Letters396 Letter CCCXCVI

to those souls, the spouses of Christ, whom He has called to Him, that they may attain to enter in without hindrance or delay. Act I say, as the friend of the Bridegroom, who stands and rejoices greatly when he hears the Bridegroom’s voice: and as you are accustomed to help others, so help these, as not to smother (which God forbid) the inspiration of the Spirit, but to show yourself a faithful worker together with Him. For your Paternity may be'quite sure of this: that [those souls shall never fall from their profession at my advice or by my permission. For I know that I should myself sin, and should cause them to sin, should I either advise or permit them [to leave and go elsewhere]. Let them then fulfil the vows which have gone out of their lips. Let those beware who lend an ear to the teachers who say: Behold, here is Christ, or there is Christ. For it will behave them one day to give account before the tribunal of Christ of the vow they have made, and of which I am the witness.

To Ricuin, Bishop of Toul.

Bernard excuses himself for having unknowingly received one of his professed Religious.

To the venerable Ricuin, by the grace of God, Bishop of Toul, Brother Bernard, called Abbot of Clairvaux, with the little flock committed to his charge, wishes health, safety and peace.

I thank the Author of Salvation, that you have deigned to honour me with a letter. But I must confess that the pleasure which your salutation gave me was tempered by the obedience required of me to your order: nevertheless, I have done what you directed. At the same time I protest 1 [Ep. 61 is addressed to the same Ricuin].

before God and your Holiness that I received the monk who had made his profession with you, quite unknowingly; and I appeal to the testimony of Brother William himself in proof of this fact. So that if there is anything to blame in his reception; it is not ours. Now that I have given full and sincere satisfaction, I count upon your favour and benediction. Farewell, holy and most reverend father: I trust that your career may be as full in years as in virtues: and that it may be crowned by a holy and peaceful death.