Chapter 70
bloodrelationship between them.1 Let the monks not attempt to do this in any way, because it can be a proximate occasion of scandals. Should anyone transgress in this matter, let him be punished more severely.
SEVENTIETH CHAPTER
No one may presume to strike another without proper Authority Let there be a ban against every occasion for presumption2 in the monastery; therefore we ordain that no one be permitted to excommunicate or strike any of his brethren unless he is given proper authority to do so by the abbot. The one who transgresses in this matter shall be corrected before all, so that others may be in fear (cf. Tim. v, 20).
Children under fifteen years of age, however, should with all diligence be kept under observation and discipline by everyone, but sensibly and in moderation.3
Consequently, should anyone presume without an order from the abbot to deal disrespectfully with those of maturer years or get violently angry with youngsters, and that indiscriminately, let him be subjected to the discipline of the Rule, because it is written: "What you do not wish to be done to you, do you also not to another" (cf. Tob. iv, 16).
SEVENTY-FIRST CHAPTER
The Brethren should obey one another The boon (service) of obedience is to be rendered not only to the abbot, but the brethren should be mutually obedient to one another, because they know that along this path of obedience
1 St. Pachomius had already banned every semblance of "taking sides" in his cloister (Rule 176). An orderly community life is impossible if irresponsible in dividuals arrogate to themselves judicial rights (cf. HR, chap. Ixx).
2 Cf. chapter Ixix, comments 1, & 1 just above.
3 St. Martin of Tours was inducted into the Roman army at the age of 15. At that age he was already fullgrown (Sulpicius Sev.. Life of St. Martin ii).