The simple Jesuit is to possess for himself neither power, nor office, nor credit, nor riches, nor will, nor sentiments: the concentrated authority belongs to the General. His commands, his desires, are the law: his power flows from his hands as from its source, on the heads whom he chooses: it extends as far as he pleases; it stops when he wills.
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His [the Generals] qualifications, according to the Constitutions, must be—great piety, and the spirit of prayer: he must be exemplary in all the virtues; calm in his demeanor, circumspect in words. Magnanimity and fortitude are most essential attributes. He must have extraordinary intellect and judgment; prudence, rather than learning; vigilance, solicitude in his duties: his health and external appearance must be satisfactory. He must be middle-aged; and a due regard is to be had to the recommendations of nobility, or the wealth and honors he may have enjoyed in the world.
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[...] The General possesses the secrets of every member—a terrible fulcrum for the lever of influence. He knows the character, the inclinations of every member; he knows these facts, or may know them, for he has them in writing. He is made acquainted with the consciences of all who must obey him, particularly of the provincials and others, to whom he has entrusted functions of great importance. He must have, like each Superior, a complete knowledge of his subjects; their propensities, their sentiments, the defects, the sins to which they have been or are more inclined and impelled—ad quos defectus vel peccata fuerint, vel sint magus propensi et incitati.
[...]
[...] The General possesses the secrets of every member—a terrible fulcrum for the lever of influence. He knows the character, the inclinations of every member; he knows these facts, or may know them, for he has them in writing. He is made acquainted with the consciences of all who must obey him, particularly of the provincials and others, to whom he has entrusted functions of great importance. He must have, like each Superior, a complete knowledge of his subjects; their propensities, their sentiments, the defects, the sins to which they have been or are more inclined and impelled—ad quos defectus vel peccata fuerint, vel sint magus propensi et incitati.
Every year, a list of the houses and members of the Society, the names, talents, virtues, failings of all are there recorded. It was such a list, doubtless, that suggested to a General of the Society that proud exclamation, when, having exultingly alluded to his philosophers, mathematicians, orators, &c., he cried, "Ed abbiamo anche martiri per il martirio se bisogna"—and we have men for martyrdom, if they be required.
In effect, from this minute list of mental and bodily qualities, he can compute his power and direct his plans, adapt his commands and insure success to his delegated functions.
Steinmetz, Andrew, History of the Jesuits, 2 vols., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Lea and Blanchard, 1848, vol. 1, pp. 145-147.
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