Besides this Prior John set up the following needful buildings: namely, a Refectory for the Brothers and another for the Lay Folk, a kitchen and cellar, and cells for guests, also a sacristy for Divine service between the choir and the Chapter House.

And he himself was the first among them that laboured, and would carry the hod of mortar, and dig with the spade and throw the earth into the cart.

When he had leisure he was instant in reading holy books, and often worked at writing or illuminating.

He caused several books to be written for the choir and the library, and because they were poor he appointed certain Brothers to write for sale, as was the custom from old time.

This many of the Brothers were zealous to do, but others set themselves manfully to the tasks without.
In the year 1399, Indulgences were granted to the people of Zwolle by the Apostolic See, and Pope Boniface the Ninth granted these to be gained by all that were truly penitent at the Church of St.Michael on the Feast of the Finding of the Holy Cross, and on the Feast of St.Michael.
In this same year, I, Thomas of Kempen, a scholar at Deventer and a native of the diocese of Cologne, came to Zwolle to gain indulgences.
Then I went on, glad at heart, to Mount St.Agnes, and was instant to be allowed there to abide, and I was received with mercy.