45. To Ernulph and the Monks of Canterbury

Archbishop Anselm to his dearly-loved masters and brethren and sons, the Lord Prior Ernulph, and the other monks serving God under him, sends greeting, and God's blessing, also his own, so far as it may avail.

You will hear as to my health and prosperity and where I am, from the bearer of this. But I cannot as yet return to England until I know what the king says in answer to the letter I sent him by the Bishop of Rochester. What it contained you will hear from that same bishop after it has been laid before the king. But whatever the king may reply or whatever may become of me, remember that "whether we live or die we are the Lord's." So live therefore as that you may live to Him, and when you die you may go to Him. Let not the troubles of this life disturb you, for "by much tribulation must we enter into the kingdom of God." Cast your anxiety upon the Lord and He will nourish you, He will not suffer the righteous to be harassed for ever. Living righteously, not vexing your hearts, pray to God to make you ever rejoice in His consolation. The boys and youths, as my beloved sons, I exhort and advise with all possible tenderness not to be forgetful of the warning and teaching whereby I used to instruct them how to keep strict guard over their hearts and minds; but by frequently thinking over our rule, which I was wont carefully to exalt and recommend to- them, strive by God's grace to keep it. "The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." I thank you all for the kindness you have shown my nephew, and desire him to remain with you and study theology and other learning until I send him word to come.