Chapter CXX. How he, himself a worker, hated the idle

161. He used to say that the lukewarm, who did not apply themselves earnestly to some occupation, should soon be spewed out of the mouth of God. No one could appear before him idle without receiving a sharp reprimand. For he himself, the pattern of all perfection, used to work and labour with his hands, suffering naught of that best gift of time to run to waste. And once he said: "I desire that all my brethren work and be employed, and that those that know no craft, learn": and he added, giving the reason, "In order that we may be the less burdensome to men; and lest in idleness heart or tongue wander into what is unlawful". Now the gain or hire of labour he did not leave to the determination of the labourer, but to that of the Warden or Family.