Hildegard to the Abbot Eberhard
/ 56 The Letters of Hildegard of Bingen We request that a copy of your book be made for us, for we have need of your advice and aid, and your goodwill. We desire with our whole heart to have that book so that we can see the miracles of God [cf. Job 37.14] in it.
In addition, I earnestly ask that you send us a written response and console us with the breasts of the consolation [cf. Is 66.11] of Christ in our toil and endurance for Christ
Farewell. Greet your sisters. Pray for us.
Note 1. Eberhard was formerly abbot of Eberbach, but was forced to flee the ire of Frederick Barbarossa because he stood with the papal party in opposition to the antipope established by the emperor. In 1166, the same year of his flight, Eberhard became abbot of St. Anastasius, the monastery where Pope Eugenius had formerly served as abbot
190r Hildegard to the Abbot Eberhard 1166-73 Hildegard advises the abbot to persevere in his office, providing instruction and correction to his sheep.
"He Who Is" [Ex 3.14; Apoc 1.4] says to you, O man: Your mind rises so eagerly through your reputation for good works that you exalt yourself on high in your desire to do more good works than you can possibly accomplish. But sometimes your mind deceives you by sifting your affairs, saying: These are the best things.
But because you are not doing those things at the moment, you let go of the matter that you have undertaken to do.
Therefore, support your sheepfold without fail, and give it instruction, that is, by using the rod of your position, and then by furnishing the unguent of the physician. For it is better for you to be vigilant in your toils while others are doing service under your tutelage than to exercise your own will. For if you give up, weariness will wall you in so that your mind grows dry. Therefore, keep watch over your flock, offering it the good examples your mind longs for, lest your mind be brought into derision. For the one who stands on the height and shouts down into the valley frequently does not know whether he is on the heights or walking in the vale.
Therefore, stand firm so that with God's help you can do the good works you have begun, and walk in Christ's footsteps lest you deceive yourself. Then, you will live forever.