CHAPTER VII--THE VISION OF THE EVENING AND THE MORNING
Meanwhile, news came to the Monastery of the ill case of the
village, for it lay scarce a league away across the forest; but the
pine-trees stood as guardian angels in between.
The Prior summoned the whole Convent, according to the ruling of
Blessed Benedict when the matter is a grave one, and told the
tidings.
Then he went on to give reason for their assembling.
"My Brethren, it is in my heart that we dare not leave these poor,
stricken sheep to die alone without shepherding; moreover, in their
fear and desolation, they may flee to other villages, and so the
terror and pest spread ever further. And I deem that, inasmuch as
Charity is greater than Faith or Hope, so it is greater than
obedience also. Wherefore I purpose to set aside the Rule of our
Order in the letter that I may hold to it in the spirit, and go
forth to serve these perishing brethren; and I will take with me
whosoever hears the call of God in this visitation.
Pages:
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141