The Rule of Saint Benedict

Ir any brother does not amend after being often corrected for any fault, and even excommunicated, let a sharper punishment be administered to him, that is, let him be corrected by stripes. And if even after this he shall not correct himself, or being puffed up by pride (which God forbid) shall attempt to defend his doings, then let the abbot act like a wise physician. Ifafter applying the fomentations and ointments of exhortation, the medicine of the Holy Scriptures and the final cautery of excommunication and scourging, he find that his labours have had no effect, then let him try what is more than all this, his own prayer and those of the brethren for him, that the Lord, who can do all things, may work the cure of the sick brother. If he be not healed by this means then

let the abbot use the severing knife, according to that

60 THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT

saying of the apostle, Put away the evil one from among you 5,19 and again, If the jaithless one depart, let him depart, Y? lest one diseased sheep should infect the whole flock.