CHAPTER XI.
That the Brethren ought not to be Calumniators nor Detractors, but ought to love one another.
Let the Brethren take care not to calumniate anyone, nor to contend in words, but let them study to keep silence as far as God gives them the grace. Let them also not dispute among themselves nor with others, but let them be the first to answer with humility, saying : ‘ We are useless servants.’ And let them not be angry, for ‘Whosoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment. And whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council. And whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.’ But let them love one another, as Our Lord says : ‘This is My commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you ;’ and let them show their love by the works they do for each other, according as the Apostle says : ‘Let us not love in word and in tongue, but in deed and in truth.’ Let them not speak evil of any, nor murmur, nor be detractors, for it is written : ‘Whisperers and detractors are hateful to God.’ Let them show modesty and meekness to all men, neither judging nor condemning any. And, as Our Lord says, let them not pay attention to the small sins of others, but rather let them ponder on their own in the bitterness of their soul. Let them strive to enter in at the narrow gate, for Our Lord says : ‘How narrow is the gate, and strait is the way that leadeth to life, and few there are that find it!’