St Benedict 8th Instrument ‘Courtesy’?

Commentary on Rule of Benedict
8th Instrument of Good Works

The Abbot spoke of the 8^th Instrument of Good Works, ‘To honour all men’, in our evening Chapter on the Rule. Rudeness or harshness are the last aspects to characterise the monk. It applies to the community; it applies to the whole cross section of Guests. One aspect of ‘Honouring all men’ was movingly expressed by Hilaire Belloc on Courtesy.

ON COURTESY

Of Courtesy, it is much less
Than Courage of Heart or Holiness,
Yet in my Walks it seems to me
That the Grace of God is in Courtesy.

On Monks I did in Storrington fall,
They took me straight into their Hall;
I saw Three Pictures on a wall,
And Courtesy was in them all.

The first the Annunciation;
The second the Visitation;
The third the Consolation,
Of God that was Our Lady's Son.

The first was of St. Gabriel;
On Wings a-flame from Heaven he fell;
And as he went upon one knee
He shone with Heavenly Courtesy.

Our Lady out of Nazareth rode -
It was Her month of heavy load;
Yet was her face both great and kind,
For Courtesy was in Her Mind.

The third it was our Little Lord,
Whom all the Kings in arms adored;
He was so small you could not see
His large intent of Courtesy.

Our Lord, that was Our Lady's Son,
Go bless you, People, one by one;
My Rhyme is written, my work is done.