The Crusaders are not to march clothed in sumptuous habits, with dogs, birds, or other such objects, which only display luxury and ostentation; but they are to have what is necessary, are to be clothed simply, and are rather to resemble men who are performing a penance, than such as are in search of a vain glory.
Given at Ferrara, the 4th of the calends of November.
[Then follows the ordinance for a general fast, to appease the anger of God, in order that he may enable them to recover Jerusalem.]
The anger of the Supreme Judge being never so effectively appeased as when we seek to subdue our carnal desires,—
Consequently, as we make no doubt that the misfortunes which have recently fallen upon Jerusalem and the Holy Land from the invasion of the Saracens, have been produced by the crimes of the inhabitants and those of the Christian people; we, with the unanimous advice of our brethren, and the approbation of a great number of bishops, order that, from this day, for five years, the fast of Lent shall be observed every Friday, during the whole day.
We further order, that in all places where divine service is celebrated, it shall be at nine o’clock, and that from the Advent of the Lord to his Nativity.
Every one, without distinction, abstaining from eating flesh on the Friday and Saturday of each week, we and our brethren further interdict the use of it on Tuesdays among ourselves, unless personal infirmities, a festival, or some other good cause excuse us; hoping by this means that the Lord will be appeased, and will leave us his benediction.
Such are our regulations on this subject, and whoever shall infringe them shall be considered as a transgressor of the fast of Lent.
Given at Ferrara, the 4th of the calends of November.
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