That for those abiding under one profession all things shall be common to all, is true, and so it is read (Acts 4): namely, if all alike are in good health. Yet there is a certain discernment of the superior who looks to what each one requires. For thus it must be divided, as each one has need. She who was able to be honoured in the world, and was rich in the age, is to be cherished more tenderly in the monastery; and she who left behind a precious garment in the world, deserves a finer one in the monastery. But she who lived in want in the world, and lacked covering and food, let her bear it gratefully in the monastery and neither be cold, nor hungry, nor murmur, if she be treated more indulgently who in the world lived too delicately.
For if it is not divided according to each one's need, she who was lowly in the world becomes proud in the monastery; and she who was powerful in the age is humbled in the monastery. So acts one who is not wise in discernment, so as to make those of mean condition grow proud when converted, and to grieve with pain those born in an honourable station. And if there is sufficient whereby an equal portion may be given to all, there is no ground for any to murmur: since the discernment of the superior will divide to each one as she has need. But you say: Why was she converted, except that she might become humble from being powerful? If, then, she came down from high estate to humility, the other, from poverty, had nothing in which she might be humbled, and perhaps becomes proud. But charity tempers all things, and draws all to the same boundary of peace;
so that neither may she be puffed up who has relinquished power, nor she be crushed who was poor, or a handmaid. Yet the superior is to be praised, if she has conducted herself discreetly with each one, and divided to each as she has need. Let these things be said concerning clothing, food, drink, or work for the weak and delicate, so that she who cannot bear harder treatment may be dealt with more gently. As for the rest, regarding those who are able to bear, the superior will act as she sees fit; and those for whom she provides for the use of a delicate way of life, or because of bodily frailty, you should not set before the elders in honour, if they were converted at a later time. While, then, my discourse is directed to you, sister Florentina, we have diverted our speech very much to other concerns;