The Rule of Saint Benedict

Whether Brethren who leave their Monastery must be received back

Ir the brother, who through his own bad conduct leaves or is expelled from the monastery, shall desire to return, he must first promise full amendment ot the fault for which he left it. He may then be received back to the lowest place, that by this his humility may be tried. If he shall again leave he may he received back till the third time, but he shall know that after this all possibility of returning will be denied to him.

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62 THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT

what is commanded, and not make the brethren sad. If any of them shall perchance ask something unreasonable he must not vex him by contemptuously rejecting his request, but humbly and reasonably refuse what he wrongly asks.

Let him look after his own soul, mindful of the Apostolic principle, that they that ministered well, shall purchase to themselves a good degree"1 Let him take every care of the sick, of children, of guests, and of the poor, knowing that without doubt he shall have to render an account of all these on the judgment day.

Let him look upon all the vessels and goods of the monastery as if they were the consecrated chalices of the altar. He must not think anything can be neglected; he must not be covetous, nor a_ prodigal wasting the goods of the monastery ; but let him do everything with forethought and according to the direction of his abbot.

Above all things let him have humility and give

a gentle answer to those to whom he can give nothing

THE RULE OF ST. SENEDICT 63

else, for it is written, 4 good word is above the best gif]? Let him take charge of all the abbot shall commit to him, but let him not meddle with anything which is forbidden him. Let him provide the brethren with their appointed allowance of food without impatience or delay, so that they be not driven to offend, being mindful of the divine word which declares the punishment he deserves Who shall scandalize one of these little ones. It were better for him that a millstone should be hanged about his eck, and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea. If the community be large let him be given helpers, by whose aid he may without worry perform the office committed to him. What is given let it be given, and what is asked for let it be asked at suitable times, so that no one be troubled or distressed in the House

of God,

64 THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT