Every occasion of presumption shall be avoided in the monastery, and we decree that no one be allowed to excommunicate or strike any of his brethren, except the abbot have given him authority. They that offend shall be reproved before all, that the rest may have fear.¹ However, boys up to fifteen years of age shall be carefully controlled and watched by all, yet this too with all moderation and prudence. But if anyone venture without the abbot’s instructions to punish those of riper years, or to treat the boys with immoderate severity, let him undergo the discipline of the Rule, for it is written: ‘Do not thou to another, what thou wouldst not have done to thyself.’

¹Tim. v, 20