A Provost to Hildegard
The Letters of Hildegard of Bingen fruit is somewhat damaged by whirlwinds and clouds. But then it is restored again by the dew of heaven and a cloudless sky. This is the state of your mind, because, although you have confidence when you are somewhat prosperous and, as it were, fruitful, you are still wearied by the instability of your character, as by a whirlwind, and, as by clouds, you are damaged by those you have charge over.
On those occasions, sigh to God, saying, "To thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul. In thee, O my God, I put my trust; let me not be ashamed" [Ps
24.1–2]. For in you is the breath that God gave life forever [cf. Job 33.4], and in you are the wings of rationality that He gave you. Therefore, fly to God on those wings through faith and good desire, lifting up your soul to Him. And know that He is your God, for He knew you, and you had your beginnings from Him. Therefore, ask Him to teach you His good things through the breath of His Holy Spirit, and to free you from adversity. Trust in Him so that you will not blush to set all your works before Him, and speak to Him, as a son speaks to his father who corrects him when he has gone astray, asking that He not forget His offspring.
As for me, I will gladly ask God to mercifully defend you through His grace, and free you from your unstable morals and other defects, and preserve you from the dangers that come upon you.
Koblenz
A Provost to Hildegard Before 1173 The provost writes for consolation for all the troubles that have befallen him, because, as he notes, everything Hildegard has prophesied to him has come to pass.
To Hildegard, beloved in Christ, S., unworthy provost of the brothers in Koblenz, greetings in the Lord.
Because you have always refreshed me with your consolation in all my tribulations, and because all the things that you have foretold me have come to pass,
I ask you to beseech the merciful Lord to console me now in the midst of the troubles that assail me within and without. And especially, beloved and loving lady, write back to inform me whether, from the merciful Jesus, I dare have hope for the life to come.
As for the rest, be aware that I pray the Lord from the bottom of my heart that before I die I may worthily repent from my sins.
Farewell.