OF THE IRON TOOLS, OR GOODS OF THE

MONASTERY.

FOR keeping the iron tools, clothes, or other goods belonging to the Monastery, let the Abbot appoint Brethren, of whose life and conversation he may be sure, and to them let him allot all things to be kept, as he shall judge most expedient. Of these let the Abbot keep a list, that as the Brethren succeed each other, he may know what he gives and what he receives. If any one shall use the property of the Monastery in a slovenly or negligent manner, let him be rebuked. If he does not amend, let him be subjected to regular discipline.

SI QUID DEBEANT MONACHI PROPRIUM HABERE.

11 Mar. 11 Julii

PRÆCIPUE hoc vitium radicitus ampu10 Nov. tetur de Monasterio, ne quis præsumat aliquid dare aut accipere sine jussione Abbatis, neque aliquid habere proprium, nullam omnino rem, neque codicem, neque tabulas, neque graphium, sed nihil omnino: quippe quibus nec corpora sua, nec voluntates licet habere in propria potestate. Omnia vero necessaria a Patre Monasterii sperare; nec quicquam liceat habere, quod Abbas non dederit aut permiserit. Omniaque omnibus sint communia, ut scriptum est,1 "nec quisquam suum esse aliquid dicat aut præsumat." Quod si quisquam hoc nequissimo vitio deprehensus fuerit delectari, admoneatur semel et iterum: si non emendaverit, correctioni subjaceat.

1 Act iv. 32.

WHETHER MONKS OUGHT TO HAVE ANYTHING OF THEIR OWN.

ESPECIALLY let this vice be cut away from the Monastery by the very roots, that no one presume, without leave of the Abbot, to give, or receive, or hold as his own, anything whatsoever, either book, or tablets, or pen, or anything at all; because they are men whose very bodies and wills are not in their own power. But all that is necessary they may hope for from the Father of the Monastery; nor can they keep anything which the Abbot has not given or allowed. Let all things be common to all, as it is written: "Neither did any one say or think that aught was his own." If any one shall be found given to this most wicked vice, let him be admonished once or twice, and if he do not amend, let him be subjected to correction.

12 Julii

ACCIPERE.

12 Mar. SICUT Scriptum est: "Dividebatur singu11 Nov. lis, prout cuique opus erat." 1 Ubi non dicimus, quod personarum (quod absit) acceptio sit, sed infirmitatum consideratio. Ubi qui

minus indiget, agat Deo gratias, et non contristetur: qui vero plus indiget, humilietur pro infirmitate, et non extollatur pro misericordia, et ita omnia membra erunt in pace. Ante omnia, ne murmurationis malum pro qualicumque causa, in aliquo qualicumque verbo vel significatione appareat. Quod si deprehensus fuerit quis, districtiori disciplinæ subdatur.

1 Act. iv. 35.

WHETHER ALL OUGHT EQUALLY TO RECEIVE WHAT IS NEEDFUL.

As it is written: Distribution was made to every one, according as he had need." By this, we do not say that there should be accepting of persons, which God forbid, but that due consideration should be shown to each one's infirmities. Therefore, let him who needeth less, give God thanks, and be not grieved; and let him who needeth more, be humbled for his infirmity, and not lifted up for the mercy that is shown him; and thus all the members shall be in peace. Above all things, take heed there be no murmuring, by word or sign, upon any occasion whatsoever. If any one shall be found faulty in this respect, let him be subjected to most severe discipline.