Concerning Humility
The sixth grade of humility is, that a monk be contented with all lowliness or extremity, and consider himself, with regard to everything which is enjoined on him, as a poor and unworthy workman; saying to himself with the prophet: "I was reduced to nothing and was ignorant; I was made as the cattle before thee, and I am always with thee"
The seventh grade of humility is, not only that he, with his tongue, pronounce himself viler and more worthless than all; but that he also believe it in the inner-most workings of his heart; humbling himself and saying with the prophet, etc.
The eighth degree of humility is that a monk does nothing accept what the common rule of the monastery, or the example of his elders, urges him to do.
The ninth degree of humility is that a monk restrains his tongue from speaking; and, keeping silence, do not speak until he is spoken to.
The tenth grade of humility is that he be not ready and easily inclined, to laugh.
The eleventh grade of humility is that a monk, when he speaks, speaks slowly and without laughter, humbly with gravity, using few and reasonable words; and that he be not loud of voice.
The twelfth grade of humility is that a monk shall, not only with his heart but also with his body, always show humility to all who see him: that is, when at work, in the oratory, in the monastery, in the garden, on the road, in the fields. And everywhere, sitting or walking or standing, let him always be with head inclined, his looks fixed upon the ground; remembering every hour that he is guilty of his sins. Let him think that he is already being presented before the tremendous judgment of God, saying always to himself in his heart what the publican of the gospel, fixing his eyes on the earth, said: "Lord I am not worthy, I a sinner, so much as to lift mine eyes unto Heaven”
If a Sister Is Commanded to Do Impossible Things
