Chapter 2

If there are any who wish to embrace this life and come to our Brothers, let the Brothers send them to their Provincial Ministers, to whom alone, and to no others, shall the power be granted to receive Brothers. But let the Ministers carefully examine them concerning the Catholic faith and the Sacraments of the Church. If they believe all these things, if they wish faithfully to confess them and firmly observe them to the end; and if they are not married; or, if they are married, and their wives have already entered a monastery, or, with the permission of the diocesan Bishop, have given them leave to do so, having first made a vow of continence; and if these women are of such an age that they cannot give rise to suspicion: then let the Ministers say to them the words of the Holy Gospel: Go and sell all that you have, and take care to distribute it to the poor. But if they cannot do this, their good will is sufficient.

And let the Brothers and their Ministers take care not to concern themselves with their temporal possessions, so that they may freely do with them themselves whatever the Lord inspires them to do. However, if counsel is required, let the Ministers have the power to send them to God-fearing men, and, with the counsel of these men, let their possessions be distributed to the poor. Afterwards, let them grant them the habit of probation, namely: two tunics without a hood, the cord, and the trouses, and the caperon reaching to the cord; unless, perhaps, the Ministers themselves, according to God, judge otherwise.

When the year of probation is finished, let them be received into obedience, promising always to observe this life and this Rule. And according to the command of the Lord Pope, they shall in no way be permitted to leave this Religion, because according to the Holy Gospel: Whoever puts his hand to the plough and looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God. Let those who have already promised obedience have a tunic with a hood; and, if they wish, another without a hood. And let those who are compelled by necessity be permitted to wear shoes.

Let all the Brothers be clothed in poor garments; and let them mend them with sackcloth and other pieces, with the blessing of God. I admonish and exhort them not to despise or judge the men whom they see dressed in soft garments, wearing clothes of color, and partaking of delicate foods and drinks; but rather, let each one judge and despise himself.