CHAPTER VI.
That the Brethren shall appropriate nothing to themselves ; of Seeking Alms, and of the Sick Brethren.
Let the Brothers appropriate nothing to themselves, neither house, place, nor any other thing, but as pilgrims and strangers in this world, serving the Lord in poverty and humility, let them go for alms with confidence. Nor ought they to be ashamed thereof, since Our Lord made Himself poor in this world for our sakes. This is the sublime height of most holy Poverty which has constituted you, my beloved Brethren, kings and heirs of the heavenly kingdom, has made you poor in temporal things, and has exalted you in virtue. Let this be your portion, which will lead you into the land of the living, to which, beloved Brethren, strictly adhering, never desire to have anything else under heaven, for the sake of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherever the Brethren may be, or may meet with other Brothers, there let them mutually serve one another, and confidently make known their wants to each other ; for if a mother loves and nourishes her son according to the flesh, how much more diligently ought everyone to love and nourish his spiritual Brother. And if any of them fall sick, the other Brothers ought to serve him as they would wish to be served themselves.