Original Douay–Rheims AnnotationsJeremiah 35

The house of Rechabites.

We have here (according to the state of God's Church in the old Testament) a clear example of religious life, ^[1] by professing and performing good works of supererogation, not commanded by God, but piously instituted by a holy man called Jonadab. Which, not only himself, and his proper children, but also their posterity many ages after him, voluntarily observed by a prescript Rule: Not to build houses, nor dwell in any (but in tents) not to sow seed, nor to plant, nor have vineyards, nor to drink wine. A like rule but not the same in all points, was prescribed by God himself (Num. 6.) for such as would voluntarily embrace it. ^[2] And Elias and Elizeus with their disciples observed another form of religious life: as appeareth 4. Reg. 1. 2. &c. All which were figures of more perfect Religious Orders in the Church of Christ, consisting in three essential vows, of voluntary Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience: not commanded but commended, and for the better attaining to perfection, counseled by our Saviour; whereof they are called Evangelical Counsels, observed by the Apostles, leaving all their worldly substance, and all desire of having any proper possessions: such also as had wives leaving them, the rest not marrying; & all renouncing their own wills, subjected the same to Christ's will; following him. Whose example others imitating, this holy manner of life hath still continued in the Church, as is evident by the Ecclesiastical histories even from the Apostles' time. ^[3] But all observed not the same particular rules, nor were called by the same titles. ^[4] For as in the time of Moyses' law, some were called Nazareites; some the Children of the Prophets; and some Rechabites, after the name of their founder's father Rechab, a renowned godly man: so now some are called Eremites, some Monks, some Friars, and some Religious Clerks. And of each of these kinds, diverse sorts are distinguished by variety of rules, habits, special functions, and titles either of their first Institutors, or of the Institutes themselves, or of the places, or other occasions. As Carmelites, Augustines (as well Monks, as Canons Regular) Benedictins, Bernardins, Carthusians, Dominicans, Franciscans, Jesuits, Theatines, Capuchins, and the like. As also many distinct Orders of Nuns. But none of them all differ from the rest, nor from other Catholic Christians in points of faith: ^[5] nor make any Sects of Religion, as Heretics ridiculously object. For all believe and confess the self same Catholic Faith, in all the Articles thereof; all use and acknowledge the same, and no other holy Sacraments; and all are united in one universal Church; under one visible Head: Every Order good and holy in their profession; & all together excellently adorning the whole body with sacred seemly varieties, make the same universal Church more glorious. ^[6]

• 1 Religious Orders in the old Testament.
• 2 The rule of Rechabites differed from the Nazarites & children of the Prophets. They were figures of more perfect orders in the Church of Christ.
• 3 Mat. 19. v. 12. 21. Luc. 18. v. 22.
• 4 Diverse kinds of Religious Orders.
• 5 Varieties of Religious Orders make no difference in Catholic Religion. But do much adorn the whole Church.
• 6 Psal. 44. v. 11. 15.