It is the burning and untranslatable commentary of the Psalmist's cry: "_Behold how sweet and pleasant it is to be brethren and to dwell together._" Their cloister was the forest which then extended on all sides of Portiuncula, occupying a large part of the plain.

There they gathered around their master to receive his spiritual counsels, and thither they retired to meditate and pray.[3] It would be a gross mistake, however, to suppose that contemplation absorbed them completely during the days which were not consecrated to missionary tours: a part of their time was spent in manual labor.
The intentions of St.Francis have been more misapprehended on this point than on any other, but it may be said that nowhere is he more clear than when he ordains that his friars shall gain their livelihood by the work of their hands.

He never dreamed of creating a _mendicant_ order, he created a _laboring_ order.

It is true we shall often see him begging and urging his disciples to do as much, but these incidents ought not to mislead us; they are meant to teach that when a friar arrived in any locality and there spent his strength for long days in dispensing spiritual bread to famished souls, he ought not to blush to receive material bread in exchange.

To work was the rule, to beg the exception; but this exception was in nowise dishonorable.