Constitutions of the Black Friars
Ancient Constitutions of the Order of Friars Preachers
The earliest Dominican constitutions were composed by Dominic himself in 1216; here is an extract from a set of rules written in c. 1238.
An online copy of the full text is available at:
http://www.op.org/curia/ConstOP/ (Opens a new window)
19, On Clothes: Let our brothers wear clothes of uncarded wool, where this can be obtained; or rough and poor at least, where it cannot; and this should be especially observed in their cloaks. Even the sick may not wear linen next the skin, and linen bandages shall be removed altogether from our infirmaries.
20, On those fitted for Preaching: ... there shall be presented those who are thought by some brothers fitted to preach ... They shall all be carefully examined one by one by suitable brothers ... and the brothers with whom they have lived shall be carefully questioned on the grace of preaching which God has granted them, on their zeal, religious life, fervour of charity, purpose and intention ...
26, On Possessions: On no account may possession or rents be received. None of our brothers shall dare insist or request for benefits [or benefices] for their own relations.
35, On Buildings: Our brothers shall have modest and humble houses, so that the walls of houses without an upper room shall not exceed twelve feet in height, and of those with an upper room twenty, and the church is not more than thirty feet high; and they are not to have stone vaults except perhaps over choir and sacristy.