The Abbot Richard to Hildegard
The letters
spite his potential for doing evil, he honors God's divinity by overcoming himself through virginity (which abides in him under the banner of the King) or, for those who have tasted sin, through turning aside from the millstone of iniquity and abandoning the world. All of this is found "in the brightness of the saints" whom the word of God brought forth in accordance with the will of the Father.
And so the following is said clearly through the Holy Spirit to this community: "The blessing of the Lord be upon you" [Ps 128.8] "in the brightness of the saints." And may all who bless you be filled with blessing. And may blessing flee from those who curse you.
Springiersbacb
The Abbot Richard to Hildegard Before 1162(?) Troubled by his feeling of inadequacy in his office, the abbot requests Hildegard to consult the Lord about the possibility of his resignation.
Richard, unworthy servant to the servants of God in Springiersbach, to Hildegard, most holy administrator of the congregation of St. Rupert and worthy steward of God, with his prayer that she become a denizen of the heavenly country after she has passed from this life.
I have instructed the present messenger to stand before you in my stead and to speak with you, holy lady, through this letter. Although I have wanted to, I have not been able to come to you for myself, but I have, I confess, spent many days, even years, vainly considering the matter. Indeed, in all sincerity and without deceit, I call God Himself to witness, to Whom "all things are naked and open" [Heb 4.13], how much I have desired from the beginning to speak with you face-to-face, magnificent and saintly lady.
Appointed ("unhappy man that I am" [Rom 7.24]) to manage and oversee in my pastoral position, I realize that I am completely useless, weak, and unequal to the task, for I am now almost completely bereft of strength, both of mind and body. Thus I desire more and more to lament, weep, and be freed "from the body of this death" [Rom 7.24]. And so, O holy lady, blessed among women, with you as my intermediary, I wish to put my situation before the Lord, and consult Him in the matter. Through you, I wish to question and discover whether it is possible for me to resign from my position.
For God's sake, please inform me as quickly as possible of the upshot of this matter and gladden my grieving heart with your advice and aid in the Lord.