Life of Humility: From Writings by Saint Francis of Assisi (vegetarian), Part 2 of 2

That the Brothers may not keep Beasts nor ride “I enjoin all the brothers, both clerics and laypeople, that when they travel through the world, or reside in places, they should not, either with them or with others or in any other way, have any kind of beast of burden.”

Of Preachers “Let all the brothers preach by their works. And let no minister or preacher appropriate to himself the ministry of brothers or the office of preaching, but let him give up his office without any contradiction at whatever hour it may be enjoined him. Wherefore I beseech in the charity which God is all my brothers, preachers, prayers, or laborers, both clerics and laypeople, that they study to humble themselves in all things and that they glory not, nor rejoice, nor inwardly exalt themselves on account of good words and works, nor indeed for any good which God may sometimes say or do and operate in them or by them, according to what the Lord says: ‘But yet rejoice not, in this that spirits are subject unto you.’”

That all the Brothers must live in a Catholic way “Let all the brothers be Catholics, and live and speak in a Catholic manner. But if anyone should err from the Catholic faith and life, in word or in deed, and will not amend, let him be altogether expelled from our fraternity. And let us hold all clerics and religious as our teachers in those things which regard the salvation of souls, if they do not deviate from our religion, and let us reverence their office and order and administration in the Lord.”

Of the Praise which all the Brothers may make “And this or the like exhortation and praise, all my brothers may announce with the blessing of God, whenever it may please them among whatever men they may be: Honor, praise and bless God, give thanks and adore the Lord God Almighty in Trinity and Unity, Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit, the Creator of all. ‘Do penance,’ bring forth fruits worthy of penance, for know that we must soon die. ‘Give and it shall be given to you;’ ‘Forgive, and you shall be forgiven.’ And if you do not forgive men their sins, the Lord will not forgive you your sins. Confess all your sins. Blessed are they who shall die in penitence, for they shall be in the kingdom of Heaven. Woe to those who do not die in penitence.”