COLLOQUY XXVI
In Religion we must Follow not our own Judgment, but that of Our Superior.
Two youths once earnestly begged to be admitted into the Order, and St. Francis, wishing to try their obedience, and their readiness to renounce their own will, took them with him into the garden, saying: ‘ Come with me and plant some cabbages for the use of the Religious in the same manner that you will see me do.’ Then taking the plants, he put them into the ground with their roots upwards. One of the youths, who was truly obedient, did exactly the same; but the other, who was wise in his own eyes, began to argue against this novel method of gardening, asserting that cabbages should be planted the other way up. The blessed Father said to him : ‘My son, imitate me, and do as I do.’ But he refused, repeating that what he was doing was folly. Then our holy Father said : ‘Brother, I see that thou art a great master, go thy way. A simple and humble Order is not fit for such masters, but for simple and foolish persons, such as this thy companion. He shall remain with us, but we cannot receive thee. Go thy way.’