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ALthough we haue said be∣fore that S. Francis was the first author and beginner of this Rule, yet because some seeme to make a doubt hereof, attributing it to Pope Nicholas the fourth, I could not passe on, vntill I had remoued this scruple. True it is
that Pope Nicholas did make it more publicke, and more au∣thenticall by inserting it in his bull giuen in the yeare 1289. some threescore and eight yeares after S. Francis had begun it, but that was onely to confirme not to institute the Rule. The testi∣monie of S. Bonauenture may suf∣fice herein, vho in the 4. chapter of the life of S. Francis saith, that many of both sexes enflamed by the feruour of his preachings did serue God in coniugall chastitie, according to the Rule which the man of God had giuen them. The ancient forme of profession infinuates as much, I Brother N. doe vow &c. to obserue the Commandements of God all the time of my life, and conueniently to satisfie for the transgressions or faults, which I shall commit against this Rule and manner of liuing of
the third Order of Pennance, institu∣ted by S. Francis and confirmed by Pope Nicholas &c. This forme is taken out of the booke called firmamentū trium ordinum, whence Bernardinus de Bustis a famous preacher had good reason to say, that the Inuentors of this Rule were not Friar minors, nor any Bishop, nor Doctor nor any Con∣gregation, but the seraphicall Father S. Francis, the holy ghost teaching him, hath ordayned it. Which also is confirmed by the words of the said Pope Nicholas, who writing to the bishop of Florence in the yeare 1291. for∣bids any one to molest, or trouble the Brothers of the third order of pennance, to whom, saith he, we haue giuen a forme of liuing, as it hath bene giuen by S. Francis, causing it to be noted by our Bull, to the end that the Brothers re∣maine
not doubtfull, and incon∣stant in the obseruance of their life. Leo the 10. hath almost the same. Pope Clement the 7. in his bull Ad vberes fructus in the yeare 1526. hath it more plainely; his words are these. And although the Rule of pennance instituted by S. Francis and approued by Nicholas our predecessour &c.
Moreouer it seemes very vnli∣kely, that this order so much cele∣brated, & multiplied through the whole world, wherein there haue beene euen in the very beginning Emperours, and Empresses, kings and queenes, Bishops and priests, Doctours and illustrious persons of all sorts, should not haue a Rule, whereby they might direct their life. To this we may adde, what is recorded in the life of B. Luchesius one of the first of this order, namely that he demanded
a Rule of the holy Father S. Francis, who granted him his request, and gaue him the habit. Also in the life of S. Viridane we read that our holy Father gaue her the habit, and instructing her left her a Rule to liue by in her solitude, wherein she liued many yeares. And who can doubt, but Blessed S. Elizabeth of Hungary had some certaine Rule whereof she made profession. Wherfore it being certaine, that our holy Father instituted this Rule, it seemes necessarie to enquire of the diuersitie of the Professours thereof; as also how it hath made that progresse to perfection as now we see it is come vnto.