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
VI. We must by all means, prevent those, especially who have voluntarily
deserted the society, from being promoted to any office or dignity in the
church, until they shall have submitted and devoted themselves, and their
all to the society; and that in such a way, as to make it obvious to all
that they are willing to depend entirely upon it.
VII. Timely care should be taken, as much as possible, to prevent their
exercising the more distinguished functions of the church, such as
preaching, hearing confessions, publishing books, &c., lest they should
conciliate the affection and applause of the people; therefore, let the
most diligent inquiry be made into their life and conduct, as well as
their associations, occupations, &c.; and as it regards the dismissed,
even their intentions; for which purpose it will be useful for us to
hold confidential intercourse with some one in the families, where the
dismissed reside, that the moment any thing equivocal, or censurable,
shall be discovered, it may be noised about by persons of inferior
condition, devoted to us, and thus noblemen and prelates who might favor
them, may be restrained by these indications of future infamy; but if
they commit nothing blameworthy, and conduct themselves laudibly,
their virtues and commendable actions, are to be depreciated by subtle
suggestions, and ambiguous expressions, until the esteem and confidence
which they before enjoyed is diminished; for it is the plain interest
of the society, that the dismissed, and still more deserters, should be
wholly crushed.
VIII. The misfortunes and disastrous events which befall them, ought
to be immediately published, but at the same time solicit for them the
prayers of the righteous, lest we should be suspected of malevolence;
but, amongst ourselves, in every way exaggerate them, thus to retain
others.
CAP. XII.
_Quinam conservari ac foveri in societate debeant._
I. Primum locum tenere debent strenui operarii, qui scilicet non minus
temporale quam spirituale societatis bonum promovent, quales sunt
plerumque confessarii principum ac magnatum, viduarum et devotarum
opulentarum, concionatores et professores, et quicumque horum secretorum
sunt conscii.
II. Corruentes viribus et defecti ætate, secundum quod talenta sua
pro bono societatis temporali impenderunt, adeo ut habeatur decens
ratio messis præteritæ; preterquam quod adhuc apta instrumenta sint ad
deferendos superioribus defectus ordinarios quos in reliquis domesticis,
cum perpetuo domi sint, animadvertunt.
III. Dimittendi illi nunquam erunt, quantum fieri poterit, ne societas
male audiat.
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