Lift Up Your Hearts

The Dean, who preached on Wednesday, read an extract from the Rule of S Benedict to illustrate the work of the Archdeacon. It seems to me to apply as guidance to any person of business. 


Of the Cellarer of the Monastery

As cellarer of the monastery let there be chosen from the community one who is wise, of mature character, sober, not a great eater, not haughty, not excitable, not offensive, not slow, not wasteful, but a God-fearing man who may be like a father to the whole community.

Let him have charge of everything. He shall do nothing without the Abbot's orders, but keep to his instructions. 

Let him not vex the brethren. If any brother happens to make some unreasonable demand of him, instead of vexing the brother with a contemptuous refusal he should humbly give the reason for denying the improper request. Let him keep guard over his own soul, mindful always of the Apostle's saying that "he who has ministered well will acquire for himself a good standing" (1 Tim. 3:13).

Let him take the greatest care of the sick, of children, of guests and of the poor, knowing without doubt that he will have to render an account for all these on the Day of Judgment.

Let him regard all the utensils of the monastery and its whole property as if they were the sacred vessels of the altar. Let him not think that he may neglect anything. He should be neither a miser nor a prodigal and squanderer of the monastery's substance, but should do all things with measure and in accordance with the Abbot's instructions.

Above all things let him have humility; and if he has nothing else to give let him give a good word in answer for it is written, "A good word is above the best gift" (Eccles. 18:17). Let him have under his care all that the Abbot has assigned to him, but not presume to deal with what he has forbidden him.

Let him give the brethren their appointed allowance of food without any arrogance or delay, that they may not be scandalized, mindful of the Word of God as to what he deserves "who shall scandalize one of the little ones" (Matt 18:6).

If the community is a large one, let helpers be given him, that by their assistance he may fulfill with a quiet mind the office committed to him. The proper times should be observed in giving the things that have to be givenand asking for the things that have to be asked for, that no one may be troubled or vexed in the house of God.