Letter CCCLXXXIII. To the Same Abbot of S. Bertin

[Formerly No. 342. The former No. 383 is now No, 361]. (Circa A. D. 1150).

Bernard begs him to continue the kindness hitherto shown to his brethren.

To his very dear friend Leonius, the venerable Abbot of S. Bertin, Brother Bernard, called Abbot of Clairvaux, wishes health in Him who desires the salvation of Jacob.

Your charity shows sufficiently well how much reason I have for relying upon you; since it lets no occasion pass for making itself known, nor hides its light under a bushel. And I feel exceedingly grateful for all the kindnesses, which you do to my brethren, who are settled near you.

[These were the monks of Clairmarets, near S. Omer. Manrique refers the foundation of this house to A. D. 1138. According to the Chronology, A. D. 1140].

What you do for them, you do for me: and indeed I feel more grateful on account of what is done for them, than if it were done for myself. I pray you then to continue your kindness to them, since they are so far from us that I cannot assist them as I ought. Let your kindness supply my place: be to them a father, and let them be to you as sons. If ever the occasion presents itself for me to manifest my gratitude, rest assured that I will give you convincing proofs of it. Farewell.