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  BUT IF AS A GUEST SHE WAS FOUND EXACTING OR PRONE TO VICE
  by St. Benedict of Nursia
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Summary: St. Benedict emphasizes the importance of maintaining community
integrity through careful acceptance of members and the role of the
Abbess in guiding and elevating deserving individuals.

Topics: "Community Life", "Christian Virtue"
Scripture References: Proverbs 27:17, Matthew 7:12, 1 Corinthians 15:33, 1 Timothy 4:12, Hebrews 13:17

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DESCRIPTION
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St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of maintaining a
community of virtuous individuals, highlighting the need to remove those
who are corrupting influences and to welcome those who set a positive
example. He encourages the Abbess to discern the worthiness of each
individual and to promote those who lead exemplary lives to higher ranks
within the community. St. Benedict also stresses the importance of
seeking consent and recommendations when accepting new members into the
community, following the golden rule of treating others as you would
like to be treated.

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CONTENT
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But if as a guest she was found exacting or prone to vice,

not only should she be denied membership in the community,

but she should even be politely requested to leave,

lest others be corrupted by her evil life.

If, however, she has not proved to be the kind

who deserves to be put out,

she should not only on her own application be received

as a member of the community,

but she should even be persuaded to stay,

that the others may be instructed by her example,

and because in every place it is the same Lord who is served,

the same King for whom the battle is fought.

Moreover, if the Abbess perceives that she is worthy,

she may put her in a somewhat higher rank.

[And not only with regard to a nun

but also with regard to those in priestly or clerical orders

previously mentioned,]*

the Abbess may establish them in a higher rank

than would be theirs by date of entrance

if she perceives that their life is deserving.

Let the Abbess take care, however,

never to receive a nun from another known monastery

as a member of her community

without the consent of her Abbess or a letter of recommendation;

for it is written,

"Do not to another what you would not want done to yourself" (Tob.
4:16).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/st-benedict-of-nursia/but-if-as-a-guest-she-was-found-exacting-or-prone-to-vice/
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