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 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 little space.”