Wittecoep, the chief promoter of our House and the earnest keeper thereof
in all things. He afterward became a Priest in Zwolle and served the
Altar in the Hospice there, where he died after making a good confession.
Secondly, there was John Ummen, son of Assetrin, whose mother was called
Regeland. He, though blind and unlettered, was yet the familiar friend
and devout disciple of Master Gerard, and he became the first Rector of
the House, being a good man and a comfortable. Thirdly, there was
Wychmann Roerinck van Hellender, a pattern of poverty and patience; he,
putting aside his friends, who were many, became an humble hearer of
Gerard, and was Procurator to this poor little congregation.

Other upright men also were joined to these chief Brothers, being drawn
to give up the world by the sweet savour of the reputation of this new
and holy congregation. Their names are worthy of the fame of a good
memorial, for they were shining lights of holy poverty, obedience,
continence, and daily toil. The first was Reyner, son of Leo of Renen of
the diocese of Utrecht, who often made pilgrimages out of his devotion;
but afterward became converted by Gerard's preaching and gave up the
world. The second was Reyner the younger, a man without reproach, poor
and accustomed to toil. He, too, came from Renen which is in the diocese
of Munster. The third was called Gerard the cook, for he at the first
was cook to the House, but afterward became the porter, a man fervent in
deed, and devout in prayer, who was born at Deventer. All these knew
Gerard Groote in the flesh, and often heard him preach the Word of God
among the people. By these humble, simple-hearted, and devout little
servants of Christ--these who did verily despise the world--was our House
on mount Nemel begun, which House after that it became a Monastery was
called Mount St. Agnes. Moreover by little and little several devout
clerks and lay folk from the neighbouring towns and from far off
districts came to join these men, and they earned their daily bread by