Chapter XVI. Of his feeding the poor, and washing beggars Prophet Esias: "Deal thy bread to the hungry and bring the needy and the harbourless into thy house; when thou shalt see one naked, cover him, and despise not thine own flesh."
Therefore the Brothers did firmly determine to deny themselves somewhat and to contribute more largely to the poor, and for their sake add one hour of daily work to the usual period of labour throughout the Season of Quadragesima: and to hand the whole that they might 117 gain by their copying in that hour to the Overseer of the poor, that therewith he might buy them the necessary victual and faithfully minister to them. The same was done by certain
Brethren that were copyists and writers in other Religious Houses who of their own labour offered a sacrifice of alms to God, chastening themselves of their own will and refreshing the poor in all gladness.
(4) Who can worthily unfold all the pitiful acts of this most blessed Father toward the poor and strangers, but particularly toward the simple and them that are of the devout
Household of Christ? But though all should be silent yet will I not hold my peace, but will continually sing of the compassions of Florentius, for by mine own experience did I prove the multitude of his mercies surely and without doubt during seven years of his life. Like the blessed Job indeed "He was feet to the lame, and eyes was he to the blind, an hand to the needy, a staff to the feeble, a comfort to the fallen, a cloak to him that was scantily clad."
One did rejoice for the alms that were given him, another for the coat that was made for him, one would take away a cloak, another a hat, another shoes, another boots j another would receive a girdle and hosen, another books; another would rejoice that he had asked and received pens, ink, and paper. Thus each one rejoicing in his own gift would confess that from this honourable Lord Florentius, the father of the orphan and the needy, he had received not goods for the use of the body only, but also a medicine for his soul. My weak tongue doth not suffice to tell fully of his virtues and charitable deeds, for his conversation and that of his brethren doth surpass the reckoning of man. It is just that I should not fear 118 to say of them what is written of the Apostolic Saints: "They are men of mercy and their just deeds have not been forgotten. Their good works remain with their posterity, and all the Church of the Saints shall tell of their almsgiving."