70. No One is to Presume to Strike Another Arbitrarily
Let every opportunity for presumption be shunned, 2 and we decree that no one is permitted to excommunicate or to strike any of his brothers unless the abbot has given him the authority. 3 Moreover, “sinners are to be called out before all so that the others may have fear” (1 Tim 5:20).
4 By all means, everyone should keep safe the young up to the age of fifteen, and take care for their good order; 5 yet this, too, should be done with all measure and good sense. 6 If someone older, without the abbot’s direction and without discretion, flares up against the young, let him be subject to the discipline of the Rule, 7 because it is written,
What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to another. (Tob 4:16)
