the grieuousnes of the iniury receiued to seeke reueÌ„ge saying that besides that such things are to be remitted to God it would be also a scandall to see a religious Catholique man to recurre to the tribunall of an Arrian Howbeit to mitigate the fury persecutioÌ„ of that peruerse sect he determined to go into some place where it ruled not Wherfore withall his Monks he passed to his former dwelling as choosing rather to haue the Moores his Neighbours then the Heretiques S. Fulgentius leaues Carthage and goes to Alexandria where he met with Eulalius Bishop and returnes back againe by Rome Chap. 4. NOt farre from the Citty of Loda began S. Fulgentius and Felix to found them a new Monestery Where while they attended to their accustomed offices of piety S. Fulgentius lighted on a booke of the Liues and spirituall Conferences oâ—… the Monks and Hermits of Egipt Through this reading and meditation he became so enflamed to the greater study of al perfect vertue as without more ado he resolued to go his wayes secretly into those parts as wel to lay off the name and charge of Abbot as also to tyâ—… himselfe to a more rigorous and streight Rule Which mutation of place was in those dayes tolerated in certaine Religious as then not hauing made any expresse vow of any particular congregation So as S. Fulgentius vnder the pretext of dispatch of some affayres in Carthage being arriued to the wals of that Citty with only one companion by name Redemptus insteed of entring into the Towne tooke shipping for Alexandria without other viatique with him theÌ„ a firme confidence in God through whose disposition being caryed by the winds to Siracusa of Sicily he there met with the holy Bishop Eulalius a person of great sanctity and much affected to Religious persons as hauing moreouer a proper Monastery of his owne where he would recollect himselfe sometymes from his other Ecclesiasticall occupations S. Fulgentius with other Pilgrims being courteously receiued by this good Prelate while at table they discoursed of spirit and learning it could not be but the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dent Bishop must needs be awâ—…re of 〈◊〉 doctrine and 〈◊〉 After dynner then calling him aside he sayd to him Thâ—…u 〈◊〉 mention at table of certayne Institutes and Collations of the Fathers I pray thee now bring me the Booke if thou hast it which S. Fulgentius did without delay and withall at the earnest instanâ—… of the Bishop declared the whole argument therof in a few and very apt words The Bishop admiting the yong mans wit and erudition and solacing himselfe with hauing such a Ghest in his howse began familiarly to request of him an accompt of his trauayle And S. Fulgentius to couer with humility his designe said he went to seeke his 〈◊〉 whome he vnderstood to liue in the parts oâ—… Egipt he 〈◊〉 but truth in saying so since he held all theÌ„ for his parents that might further him in spirit The Bishop perceyued the answere was ambiguous easily gathered by discourse from the other coÌ„panion who was a man of much simplicity what passed in effect When the blessed Fulgentius now finding himsâ—… besides expectation to be be discouered confessed of himselfe how the matter stood with him to wit that he had left his home with the mynd to enter into the inmost solitude of Thebais to be able there being altogeâ—…ther vnknowne and dead to the world to lead his life more perfectly with hauing euery day new examples of vertue and peâ—…nance from so great a number of the sâ—…ruants of God Thou 〈◊〉 well answerâ—… â—…ulalius to desire continually a greater perfection but know on the other side it is impossible for any to plâ—… God without the â—…iue â—…ayth The land wherto thou â—…endest is separated now long since from the Sea Apostolique Al those Monkes whoâ—… rigour and abstinence is growne â—…o renowned will be ware of comunicating with thee And then what shall it auayle thee with fastings to afflict the flesh while the soule shall want its nourishment Wherefore returne my Son whence thou camest least whiâ—… thou desirest a more holy conuersation thou sufferest shipwrackâ—… of a sound Religion I likewise for my part in my youth before vnworthy as I am I was assumpted to this degree haue had the seâ—… same thought which now thou hast but the respect which I noâ—… told thee of did quit me of it The blessed Fulgentius yielded to the counsayles of the holy Bishop yet neuerthelesse for the more perspicuity in that point â—…dged it expedient to seeke also thereupon the iudgment of the Bishop Râ—…nianus who being fled out of Affricke for the persecution of the Vandals as hath been sayd hid himselfe vnder amonasticall life in a certayne litle I land neer vnto Sicily From whome hauing likewise receiued the same answere without seeking any further he determined by all meanes to returne backe agayne yet so as he fayled not by the way to repayre of meere deuotion to the Citty of Rome Where after he had liumbly visited those holy places it chanced besides beyond expectation that he was present there at a spectacle of the greatest pompe magnificence of that Court there ariuing at the same tyme. Theodoricke King of the Gathes where in a place called the Golden Palme â—…e made a speach to the whole Nobility distinguished according to the degrees and the honour of ech one and where like wise were heard the acclamations and applauses which the people vniuersally gaue Through which sight notwithstanding S. Fulgentius being nothing caught with those transitory things but lifting rather vp the mind and affect to the celestiall glory sayd to his Friends How â—…e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 you must the heauenly Hierusalem needs be since Rome so glitters heere beneath And if heere in this world so great a pompe and splendour be affoarded to the friends of vanity what glory â—…ow you and triumph is due in the other to such as contemplate the truth And after he had spoken many things to this purpose with the profit and consolation of the hearers taking his iourney againe with diligence he passed into Sardinia and from thence into Affrick where he was receiued with extreme ioy not only of the Monks but euen of thelay men also strangers there among which a wealthy gentleman noting with how much petill and incommodity the seruants of God there inhabited in those confines being moued of piety offered them a good and secure sciâ—…uation in the Prouince of Bizacco Which proffer Fulgentius accepting with great thanks heere founded a new howse with a notable increase of Monks and extraordinary helpe of soules in those countryes S. Fulgentius to shun the title of Abbot hides himselfe in vayne 〈◊〉 afterwards a Bishopricke is made Bishop of Ruspa Chap. 5. NOtwithstanding the great pleasure and contentment which S. Fulgentius tooke on the one side for the great fruit of soulâ—… which was made yet on the other he felt exceeding sorrow in
giue himselfe wholy to Prayer and on the other he was not ignorant how dangeroâ—… it was with a mind not fully purged to depriue ones selfe of all human direction and succour since that in the desart the diâ—…nate passions like fire raked vp in the ashes or as wild beasts in the woods do lurke awayt occasion to wreake their natiue cruelty Whereas amidst human Society they being discouered through dayly encounters and thrust out of their dens are more eaâ—…ly destroyed insomuch as the Soule victorious of it selfe and dissolued from the bands of corrupt nature mounts vp very lightly 〈◊〉 high thoughts and to the free contemplation of celestiall things Theâ—… and other such like reasons on the one and other side this new Philosopher puts into the ballance and hauing poysed them maâ—…rely in the diuine sight at last takes himselfe to the securer side with resolution to become not a Doctour before a Scholler 〈◊〉 enter on the stage before he had learned the art of fencing So as being 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that in Dauids Tower a place so called in thâ—… parts was an old souldiour of Christliuing by name Longinus growing into friendship with him he easily obteyned to be admitted â—…to his howse to be guided and instructed by him in all and â—…oughout Whereunto he disposed himselfe with so great submisâ—…n of the vnderstanding and with so much seruour of the will as â—…at through meanes of the dayly exercise of vertues and diligent â—…struction of the Maister with the noble strife of his fellow-pupils 〈◊〉 became very sudenly perfect in the rules of profitably taming the â—…esh of knowing and readily discerning of spirits of restrayning with a hard hand the motions of pride and finally to walke in the â—…resence of God with perpetuall recollection of the bodily senses â—…nd of the powers of the soule S. Theodosius in this wise hauing made in monasticall profession 〈◊〉 notable a conquest of himselfe as in the iudgement of all he â—…ight well be a Guide and Maister to others notwithstanding seeâ—…ed to himselfe only to be still but as it were in the beginning He had perseuered yet more yeares in the same schoole if an impeâ—…iment had not happened which heere we shall speake of A cerâ—…ine pious and honourable Matron by name Iulia hauing at her â—…ost built a magnificent Temple to the honour of the Queene of Angels not farre off from the habitatioÌ„ of Longinus obtayned with great â—…stance of him that he would appoint Theodosius by name to the â—…ustody of that sacred place while things were preparing about the â—…ll exercise of Religion with the choyce of Quiristers Clerks of all things els belonging to the splendour of diuine seruice therâ—… Theodosius was but vnwillingly drawne from his deere conuerâ—…tion and going thereupon to the said Church remayned there vntill such tyme as he thought he might well stay there without â—…rill but in processe of tyme being aware how busines went aâ—…out preferring him to the formall Rectorship of that Colledge he â—…ayed not till the matter might be concluded when he could not â—…e able to make resistance but in imitation of the Sauiour of the World who in the like occasion preuented before hand the inclinatioÌ„ of the people he fled away secretly vnto the top of a mouÌ„â—…ayne and got himselfe into a great caue where by ancient Tradition it is held the three Magi had lodged when as they hauing â—…dored the King of Heauen and illuded that King of the Earth they returned from Iudea into their country by stealth Heere now S. Theodosius being quite rid of all disturbance began that manner of life which a good while since he had designed where Prayer and Psalmes with order and deuotion seemed 〈◊〉 hold their turns the vigils often endured throughout the 〈◊〉 night and the eyes were become aperpetuall fountaine of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the habit which was a grosse and course Cassocke his food 〈◊〉 very well as being the rootes of hearbes windfall acorns the 〈◊〉 of palmes some pulse or when these fayled the shells of 〈◊〉 soaked in water In this manner the seruant of God spent 〈◊〉 dayes with so much the more consolation as he was further 〈◊〉 ued from al testimony of men that might put him into vayne glory and consequently diminish a good part of the merit With this 〈◊〉 rinesse concealed he himselfe to his power But the diuine clemâ—… enclining alwayes to the vniuersall good could not brooke so great a light should be shut vp enclosed so in that horrid rock Where assoone as some ray had appeared in those countryes thereaboâ—… there wanted not Louers of the chiefest good contemners of the world to shew themselues who to be guided securely to the 〈◊〉 proposed with all affection craued to be admitted and to 〈◊〉 the instruction of S. Theodosius To whome though he to maintaâ—… himselfe in his secret intention would willingly haue giuen a constant repulse yet remembring himselfe of the prophesy of 〈◊〉 Stelites weighing the great seruice which is done to the highest wisedome in cooperating with it to the saluation of soules after 〈◊〉 had excused himselfe to those suiters some while at last he perâ—…ted himselfe to be vanquished won to accept them for his discipline with reteyning alwayes in himselfe the interiour humility 〈◊〉 before and a vigilant care of himselfe Two notable signes of the Prouidence of God towards his Seruants in their 〈◊〉 ter necessities through the prayers and merits of Saint Theodosius Chap. 4. IT followed hence that S. Theodosius shewing himselfe such a â—…uely mirrour of all laudable actions increased day by day the coceipt was had of the sanctity of the Superiour being a thing of inestimable moment for the quietnes cheerfullnes and incitement of the subiects And God cherished this opinion of others with â—…uaylous signes now and then Among which was one that the Feast of Easter being come the Monkes hauing a desire to keep that day sacred and also very festiuall with some recreation of the body and spirit there was in that Hermitage no â—…yle or bread or â—…ny manner of food to be had for the purpose of such a Solemnity Whereupon being sad and disconsolate they stood as it were â—…eflecting thereon and exaggerating their great misfortune Theodosius heerwith notes their countenances to be changed and vnderstanding the occasion of their sadnes commaunds on the Saturday ouer night that an Aultar should be set vp and some forme of a Reâ—…ectory be put in order for the next day Which thing seeming very absurd to those who knew the want there was of all manner of â—…ictuals Do you make ready notwithstanding sayd Theodosius what I bid to be done and for the rest take you no care He that flourished so many thousands of Israelites in the desart and after satisfyed fiue thousand persons with fiue loaues of bread will surely likewise haue compassion of vs being now no lesse prouident nor â—…whit lesse potent then he
confiscated But the blessed Bishop vpon the approach of that profane and rauenous troupe calling on the diuine assistance prepares for Excommunication caused all the Parishes to ring their bells with such confidence and with such a presence of vndaunted courage as the Courtiers who held him a Saint and fauourer of God being terrifyed and confounded returned backe without doing any thing And some few dayes after being passed ouer the other Pastour at the intercession of his friends was recalled from banishment and the King by this tyme being returned from France he went very suppliantly to meet with him and with teares to aske him pardon and with humble promises not to contradict any more But the disposition of S. Hugh was quite otherwise as shall appeare in the next Chapter How S. Hugh admonished King Richard of his abuses and what effect the admonishment tooke Chap. 6. S. Hugh putting his confidence in iustice reason remayned still immoueable in his residence the Court being especially at that tyme farre off but afterwardes bethinking himselfe of the precipitous nature of the Prince and the ill offices he had done already and which a new were like to be done by him and how at last the fury would come to fall vpon his poore people laying aside all feare and all respect of death or affronts he determined to goe in person to the Kinges presence and to pacify him by those meanes which were conuenient to the diuine glory and quality of the tymes With the ayde of prayer then putting himselfe on the way he was no sooner come to his iourneyes end but some of his principall friendes and zealous of the honour of God came to meet him intreating him most earnestly and coniuring him withall that by no meanes he would appeare before the King nor giue him occasion to renew in him the slaughters and cruelties heeretofore happening with so much infamy of the Kingdome in the person of the glorious Martyr S. Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury These and other thinges to this purpose with much affect represented those vertuous men wherewith while S. Hugh was nothing moued one that loued him more tenderly then the rest neuer left intreating him he would be pleased at least to stay vntill such tyme as he might preoccupy the mind of K. Richard with fit offices and so dispose him with prayers reasons as he might not looke awry vpon him To such an offer the Bishop answered full of vndaunted courage and fraternall charity Would you then to saue my selfe I put thee and all thy family in hazard And what greater gust could my enemyes haue then to take occasion to calumniate thee as partiall to me and enemy of the Crowne That sayd without more ado he passed into the Kinges lodgings and finding him by chance hearing of Masse in his Chappell he approached to him with a cheerfull countenance and demanded of him according to the vse of that Country the holy kisse of vnion and loue And the King disdainefully answering No thou deseruest it not yea but I doe answered S. Hugh and that especially after so long a iourney and withall taking him pleasantly by the Robe endeauours to hang on him with so great ingenuity as K. Richard changing his bitternes to a sweet countenance was won at last and kissed him At such a sight the Prelates and Barons standing by remayned astonished And so the Masse went on and in the meane tyme the seruant of Christ without putting himselfe into the company or taking vp a feare among the Bishops most humbly betooke himselfe to a meaner place The King noted the act and arguing from thence how S. Hugh was as litle in his owne eyes as magnanimous and great in common causes began to hold him in so great veneration as that euen at that tyme the Deacon coming according to custome to present him the Pax he commaunded in signe of reuerence it should be giuen first to the Lord of Lincolne The Masse being ended S. Hugh resoluing to giue K. Richard a fraternall admonishment for the more decency and liberty he sweetely tooke him behind the Aultar and there being both set downe together with a gratefull aspect began to examine him saying how is it with your conscience Now you are of our parish and we are to render a streight accompt of you before the dreadful Iudge My conscience answeared the King reprehends me of nothing saue only that I cannot beare any good will to such as stand but ill affected to my Kingdome Then S. Hugh with a great vehemency sayd what is this thou sayst And is it not true that thou goest euery day without feare imposing new greiuances vpon thy people oppressing the poore afflicting the innocent And moreouer the publique fame runs that thou keepest no fayth nor the Sacrtment of Matrimony And thinkest thou these to be matters of no moment At this voyce of the Bishop or rather of the Holy Ghost which spake in him the King being terrifyed was fayne to hold his peace Whereupon with like fortitude S. Hugh reproued him of diuers faults which the King endeuoured partly with excuses to purge himselfe and partly craued pardon with purpose of amending his life S. Hugh hauing giuen this â—…dmonition in secret gaue after accompt in pubâ—… 〈◊〉 rust motiues that moued him to take in matter of new tributes the protection of the multitude committed to him and spake in such manner as not only the rest of the auditory but euen Richard himselfe remayned satisfyed holding it for a great happynes that the tax went no further S. Hugh taking afterwards a courteous leaue returned back vndaunted to his flock and Richard turning himselfe to his followers sayd that if al the Bishops were like to this maÌ„ no power could preuayle any wayes vpoÌ„ them to which opinion they all agreed with one consent because S. Hugh through his frequent victoryes so got was by a surname called The mallet of the King And if for the seruice of God he shewed himselfe so couragious and bold it may easily be gathered how immoueable he remayned in like encounters with other persons of meaner ranck and with the ordinary sort as appeares in the next Chapter How stoutly S. Hugh carryed himselfe to all sortes to the greater honour of God Chap. 7. IT chaunced to S. Hugh more then once in sundry places to be barehead among speares and naked swordes reprehending the armed themselues like a Lyon of their impious and wicked indeauours they remayning amazed and astonished the while at so great a freedome Vpon a tyme he met on the way with a company of Sergeants catchpoles leading a malefactour to death being moued with the prayers of the vnhappy wretch who in that necessity most earnestly recommended himselfe vnto him he gaue order presently to the Ministers to vnloose him alleadging that where the Bishop was present with the faythfull people there was the Church that the liuing stones deserued no lesse priuiledge
who spent all his life as it were in visiting of Villages and Parishes so seruing the Ghospell and by the Ghospell therefore susteyning himselfe according to the order and decree of our Lord. It is true that he and his companions because they would not be burdensome or put any to expences would mainteyne themselues oftentymes with the sweat of their browes and labours of their proper hands And when at such tymes he had need of some rest he would vsually be taking it in pious places dispersed by himselfe heere and there through Ireland and if he chanced to abyde any where he would allwayes so conforme himselfe to the customes and obseruances of the house as neyther at Table or elswhere would he seeme to haue any thing in particular nor euen at first sight could there any the least difference be discouered betweene him and the rest of the Brothers What more can be sayd of him Euen inough to conteyne many Volumes his life was so admirable a mirrour to all Mortals But my scope and intention is only to demonstrate those thinges which in his life are most imitable as I said aboue To proceed then although our blessed S. Malachy were now an aged man and Legate of the highest Bishop yet did he neuer giue ouer his ancient vse to go on foote to preach himselfe in person still causing such others as he lead along with him to do the like a forme very truly Euangelicall and so much the more recommendable in S. Malachy as it is found to be lesse in practice with others Whereas he who doth such things may worthily be called the lawfull heyre and Successour of the Apostles What wonder is it then if the diuine Man did worke such admirable things he being so admirable himselfe though he wrought them not of himselfe but God in him since we read Tu es Deus qui facis mirabilia By occasion of the loud acclamations of these his transcendent Vertues most notable working of Miracles his fame beganne to spread it self through out all the neighbouring places nay euen ouer the whole Country and there resorted dayly many to be cured by him of all kind of diseases and among the rest a woman extremely vexed with the deuill who dwelt in a Citty which is called Cultafin Her parents thereupon procured S. Malachy to be sent for Who comming into the house presently fell vnto his prayers and commaunds the vniust possessour in the name of the highest to go forth of that body he obeys but in stantly leapes into another Woman present S. Malachy perceiuing this spake thus to the accursed Enemy of Making I haue not so quit thee of her as that thou shouldst seeme to assaile that other Therefore I charge thee agayne in the name of the Highest that thou let her go also The Fiend being constrained thereto obeyes his behest but yet returnes to his former habitation When the Blessed Seruant of Christ obseruing the deceypt of our Aduersary expells him a new from thence he then flyes agayne into the second This bobb the peruerse spirit gaue to him for a pretty while in chopping so alwayes and flying from one into the other At last S. Malachy being stirred vp with a holy zeale and not without iust indignation to see him so mocked by all vncleane Spirit recollected himselfe a little and resuming more in tense forces from Heauen withall violence quite banished him from both leauing the cruell Serpent so full of fraude and deceipt enraged thereat thinking perhaps by that policy to make the Holy man desist from further troubling himself But peraduenture some will admire at this long delay heerein and resistance of the Aduersary attributing the same it may be to the power of the malignant Spirit To such persons I answere that it pleased the Diuine Dispensatour of all things Qui omnia ben◅ suauiter disponit to try the patience of his Seruant S. Malachy and to the end that by such delay and changes both the presence of the Enemy and victory of S. Malachy more cleerely might appeare Which thing is yet more illustrated and made to appeare to be true therefore attend heere a while to that which elswhere this great Seruant of Christ seemed to worke not in person as before is declared but in absence Which yet surely had been◅ great deale more easy for him to haue done at hand then so same asunder A man is dispossessed of euill spirits by the power of S. Malachy in his absence With diuers other miracles besides Chap. 18 IN the Northern parts of Ireland in a certayne howse where S. Malachy before had happened to lodge lay one afflicted and terribly tormented with Deuils Who on a night ouer heard some discourses they had among them Wherin they sayd to ech other Beware this wretch do not touch any of the straw there wherin that Hippocrit had sometymes slept least perhappes he escape out of our hands Frō which words the sick man did gather that those infernall Spirits meant it of S. Malachy and then taking courage began to approach by creeping thereunto as well as he could but being weake in body he could not get thither by crawling yet was he very strong in fayth for he desisted not to go forward as he was able Wherupon you might heare in the ayre certayne feareful cryes and perplexed voyces Hold hold him off or we loose the prey But he trāsported with hope and desire made so much the greater hast to reach thereunto through diuine Mercy being come to the blessed Litter of straw fell a stretching himselfe thereon and wallowing vp downe therin While the infernall furyes with howling la◅ most bitterly exclamed Alas alas we haue bewrayed our selues we haue deceiued our selues For loc he is euen now made sound And so he was indeed being whole in a moment of all his lymnes and freed of the diabolicall affrights and horrours which he suffered In Lesmor likewise did S. Malachy deliuer a Lunatike person made him whole and perfect in all his senses Moreouer our great Saint did restore another person to his former wits who dwelt in Praginia And in the same Countrey by causing a frantike woman to wash her selfe with a water which he blessed she was presently released of her chaynes and disease Another woman in like sort being enraged so as she would be a biting tearing her flesh with her teeth was by him through Prayer a simple touch only restored to health There was like wise a Man who in phrensy could seeme to foretell certayne things to come and so impetuo◅ and terrible withall as the greatest cords were hardly able to with hold him And yet this Man in a moment was freed also through the prayers of S. Malachy restored to his wits I could name the place where this fel out but because it happened in a place of so barbarous a name that as it happens often in many other words of that Nation
manner the good Prelate went vp and downe afflicting himselfe and calling vpon his S. Malachy When on a suddaine amōg the wicked Persecutours was heard a terribly voyce nor could it euer be knowne from whence it came as if certayne other of their Neighbours with armed troupes had made some incursiō into their country and put all to fire and sword leading their wiues and children captiues without mercy At which rumour though vayne their boldnes immediately being repressed euery one betooke him to his heeles leauing the rest to shift for themselues and as it chaunceth in like tumults the confusion was so great as the hind most not hauing once heard the said voyce nor knowing wherefore let thēselues be led by the formost vntill such tyme as comming into their countrey and fynding there no such matter as they stood in feare of remayned ashamed and came to know how in recompence of the malice and pride which they had shewed to the messenger of S. Malachy they had through diuine Iudgment been giuen into the power of the Spirit of Lying Wherat the Bishop reioycing he speedily returned back to carry the newes to S. Malachy Who seeing things notwithstanding as yet very broken and still fearing new disorders determined to go thither in person to establish betweene those s◅uage Nations a sound and sincere concord indeed But yet neyther could he for the present seeme to bring his designe to passe in regard the Conditions being freshly renewed not without much adoe particular oathes hauing been takē of such as the busines concerned those who had been abused being mindful of the iniury done them before did impiously agree among themselues to cry quit◅ance with the periurious and perfidious people And so they went after them as sure to ouertake them embroyled with domestique cares wherby they might handle them as they list But it fell out through diuine dispensation that hauing easily passed ouer a certaine great Riuer which lay in the way they were yet stayed with a little brooke not farre off in despight of thēselues were constreined to make a stop For now to them it seemed to be more then the wonted brooke yea a very huge water which on euery side denyed them passage in so much as being al in admiratiō they said Whence comes this inundation the weather is fayre the moūtaines without snow there hath fallen no rayne of late and though it should chaūce to haue rayned yet which of vs can remember this little torrent with any waters euer to haue been swolne in this sort as to come thus to couer the land and to ouer flow the champaines The hand of God without doubt is heere He hath cut off our way for loue of this Saint whose pacts we haue not obserued and haue likewise violated his precepts So as these also without satisfying their greedy desires full of shame dread now turned their backs The fame whereof was spread all about and euery one blessed the Diuine Maiesty that knowes so well to catch the crafty in their owne snares to pull downe the crests of the proud and to exalt such as humbly and faythfully serue him Which is likewise made more manifest in the case we shall presently tell you Two other terrible examples of the iudgement of God shewed vpon the contemners of S. Malachy yet mingled with mercy for his sake Chap. 23. A Principall Gentleman of Ireland falling out with one of those Kings though he dealt about reconciliation yet by no meanes would he seeme to trust him vnlesse such a one as S. Malachy at least would seeme to interpose himselfe as surety between them And certaynely not without cause as the sequell will make apparent For asmuch as that Gentleman assuring himselfe not so much vpon the word of the King as on the authority and promise of the mediatour who was euen S. Malachy himselfe while appearing in publique he walked without feare at all behold vnawares is cast into prison by the King who could not subdue the inueterated passion in him nor Christianly forget that ancient hatred The friends kinsfolkes of the poore knight beholding him with their infinite sorrow in manifest perill of death recurre to S. Malachy vnder whose surety that other had put himselfe into the power of the King The Seruant of Christ being stroken heerwith and affronted withall at so iust a quarrell what he intends to do in this case we will declare Hauing so sure a foundation as the past promise of the King he quickly reares vp a strong Bull warke agaynst ensuing assaults and endeauours withall power to suppresse this enormous treason to effect which he musters vp a braue army to wit a good company of his disciples and with them presenting himselfe before the king demaunds the prisoner at his hands and being shamefully denyed You wrong saith he at once the diuine Maiesty your selfe me in violating the pact And if you haue no care therof yet haue I truly This good man was perswaded by me he founded himself vpon my word If he chaūce to dye I am he that haue betrayed him and am by consequence guilty of his bloud to what purpose would you seeme to make me a Traytour and you disloyall Then know for certayne that neyther I nor these of myne are resolued to tast any food vntill such tyme as the innocent be put into liberty as be ought That sayd he entred with them into the Temple where all that day with the next night they perseuered together in Fasting and Prayer But the King who dwelt hard by fearing least their prayers he being so neere might seeme to haue too much force vphim with a foolish caution and aduise tooke the resolution to absent himselfe from thence But he no sooner was departed but God who reserues reuenge vnto himselfe stroke him blind and hauing lost wholy his sight was glad to restore the prisoner and to be as an other Saul to Ananias so he to the holy Bishop being led vnto him where humbly crauing pardon and mercy through the benigne feruent intercession of him that could not be mindfull of iniuries with a double miracle he had presently his sight And in fine the Gentleman being deliuered an inuiolable friendship was accorded on This surely was a great demonstration of the diuine Iudgement but perhaps this other which God assisting vs we intend to declare will by the wise arbitratours be held no lesse We haue related aboue that S. Malachy accepting the Abbay of Benchor being content with the Church and Seate had voluntarily yielded the rents and demeanes to a certayne lay man This mā paying as commonly is wont so great a benefit with great discourtesy and ingratitude from the tyme he entred into the administration of those goods beganne to vse many insolencies agaynst the holy Abbot and agaynst his Religious annoying them in euery thing persecuting them on euery side and endeauouring alwayes to vilify and denigrate their actions and
after fell sicke and calling his two disciples to him who had now some fifteene yeares been present with him he spake to them in manner following I am now my deerest vpon walking the way of my Fathers and I feele my selfe to be called of our Lord. As for you be you wary and vigilant and take heed you loose not the labours of so long a tyme but as if you had but now begunne do you enforce yoursel◅es to maynteynly out wonted feruour and study Then know yo◅ the snares and rages of the inuisible Enemies and know you likewise how through diuine Iudgment they haue lost their forces Do you not feare them then but alwayes aspire to Christ and fixing a ◅iuely fayth in him expect euery moment to be cited before him so attend to your selues still remembring the rules and documents you haue had from me especially to fly as fyre the conuersation of Arrians and Meletians and whosoeuer shall haue seuered themselues from the Fayth and communion of the Catholique Church since you know how I no lesse haue alwayes abhorred them But rather seeke to vnite your selues with Christ and with his Saints that after death they may acknowledge you as Friends and be receyuing you into the Eternall tabernacles Be this your opinion then and this your discourse And if you haue any care of me also as of a Father doe not suffer my Corps by any meanes to be carryed to Egypt with the hazard of being put vp in some house according to the peruerse custome of the Country there but hide me rather in the earth in a place where no person of the world may know besids your selues because if it be cōsumed for the present it shall yet be restored agayne very glorious in the Resurrection You shall distribute my Garments in such sort as that Athanasius the Bishop may haue one of my Melots which were only poore sheep skins sowed together and the Mantle whereupon I was wont to lye To the Bishop Serapion you shall giue the other Melot and you in memory of mee shall keep the Cilice and with this my Sonnes remayne in peace for Antony passeth and shall be no more abiding with you These were his last words and then with a cheerefull countenance shewing the Angels and Saints to reioyce who came to meete him he gaue vp the Ghost And the disciples though sad for loosing such a Father on earth neuerthelesse being recomforted for hauing purchased such an Intercessour in Heauen did bury him according as he had ordyned And to the Bishops they gaue the garments as welcome and as much esteemed of them as those who had gotten a very rich inheritance And the great Athanasius recounts of himselfe how he wore the same afterwards very willingly whereby it seemed to him that he carryed about him a perfect Memorial of the wholesome aduises and documents of S. Antony Such a course and end made the great Seruant of Christ whose life as we insinuated aboue Athanasius himselfe first wrote in the Greeke tongue who though he were of another vocation notwithstanding in fayth will was he most vnited with him The blessed Euagrius translated the same into latin who liued very neere those tymes and was the disciple of both the Macarius enriching the same with some things receiued as it is probable of such as had much familiarity conuersation with the Man of God Moreouer as many as haue framed the Ecclesiasticall History and other most graue Authours besides haue likewise touched his acts and made very pious and honourable mētion of him God vndoubtedly so disposing the same not so much in recompence of the labours of S. Antony who enioying eternall felicity in heauen should seeme to care very little to be renowned in earth as for the profit of all man kind To the end so perfect and noble deeds words and manners might not seeme to be shut vp within the termes of one people or of one age only but should dilate themselues into all parts and serue for instruction glasse incitement to all Nations and to all posterity FINIS S. PACHOMIVS THE ARGVMENT I BORNE of misbelieuing Parents gaind Not by my selfe but Heau'n the sauing light Quickned the grace which I had entertaind And left the world that I more safe might fight Against my foes I victory obtaind Finding this way to countermand their spite And slighting what the world doth most commend More easily I did my selfe defend What ere he be that striues to haue a share Within the mansion of Eternity Let him in this bestow his greatest care To shun th'indearements of Mortality Soules haue no parts harts vndeuided are Heau'n and the world haue no affinity Like as of Sense on seuerall obiects bent The strength is weakned and is lesse intent THE LIFE OF S. PACHOMIVS ABBOT Written by Simeon Metaphrastes Of the Birth of S. Pachomius and his miraculous Conuersion to the Christian Fayth Chap. 1. IN the same age some few yeares after the blessed Pachomius did flourish a great Father likewise and an excellent Mayster of Monkes whose vertue and Religion no doubt was so much the more memorable as the helpe of Education which he had was lesse being borne of Gētiles both Father and Mother brought vp in Thebais without any knowledge of our Sauiour Christ vntill such tyme as he arriued vnto military age Some notable signes did fore-run his Vocation One was that when they gaue him to drinke any wine or other liquour which had been offered to the Idols with a certaine hidden auersion of the stomacke he would suddenly be vomiting it forth And another signe also was there yet of more wonder for that he being once conducted to a Sacrifice which was to be performed by a riuers side hard by there could be nothing done for that at his presence the Priest could neyther finish his ceremonies nor would the Diuels seeme to enter into the Statues to giue forth answeres from thence as they were wont so as their wicked Minister hauing finally vnderstood the occasion thereof with furious brawling began to controule the Parents of Pachomius as hauing brought thither an enemy of the immortall Gods and commaunded them suddenly to thrust him forth as fearing least some heauenly wrath or vengeance might light on their Sonne Amidst so impious superstitions of his house the rudiments of Egiptian learning and doctrine S. Bachomius being arriued to the twentith yeare of his life was enrolled as a Souldiour in a new leuy of men which in the name of Constantius was then made in diuers parts against the Tyrant Maxentius And with this occasion being conducted by water with others to a certayne Citty neare vnto Thebes he fell into great necessity together with the whole army through the smal prouision that was made of victuals for thē Which being vnderstood by those of the Country there who by good hap were of the faythfull people of Christ and very friendly to the Neighbour
pray for me Whereto the buyer made answere that for the present he had no more money to bestow When the other very courteously affirmed that it imported nothing but he might take the grayne with a good will and yeild him the price therof at his commodity so liberall an offer seemed now to the Monk not fit to be refused Wherefore he suddainely freightes a great bark therwith of some thirteen Tun so great indeed as one half thereof was not to be found else where in all those countryes therabout with great ioy went his wayes therwith to the Monastery as thinking he had done some great peece of seruice to the whole company and especially to S. Pachomius But he was very much deceiued in his accompt Because the Saint had no sooner vnderstood of the arriuall of the barke so laden knowne the manner how it came to be so freighted but he sent a man to the wharfè in post with expresse order they should not vnlade any whit therof saying Let the Steward assuredly know that not a gayne of that corne of his shall seeme to enter into our howse nor shall his person appeare before me vntill he haue satisfyed the errour committed in so gouerning himselfe to â—…e led with auarice in taking the same vpon Credit and abusing withall the goodnes of him that sold him the corne Now thereâ—…re since he hath so exceeded the precepts giuen let him go suddaiâ—…ely to all these neighbour-places and sell the same according to â—…he price set him downe by the seller and hauing carryed him the â—…mme let him buy according to the price so much and no more â—…s he may haue with the money which he receiued of vs for that â—…ffect Which being executed and no more then fiue measures a â—…alf conueyed to the house the Monke was depriued of his Steâ—…ard-ship and restrayned in the Monastery Nor had the Procuraâ—…ur yet much better successe Who was appointed to sell some of â—…e labours of the Monkes at a slinted rate how much he was to â—…ke for them He went then to the inhabitants with those merâ—…handize and finding them to amount to thrice so much as he was prescribed to take it seemed to him a folly to put them away â—…or lesse and so returned he his wayes home with his purse fuller â—…hen was pretended Which being vnderstood S. Pachomius made â—…im immediatly to returne into the Market and to restore to the â—…uyers all that which exceeded the rate set downe Whereupon â—…e like wise being depriued of his office was shut vp and had a good pennance enioyned him With thes demonstrations the Saint â—…t seemes besides the purity which he required in Obedience would â—…ikewise manifest how far off they are to be from all manner of â—…ouetousnes who seeme to manage the temporals affayres in Religion But as this man of good was an Enemy of tepidity and of â—…usillanimity so on the other side approued he not immoderate ferâ—…ours which ordinarily succeed but ill and such was the euent we shall presently tell you An Example of the indiscreet â—…eale of a Monke of S. Pachomius and the happy Life he led afterwards Chap. 14. A Person there was of a good disposition rather then of any great reach who after he had attended a while to a spirituall â—…ife of himselfe came at last of his owne accord as others did to submit himselfe to S. Pachomius nor was it â—…ere being prickt forward with excessiue feruour and youthfull heat he began very earnestly to instance the said holy Father to obteyne him from heauen some commodity occasion to spend his bloud for the Catholikâ—… fayth The world at that tyme was all in peace and the Church of God enioyed an vnwonted tranquility through the deuotion by the vertue of the most ChristiaÌ„ Emperour Constantine In so much as the importunity of the Monke besides his being too bold in 〈◊〉 certaine manner came likewise to be vnreasonable and foolish withall S. Pachomius then answered him that forbearing for the present to thinke of Martyrdome he might do well to conuert his thoughts to the taming of his Passions to combat with himselfe alleadging that in a sort he was depriued of the glory of Martyrs who perseuered to the end in Cloysters without reprehension But that other not satisfyed heerewith and renewing oft the same request S. Pachomius at last said to him Since you wil not ceasâ—… to prouoke me so I will pray for this thy intention and I hope I shal be heard But thou on the other side beware that coÌ„ming afterwards to the Triall insteed of confessing our Lord Christ thou coÌ„mest not to renounce him quite Because in truth thou dost buâ—… delude thy selfe so to tempt thy God and thus to seeke those perils which our Maister and Sauiour himselfe hath taught vs to shun So sayd the expert Captayne But neyther authority nor reasons were of power to bridle the confidence or to say better the presumption of the Monke From hence within two yeares after it chaunced to S. Pachomâ—… to send certayne Brothers to a place not far from thence to prouidâ—… some marish rushes for mats and cottages and a litle after he sent the audacious Wretch thither also presaging as it were the encounter he was to meete withall on the way vpon his departure aduised him to stand vpon his guard and in manner of an Enigma added those words of S. Paul Ecce nunc tempus acceptabile ecce nunc diâ—… salutis nullam in aliquo demus offensionem vt non vituperetur ministerium nostrum These marishes where the Monkes were working were scituate at the feete of certayne mountaynes inhabited by sauage barbarous people and continually drowned in Paganisme some of which at that tyme being descended into the playne to fetch water found in those deserts the poore Trauayler alone when causing him to a light on a sudden they bind his hands and lead him together with his Asse into the Mountaine at whose approch the other Gentils who as then were ready to offer their sacrifice and had killed many beasts for that purpose began with great laughters to scorne him saying Come thy wayes hither O Monke and â—…ore our Gods and leading him before their Aultar they forced him â—…o do as they did At the first he refused to do it and shewed them â—…ome resistance thereunto but when the Pagans being angry layd â—…ands on their weapons and that he saw the ponyard at his bosom â—…nd the swords which glittered round about him being now forâ—…etfull in an instant of al the stout purposes made the poore wretch â—…elded and being terrifyed stuck not to tast of the wyne flesh dedicated to Diuels being a thing which as for the essentiall of Idolatry was as much as if he had offered incense with them Heereupon being licenced to depart by that wicked people while on the way he had leysure inough to enter into himself looking back into the fowle
Auxentius the Head of the Arrians who aftermany outrages and persecutions finally expelled him the Citty Whereupon S. Martin being thus molested on euery side falling into the company of a certayne Priest a great seruant of God determined for that tyme to hide themselues To this end they retired into a litle desert Iland in the Tyrrhen sea called by the name of Gallinara Heer while the Man of God liued in great abstinence of rootes and herbes it chaunced vnawares that he eate some Hellebore which is a medicinable herbe yet such notwithstanding aâ—… that if the quantity be not moderate and the simple well prepared and corrected through the great purgatiue it hath with it it comes to be poysonous and pestiferous as de facto it had beene to S. Martyn if being brought to extreames therewith he had not made his recourse to prayer and with this remedy had not suddenly expelled all dolour and daunger After this it was not long ere he knew how S. Hilary hauing souÌ„d grace with the Emperour Constantius returned into France At which newes being exceeding ioyfull he trauayled towards Rome to meete with him there and to accompany him to his Church But S. Hilary being now past by already he met him neerer and with great iubiley being receyued by him erected out of the Citty of Poytiers a poore Monastery for him and as many as followed him Among these there was a certaine Catechumen who falling sick of a violent feuer while S. Martin was farre off for three dayes only about certaine affayres of the diuine seruice beyond all expectation departed this lyfe and that which was worse without Baptisme The Conuent was sensible of this case and S. Martin at his returne finding now the Exequies prepared very sorowful and sad thereat approched his body Heere now conceiuing in his pure mind new feruour of spirit he makes them all go forth of the chamber and the doores being shut stretches himselfe like another Elizaeus vpon the cold bones of the deare Brother and so hauing made a feruent prayer and very soone perceiuing already through diuine vertue how the vitall spirits were vpon returne standing something vpright agayne with his eyes fixed on the face of the dead man he stood couragiously expecting the effect of his prayers and of the diuine clemency There were not yet two houres of tyme past when he saw the dead to moue his lymmes by litle and litle and panting to open the eyes and to recouer the vse of his senses Then S. Martin giuing thankes to our Lord cryed out so lowd as they who expected without being moued with the noise therof came rushing in and all perceiued to their infinite astonishment the corps to respire and take vigour agayne which euen now they were ready to carry to buriall After so great a benefit had the Cathecumen delayed not a whit to receiue the holy Baptisme whereunto he suruiued many yeares after and was wont sincerly to recount of himselfe how being departed from the body he was presented before a Tribunall and by sentence confined to darkesome place among the baser sort but how at the same instant two Angels relating to the Iudge how it was he for whome S. Martyn had besought to them was then CoÌ„mission giuen to restore him to life agayne and to make a present of him to the seruant of God This was the first wonder S. Martyn shewed forth in those parts whence it followed that being now held for holy he begaÌ„ afterwards to be esteemed also as a man very powerfull with God and a person truly Apostolicall Not long after this passing through the fields of one Lupicinus an honourable rich man there met him a troupe of people all full of laments and teares telling him how one of the seruants of Lupicinus had hanged himselfe so miserably had ended his dayes S. Martin heere with being moued to compassion without delay intred into the chaÌ„ber where the vnhappy Wretch was deposed and so from thence also dismissing the people distending himselfe in like manner on the corps made he his prayer which was no lesse efficacious then the other since that his hart now cold already resuming the naturall heate began by litle and little to yield to the arteryes their pulse agayne and motion to the nerues so as the dead with stretchâ—… forth armes taking S. Martin by the right hand arose on his feete and accompanyed him to the gate of the house in the presence of all that multitude who replenished both with wonder and ioy ceased not to glorify in S. Martin the immense goodnes and omnipotency of the Creatour S. Martyn not without great contradiction of many is chosen Bishop of Towers Chap. 5. AT the very same tyme the Church of Towers being vacant 〈◊〉 Martyn by the vniuersall consent of the people there was destined to that dignity But he not being so easily to be taken fortâ—… from his Monastery a certayne Citizen being called Ruritius his wife faygning to be grieuously sick cast himselfe at the feere of the Saint and coniured him so much as he made him to come forth to blesse her With that pretext a number of persons being couertly set in opportune places S. Martyn was taken by them and with a good guard brought into the Citty where was already asseÌ„bled togeather a great concourse of people of all sorts being met according to the vse of those tymes to passe their suffrages for the election of a new Prelate nor was there any person great or liâ—…e that desired not to see S. Martyn installed in that seate esteeming the country happy vnder the care of such a Pastour Some Bishops only of the Neighbour-diocesses being called â—…o the consecration and some other principall persons stood earnestly against it alleadging him to be a Person meane of no Presence with ill clothes worse put on and in summe vnworthy to be nuÌ„bred among Bishops With such oppositions did these men seeke to alienate the people from the deuotion and sauour of S. Marâ—… But the matter fell out quite contrary with them because the same obiections as they were held of the people who had the sounder iudgment for the prayse and reputation of the Seruant of Christ so on the other side they came with litle edification to discouer the enuy and malignity of the Prelats Whence they began also by litle and little to relent one only excepted more blind and obstiâ—…e then the rest who coÌ„tinued in vesistance till such time as by diuine prouidence a notable Iudgement was shewed vpon him as we shall now declare This Prelate in the Church of Towers had the tytle of Defender â—…y reason of that dignity was known of all Now he being one day with the people in the Church at the hower of diuine office it happened that the Lectourer being not able to presse through the great â—…rung of people which was there to approach the Quire one of the Standers by in the meane
reâ—…yred herselfe from him Nor with words only shewed he forth the high opinion he had framed of her but with facts also forasmuch as she afterward in the Euening hauing sent him certayne presents of refection and refreshment S. Martin who in his whole visit till that tyme had neuer accepted of any thing which was offered him yet of what the Virgin sent him he refused iâ—… not 〈◊〉 ledging it was not â—…itting for a Priest to refuse the benedictâ—… 〈◊〉 her who deserued to be preferred before many Priests With such like words and workes from tyme to tyme gâ—… S. Martin euident signes of a full victory gotten ouer his passions of the peacefull possession he maintayned in himselfe But in regard some will say perhaps how these manner of prayses are 〈◊〉 mon also with priuate persons let vs come to the proper 〈◊〉 of a true Prelate and Apostolicall Guardian Among which it seemes that the zeale of the holy and orthodoxe fayth and of 〈◊〉 sincere worship of God doth hoâ—…d the first place For whose conseruation S. Martyn was alwayes wonderfully sollicitous and vigilant keeping himselfe and all all his flocke from euery leâ—… contagion oâ—… Heretiques or of others seuered from the Roman Sâ—… Heer with did burne in his breast an inextinguishable thirst to â—…state and propagate the Christian verity on euery side and pâ—… ticularly in the neighbour parts where it seemed to him an inâ—…lerable thing that any relique of Paganisme should yet be extaâ—… He endeauoured then maynly to extinguish the same and Almigâ—…ty God most commonly for his part with a powerfull hand 〈◊〉 stupendious workes concurred thereunto S. Martin restores a Womans sonne from Death to life with other 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thinges Chap. 11. SAint Martin on a tyme going by occasion of the diuine serâ—… to the Citty of Chaâ—…es chanced to passe through a Village 〈◊〉 Gentils who at the fame of the Saint going forth of the Towâ—… put themselues in the high way to behold him and at the same â—…mour concurred so great a multitude of the neighbour countries 〈◊〉 all that playne was seene to be couered with an infinite people 〈◊〉 the fight of which sheep for that the most were led astray the 〈◊〉 Bishop sighing and eleuated in spirit beginnes to preach to theâ—… 〈◊〉 word of God and to inuite them to eternall saluation and that wiâ—… such a feeling and with such a voyce action as doubtles seemâ—… to them some what more then humane Now while he thus discoursed it pleased our Lord that a Woman whose only Sonne was dead at that tyme comming beâ—… him with hands lifted vp presented him to the blessed S. 〈◊〉 saying we vnderstand that thou art the friend of God restore me â—…y Sonne which is the only Child I haue To the prayers of the â—…us Mother were added the fighes and intercessions of the â—…tanders by So as S. Martyn perceyuing how for the conuersion of that people some miracle were fit lifting vp his eyes and mind â—…o Heauen and conceiuing therice an vndoubted certaynty of the â—…iuine ayde he tooke the body in his armes and in the presence â—…f all put himselfe on his knees and after a little space the party â—…rose vp and so restored the child reuiued to the Mother astoniâ—…hed and almost besides herselfe for ioy whereupon a cry was lifâ—…ed vp to the starres and all these people confessing Christ for true God began in troupes with great vehemency to runne after S. Marâ—…in most instantly intreating him to make them Christians And he â—…ull of iubiley lifting vp his hands ouer them made them Catheâ—…mens all at once giuing order besids that they might be instruâ—…ted affirming it not vnfit to make Cathecumens in the open â—…ields since in fields in like manner haue Martyrs beene consecrated With this manner of purchase our S. Martin reioyced much more then with the increase of rents or tytles and not onely from manners and minds of persons but euen from their memoâ—…y also and eyes endeauoured he to take away all apparence of â—…rofane Centill worship nor were the difficulties of the enterâ—…rise nor magnificence of Antiquityes able to diuert him from it In the Castle of Ambatia was a Tower of pollished stones heertoâ—…ore dedicated to a false God which from the solid and spacious â—…oundations aâ—…sing more and more came at the top to finish in â—…me of a Pine-aple a worke both of art and cost alike and not â—…nly curious to behold but also very firme and durable Now the holy Bishop hauing appointed Marcelluâ—… a Priest â—…here dwelling by all meanes to destroy such an abhomination â—…ter some tyme finding the same as yet on foote repâ—…ded his â—…cknes But Marcelluâ—… excusing himselfe with the difficulty therof â—…or that the making was such as hardly would an Army be able to demolish it much lesse a small number of Clerks or feeble Monks which liued with him S. Martin without more reply hauing reâ—…ourse to his wonted tacklings spent all that night and morning â—…n prayer When behold on a suden a vehement tempest of winds â—…ightning and thunder impetuously smiting the building fetcht 〈◊〉 vp by the ground and layd it flat on the Earth In another place stood a pillar of an vnmeasurable greatâ—… on the top whereof was an Idoll And S. Martyn being not able to endure so great an offence of the true God determined by 〈◊〉 meanes to leuell it with the ground but not finding commodity eyther of Masons or instruments to affect it he craued likewise the diuine succour with so much ardour and such efficacy withall 〈◊〉 the prayer being ended the effect very sudenly followed because that in the sight-of-all the standers by these appeared from Heauen another Pillar no lesse then that which descended with such a force vpon it as reduced it into dust together with the Idol How S. Martyn by the signe of the Crosse escaped Death And how the peopâ—… were conuerted thereupon to the Fayth of Christ. Chap. 12. SAINT Martin in a certaine Bourge of the Infidels hauing 〈◊〉 stroyed their Temple would needs presently vpon it coÌ„maund a tall Pine-tree there that was consecrated to the Deuill to be felled to the ground But the Country-people who through the diuine will had beene quiet at the one very tumultuously afterwards opposed themselues to the other S. Martin endeauoured to pacify thâ—… blind people what he could to make them capable of the Truâ—… shewing by diuers reasons how one sole God was the Maker of euery thing and that to him was due from the rationall creature all honour oblation and Sacrifice and not to the Angels thurst oâ—… of Paradise deceiptfull and proud whome hitherto they had miserably serued and went prouing withall how in that Truâ—… could be no matter worthy of veneration at all Now while he wâ—… preaching in this sort with great charity one of those Pagans more impudent and more saucy then the rest lifting vp his voyce sayd to him
If thou hast such a confidence in this thy God we ourselues will cut downe this tree for thee and do thou but set thy shoulders thereunto and be propping it vp and if thy Lord stand for thee 〈◊〉 thou sayest thou shalt not suffer a whit The magnanimous Bishop accepted the Condition and all that barbarous company accorded likewise exchanging very willingly the losse of such a plant with the death of one that was so great a Persecutour of the Idols That Pine of its nature was bending in such sort as it cleeâ—…ly appeared in cutting it downe wherabout of necessity it must light On that very side did S. Martin suffer himselfe to be placed with his legs tyed by those rude rustiques where he stood as a statue And â—…e people presently vpon this diuided themselues very glad and â—…oyfull the while at so new a spectable and some with axes in hast began to cut downe the Pine-tree The man of God from thence â—…ad made his Monks to sequester theÌ„selues who laboured in vayne â—…o hinder such a proofe and being pale and full of sadnes with teÌ„der eyes ech momeÌ„t stood expecting the losse of their deere Maister â—…nd the tree now ready to toâ—…er with redoubled stroakes seemed to threaten the â—…al And yet stood S. Martin very firme and vndaunted when finally the ruine with a terrible noyse directly bended towards him now was eueÌ„ ready to oppresse him when he without being troubled a whit lifting vp his arme opposed thereto the signe of the Crosse and nothing els besides A thing truly very admirable that euen at the holsome signe so made was sudenly that great trunck as it were beate back with a violent Engine went with such a fury to the contrary side as it almost had crushed the very Infidels theÌ„selues who were hewing it downe What effect now this so sudden euent might cause in their minds may more easely be imagined then written The Monkes beholding now beyond all hope S. Martin to be safe and sound with consolation and iubiley giuing thankes to our Lord for it wept out right and the rude people being conuinced with so great a miracle holding vp their hands and voyces to Heauen did finally yield and acknowledge the errour of their life past and were willingly conuerred to Christ insomuch as where before there were no faythfull as it were to be seen thereabouts within a litle tyme by meanes of the vertue and diligence and the exemplar manner of the holy Bishop there remayned not a place that was not very full of Christians of Churches and Monasteryes Because the seruant of God was wont as soone as he had demolished any house of the Idols to erect in the same scituation some deuout Oratory or Religious Conuent or other S. Martin stayes the flames of fire from doing any harme With other wonders which he wrought Chap. 13. VVE may not seeme to let passe in silence a thing which if it had not happened in publique might perhaps haue seemed incredibie to some S. Martin hauing in those countries therabout set â—…ire to a very noble most ancient Temple of the Idols it happened that a wind arising did carry the flame to a house hard by not without manifest danger of dilating it selfe further and of stirring vp with the sense of their priuat losses the tender minds of that Community S. Martyn then being aware of the danger with the wonted courage of a liuely fayth mounted vp speedily to the roofe puts himself against the flames and it is certaine that at the only appearing of the Man of God the flames as timerous to offend him in a moment seemed to fetch about to be retorted and gathered within themselues in the sight of all in striuing against the violence of the wind to retire in such sort as the priuate buildings remayned very safe and S. Martyn with his only presence effected that which al the people with their instruments water could not so easily haue brought to passe In the Leapers Bourge as they called it likewise hauing attempted to ruin a temple very famous no lesse for the great richeâ—… therof then for the much superstition vsed about it he was repelled by the Gentils not without much outrage and iniuryes dâ—… him Wherupon retiring himselfe in to some place thereby he remayned in fasting for three whole dayes togeather and praying in 〈◊〉 and ashes and at last appeared two champions vnto him of the heauenly warfare being armed with speares shields saying how they came as sent from our Lord to succour him against that multitude of swaynes That therfore he might returne bouldly to the enterprize agayne and not feare any impediment whatsoeuer So S. Martin did and in the presence of all those Pagans who through diuine power stood the while immoueable he ruined the profane bulke from the very foundations destroyed the Aultars reduced the images vnto dust Whence succeeded another great benefit that the Gentils perceiuing themselues so bound and stupifyed without being able to rise against the Bishop knew the effect to be caused by a supreme power and they all as it were came to belieue in Christ exclayming with one voyce and confessing that the only God of S. Martin was to be adored and that for the Idols they were to make no reckoning of them since in such a necessity of theirs they were not able to helpe themselues Two other stupendious things are recounted in this matter one was that in the country of Burgundy there being a great number of country swaynes risen agaynst S. Martin in defence of a TeÌ„ple one of them drawing out his sword set vpon him when the holy man suddenly laying his cloake aside offered him his naked necke nor was that impious fellow any whit slack to haue giuen the stroake but lifting vp his arme in the presence of all fell flat backwards himselfe and cryed for peace and pardon The other was that from a like disdayne another wicked fellow being minded to kill him the very sword fell out of his hand in such wise as it was neuer seene more True it is that he rarely came into such termes because for the most part S. Martyn with meekenes and with preaching would be tempring and persuading the people in such sort as themselues vnderstanding the truth once would condemne their owne madnes destroying the Idols with their proper hands be conuerted to Christ. To which effect of conuersion of soules S. Martyn was wont very industriously to make vse of the great gift he had in curing the sicke and deliuering possessed persons of euill spirits as among others he did heere with a person of great quality by name Tetradius This man being moued to compassion for a deere seruant of his very cruelly oppressed and tormented by the infernall enemy with great instance intreated S. Martyn to vouchsafe so much as to cure him The holy man then willed him to be brought before him but the
himself at least on one side to take some â—…st but he replyed Let me alone Brothers and suffer me rather to â—…oke to heauen-wards then to the earth and to put my soule into â—…to the right way being euen now ready to passe to the Creatour After this seing the Deuil to appeare before him What dost â—…ou heere sayd he thou bloudy beast Thou shalt find nothing 〈◊〉 me O Thiefe Arahams bosome lyes open and ready for me And with these words he yeilded vp his spirit vpon Saturday about â—…idnight in the tyme of Honorius and Arcadius Emperours in the â—…eare of our Lord 397. or as others will haue it 402. hauing his â—…ce so resplendant and all those members and fleâ—…h of his so ill inâ—…eated before and mortifyed now so white fresh and sweete to â—…ehold as they seemed already to be transformed into the state of â—…ory At the very same tyme were heard most sweet haâ—…onyes â—…boue of Angelicall Quires and this not only in those parts but â—…uen likewise in the Citty of Colen where the blessed Seâ—…erinus Biâ—…op together with his Archdeacon was paâ—… of so gratefull acâ—…ents also and the same Bishop had reueâ—… besides how in that â—…und so continued in his eares the seuere ministers of the eternall â—…ustice were at his passage though in vayne withholding and â—…xamining S. Martyn Whence euery one may consider with what â—…gour sinners are there handled since so without respect the very â—…st are so strictly dealt with The newes being spread abroad of his desâ—…e who were â—…le to expresse the mourning of all and the solemnity of the Exeâ—…uyes there made When not only of Towers and all the Countrey â—…ereabous but euen from sundry other neighbour Cittyes likewise all the Inhabitants came forth to honour the body while the coâ—… trary affects at once then combated in their soules both of ioy 〈◊〉 nes notwithstanding the number of those was much greater 〈◊〉 moued with the losse of such a Father Pastour and Maister and 〈◊〉 their only refuge went sighing and lamenting bitterly amidst 〈◊〉 hymnes canticles But especially the assembly of two thoâ—… Monkes all trayned vp by the Sâ—…int and partly a chast and 〈◊〉 Quire of Virgins all eleuated in spirit diuine praises gaue foâ—… pious and noble spectacle to behold With such a trayne then a great deale more glorious thâ—…n 〈◊〉 triumphes of Emperours and of Caesars were the sacred spoyleâ—… 〈◊〉 posed in 〈◊〉 certaine place of that Countrey vntill it was throâ—… determined where it should be placed in a proper and stable 〈◊〉 pulcher Now there being in those dayes a great controuersy 〈◊〉 thereabouts betweene the inhabitants of Towers and those of 〈◊〉 tiers in the one of which places S. Martin had led a good while 〈◊〉 priuate life and in the other had gouerned the Church to his dyiâ—… day And they being not able in so great diuersity of minds by 〈◊〉 mane wayes to come vnto accord therin and both the one and 〈◊〉 ther people coÌ„tending with ech other about the same in strict 〈◊〉 and custody of the sacred treasure It pleased our Lord that 〈◊〉 of Poytiers about midnight should remayne all oppressed with 〈◊〉 profound a sleepe as that their aduersaries being aware therof 〈◊〉 the space to let downe the body quietly by a window into a Baâ—… there ready in the riuer Whereupon looke with how much ioy triumph for so great a purchase they went conducting it home 〈◊〉 the others became as sorowfull perplexed for the losse the next day morning There was afterwards by the Bishops successours to S. Maâ—… built to his honour in Towers a sumptuous magnificent Church where with great veneration was kept that noble instrument 〈◊〉 diuine wisedome vntill this vnhappy age in which the Sunne haâ—… not seen a worse deed then the impious scattering of those blessed Reliques in the riuer of Luâ—…ra by the hands of sacrilegious Heretiques But howbeyt through diuine permission they had the force to disperse the bones and ashes of the Saint Yet were they noâ—… able nor euer shall be to extinguish the memory of his manifold miracles nor the good odour of his excellent Vertues FINIS S. FVLGENTIVS THE ARGVMENT NAture and Art behold conioyn'd in one A Genius void of affectation Most affable Victorious grace to fight Agaynst rebellious sense and appetite The world orecome by â—…lighting it a Crowne Of glory got and by contempt Renowne See how although a thousand crosses band Agaynst the good in spite of all they stand Firme in their godly purpose mou'd no more Then rocks by waters forced on the shore Happy Selfe-will when Will it selfe subdues And for a guide and sternes-man Heauen doth vse THE LIFE OF S. FVLGENTIVS BISHOP OF RVSPA Written by a Disciple of his The Parentage Birth and Education of S. Fulgentius his Vocation to Religion Chap. I. AT such tyme as Hunnericus King of the Vandals tooke Carthage Cordianus Senatour of that Citty with all the others of the same Order being spoyled of his goods and driuen into Italy dyed there leauing Sonnes behind him wherof two of them with hope of recouering their Fathers estate returning into Affrick found their house to be giuen away already to an Arrian Priest so as they had no commodity to recouer the same and to inhabit in Carthage though they had the fauour to enter into some part of their substance with which they got themselues into the Citty of Leste where one of them by name Claudius hauing taken to wife a pious honourable Woman called Mariana by her had the blessed Fulgentius whose life we take in hand to write This woman hauing in her fiâ—… yeares lost her husband tooke â—…o small care to set her sonne to schoole And forasmuch as in those tymes was made great accompt of the Greeke tongue the suffered him not to attend to the Latin vntill such tyme as he had the workes of Homer by hart and was also well versâ—…d in the Poet Meâ—…ander and as the youth was of a noble wit and of a happy memory he so profited in that study as in the Greeke pronunciation and accent he seemed as it were a naturall Grecian After this he gaue himselfe to the Latin wherein likewise he made a happy progresse but as it chanceth in like cases very suddenly he was forced to leaue them both while the gouernement of the whole family fel vpon him but yet so as in that managâ—… of his estate he would neuer subtrâ—…ct himselfe froÌ„ the obedience of his Mother Who in her widdow-hood tooke meruâ—…ilous consolation from the good deportements of her prudent sonne perceyuing how dexterous he was in entertayning friends reasonable in opposing enemies how meeke towards seruants and seuere withal how diligent in the care of his patrimony and discreet in purchasing the grace of Princes whereby he came very soone to such reputation as he was made 〈◊〉 chiefe Magistrate of the Common wealth Now while in this
pâ—…ceiuing himselfe by such occupations much hindred from his vnion with God and sweet contemplation of inuisible things Besides the which the tytle of Abbot and charge of commaunding others was of small contentment to him while he called to mynd that Christ our Lord himselfe had sayd that he came to serue and not to be serued and to performe not his proper will but that of the eternall Father With such kind of thoughts as these being newly pushed on to abase and hide himselfe by all meanes after a long consideration atlast he tooke the resolution which we will shew you now There washes the banckes of Vinci and Bennese an arme of the Sea full of shelfs and rockes In the one of which being so dry 〈◊〉 day by day they were fayne to procure fresh water to be brought them with litle boates was found to be a Conuent of Monks who vnder the care of two Reuerend Prelats there perseuered in extreme pennance and pouerty To this Monastery now the blessed Fulgentius being retired he began to relish agayne the desired fruits of a priuate life and of holy humility mortifying through obedience all proper will in taming continually the flesh with fastings prayers and vigils and diuing at pleasure in to the profound mysteryes of the Eternity and yet interupting withall at tymes his mentall exercises in copying forth with his owne hand â—…ome good booke or other which he could do very excellently well or els in weauing for sundry vses the leaues of Palmes wherin likewise he had beene very dexterous heertofore so as it seemed to him hâ—… was now in that state he wished for so much but yet was it not affoarded him to remayne therein as long as he would Because that Felix his Collegue and the other his Monkes hauing notice thereof first of all vsed all the meanes possible they could themselues to haue him agayne but while their prayers and persuasions were not of force thereunto they finally interposed the authority of the Venerable Faustus the Bishop by whome S. Fulgentius was constrayned at last to returne backe agayne and 〈◊〉 the end he might be engaged to remayne there with a new obliâ—…ation he was forthwith ordayned both Priest and Abbot with â—…hich chaynes being now tyed he began to set his hart at rest and 〈◊〉 attend with all study and care to that which God had commenâ—…ed vnto him whereupon in short tyme was spread so good an oâ—…our as the Abbot Fulgentius in all that territory was held to be 〈◊〉 common Father and Pastour of all with a vniuersall desire to â—…hoose him and no other for Bishop when tyme should serue of â—…hich conceipt S. Fulgentius was aware but in regard that as then â—…y Edicts of King Trasamond the ordinations of Bishops were proâ—…ibited he was acquit of all doubt thereof esteeming it in vayne to â—…y the dignities which could neyther be giuen or taken But after that the holy Colledge of Bishops yet remayning â—…rough zeale of the diuine glory and the common good with publike Decree had freely defined that notwithstanding the Kings â—…rohibition ordination of Bishops should be made in euery Dioâ—…esse and heerupon that holy decree was begun to be executed â—…n all sides the people the while striuing to appeare no lesse â—…ious and diligent then others heere it was that the blessed Fulâ—…entius went about to preuent their designes and to hide himâ—…elfe in such wise as there was no possible meanes to find him out â—…o as the inhabitants were fayne to resolue to expect till such time â—…s he might appeare in sight but fearing in the meane while some â—…ew inhibition should proceed from Court they were enforced agaynst their wills to make one of their Clerks a Bishop and so in 〈◊〉 very short space were almost all the Churches furnished with Pastours and that with so great dislike of the King as he tooke order to banish the Bishops and caused the Archbishop S. Victor himselfe to be cast into prison at Carthage to the great lamentation and disturbance of the Catholique part The which as soone as S. Fulgentius vnderstood as thinking himselfe to be now out of all daunger of any such honour he stayd not 〈◊〉 whit from returning agayne to the custody of his litle flocke But it pleased the diuine prouidence that the humble Seruant of God should be deceyued of this purpose Forasmuch indeed as among â—…hose people which as yet now were destitute of a Bishop was â—…hat of Ruspa a famous Citty and very full of rich and noble inhabitants Which delay of theirs had sprung from the ambition of a certayne Deacon there one Felix by name who the more 〈◊〉 he pretended to the Chayre was the more maynely resiâ—… by good men and though himselfe through fauour of his kindred and friends had a faction sufficient to hinder others from the dignity yet not inough it seemed to procure it to himselfe Among those discords and ciuill broyls it was sudainely vnderstood that S. Fulgentius who could neuer be discouered before at the tyme of the creation past did now appeare at last In the meane while the Arch-Bishop happening to passe by Ruspa in his conduction to Carthage the Gentleman of the Citty with some Catholique Bishops there had accesse vnto him and easely obteyned full licence to create S. Fulgentius the Pastour of Ruspa Heereupoâ—… many Cittizens with great hast presented themselues to the Seruaâ—… of God who remayned in his Cell infirme of his eyes so â—…king him vp as it were on their shoulders with mayne force they 〈◊〉 him into their countrey and then consecrating him with dâ—…e 〈◊〉 placed him in the Pontifical seate But in conducting hiâ—… thither there happened a notable thing which followes A Deacon layes an ambush to assayle S. Fulgentius but missed of his purpose He is confined afterwards with other Prelats into the land of Sardiniâ—… Chap. 6. THE foresaid Deacon hauing taken vp the way with a strong guard to hinder the passage of S. Fulgentius his company 〈◊〉 while through the secret instinct of heauen tooke another wayâ—… so was the aduersary illuded and the new Bishop with commoâ—… iubiley with solemne preparation hauing publiquely said Maâ—… communicated the faythfull with his owne hands and then after 〈◊〉 vanquish euill according to Christian perfection endeauoured 〈◊〉 honour his enemy Felix in making him Priest the which dignity in those dayes was esteemed according to the merit and greatnes of the degree But howbeit S. Fulgentius so benignly remitted the offence yet so passed not the malice without due punishment since Felix dyed within a yeare and the publique Procuratour of Ruspa who had beene his principall Fautour being so potâ—…nt as he was came sudenly to loose his riches and to fall into great streights and necessityes Whence the others were brought to dread the diuiâ—… iudgments and for euer after to haue the blessed Fulgentius in grâ—…ater veneration Whose vocation as it â—…ad beene wholy sincere and celestiall â—…t
this he dispoâ—…ed of the monyes which as yet were left him as a most faythfull Steward as he had alwayes beene of the Ecclesiasticall rents and â—…ecounting by name all the widowes Orphans Pilgrims other â—…f the poore as well of the Lay as Clerks one by one he ordayâ—…ed what he had to be giuen by poul without leauing so much aâ—… 〈◊〉 farthing vnbequeathed Heereupon turning himselfe to prayer and tenderly blessing â—…s many as entred vnto him he remayned in his senses and iudgâ—…ent vnto the last breath which he rendered vp to our Lord towards the Euening in the yeare of our Lord 461. on the first day of Ianuary in the 65. yeare of his age which was the 25. of his Bishoprike In the meane space while the prouince of Bizacâ—…na was â—…acked and harrowed with fires and assaults of Moores the country â—…nd Citty of Ruspa through the merits doubtles of the holy Pastour â—…ad alwayes enioyed a secure and quiet peace His body was watched all the night with psalmes and spirituall Canticles Thâ—…n 〈◊〉 morning being come with an infinite concourse of people 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 carryed and layd by the hands of Priests in the Church which 〈◊〉 called Secunda where himselfe had deuoutly placed the veâ—… Reliques of the Apostles and where for the reuerence of the plaâ—… till that tyme no man had beene buryed FINIS S. THEODOSIVS THE ARGVMENT DEare Saint The ancient Ages did esteeme Thy Country-men as Pigmyes so they seeme Compard to others yet thy Towring mynd Did ouerlooke the world which thou didst find A painted Harlot whose discoloured face Did maâ—…ke in faygned beauty borrowed grace Her thou discouering with a piercing eye Such base indearments quickly didst descrye And taughtst to others thousaÌ„ds didst thou free When her impostures blazond were by thee Both friend and foe one action doth auerre Thee to the world no friend no foe to her Might tyme but like the billowes of the maine Reduce it selfe into its spring agayne Oâ—… Eagle-like could once it selfe renew That we its ancient ofspring might reuievv We should confesse past Ages hardly saw One from the world the world more to withdraw THE LIFE OF S. THEODOSIVS ABBOT The Parents Country and Education of S. Theodosiâ—… His Vocation and how he met with Stelites With his aâ—… 〈◊〉 afterwards at Hierusalem Chap. I. THE great Father and Maister of Monks S. â—…dosius was one of the number of those who not receiuing from their Natiue Countrey eyther splendour or renowne haue yet through 〈◊〉 proper actions and eminent vertues enobled the same The blessed MaÌ„n was borne in Mâ—…assus of Cappadocia a place obscure and vnknown before but after by so happy a plaâ—…t deseruedly famous and illustrious His Parents were 〈◊〉 â—…gia both Christians according to the quality of the land there very honourable wealthy By these the Child being nurtured with great care both in the feare of God and in some knowledge of good literature assoone as he arriued to yeares of discretion as he was among other his gifts of a prompt and ready wit and of a cleare voyce and distinct proâ—…ciation he was 〈◊〉 to recite the â—…ine scriptures to the people assembled in the Temple on determinate dayes In which exercise while many examples precepts of sancâ—…y were presented 〈◊〉 him and while he notes in the old Testaâ—…nt 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 obedienâ—… of Abraham in going forth of his Country and â—…ing hâ—… only begotten sonne and in the sacred Ghospell considers the rewards proposed to such as leaue their PareÌ„ets or goods for the loue of God â—…his doctrine anon â—…unck very deepe into the hart of the prâ—…dent youth so as now generously contemning the delights of that age reiecting with a sterne brow the 〈◊〉 flatteryes of the Sensâ—… he determined to walke by the narrow and vnbeaten way vnto the glorious confines of the true Beatitude To which effect knowing what need there was of the celestiall grace to obtayne it more easily and in greater aboundance the first thing he did was that recommending himselfe to God he applyed his thoughts vnto the pilgrimage 〈◊〉 Palestine to see adorâ—… the Land so dyed with the bloud and printed with the steps of our Sauiour and through the liuely memory of his cruell torments to gather from thence aboundant fruite of spirit and perseuerance Such in summe was the Vocation of S. Thedosius while the Councell of Calcedon was then assembling And forasmuch as at that time the same of Simeon Stelites the Greater was very illustrious who â—…eare vnto Antioch standing day and night on the top of a pillaâ—… wholy exposed to the iniury of the elements to the great admiration of the world performed very shaâ—…pe pennance it seemed good to the deuout Pilgrime to go that way to take thereby the benediction and spirituall precepts of so worthy and admirable a personage Tâ—…yling thâ—… towards the same Countrey he no sooner approched to that strange habitation but that before he opened his mouth he heard himselfe with a lowd voyce to be called vpon and saluted by the holy old man by his proper name who hauing â—…otice from Heauen of the quality and intention of this new Traâ—…aylour thâ—… began to cry out aâ—… the first sight of him Thou art wellcome Thou man of God O Theodosius At which very sound the fresh Disciple of the eternall Wisedome being stooke with 〈◊〉 as it were and prostrating himselfe on the ground most humbly saluted him agayne and then recollecting himselfe from the feare he was in and with a set ladder getting vp the Pillar he was not only most deerely imbraced by Simeon but also fully certifyed of all his foture euents and aduentures of the numerous raâ—…nall stocke which in processe of tyme he was to assemble togeather and to seed and of the great multitude of soules which he through 〈◊〉 help was in time to take forth of the iawes of the internall 〈◊〉 as much also in summe as in the whole course of his present 〈◊〉 through diuine disposition were like to betyde him To this prophesy were adioyned counsayles and exhortationâ—… full of wisedome and truth where with S. Theodosius being much comforted very cheerfully proceeded in his way and safely 〈◊〉 at Hierusalem while the Blessed Inuenall did gouerne that Meâ—… Heere hauing visited with great coÌ„solation those most holy place he began to thinke with himselfe what manner of life he might choose to discharge himselfe of all terrene affects and to be vnited more easily with the eternall goodnes A consultation by how much more necessary so much the more dubious and perplexed it was vnto him as appeares in the Chapter following The conflict S. Theodosius had in himselfe about his vocation with his resolution thereupon And how searing Prelacy he flyes into a Caue Chap. 2. THeodosius heereupon on the one side felt himselfe to be 〈◊〉 with a vehement desire vnto solitude while to him it 〈◊〉 that therein without al impediment he might
and glory to giue S. Theodosius a distinct accompt of all that dayes worke with immortall thankes Many other apparitions are recompted of this diuine Man 〈◊〉 heertofore of S. Nicolas By meanes wherof heere one at sea very happily escapes out of cruell tempeâ—…s and heere another in the land from sauage beasts and some from this perill and some from that There are likewise told diuers predictions of his whence 〈◊〉 appeares how eminent he was in the spirit of Prophesy But setting apart such like graces being common with men sometymes 〈◊〉 no good life my pen more willingly conuerts it selfe to the 〈◊〉 discourse of his religious Vertue The Humility and Patience of the Man of God especially in his extremity 〈◊〉 sicknes And how sweetly he gaue vp the Ghost Chap. 8. AMong the vertues of this Venerable man the sollicitude 〈◊〉 had of manteyning continuall peace and true concord between his Subiects not deserued the least place And this â—…are 〈◊〉 his so boyled in his breast as that when any of them by soâ—… accident had broken any friendship betweene them if by no other meanes he could not peece and reunite them agayne he would not stick to cast himselfe downe at their feeâ—…e and to pray and coniure ech part so long as that being mollifyed with tendernes and confounded with shame deposing all rancour they became reconciled to ech other From whence may likewise be gathered how great was the humility of the holy man most worthy of admiratioÌ„ were it only for this that by such acts he lost no reputation but rather how much greater contempt he shewed of himselfe he waâ—… so much the more esteemed and reuerenced by othes With this submission of his was the vertue of Patience seene 〈◊〉 march hand in hand with him being a safe buckler and secure 〈◊〉 of the souldiours of Christ against the hoat and furious assaulâ—… of the ancient aduersary Of which kind of aimes how 〈◊〉 the Man of God would be helping himselfe he notably 〈◊〉 in his extreme age Because that being oppressed throughâ—… most grieuous infirmity which made him more then a yeare to keep his bed with most sharpe dolours yet for all that he fayled not of his in ward peace nor yet for sâ—…ew his accustomed prayer and familiarity with God And they affirmed who assisted him day night â—…hat in the greatest extremity of all and fury of his fits he did nothing or sayd any word vn worthy of Christian magnanimity or of his former behauiour But euen rather the said assistants auerre That a certaine venerable old man being come to visit him and through compassion bidding him pray to God to deliuer him of so great affliction and he should easily be heard with no pleasing countenance contrary â—…o custome he answered thus Of charity Father speake not to me â—…ny more in this manner for as often as such thoughts haue come â—…nto my mind I euer held them as suggestions of the enemy with all endeauour haue expelled them from me discoursing in this manner with my selfe that to abate the pride that may arise in me from the credit which God hath plesed to giue me on earth these â—…gonyes and humiliations are to very good purpose And what share trow you are we like to haue in the consolations of the Eâ—…ernity if in this short space or rather moment of tyme we suffer â—…ot some manner of affliction In truth Father we needs must resolue to suffer at this present if we would not worthily be vpâ—…rayded with these words herafter Recepisti bona tua in vita tua Thus S. Theodosius spake and the Monke admiring and touched withal went his wayes In the meane tyme the Man of God feeling himselfe to decay more and more calling at last his sad disciples to his Cell with his owne and their great feeling he exhorted them to perseuere in their vocation and stoutly to resist all temptations and aboue all to maynteyne faythfull and prompt Obedience to whome soeuer with lawful election should come to succed him in the gouerment Moreouer very humbly calling for three of the Bishops of those countryes and communicating with them some things of importance for the publique seruice in the presence of them and of all the Monkes in teares he alone being ioyfull and glad hauing with diligence procured already all things necessary for such a presage did lift vp his eyes and hands to heauen and then decently â—…sting them on his breast without any difficulty yeilded vp his spirit being now of 105. yeares old And it pleased our Lord that a man possessed of an ill spirit who till that tyme could neuer be deliuered from so great a calamity now finally casting himselfe downe with many teares and bitter sighes on the couch of the Saint at the first touch of the venerable Reliques but yet more tormented then euer in the presence of as many as were there was freed and secure from that 〈◊〉 tyranny The blessed Pope Hormisda had the care of the Vniuersall Church at that tyme though others according to S. Cyrill would haue him to haue arriued to the tymes of Pope Agapitus that is to the yeare 536 and in particular of Hierusalem in the tyme of the Patriarch Peter who at the first aduertisement of the departure of S. Theodosius came in hast to the Monastery while an infinite number of people of all parts came likewise in to obtayne some shâ—…ed of the Garment or Capuch of the blessed man or at least to comâ—… neare him and contemplate more freely on those chast lymmes of his which had beene such efficacious instruments of the high Crâ—…tour Whereupon to satisfy the pious desire of the multitude the sacred corps of force remayned vnburyed vntill such tyme as the throng being somewhat ceased he was by his deerest most denoted friends with teares and sighes deposed in the bosome of the coÌ„mon Mother from thence to arise agayne at the sound of the last trumpet with the other Elect most glorious and resplendant for all Eternity FINIS S. BENET ABBOT THE ARGVMENT LOoke how the Rosy Daughter of the morne The Starre that glads ech mortall with its sight Leauing at first old Titans bed forlorne About the Spheres doth cast her Crimsom light Roses and Lillyes hurling through the skye Quenching the starres with rayes from thence that fly So glorious was thy morning so bright rayes Thy tender yeares did lighten and foretold The heauenly Sunshine of thy riper dayes Dispelling darkenesse and inflaming cold And senselesse hearts with fire of holy loue And drawing all to seeke the ioyes aboue Thou taughtst the way remouing obstacles That as they rise depresse our mounting soules Thy doctrine thou confirmdst with miracles And heau'n by thee both Death and Hell controules If Starre or Angell bring Heau'ns influence Thou art that Starre thou that Intelligence THE LIFE OF S. BENET ABBOT Taken out of the Dialogues of S. Gregory The Infancy and more tender yeares of
himselfe awhit behind to go forth to meete him with great vehemency and with equall hope of victory The encounter endured many houres not without a great slaughter betweene them still with vncertayne and doubtfull euent the King himselfe went heer and there very manfully vp and downe the troups encouraging the doubtfull inciting the valiant hartening the cowards and very readily sending still succour where greater necessity appeared and aboue all neuer ceased he to inuoke the diuine aâ—…nce in a cause 〈◊〉 iust and his prayers were not cast into the winds because that Vencellinus who had the right wing in charge perceiuing himselfe to be secretly renforced as it were with new breath after he had â—…ought a good while with his eye vpon the disloyall Capa finally knew him and went suddenly to meete him while they both were buckling together hand to hand the King perceyuing the encounter with a good number of choyce horse made â—…ast to succour him wheÌ„ approching neerer he sees Vencellinus hauing now vnhoâ—…sed his enemy to be cutting of his head with his owne hands the which to the great ioy of the Christians was put on the point of a speare and being carryed heer and there did giue great terrour to the Rebels for without more adoe they fell into route and direct flight while our men pursued them with hoat executions and with the same violence entring into the enemies trenches neuer gaue ouer from cutting in peeces as many as they found therein vntill S. Stephen who grieued at the effusion of so much bloud caused the retrayt to be founded The Captiues as guilty of high treason escaped not without coÌ„uenient punishmeÌ„t one quarter of Capas body in terrour of the rest was affixed on the gate of Vesprinio another of Strigonium the third at Gauerino and the fourth at Alba Iulia the principall Citty of Transiluania And if S. StepheÌ„ in chastizing had vsed iustice he shewed it no lesse in largely rewarding his Captaynes and souldiours according to the dignity and deportement of ech one but his principall study was amidst such prosperous euents to shun vayneglory and to shew forth that piety and gratitude which he owed to the Authour of all good and the Court of Heauen And to that end deuout processions being made with solemne masses he began from the very foundations a magnificent Temple to S. Martyn his Protectour in a scite which is called the holy Hill where is sayd the great Seruant of God was wont to remayne in contemplation for the litle tyme he abode in that Country and besides the applying of the third part of the spoyles to the fabricque he assigned for all the Priests that should inhabite there the whole Tithes of corne wine of cattell and moreouer of the children themselues of the inhabitants of the Citty and territory of Simigia And the rest of the goods which he might well haue put into the Fiscall he deputed part to the maintenance of the poore part to the increase of the diuine worship And being inflamed with new feruour of charity he neuer left crauing of the Highest at all houres somtymes in sackcloth ashes the grace to see before his death all Hungary conuerted vnto the fayth as forseing for certayne that being so it should come to be as it fell out afterwards a perpetuall and strong bul warke for the Church of Christ agaynst the violence of the Barbarians Many difficultyes seemed to crosse this pious desire of his but none greater then the want of sufficient Cathechists Preachers while the number of them who had come to those parts in the tyme of Geisa through diuers accidents was much diminished Whereupon in imitation of his Father with ample patents and very liberall offers he sent to al the religious Orders of Christendom to inuite the good and learned vnto him In somuch as many Monkes and Priests repayred thither partly moued at so honest a request and partly also of their proper will Among which was one Astricus a Benedictin Abbot called Anastasius by another name with some disciples of his who in the lower Hungary receyued some wounds for Christ. From Polony resorted two famous Hermits Andrew and Benet whereof the one was famous for miracles the other honoured with sacred martyrdome By meanes of these others who came to that worke the King attended to instruct the Gentils in the principles and manners truly Christian alluring them with sweetnes of words and workes and likewise when need required constrayning theÌ„ by mayne force to forsake the impious worship of the Idols Nor euer ceased he from the worke vntill such tyme as he had purged all those lands of their profane rites and abhominable filth of the Diuells And to the end that all might proceed with due forme and that the fruit of these labours might be durable he takes in hand with mature consideration with the counsayle of the wise to ordayne in fit places with sufficient rents Parochiall and Collegiate Churches diuers Conuents of Monkes and diuided the Kingdome it selfe into ten Bishoprickes declaring the Citty of Strigonium the Mother of them all choosing Prelates of honourable fame for ech one and such as were apt with the word to feed the flocke and to lead them with good workes King Stephen sends to Rome an Embassadour to submit himselfe and his Kingdome to the Sea Apostolique marryes with Gisâ—…a of the house of Bauary Chap. 5. THe rumour and applause of these so heroicall actions of S. Stephen immediately ran through all Europe and there was none who vnderstood the noble proceedings and spirituall conquests of the new King that deemed him not worthy of eternall prayse and royall Maiesty Yet he alone could not satisfy himselfe nor euer repute that Hierarchy Canonicall or the Title acceptable to God vnles the free assent and full confirmation of the Pope were added thereunto who in those dayes was Benedictus VIII Some foure yeares then after the death of Geisa the Rebels for the most being suppressed the publique affayres put in good order and the faith dilated now as farre as Danubius he sent Embassadour to the Citty of Rome with a goodly and decent pompe the aforesaid Anastasius by him named already Bishop of Coâ—…otz who after kissing of the feet and tender of obedience and a full relation of what had happened in Hungary in these latter yeares was humbly to beseech his Holyâ—… for three things First that he would daigne to blesse and admit that new Christianity into the my sticall body of the faythfull The second to ratify with his supreme power what S. Stephen had al ready disposed about the Bishopriques Metropolis The third to approue and declare valid the name of King wherewith he had beene voluntarily honoured by his subiects to the end that the iudgment of the vicar of Christ concurring thereunto he might with so much the greater authority seeme to promote the diuine seruice whereto only had
all his industryes thoughts and designes their whole scope The Pope at so noble an Embassage and ioyfull tydings felt extraordinary consolation in himselfe nor euer ceased froÌ„ praysing God for the happy increase of the Catholique Church especially there hauing beene that yeare likewise Polony vnited thereto vnder the Duke Mischa and thither come from thence in like manner an Embassage to acknowledge the chiefe Sea and to yeild due obedience to his Holynes wherefore very freely with the generall consent of the sacred Colledge it pleased his Holynesse to giue full satisfactioÌ„ to the petitions of S. Stephen to accept the Hungars into the flock of Christ. And for royall Ensignes being a thing that seemed most iust to all he made him a gift of a Crowne of gold of great price and of excellent workmanship and more ouer sent him a Crosse to be caryed before him in publique in signe of the Apostleship and adorning the presents with these very words I am said he an Apostolique man but he may worthily be called the Apostle of God since through his meanes Christ hath gayned so great a multitude and therefore do we remit also to this good King the care of reducing those Churches to better for me with Parishes and Diocesses In this manner Anastasius with a happy expedition hauing now obtayned what he would returned agayne very glad into Hungary In whose approch to Strigonium he was met by S. Stephen forth of the territory there with a great multitude of the Clergy Nobility Then were the Apostolicall Briefs read and the Crowne and Crosse presented which things S. Stephen receiued not only with extreme ioy but also with much veneration kneeling himselfe among other things in publique at ech mention which was made of the holy Father to excite with his example his subiects to a great esteeme and reuerence due to the Roman Sea Then being anoynted consecrated and crowned with solemne ceremonyes triumphes by the Arch-Bishop he attended with more seriousnes theÌ„ euer to take away the impediments quite from the course of the Ghospell maynteyning the external peace with a good neighbourhood and louing offices and the internall with Edicts Lawes full of iustice and equity And forasmuch as to conserue the state and life of the Prince and to restrayne the pride and animosity of the more stubborne subiects it is of no light regard besides the good intelligence of neighbour Potentats to haue like wise some number of Children he determined with the iudgement of his more trusty and wise Counsaylours not to differre his mariage any longer especially there offering it self the most noble coÌ„dition of Gisla of the illustrious bloud Bauary and Sister of Henry the second being he that comming into Italy and crowned by the Pope to his immortal prayse had chased away the Saracens and their fauourits from Gapua and those neighbour countryes The Spquse then was decently conducted to the Husband and as that Sacrament was celebrated with all the circumstances and respects due vnto Christian Princes so is it no woÌ„der the match succeeded to be one of the most blessed which for many yeares haue flourished since in the world Into that royall house neuer entered any vayne pompes no importune iealousyes no false suspitions nor bitter contentions while the happy couple striued not between themselues but in charity vnâ—…aigned in the continuall study of the diuine glory For which end hauing obteyned as we haue said confirmation from Rome of the Strigonian Matropolis and of the Seas subordinat thereunto to eschew all occasion of strifes he cleerly determined and lymited the confines of ech the same did he also to diuerse Abbacyes founded by him Saint Stephen and his Queene build many Monasteryes His piety 〈◊〉 to all and the marueilous eleuation of his in prayer Chap. 6. IT cannot easily be expressed what sollicitude and magnificeÌ„ce Saint Stephen alwayes shewed in sacred buildings He built a marueilous goodly Temple in Alba-regalis to the most Blessed Virgin to whome he was singularly deuoted and so would he likewise haue all those vnder him and to keep the vigils of all her Feasts and especially of the Assumption prouiding it with most ample priuiledges of large rents and sumptuous furnitures of vessels both of siluer and gold beset with iewels and so finely wrought as the metall though of exceeding price was the least part of the valew therof In the ancient Buda called Sicambria of old he erected a most noble Temple to the glorious Apostles S. Peter S. Paul hauing for that end with great rewards caused certaine Architects to come from Greece and as many artificers as he could procure to come thither And to the end the Hungars might conuerse more freely in Rome and continue alwayes firme in deuotion to the chief Bishop he dedicated that gallant Temple of Mont Celius there to S. Stephen the Protomartyr without sparing any cost which for the figure is commonly called the Rotundo and there richly founded withal a Colledge of twelue Priests and built in the Vatican sufficiently prouided an Inne for a welcome receptacle of those of his nation who should go to visit the Princes of the Apostles And extending his liberality also into Thraciâ—… and Soria he erected in Constantinople a holy place very statly and goodly to behold and a conuent of Religious in Hierusalem that ech day at the holy Sepulcher sacrifices might be offered for the publique good These and other very pious places are recounted to be built by that holy King And the Queene Giâ—…a also besides the participation she had with his merits in applauding her husband in all things concurring therto as much as she might would needs build likewise at her proper assignements and adorn at all points the Church of Vesprinio and there maynteyne at her owne costs a good number of Priests to say diuine seruice And if such were the greatnes of mind of these two happy Princes and continuall profusion of expeÌ„ces in materiall wals and other dumbe works euery one may easily ghesse how much their benignity was and how great their tendernes to men created for the heauenly country and oppressed and afflicted in this banishment of theirs through various necessityes miseryes It is reported of S. Stephen that there neuer came any pilgrime to him whome he lodged not and after dismissed with a viatique He had an extraordinary care of the sicke he would send them besides dayly relief now and then some louing present or other and immediately cured some of those whome he but commaunded to arise in the name of God By night with a pleasing and cheerfull countenance he would put himselfe to wash the feet of most abiect people and then at last bestow mony vpon them He would further in the night go alone vnknowne to visit the Hospitalls of the poore with his full purse And it happened on a tyme that some of them eyther through greedines of the present obiect
all manner of debauchnes being at last compunct and contrite for all went his wayes to Rome and there making a generall Confession of his whole life had for his penaÌ„ce to weare on his bare flesh a breast plate of steele tyed on with fiue chaynes of iron with a sheet of paper written therein wherein his more enormous crymes were conteyned signed with the seale of his Holynes and in this habit to go visit the holy places of Christendome vntill such tyme as through diuine power the bands should be vndone the writing be wholy cancelled This man obeyed with great promptnes and after he had beene at Hierusalem and other famous Monuments of Saints he came at last vnto Alba-regalâ—… there putting himself in prayer at the shrine of the holy King StepheÌ„ he determined not to arise from thence vntill he had perfectly obteyned the grace And now he had perseuered from one to nine a clock at night when sleepe through wearynes oppressed him and immediately the glorious King appeared vnto him saying Get vp friend and go thy wayes to the Chapell hard by of my sonne Emericus who through especiall priuiledge of incorrupt virginity shall obtayne thee vndoubtedly pardon of thy so great crymes he being one of the number of those who haue neuer defiled their garments but accompany the Lambe wheresoeuer he goes and who stand singing before the Throne of God that new song Which said he vanisheth the Penitent without delay passing to the Monument of Blessed Emericus had no sooner begun to frame new prayers but that in a moment his hard knots fell loose of theÌ„selues the seale broke open discouered the paper to be blank At the noyse of the cheynes falling off the Keepers of the Church others at that tyme entring to do their deuotions came running to him and some of them vnderstanding particularly by relation and the rest with their owne eyes what had happened neuer ceased to magnify God the giuer of all good and merueilous in his Saints To whome be all honour power and benediction for all eternity Amen S. EDVVARD KING THE ARGVMENT AN Orphan left and in minority Heau'en was my Guardian this did mee protect To this I did assigne my custody My raging â—…es heerby suppress't and checkt Yielding to 〈◊〉 did grant me liberty To serue my deare Aduancer and reflect On this false world which promising content Doth only yield vs matter to repent As those that in the Eternall Essence see What ere falls out what euer was before Veyl'd vnder bread Deare Lord I viewd in thee The machinations of the Prince that bore A Rauen bath'd in Martiall Gules to bee Dissolu'd I stretcht mine Empire past the shore That Albion bounds my force did Ireland tame That thought my standards fatall where they came Treasures so much I slighted that I viewd Vnmoued thereat my treasures borne away The â—…ately Fane at Thorney rays'd hath shewd My end Heau'ns glory Still it doth display A mynd with true Magnificence endâ—…'de Heerby I gaind what neuer shall decay And with a Ring espous'd me to the skie Where my Raygne done I raygne Eternally THE LIFE OF S. EDVVARD KING OF ENGLAND Written by Alred Abbot of Ridall of the Order of Cisterce S. Edward is chosen King in his Mothers wombe Ethelrede the Father dying Edmund succeeds Canutus rages Emma flies with her two yonger Sonnes into Normandy with the great towardlines of S. Edward IT pleased Gâ—… the Blessed Edward through especiall pâ—…ogatiue should be chosen King before his aâ—…pearing to the world for that at the instance of his Father Ethelred King of England a Parliament being called as wel for other publique affayres as to declare sweare to a new Prince howbeyt already there were two soÌ„nes of his of strong constitution Edmond and Alfred yet the Nobility Clergy being but little satisfyed with eyther of them with a wonderous inclination concurred to yeild homage vnto an vncertaine yssue as yet enclosed in the Mothers wombe which being born 〈◊〉 little after was called by the name of Edward True it is that Eâ—…red dying in those dayes and most cruell tempests threatning the Iland on euery side with consent of the Barons not to leaue thingâ—… altogether without a head the said Edmond tooke the rule vpon him Nor was it long but that a terrible inundation of the Barbarous Danes came rushing into England vnder the Tyrant Canutus Who beginning to put all things to fire and sword the Queene Mother whose name was Emma a Norman by natioÌ„ was conuayed for greater security with her yonger sonnes into her Fathers Country Heere the child Edward began betymes to giue forth very euident signes of the mature piety he was like to atteyne in tyme. Iâ—… reguard that hauing in scorne all childish sports he attended still among other tokens of a Christian mind to visit now this now that holy Conuent and to linck streight amityes with the most famous Seruants of God In the meane tyme in England the â—…ury of the Enemy grew day by day more cruell then other nor was now to be seen at last or heard any other then slaughters rapins bitter plaints and terrible outcrys The Temples burned the sacred habitations ruined the Guardians and Pastours oâ—… soules for feare of the worst punishments hid themselues in the most craggy and desert places Among which was Britwald Bishop of Winchester a man of great prayer and of a notable spirit Who praying one day with many teares for the health of the Kingdome and powring forth his afflicted hart with sighs and laments before the diuine presence after much wearynes of mind and body fell finally asleepe Where behold the Prince of the Apostles appeared to him from an eminent place with S. Edward before him a youth very gracious in countenance and adorned with a scepter diadem and royall manâ—…le who after he had with solemne vnction consecrated him with his owne hands gaue him many good documents withall full of verity and life and in particular exhorted him to keepe virginity reuealing to him besisides for how many yeares he should hold the dominion Now Britwald being sorely astonished at such a vision at soone as he returned agayne to himselfe tooke hart beseeched S. 〈◊〉 to vouchsafe to manifest to him some things of the estate of that miserable CouÌ„try of the end of the troubles which afflicted the same To which demaund the Apostle answered with a seren countenaÌ„ce Kingdomes O Bishop are of God he is the Lord and Maister of all he at his pleasure alters and changes gouernments for the sinnes of nations doth ofteÌ„ exalt the Hypocrit The diuine Maiesty is grieuously offended with thy people and therfore they are falleÌ„ into the hands of their most capitall aduersaryes but yet neuerthelesse God shall not be vnmindfull of his wonted mercy nor stretch forth his iust vengeance for euer vpon them because many yeares shall not passe after thy death but
Kings mynd was approching to aduertise him thereof whereof S. Edward being aware Stand still Leofrick said he stand still what thou seest I see also and then Masse being ended he added I cōiure thee O Earle for the Maiesty of him we haue both seene too day that while we are in this life thou speake not a word of this vision to the end that eyther throgh popular applause we may not fall into pride or through so rare a nouelty occasion may be giuen of murmuring to those who belieue no more then what they can touch or feele with the fingar Among these things S. Edward being now well stept in yeares and loaden with merits was certified that now at last his reward approched and his certificate was in this manner He held next S. Peter S. Iohn Euangelist the beloued Disciple of Iesus in greatest veneration insomuch as he neuer denyed any honest petition that euer was made to him in the name of S. Iohn Euangelist When among other times it happened one day his priuy Almenour being absent that a certayne Pilgrime with the sayd inuocation most importunely craued an almes of him and he not hauing any thing at hand pulling off a precious ring from his fingar very graciously gaue it him It fell out afterwards that two English men went in pilgrimage to the holy Sepulcher hauing crossed the Seas and now strayed vnawares out of their way in that errour they were ouertaken by the darke night wherein very sad and afflicted they could find neyther Guide nor Counsayle till beyond all hope appeared a venerable old man who conducting them into the Citty of Ierusalem benignely receyued them as ghests into his house and after a dainety supper brings them to their lodgings with great charity The morning being come they both hauing giuen thankes ready to take their iourney the good Host sayd to them Know Brethren you are like to haue a good voyage and shall returne safe and sound againe into your Country God shal be propitious to you I for your Kings sake in all this time will regard you still I am Iohn the Apostle that loues your King very tenderly for the excellency of his chastity You shall carry him backe this ring which he gaue me some dayes since when I appeared to him in forme of a Pilgrime and acquaint him that the day of his deposition approches and six months shall not passe ouer his head ere I put him into the company who follow the Lambe wheresoeuer he goes Which said the Apostle vanished they happily arriuing at home gaue faythfull accompt to the King of what they had heard and seene Not was the prediction vayne because S. Edward very soone after fell into his last sicknes wherein purposing to edify by all manner of wayes as many as conuersed with him now feeling himselfe to decay apace ordayned his death should be presently published though all the kingdome that his soule being loosed from prison might haue the suffrages of the faythfull assoone as might be and with this he passed to his most desired Lord on the 5. of Ianuary 1066. hauing held the scepter 23. yeares 6. months and 27. dayes He was bewayled and buryed with that feeling and concurse of the people as became such a Ruler and Gouernour Two translations haue been made of that vessell of the holy Ghost the one some 36. yeares after his pappy passage which vntil the other was the space of 60. yeares In both discoueryes not only those sacred members but euen also his Princely robe and habit appeared very whole and vncorrupted The first Translation was made to afford him a more honourable funerall The other followed at the tyme of his Canonization vnder Pope Alexander the III. When deposing the venerable Reliques there succeeded so many miracles anew as would be too long a matter far from our purpose to make narratiō of them Whence we may with reason hope through the merits and intercessions of this great Seruant of God that as so many particuler persons haue obtayned the graces which they craued euen so that most noble Kingdome all scandals being taken away and Heresies destroyed may one day be reduced to the vnion of the faythfull and to the lap of the holy Catholique Church S. ANSELME THE ARGVMENT SEe in the West Arabia's wonder bred With gorgeous lustre fayre embellished Rich in all colours which our eyes behold Vying agaynst the Sunne his natiue Gold The Phoenix of his age His Parents left And of all help and succour quite bereft Heau'n vndertooke his charge He needs not feare The want of friends whose friends whose Hopes are there Deuided from the world can England be The worlds chiefe Grace hauing espous'd in thee Or seeme discourag'd now or hartlesse growne When such a Saint is denized her owne No she may hope that though some clouds may hide A while the light it will at length be spi'de And that th' offended Sunne will glister more And spread his rayes far brighter then before When you Deare Saints shall put an helping hand That you agayne may on our Altars stand THE LIFE OF S. ANSELME ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBVRY Written by Edinerus a Monke of Canterbury vvho liued in his tyme. What the condition of S. Anselms Parents was The presage of his future life His good inclinations and first vocation to Religion Chap. I. WE being to vnfold the Life and manners of S. Anselme Archbishop of Canterbury a most noble Citty of England will first touch some things of his Parents His Father then was one Gondolfus who being borne in Lombardy of Italy and comming to liue in the Citty of Augusta Pratoria now called Aust in the confines of Piemont tooke to wife a gentlewoman whose name was Ermenberga These two consorts for riches nobility were equall but in manners and disposition far vnlike Because the husband being giuen to his pleasures was held to be no good husband for his family While the wife on the contrary being serious in the gouernment of the house and a wise dispenceresse of his goods gaue alwayes forth a most excellent odour of her life vnto her last leauing Gondolfus aliue who seeing himselfe vnloosedfrom the bands of Matrimony being now growne of great yeares became a Monke and dyed in his Monastery Of this couple S. Anselme was borne of whome as through a certayne presage of his future sanctity it is reported in his tender yeares hauing heard his Mother say that aboue in Heauen was but one God only who ruled and maynteyned the whole Vniuerse he thought with a childish imagination that the Heauens were shored vp and susteyned by the mountaynes that from the tops of them one might reach to the royall pallace of that great Monarke and as he often had this thought it happened one night that he seemed to mount vp by one of those tops to the forsayd pallace and beholds at the foote therof certaine seruants of the King reaping of corne
with much slouth and negligence Whereat being scandalized he determined to accuse them to the Lord himself Whereupon ascending to the top and being admitted to the Pallace he found the King with the onely attendance of one Squire and no more hauing sent away the rest of his family to reape it being then haruest tyme. The child then entring into the hall being called by the King approches neere him and sits him downe at his feete After which being pleasantly demanded by him who he was and from whence and wherefore he came he answered to all without difficulty And immediately heerupon he caused a loafe of most pure bread to be giuen him which S. Anselme eating in the King his sight felt meruaylous comfort Being afterwards awakened in the morning and reducing this vision to memory the innocent child held it to be a certayne truth no fantastical thing verily belieued he had been in Paradise indeed and had tasted of the bread of our Lord and so publikely affirmed to his companiōs He went after increasing in yeares and vertue so as for his good behauiour he was beloued of all Being sent to Schoole as he was of an excellent wit in a very short tyme he profited exceedingly in learning for his choosing of a state of life he was not yet entred into the 15. yeare of his age when he began to thinke in what manner he might best obserue the diuine precepts saue his soule and after a long discourse thereupon with himselfe he came at last to resolue there was nothing more apt for the purpose then to become a Monke to consecrate himselfe foreuer to the diuine Seruice With this determination he went his wayes to a certayne Abbot intreating him to admit him into Religion But that Prelate for feare of Gondolfus durst not receyue him And yet was not the good youth a whit coole therwith in his purpose but rather besought God he might fall into some grieuous malady to the end the Abbot by meanes thereof being moued to pitty might admit him at last The prayers of S. Anselme were more efficacious with God thē with men Being suddenly sicke then of a dangerous infirmity he besought the Abbot anew he would daigne to accomplish his desires and not suffer him to dye in the world But he fearing yet the offence aforesayd was still very stiff in the negatiue and that not without the diuine Will since the chast youth was destined to the help of other nations and for other enterprises of greater glory of Christ as we shall see anon He recouered then his perfect health for that tyme withall renewed the good purposes but afterwards what with the heate and feruour of youth and the riches and commodityes of home suffering himselfe to be carryed away with pleasures and company keeping he came wholy as it were to loose not only his Vocation and spirit he had but euen also the study of letters wherein he had been so diligent before One thing only for awhile deteyned him somewhat from complying too much with his senses therein the respect of his deere Mother whome he loand reuerenced much But after she was passed from this lyfe being then meerly without any tye at all to hold him too that frayle barke was carryed away into the waues and streames of the world S. Anselme being tyred with the bitter vsage of his Father goes into Normandy to S. Lanfranke and becomes his Scholler Chap. 2. IN his manner went S. Anselme with the greater part of mortalls into manifest perdition when the heauenly Father beholding him with the eyes of clemency to vnty him from the world permitted his Father to be so fraught with hatred and auersion from him as that equally the good and bad or rather more the good actions of S. Anselme them the bad displeased him nor was there any meanes left to pacify him with all the humility and satisfaction the yong man could yield vnto him Insomuch as seing euery day the old man to be more bitter to him and intollerable then other for feare of some great inconuenience he determined to leaue his Country Parents and friends as well to deliuer himselfe of so great tribulations and troubles as to apply himselfe anew more seriously to learning Putting himself then in order and laying his fardell on an Asse he went towards Burgundy with onely a certaine Clerke his familiar friend in his company and passing ouer Montsenese being not much accustomed to the labours of the body he felt himselfe so weary of the way and of climbing vp the hill and so afflicted withall as not hauing other sustenance he began to eate the very snow insteed of food Whereat the Clerke being moued to compassion did presently looke into his sachell to see if there were somwhat there to eate when besides all expectatiō he found therein a white and sauoury loase of bread which not in a dreame now as before but really in effect gaue to S. Anselme lyfe so as he arriued in few dayes to the place designed very safe and sound where partly in Burgundy it selfe and partly also in France for about the space of three yeares he attended to his studyes There liued in those dayes in the Monastery of Benedictins at Bec in the country of Normandy one Lanfranke an Italian by nation of the Citty of Pauia a man so famous for knowledg goodnes as many youths from diuers parts of the world repayred to him that were desirous of sound and perfect doctrine Now S. Anselme being moued with the noyse and rumour of such a one became so enflamed with desire of knowing Lanfranke by sight and to conuerse with him as he doubted not a whit to go himself in hast into that prouince And was in truth nothing deceyued of his expectation finding in that Father so rare gifts of wisedome as he tooke it for no small happynes to haue him for Mayster and to be admitted into particular familiarity with him With this occasion the feruent louer of liberall arts without sparing eyther day or night employed himselfe with singular industry to enrich his breast with sundry knowledges of high extraordinary things in giuing eare to the doctour in turning of books in gathering notes in framing Epitomes in rehearsing of thinges heard and expounding others In which occupations while he suffers much paynes and many incommodityes as it happens now of cold and now of heate now of hunger and then of sleep it came agayne into his mind that if he were a Monke as heertofore he had desire to be he should not suffer more troubles and paynes nor do more pennance then now he did while in a religious state besides he should not loose the merit of so great labours whereas in the life he then led it was more vncertayne what fruite at last he were like to gather thence Wherefore in ruminating this new purposes began to awake in his mynd of seruing God and wholy renouncing
secular designes Truly it is well knowne that that fier was as yet very feeble and the flames ascended but impure and full of smoake whereupon consulting with himselfe of the Monastery he was to retyre vnto he sayd within himselfe If I enter into that of Cluny it is somewhat too strayte and I shall not be able to endure it If in that of Bec I shall not there be esteemed awhit since the eminency of Lanfranke will doubtles obscure my name and qualityes Insomuch as not onely I shall be able to help but few but shall come also in a certayne manner to loose the tyme and paynes I haue taken in studyes It were conuenient therefore I should seeke a place where I might both help others and giue forth some worthy demonstration of my selfe In these considerations S. Anselme was remayning for some dayes but then afterwards making his reflexion thereupon through diuine grace he was soone aware how they spang from an euill spirit and from a hart but ill mortifyed too much affected to the world So as reprehending himselfe for it And doth this forsooth sayth he seeme Monachisme vnto thee so to wish to be preferred before others and to be more honoured reputed then others No truly go to then lay downe thy pride and become a Monke in a Conuent where as reason would for the loue of God thou beest the last and the vilest and most despised of all And where may this be trow you but surely in the Conuent of Bec Since there is one to be found who for his high wisedome and reputation purchased is so sufficient for all as there shall be no need of me at all Heere then shall be my rest heere my repose heere God alone shall be my scope heere his loue shall be my thought heere the blessed and continuall memory of him shall be my happy entertaynement and pleasant satiety Gondolfus Father of S. Anselme dyes and leaues him his heyre He consults with S. Lanfranke and the Archbishop of Roan what course of life to take and afterward is made Prior of Bec in Normandy Chap. 3. A Midst these deliberations S. Anselme was aduertised that by the last will and testament of Gondolfus his Father he was become the heyre and Successour of all his substance This newes puts his wits on the racke not so as to put himselfe from the will of seruing his diuine Maiesty but only made him to doubt whether it were not to the greater glory of God to remayne in the world in the workes of Charity himselfe to dispence his goods to the poore It would sometymes likewise come to his mynd that to be vnknowne and to giue himselfe wholy to contemplation it were expedient to hide himselfe and to liue in the desart In this perplexity it seemed good to him not to make any firme resolution therin without the sound and mature counsayle of some vnderstanding and faythfull person remembring the Scripture which sayth Omnia fac cum consilio post factum non poenitebis Wherefore he went to S. Lanfranke and simply declared vnto him what passed in his mynd he craued to be setled and established by him in what were best to be done to the greater seruice of God S. Lanfrancke was not willing to be iudge in the matter nor himselfe to passe the sentence alone but exhorted S. Anselme to remit the whole vnto the Venerable Maurilius Archbishop of Roan vnder whose obedience at that tyme the Benedictines of those countryes gouerned S. Anselme replyed not a word heerunto and being guided by Lanfrancke they both went their wayes immediately towards the Archbishop And so great was the deuotion and credit which the good youth gaue to his Mayster as that passing through a great wood betwixt Bec and the sayd Citty of Roan if Lanfrancke would but haue sayd the word that he would doubtles haue obeyed him therein Being come to the Prelate Maurilius they both togeather proposed the occasion of their iourney vnto him the difficulty which S. Anselme felt in choosing a state of life Whereto without delay the Archbishop answered that surely the Monasticall Profession was the better and most secure of all To this answere gaue S. Anselme very humbly his consent and layng all care aside hauing dispēsed his patrimony as best seemed vnto him he became Monke in the same Monastery where S. Lanfrank was Prior whose Abbot was called Herlwin a person of good yeares and of much esteeme as well for his rare vertues as also for hauing built and founded that Monastery at his owne cost charges S. Anselme being entred into this Academy of Christian Philosophy and heauenly exercises on the 27. yeare of his age endeauours with great iudgment and attention to imitate as we also read of S. Antony all the qualityes which he discouered to be more noble and perfect in euery one through obseruation whereof and with diuine assistance walking apace from vertue to vertue he became within the terme of three yeares a most cleere mirrour of Religion So as S. Lanfranke being assumpted to the gouernment of Cadom S. Anselme was immediately substituted to him in the Priory of Bec which dignity hindred him not awhit from his wonted meditations but rather continually recollecting himselfe so much the more he raysed himselfe to the vnderstanding of most high mysteries and solued such Theologicall questions as till that tyme had neuer beene treated before wherein he was not so much assisted with intense speculation as with purity of hart and right intention which he had to expound the purity of diuine scripture to the common benefit of all and to defend the verityes of the Catholike fayth agaynst the malignant But among other knots that straytned him most and held him in suspence one was In what manner the Prophets had seene at once both things past and to come as they had been present with them and in what manner with so much firmnes and resolution they haue been able to preach and write them In which passage while one night he was plunged before the houre of Mattins behold from his bed with his eyes towards the dormitory and temple he cleerely sees through the wals themselues the Sacristans and the other Officers about the Aultar and Quire to prepare the bookes to light the candles and lastly one of them to take the rope and to ring the bell and at the pulse all the Monkes to rise from their beds to go to the Office At which reuelation merueyling not a litle he came to comprehend how easy a thing it was to God to shew the Prophets in spirit the things most remote and distant from them since to him it was affoarded so to behold them with the eyes of the body there being so much distance of place and so many impediments and obstacles betweene In this manner came S. Anselme to be cleered of the doubt which tormented him so much But that which more imports there was affoarded him
your Preist and Bishop of Bamberge There could not happen to the Embassadours eares a more strange and vnexpected thing then it Whence being astonished and confounded they began priuily to looke one vpon another and to cast there eyes from tyme to tyme on the face of Otho Whereof some of Caesars court being aware who now for a long tyme gad greedily expected to aspire to that seate and Liuing with glaunces nods and whispering began to stir vp the Bambergians to shew themselues not well satisfyed with such a nomination and resolued not to accept it by any meanes So as at last with a sad countenance and free liberty they turning themselues to Caesar sayd We hoped your Maiesty would haue deputed to vs some Prelate who had been one of the most markable and illustrious of the Court. Now for this man we know not eyther who he is or whence he came Then Caesar replyed with a seuere looke We our selues through long cōuersatiō and infinite proofes haue had full and perfect notice of this Subiect his faythfullnes his iudgement and longanimity his diligence in small matters and sufficiency in great are not vnknowne to vs. Nor would we haue you to thinke but the losse of such a Minister must needes redound to the notable preiudice of our own seruice From whence we see as euery one may perceaue the sincere affection we beare to your Countrey so as we in this election so much premeditated are not to be altered in our iudgement And whosoeuer shall seeme to haue the boldnes to oppose this our decree shall infallibly incurre our high displeasure Otho hitherto had knowne nothing of any such deliberation made Whereupon as one astonished with a sudden blow falling prostrate at the Emperours feet began to powre forth a floud of teares The Embassadours ran readily to reare him vp He then hauing taken a litle breath refused the charge with might mayne esteeming proclayming himselfe to be wholy vnworthy thereof and affirming with all that so high a degree became rather some other more noble ancient and well deseruing of the sacred crowne then him By occasion whereof Caesar re-entring agayne into Otho's prayses among other things made this publique declaration how this had beene the third Bishopricke which the seruant of Christ had refused how first he had offered him that same of Augusta then that of Halberstad nor could euer hitherto seeme to fasten any one vpon him From whence very euidently appeared the modesty the humility and merits of such a persons through diuine dispensation reserued as it should seeme for the benefit and behoofe of the Citty of Bamberge And with this many other Elogies and prayses putting the ring on his fingar and the Pastorall staffe in his hand so adorned he giues him to the Embassadours At sight whereof with a sudaine inclination of minds was immediately raysed a fauoutable cry and applause of the whole multitude The Embassadours beholding things to fall out thus as truly from God approaching to S. Otho their Father and Lord saluted him cheerefully and with Christian vertue very reuerently adored him When as Henry sayd agayne Accept him then with a good will and vse him with that loue and veneration as he deserues because I call him to witnes who knoweth all things that I know not a man in all the world to whom more truly and with greater reason so ample a charge as this may be conferred then to him And for my part as long as I liue and wield this Scepter whosoeuer shall but touch him shall touch the very aple of myne eye In this manner then and by such meanes as these came S. Otho to be forced to the Bishopricke but yet full of anxiety and scruples the while as well for other very graue respects as also for the controuersies sprung vp as we sayd before by reason of inuestitures betweene the Roman Church Empire And yet on the other side considering that his being now so often called to such a charge could not choose but proceed from the diuine Wil he feared least persisting in the negatiue he might hap to incurre that dreadfull sentence Noluit benedictionem elongabitur ab eo Amidst such streights and perplexityes as these he finally determined with himselfe to recurre as soone as might be for ayde and light to the Apostolique Sea and made an expresse vow neuer to admit of the Bishoprike vnles at the instance of his flock the Pope himselfe should inuest and consecrate him with his owne hands With this resolution he kept the Feast of the Natiuity of our Lord at Ments in company of Caesar and from thence dismissing a part of the Embassadours he stayed in Court for vrgent reasons about some fourty dayes space Which being ended he tooke his leaue of Henry and through his expresse commandement accompanyed to Bamberge by the Bishops of Augusta and of Herbipolis of other principall personages besides he made his solemne entry on the day before the Purification of the most blessed Virgin The Monks and Clerkes and all the Nobility went forth to meete him in orderly procession with psalmes and hymnes and with rich ornaments and deuout reliques Nor would the people and meaner sort suffer themselues to be vanquished with such offices of obsequiousnes While euery one leauing their shopps staules ran striuing to kneele before him and to demaund the benediction of their holy and so long desired Pastour In which feast and solemnity we may not passe ouer in silence one thing that shewes very well that euen in the Courtiers life who will but affoard any tyme to spirituall things may make a notable purchase of religious vertues S. Otho remembring his Vow goes to Rome where he is consecrated Bishop by the Pope himselfe Chap. 3. S. Otho as we haue seene had spent the greater and better part of his yeares in the seruice of secular Princes and liued in the exteriour a cōmon life and without any apparent singularity in him And yet performing according to occasions which want not intense acts of temperance and humility and of contempt of himselfe in short tyme he became very rich in those habits which more gallantly adorne and deck the soule then doe all the Mitres and Pontificall robes set forth the body Whereof he gaue a most clere example in the aforesayd day of his entrance so in Pontificalibus Because that in comming to approach to Bamberge as soone as he descouered a farre off the Cathedrall Church being dedicated to S. George he not only according to the custome of that Bishopricke dismounted suddenly from his horse but also putting off his hose and shooes publiquely in the hart of winter went bare foote and bare legg on stones and yee through the presse of people vnto the Church where the sharpnes of the cold hauing not without danger of his health now possessed already as it were the vitall parts and a hot Bath being suddenly applyed to him for present
a difficulty it seemed good to the King himselfe and the more principall Bishops that aboue all the Abbot of Clareuallis should be called thereto so great was the conceipt had euen at that tyme of the wisedome spirit that spake by him Being inuited then on behalfe of the King and exhorted withall by the other Abbots of his Order to whome he was euer most obedient he went his wayes thither wholy full of feare and trembling considering the waight and danger and the other qualityes of the busines And yet he felt notwithstāding great comfort in a vision which he had on his way by night wherein was represented to him a very great assembly of Ecclesiasticall persons who with sweet harmony praysed and glorifyed God from whence he conceaued firme hope that soone after would follow the desired vnion and concord of the Christian people When he came then to the place designed and that the Councell was opened the Faste◅ and deuout Processions according to Apostolicall custome being celebrated in the same first Sessi◅on with iudgment and consent resolution was made that the whole controuersy should be remitted to S. Bernard the seruant of God and nothing should be done therein but what he determined Which charge truly as vntolerable the man of God refused with great modesty but won at last through the prayers and authority of that holy multitude he accepted the same and buckles himselfe to the enterprise so much mote stout and confident in God as he was more dif◅ident and weake in himselfe So as inuoking the ayde of Heauen making a most exact inquisition and examine first of the manner and order of Election then also of the qualities and merits of the Electours as of both the elected Popes themselues he securely nominated declared Innocent for the chiefe and true Pastour to which proposition was not one in the whole Councell which opposed awhit but suddenly singing a ioyful Hymne with the accustomed prayers and thankesgiuings they all with one accord subscribed to the sayd declaration In the meane tyme Innocent being not able to resist the power and fury of the adursaryes going forth of Rome and receaued with due honour reuerence of all Tuscany he came into France and the glorious Abbot with the same greatnes of courage pa◅ed ouer into England where King Henry through the persuasion of some Prelates declared and shewed himselfe very backward and hard to accept of Innocent But the venerable Abbot after many reasons alleadged in vayne at last full of zeale fortitude sayd to him What feares your highnes doubt you to commit synne with affording obedience to Innocent Go to then do but thinke as you ought to doe to render accompt to God for your other synnes and doe you leaue this to me and I will take it vpon my charge With such an offer made that mighty King without more adoe was satisfyed and was so assured thereof as he determined to goe forth of his kindome to goe meete and humbly receaue Innocent who through Prouence and Burgundy being come to Chartres Henry came thither to kisse his feet who with great common iubiley and giue him the Apostolicall benediction While many matters touching the diuine seruice and the holy Church were there handled and defined in the sayd place behold the Popes Nuntio's to arriue thither from Germany with letters frō those Lords and those Countryes full of affectious prayers that his Holines would daigne so much as to comfort those Northerne parts with his presence since now all through the example of France and England acknowledged him for supreme guide and head of the Church militant But the Pope so soone could not affoard himselfe to those nations being with so much deuotion cōtinually entertayned and desired by the Cittyes of France through which hauing made his progresse a while he intimated a Councell in Rhems where likewise hauing ordayned many things to the honour of God he after with many solemne ceremonyes at the instance of King Lodouik the Father crowned and annointed Lodouike the sonne in the place of Philip his elder brother deceased In these and other actions the Pope would neuer suffer the glorious Abbot of Clareuallis to depart from his side yea diuers supplications of moment were presented vnto him and he would afterwardes propose them in the consistory where S. Bernard was forced to be present and to sit with Cardinalls themselues vndertaking the protection of the opppressed and shewing continually fauour to what was honest iust after which the Councell brake vp and the Pope going to meet with the Emperour Lotharius at Liege was entertayned with much solemnity and great veneration But al that ioy was changed very soone into sadnes and bitternes because while it seemed to Lotharius he had a rare oportunity without trouble and difficulty to strayten the Pope and draw him to his designes he began to make suite to recouer agayne the inuestitures of Bishopriques taken away heeretofore from the hands of Henry his Predecessour Innocent with his whole Court being strooken with so harsh a proposition and so vnexpected grew pale thereat and stood as a man wholy voyd of counsayle as seeming to him he met in Liege with a greater checke then formerly in Rome it selfe when the venerable Abbot with freedome of mind and meruaylous liberty counterposed himselfe as a solid wall to the demaund pretension of the Emperour and so well disswaded and discoursed as he soone drew him from that couetous and ambitious thought An exployt surely of a poore Monke truely glorious and hitherto vnheard or howbeyt perhapps for so happy a successe may some prayse also be giuen vnto those tymes wherein commonly the Signors and Potentates of Christendome applyed themselues of their owne accord or easily at least were brought to exalt propagate the splendour and authority of the Apostolique Sea whereas at this day O vnworthy spectacle it seemes as all were striuing to abate the same to weaken and euen to extinguish it quite But heere let vs silence all odious and vnprofitable complaints Troubles arising in the Church through the faction of the Antipope were by S. Bernard pacifyed in fauour of the true Pope with the miserable end of a cheife Party of the Schisme Chap. 14. INnocent being thus freed by meanes of S. Bernard from the anxiety he was in and hauing taken moreouer a firme purpose and a inuiolable promise of Lotharius to come with his army to Rome as soone as possibly he might to quiet the tumults there and to place him in the pontificall Throne tooke his leaue of the Church of France and ioyfully went towardes Italy making his iourney through Burgundy and by the way was pleased to visit and take Clareuallis for his Inne where receiuing much consolation of the voluntary pouerty and abstinence religious conuersation of the Monks he prosecuted his iourney and arriuing at Rome found Lotharius there ready with his army by whom being brought through
force into the pallace of S. Iohn Lateran being the ordinary residence in those dayes of the Popes of Rome yet for all that had he not the desired contentment to behold things pacifyed and quiet Because the Anti-pope being obdurate in malice and continually accompanyed with armed men kept himselfe in hold and allwayes well fortifyed in Towers and more eminent places of the Citty from whence with sudden incursions and stratagems without euer entring into open battaile or once seeking to come to a parley with Lotharius he neuer left infesting both day and night the freinds and defenders of the Pope Whereupon the Emperour being now growne weary of the excesse charge and small fruite returned into Almany agayne and Innocent fynding no better remedy for so great mischeifes went out of Rome the second tyme and assembling togeather another solemne Councel in the Citty of Pisa among other things publiquely declared Pierlonio excommunicate of which censure the miserable man was neuer absolued Heere also S. Bernard through obedience assisted the cheife Bishop and was not only a helper and partaker of the whole affayres and counsells therein but may be sayd more an arbiter and vmpier in the busynes Which affayres being once dispatched it seemed good to the Pope to send him to Millan where the poyson of the Anti-pope hauing got in the whole people were found to be in a most inextricable trouble and discord among themselues Nor was heere likewise the arriuall of the man of God in vayne He soone reunited the whole Citty agayne and reduced it to the deuotiō of the true Pope From hence passing ouer the Alpes he returned to Clareuallis and being receaued by the Monks there with infinite iubiley at their instance transferred he the Monastery into a more ample situation wherof the fame being spread through out there immediatly concurred so great almes from Princes and Prelates and from other deuout persons as in very short space the building adorned withall commodityes was brought to perfection to the great increase of the diuine seruice At the same tyme the Country of Gascony and especially the Church of Bourdeaux was fallen as it were into some afflictions and calamityes from whence the citty of Milan had beene deliuered but a little before Of th◅e mischiefs Gerard Bishop of Angolesme was the principall occasione who with ambitious promises hauing gotten of the Antipope the Legacy of Gascony had drawne to their wicked designes not only a good part of the Cleargy but euen many also of the Nobles yea the Prince himselfe Lord of those Countreys called Count VVilliam through whose forces and other ill practises of his owne he had brought thinges into those tearmes as that against all those that would not consent and subscribe to the election of Anaclete they openly proceeded with banishments confiscation of goods and with other inuentions and examples of fierce and barbarous cruelty One of the chiefe of those that were persecuted was VVilliam Bishop of Poytiers a man well qualifyed and exceeding constant in defence of the Catholike Religion This man with many iniuryes was expelled from his Church and a Schismaticall and wicked one put into his place The same happened in the Diocesse of Limoges where insteed of a Catholicke Prelate was placed one Abbot Ranulfus who through diuine iudgment payed full soone the punishment of his impious boldnes since in a plaine and euen way being fallen from his horse he pitcht his head so shrewdly on a stone which lay in the way that dashing out his braynes he dyed suddenly S. Bernard hauing excommunicated Duke William he submits himselfe with the iust iudgement of God shewed on the schismaticall Bishop of Angolesme Chap. 15. AS soone as Gaufrid Bishop of Chartres had notice of so great disorders and inconueniences to whom the Legacy and euen spirituall gouernement of Gascony was committed by Innocent he was hartily sorry for it and layng other busynes asyde determined to succour those Churches as soone as he could which were in extreme daunger and for that he knew well how noble an instrument of the diuine prouidence the Abbot of Clareuallis was for such effect he intreated him very earnestly to accompany and assist him in such an enterprize And the man of God made no resistance thereunto But only required they might passe by the way of Nantes where Ermengarda the Countesse had founded a Conuent of his Monks and it was necessary for him to passe that way to giue order as he would quickly doe to the affayres belonging to the sayd Monastery Gaufrid and S. Bernard then put themselues on the way with an honourable trayne of Prelates and other Catholiques and the matters being dispatched which were to be done in the Citty of Nantes they entred into the cōfines of Gascony where Gerard already with consent of the Count William had intruded himselfe into the administration of Bourdeaux and possessed the two Churches at once of Bourdeaux and Angolesme Now the Count vnderstanding of the comming of the Bishop of Chartres and of the Blessed Bernard as also of other Bishops and Religious with him to treate with him in the affaires of Ecclesiasticall matters he thought it not fit for many respects to refuse that parly They were all then assembled togeather by agreement in a place which was named Pertinaco whereby the Seruants of God had fit oportunity to expresse their mindes to the full and it was proposed among other thinges how vnseemely it was that all France being now at the deuotion of Pope Innocent Gascony should only diuide her selfe from the common communion and accord cause so great and so miserable a separation and defection in the people of God how he could not but know that the Church of Christ is but one only and whatsoeuer out of it as found out of the Arke of Noe must of necessity sincke and perish They likewise reduced to his memory the dreadfull euent of Dathan Abiron who for no other cause then for making disunion were swallowed vp aliue in the earth To this they added other examples of manifest vengeance and wrath of God against seditious persons and Schismatiques Count VVilliam being moued with these exhortations menaces partly became flexible thereunto offering himselfe to accept Innocent for lawfull Pope and partly shewed himselfe obstinate and hard being not willing by any meanes to restore the Catholike Bishops againe so violently deposed and sent into banishment and that not so much through occasion of the publique cause as for some particuler grudges which he had against them This article was disputed a good while in two assemblyes the second tyme S. Bernard perceauing that nothing could be concluded by way of wordes he straight recurred to more efficacious and potent meanes as in such occasions he was wont to do Wherfore breaking off the discourse he goes directly to the Altar and prepares himselfe for Masse Those only entred in who were not forbid to assist at that dreadfull sacrifice
Bernard with Gerard his brother Galdricus their vncle and much instance being made to the Abbot by the friends and kindred that he would be pleased to pray for the sicke man lifting vp his mind to God and touched by the holy Ghost he answered with all libety you know how much euill this man hath done and how much he holds of other mens goods let him and his children make restitution and renounce the wicked customes introduced and satisfy the wrongs he hath done to the poore and so doing he shall dye like a Christian. The standers by were all astonished at these wordes and at so firme a promise not knowing yet the mighty power which God communicated to S. Bernard and the brother and vncle were more affrighted then the rest for feare least being deceiued by some illusion or craft of the enemy he proceeded too farre to vndertake so much But immediately the successe shewed the contrary for that due restitution being made by the Gentleman and his sonnes that tongue so tyed before began suddenly to be vnlosed and G◅bert being confessed with much contrition not ceasing euer to ki◅ the Abbots hands deuoutly receiued the most holy Eucharist and adioyning thereunto the holy Oyle with all the other ceremonyes that belong to that tyme the night following with great edification of all and all with much hope of eternall saluation he dyed In testimony of the Catholike fayth S. Bernard cures all the sicke and infirme with holy bread and miraculously heales one afflicted with the Palsey Chap. 21. LEt vs now come to his Cures of which so great a number w◅ will take two examples only which to euery right iudgme◅ may suffice for a thousand When the man of God went his waye◅ into the parts of Tholouse to oppose as we sayd against the impious endeauours of Henry the Apostata it chanced that he preach◅ in a certayne place called Sarlat the sermon being ended those good people came and brought him bread to blesse which he lifting vp his hand and making the signe of the Crosse in the name of God blessing it sayd By this shall you see my Children how true are the thinges which we instruct you in and how false those which our aduersaryes seeke to let you vnderstand to wit if your sicke with tasting of this bread shall be all cured or no. At his word remayned the Bishop of Chartres there present in some suspence and with good zeale fearing the proposition might be too vniuersall modifyed the same with adding to the hearers you must vnderstand they shall be cured in tasting therof with a good fayth When the holy Father confiding and secure of the diuine power replyed bouldly My Lord I speake not in that manner nor do not add any such condition thereunto but I say in truth and as the wordes sound That as many sicke as tast therof shall be all freed of their infirmityes to the end at least that hence all men may come to acknowledge vs to be the vndoubted and true Embassadour of the eternall God According to the word the effect followed as many as did eate of that bread were all cured without exception wherof the same flew on a sudden through all the prouince and so great was the concourse of people desirous to see and adore the seruant of Christ as that in his returne from Sarlat to Tholouse to shunne the presse and to haue passage it behoued him to turne out of the way with all secrecy At the very same tyme and in the selfe same Countryes there lay in the Colledge of the Clarks of S. Saturninus one sicke of the palsey that was incurable called also by the name of Bernard so pined therewith and worne away as he seemed daily euen ready to giue vp the Ghost The Abbot of Clareuallis was besought now by the Superiour by the others of that place that he would daigne to go see that miserable wretch The Man of God did so he went in hast and benignely comforted the sicke man hauing giuen him the wonted benediction he went forth of the Cell with particular desire that the diuine Clemency in confirmation of the Catholike doctrine and confusion of the obstinate would affoard some not◅ble demonstration in this mans extreme and euident perill Our Lord accepted the good will of his seruant He had hardly departed thence when he saw himselfe ouertaken by the Clarke Who feeling his nerues on a sudden restored to him and his ioynts confirmed slipping out of his bed followed the Abbot apace vntill ouertaking him at last he casts himselfe at his feet kissing thē with much deuotion and with affectuous thankesgiuing Whereupon by chaunce one of his Collegues meeting with him who had left him the other day neere death and with one foote in the graue he was filled with so great horrour as he was ready to fly from him as it were from a Ghost nor to stay vntil he were certifyed secured by diuers of the truth The same had happened doubtlesse to many others besides but the fame of the admirable successe being sudenly spread tooke away all suspition quite and the people with the Bishop and Apostolicall Legate came striuing to behold and enioy so new a spectacle and after went altogeather into the Church to giue due prayses to Almighty God through whose power he atcheiued al these things the Clarke himselfe going before all singing with full voyce togeather with the rest Who being afterwards no lesse sollicitous for his spirituall health then glad of his corporall not only very willingly accompanyed the Saint to Clareuallis but likewise submitting himselfe to his Obedience tooke there the habit of Cisterce giuing good demonstration of prudence and of Religion was sent backe agayne by the glorious Father into his Countrey with title of Abbot of the Monastery called Valdacque This fact like wise was very famous and stopt the mouths of all the Heretikes there abouts S. Bernard dispossesseth two women very grieuously infected with euill spiritts in the Citty of Milan Chap. 22. LEt vs now passe to the power and command which the Saint had ouer wicked spirits and in this so ample a subiect we wil set downe like wise two only examples therof which shall serue for sufficient coniecture and consideration of the rest b◅ing able otherwise to say truly that no person obsessed or possessed through secret pacts by those malignant and vncleane Substances appeared euer before S. Bernard for help that was not quit and deliuered from the infernall tyranny And though on euery side and at all tymes there were occasions to vse the exorcismes of the Church notwithstanding during the schisme of Pierlonio it seemes the aduersary of humane kind had through diuine iudgment obtayned particuler licence in the citty of Milan to seduce as we sayd aboue the followers and ministers of the Antipope Heere then besides many other signes wrought through diuine power by meanes of this feruent Labourer
euen the daungers of death it selfe neyther lost he the peace of his soule nor the conuenient repose of his body So as being one night for some graùe accidents transported in imagination into diuerse thoughts which tormented him without fruite after he had thus roued with his fantasy a pretty while at last was aware thereof and smiting his breast with a deepe sigh be began to reprehend himselfe sharply for not suddenly remitting all anxieties vnto the diuine Prouidence but being troubled and grieued for thinges so happening as if the direction of them had depended on his owne knowledge and care and scarcely was the day come but calling for a Confessour he declared that sinne with much contrition and surely not without reason especially the hand of the Highest so concurring with him by wonderfull effects as well in other actions as particularly in Censures Wherof some euents which happened in this matter will purchase a firme beliefe Certaine rebellious and conturnacious fellowes being by him giuen ouer vnto the power of the Diuell vanished immediatly nor were euer seene more A Souldier who at the instigation of his wife vniustly vsurped the goods of another and being often reprehended for it by the holy Bishop with diuers pretexts and falshoods still couered the same this man being excommunicated by him one day was on the next night following strangled by the infernall enemy and yet for all that another pursuing the same vniust suite being gone to bed well fed merry continuing sleep with death payd the fee of his iniquity A Deacon for hauing calumniated others of high treason against his Maiesty being worthily condemned by the Bishop by diuers colours and policyes vsed obteyned the absolution therof from the Metropolitan himselfe which S. Hugh knowing to be vayne and surreptitious stucke not to renew the Censure and to the end it might appeare which of the two was the true sentence it pleased God that the Deacon within few dayes after most miserably ended his dayes A certayne yong woman who in presence agaynst the reprehension of the Bishop ceased not to spit in her husbands face being stifled by a Diuell very sudenly expired A vertuous Clerke through the faction of the more potent being quite depriued of his right which he had in a Church after he had without any profit at all gone to suite a good while both at home in his Country and at Rome abroad and consumed his substance therein tooke finally resolution to recurre to the Bishop of Lincolne who being well informed of the cause and mooued to pitty vpon the trauayles of the suppliant resolued through diuine instinct no doubt to thunder against all those wicked sacrilegious men although they were not of his owne iurisdiction An admirable thing The bolt was no sooner shot but some of the impious company hauing lost their senses became furious others ended their life vnprouided others lost their eyes with excessiue torments and finally the Heauenly vengeance ceased not vntill such tyme as the Client of S. Hugh was restored to his Benefice againe This also was of much consideration which I shall presently tell you Seauen of the Kings Court hauing by stealth taken out a thiefe from the holy Church-yard whither for feare of iustice he had fled to saue himselfe without the Bishops consent hung him vp The seruant of God resented the matter as was fit and with his wonted armes chastized them straight And they from others example likewise fearing the worst very sorrowfull and compunct cast themselues at his feet all crauing pardon of him one excepted and hauing obteyned the same vpon condition that among other satisfactions being halfe naked it being then winter they should carry on thâ—… shoulders the man that was hanged for a good distance vnto the said Church-yard whence so temerariously they had taken him forth and there bury him with their owne hands So did the six penitent not without publike scorne and a great deale of trouble the while and had no other hurt that ensued thereon When lo the seauenth proud and pertinacious wretch after seauen yeares came also 〈◊〉 last to prostrate himselfe in the sight of the Bishop declaring to him a strange story of the hurts and domages befallen him in this while as well in his honour as in his goods and person besides and hartily craued absolution at his hands for mitigation at least if not an end of so great miseryes The conuersion supplication was not in vaine when S. Hugh not to add affliction to affliction absolued him with a light pennance and restored him agayne to the Communion of the faythfull The sweet manner of behauiour which S. Hugh carryed towards all VVith his Charity and Prudence in the manage of things Chap. 9. IN these and such like affayres touching the honour of God and Ecclesiasticall immunityes S. Hugh would shew so much rigour and seuerity as may seeme perhaps to be attributed to a certaine asperity or harshnes of mind and rusticity of manners if otherwise he had not alwayes vsed much humanity still reteyned the wonted bowels of Mercy At Table and Feasts he shewed himselfe very soberly pleasant and merry would exhort his friends to the same cheerefulnes with giuing thankes to the giuer of all good As for â—…nquets sports and musicke if he could not auoid them sometymes he would make vse of them eyther to refresh himselfe for new trauayls or for a tast of celestiall delights Not only in the publike preaching of the Word but euen also in familiar conuersation would he loose no occasion most sweetly to allure men vnto solid vertues and through their amendment very manifestly appeared the profit thereof His conceipts were efficacious and liuely and fitly accommodated to each condition and quality of persons Of which kind may serue as a certayne patterne that with diuers demonstrations he would giue Religious to vnderstand the necessity they haue of fighting continually with themselues and ascending alwayes to the top of perfection Vnto seculars especially to such as traffike aboue all things would he inculcate faith and truth in all things without which of necessity all human commerce must vtterly perish The women he was wont to incite to diuine Loue in putting them in mind particularly of the singular priuiledge the inestimable fauour done to that sexe by the soueraigne Maiesty in vouchsafing to take flesh and become the sonne of a woman and whereas man had neuer the honour to be called the Father of God a woman yet hath had the grace preheminence to be named the Mother of God In this manner he stirred vp alwayes mortals from slouth and tepidity and was most vigilant in encountring with the first origines of discords and maintayning peace as well in priuate as in publique hauing among other guifts so great a iudgment and light touching the point of equity as that not only neere at hand but also from remote countryes and euen from Rome it selfe
surnamed the Angelicall was borne in the Citty of Aquinas in the yeare of our Lord 1224. His Father was Landolphus Count of the sayd Citty of Aquinas his Mother Theodora daughter of the Count of Thean being both of a noble and illustrious house The birth not only of the Saint but also his Religion was foretould by a venerable Hermit who liued in those Countreyes called Bonus who visiting Theodora neere her childbirth saluted her saying Be ioyfull Lady for you shall shortly haue a sonne who for his singular qualities shall be renowned through the world and shall take the habit you see heere depainted It was euen the habit of S. Dominicke the which at the foot of the Mother of God in a little image he wore for deuotion hanging about his necke Theodora answered Gods will be done After which the child being borne into the world and called in sacred Baptisme by the name of Thomas soone gaue very manifest signes of the learning and sanctity which in tyme were to shine in him Because on a day while the Nurse was making him a bath he snatching vp of his owne accord a peece of paper from the ground held it fast in the hand and the Nurse going about to take it away he began to cry and to be so troubled at it as for a last remedy she was feigne to wash him with the same in his hand Wherefore the mother being aduertised to cleere and satisfy her selfe the better of the matter opened his hand by force and taking away the paper from him they found there written the salutation of the Archangell Gabriel to the Virgin Mary and that with so much more wonder of theirs and of all the standers by as they could lesse coniecture how such a writing could come into his handes The little Child in the meane tyme with signes neuer ceased to reach after it and to cry and sob for the same vntill to quiet him they were forced to yield it him againe and he not to haue it taken away any more putting it in his mouth on a sudden swallowed it vp This same as we say was held of the wise and of men of good vnderstanding for a great and certaine presage of celestiall knowledge and of the rare vertues which in progresse of tyme were to ripen in Thomas it being not likely that a child in the swath-bands without diuine operation could be so enamoured with the words which were the beginning and fountayne of all the mysteryes of the new law and of Christian piety Nor this signe only of future fruites was seen in that noble bud but as often as a booke or ought els but like to a booke was presented to his sight with childish endeauour he would reach after it and take it in his hand turning it vp and downe and looking on it without end so as to comforte him when need was and to still him and dry his teares there was no more efficacious way then to put a paper or booke into his hands to play withall A midst such hopes being now arriued to fiue yeares old that he might be the better conserued in purity and vertuous manners he was according to the laudable customes of those tymes giuen to the venerable Monks of Monte Cassino to be trayned vp vnder whose care were likewise many children of Lords and Princes besides Not had the Maister any difficulty at all to direct this happy plant vnto immortall and diuine things since the child of his owne accord shewing himselfe to be aliened from base thoughts and from all curiosity whatsoeuer did euen tyre him with high and profound questions whereof one was to demaund often what God was Besides that keeping himselfe from company of the lesse modest deuout he would voluntarily recollect himselfe with the wiser more prudent sort and more addicted to spirit yea it is affirmed for certaine that euen at that tyme he would spend two houres of the day in sundry deuotions and yet not fayle to be at schoole or to do whatsoeuer the Maister appointed him besides In breife out-stripping his yeares by many degrees with his iudgement he became a patterne of industâ—…y of obedience and of all goodnes Whereupon the Abâ—…ot of Monte Cassino for feare least Count Landolph Theodora should transferre him from the arts of peace to those of warre as they had allready done with the other two elder sonnes of theirs very instantly perswaded them that they would not smother such a wit in the tumultuous exercises occupations of chiualry and depriue the world and the Church of so great a help as such beginnings without doubt seemed to promise them Great was the authority of the Abbot with all men nor lesse efficacious were the reasons alleadged by him Thomas his age which as yet not passed ten yeares afforded a large field for great designes The neighbour Citty of Naples being the auncient and gracious receptable as Strabo testifyes of sublimer witts and 〈◊〉 the liberall arts being in loue with so great a Student seemed as it were ambitiously to stretch forth the armes to inuite and entertayne him All these occasions through diuine disposition concurred together to mantayne Thomas so studious of speculation and learning so as being coÌ„ueighed from the Country to the Metropolis from graÌ„mer to the grauer studyes vnder famous Doctours he studyed the Mathematikes Logike and Philosopy with such profit as in short tyme his name began to resound through the whole Vniuersity extolling with the lustre of his Bloud and splendour of his parents the singular qualityes and rare ornaments of his person At which glory afforded him was yet the wise and chast youth not puffed vp a whit but rather endeuoured he with all force to stand firme in the knowledge and meane esteeme of himselfe and amidst what varieties so euer of human accidents to hold his intention fixed and centered in God only and by how much more knowledge he got of the Creatour by the meanes of creatures and from Tyme learned Eternity from transitory things the stable and eternall so much greater desire was enkindled in him to sequester himselfe from the vulgar and with a generous contempt of the world of purpose to attend to the contemplation of the first cause to cultiuate wholy that part of himselfe which he knew to be more worthy and more like vnto God Such was the end scope of the good youth but in the election of the meane he could not yet resolue but remayned in the same perplexity vntill a cleare day was added to the vncertaine light of the passed inspirations through the occasions we shall presently declare How S. Thomas enters into the Family of the Dominicans and how he beares himselues therein Chap. 2. THe sacred Order of the Fryars Preachers now flourished in those dayes that was founded by the glorious Father S. Dominicke and there were euen at that tyme also as euer after haue been many men of excellent
himselfe notwithstanding without opening his mouth or changing his countenance arising from his seate with eyes cast downe to the earth and with a moderate pace he went into the midest of the Chapter and there falling downe on his knees craued humbly pennance and pardon of all those Fathers so as the accuser himselfe being quite confounded at so great a patience of his could not hold from casting himselfe at the feet of that innocent and in the presence of all to condemne his owne malignity And as in publike acts so likewise in priuate conuersation would D. Laurence most willingly yield to the iudgement and wills of others and as much as he might without affectation alwayes seeke the lowest place He bare all respect and veneration to Superiours he held their becks insteed of Oracles Nor only in things at large and indifferent by cutting off all sensuall appetite he purely followed their will but euen also in things other wise very lawfull and vertuous captiuing his owne vnderstanding would not dissent a whit from their rules and dictamens Whence it happened as all vertues are with a wonderfull harmony conioyned together that the seruant of God very perfectly acquiring a habit of Religion became rich and adorned with many others at the same tyme. Whereby preparing in his hart a cleane gratefull chamber for the holy Ghost in short tyme he obtayned so high a guift of teares and so much familiarity with his Creatour and Lord as that remayning with his body on earth with his soule he conuersed in Heauen and dealing with men by diuerse occurrences he departed not at all from the presence of God chasing away from himselfe with great dexterity all importune and superfluous phantasmes From this purity of conscience soone after ensued such a light as far surmonted all learning purchased otherwayes and in the will so great an ardour as all the waters of the world had not beene able to extinguish it But rather he sought allwayes to aduance forwardes according to the obligation of profession and so much abhorred to turne himselfe and looke back being as they say at the plough or to reedify that which he had destroyed or to resume agayne any thing which he had left and renounced in the world as he could neuer be brought once to put his foot in his Fathers howse allthough he liued so neere vnto them and his dearest freinds were of the best reputation and of rare example of Christian vertue Saue only at the death of his Mother and Brothers was he present to assist them with due piety in their last passage How B. Laurence conuerted a kinsman of his from his euill purpose And of the goodly saying he was wont to vse Chap. 3. B. Laurence had not beene yet many yeares in Religion when a deere companion of his in the world who for this meane while had beene in the East and but newly returned to Venice so powerfull the instigation of the Diuell is went presently to S. Georges accompanyed with musique loud and soft to allure the new Monke to his former life partly also with a band of men to vse some violence with the Conuent if need were This Gentleman was a man of great employments and of much respect so as he obtayned very easily to speake with Blessed Laurence but yet with farre different successe from his designes Because at the first fight of the new Souldiour of Christ beholding the modesty of his countenance the grauity of his gestures and composition of the whole person he remayned astonished thereat And notwithstanding vsing some violence with himselfe and taking courage withall he began the enterprise for which he came thither but the seruant of God permitting that breast full of passion and youthfull errour to vent it selfe forth with a cheerefull countenance and mild speaches began first very dexterously to feele him then with the memory of Death of Hell and of the last Iudgement and with liuely representing vnto him the vanity and deceipts of the world pressed him so hard as the good man being now compunct vpon a sudden yielded himselfe so yielded as cutting of with the force of spirit all transitory designes whatsoeuer resolued to adhere to that Rule which he had thought to haue vioted and from henceforth offering himselfe to the diuine worship he perseuered â—…n the holy Cloyster with like profit of his owne and amazement of the whole Citty In this manner the ancient aduersary departed and he who had thought to haue had a prey was himselfe caught in the net Nor with the seculars only being free and dissolute were the perswasions of the B. Laurence efficacious especially his good example and seruent prayers to our Lord concurring with all but euen also a thing to my iudgement yet more hard with the tepid and negligent Religious Since he awaked some of them more then once from the deadly sleep of slouthfullnes and withdrew them from a foolish and vnwary presumption to a sollicitous and wise feare of Christ others being now weary with the spirituall warfare or rather basely already put to flight he caused on a sudden to turne head agayne and beyond all hope to stand stoutly in the front of the battayle For the eminent Pulpit and popular preachings he wanted strength of body but yet in priuate assemblyes he would make sweet homilyes and deuout discourses to the great profit and consolation of the hearers And also in his dayly speach would often proceed very notable sentences from his mouth whereof for example sake we shall put downe some He would say It was not the part of a Religious man to fly only the greater synnes since that behoued euery one to doe but euen also to keepe himselfe from the lesse least Charity should wax cold He was wont also to note concerning fastings that they are not to be remitted wholy as soone as the body waxeth leane for as much as the wished extenuation thereof is conserued with that which procures it Three things he iudged to be necessary for a Monke to wit feruour discretion and heauenly grace because where any of these are fayling there can be no perseuerance He compared the vertue of Humility to a riuer that swells with rayne for that euen as a torrent is very low and stil in the sommer and runs outragious and boystrous in winter so the humble man being slack and remisse in prosperity in aduersity agayne appeares to be high and magnanimous He added that no man well comprehends what the guift of Humility is but he that hath receiued it from God and that there is nothing wherein men are more deceiued then in discerning this vertue and how true science consists in knowing two things that God is all and man nothing In the greater troubles of his Country which at that tyme was much infested with warrs he stuck not to admonish the principall Senatours that if they would obtayne mercy of God they should hold for certaine they were