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The Rule of Saint Benedict

CHAPTER LXXII Of the good xeal Monks should have · 64 of 65

The Rule of Saint Benedict

English, translated by Cardinal Francis Aidan Gasquet, translator — Cardinal Francis Aidan Gasquet, translator, 1925

As there is an evil and bitter emulation which separates from God and leads to hell, so there is a good spirit of emulation which frees from vices and leads to God and life everlasting. Let monks therefore

‘practise this emulation with most fervent love; that

THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT 1:23

is to say, let them in honour prevent one another,2 let them bear most patiently with each other’s infirmities, whether of body or of manner. Let them contend with one another in their obedience. Let no one follow what he thinks most profitable to himself, but rather what is best for another. Let them show brotherly charity with a chaste love. Let them fear God and love their abbot with sincere and humble affection, and set nothing whatever before Christ,

Who can bring us unto eternal life.