Chapter 10

Of the admonishment and visitation of the sisters.

First—The Abbess shall visit and admonish her sisters humbly, and charitably correct them, not commanding them to do anything contrary to the good of their souls, or against the form of their profession.

Secondly—The sisters are to remember that, for the love of God, they renounced their own will, and that they are bound to obey their Abbess in all things, which they vowed to observe, and which are not contrary to their salvation and religious profession.

Thirdly—The Abbess shall be so familiar with them, that she may speak to and deal with them as mistresses do with their servants, for the Abbess ought to be as a servant to all her sisters.

Fourthly—I admonish and exhort my sisters, in Jesus Christ, that they beware of pride, vain glory, envy, and covetousness, and that they fly all care and solicitude for this world, and not to have detraction, murmuring, or dissension among them.

Fifthly—They shall always be solicitous to preserve the union of charity among them, which is the bond of perfection. Those who cannot read are not to endeavour for learning, but to consider that they ought to desire, above all things, the spirit of our Lord, and the holy operation thereof; and always to pray to our Lord with a pure heart, to practise humility and patience in sickness and tribulation, to love those who persecute, find fault with, and chastise them; for our Lord says: Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven, and those who persevere to the end shall be saved.