These are some steps towards Humility that a slave can practise to be content with his place at his Masters side.
- The first step of humility…
is that a slave keeps the fear of his Master always before his eyes and never forgets it… - The second step of humility…
is that a slave loves not his own will nor takes pleasure in the satisfaction of his desires; rather he shall imitate by his actions that saying of the Master; I have come not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. - The third step of humility…
is that a slave submits to his superior in all obedience for the love of his Master: He became obedient even to death… - The fourth step of humility…
is that in this obedience under difficult, unfavourable, or even unjust conditions, his heart quietly embraces suffering and endures it without weakening or seeking escape…. - The fifth step of humility…
is that a slave does not conceal from his abbot any sinful thoughts entering his heart, or any wrongs committed in secret, but rather confesses them humbly… - The sixth step of humility…
is that a slave is content with the lowest and most menial treatment, and regards himself as a poor and worthless workman in whatever task he is given…. - The seventh step of humility…
is that a slave not only admits with his tongue but is also convinced in his heart that he is inferior to all and of less value. - The eighth step of humility…
is that a slave does only what is endorsed by the common rule of the slaves environment and the example set by his superiors…. - The ninth step of humility…
is that a slave controls his tongue and remains silent, not speaking, unless asked a question…. - The tenth step of humility…
is that he is not given to ready laughter, seriously and with becoming modesty, briefly and reasonably, but without raising his voice…. - The twelfth step of humility…
is that a slave always manifests humility in his bearing no less than in his heart, so that it is evident at the work of his Master, in the oratory, the slave house or the yard, or on a journey or in the field, or anywhere else…. Now, therefore, after ascending all these steps of humility, the slave will quickly arrive at the perfect love of Master which casts out fear
