Chapter Seventy-One
CHAPTER SEVENTY-ONE
That the Brethren Be Obedient to One Another
NOT only must the brethren render the good gift of obedience to the Abbot, but they must also obey one another, knowing that they shall go to God by this path of obedience. Hence, all younger brothers must obey their elder brothers with complete charity and zeal. The only exception springs from a command of the Abbot or one of the officers established by him (no personal command can contravene this). But if anyone is found to be obstinate, let him be corrected.
And if a brother be corrected in any way by the Abbot or by any of his superiors for even a slight reason, or even if he just barely perceive that the temper of any of his Superiors is ruffled or excited against him in the least, let him without delay cast himself down on the ground at his feet making satisfaction, until the agitation is healed by a blessing. If anyone refuse to do this, either he should undergo corporal punishment, or, if he should remains obstinate, let him be expelled from the monastery.