THe Holy Synod doth decree, That all those shall be liable to Excommunica∣tion, of whatsoever quality or condition they be, as well Clergy as Laity, Seculars or Regulars, however dignified or distinguished, who shall in any wise compel or force either a Virgin, Widow, or any other Woman whatever, to enter into a Monastery, or to take the Habit of any Religious Order, or to make Profession against their wills, unless in such cases as the Law allows of: and doth also Anathematize all such as shall advise, aid or favour such their unwilling Pro∣fession; or that knowing any Woman to have been forc'd into a Monastery, or to take the Habit and make Profession against her will, shall further and promote the same by their Presence, Consent, Authority, or any other way whatsoever.
And doth likewise Anathematize all those who shall without just cause, any ways hinder any holy Virgin, or other Woman, who hath a Desire to take upon her the Vail, and to make Profession. And all those things which were usually done before and at the time of Professing, shall be still observ'd, not only in Mo∣nasteries, subject to Bishops, but in all others whatsoever.
Nevertheless, those Women who are commonly called Poenitentes or Convertitae, shall be excepted out of the Decrees aforesaid, and the accustomed Orders con∣cerning them shall be henceforth observed.