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Rule
St Columbanus, tr. Metlake, 1914; abridged
Chapter 6
The chastity of the monk is judged by his thoughts. To him as well as to the disciples who heard them spoken these words of the Lord are addressed: “Whosoever shall look on a woman to lust after her, hath already committed adultery with her in his heart”.1 Let him anxiously watch, lest He to whom he is consecrated, looking on him, find in his heart that which is abominable; lest, according to the words of St. Peter, he have eyes full of lust and adultery.2 What does it profit him to be chaste in body if he is not chaste in mind? For God is a spirit and makes our spirit His dwelling-place, if He find it undefiled, free from adulterous thoughts and all stain of sin.
Notes
- Matt. 5:28.
- II Pet. 2:14.