The history of the popes, from the close of the middle ages : drawn ...

PIUS V. AND THE SOCIETY OF JESUS. 28
in the case of the Jesuits as well, sacerdotal ordination should
only be allowed after the taking of solemn vows.^ On
May 26th, 1567, Cardinal Alciati informed the General of
the order of the Pope's decision, which was to apply, not only
to Rome, but to the whole Order. ^ The decree of the following
October revoked all contrary privileges possessed by the
Jesuits.
With this act one of the essential fundamental principles
of the Jesuit Order, as hitherto constituted, was destroyed,
and the Society of Jesus, as conceived by Ignatius of Loyola,
was bound to disappear within a few years. The long period
of probation before definite admission into the Order could
no longer be retained, since ordination could not be put off
for so long, and Loyola's principle of strict selection of those
to be accepted became impracticable for the future.
In these circumstances Borgia addressed a circular to the
provincials and the more eminent Jesuits, asking them how
it would be possible to adhere to the constitutions of the
Order without in any way faihng in obedience to the Pope.^
At last recourse was had to the expedient of making all with-
out exception to take the vows of religion solemnly before
ordination, but reserving the right to take part in the General
Congregation to those who were subsequently admitted to
the fourth solemn vow of obedience to the Pope.
Even so, the change v/hich Pius V. had introduced into the
constitutions gave rise to disturbances within and hostility
without. Ignatius had introduced many things into his
Order which later on proved their wisdom, but which at that
time seemed altogether novel. Hitherto, in reply to the
difficulties which might arise, it could be answered that these
1 Borgia to Nadal, June 7, 1567, in Nadal, Epist., III., 480 scqq.;
Sacchini p. III., I, 3, n. 26 seqq.; Astrain, II., 321 seqq.
^ Sacchini, loc. cit.
* Canisii Epist., v., 487. Sacchini, loc. cit. n. 38. The letter
to Nadal in his Epist., III., 480 seqq. The reply of Nadal from
Liege, August 14, 1567. ibid. 521 seqq. The reply of Salmeron
of June 22, 1567, in his Epist., II.. 121. Cf. Sacchini P. III., i.
4, n. 122 seqq.