Hildegard to the Abbot Philip
The Letters of Hildegard of Bingen
Hildegard to the Abbot Philip 1170–73(?) The abbot, one gathers from Hildegard's remarks, has written Hildegard seeking the meaning of some trouble that has recently befallen him.
O good and faithful servant of God, you are fearfully examining the cause or the meaning of the sign that God recently revealed. Yet that is known only to the Spirit of God, Who has no beginning and to Whom no creature can be compared.
Nevertheless, hear my response to your query.
I see that what has befallen you is like a bough divided into many branches, because it occurred not only for your sake but also for the sake of your subordinates and many others, so that the hearts of those who hear this may fear, and correct their negligence, and so that they may celebrate the divine offices only with fear and reverence, lest they fall under the judgment of God or be mocked by demons with God's own permission. For I saw that this happened through the scorn of airy spirits, with God's permission, for the reasons already enumerated.
Do not be disturbed, dear, gentle father, but thank God if some of those who hear this are amended for your sake, and do not put off your priestly office any further for this reason, but, cleansed by confession and penitence, serve God zealously with celebrations of the Mass.
Now, therefore, servant of God, rejoice without fear and exult in the Lord [cf. Ps 32.1], because God loves you and will receive your spirit.
Pfalzel{?)
An Abbot to Hildegard Before 1173 The abbot wishes to know whether he has merited salvation through the performance of his duties, or whether it would be better for him to resign his office.
To his lady Hildegard, the refulgent glory of sacred religion, H., unworthy abbot of St. Maria, offers the duty of his prayers, whatever it is worth, and his devoted service.
We would rather speak to you in person than write from a distance, if the time were available, or the distance not so great an obstacle. We did once, in fact,