With regard to the authority of the general over the temporalities of the order, we find[126], that he has power {365} to make all kinds of contracts in behalf of the colleges and houses of the society, though he is not allowed to convert any thing to his own private use or advantage[127]. He cannot transfer the revenues of one college to another, nor assign any part of them for the maintenance of _Profest Houses_[128], which are not to have any rents, but are entirely to subsist upon charity. The donations, which are made to the body, without being assigned to any determinate use, are at the general's disposal[129], who may sell them, and annex them to any house, as he shall judge most expedient for promoting God' honour and the good {366} of religion; but with this caution, that, when such donations are made by persons who enter into the society, they be not alienated from the province[130], unless, perhaps, the great distress of some house in another province should call for immediate relief. And, with regard to places that are subject to the dominion of different princes, the general is not allowed to make any such translation of property from one territory to another, without their consent[131], but he can never appropriate to his own use, or make over to his relations, any part of that which is given to the society, without incurring certain danger of being deposed from his office[132]. Hence it is plain, that the {367} general is no more than a kind of steward and administrator of the goods and possessions belonging to the society, the property whereof is wholly vested in the colleges and other houses. It doth not appear to us, that this manner of administration can be any way prejudical to the colleges of the order; neither can it with reason give umbrage to the state, or cause any distrust in the government, their general having no power to dispose of the possessions belonging to the colleges in your majesty's dominions, contrary to the laws and established customs of your kingdom; nor can it be supposed, that such an attempt would ever escape the vigilance of our magistrates, the faithful depositaries of your majesty's authority.