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416 to its discipline. The Constitutions of the Society

are quite explicit on this point. They say that the person having the power of admission "should not be turned by any consideration from that which he shall judge most conducive in the Lord to the service of God in the Society; to promote which he should not be too eager to grant admission." The Provincial Superior is further exhorted "to watch that his subjects are not too anxious (ne nimii sint) to attract people to the Society, but by their virtues they should endeavor to lead all to Christ." The teachers in particular are told "even in private conversations to inculcate piety, but without attracting any one to the Order." Now what qualities does the Society require of those applying for admission? The Constitutions want men endowed with the highest gifts of nature. In order that they may be able to benefit their fellow creatures, the candidates of the Society should be endowed with the following gifts: as regards their intellect, they should possess good judgment, sound doctrine, or the talent to acquire it. As to character, they must be studious of all virtue and spiritual perfection, calm, steadfast and strenuous in what they undertake for God's service, and burning with zeal for the salvation of souls. In externals, facility of language, so needful for the intercourse with fellow men; besides, the applicant should possess good health and strength to undergo the labors of the Institute.