The Rule of Saint Benedict

In the election of an abbot let the following points be always borne in mind: that he be made abbot whom the whole community, in the fear of God, make choice of, or a part of it, however small, acting with greater wisdom. Let him who is created abbot be chosen because of his virtuous life and his wisdom, even if he be the last in the community. And although the whole community (which God forbid) shall unanimously choose one who supports them in their evil practices, and their vicious lives become known to the bishop (to whose diocese the monastery belongs), or to the abbots or Christians of the neighbourhood, they shall annul the choice of these bad

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men and appoint a worthy steward of God’s House, knowing that for this they shall receive a good reward, provided they do it with pure intention and through zeal of God, just as, on the other hand, they sin if they neglect to do it.

Let him who has been created abbot ever reflect upon the weighty burden he has taken up and remember unto Whom he shall give an account of his stewardship. Let him know also that it is better for him to profit others than to rule over them. He must therefore be learned in the Divine Law that he may know when to dring forth mew things and ojd.299 He must be chaste, sober, merciful, and always exalt mercy above justice, that he may obtain mercy. He shall hate vice and love the brethren. Even in his correction he shall act with prudence and not try too much, lest whilst too violently scouring off the rust the vessel itself be broken. Let him always bear in mind his own frailty, and remember that the bruised

reed must not be broken. 201

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In saying this we do not propose that he should allow vices to spring up, but, as we have declared before, seek to root them up prudently and with charity, in the way he shall think proper in each case. Let him aim at being loved rather than feared. He must not be worried nor anxious, neither should he be too exacting or obstinate, or jealous, or oversuspicious, for then he will never be at rest. Even in what he orders, whether it relates to God or to worldly matters, let him be prudent and considerate. In all that he enjoins he should be discreet and moderate, meditating on the prudence of holy Jacob, who says, If I shall cause my Mocks to be over-driven, they will all die in one day.°? Wherefore adopting these and like principles of discretion, the mother of virtues, let him so temper all things that the strong may have their scope and the weak be not scared. And especially let him keep the present Rule in all things, so that when he shall have well administered it he may

hear from our Lord what the good servant heard who

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gave corn to his fellow-servants in due season: Amen ;

I say to you, over all his goods will he place him.208