Rule and Testament of Saint Francis

Unlike Laurenti 1927, which is a very (perhaps overly?) literal translation of the Latin text, this translation by Couterot 1699 aims to reproduce the original meaning of the text as accurately as possible.

The text presented here is a translation of the following French edition:

Couterot Edme. (1699). La règle et le testament de saint François, instituteur de l’ordre des frères mineurs, avec les Déclarations des Papes Nicolas III et Cléments V sur la Règle. Chez Edme Couterot, rue Saint Jacques, au bon Pasteur. Download at archive.org or google.fr.

Other editions:

• Laurenti 1927 in French. This version includes the profession formula.
• Kazenberger 1872. Official version in Latin.

• Bull of Pope Honorius III
  For the confirmation of the Rule of the Friars Minor.
• Chapter 1
  On the Rule and the Way of Life of the Friars Minor.
• Chapter 2
  The qualities of those who wish to embrace this way of life; and what must be observed in their reception.
• Chapter 3
  On the Divine Office; Fasting; and How the Brothers Should Appear in the World.
• Chapter 4
  That the Brothers Should Not Receive Money.
• Chapter 5
  On the Manner of Working.
• Chapter 6
  That the Brothers have nothing of their own, that they beg for alms, and that they take care of the sick Brothers.
• Chapter 7
  On the penance that should be imposed on the Brothers who have sinned.
• Chapter 8
  On the election of the General Minister of this Order and the Chapter that takes place at Pentecost.
• Chapter 9
  On the Preachers
• Chapter 10
  On the warnings and correction that should be used with regard to the Brothers.
• Chapter 11
  That the Brothers should not enter the monasteries of the nuns.
• Chapter 12
  On those who go among the Saracens and other Infidels.