Letter 13
Braulio, unworthy servant of the saints of the Lord, to my master Fronimian, priest and abbot
When I learn that you are sad because of imminent trials, I, too, become equally sad, but what must be done in such a situation can be determined by your own wisdom better than any suggestions I may be able to offer in discussing the matter. You well know, my lord, that the monastic life has no need of more penance, exposed as it is to daily humility and spiritual trials, so that in all the events of life, it is constantly associated with penance. But it is better to see that you do not, for the sake of your own repose, lose the reward you have earned over such a long period, lest you completely lose the credit you have achieved in trying to increase your deserts. If is serious for you to turn away from concern for the brothers, or rather to have little regard for the fact that you are in charge of those who are fond of you. Concerning what has happened, I urge and beg you to take your time about such actions, so that you will not incur disgrace and cause to be upset that tranquillity which you have enjoyed so long. Therefore, it is fitting that in what concerns this life of yours, of which you will have to render account to God, you should not give up your concern for the brothers and should not put in charge of them an abbot whom they do not want, so that you may avoid disgrace and enjoy during your life peace and reward of your learning and labor. Do not even consider what will happen later, when the Ruler of the universe will govern that congregation according to His own dispensation.
For I confess, my lord, that I am not a little amazed that you are so upset by all these scandalous events that arise on every occasion that you wish to withdraw from the authority derived from your seniority and prefer to spend your life in silence rather than to stay in the duties which have been entrusted to you. Where will your blessed perseverance be if your patience fails? [...]
Then Braulio says that God gives the forces to overcome any trouble.
[...] you know better yourself, my lord, that none should be placed in charge of those who do not want him, lest they pay no attention to him or hate him and become less devoted to religion in trying to find occasion for strife. Those who receive one whom they do not wish will not obey his as they should, and through their inobedeince, scandal arises and they lose their religious. It is the duty of your wisdom to temper all such acts, to display the sweetness of affection, and to place the future in the hope of God, for you should have the wisdom both to guide them and to preserve a quiet life for yourself; and they should be able, under your leadership, to serve God with utmost devotion. They cannot be obedient if they are goaded into being stubborn, and it will be a dreadful calamity if, in providing for the future, we upset the order of obedience int he present.
Braulio finishes the letter with the assurance of prayer and final greetings.
(trans. by C. Barlowe 1969: 35-38)