CHAPTER XVII.
Of the Preachers,
Let no Brother preach contrary to the form and institution of the holy Church, nor without the leave of his Superior. And let the Superior take care that he does not grant this leave indiscreetly. Nevertheless, let all the Brethren preach by their works. Let no Minister or Brother appropriate to himself the office and ministry of preaching, but let him give it up without any contradiction immediately he is commanded. I beseech (in the charity which God is) all my [Brethren, whether they preach, pray, or labour, whether they be clerics or lay-brothers, that they study to humble themselves in all things, and that they never glory, nor rejoice, nor inwardly exalt themselves for their good words and works, nor indeed for any good which God may sometimes say or do, or operate in them or by them, according to what Our Lord says : ‘ In this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you.’ Let us know for certain that nothing belongs to us but our vices and sins, and we ought much more to rejoice when we fall into divers temptations, and bear some afflictions of soul or body in this world, for the sake of eternal life. Let us, my Brethren, avoid all pride and vainglory. Let us keep ourselves from the wisdom of this world, and the prudence of the flesh. The spirit of the world cares much for words, but little for works ; and it seeks not religion and sanctity of the heart, but a religion and sanctity which may appear before men ; and these are they of whom Our Lord says : ‘Amen I say unto you, they have received their reward.’ But the spirit of the Lord wishes the flesh to be mortified and despised, and to be considered vile, abject, and contemptible ; it seeks for humility and patience, and pure simplicity, and true peace of heart, and desires above all things to have Divine fear, and Divine wisdom, and the Divine love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And let us refer all good to the most High and Supreme God, let us acknowledge that all good belongs to Him, and let us give thanks for all to Him from Whom all good proceeds. May He, the Most High and Sovereign, Only and True God have and receive all honour and reverence, and all praises and benedictions, and all thanks and all glory, for to Him all good belongs. Who alone is Good. And when we see or hear any evil said or done blasphemously against God, let us bless and thank and praise Him Who is Blessed for ever and ever. Amen.