The Rule of Saint Benedict

Ir any one in the ranks of the priesthood shall ask to be received into a monastery let him not obtain permission too quickly. If, however, he persist in his request he shall understand that he will have to keep the Rule in all rigour, and that no mitigation will be allowed to him, according to what is written, Friend, for what art thou come? Nevertheless let him be allowed to stand next after the abbot, to give the blessing or to say Mass, provided the abbot order him. If not, he may not presume to do aught, knowing that he is subject to the discipline of regular life, and is specially obliged to set an example of humility to all. If perchance his position in the monastery shall have been given him because of his Orders, or for any other reason, he should remember that his proper place is what he has by the time of his

entry to the monastery, not that which is given

THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT 105

him out of respect for the priesthood. But if any clerics manifest the same desire to be admitted into the monastery let them be put into a middle rank, but only if they give promise of observance of the

Rule and of their stability therein.