THE OFFICIALS

The power of an abbot was, within the limits of the Rule, absolute, and he was the only source of authority; no part of the administration was outside his ultimate control, and he could, and often did, take upon himself direct responsibility for this or that sphere of administration, in somewhat the same manner as a modern premier takes into his hands the portfolio of one or more ministries. But, even in the smallest monastery, some delegation of power was necessary, and gradually an elaborate hierarchy of officials was evolved.

The Rule of St Benedict legislates for but two lieutenants of the abbot. One of these is the second in command, the provost or prior, whom the legislator admitted with a certain reluctance, clearly preferring a scheme of government by deans over ten monks; the other is the cellarer, who has complete control of all the material resources of the community. Besides these there is passing mention of a master of the novices. As a monastery grew in numbers and wealth, and doubtless in Monte Cassino itself during St Benedict's lifetime, a number of other offices would find place and gradually become traditional. In new beginnings, however, there was often a reversion to the simplicity of the Rule and in England, at least, it was not till the twelfth century that the highly complicated system of departmental administration became stereotyped throughout the black monk houses. Very early, however, two offices, which well reflected the development of the monastic order, came into being and rose to importance—that of the sacrist, and that of the precentor or cantor.