Character

The brothers shall appropriate nothing to themselves, neither a house nor place nor anything. And as pilgrims and strangers in this world, serving the Lord in poverty and humility, let them go confidently in quest of alms, nor ought they to be ashamed, because the Lord made Himself poor for us in this world. This, my dearest brothers, is the height of the most sublime poverty which has made you heirs and kings of the kingdom of heaven: poor in goods, but exalted in virtue.

Have you no desire to see others converted by the gospel? Would you steal to heaven alone, and carry none of your neighbors with you? Now, how will you win them into a good opinion of the gospel, but by such an amiable life as may commend it to their consciences? It was a charge long ago laid upon Christianity that it was better known in leaves of books than in the lives of Christians; hence it is that many are hardened in their wickedness and prejudice against the gospel.

Where there is charity and wisdom there is neither fear nor ignorance. Where there is patience and humility there is neither anger nor worry. Where there is poverty and joy there is neither cupidity nor avarice. Where there is quiet and meditation there is neither solicitude nor dissipation. Where there is the fear of the Lord to guard the house the enemy cannot find a way to enter. Where there is mercy and discretion there is neither superfluity nor hard-heartedness.