Idleness is the enemy of the soul; and therefore the brethren ought to be employed in manual labor at certain times, at others, in devout reading.

The sleepy like to make excuses.

Then are they truly monks when they live by the labor of their hands.

Listen carefully, my child, to your master's precepts, and incline the ear of your heart. Receive willingly and carry out effectively your loving father's advice, that by the labor of obedience you may return to Him from whom you had departed by the sloth of disobedience.

Listen and attend with the ear of your heart.

Before all, and above all, attention shall be paid to the care of the sick, so that they shall be served as if they were Christ Himself.

It is useless to subdue the flesh by abstinence, unless one gives up his irregular life, and abandons vices which defile his soul.