TheBook of the First Monks (Latin:Decem Libri – Liber de Institutione Primorum Monacharum)[1] is amedievalCatholic book in the contemplative anderemitic tradition of theCarmelite Order, thought to reflect the spirituality of the ProphetElijah, honored as the Father of the Order.
The book is one of the most important documents of the Order because it influenced many of the Carmelite Saints according to the spirituality of the first Carmelite hermits. Some medieval Carmelites thought it antedated theCarmelite Rule of St. Albert, although this is disputed due to a lack of evidence. It is this dispute that has caused this manuscript to be questioned today.[citation needed]
The original charism of the Carmelite hermits, which still animates the spirituality of many contemporary Carmelites and the cloistered contemplative life of other hermits, monks, and nuns, was in imitation of the ProphetElijah. Carmelite tradition relates that Elijah inspired the early hermits who settled near the spring onMount Carmel,Palestine which bears Elijah's name. Most often quoted from theBook of the First Monks is the following passage in whichElijah is named as the spiritual father of the Order:
The goal of this life is twofold. One part we acquire, with the help of divine grace, through our efforts and virtuous works. This is to offer God a pure heart, free from all stain of actual sin. We do this when we are perfect and inCherith, that is, hidden in that charity of which the Wise Man says: "Charity covers all sins " [Proverbs, 10: 12]. God desired Elijah to advance thus far when [H]e said to him: "Hide yourself by the brook Cherith" [First Kings, 17: 3-4].
The other part of the goal of this life is granted us as the free gift of God: namely, to taste somewhat in the heart and to experience in the soul, not only after death but even in this mortal life, the intensity of the divine [P]resence and the sweetness of the glory of [H]eaven. This is to drink of the torrent of the love of God. God promised it to Elijah in the words: "You shall drink from the brook." It is in view of this double end that the monk ought to give himself to the eremitic and prophetic life.[2]
The book also gives one of the oldest explanations of the Carmelite habit and what each part of the habit signified.
Exemplars of the contemplative andmystical spirituality described in the book include theDiscalced Carmelite Sts.Teresa of Ávila,John of the Cross,Thérèse of Lisieux, andTeresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein).
A list of all the congregations, notable members, priories, churches, and convents of the Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (Carmelites) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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