qq THE SPIRITUAL FRANCISCANS. once the trammels of authority had been shaken off, there was among them too much individuality and too ardent a fanaticism for them to reach precisely the same convictions, and they were fractioned into little groups and sects which neutralized what slender ability they might otherwise have had to give serious trouble to the powerful organization of the hierarchy. Yet, whether their doctrines were submissive like those of Angelo, or revolutionary like those of Eaymond Jean, they were all guilty of the unpardonable crime of independence, of thinking for them- selves where thought was forbidden, and of believing in a higher law than that of papal decretals. Their steadfastness was soon to be put to the test. In 1314 the general, Alessandro, died, and after an interval of twenty months Michele da Cesena was chosen as his successor. To the chapter of Naples which elected him the Spirituals of Xarbonne sent a long memorial reciting the wrongs and afflictions which they had endured since the death of Clem- ent had deprived them of papal protection. The nomination of Michele might seem to be a victory over the Conventuals. He was a distinguished theologian, of resolute and unbending temper, and resolved on enforcing the strict observance of the Rule. "Within three months of his election he issued a general precept enjoining rigid obedience to it. The vestments to be worn were minutely prescribed, money was not to be accepted except in case of absolute necessity ; no fruits of the earth were to be sold ; no splendid buildings to be erected ; meals were to be plain and frugal ; the brethren were never to ride, nor even to wear shoes except under written permission of their convents when exigency required it. The Spirituals might hope that at last they had a general after their own heart, but they had unconsciously drifted away from obedience, and Michele was resolved that the Order should be a unit, and that all wanderers should be driven back into the fold.* A fortnight before the issuing of this precept the long inter- regnum of the papacy had been closed by the election of John XXII. There have been few popes who have so completely em- bodied the ruling tendencies of their time, and few who have exerted so large an influence on the Church, for good or for evil.
- Franz Ehrle (loc. cit. 1886, pp. 160-4).— Wadding, ann. 1316, No. 5.
