Chapter CXLII. What holy simplicity is

Of Holy Simplicity

189. The Saint was in some sort more especially careful to show forth in himself and to value in others holy Simplicity, the daughter of Grace, the sister of Wisdom, and the mother of Righteousness. Not every kind of simplicity, however, met with his approval, but that alone which, being content with her God alone, sets at naught all else. She it is who makes her boast in the fear of God and knows not how to do evil or speak it. She it is who examines herself,

1 I.e., in those who bore office in the Order.

J but condemns no one in her judgment, who surrenders to her superior the authority that is his due and covets no authority. She it is who, not deeming Greek glories to be the best, chooses to act, rather than to learn or teach. She it is who in regard to all the laws divine leaves to those that are to perish wordy digressions, ornaments and embellishments, display and curious inquiry, and seeks not for the bark but for the pith, not for the shell but for the kernel, not for many things, but for much, for the supreme and enduring Good. Her did the most holy father require both in lettered and in lay brethren, not deeming her to be the opponent but the true sister of Wisdom, though easier in the getting and readier in the using for those who are poor in learning. Accordingly in the Praises which he composed concerning the virtues he says: "Hail, Queen Wisdom! The Lord save thee with thy sister pure holy Simplicity!"