Chapter CII. Of S. Francis' humility in dress, in opinion and in behaviour. Against [trusting to] one's own opinion

Of Humility

140. Humility is the guard and ornament of all the virtues. When the spiritual building does not rest on this foundation, it tends to fall even when it seems to be growing. That nothing might be wanting to a man adorned with so many gifts this grace had filled S. Francis in more abundant measure, for he reputed himself nothing but a sinner, whereas he was the ornament and splendour of every kind of holiness. In order that he might lay the foundation which he had learnt from Christ, he strove to build himself on this virtue of humility. Forgetful of the things he had gained, he fixed his eyes on his failings alone, considering that more was lacking to him than was present with him. The only thing he coveted was to become better, and to add fresh virtues to the former, wherewith he was not content. He was humble in dress, humbler in opinion, humblest in his own repute. This prince of God was distinguished as a Superior by this bright jewel alone: that among the "lesser" he was the least. It was this virtue, this title, this token that showed him to be the Minister-general. All loftiness was absent from his mouth, all pomp from his gestures, all ostentation from his actions. In many matters he had learnt his opinions by revelation, but yet he would bring them into discussion and prefer the opinions of others. He believed his companions' advice to be safer, and others' views seemed to him better than his own. He used to say that any one who kept back the treasure-chests of his own opinion had not left all for the sake of God. He preferred to hear blame of himself rather than praise, for that the former drove him to amendment while the latter impelled him to fall.