Chapter Sixty
CHAPTER SIXTY
On Priests Who May Wish to Live in the Monastery
IF ONE of the priestly order ask to be received into the monastery, let consent not be granted too quickly; still, if he urgently persists in his request, let him know that he must keep the whole discipline of the Rule, and that nothing will be relaxed in his favor, that it may be as it is written: “Friend, whereunto art thou come?” (Matt. 26:25).
It may be granted him, however, to stand next after the Abbot and to give the blessing or offer the solemn prayers, but only if the Abbot orders him to do so; otherwise, let him not presume to do anything of the sort, knowing that he is under the discipline of the Rule. Rather he really ought to give examples of humility to all. And if there is a question of an appointment in the monastery, or any other matter, let him be ranked by the time of his entry into the monastery, and not out of respect for the priesthood.
But if one of the clerical order, moved by the same desire, wishes to join the monastery, let him too have a middling place, provided he promises to keep the Rule and personal stability.