A Source Book for Ancient Church History - Mirrors

692 A Source Book for Ancient Church History[633]2. What the abbot should be like. An abbot who is worthy topreside over a monastery ought always to remember what he iscalled and to carry out in his deeds the name of a superior. For inthe monastery he is believed to be Christ's representative, sincehe is called by His name, the Apostle saying: “We have receivedthe spirit of adoption of sons, whereby we cry Abba, Father”[Rom. 8:15]. And so the abbot ought not (and oh that he maynot!) teach or decree or order anything apart from the preceptsof the Lord; but his order or teaching should be sprinkled withthe leaven of divine justice in the minds of his disciples.… Nodistinctions of persons shall be made by him in the monastery.One shall not be loved by him more than another, unless the onewhom he finds excelling in good work and obedience. A freebornman shall not be preferred to one coming from servitude,unless there be some reasonable cause. But when it is just and itseems good to the abbot he shall show preference no matter whatthe rank shall be. But otherwise they shall keep their own places;for, whether we be bound or free, we are all one in Christ, andunder God we perform an equal service of subjection; for Godis no respecter of persons [Acts 10:34].…3. Concerning calling the brethren to take counsel. As often asanything unusual is to be done in the monastery, let the abbot calltogether the whole congregation and himself explain the questionbefore them. And having heard the advice of the brethren, heshall consider it by himself, and let him do what he judges mostadvantageous. And for this reason, moreover, we have said thatall ought to be called to take counsel; because it is often to ayounger person that the Lord reveals what is best. The brethren,moreover, ought, with all humble subjection, to give their adviceso that they do not too boldly presume to defend what seemsgood to them, but it should rather depend upon the judgment ofthe abbot; so that, whatever he decides upon as the more salutary,they should all agree to it.…4. Concerning the instruments of good works.