w the virtue of
obedience that none dared even to drive in a nail, or do any little thing
without the knowledge of the Rector or Procurator, for they received
fraternal correction by way of warning for the least neglect, nor was
there given any place for excuse, but every man did humbly acknowledge
his fault, and was forward to promise amendment. But if any were not
ready to obey, or should cling stubbornly to what was good in his own
eyes Father John would chide him more sternly as the manner of the fault
and the quality of the person did demand. Sometimes fired with yet
greater zeal for discipline and in order to affright the other Brothers
he would say to some that were ill content, or slow to take his Orders:
"Lo! the door standeth open. If any will go forth, let him go: I would
rather have one that is obedient than many that are disobedient. By the
favour of God I may readily find others who will cheerfully do what ye
refuse." Thus by the voice of his authority he would curb the
ill-contentment of some. Also he used to say that unwilling and sluggish
Brothers were false prophets who thought that naught was profitable save
what was good in their own eyes.

Once it happened that the elder Reyner was sent out with some other
Brothers to guard the reeds, lest the cattle that passed by might chew
and injure them. But when the time for the midday meal came all the rest
went in, and Reyner alone remained on watch in the fields, and afterwards
he, too, went in to take his sustenance. Then he was asked wherefore he
had not come in with the others at the appointed hour, and he answered
that he had remained outside thinking to do the more good thereby, and
prevent danger to their stuff. But Father John replied, "Would that the
beasts had despoiled all our goods so that thou hadst come in with the
rest as in duty bound. This would have pleased me better." Then was
Reyner deeply penitent, and groaning he prostrated himself humbly on the
ground asking for pardon, and saying that he would never do the like
again. But yet John was full of comfort and kindness to those that were
tempted or oppressed with any weighty matter, for he had the gracious
power of consoling all, whatever might be the cause for which they came
to him. Master Gerard himself often sent divers persons to be instructed
by him in the way of God, saying to them, "Go to blind John of Ummen,
that devout and upright man, and whatsoever he saith unto yo