The Rule of Saint Benedict

Ír often happens that by the appointment of a provost grave scandals arise in monasteries. Some there are who, puffed up by the evil spirit of pride, and esteeming themselves to be like abbots, take on themselves to act the tyrant, to foster scandals and premote discord in the community. This is specially the case in places where the provost is appointed by the same priests or abbots who appoint the abbot of the monastery. How foolish this custom is may easily be seen. From the very commencement of the appointment a pretext for pride is given to the provost, since his imagination suggests to him that he is now released from the power of his abbot, for (as it

seems to say) “You are appointed by those who

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created the abbot.” Hence arise envy, quarrels, detractions, rivalries and disorders. And whilst the abbot and the provost are at variance it must of necessity follow that their souls are endangered by the quarrel, and that those under them, by taking sides, are going to destruction. The guilt of this danger chiefly weighs on those who were the authors of such appointments.

Therefore we foresee that for the preservation of peace and charity it is expedient that the ordering of his monastery depend on the will of the abbot. And, as we have before arranged, if it be possible, let all the work of the monastery be managed by deans, as we have directed, in order that where many are entrusted with the work no one may become proud.

But if the circumstances of the place require a provost, or the community shall with reason and humility ask for one, and the abbot shall think it expedient, with the advice of the brethren who have

the fear of God, let him nominate whomsoever he Se

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shall himself choose as provost. Let this provost, moreover, reverently do whatever shall be enjoined him by his abbot, never acting against his will or directions, because the higher he is raised above the others the more careful he must be to keep the precepts of the Rule. If this provost shall be found viciously inclined, or carried away by the haughtiness of pride, or a proved despiser of the Holy Rule, let him be warned four times ; if he does not amend let him fall under the punishment of regular discipline. If even then he be not corrected he shall be deposed from his position of provost, and another who is worthy shall be put in his place. If after this he shall not be quiet and obedient in the community let him even be put out of the monastery. The abbot nevertheless shall bear in mind that he will have to give an account of all his judgments to God, lest perchance his soul may burn with the flame of

envy and jealousy.

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