VII. Tum magnatum et episcoporum gratia obtenta, occupandi pastoratus et canonicatus, ad reformationem cleri exactiorem, qui olim sub certo regulo cum episcopis suis vivebant, et ad perfectionem tendebant, ac tandem ad abbatias, et prælaturas adspirandum, quas, attenta ignavia ac stupiditate monachorum, ubi vacaverint, non erit difficile assequi: etenim ex re ecclesia omnino foret, si omnes episcopatus à societate tenerentur, immo sedes apostolica possideretur; præsertim si pontifex bonorum omnium princeps temporalis fieret; quare omni ratione temporalia societatis, prudenter tamen et secreto paulatim extendenda, neque dubium quin tunc aurea sæcula et pax continua ac universalis, et consequenter benedictio divina ecclesiam comitaretur.
VIII. Quod si spes non affulgeat ad hæc perveniendi, cum equidem necesse sit ut veniant scandala, pro tempore invertendus erit status politicus, et incitandi principes nostris familiariter utentes ad bella mutua et importuna; ut sic ubique societas imploretur ac impendatur reconciliationi publicæ, ut communis boni auctrix, et primariis beneficiis et dignitatibus ecclesiasticis compensetur.
IX. Denique hoc saltem conabitur societatis efficere, acquisita principum gratia et auctoritate, ut ab iis à quibus non amatur, saltem timeatur.
CHAP. XVII.
Of the method of advancing the interest of the society.
I. On this subject, it should be the grand effort of all, to be always uniform in sentiment, or at least, to declare to others that they are so, even in relation to the smallest matter, from whence it must necessarily be, no matter how great the disturbance of human affairs, that the society shall be continually increased and strengthened.
II. Let all so endeavour to shine, by their learning and their conduct, that other orders, and especially such members of them as preach, are pastors, &c., may be so eclipsed, that at length the common people may desire that we exclusively, should perform all offices; let it be openly taught, however, that learning alone is not sufficient for pastors, but they must be well grounded in their peculiar duties, for the society can help them with counsel, which for that very reason, sets so great a value on its acquirements.
III. Kings and princes ought to be impressed with the truth that under present circumstances, the Catholic faith cannot exist without politism—but this demands great discretion; for which purpose our members must have rendered themselves acceptable to the great, and acquainted with their most secret purposes.
IV. They should have the advantage of the most recent, important, and certain information, from every quarter.
V. It would be advantageous, if we could cautiously and secretly foment dissentions amongst nobles and princes, even to the mutual wasting of their strength; but if they seem likely to be reconciled, the society should immediately endeavor to pacify them, lest it should be effected by some other intervention.