The Rule of Saint Benedict

Ler there be stationed at the gate of the monastery some wise old man who knows how to give and receive an answer, and whose age will not allow him to wander from his post. This porter should have his cell near the door, that those who arrive may always find him there to give an answer.

As soon as any one shall knock, or some poor man shall call for help, let him reply, Thanks be to God, or invoke a blessing. And let him in the meekness of God’s fear hasten to reply with zealous charity. If the porter stands in need of help let him have a junior brother with him. The monastery, however, itself ought, if possible, to be so constructed as to contain within it all necessaries, that is water, mill, garden and [places for] the various crafts which are exercised within

a monastery, so that there be no occasion for monks to

118 THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT

wander abroad, since this is in no wise expedient for their souls. We wish this Rule to be read frequently in the community so that no brother may plead

ignorance as an cxcuse.