14 Jan. 15 May. 14 Sept.
The Abbot ought always to remember what he is, and what he is called, and to know that to whom more is committed, from him more is required; and he must consider how difficult and arduous a task he hath undertaken, of ruling souls and adapting himself to many dispositions. Let him so accommodate and suit himself to the character and intelligence of each, winning some by kindness, others by reproof, others by persuasion, that he may not only suffer no loss in the flock committed to him, but may even rejoice in their virtuous increase.

Saint Benedict returns to the principle of being what one is called. The abbot, believed to hold the place of Christ in the monastery, is bound, insofar as human frailty allows, and in humble reliance on grace, to be a father to his sons, a shepherd to the flock entrusted to him, a pontiff persevering in prayer before the altar and at the altar. The abbot can count on his grace of state, without however presuming that

12 Jan. 13 May. 12 Sept.
Let him make no distinction of persons in the monastery. Let not one be loved more than another [Non unus plus ametur quam alius], unless he be found to excel in good works or in obedience. Let not one of noble birth be put before him that was formerly a slave, unless some other reasonable cause exist for it. But if upon just consideration it should so seem good to the Abbot, let him arrange as he please concerning the place of any one whomsoever; but, otherwise, let them keep their own places; because, whether bond or free, we are all one in Christ, and bear an equal rank in the service of one Lord, “For with God there is no respecting of persons.” Only for one reason are we preferred in His sight, if we be found to surpass others in good works and in humility. Let the Abbot, then, shew equal love to all [Ergo aequalis sit ab eo omnibus caritas], and let the same discipline be imposed upon all according to their deserts.

The abbot is not to introduce worldly