4. To another he writ thus: “Blessed for ever be the Holy Jesus, for the good beginning of those you mention. If the other had a little more courage to break her fetters, it would be a great step: and surely there needs not so much deliberation to give up ourselves to him, although he be to the _Jews_ a stumbling-block, and to the _Greeks_ foolishness. Not that God hath any need of our good parts or excellent qualities, who commonly confounds the wisdom of the wise, by little things which he chuseth. Blessed be that littleness which is accounted weakness, and yet overthroweth all the power and prudence of the world.” *5. We mentioned before his endeavour to reform trades from the abuses and corruptions which, in process of time, they had contracted, and to sanctify them, that some at least in each might live like the primitive Christians, in common; deducting from their flock only their necessary maintenance, and bestowing the rest on the poor. And, at length, he in part effected it; so that there are now two companies in _Paris_, one of taylors, the other of shoemakers, and of these in several quarters of the city, (and the like there are at _Thoulouse_) who live in community; rising, eating, working and praying together morning and evening: calling each other brothers, and living together in the strictest unity and concord. 6. Passing one day by the hospital of St. _Gervase_, and hearing it was devoted to the lodging of poor travellers, he desired leave of the superior to instruct them, in the evening when they ♦were met together. And this he did from that time, every night, coming thither on foot, and commonly alone, summer and winter. After instructing them, he joined with them in prayer, which he concluded with his alms. And this he continued many years, till some Churchmen, moved by his example, undertook that work, which they continue to this day. ♦ “where” replaced with “were” *7. His tenderness of heart to these poor people was exceeding great, joined with such humility as cannot easily be expressed. When he met any one at the hospital, he saluted him with great respect, put him before him, and talked with him bare-headed. If any kneeled to him, he did the like to them, and continued on his knees till they rose first. One of them observing him diligently, and knowing him to be the Lord of the place where he himself lived, was deeply affected at the sight, and came and fell at his feet: M. _de Renty_ did the like to him, and continued in that posture a long time, resolving not to rise before the poor man.