Secreta Monita Societatis Jesu. The Secret Counsels of the Society of Jesus, in Latin and English
History
Secreta Monita Societatis Jesu. The Secret Counsels of the Society of Jesus, in Latin and English
Jesuits -- Controversial Literature
IV. It will also greatly help us in joining the minds of Rulers if we
skilfully, and by the aid of third persons, insinuate ourselves into
embassies for them at once honorable and beneficial, which are to be
undertaken to other Princes and Rulers; especially to the Pope and
supreme Monarchs; for we can thus promote at once ourselves and the
society; wherefore none but those devoted to our affairs and skilled in
them, should be destined to this service.
V. The favorites of Princes, and especially their domestics with whom
they are on familiar terms, by small presents chiefly, and by various
duties of piety, are to be gained, that by them we may acquire faithful
information respecting the humors and inclinations of Rulers and
noblemen; so that the society may readily accommodate itself to them.
VI. Experience also teaches us as in the case of Austria and the
Kingdoms of France and Poland, and other empires, how much the society
may benefit itself by being concerned in the marriage contracts of
Princes. Therefore, let those matches be carefully promoted as the most
proper, where the parents and friends of the parties are our friends or
associates.
VII. Distinguished women are most readily gained through those domestics,
attached to the bed chamber; therefore let these be pleased by every
method, for thus will access to all, even the most profound secrets in
families, be opened.
VIII. In governing the consciences of the great, let our confessions
follow the opinions of those authors who give the greater latitude to
conscience, against the opinions of other religious orders, that they
being left, the great will prefer to depend wholly on our direction and
counsel.
IX. Rulers as well as prelates, and all others who can render
extraordinary service to the society, are to become partakers of all the
merits of the society; the greatness of so high a privilege having been
first explained to them.
X. The unlimited powers of our society of absolving, even in cases which
as it regards other pastors or religious orders, are reserved; also as
it regards dispensing with fasts, keeping vows, or having them released,
matrimonial impediments, and other affairs, are to be cautiously and
prudently insinuated; by which it will happen that many will come to us
and be bound to us by obligations received.
XI. Such are to be invited to discourses, meetings, orations, exercises,
declamations, &c. complimented with verses and written themes, invited to
entertainments, and honored in these, and various other appropriate ways.
XII. Let the animosities and dissentions amongst the great, be brought to
us, that they may be settled; for so we can come gradually to a knowledge
of their familiar and secret affairs, and can bind one party to our
interests.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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