Hildegard to a Certain Priest
The Letters of Hildegard of Bingen Metz
Hildegard to a Certain Priest Before 1170 A brief letter of admonition to the priest
The Light of Visitation says to you: O son of salvation, you should flee the castles of the enemy that throw out flames toward you to wound your soul. Now, take heed to perform your stewardship properly lest you be found guilty in the eyes of the Lord. First, "decline from evil and do good" [Ps 36.27]. Then, perform your priestly duty and observe your oath of obedience. Take care to guard your soul vigilantly, and you will live in eternity.
Neuenburg
An Abbot to Hildegard Before 1173 Fearful of the turmoil of war, the abbot had postponed an intended visit to Hildegard, and writes this letter instead, seeking her consolation and advice.
To Hildegard, blessed and saintly woman, £., abbot (in name only) of the brothers of Neuenburg, may we both attain our mutual desire.
The widespread fame of your sanctity has greatly stimulated our spirit to see your face. Therefore, this past summer I prepared to make the trip to see you, but terrified by the storms of war threatening at that time, I did not dare to start out. Nevertheless, I sent a messenger to you with a letter, but he has not yet returned with an answer. And since this letter may be lost through the negligence of the messenger, I will repeat the contents of that letter.
First, I give thanks from the bottom of my heart that you met with a delegation of our brothers. Then, I beseech that through your prayers the Lord help me in these threatening dangers, for placed in a position of authority, I am buffeted by the storms of secular matters. Therefore, I flee to the harbor of your saintliness and prayer so that, no matter what, I will not give in to sin in these matters. And since I ask this in all earnestness, I beg especially that