'ss These errors of Gotescalc are said to have been chiefly respecting the
doctrine
of predestination.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v2
When the Emperor Louis I.
was living, he commenced the exposition on
Jeremias,andanotheronEzechiel;^3i bothwereundertaken,attherequest of the Emperor Lothaire, who wrote two letters. In one of these, '3^ Raban is urged to treat on the secrets of nature ; in the other,^33he is recommended to comment on the Sacred Scripture. About a. d. 844, he composed his work, " De Universo," which he dedicated to Almoin, Bishop of Hal- berdstat. ^34
Mabillon's
"
Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti,"
lished at Antwerp, a. d, 1612.
tomus lib. ii. ,
"9 Mabillon
It is supposed, that the latter, likewise, may be identical with a
sec.
"3 In the fifteenth chapter, he mentions
the battle of Fontenay. See ibid,, lib. xxxiii. , sec. xix. , p. 656.
"4 See ibid. , lib. xxxii. , sec. xvii. , pp. 610, 611.
"S The authors of * ' Histoire Literaire de la France," very justly assert, that ancient writers report no such neglect, tome v. Neuvieme Siecle, p. 153, n. i.
xxx. ,
v. , p. 510.
"<^See "Gazetteer of the World," vol. vi. , p. 487.
"7 See I'Abbe Migne's " Dictionnaire des AbbayesetMonasteres,"col. 315.
thecommentaryonEzechiel. Init,allusion "^ He ruled it for fifteen years, and he is made to Raban's love of solitude, and to
died on the day before the April Ides, a. d.
861, according to the Chronicle of Marianus
Scottus. Brower has his death at a. d. 856.
the spot chosen for his retirement.
'34 ii^ the preface to ihis work, he com-
plains, that not only the Pagans, but even the Christians, caused great trouble to the
bishop, owing to their depravity and inso-
"
lib. iv. , p. 279. This latter work was pub-
See
Fuldensium Antiquitatum," libri iiii. ,
*'
— duodecim fere a mo-
says,
nasterio stadiis. " "Annales Ordinis S.
Benedicti," tomus ii. , lib. xxxiii. , sec. xix. ,
p. 656.
'3° See " Histoire Literairedela France,"
tome v. , p. 153.
'3i " Ab—eo loco, ubi Sanctus Gregorius
Mabillon's "Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus ii. , lib. xxxiii. , sect.
xix. , p. 656.
^3^ The letter itself has not been re-
covered.
'33 This letter is to be found, prefixed to
desierat. "
312 LIVES 01 THE IRISH SAINTS. [February 4.
bishop,''3S celebrated in Raban's verses. In it, he alludes to the uncivilized character of the people. '36 Then, too, Rudolf tells us, Raban wrote the commentaries on St. Paul's Epistles, collected in thirty books, chiefly taken fromtheworksoftheHolyFathers. Acertaindeacon,Lupus,'37encouraged him to undertake this labour. To the same period must be referred an
epistle or treatise on the Chorepiscopi, addressed to Drogo, Bishop of Metz,'38 and another epistle, directed to Regimbold, Chorepiscopus of Mayence, on certainpenitentialquestions. '39 FromMountSt. Peterhewasdrawn,inthe time of Lewis II. ,'4° Emperor of Germany, to assume the episcopal charge of Mainz or Mayence, a city at the confluence of the Rivers Rhine and Main. This election and consecration took place, about a. d. 846,^41 or 847. '42 The Benedictine authors of the French History of Literature state, that it occurred during the latter year, and on the 24th of June, the feast of St. John the Baptist. '''*3 His consecration took place in the cathedral, and in presence of Louis, King of Germany. '^4 During the year of his appoint- mentasarchbishopoverMayence,St. Rabanheldacouncil. Thisassembly
wasinsession,aboutthebeginningofthemonthofOctober,a. d. 847. ^45 it
isknownastheCouncilofMoguntinumorMayence. Initwerediscussed
various matters, relating to discipline, while some decrees were passed in reference to usurpers of ecclesiastical property. '^6 This Council of Mayence was convoked with the advice and sanction of King Lewis, and it was held at the Abbey of St. Alban. '^? Several bishops and abbots were assisting. About this time, a certain false German prophetess, named Thiota or Thierda, came to Mayence. Among other pretended revelations to her, and which were secrets known only to God, she publicly proclaimed the Day of General Judgment should take place, during that very year. Strange as it may seem, not alone many of the laity, flocking to hear, and regarding her as a great saint, offered presents to secure her prayers ; but, what is still more extra- ord. nary, some men in holy orders did not hesitate to regard her as one inspired by heaven. Raban and the other bishops summoned her before the council, where, after a close examination, she admitted adopting the role of an impostor for the sake of gain. She retired in disgrace and confounded, while her false predictions ceased any longer to engage the interest or fears of the people. ''^'^ Although Raban was infirm and of a very delicate constitu-
lence, so as even frequently to interrupt the prayers and studies of their pastor. This work treats about God, the Holy Trinity,
569.
'*' According to Marianus Scottus, Otgar,
Archbishop of Mayence, died this year,
when Raban, it is stated, succeeded i^or a See liistoire Literaire de la France," term of nine years. See "Chronicon. "
the anyels, man, and all other creatures. "
tome V. Neuvieme Siecle, pp. 155, 156. '^5 He is called " Pra;ciarus Episcopus ;" but, the former term does not seem to be a
proper name, in the opinion of Brower. *^"F:st rudis hie populus, est durus,
quern regis ipse. "
*37 An account of this Lupus and of his
I'ertz's
"
Monumenta Germaniae Hislorica,"
See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's Lives of the Saints," vol. ii. , February iv. , p. 92. '« See " Histoire Literaire de la France,"
tome v. Neuvieme Siecle, p. 153.
'-t* See Mre. Louis Moreri's *' Grand Die- tionnaire Hislorique," &c. , tome ix. , p. 3.
Paris edition, 1759, fol.
'ts See Trithemms' Vita B. Rabani Archi-
sec.
of History. " Chronological List of Councils, p. 228.
'° His term of rule lasted from A. D. 840
to 876. See "Annales Francorum Ful- tionnaire Historique," &c. , tome ix. , p. 3. denses," Du Chesne's "Historic Fran- "»8 See Trithemius, Vita B. Rabani, lib. corum Scriptores," tomus ii. , pp. 547, 568, iii. , cap. i. , sec. 2, p. 535.
" raire de la France," tome v.
writings vviil be found in
Histoire Lite- Neuvieme
Siecle, pp. 255 to 272.
'38 To this Rudolf alludes.
'39 See Mabillon's " Annales Ordinis S.
Benedicti," tomus ii. , lib. xxxiii. , sec. xix. , p. 656.
lib.
*^'' See Sir Harris Nicolas' "Chronology
tomns v. , p. 551.
"»^ "
episcopi,
iii. , cap. i. ,
2, p. 534.
'^7 See Mre. Louis Moreri's "Grand Dic-
February 4. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 313
tion, he neither eat flesh-meat, nor drank wine, even while he was a bishop. ^*9 Nor would he indulge in any custom, calculated to enervate the mind, while
ministering to bodily comfort. The bath he rejected, as a luxury of this nature ; and, always did he bear in mind St. Paul's advice, in reference to the pastoral office. 'so He made it, not alone the subject of frequent medi- tation ; but, even, it became the exact rule for his conduct, since he was irre- prehensible, becanse he omitted no single duty of God's true minister. Not alone did he relax no rigour of monastic life, but, he added to the severity he was fond of practising towards himself. He knew, that as a true pastor, and as a fervent lover of Christ, the flock now committed to his charge must be governed with the greatest care. Not only by word and example, he fed them in a spiritual sense, but his charity provided for their temporal wants. ^si In 848, another council was convoked, on the subject of those errors, attri- buted to Gothescalc. Raban is said to have entered with an excess of zeal on this matter, which before death he deemed it well to abandon. ^53 Gothescalc was a priest, who maintained various heteredox opinions, especially regarding the doctrine of predestination. He taught, in a very pernicious, and, it was believed, in a very un-Catholic, sense, that the good are inevitably predestined to eternal life by God, while the bad were inevitably predestined to eternal death. The controversies, which arose at this period, a. d. 847, engaged the most celebrated writers of the age in France and Germany. Among the rest, Joannes Scotus took part against Godescalc. '53 Raban, by forcible reasoning and by the evidence of the Sacred Scriptures, refuted this teaching. '54 In presence of the bishops, abbots and others there assembled, Gothescalc retracted his errors. 'ss By decree of the synod, he was sent to Archbishop Hincmar of Rheims, to whom Raban wrote a synodical epistle, '^6 after having exacted an oath from Gothescalc,'S7 not to return afterwards into the kingdom of Louis, in Ger- many.
'ss These errors of Gotescalc are said to have been chiefly respecting the doctrine of predestination. '59 He died in prison, a. d. 868, and Hincmar refused him the sacraments and the rites of sepulture, as being an obstinate heretic. '^ WhilepresidingoverMayence,Rabanbuiltseveralnewchurches, while he repaired many that were old and ruinous. '^'' Among other erec- tions, the holy bishop is said to have re-established the Monastery of Klingen-
in the diocese of '^^ His labours were in no manner munster, Spire. literary
interrupted. '^3 a terrible famine, prevailed through the whole Rhenish
^49 See Mre. Louis Moreri's "Le Grand Dictionnaire Historique," &c. , tome ix. , p. 3.
'S° See i. Tim. , iii.
^5^ See Trithemius, Vita B. Rabani Mauri,
heretic, A. D. 163 1, in 4to. It is to be found
lib. iii. , cap. i. , sec. i. , p. 534. "
tise," published at Paiis, a. d. 1650, in two 4to volumes. See the article Gotescalc in I'Abbe F. X. De Feller's "Dictionnaire Historique," &c. , tome iv,, pp. 355, 356. Paris edition, i8i8.
^ss See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Feb-
ruarii iv. Secunda Vita B. Rabani, Archi-
episcopi, lib. iii. , cap, i. , sec. 3, p. 535.
"59 See Mre. Louis Moreri's " Le Grand
Dictionnaire Historique," &c. , tome ix,, p.
3.
^52 See Histoire Literaire de la France,"
tome V. Neuvieme Siecle, pp. 153, 154. '33 See ibid. , tome vi. Neuvieme Siecle,
sec. Ixvii. , p. 263.
'54 Sigebert's Chronicle, at the year 849,
states, that although Gothescalc was con- victed, still he persevered in his error.
'55 Trithemius appears to refer this inci-
'^° See I'Abbe F. X. De Feller's " Die-
dent, to the first council, held at Mayence, tionnaire Historique," &c. , tome iv. , p.
by Raban.
'5^ In it he remarks, that Godescalc was
incorrigible, and that he should be impri- soned, nor suffered any longer to teach his
errors, nor to seduce the people.
'57 The first Latin book printed in Dublin
is said to have been Ussher's history of this
356.
'^' See the Bollandists* "Acta Sancto-
rum," tomus i. , Februarii iv,, p. 543.
'^^ See M, le Dr. Hoefer's " Nouvelle
Biographic Generale," &c. , tome xli. , col.
377.
'^^ See R. P. Christophoro Brovvero auc-
in the
"
Vindici* Praedestinationis et Gra-
314 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [February 4.
province in 850,^^^ and this gave occasion to the great Archbishop of Mayence to manifest his charity towards the poor. Besides, the number to whom he distributed relief in person, he fed three hundred famished persons each day. '^s During this time, he chiefly Hved at Wunckel,'^'' and while here, a woman, having an infant in her arms, came with other famished persons. She belonged to the town or village of Crucinac, in the Lower Palatinate. When the poor mother had just crossed the bishop's threshold, she fell into a swoon, through perfect exhaustion, and life departed. Even then, the infant continued sucking the mother's breast, while tears flowed abundantly from the beholders. When the bishop heard of this sad circum- stance, he also burst into tears. '^7 Again, Blessed Raban was indefatigable in making visitations through the country, and in preaching God's Word to his people. '^^ Two years, afterwards, a. d. 852, he presided at another council, held in his cathedral city, at the instance of King Louis. '^9 There the abbots of Eastern France, of Saxony, of the Rhine, of the Moselle, and of Bavaria, were assembled. Certain useful ecclesiastical questions were discussed. Louis confirmed the decrees, by royal authority ;'7o yet, the acts of this council have not been discovered. '7^ In the following year 853,^72 Raban assisted at another council, held at Frankfort. There he took under cognizance a great difference, which occurred between the bishopofOsnabruckandthenunsofHerford. '73 AccordingtoMabillon's
computation, Raban ruled over Mayence, as its archbishop, for a term of nine years, one month and four days. '74 This differs, however, from that of the Benedictine writers of the Literary History of France, who state, that he governed this church, eight years, seven months and some days. '75 Trithe- mius says,'76 Raban wrote, De Benedictionibus Patriarcharum, lib. i. ; De Divinis Ofhciis, lib. viii. ; De Computo Ecclesiastico, hb. ii. ; and Praepara- menta Septem Artium Liberalium, in several books. He composed, four books of epigrams, three books on metrical composition, while he wrote several books and epistles, to Lewis, King of Germany, about various matters referred to him. Besides, he compiled and delivered sermons and homilies, almost innumerable. To set forth these, in due order, should prove too tedious for his readers, and Trithemius observes, that the illustrious Raban was thought to have composed several other works, besides those noticed by him, and of which he had not been able to give any account. '77 Those writings enumerated, however, were works of the most learned and holy Raban, which Trithemius declares he had read. '78 The same writer says,
tore "FuldensiumAntiquitatumLibri nil. ," '7' See Mre. Louis Moreri's **Le Grand
Dictionnaire Historique," &c. , tome ix. , p. '^4 See M. le Dr. Hoefer's Nouvelle 3.
lib. iii. , cap. xiv. , pp. 250, 251.
**
Biographic Generale," &c. , tome xli. , col. 377.
'^5 See *' Histoire Literaire de la France," tome V. Neuvieme Siecle, p. 154.
'^ This was his country house, in the
vicinity of Mayence.
*^ See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto-
rum," tomus i. , Februarii iv. Second Life
of Blessed Raban, book iii. , sec. 6, p. 336. '^ See Mre. Louis Moreri's " Le Grand
Dictionnaire Historique," &c. , tome ix. ,p, 3-
'^2 See ** Histoire Literaire de la France," tome V. Neuvieme Siecle, p. 154.
'^3 See M. le Dr. Hoefer's "Nouvelle Biographic Generale," &c. , tome xli. , col. 377.
'^* See ** Annales Ordinis S. Benedict! ," tomus i. , lib. xxxv. , sec. iii. , p. 52.
'75 See " Histoire Literaire de la France," tome v. Neuvieme Siecle, p. 154.
'^6 See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto- rum," tomus i. , Februarii iv. Vita B. Ra- bani Mauri, Archiepiscopi Moguntini, lib.
iii. , cap. iii. , pp. 536, 537.
'^7 jsfo doubt, many ot these works have
since been identified and published,
'^8 fhe Benedictines present a very com-
'^9 See tome v.
** Histoire Literaire de la France," Neuvieme Siecle, p. 154. Trithemius, Vita B. Rabani, lib.
'^o See
iii. , cap. ii. , sec. 5, p. 535.
February 4. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 315
Rabanwrotemanybooks,ontheHistoryofJob; onEsrasandNeemias, three books ; on the History of Tobias, one book ; on the History of Job, many books ; on the whole Psalter, many books ; on the Canticle of Canti- cles, many books ; on Ecclesiasten, many books ; on the Prophet Isaias, twenty books ; on Ezechiel, twenty books ; on the Prophet Daniel, three books ; on the Twelve Minor Prophets, twelve books ; on the Evangelist Luke, three books ; on the Evangelist Mark, four books ; on the Evangelist John, many books ; on the Acts of the Apostles, many books ; on the Canonical Epistles, seven books ; and, on the Apocalypse of St. John, many books. '79 He was one of the most learned men in his The
of his life is further evinced, in the great labours he underwent, to satisfy
contemporaneous necessities. St. Raban is called a sophist, which has the
meaning of one skilled in logic, while he is also regarded as one of the most
eminent poets of his time. The complete works of this renowned ecclesias-
tical writer, so far as these could be collected and authenticated, were first
pubhshed at Cologne, a. d. 1627, in six foHo volumes. '^^ The tracts were
taken from the collections of Jacobus Pamelius, and were carefully edited
byGeorgiusColvenerius,ChancelloroftheCollegeatDouai. FatherLabbe
describes the contents of these six tomes. The tirst tome commences with
the Life of Raban, by his disciple, the Priest Rudolf, as also with that com-
piled by Johannes Trithemius. Then follow those works, attributed to our
author. Exceptio de Arte Grammatica Prisciani. De Universo, libri 22. '^^
This is a work on Etymology, on the Proprieties of Language, and on the
Signification of Mystic Things, dedicated to King Lewis. '^3 De Laudibus
Sanctse Crucis,'^^ Hbri duo ;'^s the first book is in metre, '^^ the second is in
prose. ^^7 The second tome contains, Commentariorum'^^ in Genesim, libri
quatuor, with a prefatory epistle addressed to Freculf, Bishop of Luxeu, in
Neustria
In
libri —addressed to the same Freculf Exodum, quatuor, ;
;'^9 also,
Expositionis in Leviticum, libri septem'9° added,
taries, by his disciple, Strabus, a monk of Fulda ; In Librum Numerorum, libri quatuor, addressed to Bishop Freculf; likewise, In Deuteronomium, libri quatuor, addressed to the same bishop. '91 The third tome contains, Commentariorum in Librum Judith, libri duo, with a prefatory epistle, directed to Bishop Humbert \ In Librum Ruth, liber unus ; In Quatuor
It is of a very elaborate and ingenious struc-
ture. This was intended for presentation to
Pope Gregory IV.
Jeremias,andanotheronEzechiel;^3i bothwereundertaken,attherequest of the Emperor Lothaire, who wrote two letters. In one of these, '3^ Raban is urged to treat on the secrets of nature ; in the other,^33he is recommended to comment on the Sacred Scripture. About a. d. 844, he composed his work, " De Universo," which he dedicated to Almoin, Bishop of Hal- berdstat. ^34
Mabillon's
"
Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti,"
lished at Antwerp, a. d, 1612.
tomus lib. ii. ,
"9 Mabillon
It is supposed, that the latter, likewise, may be identical with a
sec.
"3 In the fifteenth chapter, he mentions
the battle of Fontenay. See ibid,, lib. xxxiii. , sec. xix. , p. 656.
"4 See ibid. , lib. xxxii. , sec. xvii. , pp. 610, 611.
"S The authors of * ' Histoire Literaire de la France," very justly assert, that ancient writers report no such neglect, tome v. Neuvieme Siecle, p. 153, n. i.
xxx. ,
v. , p. 510.
"<^See "Gazetteer of the World," vol. vi. , p. 487.
"7 See I'Abbe Migne's " Dictionnaire des AbbayesetMonasteres,"col. 315.
thecommentaryonEzechiel. Init,allusion "^ He ruled it for fifteen years, and he is made to Raban's love of solitude, and to
died on the day before the April Ides, a. d.
861, according to the Chronicle of Marianus
Scottus. Brower has his death at a. d. 856.
the spot chosen for his retirement.
'34 ii^ the preface to ihis work, he com-
plains, that not only the Pagans, but even the Christians, caused great trouble to the
bishop, owing to their depravity and inso-
"
lib. iv. , p. 279. This latter work was pub-
See
Fuldensium Antiquitatum," libri iiii. ,
*'
— duodecim fere a mo-
says,
nasterio stadiis. " "Annales Ordinis S.
Benedicti," tomus ii. , lib. xxxiii. , sec. xix. ,
p. 656.
'3° See " Histoire Literairedela France,"
tome v. , p. 153.
'3i " Ab—eo loco, ubi Sanctus Gregorius
Mabillon's "Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus ii. , lib. xxxiii. , sect.
xix. , p. 656.
^3^ The letter itself has not been re-
covered.
'33 This letter is to be found, prefixed to
desierat. "
312 LIVES 01 THE IRISH SAINTS. [February 4.
bishop,''3S celebrated in Raban's verses. In it, he alludes to the uncivilized character of the people. '36 Then, too, Rudolf tells us, Raban wrote the commentaries on St. Paul's Epistles, collected in thirty books, chiefly taken fromtheworksoftheHolyFathers. Acertaindeacon,Lupus,'37encouraged him to undertake this labour. To the same period must be referred an
epistle or treatise on the Chorepiscopi, addressed to Drogo, Bishop of Metz,'38 and another epistle, directed to Regimbold, Chorepiscopus of Mayence, on certainpenitentialquestions. '39 FromMountSt. Peterhewasdrawn,inthe time of Lewis II. ,'4° Emperor of Germany, to assume the episcopal charge of Mainz or Mayence, a city at the confluence of the Rivers Rhine and Main. This election and consecration took place, about a. d. 846,^41 or 847. '42 The Benedictine authors of the French History of Literature state, that it occurred during the latter year, and on the 24th of June, the feast of St. John the Baptist. '''*3 His consecration took place in the cathedral, and in presence of Louis, King of Germany. '^4 During the year of his appoint- mentasarchbishopoverMayence,St. Rabanheldacouncil. Thisassembly
wasinsession,aboutthebeginningofthemonthofOctober,a. d. 847. ^45 it
isknownastheCouncilofMoguntinumorMayence. Initwerediscussed
various matters, relating to discipline, while some decrees were passed in reference to usurpers of ecclesiastical property. '^6 This Council of Mayence was convoked with the advice and sanction of King Lewis, and it was held at the Abbey of St. Alban. '^? Several bishops and abbots were assisting. About this time, a certain false German prophetess, named Thiota or Thierda, came to Mayence. Among other pretended revelations to her, and which were secrets known only to God, she publicly proclaimed the Day of General Judgment should take place, during that very year. Strange as it may seem, not alone many of the laity, flocking to hear, and regarding her as a great saint, offered presents to secure her prayers ; but, what is still more extra- ord. nary, some men in holy orders did not hesitate to regard her as one inspired by heaven. Raban and the other bishops summoned her before the council, where, after a close examination, she admitted adopting the role of an impostor for the sake of gain. She retired in disgrace and confounded, while her false predictions ceased any longer to engage the interest or fears of the people. ''^'^ Although Raban was infirm and of a very delicate constitu-
lence, so as even frequently to interrupt the prayers and studies of their pastor. This work treats about God, the Holy Trinity,
569.
'*' According to Marianus Scottus, Otgar,
Archbishop of Mayence, died this year,
when Raban, it is stated, succeeded i^or a See liistoire Literaire de la France," term of nine years. See "Chronicon. "
the anyels, man, and all other creatures. "
tome V. Neuvieme Siecle, pp. 155, 156. '^5 He is called " Pra;ciarus Episcopus ;" but, the former term does not seem to be a
proper name, in the opinion of Brower. *^"F:st rudis hie populus, est durus,
quern regis ipse. "
*37 An account of this Lupus and of his
I'ertz's
"
Monumenta Germaniae Hislorica,"
See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's Lives of the Saints," vol. ii. , February iv. , p. 92. '« See " Histoire Literaire de la France,"
tome v. Neuvieme Siecle, p. 153.
'-t* See Mre. Louis Moreri's *' Grand Die- tionnaire Hislorique," &c. , tome ix. , p. 3.
Paris edition, 1759, fol.
'ts See Trithemms' Vita B. Rabani Archi-
sec.
of History. " Chronological List of Councils, p. 228.
'° His term of rule lasted from A. D. 840
to 876. See "Annales Francorum Ful- tionnaire Historique," &c. , tome ix. , p. 3. denses," Du Chesne's "Historic Fran- "»8 See Trithemius, Vita B. Rabani, lib. corum Scriptores," tomus ii. , pp. 547, 568, iii. , cap. i. , sec. 2, p. 535.
" raire de la France," tome v.
writings vviil be found in
Histoire Lite- Neuvieme
Siecle, pp. 255 to 272.
'38 To this Rudolf alludes.
'39 See Mabillon's " Annales Ordinis S.
Benedicti," tomus ii. , lib. xxxiii. , sec. xix. , p. 656.
lib.
*^'' See Sir Harris Nicolas' "Chronology
tomns v. , p. 551.
"»^ "
episcopi,
iii. , cap. i. ,
2, p. 534.
'^7 See Mre. Louis Moreri's "Grand Dic-
February 4. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 313
tion, he neither eat flesh-meat, nor drank wine, even while he was a bishop. ^*9 Nor would he indulge in any custom, calculated to enervate the mind, while
ministering to bodily comfort. The bath he rejected, as a luxury of this nature ; and, always did he bear in mind St. Paul's advice, in reference to the pastoral office. 'so He made it, not alone the subject of frequent medi- tation ; but, even, it became the exact rule for his conduct, since he was irre- prehensible, becanse he omitted no single duty of God's true minister. Not alone did he relax no rigour of monastic life, but, he added to the severity he was fond of practising towards himself. He knew, that as a true pastor, and as a fervent lover of Christ, the flock now committed to his charge must be governed with the greatest care. Not only by word and example, he fed them in a spiritual sense, but his charity provided for their temporal wants. ^si In 848, another council was convoked, on the subject of those errors, attri- buted to Gothescalc. Raban is said to have entered with an excess of zeal on this matter, which before death he deemed it well to abandon. ^53 Gothescalc was a priest, who maintained various heteredox opinions, especially regarding the doctrine of predestination. He taught, in a very pernicious, and, it was believed, in a very un-Catholic, sense, that the good are inevitably predestined to eternal life by God, while the bad were inevitably predestined to eternal death. The controversies, which arose at this period, a. d. 847, engaged the most celebrated writers of the age in France and Germany. Among the rest, Joannes Scotus took part against Godescalc. '53 Raban, by forcible reasoning and by the evidence of the Sacred Scriptures, refuted this teaching. '54 In presence of the bishops, abbots and others there assembled, Gothescalc retracted his errors. 'ss By decree of the synod, he was sent to Archbishop Hincmar of Rheims, to whom Raban wrote a synodical epistle, '^6 after having exacted an oath from Gothescalc,'S7 not to return afterwards into the kingdom of Louis, in Ger- many.
'ss These errors of Gotescalc are said to have been chiefly respecting the doctrine of predestination. '59 He died in prison, a. d. 868, and Hincmar refused him the sacraments and the rites of sepulture, as being an obstinate heretic. '^ WhilepresidingoverMayence,Rabanbuiltseveralnewchurches, while he repaired many that were old and ruinous. '^'' Among other erec- tions, the holy bishop is said to have re-established the Monastery of Klingen-
in the diocese of '^^ His labours were in no manner munster, Spire. literary
interrupted. '^3 a terrible famine, prevailed through the whole Rhenish
^49 See Mre. Louis Moreri's "Le Grand Dictionnaire Historique," &c. , tome ix. , p. 3.
'S° See i. Tim. , iii.
^5^ See Trithemius, Vita B. Rabani Mauri,
heretic, A. D. 163 1, in 4to. It is to be found
lib. iii. , cap. i. , sec. i. , p. 534. "
tise," published at Paiis, a. d. 1650, in two 4to volumes. See the article Gotescalc in I'Abbe F. X. De Feller's "Dictionnaire Historique," &c. , tome iv,, pp. 355, 356. Paris edition, i8i8.
^ss See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Feb-
ruarii iv. Secunda Vita B. Rabani, Archi-
episcopi, lib. iii. , cap, i. , sec. 3, p. 535.
"59 See Mre. Louis Moreri's " Le Grand
Dictionnaire Historique," &c. , tome ix,, p.
3.
^52 See Histoire Literaire de la France,"
tome V. Neuvieme Siecle, pp. 153, 154. '33 See ibid. , tome vi. Neuvieme Siecle,
sec. Ixvii. , p. 263.
'54 Sigebert's Chronicle, at the year 849,
states, that although Gothescalc was con- victed, still he persevered in his error.
'55 Trithemius appears to refer this inci-
'^° See I'Abbe F. X. De Feller's " Die-
dent, to the first council, held at Mayence, tionnaire Historique," &c. , tome iv. , p.
by Raban.
'5^ In it he remarks, that Godescalc was
incorrigible, and that he should be impri- soned, nor suffered any longer to teach his
errors, nor to seduce the people.
'57 The first Latin book printed in Dublin
is said to have been Ussher's history of this
356.
'^' See the Bollandists* "Acta Sancto-
rum," tomus i. , Februarii iv,, p. 543.
'^^ See M, le Dr. Hoefer's " Nouvelle
Biographic Generale," &c. , tome xli. , col.
377.
'^^ See R. P. Christophoro Brovvero auc-
in the
"
Vindici* Praedestinationis et Gra-
314 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [February 4.
province in 850,^^^ and this gave occasion to the great Archbishop of Mayence to manifest his charity towards the poor. Besides, the number to whom he distributed relief in person, he fed three hundred famished persons each day. '^s During this time, he chiefly Hved at Wunckel,'^'' and while here, a woman, having an infant in her arms, came with other famished persons. She belonged to the town or village of Crucinac, in the Lower Palatinate. When the poor mother had just crossed the bishop's threshold, she fell into a swoon, through perfect exhaustion, and life departed. Even then, the infant continued sucking the mother's breast, while tears flowed abundantly from the beholders. When the bishop heard of this sad circum- stance, he also burst into tears. '^7 Again, Blessed Raban was indefatigable in making visitations through the country, and in preaching God's Word to his people. '^^ Two years, afterwards, a. d. 852, he presided at another council, held in his cathedral city, at the instance of King Louis. '^9 There the abbots of Eastern France, of Saxony, of the Rhine, of the Moselle, and of Bavaria, were assembled. Certain useful ecclesiastical questions were discussed. Louis confirmed the decrees, by royal authority ;'7o yet, the acts of this council have not been discovered. '7^ In the following year 853,^72 Raban assisted at another council, held at Frankfort. There he took under cognizance a great difference, which occurred between the bishopofOsnabruckandthenunsofHerford. '73 AccordingtoMabillon's
computation, Raban ruled over Mayence, as its archbishop, for a term of nine years, one month and four days. '74 This differs, however, from that of the Benedictine writers of the Literary History of France, who state, that he governed this church, eight years, seven months and some days. '75 Trithe- mius says,'76 Raban wrote, De Benedictionibus Patriarcharum, lib. i. ; De Divinis Ofhciis, lib. viii. ; De Computo Ecclesiastico, hb. ii. ; and Praepara- menta Septem Artium Liberalium, in several books. He composed, four books of epigrams, three books on metrical composition, while he wrote several books and epistles, to Lewis, King of Germany, about various matters referred to him. Besides, he compiled and delivered sermons and homilies, almost innumerable. To set forth these, in due order, should prove too tedious for his readers, and Trithemius observes, that the illustrious Raban was thought to have composed several other works, besides those noticed by him, and of which he had not been able to give any account. '77 Those writings enumerated, however, were works of the most learned and holy Raban, which Trithemius declares he had read. '78 The same writer says,
tore "FuldensiumAntiquitatumLibri nil. ," '7' See Mre. Louis Moreri's **Le Grand
Dictionnaire Historique," &c. , tome ix. , p. '^4 See M. le Dr. Hoefer's Nouvelle 3.
lib. iii. , cap. xiv. , pp. 250, 251.
**
Biographic Generale," &c. , tome xli. , col. 377.
'^5 See *' Histoire Literaire de la France," tome V. Neuvieme Siecle, p. 154.
'^ This was his country house, in the
vicinity of Mayence.
*^ See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto-
rum," tomus i. , Februarii iv. Second Life
of Blessed Raban, book iii. , sec. 6, p. 336. '^ See Mre. Louis Moreri's " Le Grand
Dictionnaire Historique," &c. , tome ix. ,p, 3-
'^2 See ** Histoire Literaire de la France," tome V. Neuvieme Siecle, p. 154.
'^3 See M. le Dr. Hoefer's "Nouvelle Biographic Generale," &c. , tome xli. , col. 377.
'^* See ** Annales Ordinis S. Benedict! ," tomus i. , lib. xxxv. , sec. iii. , p. 52.
'75 See " Histoire Literaire de la France," tome v. Neuvieme Siecle, p. 154.
'^6 See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto- rum," tomus i. , Februarii iv. Vita B. Ra- bani Mauri, Archiepiscopi Moguntini, lib.
iii. , cap. iii. , pp. 536, 537.
'^7 jsfo doubt, many ot these works have
since been identified and published,
'^8 fhe Benedictines present a very com-
'^9 See tome v.
** Histoire Literaire de la France," Neuvieme Siecle, p. 154. Trithemius, Vita B. Rabani, lib.
'^o See
iii. , cap. ii. , sec. 5, p. 535.
February 4. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 315
Rabanwrotemanybooks,ontheHistoryofJob; onEsrasandNeemias, three books ; on the History of Tobias, one book ; on the History of Job, many books ; on the whole Psalter, many books ; on the Canticle of Canti- cles, many books ; on Ecclesiasten, many books ; on the Prophet Isaias, twenty books ; on Ezechiel, twenty books ; on the Prophet Daniel, three books ; on the Twelve Minor Prophets, twelve books ; on the Evangelist Luke, three books ; on the Evangelist Mark, four books ; on the Evangelist John, many books ; on the Acts of the Apostles, many books ; on the Canonical Epistles, seven books ; and, on the Apocalypse of St. John, many books. '79 He was one of the most learned men in his The
of his life is further evinced, in the great labours he underwent, to satisfy
contemporaneous necessities. St. Raban is called a sophist, which has the
meaning of one skilled in logic, while he is also regarded as one of the most
eminent poets of his time. The complete works of this renowned ecclesias-
tical writer, so far as these could be collected and authenticated, were first
pubhshed at Cologne, a. d. 1627, in six foHo volumes. '^^ The tracts were
taken from the collections of Jacobus Pamelius, and were carefully edited
byGeorgiusColvenerius,ChancelloroftheCollegeatDouai. FatherLabbe
describes the contents of these six tomes. The tirst tome commences with
the Life of Raban, by his disciple, the Priest Rudolf, as also with that com-
piled by Johannes Trithemius. Then follow those works, attributed to our
author. Exceptio de Arte Grammatica Prisciani. De Universo, libri 22. '^^
This is a work on Etymology, on the Proprieties of Language, and on the
Signification of Mystic Things, dedicated to King Lewis. '^3 De Laudibus
Sanctse Crucis,'^^ Hbri duo ;'^s the first book is in metre, '^^ the second is in
prose. ^^7 The second tome contains, Commentariorum'^^ in Genesim, libri
quatuor, with a prefatory epistle addressed to Freculf, Bishop of Luxeu, in
Neustria
In
libri —addressed to the same Freculf Exodum, quatuor, ;
;'^9 also,
Expositionis in Leviticum, libri septem'9° added,
taries, by his disciple, Strabus, a monk of Fulda ; In Librum Numerorum, libri quatuor, addressed to Bishop Freculf; likewise, In Deuteronomium, libri quatuor, addressed to the same bishop. '91 The third tome contains, Commentariorum in Librum Judith, libri duo, with a prefatory epistle, directed to Bishop Humbert \ In Librum Ruth, liber unus ; In Quatuor
It is of a very elaborate and ingenious struc-
ture. This was intended for presentation to
Pope Gregory IV.
