession of the Clergie, and accompayned by the sayd Princesse with many teares, she thus speaking vnto almighty God: I giue thee infinite thanckes, O soueraine Bounty that it hath pleased thee to comfort me with the receipt of the bones of my deceased husband thy seruant. Thou alone knowest my God, how much I loued him, because he loued and feared thee. And neuertheles thou knowest also what consola∣tion I haue receaued of his death, being depriued of his presence, euen for thy loue, in that he went to serue thee for the reco∣uery of the holy land: and albeit I receaued an exceeding con∣tentment to liue with him, yet was it with condicion that we both together might trauell as poore beggers ouer the world:

But sith that may not be, thou knowest my God, that if it were in my power to restore him to life, I would not doe it, nor were it requisi•• for me to employ therin one haire of my head, if I thought it not thy holy will. But I recommend his soule and mine to thy diuine clemen∣cie. The king of Hongary hauing vnderstood the death of the Lant∣graue his sonne in law, and the miserable estate of his daughter, and with what impiety she was persecuted by the subiectes of her husband, he sent one of the principall Earles of his kingdome, to bring her vnto him: who hauing sought her, found her spinning of wooll among very poore women, wheratt he so admired and was so g••ieued, that he be∣gan to breake out into exclamations, regrets and complaintes: and att lenght deliuered his cha dge, aduertising her of the will of her Father. But in vaine did he striue to perswade her to retourne to her contry: for* 1.7 she as a generous Princesse, choie with the Prophett Dauid, rather to liue abiected with the poore in the house and seruice of God, then honoured in royall delightes, and in the palace of terresi••••all Princes.

How S. Elizabeth became religious, and founded a great hospitall for the vse of poore sick people.

THE XIV. CHAPTER.

THis blessed widow had vowed that if she ouer-liued her hus∣band, she would spend the rest of her dayes in perpetuall cha∣stity, obedience and pouerty, which she failed not with much feruour to accomplish; and the••fore she toke the habitt of the Penitents of the third Order of S. Francis, and being clothed in a coat and cloke of grosse gray cloth, all patched with sackloth, she promised obedience to her Confessour called Fa. Courad, a Religious of notable sanctity, which she most exactly obserued, euen in worckes of penance, as fastes, disci∣plines, and other mortifications, in which vertues this holy Religious man did exercise her for the greater benifitt of her soule. And to the end she might entierly deliuer her hart in possession vnto God, without being distracted or hindered by any temporall affection, she besought his diuine maiesty to setle in her hart such a misprise of al temporalities, as might depriue her euen of her loue to her children, and giue her force, to support all the iniuryes of this life. Arising from this prayer, she went and thus spake to her companions: Know ye, that almighty God hearing my prayers hath graunted me, that henceforward I shall neuer esteeme all the magnificences, amities, and other deceiptfull allu∣rements of the world, more then filth, yea neither shall I haue any care

of my children, more then of my neighbours, to the end I apply my loue to nothing but his diuine maiesty. After she had taken the religious ha∣bitt, she with greater feruour addicted her selfe to prayer, as also to worcks of mercy; and hauing receaued 2000. Marckes of mony as part of her dowry, she gaue the greatest part therof to the poore, and with the rest builded an honorable and commodious hospitall, to enter∣taine poore sick people, and there to haue them cherished, attended and medicined: wherein her selfe, as the most humble seruant, serued the poore sick creatures, yea with such charity as she washed their feet, and made their beddes: and then would say to her companions that assisted her: we haue this day receaued a great fauour of God in that we haue washed, couered and serued him, sith it is he whome we serue in his poore people. She relieued and assisted with such great feruour and humility, that in one night she carryed a poore blind and very sick boy, six times to his necessities, albeit he was euery where full of filth and lothsomnes, and then ioyfully washed the linnen that he had fouled. There was in this hospitall a leapresse, whome she often purified, though she were so couered with filth and leprosie, that one could not so much as behold her without horrour. But this Princesse did handle her as if she had bin very cleane, dressed her meat, gaue it her to eat, and applyed her medicins, pulled off her hose, and pared her nailes with such promp∣titude as she procured a strang admiration in all the beholders: She cau∣sed the sick ordinarily to confesse and communicate: and in like case a poore old and sick woman, that had no will to confesse, was by her corrected and made confesse. She washed and shrouded the dead bodyes with her owne handes, and with very great deuotion attended them to buryall. Our Lord by many miracles which he wrought by this bles∣sed lady, made appea••e how gratefull this worck of mercy was vnto his diuine maiesty.

What order S. Elizabeth obserued, and the miracles she wrought in the said Monasterie.

THE XV. CHAPTER.

SAinte Elizabeth in her hospitall ordayned, that no poore person should be admitted without being formerly confessed, because a man in mortall sinne doth not deserue att the handes of God, the bread he eateth. It one time happened that a blind man demaunded en∣tertaynment in the sayd hospitall, but because he would not confesse, he was not admitted: wherfore retourning he murmured, blasphemed and tayled for that he was reiected thence. But being charitably reprehended

and admonished by this vertuous Lady and a Frere Minor, he was con∣uerted and very deuoutly confessed his sinnes, and then was admitted into the hospital, where being, the Religious man sayd to S. Elizabeth: Sith you haue receaued the blind man, and haue giuen him to eat, you must also if you please, restore him his sight. The S. as one full of hu∣mility, answeared: Father that which you require is a worck of impor∣tance, and such as none but God can doe, as he alone that illuminateth the blinde: but sith it hath pleased his infinite bounty so mercifully to graunt him the light of grace, I shalbe glad that he voutchsafe him that of his eyes. And therfore Father, obtaine you of his diuine maiesty the light of one eye, and I wil endeauour to pray for the other. And so both of them with great confidence and feruour falling to their prayers, the sight of one eye was restored to the blind, and a litle after, the other. Wherin God shewed the difference of the meritts of the intercessors, in that the sight restored to the second eye, was very much clearer, purer, and sharper then the other.

The sainct one day entring secretly into the hospitall with two ser∣uants to visit the sick, she found att the dore a paralytique lying on the ground, who was also deafe and dumble. She hauing compassion of this poore creature, asked him with a low voice what he ayled. The sick man that could not yeare her, moued his head and mouth as one dumbe; and making signes with his handes, the seruant of God with feruour of the holy Ghost sayd vnto him: I command thee in the name of our Lord IESVS CHRIST, to tell me where is thy griefe: att which worde the paralytique arose on his feet and sayd: I haue bin for many yeares both dumbe and lame as you see, and this is the griefe I had. This sainct vtterly amazed att such a miracle, speedily retourned whence she came, to auoyd the notice and obseruation of the world.

As she went an other time to visitt the sick, it happened that she saw one so much decayed, as by reason of his extreme weaknes he could not eat. The S. prayed him to tell her what he desired to eat. The sick creature sighing answeared her, that he could willingly eat of some fresh-water fish: the vertuous Princesse, assuring him to procure it for him, left him much comforted, and presently sent a seruant of the hospitall to gett such fish for the sick man. But retourning he aduertised her that the riuer being frozen, there was no meane to haue any. Which this compassionate mother of the poore vnderstanding, hauing confi∣dence in God, and being well instructed by the holy Ghost, tooke a bason in her hand, and went incontinently to a fountaine close by the hospitall, wherinto hauing dipped her bason she drew it out full of water and fish, which with great pleasure she boiled, and gaue to the sick party that was halfe dead, who did eat with such appetite,

that a litle after he arose from his bed sound, and gaue thanckes to al∣mighty God.

Of the contemplation of S. Elizabeth, and how she deliuered her mother out of Purgatory, and conuerted a very sensuall yong man.

THE XVI. CHAPTER.

THis holy Princesse had ordinarily reuelations and visitations of her beloued IESVS CHRIST, by his most feruēt loue wherwith she was wounded. Being in the Church one day in the lent, she so setled and fixed her eyes on the altare, that she made it appeare that she there saw the presence of the diuine maiesty, so remayning many howers receauing celestiall reuelations. Retourning to her selfe, she was cōstrayned by so great weaknes to rest her head on the lappe of one of her seruantes, and so remayning a while, she began to behold the heauen att a window, discouering such a ioy in her countenance, that it enforced her to breake out into a merueillous laughter: and a litle after this laugh∣ter tourned into weeping, then againe openning her eyes she shewed the like signes of ioy as before, and shutting them she began againe to weep, thus continuyng without speech till Compline. And then she began to say. O my God: if thy holy will be to remaine with me, I most humbly beseech thee to beleeue that I affect not nor desire any thing more passio∣natly then to remayne eternally with thy diuine maiesty. Her companiōs hauing prayed her to tell them for the glory of God and the edification of their soules, what she had seene, she sayd: my beloued sisters, I haue seene heauen open, and my Lord IESVS CHR. benignely bowing vnto me, & shewing vnto me his holy gracious countenance. Whiles I beheld him, I was filled with incomprehēsible ioy, but not seeing him I was oppres∣sed with inestimable griefe: therfore did I so bitterly weepe. And ther∣fore God ha••ing compassion of me he againe cōforted and reioyced me with remonstrance of his glorious face replenished with inessable splen∣dour, who asking me if I would remayne with him, I answeared as you haue hea d. Her companions further prayed her to impart vnto them the reuelation she had a litle before being before the altare. She answeared: I may not tell you what I haue seene: yet I tell you I saw a merueillous matter of almighty God, & my hart was filled with his ioyful & gracious visitation. This S. was so visited of God in diuers manners, though she re∣uealed nothing to her cōpanions therof, nor what she knew to be the wil of God, who soueth the secrecy of his friendes. Our Redeemer would manifest the feruent charity of this blessed S. hearing her prayers by di∣uers effects, wherof we will heere record the two examples following.

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It happened one night as she slept that her mother appeared vnto her in vision, on her knees in this sort entreating her: alas my daughter, re∣member the paines I endured in thy birth, and pray for me, for thou must know I suffer extreme torment for hauing liued too negligently, & not done penance for my sinnes. The S. with this complaintive voice awaking, and touched and moued with compassion towardes her mo∣ther, she fell on her knees and made her prayer to God, demaunding mercy of him for her mother. And after a long and seruent prayer she fel a sleep, and an other time saw her mother in vision with a ioyfull coun∣tenance, who sayd: My daughter I am by thy prayers, deliuered of the paines wherwith I was tormented in purgatory, and am now goeing to heauen.

This saynt seeing a yong man very sensuall and full of vanity, had pitty of him, and prayed for him, whome also she persuaded to pray to God for himselfe, wherto he accorded. So whiles they both prayed, the yong man began to cry out: Madame, pray no more for me: pray no more, forbeare if you please. Which the S. hearing, she redoubled the feruour of her prayers, and the yong man began againe to cry low∣der: Madame, pray no more for me, I am all burned: which exteriourly appeared: for all his body did smoake by the extreme sweat wherin he was, which made him tremble, lift vp his armes, and his countenance to faile. They that found him there, touching his flesh, could not endure their handes on it: his cloathes were al wet with the excessiue sweat that bathed him, and therfore he stil encreased his cryes, saying that he bur∣ned. But the prayer of the sainct being ended, this extreme & visible heat left the yong man, who retourning to the true knowledge of himselfe, was then so purged and illuminated with diuine grace, that the entred into the Religious Order of Frere Minors, where he liued & died pious∣ly: and so God shewed the force and vertue of the prayer of his holy ser∣uant, not in these two examples only, but also in many others.

Of the blessed death of S. Elizabeth, and of the great miracles she wrought, and how Pope Gregory the 9. canonized her.

THE XVII. CHAPTER.

THe time of peregrinatiō of this holy widow being expired, our lord appeared vnto her in vision, and very familierly sayd: Mine elect, come, possesse the celestial habitation. In the morning she related this newes to her companions: then by order she receaued with an examplar deuotion all the sacraments of the Church: after that, she prepared what was necessary for her obsequies, and the night following tourning towardes a corner of the bed, they that were neere her heard a

cleare voice most sweetly singing: wherupon one of her familier com∣panions asked her who it was that did sing there, and she mildely ans∣weared that there was a litle bird, which by the pleasing melody of his tune had induced her to sing: then she began to cry, auoyd, auoyd, auoyd wicked spiritt. So that the deuill being come to see if he could find any thing for him in this sainct, vanished att that voice. And she hauing her countenance very ioyfull and her spiritt by prayer eleuated vnto God, de∣maunded if it were not yet midnight, att which houre our Sauiour vout∣safed to be borne in the world, and layd in the cribbe: then saying that the houre was come when God would inuite her soule to the celestiall mariadge, she sodenly mounted vnto heauen. Her body hauing remay∣ned foure dayes vnburyed, continued so beautifull and yelded so sweet a sauour, that it represented rather a glorious then mortall body. There appeared at that instant on the roofe of the church a great nōber of bir∣des of strange kind, which did so sweetly sing, that they filled those that saw and heard them with extreme admiratiō: this was to make knowne the feast which was celebrated in heauen att the entertaynment of this blessed soule: her funerals were filled with great clamours; complaintes and lamentations particulerly of the poore, for the death and absence of her that loued, attended, and dressed them as amiably as if she had bin the carnal mother to them all. There repayred thither a great confluence of people that with much deuotion we••e present att her obsequies each one entitling her a sainct and blessed. He that could gett so nere her body as to haue one of her haires or part of her habitt, esteemed it as a notable treasure. Then would our Lord make knowne the glory of this his faith∣full seruant, by many miracles which by her merittes he wrought, resto∣ring sight to the blind, curing the lame, cleansing the leprous, disposses∣sing the possessed, giuing also sight to one borne blind and her selfe being layd in her graue, deliuered many by her intercession from death. Wherof Pope Gregory the ninth being ad••ertised, & authentically assured of the miracles Wrought att the sepulchre of this holy womā to whome liuing he carryed a perticuler deuotion, after due and ordinarie information in such case procured, and the examen of her life and miracles effected, with the consent of al the Cardinals and Prelates of the Church that could be assembled, the sayd Pope enroled her in the Catalogue of SS. ordayning her feast to be solemnized ouer al the Catholike Church. This blessed S. departed this life the yeare of grace 1231. the 19. day of Nouēber. Certaine yeares after, her reliques being trāslated her body was found in the cosin of lead where it was first layd in sepulture, her flesh being melted into oyle and most precious liquor, that yelded a most delicious and pleasing ••auour: this oyle restored health to infinite sick people, and a very long time distilled from her sacred bones.

The life of the B. Elzearius of the third order of sainct Francis, and S. Delphine his wife.

Of the sanctity, mortification, abstinence, and virginity of S. Elzearius.

THE XVIII. CHAPTER.

ELzearius was Earle of Arian in Prouince, no lesse generous and noble in vertues and sanctity, then eminent & famous in race & generation; for the Ea••les of Arian his predecestors were of the most illustrious of Prouence. This nobleman from thirteen yeares of a∣ge accustomed to fast often, and woare a cord girded on his flesh, knot∣ted with fiue knottes, which he vsed as a restraint and bridle to carnall sensuality, and as a secrett memory of the fiue woundes of our lord IE∣SVS CHRIST. When he was ouer-wearyed with watching and was o∣uercome with necessity of sleep, he neuer putt of his cloathes to take his rest: and by day woare an hair-cloth, therby to feele some affliction in his body both by day and night, considering that without afflictions the fruites of spirituall desires cannot be obtayned. His rigours also serued him to represse the cōcupiscences & stinges of the flesh, and to obtayne the fruites of true wisdome. His age encreasing, he addicted himselfe to a stricter rule of abstinence, chasticing his body by fastes, to subiect it vn∣to the spiritt. He gaue vertuous and pious instructions to his family, that they might liue in the feare of God, and not iniury their neighbour, but might edifie him, and that God might by them be serued and honoured. This sainct after his youth (though he had bin delicately nourrished) was a great friend vnto chastity, and so continued euen to his death, pre∣seruing in his soule and body the inestimable treasure of virginity.

How sainct Elzearius was maryed, and accorded with his wife, to con∣serue their virginity.

THE XIX. CHAPTER.

S. Elzearius was maryed in his youth, vnto a gentlewoman of no∣ble familie called Delphine, who had a like intention with her hus∣band to preserue her virginity. She being past twelue yeares of age, and knowing she should shortly be deliuered and committed to Elzea∣rious her Spouse, began exceedingly to fea••e that notwithstanding the sanctity she knew to be in him, as not sufficiently fi••me and resolute in this grace, he would ouerthrow the holy resolutiō she had to cōserue her integrity. And consulting therof with a Frere Minor that was her ghost∣ly

Father, called Frere Philip Denguerre a man of notable piety, he gaue her full asseurance and satisfaction, with a prophetical spiritt telling her, that she should not only entierly obserue her vow, but that her husbād and she should liue together chastly and so perseuer to the end. And so the nuptiall solemnities being ended, they liued together twenty sea∣uen yeares religiously and piously, vnder the shadow of the name of mariadge, very well vnited in spiritt, but remote from the vnion of the flesh, preseruing in this vessell of earth, the inestimable treasure of most precious chastity, a vertue not so much recommendable as rare, and so much more worthy to be imitated, att least in part, as the contrary vice is damnable and ruinous.

Of the worthy and singuler vertues of S. Elzearius.

THE XX. CHAPTER.

THis holy man duely considering that the principall vertue which the seruant of God can haue, is the misprise of himselfe, and consequently humility, and not worldly nobility: his spi∣ritt could neuer be raysed to vaine glory by the great substance, honours and puissance which the eminency of his house did yeld him. His wor∣des were gracious and pleasing conformable to the spiritt that deliuered them: and the better to attaine to the perfect contempt of himselfe, he would often, for the loue of IESVS CHRIST, wash the soares and vlceres of leapers with his one handes, and serue them with gteat fer∣uour of deuotion, and with such charity, as if with his owne eyes he had seene and serued IESVS CHRIST himselfe. He behaued himselfe towardes his subiectes and vassals, ouer whome he had entier iurisdi∣ction, as a iust lord, iudgeing their causes with a seuere clemencie, as one that could not be drawne from the right course of iustice by feare, ha∣tred, fauour or corruption. This holy man proceeded in all actions by the vertue of discretion, wherwith he so tēpered his worckes of mercy, that therin he with exceeding humility auoyded worldly glory and fauour: and as a valiant and perfect warryer, he neuer desisted from his first intē∣tion: and as iust, he withall his industry shunned the occasions of offen∣ding God. This seruant was so charitable and liberall to the poore, that neuer any demaunded of him an almose for the loue of God, but he gaue him a reward together with good wordes. All his care was to feed the hungry, to lodge pilgrimes, and haue care of poore sick and for∣lorne creatures, as one that acknowledged the poore CHR. IES. in his poore creatures, & in sicknesses, the painfull afflictions w••ich he endured for vs miserable sinners. And as he was replenished with the loue of his

neighbours, no lesse was he, but much more replenished with the loue of IESVS CHRIST. And knowing that the edifice of vertues hath its end in the perfection of holy prayer, in regard that it is a conuersation and familiarity with God, he applyed himselfe with all his endeauour to prayer and contemplation: he also sayd the canonicall houres with such deuotion and attention, as if he had bin in the visible presence of IESVS CHRIST.

How S. Elzearius had the true vertue of patience: of his death and ca∣nonization, and the death of his wife.

THE XXI. CHAPTER.

THis inuincible Champion, was so armed with the precious ar∣mours of patience by the exercise of vertue, that, albeit he sup∣ported many thinges very difficult to endure, yet none could euer disquiett him: so that he was neuer perceaued to be in choler, nor the least iott remote from his ordinary mildnes. For he very patiently and humblie, supported and endured the iniu••yes and affiontes directly or indirectly offered vnto him, and was neuer heard to proceed out of his mouth any word but of praise and thanckesgiuing vnto God: he with such sweetnes and clemencie pardonned his ennemies whatsoeuer offen∣ce they commited against him, that he did not only make appeare that he was satissied and appeased, but proceeded in their behalfe as if there had neuer bin cause of discontentment.

Being att Paris, and hauing fore-knowledge of the houre of his death, he with great abondance of teares and exceeding deuotion made his cō∣fession, then with much reuerence and in very exemplar manner recea∣ued the sacramentes of the church. And albeit his life and the Countes∣se his wiues were stored withall kind of vertues, yet in his last dayes speaking of her, being vrged by the holy Ghost he vttered to those pre∣sent these wordes: The infidell man is sanctified by the faithfull wo∣man, whome I leaue a virgin in this mortall life, as I receaued her a vir∣gin and vnspotted.

This holy Confessour of IESVS CHRIST, changed this life for a better the yeare of grace 1327. Father Francis of Maronis, a famous prea∣cher and Doctour was present att his death. The very daye of his de∣parture he appeared in all glory vnto his wife, (who was them in her Countie in Prouence) to whome he vttered these wordes of the Psal∣mist: The snare is broaken, and we are deliuered, and so without any o∣ther word he vanished. The Contesse the same day recounted to all her company the death of her husband, it being the 27. day of September.

He was buryed in the church of the Cordeliers att Paris clothed in the habitt of the third Order, and the same yeare his body was translated in∣to Prouence to the Couent of Apte, in which his sanctity was by many miracles diuulged; for which he was by the Apostolike sea canonized. His feast is celebrated the 27. of September:

The Countesse Delphine his wife, liued many yeares after him per∣seuering in piety: being dead she was buryed by her husband, hauing the the habitt of the Frere Minors, as a disciple of the holy Father S. Francis, and of the third Order.

Att the death of this Countesse and till her body was enterred, a most sweet harmony was heard in the aire, as they haue testified and assured who were neere her body. It is piously beleeued that they were Angels singing as true friendes of virginall purity. Our Lord wrought many miracles as well in the life time, as att the death of this holy woman, and in such quantity, as there is no doubt but that our lord had canonized her in heauen.

The life of the blessed Yues, of the 3. Order S. Francis.

Of the holy exercises and mortification of the flesh of S. Yues.

THE XXII. CHAPTER.

YVes florished in that time in the Duchy of Bretanie within the diocese of T••iguier. He was a man of eminent sanctity, and led a merueillous austere life, for which cause almighiy God made him famous by many miracles. This holy man was the sonne of a very rich & vertuous man, by whose good example he was from his tender infancie a patterne of commendable conuersation. His Father sent him to study humanity att Paris, thence to Orleans to study the Canon and Ciuill law, but much more did he profitt in diuine wisdome: for there mani∣festing his doctrine he layd open to many the true knowledge and assu∣red way of iustice. And being to retourne to his Father, the Bishop of Tri∣quet hauing heard the fame of his excellent vertues and sanctity, made him his Officiall or commissary, with very ample aucthority. And albeit the holy man withall his power withstood the acceptance of this cha d∣ge: yet was he att lenght constrained therevnto. He with such prudence* 1.8 and without acception of persons administred iustice, that the ballance was alwayes equall; which he performed with such sincerity, that he would neuer receaue any ••ecompence for it in this life.

A litle after by diuine prouidence he became Priest, in which ministe∣ry he offered his body a liuely sacrifice vnto almighty God. His habit was

then, according to his quality, common, decent and modest. But vn∣der he woare a very sharp hayr-cloth, Whe••with he afflicted his body, & did weaken it by frequēt and austere fastes & by cōtinual watchinges.

When he was admitted into the confraternity of the Penitents of the third O••der of S. Francis, he reiected all his fine apparell (though most modest and plaine) which he ware according to his quality, cloathing himselfe with very grosse and course gray cloth, and wearing rude and homely shooes as poore Religious ordinarily vse. He w••are vpon his hair-cloth (that it might not be seene) a shirt made of towe, raw or vn∣dressed. He slept very litle, and then only when nature was wearyed with prayer, study or spirituall exercise, or burdened with naturall ne∣cessity of sleep: his repose was short, and he alwayes tooke it cloathed. His bed was the bare ground, a hurdle, or some g••osse stickes wreathed together, his pillow the bible (an instrument of litle sleepe and of much dilligence) he being mindfull and taking comfort of these wordes of our* 1.9 Redeemer IESVS CHRIST. They that are clothed in soft garments, are in kings houses.

Of the abstinence, charity, prayer, and the manner of saying the di∣uine office, of S. Yues.

THE XXIII. CHAPTER.

THis holy man did neuer feed on delicate meates, but such as were very grosse: which he did to reserue of his reuenue wher∣with to reliue many poore people. On fasting dayes comman∣ded by the Church he vsed only bread and water, & ordinarily did with great abstinence fast the wednesday and saterday. He had customarily strangers and pilgrimes in his house: he was very dilligent in the practise of the worckes of mercy: he entertayned poore people, and particuler∣ly the sick and lame, with exceeding pitty and compassion and conuer∣sed with them so mildly and familiarly as if they had bin his brethren, he serued them and made their beddes, washed their feet, and did them all other seruices that they could need. Being no lesse carefull to admini∣ster vnto them the spirituall food of the word of God, then the corpo∣rall, he made them notable exhortations, wherin he multiplyed the ta∣lent of the Euangelicall doctrine to those that were vnder his chardge.* 1.10 He was very prompt in according dissentions and procuring of peace with all persons. He had the grace to conuert sinners to pennance. He was so addicted to prayer and contemplation, that he would sometimes neglect to take his ordinary repast and dyett. And one time he continued fiue whole dayes in prayer in his chamber, without asking or being of∣fered

him any thing to eat. And yet when he came forth his countenā∣ce was so pleasing, ioyful, and vermilliō as if he had bin pampered with most exquisite meates.

As he celebrated masse with great feruour, so did he therin receaue of God notable feelinges and graces, as one day did appeare: for as he eleua∣ted the most sacred sacrament, there discended from heauen an admirable splendour and brightnes, which enuironned the sacred host together with the chalice. He red the canonicall houres with admirable attention & deuotion, and did alwayes rise att midnight to say his Matins. He di∣uided the office into all the houres of the dayes, in imitation of the Pro∣phett* 1.11 Dauid, who praysed God seauen times in the day.

Of the blessed death of S. Yues.

THE XXIV. CHAPTER.

THis holy Religious being complete in the perfectiō of all vertues, & exceeding deuout vnto IESVS CHRIST, very austere towar∣des himselfe, & extreme curteous and charitable towards others, as he was by diuine grace, of a singuler life and admirable in the worckes of charity, so was he honoured of God in this life by merueillous actions & miracles. For he expelled the euill spirittes out of humane bodyes, he cured all kind of diseases: Wherin was accomplished the prophesie of his mother, who confidently affirmed that, he being a child, it was reuealed vnto her that he should proue a sainct.

The day of his death was reuealed vnto him three weekes before he dyed. And thervpon he sayd to his people, that he was shortly by the diuine will to depart out of this life. And so the three weekes being ex∣pired being fortified with the sacraments of the Church, making a end answearable to the worth of his life, he yelded his soule vnto God the yeare, 1303. the 19. of May, & 50. of his age. His feast is celebrated the same month & day, and in some places the 27. day of October, by reason of his translation.

Of some other holy persons of the third Order of S. Francis.

THE XXV. CHAPTER.

THere haue bin many other SS. of this cōfraternity of the third Order of Penitents of S. Francis, the history & particuler life of whome, would be too tedious to be inserted. And therfore we will rest cōtent with the only rehearsall of the names of such as by many

authors are recorded. Among the SS. of this Order is reckoned S. Lewis king of France, and queene Blanch his mother who was daughter to the king of Castille. The blessed Luchesius of Poggibongy whose reliques are in Toscane, in a monastery of Frere Minors, scituat on the mount im∣periall, where they are exceedingly reuerēced. S. Bonne-femme, the wife of the sayd Signiour Luchesius. S. Lucius, who was the first that sainct Francis receaued into the third Order of Penitents. Nicoluccius Sienos, and Iames de la Lande Priest, by whome our Lord wrought many mi∣racles; S. Peter Romanus, who was martyred by the Soldan: Bonacius de Voltera: Peter de Colle: Alexander of Perusia: Leo Archbishop of Mi∣lan: Walter Bishop of Tremise: and Richard Bishop of Alexandria, do∣ctour of diuinity: Charles Dendono of Manfelt••e: Iohn of Rauerie: Tor∣cello of Puppio, Bartholomew of S. Giminian: Peter Petinarius: and of the blessed Thomas Vntius of Tullinium, who by miracles & prophesie was very famous: All the aforesayd haue bin famous in sanctity of life, and in great reputation of vertues and miracles.

The names of many holy women of this Order.

S. Rosa of Viterbium: sainte Margarit of Cortone: sainte Aemiliana of Florence: sainte Clare of Mont-faucon, in whose hart after her death was found a crucifix, with all the mysteries of the passion: and many o∣ther Ladyes, among whō is placed an Empresse: which women were very venerable and worthy of perpetuall memory. Which, if they haue not obtayned heere below among earthly people, they enioy it with far greater glory among the Angels & SS. in the celestiall kingdome; by which fruit it appeareth that this holy confraternity of Penitents, in∣stituted by the holy Father S. Francis, was assisted by the holy Ghost, to the end that Christians of free estate, maryed persons, and widoes that cannot support the burden of Religion, may in their houses produce fruites worthy of penance, to the saluation of their soules and for the loue of IESVS CHRIST.

The end of the ninth booke.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Matt. 4.
• * 1.2

  Eccles. 2.
• * 1.3

  Cant. 5.
• * 1.4

  Luc. 2.
• * 1.5

  To pray for ones enem••es is very pleasing vnto God.
• * 1.6

  God infi∣nitely surpas∣seth vs in loue.
• * 1.7

  Psal. 83.
• * 1.8

  Remarc∣kable procee∣ding in a man of iust••ce.
• * 1.9

  ••at. 11.
• * 1.10

  The gif∣tes of. S. Yues.
• * 1.11

  Psal. 18.