The Rule of Saint Benedict

Ler all guests who come be received as Christ would be, because He; will say, J was a stranger, and ye took Mein. And let due honour be shown to all, especially to those who are of the household of the Faith, and to pilgrims. As soon, therefore, as a guest is announced let him be met by the prior or the brethren, with all marks of charity. And let them first pray together, that so they may associate in peace. The kiss of peace, however, is not to be given till after prayer,on account of the deceptions practised by the devil. And in the salutation itself let true humility be shown to all guests coming and going. By bowed head, or body prostrate on the ground, all shall adore Christ in them, Who, indeed, is received in their persons.

Let guests, after their reception, be conducted to

prayer, and then the prior, or any one he may order,

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shall sit with them. Let the Divine Law be read in the presence of the guest for his edification, and after this let all courtesy be shown to him. For the guest's sake the prior may break his fast, unless it be a strict day when the fast may not be broken. The brethren, however, shall keep the accustomed fasts. Let the abbot pour water on the hands of the guests, and let him and all the community wash theirfeet. After this let them say the verse, We have received Thy mercy, O God, in the midst of Thy tempie.? — Let special care be taken of the poor and pilgrims, because in them Christ is more truly received, for the very awe of the rich secures respect for them.

Let the kitchen of the abbot and the guests be apart, so that strangers, who are never absent from a monastery, coming in at irregular hours, may not disturb the community. Let two of the brethren, who can perform their duties well, take charge of this kitchen for a year at a time. When they need it they shall be given assistance, so that they may

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serve without murmuring. In like manner, when they have lighter work, let them labour where they are told. And, indeed, not only in their regard, but also in respect to all the other officers of the monastery let this consideration be always shown; when they need help let them have it, and when, on the other hand, they are free they shall do what they are ordered. Also, let the charge of the guest-place be assigned to a ibrother whose soul the fear of God possesses. A sufficient number of beds are to be prepared there, and let the House of God be wisely ruled by wise men.

No one, unless ordered, may associate with or speak to the guests. If any one shall meet or see them, after such humble salutation as we have above enjoined, having asked their blessing, let him pass on,

saying he is not permitted to talk with any guest.

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