But in 1625, we find the "conversus" reduced below the status of the "commissus", inasmuch as he could make only simple vows for a year at a time; he was in fact indistinguishable, except by his dress, from the "oblatus" of a former century. Then, in the later Middle Ages, "oblatus", "confrater", and "donatus" became interchangeable titles, given to any one who, for his generosity or special service to the monastery, received the privilege of lay membership, with a share in the prayers and good works of the brethren.