Hildegard to the Abbot Dieter
The Letters of Hildegard of Bingen Maulbronn
Hildegard to the Abbot Dieter 1153-54 A letter of general advice to the abbot The Wise Man of the bold light says: O man, hear these words: a person who desires to achieve eternal life must make a reflective inspection of his spirit with living eyes, because God is vigilant in such matters. When fleshly desires seek to overwhelm a man, spewing forth all sorts of nasty vices, then let a man rein in the appetite of his mind so that he grows weary of the intolerable deed. Then he will be able to rise up to the Dawn of Light, that is, to Mercy, Who laid death low and crushed the filthy bowels of hell, and cleansed the sins of mankind. Thus a person ought to have windows in the soul through which he may reorient himself to the good.
But, O you who are noble in your will, take note that many rivers run in you, rushing in great uproar. O strong bond, turn aside the breasts of burgeoning desire for vice. Model yourself on the turtledove, bending your knees when you conquer yourself. O living figure, open the closed door of your mind in that beautiful face of yours, because that befits you in the sight of the high King.
Beware, too, not to be leaden in the harshness of your mouth, failing to anoint the wounds of the wounded. Therefore, kiss God in your mind, and do not let your desires be embarrassed in their good desire to do good and just works.
Now, take refreshment in your toil, rein in your secular concerns, and make the face of your soul as beautiful as the dove [cf. Cant 2.14], so that the windows of celestial Jerusalem [cf Heb 12.22] will welcome you. God will not abandon you [cf. Deut 31.6ff], but will give you the refection of salvation.
An Abbot to Hildegard Before 1173 Worried about the duties of his office, the abbot writes to Hildegard for her prayers and consolation.
To Hildegard, spiritual mother and venerable sister, H., abbot of Maulbronn (would that I deserved to be!), with a prayer that she receive perpetual salvation from the Lord.