CHAPTER VII.
Of the Manner of Serving and Working,
In whatever places the brethren may reside for work, or the service of others, let them never be keepers of the chamber, nor cellarers, nor overseas in the houses of those whom they serve, and let them not undertake any employment which might cause scandal, or be injurious to their souls ; but let them be inferior and subject to all who are in the said house. And let the brethren who know how to work, labour and exercise themselves in the art they understand, provided it be not unbecoming, nor contrary to the salvation of their souls. For the Prophet says : ‘For because thou shalt eat the labour of thy hands, blessed art thou, and it shall be well with thee ;’ and the Apostle says,: ‘ If any man will not work, neither let him eat’ Let everyone therefore keep steadfast to the art or trade in which he is skilled ; and in payment of their labour they may receive all necessary things, but not money ; and if they be in want, let them seek for alms like other poor. They may have the tools and implements required for their work. Let all the brethren be diligent in good works, for St. Jerome says : ‘Be always busy in some good work, that the devil may find thee occupied ;’ and again, it is written : ‘Idleness is an enemy to the soul’ Therefore let the servants of God always persevere in prayer or in some other profitable labour. Let the Brethren take care that wherever they may be, whether in hermitages or in other houses, they never appropriate any place to themselves, nor maintain it to be theirs, arid whoever comes to them, either a friend or an enemy, a thief or a robber, let them receive him courteously. Wheresoever the Brethren dwell, let them frequently visit one another, and show respect to one another without murmuring. And let them take care not to appear sad and gloomy like hypocrites, but let them be joyful and contented in the Lord, and becomingly courteous.