Chapter 2

On the discipline of living

(1) Let members [sodales] of the Third Order in every refinement [cultu] and apparel [habitu], having disdained [posthabita] more sumptuous elegance, hold that, which is befitting to each (of them), the rule of moderation.

(2) Let them with extreme caution [perquam caute] abstain from dances [choreis], public spectacles [ludis], and the more shameless plays [scaenis], likewise from riotous processions [comissationisbus].

(3) Let them frugally use food and drink: and let them neither sit down or rise from the table before having piously and gratefully invoked God.

(4) Having each observed the fast (for the Feast) of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, (as) likewise for (their) Father Francis, on the day before (each) solemnity: they are completely worthy of praise, if besides either the fast on Fridays, or the abstinence from meat on Wednesdays which are ferial days, they observe the ancient disciplines of the Tertiaries.

(5) Let those admitted with due ceremony receive the Sacrament of Penance [expianto] during each month; likewise let them approach the Divine Table each month.

(6) It is pleasing that the Tertiaries who are members of the Clergy, because they daily recite the Psalms as a duty [Psalmis dant operam], be obliged to do nothing else in this regard [in hoc nomine]. Let laity, who neither fulfill (the duty of) the canonical (hours), nor the Marian prayers, known popularly as the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, employ the Lord’s Prayer with the Angelic Salutation [i.e. the Hail Mary] and the Glory Be, twelve times each day, except if one’s strength does not allow it.

(7) Let each of those to whom the drawing up [factio] of a (last will and) testament belongs, make a will in their own time concerning their affairs.

(8) In family life let them strive to precede the others in (good) example: to promote the arts of piety, and the (very) best things. Let books or daily publications [diaria], from which destruction comes to virtue, be feared to be brought into their homes, and let them not permit (these) to be read by those, who are under their authority.

(9) Let them sedulously guard benevolent charity both among themselves and towards outsiders. Let them take care to reconcile discords, wherever they are able.

(10) Let them not ever swear an oath, unless necessary. Let them flee from foul speech, (and) from uttering scurrilous jokes. Let them examine their consciences at Vespers, (concerning) whether they have done any such thing: if they have, let them correct the error by doing penance.

(11) Let them daily attend the divine services [rei divinae], who can do so in the proper manner [commode]. Let them convene at the monthly meetings, which the Prefect has indicated.

(12) Let them contribute in common as they can [pro facultate] each one something of his own, from which either the more feeble of the number of the members, especially (those) weakened in strength, may be alleviated, or the dignity of the divine cult may be supplied [consulatur].

(13) Let the Prefects, either themselves go to visit the sick member, or let them send one, who is to fulfill these duties of charity. Let the same, in the danger of death, warn and persuade the sick (member) so that he soon takes care of those things which pertain to the purification [expiandum] of the soul.

(14) Let the members (who are) fellow city-dwellers, guests or hosts [hospites] convene at the funeral of a deceased member, and together recite [adhibeant] the Marian prayers instituted by Father Dominic, that is the Rosary, a third part for the heavenly solace of the deceased. Likewise let the priests during the divine service [inter rem divinam], (and) the laity, if they can, having received the Eucharist, pray piously (and) willingly for the sempiternal peace of (their) departed brother.