The Abbot Eberhard to Hildegard
The Letters
chastisement, and we have wiped away our iniquity, and so they are unwilling to abandon their wicked ways.
Because they are unwilling to give up their iniquities, such men surely should be restricted, so that they cannot move along worldly paths. But the person who gives up his sins in sorrowful penitence, and is no longer willing to be sunk in sordid vices, should not be restrained in this manner, but, in his sorrows, should be anointed wherever he goes. For the Great Physician rouses those who are watchful, chastises those who are sleeping [cf. Matt 26.40ff; Mark 14.37ff], and cuts down those who continue to live wicked lives. Therefore, you, O physician, consider what is most necessary in both these matters.
Rome (St. Anastasius)
The Abbot Eberhard to Hildegard 1166–73 The abbot1 requests Hildegard's prayers for himself and those in his care, and inquires also whether he might be relieved of his dudes. He also requests a copy of her book.
To the beloved in the Lord and devout sister, Hildegard, by the grace of God, mistress of the community at St. Rupert, brother Eberhard, abbot (in name only) of St. Anastasius, greetings and prayers.
Glory be to God, because you are "the good odour of Christ" [II Cor 2.15] both to your people and to ours. The great name of Christ is blessed, praised, and sanctified in you. Indeed, you glorify and bear Christ in your body [cf. I Cor
6.20], worthily making yourself worthy of the calling to which you have been called [cf. Eph 4.1]. And by the grace granted to you in the Lord's house, you show yourself to all as a "vessel unto honour" [Rom 9.21].
And because you are the beloved instrument of Christ and the vessel of His Holy Spirit, we humbly beseech you to pray in spirit and truth [cf. John 4.2 3] for me and for those who have been entrusted to our care, so that He may perfect that which He began in us—"to will and to accomplish, according to His good will" [Phil 2.13]—so that we may finish the race and the good fight [cf. II Tim
4.7], and, at the same time, glory in His praise [cf. Ps 105.47].
Furthermore, I ask that the Spirit, Who reveals the secret mysteries of His wisdom, impart to you what is best for me in bearing the burden of obedience to Christ, whether, that is, it is better for me to persevere or to rest so that I may have leisure to contemplate Him. Do not conceal from me whatever is revealed to you concerning this matter, because "my heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready" [Ps 56.8,107.2] "to do thy will" [Heb 10.9].