Chapter LXXIII.
Chapter LXXIII.
CHAPTER LXXIII.
That the whole observance of perfection is not contained in this Rule.
We have written this Rule, that by its observance in Monasteries we may show that we possess, in some measure, uprightness of manners, or the beginning of a good Religious life. But for such as hasten forward to the perfection of holy living, there are the precepts of the holy Fathers, the observance whereof leadeth a man to the height of perfection. For what page, or what passage is there in the divinely inspired books of the Old and New Testament, that is not a most perfect rule of man's life? Or what book is there of the holy Catholic
Fathers that doth not proclaim this; that we may by a direct course reach our Creator?
Moreover, what else are the Collations of the Fathers, their Institutes, their Lives, also the Rule of our Holy Father Basil, but examples of the good living and obedience of Monks, and so many instruments of virtue? But to us who are slothful and lead bad and negligent lives, they are matter for shame and confusion.
Therefore whosoever thou art that dost hasten to the heavenly country, first accomplish, by the help of Christ, this little Rule written for beginners: and then at length thou shalt come, under the guidance of God, to those loftier heights of doctrine and of virtue, which we have mentioned above.
THE END.
Whosoever shall follow this Rule, Peace on them.185
Gal. vi. 16.
Index INDEX Page
The Life of our most Holy Father St. Benedict
The Prologue of our most Holy father Saint Benedict to His Rule Chapter
Of the several kinds of monks I.
What kind of man the Abbot ought to be II.
Of calling the brethren to council III.
What are the instruments of good works IV.
Of the obedience of disciples V.
Of Silence VI.
Of Humility VII.
Of the Divine Office at Night-time VIII.
How many psalms are to be said in the Night-hours IX.
How Matins, or Night-office, is to be celebrated in Summer XI.
How Matins, or Night-office, is to be celebrated on Sundays
How the solemnity of Lauds is to be performed XII.
How Lauds are to be celebrated on ferial or week days XIII.
Index of matins is to be celebXIV.
In what manner the Office rated on the Feast days of Saints
At what season "Alleluia" must be said XV.
XVI.
In what manner the Work of God is to be done in the day-time XVII.
How many psalms are to be said during the aforesaid hours
In what order the psalms are to be said XVIII.
Of the order and discipline of singing XIX.
Of reverence at prayer XX.
Of the Deans of the Monastery XXI.
How the monks are to sleep XXII.
Of excommunication for offences XXIII.
What the manner of excommunication ought to be XXIV.
Of more grievous faults XXV. with the excommunicXXI.
Of those who keep company ated without the command of the Abbot XXVII.
How the Abbot ought to care for the excommunicated
Index
Of those, who, being often corrected, do not amend XXVIII.
XXIX.
Whether the Brethren wo leave the Monastery ought to be received again
How children are to be corrected XXX.
XXXI.
What kind of man the Cellarer of the monastery ought to be
Of the iron tools, or goods of the monastery XXXII.
Whether monks ought to have anything of their own XXXIII.
Whether all ought equally to receive what is needful XXXIV.
Of the weekly servers in the kitchen XXXV.
Of the sick Brethren XXXVI.
Of old men and children XXXVII.
Of the weekly reader XXXVIII.
Of the measure or quantity of meat XXXIX.
Of the measure of drink XL.
At what hours the Brethren are to take their Refections XLI.
That no one may speak after Complin XLII.
Of those who come late to the Work of God or to table XLIII.
Index XLIV.
How those who are excommunicated are to make satisfaction
Of those who commit any fault in the Oratory XLV.
Of those who offend in lighter matters XLVI.
Of making known the hour for the Work of God XLVII.
Of daily manual labour XLVIII.
Of the observance of Lent XLIX. at a great distance from L.
Of the Brethren who work the Oratory, or are on a journey
Of the Brethren who do not go far off LI.
Of the Oratory of the Monastery LII.
Of the manner of entertaining guests LIII.
LIV.
Whether it be lawful for a Monk to receive letters or presents
Of the clothes and shoes of the Brethren LV.
Of the Abbot's table LVI.
Of the Artificers of the Monastery LVII.
Of the manner of receiving Brothers to Religion LVIII.
Of the sons of nobles, or of the poor that are offered LIX.
Index
Of priests who desire to dwell in the Monastery LX.
Of monks that are strangers, how they are to be received LXI.
Of the priests of the Monastery LXII.
Of the order of the Community LXIII.
Of the election of the Abbot LXIV.
Of the Provost of the Monastery LXV.
Of the Porter of the Monastery LXVI.
Of brethren who are sent on a journey LXVII.
If a Brother be ordered to do impossibilities LXVIII.
LXIX.
That no one presume to defend another in the Monastery
That no one presume to strike another LXX.
That the Brethren be obedient to each other LXXI.
Of the good zeal which Monks ought to have LXXII.
LXXIII.
That the whole observance of perfection is not contained in this Rule
Indexes Indexes