Ebook Explanation of the Rule of St. Augustine

The following explanation of the rule of St Augustine, taken from the works of Hugh of St Victor, is here presented in English form to those that live under the rule of St Augustine, and to whom it is not easily accessible in the original Latin.

The reflections of the celebrated Canon Regular must be prized as emanating from one highly qualified to discourse on this admirable legacy of St Augustine to his children. Hugh gives evidence of an intense love of that rule himself. Under its guidance he speedily rose to a great height of religious sanctity. Moreover, Hugh of St Victor has been styled a "Second Augustine" ("alter Augustinus")for his intimate familiarity with the works of our Holy Legislator, and for his personal similarity of character, in many respects, to that of the early Father.

Hugh, eldest-son of Conrad, Count of Blankenburg, was born at Hartingham, in Saxony, in the year 1096. He was educated at Hamerlene, near Habberstadt, and took the habit of the Canons Regular of St Augustine in the same place.