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"God in his mercy has called me to a change of life, and I have

obeyed his call. May this same God do as much for you! Know,

then, and hold for certain, that I would rather now die than

undertake any thing against his holy law. I recall all the

iniquitous orders which I may have given any one of you; you

understand me. And farther, I order you to do nothing which I

have hitherto prescribed to you. Hold equally for certain, that

no one can hereafter commit evil under my protection, and in my

service. Those who will remain with me on these conditions, I

shall regard as children. I should be happy, in the day of

famine, to share with them the last mouthful that remained to me.

To those who do not wish to continue here, shall be paid what is

due of their salaries, and a further donative; they have liberty

to depart, but they must never return, unless they repent and

intend to lead a new life, and under such circumstances they

shall be received with open arms.