IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3j ^m/o ^<^ ^ % ^^ I '- ilM I.I us 140 112.5 11 ■:'j.Tt-",Vl || 1.8 1.25 1.4 1.6 -^ 6" - ^ p%. / # « ! 12X 16X 20X 24X 28X 32X Is J ifier ie ige Th« copy filmed hare has bm^n raproducad thanks to tha ganerosity of: Seminary of Quebec Library Tha imagaa appearing hara ara tha bast quality possibia conside'ing tha condition and lagibility of tha original copy and In keeping with the filming contract specifications. Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front over and ending on the last page with a printed or Illustrated impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All other original copiea are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the laat page with a printed or lliustratad Impression. 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'* ' '* Having greatly increased in numbers, and being obliged to '^divide ourselves into sections, several of ws wishing, i)esides, to le-ttnite in other cities where it wa^ their lot to reside in fu- tn/e, each of these sections, which are all comprised under the common deno- mination of The Society of St. Vincent of Paul J continued to be called a Con- Terence "' ^^^i* «»»_><' i>.'-^--^ We shall ever avoi(i #Viiig otir Asso- ciation the name of any of its mem- bers, whatever services he may be con- sidered to have rendered it, or of any of the places in which it may hold its meetings, lest we should accustom our- selves to look upon it as the work of man: works of christian charity belong to God alone, the author of all that is good. It was a movement of christian p/ety that brought us together ; it is there- V Of e that we do not seek elsewhtre but in the fpirijt offjs^im^ the exam- ples and jTOcepts of Our Iioi^, the te^ch- mf^Qiihe Church and the Lives of the SainMi^ ft)r the rules of our conduct ; it is therefore that we have placed our* selves under the patronage of the Bles- sed Virgin and St. Vincent of Paul, to whom we pay particular honor, and in. whose footsteps we endeavor to walk. Christ began by practising what he was afterwards to teach mankind : fmpif facers et docere : our desire i^ to imitate, as far as ouar weakness wiU jpermit us, this divine model. The ob^ jects of the Conference are therefore; !• to maintain its members, by mutual example and eounsel, in the practioe of a christian life ; 5*. to visit tl>e pow at their own dwellings, bring theia assistance in kind^ and give them alse religious consolations, remembering these wordsdf our master : J^ot in bread alone doth fftan livt, but in evifv 'i Hig t9 Q}fX abiUties af^4 wf timi^ w^ qaa dispose of, to tjae elementary and ct^rhtian insfcrnotiou ol pocr deiildreB, whether free or in piisoia ; what we shall have daxie for t|>e least of our te^hren, Qbrist has pxpmised that h^ will hold as doH^ to himself ; 4^ to ^Qulate mor^il a»d relisio^s bocia; 5*. tosis^ist mall suoh other worka of charity, withip \\\Q limits of our ineaais, and not ineo»si5tent with the primary (iject of the Society, for which om cp- operatioH may he clauued by it owl the prpposal of its directors. The QharitaUe asspdatioa coimists of active members, aad others who cannot attend to th^ works to which ii applies itself. iPhese latter aid at least tJQN3 former wibh their influeBoe 9bQd interest; they make up, by thek doaationa and pmyers, for tba furtive co-opern^ioa whi^h they are maahlia to g;ve« ■ '\:^ v3?-H:.t Tha ehacitabla aasoektiiHi nmitflii*- deavof ^ 'ijG(^&, Wrid practii^^^eteVy virtue : but there are some virtues more 'pfecitliarly becoming its mem- ' bers, fm the accdmplishmeat of the duties of charity which they take upon themselves ; amoiig these arv3 to be hiimbered self-denial, christian pru- dence; an effective love of our neighbor, zeal for the salvation of souls, meek- ness of heart and speech, and above aH the spirit of brotherhood. They ought consequently to meditate on the Gospel maxims that inculcate these virtues, and to make them the rules of their lives. Wherefore it is proper to notice here these maxims and give some explanations of them as appli- cable to our Society, t ^ \. By self-denial is to be understood that willingness to defer to the judg- m.ent of others, without which no as- sociation can last. He who is en- amoured with his own ideas will treat those of^thers with disdain. Contempt otom'fi brethren, instead of union, be^ « 8 ■| lis gets division. We shall therefore rea^ dily yield to the opiiiions of others, aiid will not take it amiss that our propo.^ sals are not agreed toby them. Mvt^. tual good- will amongst us will be hearty and unbounded. We shall avoid all spirit ofccitention with our brethren, and shall not take offence at an opinion expressed by any one of ourselves. W^ shall equally avoid all spirit of con- tention with the poor ; shall not be of- fended if they do not yield to our ad- vice, and shall not attempt to force it upon them authoritatively, but coritent ourselves with proposing what is right, and strenuously exhortmg to its prac- tice, leaving it to God to niak§. our words fructify, if it so please him^ r^ 2. Among the poor, some have the happiness to be christians, others are indifferent, many are infidels. We > ought not, even in this last case, to turn them away, but we must suit out language to the dispositious of those or 1 9 .T^®o,- *•* '• addressed, rememberintf that Christ recommends his disciples to miite the prudence of the serpent with the simplicity of the dove. Benefi- oence opens the door of the sou! to confidence : it is, then, by conwral that we prepare the way for spiritual alms. i&t. Vincent of Paul often recommended that the latter should only be tried ai ter the former bad been liberally be- stowed. The poor, again, are of diffe- wat sexes, ^he charitable Society consisting principally of young men. they must never forget that it is no duty of theirs to visit persons of the other sex, if young, lest, while seekine the salvation of others, they should come by their own ruin. We ought, Desides, to shim even the appearance 2^^il, and any thing that might scan- „.^~^^.j^ 10 tuatad by thk double feelings wliiehy in a christian, is but one and the same, ought not to be a member of it. We shall never complain of the pains, fa- tigues or even repulses to which we may be condemned in the pmctice of charity. We have expcesed ourselves to all these by associating for the ser- vice of our neighbor. Neither idiaU we regret the pecuniary sacrifices we diall have made for the purposes o the association, esteeming ourselves happy to offer something to Christ in the persons of the poor ; to have it in our power to procure some relief to his suffering members. These sacrifices we shall make without any reserve, and shall not consider the poor whom we have adopted as entitled to any preference in the distribution of relief , because we may have contributed more than others to the common fund. 4. Our divine model was meek Mxti humble of hMirt: Diicii^ a ms oui& mi^ 11 tissuMethumilis ^orde ; alid out'I^tr6n, St. Vincent of Paul, bad nothing itiore at heart than meekness and hu~ niihty, which are insepairable fiom each other. We shall be kind and obliging among ourselves, and equally so to- wards the poor whom we visit. It is by kindness alone that power is exer- cised over the souls of men ; accord- ingly, all blessings are promised 'to those who follow this course : Blessed iire the meek, for they shall possess the la7u\ It is particularly in givin.^ advice, in exhorting to shun evil and do good, that the spirit of meekness and humi- lity is requisite. Without it,. a^al- for the salvation of souls is a ship without sails. 5. The spirit of brotherhood will complete the benefits to be derived from the charitable association by its own members, and the edification of which it may be productive to others. Mindful of the recommendations of our divine master nnd of his favorite »nos^ 12 atr6n, thinty ihii- L each o to- It is exer- cord- id ^ to lessed s the vice, good, umi- lifor :hoitt will ived >y its n of lers. four tie, we shall love each other. Now and always, near and afar off, from one to another Conference, from one to another city, from one to another country, we shall love and befriend each other. This friendship will make it easy for us to bear with each other's faults ; it will only be with regret, and when we cannot resist the evidence of facts, that we shall believe any thing ill of our brethren. Then, in com- pliance with the will of him who has committed to each of us the guardian- ship of his neighbor, unicuique inanda- vit Dens de proximo $uo ; then, in a spirit of charity, and with all the effu- sions of sincere friendship, we shalt admonish, or cause to be admonished, our wavering or fallen brother ; we shall help him to stand up, or to rise from his fall. If any member of the Conference be sick, his brother mem- bers shall visit, shall nurse him if re- quired, shall relieve the tedium of his r»r»nx/n!/^«r»P^nAA • ifthfi sickness be dan- 2 13 gerous, they shall take care that he receive the saemments of the Church ; in a word, the sorrows and joys of each of us will be common to all, ac- cording to the advice of the apostle, who .ells us to weep with those who weep, and rejoice with those who re- joice. The union f:imong the mem- bers of the Conference of charity of St. Vincent of Paul will be cited as a model of christian friendship, a friend- ship stronger than death : for we shall often remember before God those of our brethren whom we have lost. This feeling, which among us will make of all hearts but one heart, of all souls but one soul, cot unum et animc una, will endear to us our little frater- nal Society ; we shall bless it on ac- count of the good, how little soever, it has enabled us to do ; we shall love it tenderly, and with more affection even than any other association of the kind, not because of its excellence, or from nrifip»_ h"t. oo -Mr^ilKKvfirl ^liil^y.^^^ r» ••» ••<* tv ^JiM ■ -»% V«««*V««VA« u love a poor and deformed mother above all other persons of her sex, however rich or graceful. Some other consequences deduced fronh the foregoing Maxims. Envy is one of the vices most op- posed to christian charity and humility. We shall beware of it, not only amongst ourselves, but also with re- gard to other societies having, like or own, the relief of our neighbor for therr object. We shall pray for, and rejoice at their prosperity and the good they may do ; we shall be glad if new bre- thien join us, if existing societies unite with us, because of the greater good that will result therefrom; but we shall see without jealousy christian friends associate with others, or other societies do the work of God in their own way, and independently of us. Our only desire VfiAA MV VUMif MrA* *****/ ^^ ^g^-^mw, — ... _ ==-^ ♦2 15 ^^■'^^1 » ^^^^H',° ects, th3 L the , we the Jiiors JVin- ■Wk ciples undertake any good without having first secured the assent and re- ceived the blessing of the local pastors. Nor shall we do any thing new and important, within the limits of an ec- clesiastical jurisdiction, without taking the advice of him who is invested with it. We shall do nothing against the will of the spiritual authority, consider- ing as an evil the good we might thus atte mpt to do. This deference we shalj , to a certain degree^ extend to the Sis- ters and e^en to lay persons v'ho may have offices of charity to perform to« wards those v/hom we also wish to as- sist, lookirg upon it as an honor to be esteemed the least among our brethren, to be only the servants and instmnients of others in attending upon the poor. Finally, the younger among us will act with deference towards the older, the newly admitted members towards those of longer standing in the Society. We are the dispensers of the gifts of God, the common father of mankind, 17 . who makes his sun to shhie upon all. We shall therefore love our neighlbor without acception of persons 5 the title of the poor to our commiseration will be their poverty itself; we shall not enquire to what party they belong, or if they belong to any party. Christ came to deliver and save all men, the Greek as well as the Jew, the Barba- rian as well as the Roman. We shall not distinguish any more than he does between those who are visited by suffer- ing and misery. St. Paul, however, recommends christians to come first to the aid of their brethren in the iaith : y are wards assis- l with e cir- strust- ^e im- '^here- d we le cir- ng to x^hial I may ation. poor, if we We n an as a xhort ihood out, as of earning it by their labor. If ^sick or unable to work, we shall aid them m eair-nff admission into the asylums pr V . •• 23 aamBAAx. bzbposztzoits. Article 1.— All persons, of what- ever country, who desire to participate in the prayers and good works of the Society of St. Vincent of Paul, will be cheerfully received as Members of this Sacred Societv. 2 — Although tha principal object of the Society be the visiting of the poor, the other different works of cha- rity are also practised. Thus, the Members of the Society embrace the opportunity of giving conso^tion to the sick and prisoners, of instructing poor, abandoned or imprisoned children, and of bearing religious aid to those who in the hour of death are in need thereof. 3 — .When a certain number of per- sons become members of this Society, in a town, they assemble together in order mutually to practise virtue. This re-union takes the name of Conference, nnder which name the Society began to exist. I 24 4 —When many Conferences are es- tablished in a town, they are distin- guished by the name of the different localities in which they exist. They are united by a particular Council, which takes the name of the city in which it is established. 5._The different Conferences ot the Society are united by a General CounciL CHAPTER I. T OF THE CONFERENCES. 6. The Conferences assemble on the appointed days and hours. 7.— The members of each Conference will correspond together in order to edify one another, and to recommend to each other, the members of the Society, other young persons, or the poor families who often change their residence. .m^ 25 SECTION I. ORGANIZATION OF THE CONFERENCES. 8. — Each Conference has a Presi- dent, one or more Vice-Presidents, a Secietary, a Treasurer who form the board of the Conference. Each Conference has also an Hono- rary President, one or more Honorary Vice-Presidents, an Assistant-Secreta- ry, an Assistant-Treasurer, a Keeper of the Records, a Keeper of the Regis- ter, a Librarian, a Patron of Schools, Trustees or Overseers of Sales, a Keeper of the Vestry, a Physician, Keepers of Provisions or Stores, Collectors and Poiters, or any other officers that may be required. 9- — The President is elected by the Conference. The other officers are name by the President, with the advice of the board. However, as it is said hereafter, in the Cities where a Coun- ou Ok vufectioii existS; the President 'f^ rf.-f, 'M - .f ?■ "I 'iSs ^?^ 26 NC£8. i^resi- its, a 1 the (ona- )rarv rsta- ieper egjs- lools, eper IS of and may ' the ^ are» vice said [>UI1- ient and Vice-Presidents of the particular Conferences, are named by the Pre- sident of the Council, and the admis- sion of the members who compose them is sanctioned by the said Coun- cil. 10. The President directs the Con- ference, receives and presents the pro- positions, calls the meetings if neeessa- ry, and superintends the execution ot the rules and decisions of the Society. In case of absence, his place is taken by one of the Vice-President. n.— The Secretary keeps the mi- nutes of the meetings. He keeps a re- gister of the names, professions and abodes of the members, the date ot their reception, and the names ot the persons by whom they had been pre- sented. He keeps a list indicating the names of the families who receive aid, their abodes, the names of the per- sons who visit them, the quantity and nature of assistance given to each 4 V> £k1. _ _ 27 He keeps note of the changes which take place in the famiUes, and in those who visit them. 12. — The Treasurer has the keeping of the money, at each meeting he ta kes an account of the receipts and expen- ses. 13.-— The Keeper of the records has the care of the different papers be- longing to the Conference. 14. — The Keeper of the register in- scribes the names of thf^ poor who have no employment, in a register indicating the age, trade and abode of these per- sons. He also keeps note of their placement, and of the persons who re- ceive them, the register is at ^i^e dis- posal of the Conference. 15. — The Librarian collects instruc-* tive books which he lends to the poor assisted by the Conference, keeping a correct account of those books. 16. — The Patron of shools receives from the Secretary the names of the » nilrl ••Cki-i vxafi ..1 or 28 1 lo rpnorls on their conduct to the ?SiniCd5wnb«.es the reward. granted to them. 17 -The Trustees or Overseers of Jhtirofwht^h the articles are sold l^;£L or disposed of othemjse 18— The Keeper of the vestry coi lects-the%lothin| for the use of the poor and keeps a list of them. 19 -The Keepers of provisions or j\ ■v.tvf^ the different articles stores distribute the mne thevare intrusted wim. /"''' So the Treasurer the tickets they re- rJi^e, which they cannot keep more than eight days. 20.-The Collectors keep a I'jt of the the Treasurer. 21 -The porters have orders not to admit to the Conference any person who B leix 29 is not a member of the Society, except when introduced by a member. SEC. II. ORDER OF THE MEETINGS. 22. — At the opening of each Meet- ing, the President recites the prayer : " Come ! Holy Spirit,'' followed by the orison and an invocation to St. Vin- cent of Paul. After which, there is sonae pious book read : each member is invited to read in his turn. 23.— The Secretary reads the mi- nutes of the preceding meetiu^. Each member can make observations on these minutes. 2*.— The Treasurer publishes the amount of the collection of the pro- ceeding meeting, in order that the de- mands for aid maybe proportioned to the funds of each Conference. 30 25. — If new members are to be re- ceived, the President proclaims the ad- mission of candidates presented and announced at the three preceding meet- ings : it is the secretary's duty to ap- prize them of their admission. 26. — If new candidates are present- ed for admission, the President pu- blishes their names. The members who have any observations to make on the candidates, transmit them by writting, or viva voce to the President before the time which precedes the meeting at which they are to be ad- mitted elapses. If no observations be made, the candidates are received at the las', meeting. 27. — If the person who is presented as candidate belongs to any secret So- ciety ,or any other society condemned by the Chut'^hjhe cannot, by any means, be received as member of the Conference. And if any member, after being re- ceived, join any of the Societies ^con- demned by the Church, the Secretary b2 m- Will be obliged to write to any such member an official letter, admonishing him to send in his resignation, and if he do not resign within a certain time, the Secretary will he obliged to give information thereof to the Conference. 28. — A person not having means to contribute to the common funds, cannot be admitted as a member. 29.' — A member of the Society can- not, under any pretext or circumstance whatever, receive aid from its funds. 30. — When a person desires to be- come a member of the Society, he must be presented by two members. No candidate can be admitted into the So- ciety without being announced at the Conference to which he desires to be admitted, during three meetings, he will be received only at the fourth. Each member will therefore take care to introduce into the Society only those persons who are capable of edifying ita members, and who are disposed ta 32 love their colleagues and the poor, ail their brothers. 31 .—The President reads afterwards the reports on the families proposed at the preceding meeting before the vote of the Conference : each member may make any observation he thinks useful on the presentation. 32.— When the reports are read, the President publishes the families who demand help : he then selects two of the eldest members to visit and exa- mine each proposed family. 33. — Tickets are then given repre- senting the help granted to each family, which is changeable accord- ing to the wants of the poor. The Se- cretary calls the visitors, and points out the assistance which is granted to each family. The President requests the members to give information regarding the fa- milies they were charged to visit. Assistance ought to be invariably i<- I: poor uuririg the interval 33 between each meeting. The time, the number, the manner of these visits, are left to the prudence of each mem- ber, aj2 well as the means to be adopted In order to introduce into families the iove of religion and the practice of their duties. Those who request rules of conduct, or advice in difficult circumstances, ought to be heard with attention and kindness, and thf^ President, or anj other member, answers according ps his experience and his charity may dictate. 34- ^If assistance in money, in clothes or in books be requested, the motives of such requests ought to be developpcil, and the Conference votes accordingly. When it is impossible to avoid an al- location in money, by giving its equi- valent in another form, the member who has received this money, should watch as closely as possible, over the use which is made of it. .V -mm^ 34 35.— After fixing on the nature of the assistance about to be given, ap- pointments to be made, steps to be taken for the benefit of the poor, and such other interesting affairs, occupy the attention of the conference. No new family is received without having been visited by two members named by the President ; if the family is adopted, it is confided to the care of two other visitors 5 a member who re- commends a family cannot be named to visit it, a ticket ibr one small loaf is given to the family thus \ isited. 36. — Members who have left for a time or for ever the Conference they be- long to, inform the President thereof, who confides to others the business with which they were charged. 37. — The Conference then takes into deliberation such observations as may tend to its mipport, its growth, and the proper distribution of its funds. 38. — Ifapoor person dies, his death Is announced at the next Meeting, and 35 the President invites the Conference to assist at a Mass for the repose of his soul, which is said on the first con- venient day ; at the end of the Meet- ing the De Profundis is said. 39, Before prayers, the Treasurer, or whoever is charged with taking up the collection, to which each Member contributes according to his means, but always secretly, goes through the Meet- ing for the purpose of doing so. Those who cannot sacrifice their time in serving the poor, endeavor to makeup the defect by a greater pecu- niary contribution. . , The produce of the collection is des- tined to imeet the wants of such poor families as have been visited; but the members should not neglect any other means which may present itself for in^ creasing the funds. -5? 40.— The meeting closes by the ^^ Prayer to St. Vincent of Pauly^^ the: prayer ^< For BenejactorSy^^ and t'V € jiy %Q it'lj/ JTiiVf i^Ha^^} ^ c. 36 CHAPTER II. OP PARTICULAR COUNCILS. 41.— The Particular Council of a city is composed of a President, one or more Vice-Presidents, a Secretary^ one or more Assistant-Secretaries, a Trea- surer, one or more Assistant-Treasu- rers, one or more honorary Presidents, one or more honorary Vice-Presidents, of all the Presidents and Vice-Presir dents, both active and honomry, of the different Conferences ot the city, and the Presidents and Vice-Presidents of such special objects of Chanty as may interest them all. 42.— The Particular Council occupies itself with thosQimi)ortant measures of ways and means which interest all the Conferences of the city . 43. The Council decides in wnat manner the common funds are to be ^"rhirfund is supported by charitable giftg from without, by collections made 37 at the general meetings in the city, and by the offerings which, at each Council, the Presidents bring in the name of their Conferences, It is destined to meet the general calls and to assist the poorest Conferences. 44«. — The President, Vice-Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer form an or- dinary Council to which belongs the direction of the usual business. 45. — The members of the Particular Council are named by the President,with the advice of this Council. — The Pre- sident is named by the Council,with the advice of the Conferences. The first time, he is named by the united Con- ferences. 46. — The President of the Particular Council directs its operations, re- ceives and presents the propositions, calls the meetings together, if neces- sary. He presides over the general as- semblies of the locality, 47. — The Secretary takes down the minutes of the sittings of the Council. 38 He keeps a Register of the names, pro- fessions, places of abode of all the Members of the different Conferences of the city, of the date of their recep- tion, and of the names of those who presented them. 48. The Treasurer takes care of the common Funds of the city. 49.— The active and honorary Pre- sidents and Vice-Presidents of Confe- rences represent their Conferences in the particular Council. The Presidents of special objects of Charity attend there to defend the interests of these objects of Charity. The one and the other make reports when they are invited to do so by the President of the Council. CHAPTER HI. OF THE GENERAL COUNCIL. 50.— The General Council is com posed of a President, a Vice-President- a Secretary, and a Treasurer, with many Councillors. 39 ?51— The General Council is the link which binds together all the conferen- ces, it maintains the unity of the So- ciety. It supersedes all that may tend to promote its prosperity. It puts into operation the decisions at which it arrives for that purpose. 52.— It decides on the use to be made of the central fund. This fund is supported by extraordi- nary presents made to the Society, by the collections made at the general meetings of the Society, and bv the offerings which each Conference or each^Council sends to defray the gene- ral expenses of the Society. 53.— The members of the general Council, are named by the President with the advice of the Council. 54. — When there is occasion to name a general President of the Society, the general Council is convoked by the Vice-President. This meeting, which IS preparatory, is devoted to the taking into consideration the persons who 40 might be charged with this important office . The former President, if living, is requested to point out some person whom he may think worthy of being elected* After maturely reflecting on the choice ol one or more persons, the Meeting adjourns for two months. In the in- terval, advice is given of this prelimi- nary Meeting to the Presidents of par- ticular Councils, who consult their col- leagues, and to those of the Conferen- 'ces, who consult their Officers, or even the Conferences they direct ; they all transmit, their opinions to the General Council } from those opinions the elec- tion is closed, of which exact minutes are taken. "While the election lasts, all the Members of the Society, either in pri- vate or at their Meeting, address a prayer to God, viz. :the " Veni Creator ^^^ in order that His holy Spirit may en- li^terfc them in ttie choice they are mbout tn makee 41 55 — The General President if neces- sary call extraordinary Meetings: he presides over these Meetings, also over the General Council. 56 — The General Secretary keeps an account of the names, professions, and places of residence of the Members together with the date of their admis- sion; he also keeps an account of the formation of the Boards of Coun- cils or Conferences, and of the places, days and hours of their Meetings. He prepares the minutes of the sit- tings of the General Council and of the General Meetings. He edits the annual report on the state of the Society's proceedings. He has charge of the general corres- pondence, with the particular Presi- dents, or Secretaries of the particular Councils or Conferences. . He keeps the Eecords of the Society. 57.— The General Treasurer keeps the funds. He puts in order the re- ceipts and expenses., and suhmit^ liig accounts to the^General Council^" *" 12 58. — A member of the General Coun- cil is charged by the General Piesident wHh the Presidency of the Council, if he cannot preside over it himself, ano- ther from among them is named by him, on the proposition of the General Se- cretary, to fill the function of Vice- Secretary. CHAPTER IV. GENERAL MEETINGS. 59.— The General Meetings are held each year, on the 8th of December the feast of the Conception of the Bless-' ed Virgin, the first Sunday in Lent, the Sunday of the Good Shepherd, the Anniversary of the Translation of the Re- lics of St. Vmcent of Paul, the 19th of July, being the Feast of this holy Patron. The President can, besides, con- voke extraordinary General Meetings. 60. — The General Meetings com- mence, as the Conferences,by the pra^'^'T "1 ••** ^ * l\ b' 43 61.— After having read the minutes of the last meeting, the Secretary calls over the names of members received since the last general meeting, which names have been transmitted to him by the different Presidents. 62. — The President then gives a summary statement of the tmnsactions of the Societyand addresses, or invites one of the members to address a short allocution to the meeting, 63. — One of the Vice-Secretaries then leads a report on the state of the Con- ferences. An extract ^^the report, pointing out the movements of members, of poor families, the amount of the receipts as also of the expenses, is placed in the hands of the Secretary. 64. — The President then makes known the decisions which the Coun- cil of Direction has come to m matters connected with the welfaie of the So- ciety, and consults, if necessary, the meeting itself. 44 The Society deems itself happy when persons recommendable by their cha- racter, their virtue, their learning, have the kindness, on the invitation of the President, to assist at the general meeting, and terminate it, as has been said, by some edifying remarks. 65. — After the usual collection and prayers themec, ig separates. CEAPTER V. OF THE DIFFERENT MEMBERS OF THE SOC. 66. — Besides the ordinary Members who form part of the Conferences, and take an active part ^lerein, the Society hrs corresponding members, honorary members and subscribers. 67.— When a Member of the Socie- ty changes his residence, if there is no Conference in the city or place to which he goes, he does not, on that account, cease to be a Member, but takes the tiHft nf corresponding Member, he en- b3 45 ters into communication with the Con- ference, or Conferences of the city near of which he resides, and corresponds with the Secretary of the Council, or Conference of this town. When there IS no Conferencein the Diope^e, ) e cor- responds with the General Sec ;etary. He receives each yea?: a report on the objects of Charity of the Society, and lemains in community with it, not only of prayeiSjbutalso of its good works, in accomplishing around him works of charUy, and in making himself useful to the Society whenever the circumstance presents itself. , 68— The honorary Members can as- sist at the Conferences, but they have no deliberative votfes, with the excep- tion of the honorary Presidents and Vice-Presidents. They ought to send each year a particular offering to the Treasurer of the Council, or of the Con- ference of their city. The reception of honorary Members IS done in thesnme manner as that of 46 ordinary Membera : it is donQ hy the particular Council in the towns where many Conferences are established, 69. — Each Conference am have like- wise Subscribers. Subscribers are not Members of the Society, but they have a claim on the prayers in their quality of benefactors. CHAPTER Yl. OF THB PJEASTS OP THE S0CI8TY.. 70. — The Society celebmtes the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin, and the Feast of St. Vincent of Paul^ its Patron. The Conferences then assist in a body at Mass, the 8th December and the 19th July, and also the Anniversary Day of the Translation of the Relics of St. Vincent of Paul. On these days, the ^mbers pray for the prosperity of the Catholic f«ith, for the increase of charitv among men, b4 47 in order to bring down the benediction of God upon their works. If any Member cannot attehd, lih unites himself dt least in intention With his brethren, he prays for them as they pray for him. ' 71.— Th'6^y after the Cfeneral As- sembly oflifeint, all the Meiribers of the Society assist ifi a body at a Requiem Mass, which is ceidbrate^ in the city for the repose of the souls of Members wht> died belonging to the Society. oBsEiavAtti^s. '''2.— None of the oblig;ations ^hipd-^ sed by th^e Rules, lire bihding<*i con- scie^c^. But the :§ocieiy confides their accoinplishpient to thfe zeal of it!^ mei^- bers, and to their love of God arid ctf their neighbours. More oyer, it will be ^ Btimm^tikt mere is qti^stion bhly of young fiidn : Since, pers6ns advahced in ag*? haVe joined the Cohferences. Besides: th^y 48 cannot remain separate from those of other members who are advanced in age ; therefore there is a mix;ture in the business, and one that is usefnl for the interest of the poor and the stability of the Conferences- However, in certain districts of Paris, and in the provincial towns which possess the opportunity, they remain entirely composed of young men. Pinallv, time has already introduced modifications to the Rules, according to the locality and development of the work, but the foundation remains; eajch Conference goes as near them as possible 5 at least the spirit which pre- sided over their primitive foundation, and which dictated these prelimi- nary remarks is in no manner departed from. By following up these rules, which were hitherto but mere customs, the Christian youth, who form part of the Society, have endeavoured to obtain this double object. Ml 49 In karnmg to know and love one ano- ther. In learning to know, love, and assist the poor of Jesns Christ. The establishment of particular Con- ferences has not been an obstacle to the accomplishment of this double object ; christian intimacy has even become greater between Members of the sanje section, than it possibly could between all the Members of the Society imited together. One is never so much alone as ma crowd, and large Meetings in this respect resemble a crowd, which bustles and passes on, in which we take no interest and which takes no mterest in us. Besides, a corres- pondence is carried on, from time to time, with distant Conferences. Those of the same city meet occasionally to- gether, and these meetings, and letters bmd us more closely in the bonds of fraternal charity. Neither distance nor f^Ju^?^r^ obstacle can be impediments i^G vijat xnendship which is founded on a 50 ^community of prayers and other cha- ritalie works. Let i\^ take courage then ! United or separated, far or near, let its love one another, let us love and assist th po r. Let us love this little Society which made us known to one anothei which has opened to us the prospects of a more charitable and Chiistian life. Let us love our customs, and onr rules ; if we observe them faithfully, we may rest assured that they will protect us, and protect our work. ^' Much evil is committed,'' said a venerable priest to another charitable society, " let us endeavor to do a little good.'* Oh ! how we shall one day rejoice at not having allowed oiu: youthful years to glide uselessly along? Youth is a field which require cultivation. Let us not then hurry over it, without in- dulging in wholesome thoughts of the future ; let us cast an eye on every side around us ; let us gather with care the cars of corn thai iic scattered at our feet : 51 IhL ? f ''''"^ ^^ '• ^* W'll l>e the sneat of our provision through life it. ;^fj7;;Was a plentiful harvS Sri the bra AT THE BEGINNING AND END OF THE MEETINGS. 53 M the beg-inning of the meetings. In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Sniri- tus Sancti. Amen. V. Veni, Sancte Spiritus ; R. Reple tuorum corda fidelium, et tui amons m eis ignem accende. V. Emitte Spiritum tuara, et crea- pnnturj J?. Et renovabis facfem terree. OREMUS, Deus, qui corda fidelium Sancti Spi- ritus illustratione docuisti, da nobis in eodera Spiritu recta sapere, et de eius semper consolatione gaudere, per Chris- tum Dominum nostrum. R= Amen. 54 JU the beginning of the meetings. In the name of the Father, and of the Sony and of the Holy Ghost.--- Amen. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of thy faithful, and kindle in them the fireof thy love. V. Send forth thy spirit, and they shall be created. R. And thou shalt renew the face ©f the earth. LET u» PRAY. O God, who hast taught the hearts of the faithful, by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that we may, by the gift of the same spirit, be always truly wise and ever rejoice in his consolation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. ^men. 65 V. Sancte Vincent] i Paulo, R* Ora pro nobis. In nomine Patris, etc. ^t the end of the meetings. In nomine Patris, etc. OREMUS. Clementissirae Jesu, qui Beatum Vincentium flagrantissim* charitatis tu» apostolum in Ecclesia siiscitasi, ef- timde super famulos tuos eunidem cha- ntatis ardorem, ut araore tuo libentis- sime in pauperes impendant sua, et seipsos super impendant, qui cum Deo Patre vms et regnas, in unitate Spititfis feanoti, per omnia seecula sa3Culomra. man 56 V. Saint Vincent of Paul. R. Pray for us. In the name of the Father, &c. Jit the end of the meetings. 'Tn the name of the Father, &c . LET US PRAY. Mostmereiful Jesns, whb hast raised up, in thy Church, in the person of blessed Vincent of Paul, an- apostle of thy burning charity,, shed the same charitable ardour updh thy servants, m order that they may, wJth their who^^e' hearts, give what they possess to the poor, atfd finish by giving themselves for the love of thee, who with the Father livith and Yeigeth in rnnty with the Holy Ghost, for ever and ever.— 57 PRO BKNBFACTORIBUI. Benefactoribus paupenira gratiam largiri dignare, piissime Jesu, qui im- pertituris misericordiam in nomine cos- leste promisisti. Amen. Sub tuum praBsidiura confugimus, sanctaDei Genitrix: nostras depreca- tiones ne despicias in necessitatibus ; sed a periculis cunctis libera noa sem- per, Virgo gloriosa et benedicta. Amen. Et fidelium animas per misericordiam Dei requiescant in pace. Amen. In nomine Patris, etc. 58 m [I- n FOR BENEFACTORS. Vou. ^safe, Oh Most pious Jesiis, to grant to the benefactors of ^l^e POO'> J Imce, thou who hast promised a hundred fold, knd the kingdom of Heaven, o all who shall do works of mercy m thy name. — ^men. We fly to thy patronage, Oh Hoiy Mother of God, despise not o«r pray- ers in our necessities, but deliver us from all dangers, Oh ever Glorious and Blessed Virgin.— -4i»«»' And may the Souls of the faithful de- parted, through the mercy of God rest in peace. — Amen. In the name of the Father, &c.