Editing Richard of Saint Victor (section)

===''The Book of the Twelve Patriarchs'', or ''Benjamin Minor''===
''The Book of the Twelve Patriarchs'', sometimes titled ''Benjamin Minor'', is one of Richard of Saint Victor's great works on contemplation.<ref>The Latin title of the work is sometimes given as ''De duodecim patriarchis'', and sometimes as ''De praeparatione animi ad contemplationem. Liber dictus Benjamin minor''. The Latin text is in Migne, PL196:1–64. Updated Latin text (along with French translation and notes) is found in the critical edition of Jean Châtillon and Monique Duchet-Suchaux, ''Les douze patriarches, ou, Beniamin minor'', Sources chretiennes 419, (Paris: Cerf, 1997). An English translation is in Richard of St Victor, ''Twelve Patriarchs, Mystical Ark, Book Three of the Trinity.'' Translation and introduction by Grover A. Zinn. (Toronto: Paulist Press, 1979).</ref> It is not exactly known when it was written, but it would seem to date before 1162. Richard specifies that this work is not a treatise on contemplation but rather prepares the mind for contemplation.<ref>Healy, p. 214</ref> 
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He uses the story of Jacob and his clan to create a treatise on the psychology of vices and virtues. He uses the different elements of the tale to bring to light the relationship between the mind and the body, the senses and reason. By doing this he wishes to establish within the younger members of his community a scheme to discern right and wrong actions through the powers of the mind. It is almost as though Richard is teaching the basic principles of psychology combined with spiritual doctrine. The whole purpose of this text is to prepare his students for contemplation and for a union with God.  Each chapter starts with a text which serves the idea of the writer and other texts are introduced to confirm his points.
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