That general submission which religious vow to God, and voluntarily promise to their superiors, in order to be directed by them in the ways of perfection and in labors of zeal according to the purpose and constitutions of their order. It is composed of three elements: the sacrifice offered to God of the individual's independence in the generality of his actions, at least of such as are exterior; the motive, namely, personal perfection, and, as a rule, also the performance of spiritual or corporal works of mercy and charity; the express or implied contract with an order which accepts the obligation to lead him to the end for which he accepts its laws and direction.