Chapter Fifty-Seven
CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN
On the Craftsmen of the Monastery
IF THERE be craftsmen in the monastery, let them work at their art in all humility, provided that the Abbot gives his permission. But if any of them should grow proud on account of his craftsmanship and be of the opinion that he is personally bestowing a special grace to the monastery, let him be removed from his work and not return to it, unless after he has humbled himself, the Abbot again permits it. But if any of the work of the craftsmen is to be sold, let those assigned to oversee the transaction not attempt to practice any fraud. Let them always be mindful of Ananias and Saphira, lest, perhaps, they (or any others who practice fraud in things belonging to the monastery) end by suffering in their souls the death which these suffered in the body. (Cf. Acts 5:1–11). What is more, let not the vice of avarice creep into the way prices are determined, but let the price always be set a little lower than it can be given by men in the world, That God May Be Glorified in All Things. (Cf. 1 Pet. 4:11).