"
Then he turned to the novices and stretched out his hands to where
they stood amazed, and it may be ashamed--not after this manner was
Brother Adam wont to rebuke them.
"And ye, who are, as it were, the babes of our Order, give heed to
your ways, neither bring unwilling hands to this service. Better
far go forth, yea, even to death, than mock the Lord with froward
feet and a heart that is full of vanity. Remember the sacrifice
which Cain offered and the Lord rejected, for he gainsayed the
voice of the Lord and disobeyed His Commandment; wherefore the
wrath of God fell upon him.
"I who speak now, speak in love; give ear to my words, and let fear
befriend you; for the coming of the Lord is as a thief in the
night, and lo! stripes bitter and many await that servant whom the
Master finds sleeping."
Then the Prior, having made an end of speaking, raised his hand to
bless, and went forth in silence; and no man stirred in his place,
for they knew that the Lord had spoken and were afraid.
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