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THat the Mothers may the more willingly consent to this enterprise, we must perswade them gently, that they must be a little harsh with Daughters that are stub∣born, whipping them with rods, if young; with mortifi∣cation, and threats of worse usage, if more gone in years.
They must be chastised, and denied what were other∣wise befitting their quality. But if they will comply with our Rules, they must be cherished with all tenderness, and promised a greater portion, than if they should marry.
The Mother must lay before them the austerity of a Husband, and the chargeableness of that condition: re∣present to them the hardships and vexations of Marriage, the torments and anguishes they are to endure, and that nothing but sorrow is to be got by it; whereas the en∣tring into some religious Vow, brings along with it all content. The same doctrine must be applyed to Sons that are inclinable to marry.
We must get familiar with their Sons, and invite them to those Colleges we think fittest to place them in, carrying them into our Gardens to walk, and to our Countrey-houses, where we go for diversion.
Shew them the great content those retreats afford, and how great respect all Princes pay us. In short, we must make it our business to draw in the youth, by carrying them to our Refectories and Chambers, letting them see the agreeableness of our conversation, and how easy our Rule is, which has the promise of the glory of the blessed.
Our sharpness in disputations of Things appertaining to this world, or that to come, the eloquent discourses that are made amongst us, from delightful entertainments so heavenly pleasant, which seem to be bestowed upon us in the name of the holy Virgin, by way of revelation, must not be omitted, as so many inducements to bring them to our Order: convincing them how great a sin it is to resist a call from heaven. Let them likewise be present at our Exercises, to see what that will do.
The Preceptors that teach Widows Sons in the house must be of our preferring; who must be perpetually in∣viting
them over to us, and promise them, rather than fail, that if they will enter into our Society, they shall be received gratis.
We must order it so, that their Mothers disappoint them of their necessaries from time to time, to make them consider into what troubles, and difficulties their affairs are fallen.