CHAPTER II
Of those who desire to embrace this Life, and how they are to be received. If any one wishes to embrace this life and comes to our Brethren, let them send him to their Provincial Minister, to whom alone, and to no others, is permission granted to receive the Brothers. And let the Minister examine him carefully concerning the Catholic Faith and the Sacraments of the Church. And if he believe all these things and will faithfully confess and steadfastly observe them to the end, and moreover if he have no wife, or if, having one, she has already entered into a Convent, or has given him permission with the authority of the Bishop of the diocese, she having previously made a vow of continence, and being of such an age that no suspicion can be raised against her ; then the Minister shall address to him the words of the Holy Gospel : — that he go and sell all that he has and endeavour to distribute it to the poor ; which if he cannot do, his good will shall suffice. And let the Brothers and their Ministers take care not to be solicitous about his temporal affairs, that he may freely dispose of his property as Our Lord may inspire him. If, however, he require counsel, let the Minister. have power to send him to some persons fearing God, by whose advice his goods may be distributed to the poor.
Then let them give him the habit of probation — that is, two tunics without the hood, the cord and drawers, and the Caparone reaching to the cord, unless it shall sometimes seem good to the Ministers to act otherwise. The year of his probation being finished, let him be received to Obedience, promising always to observe this Rule and Form of life. And according to the commandment of our Lord the Pope, under no pretext whatsoever shall it be lawful for him to leave this Order; for according to the Holy Gospel: ‘No man having put his hand to the plough and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.’ Let those who have already promised Obedience have one tunic with the hood, and another (if they wish) without the hood. And those who are compelled by necessity may wear shoes and stockings. All the Brethren shall be clothed with mean garments, and they may mend them with sackcloth and other pieces, with the blessing of God. And I admonish and exhort them not to despise nor judge those whom they see dressed in soft and gay clothing, and who use delicate food and drink, but rather let everyone judge and despise himself.