of heavenly things they procured to themselves the name of Sanctimoniales and from these good beginings the several holy Orders sprung and were as the Church increased and spread her silver Wings of Peace to shadow her Children from the heat of persecution at divers times constituted and confirmed of whose several Rises and Progresses I intend to speak that those who are unacquainted therewith may be fully satisfied and Mistakes or Misrepresentations rectified and avoided That at one view much of this nature past and present may impartially be surveyed without offending any by augmenting or extenuating And so take them briefly in order as they are warranted on the credit of such Authors as have been curious in the search and inquiry of those things and left them to our consideration as undoubted Truths as also what relates to the Offices and Ceremonies of the Court of Rome c. CHAP. 1. A Discourse of divers Religious Orders Instituted and Established in the Primitive Times c. at the Thabenesii the Monks of St. Basil and St. Hierom c. with the Rules prescribed for their manner of Living and strictness of Life their Tenents management of Affairs Habit c. CHristianity prevailing and in spite of Opposition mounting like the victorious Palm under weight and oppression the Church that before was blessed with Internal Peace found the like External Blessing under that glorious Christian Emperor Constantine the Great and not only Peace but Incouragement insomuch that Piety and Learning began more and more to flourish and a setled Method and Order in Ecclesiastical matters to be regularly observed which in the days of Persecution could not be brought to perfection all the strict Professors being forced to live in Caves and Desarts like Eremites or fly from one place to another to avoid the Sword or Flames So that the first well setled Orders we read of were called Thabennesii from the Isle of Thabenna in the Province of Thebais the place of their Abode and these were established by one Pachomius an Eremite who in the Reign of Constantius Son to Constantine the Great convened divers Religious Men and giving them the Title or Stile of Monks prescribed the following Rules viz. That they should cohabit or live together in one House in which House were divers little Cells every Cell allotted for three persons yet that they should eat together in common at a Table placed in the Hall for that purpose eating or abstaining being otherwise left to their discretion That they must take their repose in Chairs and not in Beds the Cloaths that were allotted them were made of Goat-skins which they put not off unless when they received the Blessed Sacrament Hoods they likewise had with which they covered their faces and in their eating were injoyned silence and to be intent upon what they were about Prayers were likewise enjoined them twelve times a day as also in the Evening and in the Night a Psalm going before each Prayer Their Cells or as some will have it their Orders were twenty four and in this manner they lived up to the strictness of their Profession in honest Demeanor and Piety which stirred up and incited others to imitate them Nor was St. Basil Presbyter of Caesarea in Cappadocia slow in erecting or causing to be erected places for Religious Worship and giving Instructions to those that had betaken themselves to such places For being molested by Eusebius his Bishop lest they contending any trouble might be raised to the Church or occasion of scandal given to the enemies of the Gospel he withdrew himself to a Monastery in Pontus and sent his invitation to such as had chosen to dwell in Caves or other the like Retirements to leave those Solitudes and come to him When getting together a competent number he prescribed them Rules under ninety five Heads and were by most of the Eastern Monks embraced c. the which by reason they tend to Piety and the settlement of a good Living I think not amiss to repeat As first They were enjoyned to love God with all their hearts soul and strength and their Neighbour as themselves 2. To ground and fix the love of God upon his Glory Power and Excellency as he is in himself and on his Bounty Goodness and Mercy towards us 3. That the love of our Neighbour be founded upon the Will and Commandment of God and on his Love towards us who were his enemies 4. That they should live together for the sake of mutual Help Comfort Instruction Exercise of Virtue Efficacy of Prayer and security from danger 5. That they should renounce and forsake the Pleasures and Vanities of the world 6. That they should dispose of their wealth to the poor and needy 7. That none without trial be admitted into their Fraternity 8. That Children with the consent of their Parents may be admitted 9. That they should endeavour to be temperate in all things as well in Diet as Behaviour 10. That measures be set down for their eating and drinking 11. That none strive for Superiority at the Table or elsewhere 12. That their Apparel be plane and decent that they girded them with a girdle 13. That they walk not after their own Sensuality but square their Actions by the word of God 14. That next to God they be obedient to their Superiors 15. That they should serve God with upright hearts and all ferventness of affection 16. That he who should be their Governor consider he is God's Minister and be careful and tender over his charge 17. That at first he reprove the Offendors with meekness and gentleness but if they prove obstinate and will not be reclaimed then he is to account them as Heathens and Publicans c. 18. That he suffer not the least offence to pass unreproved 19. That Repentance be sincerely performed 20. That it be accompanied with good works 21. And with Confession 22. That if any person relapse he must use more sincerity in his Repentance than before 23. Let him who reproves be as a Father or a Physitian and the reproved persons as Sons and Patients 24. That no man be obstinate or seek to excuse or justifie himself in any evil course or undertaking 25. That amongst them all things be Common 26. That men of Estates render to their Kindred what is their due and the remainder to the poor 27. That none that are entred return to their Parents houses unless to give them Instructions and that to be done by the permission of their Superiors 28. Through which none must give way for their minds to wander after vanity 29. That to avoid idle and sinful Dreams they apply themselves to meditation on the Law and Word of God 30. That with the same affection our blessed Saviour washed his Disciples feet the stronger ought to assist the weak and infirm in sickness and on sundry other occasions 31. That they should love one another as Christ loved us 32. That their speech
for Piety and Learning spreading abroad many Noble Youths came and were instructed by him As for the Monks of his Order they were accounted very devout and distinguished from others by wearing Swart or Brown coloured Garments having a plaited Cloak over their Coat a Leathern Girdle with which they girded themselves as also wooden Shoes they were called Hieronimiam and flourished after his death who changed this life for one more Glorious in the 91 year of his Age and of Christ 421. There was likewise an Order-of Eremites of St. Hierom instituted by Charles Granellus a Florentine about the year of Christ 1365. which flourished chiefly in Italy and Spain procuring by their Piety and Industry large Revenues from Charitable Benefactors c. CHAP. II. A Discourse of the Religious Orders of Monks or Canons-Regular and Eremits Instituted by St. Augustin their Habit manner of Living c. with the Opinion of some in relation to the Monks c. Shaving their Crowns A Discourse in general of Religious Orders and their strict Observance ST Augustin that great Pillar of the Church being miraculously Converted and withdrawn from the debaucheries of his Youth thought with St. Paul that he ought to labour more abundantly for his former remissness and therefore bent his Study to do what might most tend to the Conversion of Souls wherefore being made Bishop of Hippo in Africa he founded a Monastery within the Church where himself resided with many Learned men as in a College sending as he saw occasion divers Learned men from thence to Preach the Gospel and perswade the people to renounce those Errors or erroneous Opinions that had been Imposed upon them or Instill'd into them by False-Teachers And to him is attributed the Institution of three Orders viz. Eremites Monks and Canons-Regular Yet Authors give but a very slender account of the two first though many have since professed to live after his Rules As the Scopetini instituted by Stephen and James of Sena and confirmed by Gregory the Eleventh Bishop of Rome Anno 1408. The Trisenarii otherwise called Lateraneses who had their beginning in the Province of Hetruria near Luca and confirmed by Eugenius the Fourth Bishop of Rome The Order of St. George in Alga instituted by Laurentius Justinianus at Venice Anno 1407. and ratified by John the 22 Bishop of Rome who are habited in Blew with many others of whom I shall have occasion to speak hereafter The Habit of the Canons-Regular is a white Cloath Coat open before reaching down to their Feet and girded to their Body over it they wear a White Surplice reaching to their Knees and over that a short Black Cloak not exceeding their Elbows with a Hood fastned to it having their Crowns shaven like Fryers When they go abroad they wear a broad Hat or a black cornered Cap. After the Example of the Canons-Monastical were other Canons erected stiled Ecclesiastical Canons who had no Abbot but were governed by their Bishop These had still their residence near the Cathedral Church which was frequently called Monastery and whilst they lived up to the strictness of their Order were called Regular but interessing themselves in worldly business the word Regular was changed to Secular as Volateran will have it That there were Monasteries of the Order in Europe 4555. though now there are many of them converted to other uses for of 700. which he affirms to have been in Italy not 70 are extant or at least that are in possession He further adds that out of this Order have sprung 30. Popes and 300. Cardinals As for the Order of Eremites the account in short is that they wore a Black Coat with a Hood of the same colour having underneath it a little White Coat with a Girdle of Leather at the end of which was a Buckle of Horn. As yet Shaving was not generally used especially that of the Beard though some will have it that many in the Primitive Times did imitate St. Peter therein who being shaven by the Gentiles at Antioch gloryed in what they accounted a Shame and despight though Bellarmine and others seem to refer it to a Decree of the Fourth Council of Toledo Anno Christi 631. But the matter in this case being of no considerable weight or moment I shall wave it and give the Opinions of some why Monks and Clerks are shaven amongst Christians on the top of the Head and they hold it as the sence of those that injoyned it viz. That the hair hanging round their Heads like a Circle should put them in mind of the Crown of Thorns worn by our blessed Saviour and to resemble it To intimate That Christ's Priests are Spiritual Kings That by shaving of the Hair they signifie the laying aside all superfluity of the flesh and sinful lusts That by the nakedness of the Crown of the Head is shewed the mind ought to be free for contemplation as also purity and simplisity of Life to shew their repentance and conversion for such were commanded to cut their Hair before they were again admitted into the Church And further that in the Primitive times the Christian Monks cut their Hair to distinguish them from the Jewish Nazarites who wore long Hair as Moses did a Veil to signifie the Mystery of Redemption was not yet revealed That they cut their Hair likewise to shew their Contempt of the world and of those effeminate men who gloryed in long Hair as an Ornament of Pride As for the shaving of the Beard it is held to be done that they might look smooth like Children and Angels who are always represented youthful and by this is meant that they should be harmless and free from malice as the first and innocent as the latter These are the Opinions of some who have undertaken to give the sence of the first Practisers with much more to the same purpose which is probable enough though whether so or otherways I shall not undertake to determine Having spoken somewhat in particular as to the Religious Orders in the Primitive Times I shall now proceed for brevities sake to speak in general relating to their Exercise and Institution viz. They laboured upon several occasions Eat and Drank moderately went decent in Apparel Fasted and Prayed often possessed their Goods such as they had in common Preached Meditated read the Scriptures studied Modesty Obedience Temperance Humility and Silence They were divided into Tens and Hundreds every nine having their Decurio or Tenth man every hundred their Centurio to whom the Decurio's were subject They lay in distinct Beds and at the ninth hour went to hear Sermons and to Sing At the Table they sat silent and for the most part contented themselves with Bread Herbs and Salt Wine was only permitted to those that were stricken in years In the Night-time they had their set hours of Prayer Dining only in the Summer time without any Supper Their Chief Governor they called their Father and Abbot in the Syriack he generally
Gratian witnesseth The Habit and Diet of the Benedictine Monks they are generally these viz. A Round Coat a Hood called Cuculla Cappa and Melos from Melis a Brock of whose Skin they were first made A Scapular so called from its covering the Shoulders in Summer their Hoods are single but in Winter lined Nor were they wont to wear Breeches but in case of Traveling as for their upper Garment it is Black and that under it a White Woollen Coat and formerly they wore Sackcloth and went Booted and indeed in Coarser Garments than now they do as likewise in their Diet there is much alteration as to the quantity and quality As for those that are desirous to be better informed herein let them consult Polydore Virgil Hospinian Sebelicus c. As for the Abbots each Monastery chuseth its own from amongst the Monks either by a General Consent or the Major Part of Voices but if any Monastery do not find one within it self capable of that Charge liberty is given to choose an Abbot out of another Nor is it in the power of those that Elected him to Depose him when Elected nor must he have more than one Monastery under his Charge being likewise prohibited medling with Secular Affairs If he commit any grievous Offence his Punishment must be in another Monastery and not in his own because of the strict Subjection and Obedience wherewith his Monks are bound If an unfit man be chosen the Bishop of the Diocess assembling the Neighbouring Abbots may depose him and choose another whom the Monks must accept Nor is the Bishop restrained from visiting the Monasteries to see whether the Rules be observed and that no Imbezlement be made for the Abbot without his consent ought to dispose of nothing that may prejudice the Revenues and if the Abbot shall refuse to submit to the Bishop in this or the like case he is suspended from the Communion till he acknowledge his Fault and repent If a Clergy-man be chosen Abbot he must relinquish his Function What is conferred upon the Monastery by Benefactors the Abbot must not convert to his own Use nor ought any man to erect a Monastery without the Bishops Consent nor must the Abbot travel far without his leave nor ought the Bishop himself to do any thing to the Prejudice of the Monastery for if he do the Abbot may appeal from the Bishop to the Prince or to a Council And indeed there are Monasteries that are only subjected to the Pope as Cassinium The Monastery of St. Maximinus near Trevers is subject to the Pope in Spirituals and to the Emperor in Temporals but the Abbots swear Allegiance and Fealty to the Pope only though formerly the power of Electing Abbots was in the Prince of the Country in which the Monastery was scituate and the manner was by putting a Staff and Ferula into his Hand thereby to mind him of his Pastoral Office as testifie Breschius Balaeus and Hospinian As for the Nuns of this Order they were Instituted by Scholastica Sister of St. Benedict or Benet who erected an Order of Nuns after her Brothers Rule but as to what is more particular they are not permitted to be God-mothers in Baptism nor unless in case of necessity to go abroad and that must be with some Ancient Woman The greatest part of their Divine Worship to consist in Singing Meditation and Prayer observing the Canonical Hour nor must they speak with any man unless before two persons who must hear the Discourse nor without a years Probation must any be admitted into the Nunnery If any be found unchast she receives three Disciplines or Scourgings and is to be fed with Bread and Water for the space of a year under a strict Confinement nor must they wear Silks Their Consecration and Veiling belongs to the Bishop only and being cloathed with the Vestments of her Order she kneeleth before the Altar with two Tapers in her Hand and the Gospel being read the Bishop prayes for her perseverance in Patience Chastity Sobriety Obedience and the like As for the Abbatess she ought to be a Woman of Gravity and Discretion Religious and Vigilant over her Charge not suffering the access of men nor after Sun-set till Morning any man to speak with her self or her Nuns though at a distance nor without the Bishops leave must she go abroad and that leave obtained she must substitute one to look to her Charge and be speedy in her return having some Nuns to accompany her in her way And to be qualified for this trust she must be sixty years of Age or upwards no man must be permitted to enter unless the Priest to confess the Nuns and he to stay no longer than he is Officiating a considerable distance being always alotted between the Monasteries of either Sex to prevent Scandal and Temptation Nor by any means must the Abbatess presume to lay hands on to Ordain a Priest or Veil a Virgin And those that would be further satisied in this point let them peruse Gregory and the Council of Tours Foâ—ojulium the sixt of Constantinople and that of Paris under Ludovicus and Lotharius And thus Reader have I given you a summary and as I hope an impartial account of St. Benet's Order or the Order of the Benedictines which floùrished extreamly in most parts of Europe from which I shall proceed to give you an account of such other Orders as upon its decay sprung up in the West c. CHAP. V. A View of the Orders Institutions Confirmations Rules manner of Living Habit c. Of the Cluniacenses Camaldulienses Villasumbrasenses Sylvestrinii Grandimontenses Carthusians Cestertines Bernardines Humiliatii Praemonstratenses Gilbertines Crucigeri Hospitalarii Trinitarians Bethlemites Dominicans or Praedicants Mendicants their several Orders c. as Augustines Carmelites Minorites c. Franciscans or Minors and their Division in a Triplicity with what else is convenient or necessary to be known THe Benedictines for the space of four hundred years having flourished in the Western part of the World even from the time of Justinian to Conradus the First which was about 900 years after Christ and having somewhat derogated from their Primitive Rules and Institutions divers persons undertook to reform that Order or rather to institute new ones confining them mostly within the compass of St. Bennets Rules c. Though for the most part if not all of them making some new Additions or Statutes And the first that we find to undertake it was one Berno who founded a Monastery near Cluniacum over which before his Decease he placed as Abbot one Odo and from the scituation of their Monastery were called Cluniacenses By their Rules the Abbot was bound to eat with the Monks that a revolting Monk returning to his Obedience might be three times received or more at the discretion of the Abbot They renewed the custom of dipping the Consecrated Bread into the Cup which was before used in case of necessity to sick persons and sometimes
and under them a White short Coat braced with a Leathern Girdle and a Buckle of Horn and came into England Anno 1252. and in a short time spread so fast that they were reckoned two thousand Convents professing Poverty Obedience Fasting praying Meditating Modesty Charity Silence and the like That their Rules be read once a Week and observed not only by all the Canons Regular and Eremites of St. Austins Order but by all Mendicants except the Minors as likewise by the Dominicans and Servants of our Lady c. The Monks or Eremites commonly called Carmelites from Mount Carmel from whence they begun or sprung were in the beginning a Striped Cloak or Coat of party colour in imitation of the Prophet Elijah and spread themselves over Syria and Egypt living very devout but Pope Honorius the Third not thinking it fit for a Religious Garment prohibited it and gave them a White Cloak and Hood with a Scapular of Hair-colour the use of which Garments were confirmed by Pope Nicholas which so disgusted the Sultan of Egypt that he banished them his Dominions These Honorius the Fourth called Brothers of the Virgin Mary exempting them from the jurisdiction of Princes and Bishops and Gregory the Ninth enjoyned them not to seek Riches or Possessions but to subsist by the Charity they should beg from Door to Door By Alexander the Fourth they were allowed Prisons to punish such as revolted and John the Twenty third took them into his own protection but in time neglecting their former strictness they divided into two Sects one being called Observants and the other Non-observants In their Cloisters many of them have the portraiture of John the Baptist in the Habit of their Order and the reason they give is because he was called Elijah and they say Elijah did wear this Habit but those called Non-observants have changed their Hair-coloured Garments into Black The Franciscans from which Order the Minorites sprung or were an institution of the Founder took their Original from Francis a Native of Italy who living extravagantly in his youthful days at length left his Fathers House with a great sum of mony with which as it is said he repaired divers ruined Churches and for which his Father cast him in Prison and disinherited him yet striping himself of his Ornaments he greatly rejoyced and in the end being released from his Confinement he gathered divers Religious Persons as his Associates and prescribed them Rules Anno 1198. viz. That they shall persevere in Poverty Chastity and Obedience to Christ the Pope and their Superiors that none enter that Order till they be Examined and proved That in Divine Service the Clergy follow the Order of the Roman Church and that the Lay-Brothers say twenty four Pater nosters for their Mattins c. and that they fast as much as may be from All Saints till Christmas and that upon their coming to an House they enter not till they say peace be to it and then what is set before them they may eat That they keep their vow of Poverty not medling with Wealth That they help each other and that Penance be inflicted on those that have transgressed That they have Publick Meetings and Chapters and that they chuse their Provincial Minister over the Fraternity That their Preachers be Learned men not preaching abroad without leave of their Bishop That they use Brotherly Admonition and Correction and that they give themselves much to Prayer Modesty Temperance and the like commendable Virtues and that none of them unless authorized enter into any Nunnery and that none undertake to convert Insidels unless by the Permission and Direction of the Provincial Ministers That they all remain stedfast in the Catholick Faith not presuming to transgress these Orders This Rule or Order St. Francis strengthned by his Will and Testament which he enjoyned to be read as often as the Rules were read and these were confirmed by Pope Innocent the Third and again by Honorius the Third and Nicholas the Third in his Decretal Epistles which he enjoined to be read in Schools This Francis declined the calling his Order Franciscans by his Name but Minors and so ordered the Masters and Governors of his Order to be called Ministers putting them in mind of Humility and of Christ's advice to his Disciples As for the Classes Francis divided his Disciples into they were three the first was of the Fryers Minorites himself being one of them the manner of whose life was very strict and poor The second was of Ladies and poor Virgins who taking their denomination from St. Clara were called Clarissae somewhat less strict than the former The third was that of Penitents intended for Married people who were desirous of Penance yet permitted to enjoy Goods and Lands The first of these were for Contemplation and Action the second only for Contemplation and the third only for Action wherefore it is not properly called a Religious Order These are called Fryers Penitents of Jesus Christ and from their wearing Sackcloth Saccii and Continentes because that certain days in the Week though married they abstained from carnal knowledge of their Wives The Women of this rank were called Sisters Penitents nor were the first Order to permit any of the third to enter their Churches in time of Interdict This Order after its having been condemned in England Anno 1307. was again advanced by Peter Tuxbury a Franciscan Minister and allowed in the Chapter of London Out of the Minorite Order sprung many distinctions of the Observantes Conventuales Minimi Capuciani Colectanes or Collectors of mony Amadeani Reformati de Evangelio Chiachini cum Barba de Portiuncula Pulini Bostaini Gaudentes de Augustinis who wore open shews and Servientes As for Francis he wore a short Coat undied and going bare-foot used a Cord instead of a Girdle from whence after his decease who dyed naked in external poverty a long debate hapned what Garments should be worn which being proposed to Pope John the Twenty second he referred it to the Arbitrament of their General and Provincial Minister So that of late they wear a long Coat a large Grey Hood or Hair-colour the Coat girded with a Cord going bare-footed or in case of necessity with Sandals Yet in this Order were some Schisms and the strict Rules neglected or thwarted and during the vacancy of the Popedom after the decease of Clement the Fifth for almost the space of two years these Monks rejected their Habit and chose their own Governor or Master wearing a short Garment Excommunicating and Imprisoning the Obedient but afterward a better understanding was had and Gregory the Eleventh limited the power of the Minorites Protectors That none should be under their Censure but those that disobeyed the Pope and the Church that apostatize from the Faith and renounce the Rule And Honorius the Third decreed that not one of them should change or forsake his Order and they obtained the favour that they might Commence or
make Masters of Divinity amongst themselves The Franciscan Order soon spread it self in all parts insomuch that from Anno 1211. till the year 1380. as Sebellicus affirmeth 1500. Monasteries of this Order were erected in Christendom and in his time were reputed to be 90000. Minorites And thus much of these Orders from whence we proceed to those of lesser Note or Antiquity CHAP. VI. A Brief Account of divers Orders and Institutions of either Sex as the Clarissae Eremites of St. Paul Monks of St. Mary Celestini Jesuati the Order of St. Bridget and that of St. Katharine Canons Regular of St. Saviour and of St. George Albati with many others CLara was the Daughter of Ortubana born in the Town of Assisium in who from her Infancy in a manner was wonderfully given to Devotion and desirous to lead a Religious Life so that as soon as she was able she undertook two tedious Pilgrimages one to Rome and the other to visit the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem and stole from her Parents who would have restrained it that she might cut off her Hair nor by any perswasion could she be brought to renounce her intended course of Life but about the year 1215. She instituted at the Church of St. Damianus the Order of the poor Ladies and Virgins called from her Clarissae and from that place were sometimes called Nuns of St. Damian and in a Cottage near to this place lived she 4.2 years afflicting her self with Watching Fasting and all manner of hardship lying on Boards and wearing next her flesh the hairy side of a Hogs skin going bare-foot and in Lent and on other fasting days subsisted on Bread and Water not tasting Wine but on the Sunday giving as her Rule that of the Franciscans and had her Order confirmed by Innocent the Third or as some will have it Honorius the Third nor by Pope Gregory could she be perswaded to reserve any of her Possessions but lived and died in Poverty and was Canonized The Eremites of St. Paul were Anno 1215. Instituted in Hungary after the Rules of St. Augustine by one Eusebius of Strigonium and by Gentilis the Popes Legate confirmed Anno 1308. and seated themselves at Colchester in England about the year 1310. The Order called Boni Homines or Boni Viri Good Men was instituted by Edmund Son to Richard Earl of Cornwal who had been elected Emperor of Germany or the Roman Empire and wore a Skie-coloured Garment following St. Augustine's Rules The Monks or Servants of St. Mary were Instituted by Philip Tuder a Florentine after St. Austin's Rules the Garment or Habit of this Order was a Black Cloak plaited about the Shoulders and under it a short Coat and was confirmed by Benet the Eleventh Bishop of Rome and by seven other Popes or Bishops succeeding him being permitted to carry a Satchel or Bag to gather Almes which in Italy they beg The Institution of this Order was Anno 1282. or as some will have it 1285. The Celestini were so named from Celestine the First Bishop of Rome who before his advancement lived as an Eremite in sundry Desarts and erected this Order enjoining the Monks St. Bennet's Rules procuring them to be confirmed by Pope Gregory the Tenth in the General Council of Lyons ordaining their Habit to be of Sky-colour without a Hood These Monks came into England 1414. The Jesuati was an Order that began at Senae and founded by John Columbanus and Francis Vincent in the year 1365. and were so called from their often using the Name of Jesus who being approved by Pope Vrban the Fifth he appointed them to wear White Garments a White Cover for their Heads a Leathern Girdle and to go bare-footed with only wooden bottoms tyed about their Feet and for their plainness of life and sincerity were afward called Apostolici The Order of St. Bridger both Monks and Nuns were instituted by a Princess of Sweden of that Name Anno 1360. who obtained a confirmation of her Order from Pope Vrban the Fifth according to St. Basil's Rules in the general though with some additions The Monks and Nuns of this Order are not debarred their Religious Houses to be far separated the one from the other and to be present at one and the same Church As for the Brothers it is their business according to injunction to officiate below while the Sisters do the like above As for the Cloathing of both Sex Crey was enjoyned viz. a Cloak-Coat and a Red Cross thereon As to Sustenance or that wherewith they subsisted it ought to be common amongst them and their Lodging to be only on Straw The Nuns were enjoined to wear on their Veil a White Linnen Crown spotted or streaked with Red Cloth imitating drops of Blood and so placed that they may appear like a Cross As for the Sisters they are directed what Prayers to use every day enjoyned silence and to avoid conferring with men except upon urgent occasions and that through a Window but she who opens not her Window at all has the most praise As for their Consecration it is from the Bishop and their Confession through a Lattice where they may be heard but not seen unless upon receiving the Sacrament When any one enters the Convent she has her Coffin carried before her by four Sisters and in the Convent is a Grave to put them in mind of their mortality as for their Devotion it is enjoined very strict as likewise are all the other matters relating to the Order More of which you may see in Antonius Trithemius Balaeus Nauclerus c. The Order of St. Katharine is according to the Rules of Dominicus the story going That she saw him with the Founders of divers other Orders in a Dream and he having a Lilly in his hand bid her undertake some of their Orders which made her choose his She was born at Sena in Tuscany and vowed Virginity in her Childhood and after she professed this Order drank only Water and eat Bread and Herbs lying in her Clothes upon the Boards and afflicting her self with an Iron Chain watching often and giving her self much to Devotion chastizing her self for her own sins for the Dead and for those that were Alive The Nuns of St. Katharine's Order wore Garments of White cast over with a Blcak Veil and Head Covering and is held to begin Anno 1372. or as some will have it 1455. Lodovicus Barbus a Venetian instituted the Order of Justinian in the year 1409. after the Rule of S. Benet which was by Eugenius the Fourth Bishop of Rome inlarged and by John the Twenty fourth Bishop of Rome confirmed As for the Monks of this Order they lived very strictly never eating out of their Convent with Lay-men unless great necessity urged it and being very charitable to strangers they often washed their Feet c. As witness Hospinian Polidore Virgil Franciscus Modius Antonius c. The Eremites of the Order of St. Hierom were enjoyned the Rule of St. Austin being
League Offensive and Defensive with Charles the Great Anno 809. The Collar be composed of Golden Thistles and Rue with this Motto Nemo me impane Lacessit and at the bottom of it hung the Image of St. Andrew with his Cross The Order of the Lilly or Navarr was the Institution of Prince Garcia the Sixth Anno 1048. in the City of Nagera to the honour of the Virgin Mary consisting of Thirty eight Knights himself being the Chief and the main end of their Institution was to expel the Moors out of that Kingdom each of them wore on his Breast a Silver Lilly and a double Chain of Gold interlaced with the Letter M. standing for Mary at the end of the Chain hung a Flower-de-lys with the like Letter Crowned The Order of St. James or the Sword was Instituted under the Reigns of Ferdinand King of Leon and Alphonso the Sixth King of Castile in the year 1158. The Knights of this Order on their Brests and Left Sides wore a Scallop-shell and about their Neck a Chain of Gold with a Sword or the shape of a Sword made of Red Sattin imbroidered and a Scallop-shell upon the Sword the Red Sword signifying their Victory over the Arabians This Order was also established in Portugal encreasing to above Six hundred insomuch that many Lords of Spain held it an Honour to be of the Order of St. James The Order of St. Julian commonly called that of the Pear-Trees had its Institution in the Kingdom of Leon Anno 1179. being allowed and approved by Pope Alexander the Third Lucius the Third and Innocent the Third These Knights had a Pear-tree for their Arms but Alphonso the Ninth taking the City of Alacantara from the Moors he bestowed it upon the Great Master of Calatrana who bestowed it upon the Master of the Pear-tree whence they stiled themselves Knights of Alacantara and changing their Arms wore the Green Cross set with Flower-de-lys's on their Breast and as to Religious matters undertook to square themselves by the Rules of St. Bennet and strictly professed Chastity but Pope Paul the Fourth dispensed with that and gave them leave to Marry and the Great Mastership was united by Pope Alexander the Sixth to the Crown of Castile The Order of the Band or Red Scarf was Instituted by Alphonso the Eleventh King of Leon and Castile Anno 1330. The Knights of this Order wearing a Red Scarf or Riband and were enjoined to accompany the King in his wars c. The Order of the Dove was Instituted at Segobia in Castile by John the First Anno 1379. The Collar of this Order was linked with Sun-beams and to it was fastned the figure of a Dove of Gold enaml'd with White in a flying posture but it continued not above a year The Order of St. Saviour of Montreal commonly called the Order of Aragon was Instituted in Aragon Anno 1120. by Alphonso the Eighteenth King of Navarr and the First of Aragon the Knights of this Order wearing Red Robes and on their Breasts an Anchored Cross and had leave given them to Marry The Order of the Dragon was Instituted by the Emperor Sigismond in Germany Anno 1418. The Knights of this Order on Festival days wore a a Scarlet Cloak with a double Golden Chain at the end whereof hung a Dragon overturned and her Wings broke and moreover a Cross Flower-de-lys'd which grew and were held in high esteem The Order of Austria and Carinthia or of St. George was Instituted by the Emperor Frederick the Third who was First Duke of Austria in the Year 1470. the Garments of the Knights were white Coats with red Crosses and by their Rule were bound to guard the Frontiers of Germany Hungary Austria Styria and Carinthia The Order of Poland or of the White Eagle was Instituted by Ladislaus the Fifth King of Poland in the Year 1325. the Kings wear a triple Chain at which hangs an Eagle crowned The Order of the Elephant or of Denmark was Instituted by Christiern the First King of Denmark Anno 1478. the Collar of this Order being composed of Elephants with silver Castles on their backs at the end whereof hangeth the Effigies of the Virgin Mary anorned with Rays and a Crescent under her Feet The Order of Sweden or of Jesus or of the Seraphims was Instituted Anno 1334. by Magnus the Fourth King of Sweden the Collar is composed of Patriarchal Crosses and Cherubims and the end of the Collar hangs an oval Tablet with these Letters J. H. S. signifying Jesus Hominum Salvator with four Nails enamel'd white and black The Order of the Swan or of Cleve is at this day held up by the Princes of that House who have the Swan for their Order Supporters and Crests of their Arms. The Order of Livonia or the Sword was Instituted by Albert a Monk of Breme who drawing to his Party divers rich Men perswaded them to renounce the World and vow Chastity and Obedience and to be conformable to the Rules of the Cistertian Order They were clothed in long white Cassocks with black Hoods near the Shoulder the figure of a red Sword and two red Swords a-cross on the Breast with their points downward The chief end of their Institution being to fight against Infidels c. The Order of St. Gall was Instituted in Switzerland by Frederick the Second Emperor Anno 1213. upon his coming to visit the Abbey of that Name He likewise Instituted the Order of the Bear giving the chief Lords Collars and Chains of Gold at the end of which hung a golden Bear And these two Orders he Instituted in the memory of St. Gall said to be the Converter of the Germans to the Christian Faith and Saint Vrsus who suffered Martyrdom before the Temple of the Sun at Soleverre As for the Italian or rather Roman Orders they were many the most material of which we shall briefly mention though most of them at this day are ceased Anno 1320. Pope John the Two and twentieth Instituted the Order of Jesus Christ at Avignon those of the Order wearing Crosses of Gold enamel'd with red inclosed with another Cross Anno 1468. Pope Paul at Rome Instituted the Order of the Holy Ghost the Badge of the Order being a white Cross Anno 1498. Pope Alexander the Sixth Instituted the Order of St. George those of the Order carrying a Cross of Gold adorned with a Wreath made in the form of a Crown Anno 1520. Pope Leo the Tenth Instituted the Order of St. Peter constituting those of the Order to wear within an Oval of Gold the Effigies of that Saint at the end of a Tortois of Chains of Gold Their Office being to guard the Sea-coasts against the Turks who at that time committed many Piracies and Outrages Anno 1540. Pope Paul the Third established or rather Instituted the Order of St. Paul Anno 1560. the Order of Pies whose charge was to carry and guard the Pope when he went abroad was Instituted by Pope Pius
THE HISTORY OF Monastical Conventions AND Military Institutions With a SURVEY of the COURT of ROME OR A Description of the Religious and Military Orders in Europe Asia and Africa for above twelve hundred years being a brief Account of of their Institution Confirmation Rules Habits and manner of Living the Qualification of their Institutors and the time of their respective Institutions extending to either Sex c. Together with a Survey of the Court of Rome c. in all the Great Offices and Officers Ecclesiastical and Civil dependant thereon as also the Ceremonies of the Consistories Conclave and those that have been used in the Creation of Cardinals Election of the High-Bishop or Pope and his Triumphant Coronation Procession and that of his taking Possession of the Lateran Church in Rome with what is observed in his Sickness and the manner of Solemnizing his Funeral Obsequies with many other things worthy of Note according to what has been recorded by Candid Authors of divers Nations and faithfully Collected By J. S. LICENSED May 11. 1686. London Printed for H. Rhodes next door to the Swan-Tavern near Bride-Lane in Fleet-street 1686. A prospect of a monastical Life and Pilgramage Jerusalem taken by the Christians Anno 1099 In hoc vincis The Pontifical proscession to the Eateran Church THE EPISTLE TO THE READER REader in the following Treatise you will find the Cause and Original of a Monastick Life referring to either Sex viz. as well of Nuns as Eremites Monks and Friers c. of divers Orders and Institutions with the Motives that induced their Founders to such Pious and Charitable Vndertakings and the Time of their Institution the account of their Progress Encouragement Increase and Decay for upwards of 1200 years Also the Rules and Habits prescribed to the several Orders and the Regulation of the Monasteries and Covents as they are warranted by Authors the truth of whose Testimony has not been reduced under the least scruple or imagination of Falsity or Partiality in taking a Survey of which you will not only find what Progress Religion made in the World since its marvellous light removed the shadows of Ignorance and Atheism but many other remarkable things affording much variety To these Orders properly termed Religious because devoted to Religious Worship and the propagation of the Christian Religion I have added others viz. Military Orders of Knighthood which have been and are at present in the Christian World with the Time of their Institution the Countries they were erected in their Habit Badges Collars And the names of those Kings Princes and Noble-man who erected them mostly for the defence of the Christian Cause as well in the Holy land as in Europe and Africa non were they when the Infidels like a deluge sought to carry all before them a little serviceable as appeared by the Valour and Conduct of some of them against the Sultans of Egypt in Palestine and others by Eclipsing the Turkish Moons with blood at the famous Sieges of Rhodes Candia c. To these I have added a Survey of the Court and City of Rome in all its great Offices Places of Honour and Eminency from the Pontifical Chair to the Inferior Officers Ecclesiastical and Civil with the Consistorial Order and Proceedings in the Conclave Election of a Pope to fill the empty Throne and what is Observable and Remarkable on that occasion and in the splendid Procession to the Lateran Church the manner of Benediction Creation of Cardinals and many other things very Remarkable in which is described the Magnificence and Splendor of that great Court and City as it has been faithfully delivered and what may be very much serviceable to Readers or Writers of History or other matters that any way concern the affairs of either or border on things of this nature And thus much I thought fit briefly to lay down as well for the Pleasure and Instruction of the Curious as to prevent Mistakes or Misconstructions in the Ignorant who generally are abused by Misrepresentations And hoping this Candid Vndertaking may please some and give offence to none Reader I remain yours to oblige you in what I may J. S. The Introduction c. IN the dawn of the Gospel when as St. John observes in his Apocalypse The woman had given her the wings of an Eagle to fly into the Wilderness from the the face of the Dragon who cast out a flood of water to carry her away When the Primitive Christians to avoid the persecutions stirred up against them by the Prince of Darkness in the Reigns of the Heathen Emperors fled into Mountains Woods Caves and solitary Places there to injoy though in the greatest external Poverty that Religion in the freedom of its exercise which they valued infinitely beyond tlie Pomp and Glory of the Universe as knowing their blessed Redeemer lived and that he would not fail to Crown their Labour in the end with Life and Immortality with a Crown of Glory that will never fade Then it was that many Devout Christians being wonderfully taken with such Solitude altogether weaned themselves from the world and despising its vanities chose to live and dye in the privacy of their Retirements for the support of whom Nature or rather the more immediate hand of Providence by unexpected ways produced the food whereby they did subsist and these from the Desarts and obscure Places where they chose to reside as also their singleness of Life were called Eremites or Monachies held by the Church in high esteem for their Piety and Devotion and of these in the Primitive Times Paul Hillarian Basil and Hierom were note-worthy who lived in that Estate and were imitated by others no less devout than themselves But when the Church had Peace especially under the happy Reign of Constantine the Great and many of those Emperors that succeeded him in the Eastern and Western Empires those that were scattered in solitary places that they might be at hand to proclaim the Gospel-Truths to those who as then sat in darkness or but dimly beheld its marvellous Light chose to change their Hutts and Caves for convenient places in populous Towns and Cities where they lived together in a poor but contented Estate having all things in common amongst themselves and from thence the places in which they chose to reside were called Monasteries Convents or Cloisters Nor was it long e're by their good example in a devout way of living the number was increased nor were there wanting devout Women who as we may properly term it left the world that is the enjoyment of worldly things and voluntarily chose to live in such retirements and from their recluse manner of living and singleness of life were called Nonnae or Nuns or as some will have it from the Egyptian word Nonnus and were further distinguished by the name of Moniales from whence the word Monastery seemeth to be derived Great indeed was their Devotion insomuch that increasing in holy zeal and a fervent desire
to his Followers under the stile of Monks and is reported to have Founded twelve Monasteries placing over them twelve Abbots that had been his Disciples and Followers And at Cassinium the principal Monastery which was indowed by Turtullius a Roman Patrician Equitius a Senator and others who followed their Example with Castles Villages and Lands to a great Revenue And so successful was this Order that in a short time it spread it self all over Germany France Spain Sicily England and other Countrys In France the first Monastery was founded near Orleance by Maurus Son to Equitius the Senator who was of the Benedictine Order consisting of 140 Brothers that Number not to be lessened or increased Placidus Son to Turtullius the Patrician founded another in Sicily and Benedict by the assistance of Leobardus founded one in Alsatia near Strasburg he planted a Monastery likewise near the Latteran Church in Rome in the time of Pelagius And by Donatus a Benedictine Convent was erected in Spain in or near the year of Christ 590. And by the Encouragement and Countenance of Augustine Arch-Bishop of Canterbury this Order began to spread in England Anno 596. As it did in Germany Anno 545. by the Influence of Boniface Bishop of Mentz who gave great incouragement to those of the Order But in process of time these Benedictines divided themselves into divers Branches or Sects viz. the Cluniacenses Ordained and Promulged by Otho an Abbot in Burgundia on whom William Dean of Aquitain bestowed a Village named Mastick Anno 916. The Camalduenses were erected on the top of the Appenine Hills by Romoaldus a Benedictine And those called Vallisumbrenses from Villis Vmbrosa the place of their Scituation were erected by a Florentine named Gaulbertus Anno 1060. The Montelinetenses were erected by Bernard Ptolomeus at Scienna in Tuscany Anno 1047. The Grandimontenses were erected much about the same time by Stephen a Noble French man The Cistertians who derive their denomination from Cistertium in Burgundy were not long after erected by Robert Abbot of Motismenia and of this Order was St. Bernard who was Abbot of Claravalis about the year of Christ 1098. and from him in process of time his Monks were called Bernardines though they are the same with the Cistertians saving the Bernardines wear a Black Gown over a White Coat and the other White Garments only The Celestini deriving their Denomination from Pope Celestine the Fifth were founded by him and by Gregory the Tenthconfirmed in the General Council held at Lyons in France These were as I have said the branches of the Benedictine Order mostly following the same Rules yet differed in the Colour of their Garment for the Camalduenses Montelinetenses and Cistertians wear White whilst the Monks called Valisumbrosa or Shadow-Valley wear Purple the Celestines Skie Colour or Blew and the Grandimontenses a Black Cloak over a Coat of Mail. As for Benet or Benedict he may be properly termed the Author or Founder of each respective Religious Order or the dependent Orders from his time till the Dominicans and Mendicants took place So that Trithemius in the Fourth Chapter of his Fourth Book reckons no less than fifteen thousand Abbies which produced a number of Learned men as Cardinals Arch-Bishops and Bishops c. As for the Gregorian Order it was a branch of the Benedictines Gregory the Great being a Monk of that Order who after the decease of his Father erected six Monasteries in the Isle of Sicily and turned his own House in Rome into a Monastery dedicating it to St. Andrew ascribing to his Monks or the Persons by him convened the Rules of St Benet which in general were to be obedient to their Superiors observe the appointed and seasonable Times for Divine Worship to be industrious in such matters as were enjoined them and to live in Brotherly Love and Kindness one towards another and in particular much the same that was enjoyned by St. Basil before recited Decency and strictness in all Affairs especially in those of Importance being necessarily required and briefly what follows as to Religious Rules relating to this Order were prescribed and approved by the second General Council of Aquisgran or Aix in the 816. year after Christ which was That the Lay-men or Secular Priests should not be received into the Monasteries unless they would become Monks That the Monks take an Oath that in Preparation week they take nothing but Water and Bread That before they go to sleep the Prior sprinkle them with Holy Water and that of their Alms the tenth part be given to the Poor That without the Priors leave they bathe not themselves and that they sing pecular Psalms for the Dead That they bow not their Knees nor Fast but that they see in the Ember week they do it as likewise on the Eves of the Apostles That in case of necessity the Brothers support themselves with Staves and when any Theft happens amongst them that cannot be discovered readily that then they be suspended from Supper until the Criminal confess the Fact That at Christmas and Easter for the space of eight days those that are so minded may feed on the flesh of Fowl and that they learn their Rules by heart That in the Mills Kitchen and in other necessary Offices they observe at seasonable times to work with their own hands That in case of Offence the Offendor prostrate himself before the Prior or Abbot and in humility acknowledge his Offence and that they refrain to Kiss or Salute Women That they wash in Lent each others Feet and that the Abbot at the receiving the Lords Supper Wash and Kiss the Feet of the Monks That it be observed at Christmas Easter and in Whitson Week Discourses be refrained in the Cloister and that they give themselves up to the hearing of Sacred Things That the Abbot exceed not the proportion of his Monks in Eating Drinking Lodging Cloathing and Sleeping that he ramble not oft abroad but that he labour with his Hands That after the refection of the Brothers the Servants attendant on the Monastery eat by themselves but that they should have the same Lessons read to them That Hallelujah be not repeated in the Septuagesima As for the Novices they must neither be Cloathed nor Shaven as the Monks till the time of their Probation be expired and promise of Obedience made That none be the Monks Superior but such an one as is a Monk That in Lent they work till the ninth hour and then hear Mass and take their refection in the Evening And these are the Principal Duties enjoined to the Monks of of this Order who at first being Lay-men without any Priests but such as they had from abroad are now permitted to have Priests of their own Order chosen from amongst themselves and that they should be capable of receiving Tythes Oblations Donations and First-fruits as other Priests and this benefit was confirmed to them by Gregory the Great Boniface and other Bishops of Rome as
to Children and afterwards promiscuously used by all the Communion till by Pope Julius 340. years after Christ it was forbidden but this Custom again revived Anno 580. but continued not longer it was interdicted by the third Synod of Baracara and so ceased till these Monks Anno 920. revived it In case any desire to be admitted into their Order they are brought to the Monastery and there washed clipped and shaved when as their old Clothes being stripped off they have new Cloathes put on and are thereupon admitted being enjoyned Piety Obedience Chastity Labour and Patience little differing from the Benedictines in their Rules and Orders as witness Peter Cluniacensis Bernard Sebelicus Cassander and others In or about the year 1030. as Sabelicus will have it one Romualdus of Ravenna observing St. Benets Rules not kept up to their Primitive strictness resolved upon erecting a new Order and layd his Foundation in the Field of Camaldulum whence the Monks of his Order took the name of Camaldulenses After this Foundation he erected a Monastery on the top of the Appenine Hills a place there being granted him for that purpose by Modulus who was induced thereto by a Dream representing Ladders reaching to Heaven on which he saw men in White Cloathing mounting upwards fancying he beheld the Ladders on those Hills and that it signified the climbing of devout Christians to Heaven by Faith And the better to fulfill this Vision Romualdus having built his Convent or Monastery gave his Monks White Hoods enjoining them silence unless in time of Divine Service and yet some to keep this Rule of Silence more exactly refuse to join with the rest chusing to pray by themselves Two days in a Week which they account their Fast they subsisted with Bread and Water only sitting bare-footed on the ground About half a mile from this Monastery are Wooden Crosses the boundaries of Women upon strict penalties least they approaching the Monks walks should tempt them to folly Subsequent to these are the Monks of Villa Vmbrosa or Shaddow-Valley called from thence Villasumbrenses and those were instituted by John Gualbert by birth a Florentine Anno 1060. as it is generally held who resolving to renounce the world came to this Valley where he found two Monks and there he builded himself an House of Board and his Pious manner of living soon spread his fame insomuch that not only the Layety flocked to visit him but many likewise of the Clergy And the Lady of that Soil being an Abbotess gave him not only that ground but other large Possessions and by the Monks that flocked to him being made Abbot he enjoyned them St. Benets Rules with additions that they should wear no other Cloaths but what they made of the Wool of such Sheep as should be brought up for their use in those Valleys and that they should burn Lights in the Dormitory and Chappel Nor did he only regard his own but made a reformation in divers Monasteries placing Provosts of his own election over them building divers Religious Places in Lombardy and elsewhere and for that and his pious way of living being Canonized his Order was confirmed by Pope Alexander the Second and Gregory the Seventh And those that would be further satisfied as to this Order may read Surius de vitis Sanctorum Volateran Sebelicus Antonius and others The Sylvestrini so called from Sylvester their Institutor walk much after the Rule and Habit of those Monks of Villa Vmbrosa or Shaddow-Valley taking their beginning in Italy in the Marquisate of Ancona The Grandimontenses according to Tradition were Instituted upon an unknown Voice uttering three times distinctly Grandi-Monte in a great Hall where one Peter then hearing it was advized by it to build a Monastery he being the Disciple and Successor to Stephen who Anno 1076. erected this Order on the Hill Muretum in Gascony and gave Rules little inconsistent with St. Benets though something was added of the Rules observed by the Canons-Regular of St. Austin's Monks and of his Eremites after which he wandred through divers Desarts wearing next his Skin a Coat of Mail his Bed was hard without Straw or Covering his Hands and Knees with often kneeling and bearing on the ground to kiss it were hard as horn This Order had an Abbot set over them by John the Second Bishop of Rome The Order of the Carthusians or Charter-Fryers were instituted by one Bruno and as Tradition goes on the following occasion viz. Bruno a Native of Collen and a Professor of Phylosophy in Paris about the year of Christ 1080. being present at the singing the Office for his Fellow-Professor deceased a man in no mean repute for his holy way of Living The dead Corps by the help of what power is uncertain raised it self upon the Bier and with a lamentable voice cried out I am in God's just Judgment Condemned which words were three several times distinctly repeated at which Bruno was in so great a consternation that if a man reputed so pious was lost what would become of Him and his Fellows the terror of which wrought so far in his mind that he concluded that there could be no safer way to prevent the like doom than by forsaking the world whereupon with six of his Fellows or Disciples he betook himself to a dark place overshadowed with Woods high Hills and Rocks inhabited before only by wild Beasts which he found out in the Province of Dolphini that place being called Carthusia from whence his Monks took their Denomination and there obtaining ground of Hugo Bishop of Grenoble they built a poor Monastery which Bishop afterward beholding their pious manner of Life became one of their Order By their Rules they should wear Sackcloth or a Hair-shirt next their Skin and over it a long loose White Cloth Coat and when they walk abroad a Hood and a Black Cloak over that and that the Lay Brothers wear a snort Coat reaching but to their Knees As for flesh by their Rule they eat none at all nor any fish unless given them their Bread is a great part Bran and their Drink Wine mingled with Water On Sunday and the fifth day of the Week Cheese and Eggs are their only fare on the third Pulse or Pot-hearbs on the second fourth and sixth they subsist on Bread and Water They eat but once a day and that apart every one preparing what he eats unless on Festival days and then they eat twice a day sitting all together at a Table and then they may talk together but at other times are enjoyned to keep silence every one being accommodated with a peculiar Cell in which he Reads Prayes and Meditates sometimes writing Books c. observing the Canonical hour but their Vespers and Mattins they keep in their Churches whence Women are excluded On the Saints days and Festival days they hear Mass nor go they abroad unless the Prior and Procurator and they not unless some urgent affairs require it relating to the
Monastery Some small parcels of Land they have whereon they feed Sheep Goats and the like to give them Milk not cohabiting above twelve Religious men in a Convent besides the Prior eighteen Lay Converts and some few Servants to fetch in their Provision who are not admitted into the superior Quire but have one by themselves nor will they re-admit any that has revolted These were their Primitive Rules but are since somewhat moderated Their yearly meeting is at a Chapter annually held at Carthusia about their own affairs two Monks being deputed to represent each Cloister being enjoined not to be absent from their Cells above fourteen days As for this Order it was confirmed Anno 1178. by Pope Alexander the Third and coming into England Anno 1180. seated themselves at Witham near Bathe and of them more at large you may read in Balaeus Polidore Virgil Vincentius c. The Cestertian Order began about the year 1098. being founded by one Robert Abbot of Molismenia who by the perswasion of one Robert Harding an Englishman forsook the society of the Benedictines as not pleased with the indifferent regard they had to their Primitive Strictness of living and in the Company of twenty one Monks came to Cestertium in Burgundy and there erected a Convent resolving to revive as it were St. Benet's Rules and strictly to observe them and professing Poverty and Humility they would not suffer their Monks to meddle with Husbandry or any Secular matters ordering as St. Benet did that each Monastery should consist of twelve Monks and an Abbot and are enjoined silence unless to the Abbot or Prior and if any one escape the Bishop apprehends him if he can be found in his Diocess and obliges him to return two Coats and two Hoods being all the Garments that are allowed them They are very strict in their Fasts saluting Strangers by declining their Body and Head and in imitation of our Blessed Saviour wash their Feet and after a third escape no one is to be received into the Convent And as for the Abbots Table it must be furnished for strangers to relieve them on their journey Pope Vrbin the Second confirmed this Order Anno 1100. and thirty two years after they came into England in Grey Habit wherefore by some they were called Grisei The Bernardines so called from St. Bernard Abbot of Clarivallis and differ from the Cistertians but in that their Habit is Black nor are they in subjection to Bishops or Advocates it being ordered by Pope Alexander the Third upon the refusal of the Bishop to bless the Abbot one of the Monks of this Convent might bestow the Benediction The Humiliati began their Order about the Year of Christ 1164. They were a people brought out of Lombardy into Germany as Captives by Frederick Barbarossa who warred upon that Country and being tired with their long Captivity they attired themselves in white and assembling especially the chief of them together they cast themselves with Tears and Supplications at the Emperors feet imploring him to give them leave to pass into their own Country which moving him to compassion he granted And having Vowed to turn Recluses they built Monasteries and mostly betook them to a Monastical life giving themselves to Fasting Prayer Meditation and Working with their Hands at making Cloth Their Habit is a plain Coat a Scapular and a white Cloak over it and strictly observe St. Benet's Rules with some small addition These were confirmed an Order by Pope Innocent the Third and others that succeeded him The which together with a larger discourse of these Monasticks you may find in Polydore Sebelicus Volateran Antonius Trithemius Crantzius and the like Authors The Praemonstratenses were an Order Founded by one Robert or as some will have it Norbert Archbishop of Magdeburgh who not relishing the Vanity and Pride of some Ecclesiasticks of those days betook himself with thirteen of his Companions into a Forest in the Diocess of Liege and entering upon a strict Life he went bare-foot even in the Winter preaching Repentance Anno. 1119 and regulated their Actions by the Rules of St. Austin which they say were delivered to them in golden Letters Their Habit is a white Coat with a Linnen Surplice under a Cloak and these were confirmed by Calixtus the Second by the Title of Canons Regular Exempt Their Abbots are denied to wear Gloves Miters and Staves or Rings All the Abbots of the Order in their persons or by their Deputies are obliged to be present at Praemonstratum once a year to consult the good of the Order and if any of them refuse the rest may inflict such Penalties as none but the Pope can take off These Abbots have likewise power to Excommunicate If the Diocesian refuse to give Ordination they may require it of any other Bishop he by reason of their Exemption having no power over them These and many the like Priviledges Pope Innocent the Fourth bestowed on them after they were Confirmed they having likewise divers Schools amongst them for the Education of Youth Their coming first into England was about the year of Christ 1145. and having liberty from the Pope to have Nunneries close to their Monasteries they seated themselves in Lincoln-shire The Gilbertines took their denomination from one Gilbert a Native of Lincoln-shire who in the year 1148. instituted that Order and Erected in a little space Thirteen Monasteries to whose Monks he prescribed divers Rules taken out of those of St. Bennet and St. Austin and had the Order confirmed by Pope Eugenius the Third his chief Monastery or Cloyster being at Semperingham in Lincoln-shire in which were said to be Seven hundred Monks or as some will have them Friers and Eleven hundred Nuns And of this Order as to its rise c. Balaeus Capgrave Crezantius and Trithemius Sigebert's Continuator c. witnesseth The Cruciferi or Crucigeri vulgarly called Crouched Friers were first seen in England Anno. 1244. having their first Monastery at Colchester but are said to be the Institution of Cyriacus Bishop of Jerusalem in memory of the Cross which Helena Mother to Constantine the Great found by his directions and therefore were enjoyned when they went abroad to carry a Cross in their Hands And in the year 1215. they were Restored or Confirmed by Innocent the Third Bishop of Rome or rather as some believe newly Instituted and the reason they give is because the great Commotions raised in Rome were suppressed by the Croysados or Army of Christians who had the Cross for their Badge and were then going for Syria against the Infidels This Order was ratified and confirmed by Pope Innocent the Fourth and Pope Alexander the Third wearing a skie-colour'd Habit by the appointment of Pope Pius the Second Polydore makes some scruple to believe That the Grucigeri are the same Order with those we have mentioned because they wear black Cloaks and carry not in their Hands but have fixed on their Breasts a Red and White Cross and observe
St. Austin's Rules The Hospitalers of the Holy Ghost took their beginning at Rome about the Year of Christ 1201 and were called Hospitalarii confirmed by Pope Innocent the Third having the privilege of the Monks that preceded them Their chief business was to see the Poor and Sick were well lodged attended and carefully provided for as likewise to Bury them when they were dead and use other charitable Offices to the same purpose The Trinitarians or Monks of the Order of the Trinity began Anno 1211. and were Founded by John Manta and Faelix Anachoreta who its said were warned in a Vision to repair to Innocent the Third and to require of him a place for their Order and he warned by the like means of their coming approved and confirmed them cloathing them both in white Cloaks giving them as a Badge a red and skie-coloured Cross upon their Breasts calling them Brothers of the Holy Trinity and Monks of the Redemption of Captives Their charge being to Collect Money for the Redemption of such as were taken Prisoners and held in Bondage by the Infidels The first coming into England of this Order was Anno 1357. two parts of whose Revenues were allowed for their Maintenance a third for Redemption of Captives By their Rule Three Clergy-men and as many Lay-Brothers were to dwell with one Procurator who was to be called by the Name of Minister They were to wear Garments of white Cloth and lodge in Woollen putting off their Breeches when they went to Bed They might ride on Asses but not on Horses Fasting is injoyned them and not to eat Flesh but on a Sunday from Easter to Advent-Sunday and from Christmas to Septuagesima-Sunday likewise on the Nativity Epiphany Ascention Assumption Purification and on all Saints days being further injoyned to labour with their Hands and every Sunday to hold a Chapter or Assembly for regulating their Affairs in the Convent and in the Octaves of Pentecost a General Chapter to be held every Year As for their Minister he must be chosen by the Brothers in common consent being a Priest every Convent having one over all which must be owned Superior nor must any be admitted into the Order till past the Age of Twenty who must be shaven though the Lay-men are allowed their Beards and have injoyned them Rules for Civility Continency Love Sobriety and other Christian Virtues according to the Rules of St. Basil St. Benet and St. Augustin c. The Bethlemites are another Order who came into England about the Year 1257. and had their abode near Cambridge and soon after in it and had a red Star on their Breast like a Comet in Commemoration of the Star that appeared to signifie the Birth of our Saviour to the Wise-men of the East Their Apparel being comparative to that of the Dominicans or Praedicants of which we shall hereafter speak The Dominicans were so called from the Founder of their Order viz. one Dominicus a Spaniard taking their original from the Humiliatii and were Anno 1205 Instituted by Innocent the Third Bishop of Rome The main design of their Institution being to Read Preach Write and Expound the Word of God which gives the occasion of naming them Praedicants or Praedicatories As for the Founder of their Order by the aforesaid Bishop of Rome Anno 1207. he was joyned with Twelve Abbots of the Cistertian Order to preach against the Doctrine of the Albigenses and professing the Rules of St. Austin with some addition he had his Order confirmed by Honorius the Third Bishop of Rome dividing his Monastery into Three parts one he alotted himself and those Brothers that were Contemplative the second for Contemplative Sisters and the last for either Sex if they were given to a stirring and active course of Life under the denomination of Brothers and Sisters of Saint Dominick or the Souldiers of Jesus Christ The Dominicans are bound to renounce worldly Riches every Year to hold a General Chapter to Fast as much as possible from Holy-Rood Day in September till Easter and at other times to eat no Flesh on Fridays unless in case of sickness As for their lying it is to be in Blankets nor must they lye in Feather-Beds silence is injoyned them as likewise to wear a white Coat under a black Cloak That they be satisfied with the Title of Friers Praedicants to celebrate every Saturday the Office of the Virgin Mary unless in Lent and on Festival Days and that for the preaching the Gospel they disperse themselves through all parts of the World choosing them a general Master whose subordinate Prelates should be stiled Priors Dominicus himself being the first Master-General Anno 1220. but he enjoyed it not long dying the next Year As for the Praedicants they do not faithfully promise to live according to these Rules but to live up to them as well as they can and by their Preaching and Industry they wonderfully spread themselves into most parts of the World insomuch that Sebelicus affirms That in the Year of Christ 1494. there were Monasteries of this Order Four thousand one hundred forty three in which were found One thousand five hundred Masters of Divinity and One hundred and fifty Convents of Dominican Nuns and the cause of this great increase is thought to proceed from the good Opinion the World had of Dominicus who gave himself up to a strict Life and for which he was Canonized by Gregory the Ninth Anno 1233. and at this Day the Order is in high esteem at Rome and many Priviledges were conferred upon them as to Preach in any Pulpit of a Roman Clergy-man without asking leave of the Eishop to oblige Nobleman and Ladies to Confess to them and not to their Curates to Administer the Sacrament when they think sit and be utterly exempted from all Ecclesiastical Censures and these were confirmed by Pope Innocent the Fourth not are any that have taken this Order to change it And of these things testifie Antonius Vicentius Theodoricus of Apolea in the Life of Dominicus Matthew Paris Crantzius and others The Mendicant Friers were of Four kinds and amongst them the Praedicants of whom we have spoken were recorded the rest were Augustinians Carmelites and Minorites and of these in their Order As for the Augustinians their first Founder was William Duke of Aquitain about the year of Christ 1150. from whom they took the denomination of Guilebelimites and were enjoyned by Innocent the Fourth to follow St. Austins Rule and Alexander the Fourth reduced these and all other Eremites to the same Rule being as Tradition goes warned so to do by St. Augustine who appeared to him and subjected them to a grand Prior dispensing with their former Rules and Observations enjoyning them to forsake the Desarts and live in Cities Towns and Villages there to teach the people giving them divers priviledges which were augmented by Honorius the Fourth about the year 1290. Their Habit was a Black Coat with a Hood of the same colour
instituted in Vrbinum a City of Vmbria in Italy about the year 1366. during the Papacy of Pope Gregory the Ninth and by Gregory the Twelfth confirmed and there were of this Order in Italy twenty five Convents and are little different in Habit and other matters from St. Hierom's Monks c. The Canons of St. Saviour had their beginning in Italy at a place called Seopetum whence they took the denomination of Scopetines and follow the Rules of St. Austin Their first Institution was by Francis of Bononia in the Year 1366. during the Papacy of Vrban the Fifth and were by Gregory the Eleveth confirmed in the Year 1370. wearing a white Cloak and Hood under the Cloak a Linnen Vestment c. The Abbati took their Denomination from the white Linnen Vestments they wore This Order in the time of Pope Boniface the Ninth descended the Alpes into Luca Flaminea Hetruria Pisa and other Italian Countries Their principal Priest or Conductor being clothed in White and carrying a Crucifix in his Hand made a more than ordinary pretence to strictness in Religion weeping for the Sins and Calamities of the Times eating together in High-ways and lying promiscuously and they increased so fast that Pope Boniface the Ninth growing jealous that their Priest aimed at the Popedom apprehended him and put him to death whereupon his Followers dispersed themselves but these together with the Fratricelli and Turlupini being by many termed Broachers of Heritical Opinions and scarce to be ranked amongst Religious Orders I shall for brevities sake pass them over The Montolivetenses or Monks of Mount Olivet had their beginning 1407. betaking themselves to a Hill which they called Mount Olivet professed St. Bennet's Rules and clothed themselves in white Garments getting their Order to be confirmed by Pope Gregory the Twelfth and before these there were several of the said Denomination but Pope Boniface the Eighth disannull'd them as witnesses Fran. Sebellicus and others The Canons Regular of St. George by some called Apostolici were Founded by Lawrence Justinian Patriarch of Venice in the year 1407. Their Order was confirmed by Gregory the Twelfth their Habit was a Linnen Surplice over their other Cloaths and a black Hood but being out of the Cloister they wore a black Cloak and Hat And of these were Two other Orders the one wearing Blew and the other White and except in time of sickness they abstained from Flesh nor were they by any Vow tied to the Rules of their Profession The Mendicants of St. Hierom were instituted Anno 1407. by Charles Florentine and Pope Gregory the Twelfth confirmed their Rule according to that of St. Austin As for their Garments they are of a dark coloured Cloth wearing a plaited Cloak uppermost having likewise a Leathern Girdle and Wooden Shoes The Canons of Lateran seem to derive their original from St. Austin these by Pope Calixtus were expulsed with Saint John Lateran but were again seated there by Pope Paul the Second their Hoods Scapulars and Cloaks are black The Monks of the Order of the Holy Ghost were Anno 1407. Instituted by Gabriel of Spoletum at Venice using the like Habit as the Canons Regular The Brothers of St. Ambrose ad Nemus had their institution at Millan and were Confirmed Anno 1433. professing St. Austin's Rules and wearing dark-coloured Cloaths The Minimi of Jesu Maria were the Institution of Francis Paula a Sicilian Anno 1471. who made Three Rules one for the Brothers another for the Sisters and the third injoyned to both Sexes They were injoyned to observe the Ten Commandments and the Church Laws to be obedient to the Pope to persevere in their Vows of Poverty Chastity and Obedience as also to Fast This was allowed by Jalius the Second Innocent the Eighth Alexander the Sixth Sixtus the fourth and Leo the Tenth they altogether abstaining from Flesh wandring up and down in course Linnen bare-footed and bare-headed more of which you may see in Surius Tom. 2. de vit Sanct. c. In the Year 1500. came out of Germany a sort of people who stiled themselves Poor Pilgrims bare-headed and bare-footed clad in Linnen or grey Cloth having a Wooden Cross in their Hands drinking neither Beer nor Wine their Food all the Week except Sunday being Herbs seasoned with Salt altogether abstaining from Flesh Fish Milk Butter Cheese and Eggs stretching their Arms out in Churches cross-wise in imitation of a Cross and in Prayer fell flat on the ground no where staying above the space of Twenty hours at once going from door to door begging by couples And amongst them were divers Priests Deacons and Sub-Deacons which Penance they voluntarily undertook for what number of Years they thought convenient and the set time expired they returned home to follow their former Imployments and only excluded from their Pilgrimage Women and Monks The Order of Indians were Instituted in the time of Pope Julius the Second being of the Carmelite Race and are thought to be called Indians for that they intended to Convert the Indians to the Christian Faith the Indias being about that time discovered As for their Garments they wore a black Cloak over a white Gown The Society of Divine Love was composed of a People that met in obscure and remote places with much Devotion where they Prayed sung Psalms and Administred the Sacrament and were called Theatini from the Bishoprick of Theatinum which was rejected by John Peter Carassa that with less trouble and incumbrance he might profess a devout Life and give himself up more seriously to Contemplation and the study of Divine Mysteries nor would he accept of the Bishoprick of Brundusium which Charles the Fifth Roman Emperor would have conferred upon him and Instituted his Order under Pope Clement the Seventh This Man was afterward made Bishop of Rome by the Name of Paul the Fourth c. The Order of Paulini was Instituted by a Noble Matron called Gastalia Anno 1537. at Mantua whence those of the Order were sometimes called Gastalini and their chief business was to mortifie the Concupiscence and Lusts of the Flesh But for some Inconveniences that accrued by such Temptations as they gave themselves up to the Order was not long after its Institution extinguished or suppressed Thus have we briesly run through most of the Religious Orders that held of or were confirmed by the See of Rome Some there are that yet remain which being rather Military than Ecclesiastical Orders I shall say something of them and their Founders in due place and conclude the Religious Orders with that of the Jesuits or those of the Society of Jesus Founded by Ignatius Loyola CHAP. VII A Description of the Society of Jesus or the Order of the Jesuits in what relates to their Institution Confirmation General Rules and Offices being a brief Abstract of a Book published by the Superiors of the Order c. THE Order Called the Society of Jesus so much talked of through the Christian World was Instituted about the
past failings in not duly observing their Rules and Constitutions as they ought These are their Rules in general according to their Book of Rules and Institutes Printed at Lyons in France Anno 1607. But to come nearer to particulars there are divers others set forth in the same Book As the Constitutions and Rules of Provincials Rules for Provosts Rectors of Colledges and the Examiner Rules for the Masters of the Novices and their Councellors Rules for Travelors Rules for their Minister or Controler for the Admonitor the Overseer of the Church Priests their Rules Rules for Preachers the General Proctor his Rules Readers their Rules as also for the Infirmarius Librarii as they are set down in their Book for the better instruction of every Officer and Member of the Society which Book by the Order of the Superiors was Printed in the Year and Place before mentioned to which for brevities sake the inquisitive Reader is referred As for the Priviledges and Immunities granted them by several Popes they are very great and have been very much Improved CHAP. VIII A Description of the several Military Orders or Orders of Knighthood in most Christian Kingdoms Provinces and Countries as they have been and are at this day found with their Institution Confirmation Rules Habit and Collars or Badges of their respective Orders To what end they were Instituted and by what Kings Princes Noble-men and Prelates they were Encouraged and Confirmed with the Decay of some and Rise of others c. THe ensuing Orders being rather looked upon as Military ones than confined to the strictness of Religious Worship we shall but lightly mention them yet that the Reader may be benefited thereby especially in reading of History c. The Knights Hospitalers or Knights of the Order of St. John Baptist first obtained leave to build a Monastery at Jerusalem of the Calypha of Egypt which they dedicated to the Virgin Mary and employed themselves in defending Pilgrims as also in entertaining and relieving them in Hospitals and Houses built for them squaring their matters as to Devotion according to St. Augustines Rules and so well behaved themselves upon the Christians taking Jerusalem Anno 1099. that they were held in high esteem with Godfrey of Bulloigne and other Kings stoutly defending with their Swords the Christian Religion till the Princes of the West failing by reason of their own intestine Discords to send them succour they were by the Infidels quite beaten out of Syria Anno 1308. at what time with a great Fleet they invaded Rhodes took it from the Turks and maintained it 214. years but lost it in the Reign of Solyman the Magnificent after a bloody six months siege from whence they were called the Knights of Rhodes but since the Knights of Malta which place their Posterity at this day possess and defend against all opposition Governed by a great Master c. The Order of the Knights Templers was founded by Hugo de Paganis and Gufrid de St. Aidemaro who with their followers undertook to secure the Roads for the sake of Pilgrims from all Robbery and Outrages and from their being assigned a residence near the Temple in Jerusalem by King Baldwin were from thence called Templers and did great service under the leading of their Great Master against the Infidels in the Holy War but having lost Syria upon their return into Europe they were hardly treated and the Order quite extinguished as for their manner of Religious Observance it was much according to the Rule of the Canons Regular The Teutonick Order was Instituted or Erected before the Walls of Prolomais by the King of Jerusalem in the presence of divers Princes and Prelates who approved it and was confirmed by the Emperor Henry the Sixth and Pope Celestine the Third and enjoined St. Austin's Rules They were also called Marinii or Knights of St. Mary and did great service in the Holy War and since that time upon sundry occasions under their Superiors or Great Masters being mostly Germans and Polonians that are admitted into it and at this day are very Powerful and Rich having many Lands and Possessions The Order of the Knights of St. Lazarus were Instituted Anno 1119. but being almost extinct Pope Pius the Fourth renewed them The Habit of this Order is a dark-coloured Garment with a Red Cross on their Breasts and were also Instituted the Knights of the Annunciada in memory of the Annuntiation of the Blessed Virgin and held an Annual Feast on her day The Knights of Calatrava who took their Denomination from a Town of that Name in Spain were Instituted by Sanctius or as some will have it Alphonso King of Spain in the year 1121. or as others say 1160. who being of the Cistertian Order undertook to defend the Frontries against the Incursion of the Turks and Saracens which the Templers were too weak to do and live very strict in the observance of their Rules and had many Fovours conferred upon them by Pope Innocent the Third The Knights of St. James in Spain had their Institution from Pope Alexander the Third who confirmed them and enjoyned them the Rules of St. Austin whose first grand Master was Peter Ferdinand who for the support of himself and his Order had yearly 150000. Crowns being Instituted Anno 1170. the Great Master taking place next the Blood Royal wearing in Peace and War a Purple Cross on their Breasts resembling a Two Handed Sword Handle called Spatha whence the Knights of the Order are called Sancti Milites Jacobi de Spatha and from Compostella Compostellanos The Knights of the Holy Sepulchre were likewise called Knights of the Order of St. James their business being to guard the Sepulchre But when the Christians lost footing in Syria it expired their Charge being given by the Soldan to the Franciscans that were found in Jerusalem c. The Order of the Gladiators began in Livonia Anno 1204. and were so called for carrying on their Cloak two Red Swords a-cross their Institutor was Albert Bishop of Riga who gave towards their Maintenance the third part of his Church Revenues their Habit unless the two Bloody Swords worn thereon was White to shew their Innocence and Resolution to maintain war against the Enemies of the Cross of Christ converting many Unbelievers to Christianity not only in Riga but in other places of Livonia for which good service Pope Innocent assigned them what Lands in those parts they should win from the Infidels But in the end by the Popes perswasion both this and the Order of the Cruciferi became one in conjunction with the Teutonick Order To see which more at large read Crantzius l. 7. Funcius l. 10. Munster in his Geography Balaeus c. The Knights of St. Mary de Mercede or Redemption were Instituted by King James of Aragon who in the year 1212. subdued the Isles of Baleares and setled this Order about the year 1232. which was confirmed by Pope Gregory the Ninth their business was chiefly
to redeem Christian Captives taken by the Infidels Their Garments were White with a Black Cross and professed the Rules of the Cistertian Order The Knights of Montesia were Instituted by the same King of Aragon and confirmed by Pope Gregory the Ninth and were so called from a place in Valentia the Badge of their Order being a Red Cross and hold the Cistertian Rules The Knights of St. Maurice were Instituted by Amadeus the Seventh Duke of Savoy in honour of St. Maurice Anno 1490. The Order of the Golden Fleece was instituted by Philip the Good Duke of Burgundy and Father to Charles whom the Switzers overcame and slew he Instituting it on his Wedding day with Isabel Daughter to the King of Portugal in memory of Jason's fetching the Golden Fleece as some will have it The Order of the Moon was Instituted by Reiner Duke of Anjou upon his obtaining the Kingdom of Sicily Anno 1464. and as a Badge the Knights wear a Silver Half-Moon on their Arms and were in all dangers bound to stand by and defend each other not at any time presuming to fall at variance amongst themselves The Knights of St. Michael the Arch-Angel were Instituted by Lewis the French King Anno 1469. The Badge of their Order being a Gold Chain at which hangs the Image of St. Michael trampling on the Infernal Dragon and of this Order he appointed 36. Knights himself to be the Chief The Knights of St. Stephen were the Institution of Cosmo Duke of Florence and were confirmed Anno 1561. by Pope Pius the Fourth wearing Red Crosses set in Gold their Seat is in Ilua an Isle of the Ligustick Sea and were Instituted in imitation of the Knights of Malta taking their Denomination from Stephen Bishop of Florence or as some are of Opinion from Stephen Bishop of Rome The Knights of the Holy Spirit were Instituted by Henry the French King Anno 1579. The Knights of St. George in England were Instituted by King Edward the Third commonly called Knights of the Garter The Knights of the Star were Instituted by King John the First of France in memory of the Star that guided the Eastern Magi to the place where Christ was born The Knights of the Genets held to be the first Order of Knighthood in France was instituted by Charles Martel in memory of the signal Victory he obtained over Abdiramo in whose Camp he found many of those Creatures whose skins are excellent Furrs The Order of the Crown Royal was Instituted by Charles the Great in honour of the Frisons who had done him great service in his wars again the Sesnes or antient Saxons The Order of the Star in France was Instituted by King Robert Anno 1022. the whole Order consisting of thirty Knights of which the King was the Principal the Garb they wore were Cloaks of White Damask and a Star of Gold imbroidered with five pointed Rays on the left side The Order of the Broom-Flower was instituted by St. Lewis the French King who in the Collar of his Order wore Golden Broom-Husks or Cods intermingled with Flower de Ly's by which he signified that from a Law Estate or Humility he had been exalted to the Throne The Order of the Ship was likewise Instituted by the same King to encourage the Nobility of France either in Person or Estate to set their helping hand to the improvement of Navigation or to attempt the Seas with him to restore the Possessions of the Christians in the Holy Land The Collar of this Order was interlaced with Scallops double imitating or Emblematically signifying the Sandy Shoar and double Crescents or Half-Moons which with the figure of a Ship at the Collar or Chain in Cipher might signifie his intentions to sight against Mahumetans wherefore the Knights were daily obliged to hear things to incite them to the vindication and promoting of the Christian Faith to protect Widows Orphans and those that were oppressed The Order of the Holy Ghost in France was Instituted by Henry the third in memory of his Nativity Election to the Polonian Kingdom and his coming to the Possession of the Crown of France all which hapned on Whitsunday This Order consisted of the King and one hundred Knights amongst whom were four Cardinals five Prelates the Chancellor Provost Master of the Ceremonies the High Treasurer and Register all the Knights being bound to wear the Cross on their Garments The Order of Christian Charity was Instituted by the same King enjoining those to use their diligence in relieving Captives and have regard to maimed Souldiers and other Objects of Charity And to that end he assigned them Rents and Hospitals they wore on their Cloak as their Badge an Anchor'd Cross embroidered with White Sattin The Order of the Virgin Mary in Mount Carmel was instituted by Henry the Fourth French King the number ordained being one hundred Gentlemen Natives of France and was confirmed by Pope Paul the Fifth Anno 1607. The Order of Orleance was Instituted by Lewis of France Duke of Orleance Anno 1393. called the Order of the Porcupine Because the Knights wore a Porcupine of Gold at the end of three Chains for their Badge The Order of the Golden Shield was Instituted by Lewis the Second third Duke of Bourbon sirnamed the Good in the Shield was a Bend of Pearls and written thereon the word Allon which is much at one with Allons in French by which some say he meant Let us go all together to the service of God and Defence of our Country He likewise Instituted the Order of the Thistle called also the Order of bourbon Anno 1370. consisting of Twenty six Knights who wore Belts on which were embroidered the word Esperance and a Thistle of Silk and Gold hanging as a Tassel the like word was on their Collar of Gold interwoven with Flower de-Lys's and the Virgin Mary's Picture Crowned with Rays and Stars hanging at it in an Oval with a Thistle-Head at the bottom The Order of St. Mary Magdalen was Instituted Anno 1614. by John Chesnel a Noble French-man Instituted to restrain the French Nobility from Duels and Quarrels and of this Order were usually five hundred Knights who had a House assigned them near Paris and were enjoined to be Charitable Obedient to avoid Quarreling to observe conjugal Chastity c. and had a Great Master over them more of which you may see in the History of Andreus Favine Parisian an Advocate in the Court of Parliament as also of the Order of Bretagne or Hermine and Ears of Corn Instituted by Francis Duke of Bretagne Anno 1450. The Knights of the Bath were Instituted by Henry the Fourth King of England who constituted six and forty of that Order appointed them their Chambers in the Tower and to this day the Order flourishes being conferred as the Favour of the Prince upon worthy Gentlemen of known Loyalty and Integrity The Order of the Thistle or St. Andrew was Instituted in Scotland by King Achaius who made a
the Fourth Anno 1587. Pope Sixtus Quintus ordained the Knighthood of Lauretto to whom he erected our Ladies Church at Lauretto for a Cathedral There are likewise at Rome some Church-men that have taken upon them the Order of Knighthood as those of St. Anthony whose General is stiled the Abbot of St. Anthony of Vienna Their Garments are black Cassocks Cloaks and Gowns a double St. Anthony's Cross viz. two T T 's made of blue Sattin though the inferior fort wear but one T. Anno 1233. the Knights of St. Mary or the Virgin Mary were Instituted by Bartholomew Bishop of Vienna and confirmed by Pope Urbin the Fourth and are bound to St. Dominick's Rules the Knights wore a white Cassock with a red Cross and two Stars on the Breast their Cloak of a grey colour and had charge to take care of Orphans and Widows and to their power on all occasions reconcile differences and had liberty to live at home with their Wives and Families Anno 1618. An other Order of the Virgin Mary was erected at Rome by three Brothers Bernardo Pedro and John Baptista and was Confirmed by Pope Paul the Fifth who with those that Succeeded him where to be great Masters thereof their Convent being in the Palace of Lateran and are bound to defend the Catholick Faith and fight against the Turks and other Infidels and to be of Noble Extraction The Knights-Laicks and Knights-Priests of this Order the latter being Beneficed are to wear Blew Ribands about their Necks and a Golden Cross with Blew Enamel and on their Cloaks a Cross of Blew Sattin but the Knights Chaplains are to wear only a Blew Cross on their Cloaks and within the Cross is a round Circle wherein are M. S. standing for Maria Sancta with a Crown Twelve Silver Beams or Rays being about the Circle and Four Lillies at the four ends of the Cross as also Four Stars At Venice is the Institution of the Order of St. Mark Instituted in Honour of that Evangelist his Body being brought thither from Alexandria in Egypt and is in great esteem at this day the Venetian Nobility generally coveting to be of that Order And at Genoa is the Order of St. George's Knights and so in other Cities in Italy are peculiar Orders But seeing some of them as indeed of what has been already mentioned have long since ceased those that are desirous of a larger Account I refer them to the Histories of those Countries and so conclude the Military Orders that are and have been in divers Countries highly in esteem with Princes and Prelates and were not the least to whose signal valour and prudent conduct Christendom ows her Deliverance from the Incroaching Sword of the Infidels in repelling whom their Blood was so freely shed And so hoping that what has been said will not be construed to any Sinister end but remain a lasting Monument to the Memories of such as have done well I conclude this part of the Book and proceed to what is Material to be known by those that are Studious in Curiosity and not much Incoherent if at all with what has been said THE SECOND PART CONTAINING A Survey of the Court of Rome c. CHAP. I. A Brief Account of the Sacred Colledge or Colledge of Cardinals and of those depending on it Relating to Offices and profits c. HAving entertained the Reader thus long with the several Religious and Millitary Orders that are and have been in Europe and Asia since that flourishing Cedar of Christianity took Root and spread its Branches to the ends of the Earth and delivered them as we hope Impartially without comment or Gloss We shall from thence proceed to speak of other things curious in themselves and perhaps not Vulgarly known and will be found in the following Survey of the Roman Court which for Magnificence exceeds all others as in the multitude of great Offices and Officers splendid Receptions large Revenues pompous Ceremonies and the like and of these we shall treat in their Order and the first to be observed is the Colledge of Cardinals called the Sacred Colledge c. In this Cafe the Pope or Bishop of Rome for his Collaterals has Cardinals to the Number of 70. and these are Six Bishop Cardinals Fifty Priest Cardinals and the remainder Deacon-Cardinals as the number was determine and confirmed by Sixtus Quintus Bishop of Rome and these compose the Sacred Colledge Amongst them there is one that is Chamberlain of that Colledge differing in Office from the Pope's Chamberlain and is but for a year whereas the other is for Term of Life the Cardinals Residentaries in the Court of Rome succeeding to it by Order of Seniority have by the space of a year the Charge of the Revenues at the end of which they distribute to each Cardinal his Portion which they that are not resident enjoy no longer then Six Months after they have left the City And for the exacter Computation and Management of Affairs have a Secretary Clark and Caster up of Accounts belonging to the Colledge yet the Clark continues his Trust but a year the Secretary is ever an Italian but the Clark may be a German French man or Spaniard c. Each of them by vertue of their Office requires of the Heir of every Cardinal that Deceases 25. Ducats of the Chamber and have their Maintenance from the Palace The Secretary's Office is to write in the Conclave the Letters in the name of the Colledge which are subscribed and Sealed by the Principals of the Orders viz. The first Cardinal Bishop Cardinal-Priest and Cardinal-Deacon He assists likewise in the General Congregation and in the Congregation of the Heads of the Orders setting down the Decretals and Orders that in them are made and keeps a Register of the Resolutions of the Secret Consistories given him by the Cardinal-Chamberlain of the Colledge In the Consistory he Officiates in a Red Habit reaching to his Feet with a Hood of the like upon his Shoulders but upon the Extra omnes he likewise departs The National Clark is the Secretary's Substitute or Deputy to supply his room or Business in his Absence The Caster up of Accounts is enjoyned to keep a due and just Account in what relates to the Revenues of the Colledge and make the Cardinal-Chamberlain sensible thereof CHAP. II. An Account of the Masters of the Ceremonies Master of the Palace the Lord Vestry Keeper the Popes Secretary their Office and Dignity c. THE Pope or Bishop of Rome has Four Masters of the Ceremonies two of which are stiled participants and have large Incomes as Fifty Ducats of the Heir of every Cardinal that deceases and a Hundred and Twelve of every new created Cardinal with many other Perquisits insomuch that their Office yields them Annualy 700. Ducats each The other Two are called Supernumeraries to each of them every new Cardinal gives Twelve Ducats of the Chamber and though both the former have their entertainment from the Apostolical
Palace yet of these the most Antient only is so favoured notwithstanding their Authority is equal in ordaining the Pontifical Functions advising the Lords Cardinals what they are to do and have a great Command They are all likewise present in the Congregations of Rites and one alone in the Ceremonial Congregation all of them entering the Conclave and when the Pope sends any Cardinal Legat de Latere he proposeth to him one of these Masters who is attired in Purple and whilst he is in that Habit give place to none but the Master of the Chamber or the Pope's Cup-bearer The Master of the Palace has his abode there viz. In the Palace of the Vatican with 2. Attendants And this place belongs properly to the Fathers of the Religion of S. Dominick His Charge it is to peruse the Works that are Printed in Rome and to take a Copy after he has approved them and when by the Lord Vice-gerent they are Subscribed his Reverend Paternity sets likewise his hand to them or one of his Assistants who are Masters and Fathers of no mean Quality This Master is present in the Congregation of the Judge and in the Pope's Chappel has a place under the Lord Deacon or the most Antient Auditor of the Exchequer called Della Ruota and has his own Entertainment and his followers dayly from the Pope The Lord Vestry-Keeper inhabits in the Palace and must be a Father of the Augustine Order and under his Charge are Garments and other things of great Value He ever attends the Pope at Mass in Pontifical or Private Celebration and his Office it is to provide the Wine the Water and the Wafer and when he is a Titular Bishop he takes his place in the Chappel among other Bishops Assistants and though he be not a Bishop he goes in the Habit of a Regular Prelate sitting in the Chappel above the Dean and the Auditor of the Exchequer waiting upon the Pope's Mytre who gives him Entertainment as he does the Master of the Palace The Pope's Secretary is ever a Cardinal stiled the Cardinal-Nephew and hath many Secretaries under him His chief Business is to write and subscribe Letters by the Pope's Order to Princes Nuncios and others to Sign the Patents of Governours Podestates Provosts-Marshals and other officers of the Church Likewise all the Embassadors of Princes at their Departure give an Account of their Negotiation to this Cardinal-Nephew and the like grand Observance he has from all the Ministers of Rome and was wont to have the Title of Superintendent General of the State Ecclesiastical which the Pope gave to him by his Breve and by the like means gives him the Title of Secretary CHAP. III. An Account of the Officers and Servants imediately Officiating and attending on the Pope and in his Palace their Places and Dignities c. AS for the Master of the Pope's House or Major Domo he is always a Prelate and divers others there are who are properly called Domesticks as the Master of the Chamber the Cup-bearer the Sewer Carver chief Harbinger Under-Master of the Chamber Under-Cupbearer Under-Sewer and Under-Master of the House also the Secret Chamberlains of which there are frequently seven or eight Participant Chamberlains one of the Secret-Chamberlains being always Secret-Treasurer and bestows the Popes Donation or Alms an other Secret-Chamberlain there is who is the Ward Robe Keeper under whose Charge are Jewels Gold Reliques and the like there are likewise Adjutants Nor does the Entertainment of a Secret-Chamberlain amount to less than 1000. Crowns per Annum and the Participant Chamberlain more and all the rest proportionable to their Degree in Office There are also six Secret Clarks of the private Chappel who have great In-comes by Perquisits and Stipends and when the Pope Pontifically proceeds to his Chappel it is the Duty and Office of his Chaplains to carry his Triple-Crown and Mytre going before the Cross in Red Habit. There are besides these Palfrey-Men who commonly are called Chaplains and Chaplains of the Guards Secret-Adintants of the Chamber and besides them Chamberlains of Honour descended of Noble parentage and of good Education There are also three other Chamberlains viz. Della Bussola the Chamberlain Extramuros and the Scudiere who by turns keep the Watch and have their Office distinct except the Chamberlains of Honour who do not appear in the Palace but when it pleases them and by them the Pope frequently sends the Hats to the new Cardinals There are likewise a Sewer and a Carver of the Sacred Colledge whose places are very advantagious A Carver and a Sewer there are likewise for Strangers and the Poor that daily feed in the Palace at the Pope's Charge who were Instituted by Pope Clement the Eighth he Ordaining that the Father Rectories of the Penitentiaries of St. Peter of the Society of Jesus should observe to bring in every Morning twelve Pilgrims to eat in the Palace at the Pope's Charge All these Officers are attired in Purple according to their Degree For the Family there are two Physitians and a third is entertained by the Secret-Chamberlain A Person of Quality there is who is entertained by the Pope in the Nature of Master of the Stable under whose charge the Horses to the number of two hundred or upward continually are yet he manages his place by Substitutes and is permitted to wear a Cloak and Sword his place being of considerable value nor do any beside himself and the Chamberlains of Honour wear Cloaks and Swords his Charge is also of the Mules Litters and Carriages And Pope Leo the Eleventh gave the Title of Master of the Horse to Signior Pomponeo Frangipanii a Valiant Roman who had well deserved in the Wars Other under Officers there are in whose Custody is the Pope's Furniture and Houshold stuff whose Care it chiefly is to see the Rooms and other Places kept in order and accomodated when there is a Consistory Signature of Grace and Congregation There are likewise Secret and Publick Sweepers whose upper Garments are Purple and formerly were the Pope's Coach-men viz. when he was a Cardinal as also Palfrey-men more then forty which are usually such as belong to the Deans of the Cardinals and Ambassadors who reside in Rome when the Pope comes to his Dignity Their Clothing is Red or White as themselves shall choose with a Purple Cloak and a Guilt Sword Twelve Mace-bearers there are and the like number of Vergers both of them salable Offices and neither worth less then six hundred Crowns a piece yielding fifty Crowns or upward Yearly These and many others are the Officers immediately attending on the Pope who are plentifully provided for As for the Pope's Palace the Gate thereof stands but half open for the Reception of any Ambassador or Minister of State but when the Pope or his Brethren pass it it stands wide open CHAP. IV. An Account of the Pope's Secretary of State The Secretaries of the Breives their Office and Dignity c. THE
the Original Tongue are Printed CHAP. VII An Account of the several Congregations held at Rome the end for which they were held the Nature of the several Offices thereto belonging with the Dignity of the Respective Offices c. AS for the Congregations of Cardinals they are many and different in their Effects of which I shall speak in their order and in the first place of that called the Congregation of the Holy Office This Congregation Assembles on Wednesdays and Thursdays every Week the first Assembly is in the Conuent of the Dominicant Alla Minerva and the second before the Pope about Matters to Religion c. Where many Cardinals intervene and by him twelve at least are appointed together with divers Prelates other Divines and Religious Orders c. And have in Conjunction the Title of Consultors of the Holy Office the Seal of this Office is kept by a noted Cardinal who is allowed a Prison and Officers to punish Offenders as likewise Ministers amongst whom is the Commissary who is a Father of the Dominican Order and the Assessor a Prelate or one of the Pope's Chamberlains of Honour whose Business it is to make report of the Causes in the Congregation The Congregation relating to the Affairs of the Bishops and Regulars whose Jurisdiction is in Case of Differences arising between the Bishops and their Subordinates and the like as to the Regulars also to take Care in providing for the Occurrences of Bishops which require Consultation and is held in the House of a Cardinal who is the Principal every Fryday The Jurisdiction of the Congregation of the Counsel is to interpret the Text of the Council of Trent and is kept in the House of the Eldest Cardinal who is the chief therein though a second Cardinal keeps the Seal and is held once a Week on the day the Chief Cardinal appoints The Ecclesiastical Immunity Congregation was erected for that some in sundry Cases injoyed not Ecclesiastical Immunity and because through Diversity and Mixture of Offences the Determination rested many times doubtful Pope Urban the 8th erected this Jurisdiction which is held in the eldest Cardinal's House every Tuesday divers Cardinals assisting as also the auditor della Ruota a Clark of the Chamber a Voter of the Signature and the Secretary who fiequently is a Referendary of either Signature as also the Cardinal-Praefect in whose Custody the Seal is and hath from the Cardinal the Entertainment of 〈◊〉 Crowns per Annum Another Congregation is viz. That of the State which is often held before the Pope but oftner before the Cardinal Nephew whereat all the Cardinals that have been Nuntios Apostolical ought to be present as likewise the Pope's Secretary of State Another Congregation was erected by Gregory the Fifteenth for the Propagation of the Catholick Faith from whence it takes its Denomination In this Congregation divers Cardinals together with an Apostolical Protonotary sit as also the Pope's Secretary of State the Judge who usually is a Referendary of both Signatures and further the Assessor of the Holy Office and Secretary of the same Congregation The Congregation of Rites is likewise held in Rome and the end of it is to compose differences and see the opinions concerning Rites Precedencies Ceremonies c. And the Antientest Cardinal deputed by the Pope to attend this Service is the Judge and in his house it is held once every Month or oftner if the head Cardinal thinks fit to appoint it or if the rest of the Cardinal's Assistants require it There is a Congregation for Water of which the Cardinal in whose house it is held is Chief and the chief business is to inquire into matters relating to Rivers Brooks Bridges Water-Courses Aquaeducts and Conveyances and is not convened unless occasion require it And much to the same purpose is the congregation held for Inspecting matters relating to the Fountains Water-Conveyances and Streets for the Commodity and advantage of the City The Congregation for Printing and Correcting Books is headed by a Cardinal and Constituted to be held at his house but there being Persons deputed to that end they seldom meet unless complaints are made The Council of the Government of the State of the holy Church is managed in chief by the Cardinal-Nephew in whose Palace it is held Frydays and Tuesdays where five or six Cardinals and seven or eight Prelates with other great Officers hear and determine matters relating to the Church Affairs setling business in all Countries in which their Jurisdiction extends by sending Directions and receiving answers from their Legats Nuncios Governours c. in Princes Courts and in the Churches proper Teritories The Congregation for easing the people and of Bono Regimine consists of the Pope's Nephew Protempore as chief to whom the people apply themselves for the easing of Grievances and the one held on Saturday in the Council Room and the other in the next Room to it and tend to one and the same purpose at which five or six Cardinals and seven or eight Prelates are Generally asisting The Congregation relating to the Mint is managed by four Cardinals and four Chamberlains who take an Account of the Coin and what is Minted and observe that it may when Coined be disposed of to the use of the Church c. And this is held at the Eldest Cardinals House as often as there is Occasion for it A Congregation there is held in order to Examine the Person on whom the Pope intends to bestow the Dignity of Bishop or those on whom he has bestowed it and is held before the Pope consisting of nine or ten Cardinals and half the Number of Prelates yet it extends for the most part no farther then to those that are to have those Dignities confered on them In Italy the party to be examined continues kneeling on a Cushion before the Pope it being in the power of every Member of the Congregation to put Interrogatories to him when he is approved he is Registred in a Book kept by the Secretary of the Congregation If he be once examined although he change his Bishoprick he is not to be a second time examined but if he was never Examined it is in the power of the Congregation to convene him but the Cardinals are not subject to this Examination The chief Cardinal-Deacon pro tempore is head of the Congregation relating to consistorial Affairs the Pope appointing the day the main business being the Resignation of Bishopricks the Interest of Taxations of the Church of consistorial Abbies and things of the like Nature it being generally held in the house of the first constituted or head Cardinal though many Assistants were allowed and Ceremonies used in the performance the heads of every Congregation having their Secretary to draw up the Letters c. according to the decrees that are established in a full Congregation every head subscribing the Letters of his own Congregation which the Secretaries Seal with the Seal of him that Subscribed
Lodgings where he has his Crown Shaved for which as a Fee he gives the Cardinal-Nephew's Barber 25. Ducats and having Dined he is conducted by the Cardinal-Nephew to the Pope kneeling before whose Feet he has the Red Hat put on his Head by him and being Pronounced as the former after returning many Grateful Acknowledgements he departs and proceeds to visit the Pope's Kindred but neither appear out of their Houses in the Red Habit until the Publick Consistory Another way of Creating a Cardinal is by notifying it to him in his own Country where he resides and sending him a Hat c. Which is carried by one of the Pope's Chamberlains accompanied with his Breive In Canonization of any Person at the request or intreaty of a Prince People or Relations he sends to some Prelate who is resident in the Country to inquire into the Life and Conversation of the party and to signifie what they can learn by Letter grounded upon the Examination of Witnesses which is propounded to the Sacred Colledge or Colledge of Cardinals who if they find sufficient cause for further inquiry and the which if they adjudge meet then the same or some other Prelate has further Orders to examine Witnesses and exactly inquire into the Matter and for the better Exaamination Articles and Interrogatories are sent under the Pope's Bull or Bull Apostolical to the Prelate or Prelates wherewith they are to examin Witnesses upon Oath concerning the Excellency Purity of Faith and Sanctimony of the party deceased of which if the Colledge approve as sufficient ground to believe the party is in Bliss and that by his good example many are incouraged to lead a Holy Life he is Canonized according to the Rules or Ceremony of Canonization if not the Suit is rejected CHAP. XII The Manner of the Pope's entring the Publick and Secret-Consistories and the Order that is observed there on frequent Occasions and a Description of those Places c. IN the Publick-Consistory or Place for the Reception of kings and Princes Ambassadors in the most Splendid manner at the upper end is a Pontifical Throne erected almost four square and four-foot broad in the midst of it is a Seat fastened to the Wall with a great and lesser Foot stool all the Floor of the Throne being covered with Scarlet-Cloth as is the great Foot stool The Wall is spread with Cloth of Gold as also the Seat over which hangeth a Cloth of State of the same on the Right-hand within the Throne are the Seats of the Bishops and Priests-Cardinals two hands breath from the Wall with a conveniency to lean on as high as their Shoulders and a step to set their Feet on unto which is adjoining another Seat standing cross the Hall facing the Pope's Seat on the Pope's lest Hand is the Seat of the Deacon Cardinals between which and the Seat that goes cross the Hall is about Eleven hands breadth which serves for a Door of Entrance These Seats are hung and adorned with Cloth of Arras and Tapestry and are of an equal breadth all the Room besides being hung with Green Cloth To the Publick-Consistory the Pope proceeds in Rich Ornaments with the Cross the Cardinals going before him and these takes his Place as do the Cardinals after they have done their Reverence as for the Arch bishops Bishops Protonotaries and all the prelares they place themselves upon the three steps of the Pontifical Throne and last of all the Subdeacons Auditors Clarks of the Chamber As for the long robed Courtiers they sit on the Ground between the Cardinals Seats The Chamberlains and Secretaries doing the like betweem the Preiates Seats and the long robedl Courtiers and if it happen that thee Pope's Nephews or some great Frinces are there which are not to sit on the Cardinals Seats they take their Places standing near the Pope the Ambassadors of Kings Princes and great Men stand on his right hand between the sreps of the Throne and the Wall whilst his Domesticks and Courtiers stard on his left The Consistorial-Advocates stand behind the Priests and Deacon Cardinal's Seats as for the procurators of Kings Princes and those of the Religious Orders their Place is to stand behind the Bishops-Cardinals Seats In the space between the Priest and Deacon-Cardinals Seats stand the Serjeants at Arms and through them those that are to come to the Pope enter and before them stands the Master of the Houshold and in the head of the Deacon-Cardinals Seats are the Masters of the Ceremonies and in this Order Matters of great moment are heard and debated and the Cause of the Assembly being ended they return in the manner they came every one knowing his Place and Order The Secret Consistory is held in a convenient Room in the Apostolical Palace called the Papal Chamber in the midst of which is a Throne raised from the Ground without steps only little foot-steps to remove at pleasure not having any degrees as the former The Cardinals Seats in their order are placed on the right and left hand in the Front of the Throne which is adorned with Cloth of Gold but their Seats are only painted Red with the Pope's Arms on them but between the Throne and the Cardinal's Seats Tapestry is usually spread When any Consistorial Business begins all the Prelates except the Cardinals with draw into another Chamber and without the Door wait two Secret Chamberlains who upon the least Ring of the Silver Fell carried by the Junior Cardinal-Deacon enter to know the pleasure of the Consistory In this place it is that the Pope propounds such matters as are to be handled in the Senate and requires their Opinions which he takes by Vote and declares according to the Majority which is called a Decree The Conclave is the Place where the Cardinals affemble in the vacancy to elect a new Pope and is seated in the Apostolical Palace containing two Halls and a Chappel with some other Houses for the conveniency of Servants the place of Election is very unlightsom as having but a few Lights and those very high so that in the out-side they can hardly be seen the Gate or Entrance into the first Hall has a Wicket through which the Cardinals that are shut up receive Necessaries Necessary-Houses there are and other things Necessity requires In the lesser Chappel the Fathers convene to Celebrate Divine Service and to make the Election In the greater Chappel or Hall are as many Cells as there are Cardinals qualified to give their Voices and are divided with Linnen-Cloth very Artificially and an Alphabet sixt on them so that at the first Entrance they are chosen by Lot and afterwards strictly Possessed and as soon as the Cells are so chosen the Servants of the Cardinals make Provision of Beds Curtains and other necessary Furniture and when the Conclave is closed Order is taken that no Person may go stand or tarry above below or on any side or part of it nor may see speak to
or cast in any Paper c. to those that are shut up lest by such means any might be capable of diving into their counsels and for the Prevention of this or any Disturbance that may happen there are four several Guards a distance from each Other set upon the place Day and Night till the Cardinals come to a Conclusion and are under the Command of Prelates and Captains of great Trust and the first Hall is made fast with four Locks two on the out side and two on the in side those that guard next the Door keeping the outward Keys and those within them of the inward Locks so that none can get in nor out without a mutual Agreement But proceeding from this and waving other Elections and Funerals of smaller note We now go on to those of the Pontifical Prelate or the Pope himself as we find them in a Brief Abstract and of the Election of Pope Innocent the Tenth CHAP. XIII An Account of the Manner of Proceeding to the Election Creation and Coronation of the Pope or High Bishop of Rome with the many and splendid Ceremonies Processions and what else is Remarkable UPon the Death of Pope Urban the Eighth the See of Rome being Vacant care was immediately taken for the Election of a High Bishop to supply his place so that the Cardinals having put an end to the ninth days Solemnity and celebrated his Interrment with much pomp and Grandeur the usual Mass was sung before them at St. Peter's Church by Cardinal Latini Dean of the Colledge and an Eloquent Oration made by Jacomo Accaressio after which the Master of the Ceremonies taking up the Papal Cross marched on with the Gentlemen of the Chappel singing the Hymn Veni Creator Spiritus c. And the Cardinals in their Degree and Order followed him to the number of fifty four who were then at Rome and entring the Conclave went directly to Pope Sâ—xtus the Fourth's Chappel where the Cardinal Dean repeated Prayers and after that each Cardinal took his proper place all persons else being shut out of the Chappel except the Secretary of the Colledge and five Masters of the Ceremonies Then were the Bulls for the Election of a New Pope read and allowed by the Secretary and the Masters of the Ceremonies then the Cardinals took an Oath to observe them and retired into their Cells and having finished their eating they went to the Chappel where the Prince Savelli Perpetual Marshal of the Holy-Church and others were appointed to keep the Guards on the Doors and Avenues during the time of the Election and to that purpose took their Oaths before the Cardinal-Dean The proceedings having been thus far the Cardinals returned to their Cells and gave Audience to the Lords Ambassadors and Titular Personages of the Court till about three hours within night at which time upon one of the Masters of the Ceremonies Ringing a Bell they fell to Immuring and doing all that was necessary for the Closure of the Conclave the Cardinal Dean and Cardinal-Chamberlain having the Charge to see all places secure which in Writing was certified by the Master of the Ceremonies at which time all but the Cardinals and such as were alowed to attend them withdrew The Principal of their Attendants being the Lord Vestry-Keeper and his Adjutant Five Masters of the Ceremonies the Secretary with an Adjutant the Confessor two Physicians a Chirurgeon and an Apothecary with two Adjutants two Workmen viz. A Mason and a Carpenter and sixteen Labourers and were Elected by Secret Votes inclusive which were held in St. Peter's Vestry every morning before they entered the Conclave and over and above Orders given for the good Government of the City during the Recluseness of the Cardinals prime Magistrates And now the Guard being set at the four Gates under the command of the Marshal-Captain of the Switzers and divers Prelates the Conclave was walled up and every little Craney together with the great and lesser Windows closed leaving on the top only an overturn of four of five hands in breadth covered with a Linnen Cloth of which part was fastened and part not yet there were seven passages by which provision was brought and in this order came it in First came two of that Cardinals Palfrey-men for whom the Diet was designed with two purple coloured Maces and on them that Cardinals Arms next him the Silver Mace-bearer and other Gentlemen after whom came the Sewer with a Napkin followed by two Palfrey-men carrying Cups and a Silver Chasing-dish succeeded by two others with Manchets and they by two more with Glass Bottles of Wine and Water and all these had a purple wooden-Mace borne before them whilst the Deputy Prelates had the charge to see what entered the which were changed at every several Meal assisting at each passage and narrowly searching every thing that was carried in The diet being entered an Apparitor in his purple Robe with his Silver Mace closed the passage where upon the assisting Prelates took a view whether they were well secured and with a paper Sealed up the key hole of the door within and the Master of the Ceremonies did the like without In the morning succeeding the shutting up the Cardinal Deacon celebrated Mass and administred the Communion to the rest of the Cardinals making a brief Exhortation for the Election of a new Bishop so that after may debates for the speace of thirty seven days for so long they continued there nominating and Scrutinizing on Thursday September 15. 1644. Cardinal Pamphilio was agreed upon he upon the Scrutiny having fifteen Votes and upon the Access thirty three After-wards the Chappel being open the Vestry Keeper with the Masters of the Ceremonies and Secretary entered it and burnt the Schedules Then the first Cardinal Deacon and first Priest-Cardinal and in the Room of the Prince Cardinal D' Medici who was absent by reason of his Indisposition the second Deacon-Cardinal made Humble Suit to the most eminent Cardinal Pamphilio that he would accept of the Papacy according to the Election that had been made by the Sacred Colledge which he accepted and assumed the Name of Innocent the Tenth Whereupon the two Deacon-Cardinals conducted him to the back side of the Altar of the Chappel and there by the assistance of the Lord Vestry keeper and Master of the Ceremonies he was devested of his Cardinals Habit and attired in the Papal Vestments Then they placed him in the Pontifical Chair before they Altar when as the Cardinal-Deacon kneeled and kissed his Feet and his right Hand who raised him up and gave the Osculum pacis or Kiss of peace on either Cheek and this upon the like reverence he observed to all the Cardinals in their Order Then the two Principal Master of the Ceremonies took up the Cross whilst Musick of the Chappel Ecchoed Ecce Sacerdos Magnus c. and so going out in Order to the Lodging of Benediction where so much of the Wall of that place being broken
Foot-Men in Rich Liveries without observing any order of Precedency Next these came five of the Pope's Mace-Bearers in Purple Gowns bearing Silver Maces After them Fourteen Drummers in Red Sattin Jackets on Foot trimmed with Gold and Feathers in their Hats beating a March having on their Drums the Pope's Arms as likewise those of the People of Rome Then the Pope's Trumpets with Crimson-Banners whereon his Arms were imbroidered in Silk and Gold after them came the Chamberlains extra Muros and a considerable number of Secret-Chamberlains followed by the Consistorial Advocates and the four Participants carrying the Pope's four Crimson Hats upon Maces After these followed on Horseback 40. Roman Magistrates Habited in Black Senatorian-Velvet Gowns reaching to their Feet with Horse Coverings and Bonnets of the same Next them came the Abbreviators de Parco Maggiore Auditors de Ruota and the Masters of the Palace who were followed by Fourteen Roman Marshals in White-Sattin under-Garments Purple Sattin-Jackets and Caps of Velvet After them followed the Fourteen Caporioni habited in Crimson Velvet-Gowns imbroidered with Gold and Velvet-Caps enriched with Jewels These were succeeded by the Senators and Conservators of Rome in splendid Apparel and they by the Lord Governour and the Emperor's Ambassador Then the chief Masters of the Ceremonies and Apostolical Subdeacon bearing Crosses between the two Red Vergers so called from the Crimson Vergers they carry then Fifty Noble Youths in Garments of White-Sattin with Gold imbroidery who went near the Pope's Litter bare-headed which was likewise imbroidered with Gold and wherein the Pope was when immediately after him came the Master of the Chamber Cup-bearer Physician Secretary c. Whilst on each side stood the Guard of Switzers with Halberts And lastly in order followed the Cardinal-Arch-Bishops Patriarks Assistant-Bishops Protonotaries Referendaries and as the Rear the Horse Guards in Red Cassocks and their Officers richly attired In this manner the great Procession came to the Church porch of St. John de Lateran where the Pope alights from his Litter Cardinal Colonna who was Arch-Bishop of that Church gave him the Cross to kiss which he did kneeling on his Knees after that sitting a while in the Porch the Canons and Clergy kissed his Feet then the Cardinal-Arch-Priest made an Oration and presented him with a Silver-Bason and in it two Keys one of Gold and the other Silver spread with Flowers being the Keys of the Church and Lateran Palace after which he went from the Porch to the great Gate of the Church where the Aspersorio or sprinkling Brush was put into his Hand by the Cardinal-Arch-Bishop with which having sprinkled himself and others he returned it again and by that Cardinal was three times censed Then in his Chair under a Canopy he was carried to the Altar of St. Peter and St. Paul where all the Cardinals did Obeisance to him upon which he went to the High-Altar and gave the Benediction saying these Words viz. Sit Nomini Domini Benedictum and then again ascending his Chair he was carried into the great Hall of the Lateran Palace where seating himself at the upper end he gave each Cardinal a Medal of Gold and another of Silver and to those that had Offices for every Office a Medal of Gold then standing on his Feet he took handfuls of Coin out of the Assistant's Lap which was made of a mixed Mettal but neither Silver nor Gold and saying Gold and Silver I have none but such as I have I give unto you he threw it amongst the Spectators then went he in Procession to the Lodge of Benediction where he gave a solemn Benediction and caused the Prince Cardinal d' Medici to publish a Plenary Indulgence in Latin and the Cardinal Antonio the like in Italian then he gave a second Benediction and so returned to St. Peter's accompanied by the Train he brought And thus much of Triumph from whence we shall proceed to a sadder part which is the Conclusion of all Wordly Pomp and Glory and so put an end to this Work which is an Account of the Proceedings at Rome upon the Sickness Death and Funeral-Solemnities of the Pope or High-Bishop CHAP. XV. An Account of the Pope's Behaviour on his Death-Bed and of the Ceremonies of his Burial and Solemn Obsequies c. IF the Pope fall Sick and the Physitians find he will Dye of that Sickness they are not to hide it from him but advise him to be mindful of his Immortal State yet to give him some Encouragement by promising not to be wanting in any thing that may contribute to his Recovery After which they must acquaint his Confessor what they think as to the nearness of his end who thereupon hastens to him and makes him more sensible of his approaching Fate by letting him know he is but Dust admonishing him to confess himself to him soon after all his Domestick Prelates come before him and the chief of his Family in whose Presence and in that of the Eucharist he makes usually his open Confession of his Faith which he protesteth he hath ever constantly held and maintained and therein by the grace of God will Live and Dye Then he asks forgiveness of them if by Inadvertency he has injured any of them and bestows some Spiritual Benediction or Graces on them yet requires them to pray for his Soul then he requires the Vestry-Keeper that he may receive the Viaticum and the other Sacraments when the Prelates see it needful and if he be in perfect Memory and not in extraordinary pain he sends for the Cardinals and again makes his Confession of Faith before them and asketh their pardon if by mis-government he hath offended any of them intreating them to pray for him and recommends the Church to their care and to be diligent and unanimous in the Election of one to succeed him and sometimes nominates whom he thinks fit for that charge He likewise lets them know his Debts and Credits with all his Treasure and makes his Will recommending to them his Family and Retinue and so dismisses them with his Benediction who finding the Pope past Recovery with the Chamberlain take an Inventory of all things in the Palace as likewise take an Account of what is in the Lord Vestry-keeper's Charge and to prevent Tumults privately draw the Ecclesiastical Militia into the City posting them to the best Advantage and provide for the Provinces within the Territories of the Church by Letters and Messengers to the respective Governors And when the Pope is about to depart the Cross is held to him by some of his Domestick Prelates to put him in mind that Christ died for the Sins of Mankind and the Vestry-keeper gives him the Extream Unction and commends his Soul to God whilst the Penitentiaries stand round him reading the Penitential Psalm and other Prayers as he is expiring Being dead the Lord Chamberlain washes his Body with the Decoction of sweet Herbs and Wine stopping all the purging Vents with Aromatical Gums
be not vain or idle but edifying and suitable on all occasions 33. That they should by no means upbraid one another or any other person 34. That whoever defames or patiently hears his Brother defamed be Excommunicated 35. That they give not way to Malice or Anger 36. That they set their affections on Heavenly and not on Earthly Things 37. That they neither rejoice nor sorrow but when they see God honoured or dishonoured 38. That they take heed and beware of worldly Cares and too much Security 39. That whatever they do may be done to the glory of God 40. That they beware of Pride 41. That by having a low esteem of themselves they may learn Humility 42. That they may be obedient and ready to help and serve each other 43. That no man give occasion of scandal or offence to his Brother 44. That every one do his duty with chearfulness that reconciliation may be made where it is wanting 45. That they judge not least they be judged 46. That they be truly zealous against sin 47. That no man do his own will or ought without leave seeing Christ came to do the will of his Father 48. That they be thankful to God who has made them capable of partaking with the Saints in light 49. That they in their duty instruct no Vices 50. That they debar no man from entring their Convent upon trial nor give them any offence 51. That in their fasting they use Moderation and Devotion 52. That none scorn to wear a Garment that is given him though old 53. That every one observe the due hour for repast or eating 54. That they give their Alms with due consideration but especially according to the discretion of the Superior 55. That the elder instructing the younger perform it with reverence and that none presume to break the Orders of the Monastery 56. That they should be careful of the Utensils and other necessaries appertaining to the Monastery 57. If any one be necessarily detained from Prayer in publick and singing that then he prayes to God with his heart 58. That they be reverent and devout in their Prayer not suffering their Eyes to wander 59. That the Steward and other Officers be prudent faithful and frugal 60. That the Rewards on all occasions be proportioned to the works 61. That he who returns to God by Repentance must weep and be sorry for his misdoings and be in hatred with his former actions 62. That none should be dismayed seeing they have nothing to give to the poor because they have lest all to follow Christ 63. That they must not be silent or wink at Offences but reprove them 64. They should never be without compunction and care seeing the remainder of sin is in them 65. That they endeavour to be poor in spirit which is to forgoe all for the love of God 66. That they continue in well doing to their lives end 67. That though in respect of themselves they ought not to be solicitous what to eat or drink yet that they may be helpful to others they ought to labour with their hands 68. That they are not desirous of meat and drink out of season 69. That in token of humility they wear Sack-cloth and speak with moderation expressing therein neither Shame nor Confidence 70. That the Eucharist be received with Reverence Fear and Faith 71. That they observe when it is convenient to speak and when to be silent 72. That they have ever the the fear of God before their Eyes shuning the broad way and chusing the narrow 73. That they avoid Covetousness and Vain-glory as also Gayety in apparel 74. That they abstain from the defilement of the flesh and endeavour to be pure in heart 75. That they hate sin and make Gods Law their delight 76. That they try and express their love to God by their thankfulness to him their obedience to his Commandments their love to their Neighbour in prosperity and adversity 77. That they should imitate Christ in loving their enemies 78. That they should be angry but not so as to sin and suffer without resistance or fly from the persecution 79. That they labour for the peace of Conscience 80. That none be puffed up with a conceit of his own worth brag thereof or glory therein 81. That they implore true Wisdom of God acknowledging him the Author of all good 82. That they study to know what it is to be good and holy 83. That they visit no Women but in company and that by permission and for Edification thereby to avoid offence 84. That reproof be moved with Gentleness none relying on his own judgment 85. That they patiently bear each others infirmities 86. That they pray against Temptation 87. That what they do they do advisedly and with mature deliberation 88. That the Alms be delivered by the hand of him to whom the charge is committed 89. That they labour not for Faith without Charity nor hide the Talent that is given them to improve 90. That they distinguish between Fury which is to be accounted sin and the just Indignation against sin 91. That Satan has no absolute power to oblige a man to sin without his own consent and yielding 92. If any man be desirous to enter into the Monastery and be in debt he ought first to satisfie his Creditors if he be able 93. That when any of that Monastery confesses a Nun or Recluse he ought to do it with decency in the presence of the Abbess 94. That if the Temptation to prevent a Good Work be strong they ought to desist till they have prevailed against it 95. That they rely not on their own wisdom nor strength but upon God in all emergences and on all occasions Thus St. Basil enjoyned this Holy Order as they more largely appear in his Works which were religiously and devoutly observed and indeed contain in them the whole Body of the Christian Religion As to the principal Heads proposed and what therein may appear ceremonious was enjoyned no doubt for Decency and the better regulating the affairs of the Monasticks whose tenents were much to be commended Nay following the example of St. Paul they laboured with their own hands and became so industrious that their Monastery was called the place of Exercise and they the Exercisers as Hospinian out of Budaeus observes as for the Garments enjoyned them they were white plain and decent Subsequent to these St. Hierom after he had lived with divers of his Followers in the Desart of Syria to avoid his seeing those vices in those that made an external profession of Christianity which he could not redress betook himself with his Company to a Monastery in Syria founded by a Noble Roman Lady near the Stable in Bethlehem where our Blessed Saviour was born There he and his Companions lived divers years spending the time in Devotion and Meditation Writing and Instructing those that camâ— to him in the knowledge of the Gospel truths so that his fame