Chapter XIV. How he laboured with his hands for the common good CHAPTER XIV How he laboured with his hands for the common good
(1) LORENTIUS, who excelled all others in his character, and is worthy to be remembered as beingamong these devout men the most devout of all, never wished to be found inF idleness, but strove to expend his precious time in some fruitful work, being careful above all things—although he was the holder of a benefice—not to eat his bread for naught and without working therefor. And what he learned and received from Master Gerard, this he carefully observed; for it was the Master's opinion that none should be admitted to the Community save he who was willing—according to the saying of St. Paul—to labour with his hands. For this is an holy occupation and one most profitable to all spiritual progress; hereby are the lusts of the flesh tamed, and the mind is the more readily bridled, being distracted from idle wanderings. By such work is hurtful indolence taken away, and thus we more easily avoid those foolish babblings which through such indolence do arise. And when the opportunity for chattering is taken from us, the work doth go forward under our hand, and he will ever be more fruitful in good who shall have been a faithful labourer. By this also is a wise provision made for the necessities of the Brothers, and the miseries of the poor are more freely relieved, for Almsgiving from those gains that are won in the sweat of the face are the more pleasing in the sight of God and more spotless, and the profit of honest labour doth relieve the indigent. For this reason the art of copying books was eagerly taken up by the brethren of his house in the earlier days, for this is more convenient for clerks than other work, and can be pursued more quietly, and it was introduced as their customary 111 occupation for the common good. The venerable Father Florentius himself set a bright example before the copyists that his title as their superior might not seem an empty one, and that he might enhance his priestly office by being a pattern of industry; wherefore he busied himself with smoothing the parchment and ruling and arranging the pages. For though he was less skilful as a copyist, yet with his own hand—though consecrated with the holy oil—he gave great help to the other writers by preparing all things necessary for their use.
(2) Occasionally, as opportunity arose and time .permitted, he with a chosen companion would read and correct the books already written, or compile Sacred extracts from Holy
Scripture for the consolation of the Brothers, or as exercises for others of the household; for he delighted and greatly rejoiced when he could spend his day in doing some good for the Community, knowing that this would be most pleasing to God. But owing to the multitude of clerks who came together to him when the fame of his goodness was noised further abroad his help was demanded by many persons outside the Brotherhood, both religious and learned men. Wherefore in the interest of the salvation of souls, it was fitting for him to engage