The Chronicle of the Canons Regular of Mount St. Agnes | Page 7

things. With such
diligence did they follow the virtue of obedience that none dared even
to drive in a nail, or do any little thing without the knowledge of the
Rector or Procurator, for they received fraternal correction by way of
warning for the least neglect, nor was there given any place for excuse,
but every man did humbly acknowledge his fault, and was forward to
promise amendment. But if any were not ready to obey, or should cling
stubbornly to what was good in his own eyes Father John would chide
him more sternly as the manner of the fault and the quality of the
person did demand. Sometimes fired with yet greater zeal for discipline
and in order to affright the other Brothers he would say to some that
were ill content, or slow to take his Orders: "Lo! the door standeth open.
If any will go forth, let him go: I would rather have one that is obedient
than many that are disobedient. By the favour of God I may readily find
others who will cheerfully do what ye refuse." Thus by the voice of his
authority he would curb the ill-contentment of some. Also he used to

say that unwilling and sluggish Brothers were false prophets who
thought that naught was profitable save what was good in their own
eyes.
Once it happened that the elder Reyner was sent out with some other
Brothers to guard the reeds, lest the cattle that passed by might chew
and injure them. But when the time for the midday meal came all the
rest went in, and Reyner alone remained on watch in the fields, and
afterwards he, too, went in to take his sustenance. Then he was asked
wherefore he had not come in with the others at the appointed hour, and
he answered that he had remained outside thinking to do the more good
thereby, and prevent danger to their stuff. But Father John replied,
"Would that the beasts had despoiled all our goods so that thou hadst
come in with the rest as in duty bound. This would have pleased me
better." Then was Reyner deeply penitent, and groaning he prostrated
himself humbly on the ground asking for pardon, and saying that he
would never do the like again. But yet John was full of comfort and
kindness to those that were tempted or oppressed with any weighty
matter, for he had the gracious power of consoling all, whatever might
be the cause for which they came to him. Master Gerard himself often
sent divers persons to be instructed by him in the way of God, saying to
them, "Go to blind John of Ummen, that devout and upright man, and
whatsoever he saith unto you, do it." He also bore this witness about
John, saying "That blind man hath better sight than all that are in
Zwolle," meaning that though he lacked natural sight, yet was he
illumined inwardly by the radiance of truth, and showed the way of
eternal salvation to many that resorted to him, and gave them the
guidance of the true light.
Among these early Brothers so great was the zeal of their love that each
strove to surpass the other in doing work that was humble; and they
were eager in lowly service one to the other. So while one was asleep
another would rise up earlier than was customary and finish his work;
but if any were somewhat slower in going forth to his labour, some
other that was quicker would take his place, and it was often found that
some task was finished though none knew who had done it. By this
means was charity shown in deed, and humility of heart was preserved,

according to the saying, "Love to be unknown."
All that dwelt in the House were stirred up by a like devotion to do
menial tasks and fulfil humble offices. Wherefore the clerks and
weavers would not avoid the work in the fields, but when called thereto
at harvest time they would go forth with the rest to gather in the
sheaves of corn. Following the rule of obedience, and acting for the
common good, they made the hay, or dug the ground, or planted herbs,
whenever such work must needs be done. So, too, holy David doth
praise them that fear God, and doth minister sweet words of
consolation to them that labour well, saying: "Thou shalt eat the labour
of thy hands, well is thee and happy shalt thou be."
CHAPTER IV.
_Of the scanty food and raiment of the Brothers, and how wondrously
God did provide for them_.
Who can tell how poor was their food while they laboured at their daily
toil? Their victual was coarse, their drink ungenerous, their raiment
simple and