The Rule of Saint Benedict

Of Monks who are strangers, how they are to be received

Ir any stranger monk, coming from a distant place, desire to dwell in the monastery as a guest and, content with the customs he there finds, does not trouble the house by superfluous wants, but is simply content with what he finds, let him be received for as long a time as he desires to remain. And if he reasonably and with loving humility blames something, or points out anything amiss, let the abbot prudently consider it, lest perchance the Lord shall have sent him there for that purpose. If, also, after

a time he shall wish to make his stay permanent, such

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a desire should not be refused, particularly since during the time he has lived as a guest his manner of life could be known.

If in that period he shall have been found troublesome or vicious, not only should he not be incorporated with the community, but he should even be told frankly to leave, lest others be corrupted by his ill doing. But if he does not deserve to be sent away, not only if he shall ask, shall he be received into the ranks of the community, but he should even be induced to stay, that others may be taught by his example, because in every place we serve a common Lord, and fight under the same King.

And if the abbot shall find such a monk deserving he may even put him into a somewhat higher rank. And the abbot may raise above the rank of his entry into religion, not only any monk, but also any of the foresaid priests or clerics, if he shall consider that their lives deserve it. Let the abbot, however,

beware never to receive permanently any monk of a

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known monastery without the consent of his own abbot, or without letters of commendation from him, for it is written, What thou wilt not have done

to thyself, do not to another."