Library › St Benedict of Nursia › Rule
Rule
St Benedict of Nursia, tr. Hunter Blair, 1907
Chapter 42
MONKS should love silence at all times, but especially during the hours of the night. Therefore, on all days, whether of fasting or otherwise, let them sit down all together as soon as they have risen from supper (if it be not a fast-day) and let one of them read the “Conferences” [of Cassian], or the lives of the Fathers, or something else which may edify the hearers. Not, however, Heptateuch, nor the Books of Kings: for it will not profit those of weak understanding to hear those parts of Scripture at that hour:1 they may, however, be read at other times. If it be a fast-day, then a short time after Vespers let them assemble for the reading of the Conferences, as we have said; four or five pages being read, or as much as time alloweth, so that during the reading all may gather together, even those who may have been occupied in some work enjoined them. Everyone, then, being assembled, let them say Compline; and when that is finished, let none be allowed to speak to any one. And if any one be found to evade this rule of silence, let him be subjected to severe punishment; unless the presence of guests should make it necessary, or the Abbot should chance to give any command. Yet, even then, let it be done with the utmost gravity and moderation.
Notes
- Note Q (p. 118).—Infirmis intellectibus non erit utile. The Heptateuch (or Books of Moses and Josue) and the Books of the Kings would be considered too exciting to the imagination to be suitable for reading immediately before retiring to rest. We read that Ulphilas, bishop of the Goths, omitted the Books of Kings in his translation of the Scriptures into the vernacular, fearing lest the perusal of them might inflame the naturally warlike dispositions of his flock.