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 you, do it." He also bore this witness about John, saying "That blind man hath better sight than all that are in Zwolle," meaning that though he lacked natural sight, yet was he illumined inwardly by the radiance of truth, and showed the way of eternal salvation to many that resorted to him, and gave them the guidance of the true light.
Among these early Brothers so great was the zeal of their love that each strove to surpass the other in doing work that was humble; and they were eager in lowly service one to the other.