u, 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 rude, so that naught did minister to the lusts of the flesh,
but the needs of the body were satisfied soberly enough. They were often
compelled to eat food that was of evil savour through lack of better
victual; but constant toil and hunger made herbs and pulse to be pleasant
to the taste. Fish was given to the community seldom, and eggs more
rarely still, but yet of their goodwill the Brothers would give these to
the sick, or to strangers, if by any means they could get such things.
Wherefore one hath said, "When the reign of poverty is long, pleasure
doth endure but a