Of Chapters and Cloisters

1] That chapters and cloisters [colleges of canons and communistic dwellings], which were formerly

founded with the good intention [of our forefathers] to educate learned men and chaste [and modest]

women, ought again to be turned to such use, in order that pastors, preachers, and other ministers of the

churches may be had, and likewise other necessary persons [fitted] for [the political administration of]

the secular government [or for the commonwealth] in cities and countries, and well-educated, maidens

for mothers and housekeepers, etc.

2] If they will not serve this purpose, it is better that they be abandoned or razed, rather than [continued

and], with their blasphemous services invented by men, regarded as something better than the ordinary

Christian life and the offices and callings ordained by God. For all this also is contrary to the first chief

article concerning the redemption made through Jesus Christ. Add to this that (like all other human

inventions) these have neither been commanded; they are needless and useless, and, besides, afford

occasion for dangerous and vain labor [dangerous annoyances and fruitless worship], such services as the

prophets call Aven, i.e., pain and labor.