Chapter XLIV. His exhortation, both by example and precept, to alms-seeking

74. Sometimes at first he would discipline himself and spare the brethren's bashfulness by going about alone for alms; but when he saw that several brethren were not giving due heed to their calling he once said, "Dearest brethren, the Son of God Who for our sake made Himself poor in this world was nobler than we. We have for His sake chosen the way of poverty, and ought not to be ashamed to go for alms. It is by no means meet for the heirs of the kingdom to blush for the earnest of their heavenly inheritance. I tell you that many noble and wise men are to join our company, who will think it an honour to beg for alms. Do you, therefore, who are the first-fruits of them, be glad and rejoice, and refuse not to do what you are handing down for those holy men to do."