The Jesuits - James Aitken Wylie

grade, the powers they are to exercise, the places
where they are to labor, the missions they are to
discharge, and he may annul or confirm their acts
at his pleasure. He has the right to nominate
provincials and rectors, to admit or exclude
members, to say what proffered dignity they are or
are not to accept, to change the destination of
legacies, and, though to give money to his relatives
exposes him to deposition, "he may yet give alms
to any amount that he may deem conducive to the
glory of God." He is invested moreover with the
entire government and regulation of the colleges of
the society. He may institute missions in all parts
of the world. When commanding in the name of
Jesus Christ, and in virtue of obedience, he
commands under the penalty of mortal and venial
sin. From his orders there is no appeal to the Pope.
He can release from vows; he can examine into the
consciences of the members; but it is useless to
particularise--the General is the society.[5]
The General alone, we have said, has power to
make laws, ordinances, and declarations. This
power is theoretically bounded, though practically
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