An Abbess to Hildegard
The Letters of Hildegard ofBingen deeds of man's iniquity have not yet been fully purged by the hand of God.
But in not too long a time, those evils will come to an end, and a better light than before will shine.
Now, however, certain men are divided into two parts in their hearts. On the one hand, in high pride of mind they wish to know all things, and, on the other, they hate the success of those who walk in the straight path [cf. Prov 29.27],
This diabolical crowd, evil of heart, treat the others harshly and cruelly. Still, this generation of malignant spirits does not dare to contradict what God has established, but they make each cause a matter of disputation so that what they willfully choose to their own damnation they claim to be good and holy in God.
In this way, they lead the people into great scorn. But how is this generation to be put to flight? It is destroyed by the humility and stability of the faithful.
Herkenrode(?)
An Abbess to Hildegard Before 1173 In this brief letter, the abbess praises Hildegard highly for all the wonders God has worked through her and expresses a desire to see her in person, although she never expects to be able to do so because of the difficulties of travel. She commends herself and her community to Hildegard's prayers.
To the most beloved lady and dearest mother in Christ, N., unworthy abbess of the sisters of the N. church, with a prayer that she see the King of glory in all His beauty [cf Is 33.17], and rejoice with Him forever.
Blessed be God, Who deigns through you to wondrously declare the mysteries of His secrets never before heard in our days to the world, and to confirm our faith through you, holy mother. Moreover, through you, He ineffably illuminates His Holy Church with the blazing virtues of His signs, as with the rays of a new sun. Who has ever heard the like? Who has ever seen such things [cf. Is
66.8]? Therefore, let us each, let us all say: Blessed be God.
I earnestly desire to see your face, holy lady, and to hear the divine words from your own mouth. But since on account of the difficulties of time and distance, I cannot fulfill my desire by seeing you in person, I will always see you in my heart and soul, and I will always love you. I also beseech your holiness, merciful mother, to deign to intercede with God—Who, without a doubt, will hear you—for me a sinner and for our community, which joins me in supplication to you. You may be assured also that your memory will always be blessed among us, and, through you, the name of the Lord will be magnified. Pray for us, merciful mother and lady.