I. The Abbot should always be mindful of what he is called, and make his works square with his name of Superior.
II. Let the Abbot always bear in mind that he must give an account in the dread judgment of God of both his own teaching and of the obedience of his disciples.
a. And let the Abbot know that whatever lack of profit the master of the house shall find in the sheep, will be laid to the blame of the shepherd.
b. On the other hand he will be blameless, if he gave all a shepherd's care to his restless and unruly flock.
III. When, therefore, anyone taken the name of Abbot he should govern his disciples by a twofold teaching; namely
a. He should show them all that is good and holy by his deeds more than by his words; explain the commandments of God to intelligent disciples by words, but show the divine precepts to the dull and simple by his works.
b. And let him show by his actions, that whatever he taught his disciples as being contrary to the law of God must not be done.
IV. Let him make no distinction of persons in the monastery.
a. Let him not love one more than another, unless it be one whom he find more exemplary in good works and obedience.
b. But if from a just reason the Abbot deemed it proper to make such a distinction, he may do so in regard to the rank of anyone whomsoever; otherwise let everyone keep his own place;
V. For in his teaching the Abbot should always observe that principle of the Apostle.
a. He must sternly rebuke the undisciplined and restless;
VI. The Abbot ought always to remember what he is and what he is called, and to know that to whom much hath been entrusted, from him much will be required;
VII. Above all things, the Abbot may not neglect or undervalue the welfare of the souls entrusted to him, let him not have too great a concern about fleeting, earthly, perishable things