They cost little, are respected by savages, and, having no official character, can not compromise the government." Moreover, "religious zeal leads them to undertake work and to face perils which are beyond the strength of a civil agent."-- Of course, as they are "secret diplomatic agents," the government must keep them in hand and direct them.

Consequently, "their superior must no longer reside in Rome, but at Paris." The same precaution is taken with reference to other congregations, which, in teaching or in charity, become regular auxiliaries of the lay power.

"The general-superior of the Sisters of Charity will live in Paris[5165]; the entire body will then be in the hands of the government." As to the brethren of the Christian schools, Napoleon absorbs these in his university.[5166] "They must be licensed by the grand-master,[5167] who will certify to their internal regulations, accept their oaths, prescribe a special costume, and superintend their schools." Observe the exigencies of the government at this point, its measures for controlling the religious orders authorized by it.

Abbe Hanon,[5168] the common superior of the Sisters of Saint-Vincent de Paul, having refused to place Madame Laetitia (Napoleon's mother) at the head of the council of the order, is carried off at night and shut up at Fenestrelles,[5169] while the Sisters, who, following the instructions of their founder, refuse to recognize a superior appointed by the civil power, are treated in the same manner as formerly the nuns of Port-Royal.[5170] "It is time to put an end to this scandal of the Sisters of Charity in rebellion against their superiors.

It is my intention to suppress all the houses which, in twenty-four hours after the notice you give them, do not return to subordination.