King of Northumbria, was
predecessor
of the former.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v3
Despairing to effect anything, by human means, they had recourse to prayer.
Kneeling dowa together, over a projecting point of land, they earnestly supplicated Divine Mercy, in favour of those forlorn mariners, who seemed devoted to
almost certain destruction. At this moment, a crowd of rustics stood on the opposite bank of the river, and with these also appeared St. Cuthbert. When with deep grief, our saint belield five vessels receding from view, until they appeared like so many small birds rocking on ocean's surface, he had the mor- tification of hearing the crowd remark, moreover, that the monks deserved this punishment, for having introduced new forms of living into their country.
" "Letno tion ? But, the rustics, in a great rage against him, cried out :
man dare pray for them, and may the Lord compassionate none of those, who took away old popular practices, by substituting new ones, which we cannot well observe. " Cuthbert, however, fell upon his knees, and bending his head with reverence, poured forth prayers 'to God. Immediately, the wind changed in an opposite direction, and those outward barks were borne towards the monastery, near which the mariners landed, and to their great joy, after this providential and unexpected deliverance. Seeing such a result, the rustics felt ashamed of their infidelity, while they extolled Cuthbert's faitli, and failed not in circulating the fame of this great miracle. Venerable Bede tells us, he heard this relation, from a trustwortiiy brother of his own monastery, who declared, that he likewise received this account, from one of the crowd, who happened to be present. That narrator besides was a man of
simple mind, altogether incapable of forming such a story, without j ust grounds, and one, who had frequently related it to many companions. '3
While engaged at the occupation of tending sheep, on the mountains, in this part of the country, it pleased the Almighty to call Cuthbert to the pro- fession of a religious life, in Lindisfarne monastery. One night, while his com- panions were sleeping, Cuthbert, according to a usual custom, was engaged in vigil and prayer ; when, on a sudden, he saw the heavens pouring forth pre- ternatural light, which dispelled all darkness around, and a band of heavenly spirits descended upon earth. Here, without delay, having procured possession of a departed soul, radiant with beams of Divine Charity, they were again seen,
cap. ii. Also, Capgrave's Vita S. Cuthbert! ,
cap. X,
'-'See Rt. Rev. Bishop Moran's "Irish
Saints in Great Britain," chap. xi. p. 227.
'3 See Bede's Life, cnp. iii. Capgrave's
Life, cap. xi.
:
" Why, brethren, do you wish evil, to those
The saint addressing them said
whomyouseedevotedtodeath? shoulditnotbebetterandmorehumane, to beseecli the Lord for their preservation, than to rejoice at their destruc-
872 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 20.
returning to the Kingdom of the Blessed. The servant of God, transported with desire to enter upon a course of life, which could merit for him such
glory of the saints, immediately gave thanks and praises to God, for having been permitted to enjoy this magnificent vision. Then, awaking his com- panions, and relating what had occurred, at the same time, he expressed a belief, that some holy bishop, or great servant of God, had been called away, onthatverynight,tothejoysofeverlastingbliss. Theshepherdsfeltathrillof devotion, taking possession of their hearts, on hearing this account, given by their companion ; and, when morning dawned, it was known, that St. Aidan,'* Bishop of Lindisfarne, had been translated from earth to heaven, at the very moment of Cuthbert's vision. At once, our saint resolved upon entering Lindisfarne monastery, resigning the charge of his fleecy flock, into the hands ofitsmaster. ^5 Revolvingwithinhimselfthepurposeforembracingalifeof strict observance, a certain incident occurred, which taught him most implicit reliance,onthebountyofDivineProvidence. Oneday,whilehejourneyed alone, and about the third hour, he came to a village, where entering the house of a pious woman, he wished to find fodder for an animal, on which he rode. It chanced to be Friday, which was a day of fast,''^ and his hostess asked permission to prepare dinner for his refreshment, as he should not meet with any other resting-place, on the road he travelled ; hence, if he did not then eat, he might be obliged to remain without food, for a whole day. '? The saint, however, refused to accept of her proflered hospitality, and continued his travels, until the shades of evening began to foil ; when he found the journey, he had proposed for himself, could not be finished on that day, nor could he find a single inhabited house, where he might obtain shelter for the night. Seeing, on the roadside, some huts of shepherds, erected for their accommodation, in a temporary manner, but now deserted, he entered them. Tying the animal on which he rode to a wall, he collected a bundle of hay, which the wind had removed from the roof of those huts. This he placed before the horse, and betook himself to prayer, not having broken his fast during the entire day. Meantime, the horse, raising his head towards the top of the hut, began to eat that hay, with which it was covered. Suddenly, a l)iece of folded linen dropped from the roof. Having finished his prayer, Cuthbert went to examine this piece of linen ; when, to his great surprise, he found half of a loaf yet warm, and a piece of flesh meat, quite sufticient for liis refection. '^ Giving thanks to God, for such a favour, he divided this breadwithhishorse,reservingtheremainderforhisownuse. Thisaccount was given by Cuthbert himself, when bishop, to a certain religious priest, named Inguald,'^ living in a monastery, at the mouth of a river, called Vuiri,
'* The Life of this saint will be found, at
the 31st day of August.
'5 See Bede's Vita S. Cuthberti, cap. iv.
Capgrave's Vita S. Cuthberti, cap. xii.
that fasting on Friday was not accompanied by abstinence from flesh meat, at this time,
and in that particular place. But, it must be observed, the incident related most pro- bably occurred after midnight, or on Satur- day morning.
'' Colgan cannot find any mention of
him in the Martyrologies, unless perhaps he was St. Higbald, a priest, who in the time of St. Cuthbert lived in Northumbria, and thence went into Hibernia. Of him, Bede treats in his Fourth Book of English Ecclesiastical History, chap. iii. In the English and other Martyrologies, he is commemorated, on the 22nd of September. See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibernice," x\-. Martii. Vita S. Cuthberti, n. 7, p. 677.
'^ "
Erat namque sexta sabbathi, qua
plerique fidelium ob reverentiam dominicce
])assionis usque ad nonam horam Solent pro-
irahere jejunium. "—Bede's Vita S. Cuth-
berti, cap. v.
'' In an ancient English National Council
at Enham, it was decreed, that a fast should
be observed, on every Friday, except it happened to be a festival. Among the Ec- clesiastical Laws of King Ina and of King Canute, there is a like prescription. See
"
Concilia," tom. i. , From this account, it might appear,
Sir Henry Spelman's
pp. 518, 546. '^
March 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 873
now iknown as the Wear. The priest, already named, afterwards communi- cated this anecdote to Venerable Bede. ^°
At this time, Melrose was the great Keltic establishment for novices in Nor- thumbria. ^' When our saint prepared to enter upon his monastic life, Lindis- farnemonasterywaspeopledwithmanyholymonks; but,thatofMelrose^^was inhabited, by a holy man, named Boisilus,''3 the fame of whose virtue had been widelydivulged. ^4 CuthbertrodetothemonasteryofMelrose. Whenalighting to enter its church, for the purpose of offering his prayers, as a person of dis- tinction, the visitor left his horse and a spear which he carried, in charge of a servant ; for, it appears, he had not yet laid aside his secular habit. Standing be- fore the gate of his monastery, Boisilius was the first to observe him. In a pro-
phetic spirit,
he exclaimed to those that were near
:
" Behold the servant of
God,beholdatrueIsraelite,inwhomthereisnoguile. " ThePriestStgfrid,^^a
religious man, just entering upon his monastic profession, Avas then present, as
lietoldVenerableBede; and,atthattime,whenthelatterwroteoursaint'slife, his informant was still living as abbot, at an advanced age, in the monastery, calledWirensis. Boisilusreceivedoursaintwithgreatkindness,andafterwards obtained an account of his reasons for leaving the world ; tlaen, this Prior of Melrose—for to such dignity was Boisilus advanced—gave Cuthbert a most cordial welcome. Afterwards, our saint was introduced to Eata,^^ who was Abbot of Mailrose and of Lindisfarne, at the same time ; and, at length, having received tonsure, Cuthbert was admitted among the religious brethren, about the year 651, according to Capgrave. ^7 No sooner had he entered the monas- tery, than he became distinguished, not alone by an observance of usual discipli- nary rules ; for he even practised austerities, not required by the engagements of his profession. He applied himself, with great zeal, to reading, labour, watching and prayer ; he abstained from all kinds of intoxicating liquor, but made use of necessary food to support his constitution, during exercises of bodily and mental labour, to which he was subjected. A robust frame dis- tinguished him, and the strength he possessed was adequate to the per- formance of his most laborious occupations. ^^ The institute, under which St. Cuthbert began his religious profession was undoubtedly the same, that St. Aidan had formed at Lindisfarne, and which he had derived from the monastery at Iona. ^9 At this time, likewise, the powerful King of Northum-
"°
See Bede's Vita S. Cuthberti, cap. v.
iv. , cap. 27, and lib. v. , cap. 10.
^* In the year 651, he was Prior at Mel-
"
rose. See Origines Parocliiales Scotise,"
vol. i. , p. 292.
=5 He died on the 22nd of August, A. D.
Also, Capgrave's Vita S. Cuthberti, cap. xtii.
-' See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's " Lives of the Saints," vol. iii. , March 20, p. 338.
-^
situatedonthebanksof the Tweed, near Mel- tiones," lib. ii-, at that date. Also, Edward
Mailro. s or Melrose monastery was
688, according to Menard, "in observa-
rose town, about ten miles west of Kelso, in
Scotland. Fleury very strangely mistakes, by placing it within the country of the Mer- cians, which comprised the central parts of
Maihew, in Tropheis, and other writers.
^^ "
See Circle of the Seasons," p. 80,
^^ Life of St. Cuthbert, chap. xxiv.
Lngland. See his
"
Histoire Ecclesiasti-
=^ See Bede's Life, cap. vi. , and Cap- grave's Life, cap. xiv.
tome
-^ The feast of St. Bosilius is celebrated frid had not published in those parts the
lib.
on the 23rd of January, and he died, in the year 670, according to the English Marty- rology. However, the more correct date for his festival is on the 23rd of February, at which day some account of him will be found, in this v/ork. Ferrarius places his feast, at the 7th of August, and Menard at
the 9th of September. He is mentioned, in
^9 Dean
que,"
ix. ,
xl. ,
sect,
xliii. , p. 95.
Cressy writes,
Bede's
"
Ecclesiastical History. " See lib.
Holy Rule of Saint Benedict : neither was the Roman manner of celebrating Easter in- troduced among them : Which controversy divided the Black Monks from those whom Saint Columba and the Monastery of Hye
^o gee Matthew of Westminster, " Flores Historiarum," pp. 230, 231,
sent into Brittany"
Brittany," book xv. , chap, xvi. , p. 867.
" as Saint IVil- yet
—"Church
History of
874 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 20.
bria, and its seventh Bretwalda, Oswio, reigned ; for, after the defeat and death of his rival, Penda, in 655,3° his territorial jurisdiction was extended over Mercia, while the Britons, the Southern Picts, and the Scots, were carefultoaverthisenmity,bythepaymentofanannualtribute. 3' Aftersome years had passed, Alchfrid,32 or Alefrid,B3 King of Northumberland, presented Eata34 with a site, whereon to found a monastery. In this establishment, ])rayers were to be offered up continuously, for the future repose of King Ale- frid'ssoul. TheplacewascalledRhypuon,orWrypum,35accordingtoBede; now, it is better known as Ripon. 3S Eata having taken with him some religious brethren, and amongst others, Cuthbert, his monastery was accord- ingly built, and the discipline of Mailrose was established within it. 37 Cuth- bert was appointed to receive all guests, and to furnish them with suitable entertainment. Going forth one morning, he found a young man, without the monastery, and, according to the guest-master's usual custom, he began to exercise hospitable offices, presenting water to wash the hands and leet of thisstranger,withatoweltowipethem. Itbeingthenwinterseason,snow had covered the ground ; and our saint, supposing the traveller had suffered from cold and hunger during the night, placed this man's hands within his ownbosomtorestoretheirnaturalheat. Hetoldtheguest,thatfoodshould l)e immediately prepared. But, this stranger refused to partake of it, saying, lie had a long journey to perform, before he could reach his mansion, to which he must instantly hasten. In fine, Cuthbert importuned him in the name of God to remain, at least until breakfast-time, when he consented. The prayers of tierce being over, Cuthbert set a table for the usual meal. Placing some viands thereon, he told the guest to partake of these, while he wenttoprocuresomewarmbread,whichhehopedwasthenbaked. Onre- turning, he found no trace of the stranger, not being able even to discover
his parting footsteps on the snow-covered earth. Again, hastening to the re-
fectory, to prosecute his employment, he found it filled with a most fragrant odour. On further examination, three loaves were discovered, which rivalled the lily in whiteness, the rose in fragrance, and honey in sweetness
"
of taste. Our saint cried out,
whom I received, came to feed, not to be fed ; for, behold he hath brought bread, such as earth cannot produce. " Being moved with this miracle, to the saint it became an incentive for the attainment of higher virtues, and for the acquisition of greater graces. From that time forward, he often saw and conversed with Angels, who furnished him with food from heaven, whenever
3' See Rev. Dr. Lingard's "History of monastery of thirty families.
England," vol. i. , chap, ii. , pp. 93 to 103. ^^ Ripen, at one time, was an episcopal 3» He was son to King Oswy, and asso- city. See an accovmt of it, in Dugdale's
"
Alonasticon," vol. ii. , pp. 130 to 133. Edition of 1817. London, folio.
37 Dr. Lanigan thinks it is evident, from berland, and Ijrother to King Egfrid ; for, this account, tliat the monks of Maih-os lie did not obtain the Icingdom, untd St. were of Irisii institution, and followed tlie Cuthbert had been appointed Bishop of Irish system. Tiierefore, Mabillon was mistaken in his "Acta Sanctorum Ordinis S. Benedicti," torn, ii. , p. 878, when assert- ing, tiiat Cuthbert had received, not the Wherefore, the present Alfrid, or Alefrid, Irish but the Roman tonsure. Tliis had
ciated, by the latter, in tlie government of
his people.
3» This was not Alfrid, Kingof Northum-
Lindisfarne, in the time of Egfrid, as may 1)e seen, by referring to the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth chapters of Bede's Life.
King of Northumbria, was predecessor of the former. To him Venerable Bede
alludes, in the passages already mentioned, as also Matthew of Westminster.
3* See his Life, at the 26th of October.
35 It is said, likewise, to have been a
been said before, in an anonymous Life of Cuthbert ; but, then the Bollandists justly suspect, that the passage relative to it is an interpolation. See "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. iii. , chap, xviii. , sect, iv. , n. 42, p. 93.
I now perceive, that the Angel of God,
March 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS 875
he felt hungry. Of affable deportment and pleasing manners, Cuthbert frequently excited those with whom he conversed, to most exalted practices
of piety. When relating, for their edification, the actions of distinguished saints,heintroducedexamples,furnishedbyhisownexperience; yet,through liumility, he always spoke of himself in the third person, thus imitating the
" I know a man in Christ above fourteen
in the body, I know not, or out of the body, I know not, God knoweth) such a one wrapt even to the third heaven, &c," 3^ Good-natured and exceedingly
well-tempered, the holy man was remarkable for his modesty, patience and tact, while regulating the various duties, devolving on him. He was also tolerant and moderate to a degree. In his life was exemplified the most
perfect' precepts of the monastic profession. 39
With the prudent reserve which he maintains, in recounting the contest
between St. Wilfrid and the Celtic saints. Venerable Bede speaks of a storm wliich suddenly arose, when the Roman paschal rite was proposed for intro-
duction, to supersede the Celtic observance, at Ripon. We may well sup- pose, this was not effected, without considerable opposition ; however, the united power and influence of St. Wilfrid and of his friend Alchfrid caused the inmates to yield, as they wished to preserve their national usages. '*" Eata, Cuthbert, and certain other religious, at length were expelled from the monastery of Ripun, and their place had been occupied, by other monks. However, Cuthbert did not recede from his purpose ; but, he remained a faithful disciple of the holy Boisilus, endeavouring to emulate his words and actions. The Celtic community, with the Saxon element combined, pre- ferred a return to Melrose—their parent house—where they enjoyed tlie practiceoftheirColumbanobservances. Herefrid,afterwardsAbbotofLin-
declared he had heard from the of Cuthbert— that disfarne, lips himself, being
seized with a —then known in pestilence, raging throughout Britain, history
as the Yellow Plague,'*^ the monastic brothers spent a whole night, offering
up prayers for his recovery. These prayers were heard, for on the following morning, he was enabled to arise, and calling for his staff and hose, he went
forth, leaning on the former, and thus gradually recovered his strength. But, a tumour remaining on his tln'gh, it extended afterwards to the intestines ; so that, during his whole future life, he felt occasional returns of this pain. A few days, afterwards, Boisilus died, a. d. 664, in the odour of sanctity ; he, likewise, having been stricken by the Yellow Plague. Cuthbert concealed the prediction of this holy man, regarding his own promotion, when he had retired into solitude ; lest such announcement might hasten an event, the relization of which, with his accustomed humility, he much feared. How- ever, the holy man was known to signify his wishes to other brethren, that he might find an obscure habitation in some secluded island, where a surrounding ocean, might remove him from the sight and regard of all
persons.
worldlytemptations; but,heearnestlydesiredthisseclusion,thathemight avoid any false glare of ambition or vain-glory. '*^ On the death of Boisilus,
3^ II. Cor. xii. 2. See Bede's Vita S. on the Southern coasts ; thence it spread to
Cuthberti, cap. vii. ; Capgrave's Vita S. Northumbria ; and about the beginning of
Apostle
St.
Paul,
years ago (whether
Cuthberti, cap. xv.
^9 See Dean "
August, it reached Ireland. See Thomas
Nor even there would Cuthbert consider himself secure from
Cressy's
iSrittany, book xix. , chap, i. , p. 462.
i. , chap.
" Church of -History
Moore's " of Ireland," vol. History
xiii. , p. 280.
'"SeeLeComtedejNIontalembert's**Les
Moines d'Occident," tome iv. , liv. xiv. , cap. xvi.
and liv.
•" Its first appearance in the summer was
'^ He " travelled far and near the among
inhabitants of those parts, especially in the parts of Scotland to tihe south of the friths,'
chap, i. , p. 149, 400.
xv. , chap, i. , p.
'•'^ Bede'sLife,cap. viii. Capgrave'sLife,
,
S76 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 20.
Cuthbert was appointed his successor, about the year 664 ; and, he discharged
the duties of superior, with great virtue and prudence. But, his pastoral vigilance was not confined alone to subjects, within the walls of his monastery :
lie often went out on missions, among people living in the neighbourhood, to reclaim them from certain superstitious practices and heathen observances, to
which they were yet addicted, notwithstanding that faith which they professed and had recently embraced. To correct these errors, Cuthbert went to ad-
joining villages ; sometimes on horseback, but more frequently on foot, preaching the Gospel maxims, on all occasions. At that time, it was
customary for early English neophytes, to assemble at whatever village a priest or cleric visited ; there to receive, with the greatest docility and reverence, instructions from their lawfully-appointed pastors. The angelic countenance
of Cuthbert, joined with his fervid zeal and persuasive eloquence, had such an effect upon his dear humble children in tlie faith, that all who heard him were not only moved to contrition and penitence for their past errors ; but, even the people publicly confessed their delinquencies, in presence of their great missionary. He penetrated, moreover, to remote hamlets, among rugged and lofty mountains, in this part of the country ;43 delighting in poverty of accommodation, afforded by unsophisticated but kind-hearted mountaineers, among whom he sojourned, and to their great spiritual advantage. He was frequently absent from his monastery, for the whole of a week ; sometimes, for two and three weeks, or even an entire month, he did not return, being employed among his beloved rustics, extending the
•+
kingdom of God, both by precept and example. —
Whilst our saint continued to rule over the family of Melrose, St. Ebba,'»5
daughter to Ethelfred, and sister to Oswald, both Kings of Northumberland
presided over a community of nuns, at Coldingham. ''^ Hearing of the
newly-appointed prior's zeal and fervour, she requested his presence in her nunnery, to give a suitable course of instruction to its inmates. The servant
ofGod,inaccordancewithherrequest,setoutforthishabitation. Remain- ing there for some days, he preached in a most effective manner ; while his whole demeanour impressed this pious community of nuns, with sentiments of most profound veneration for his character. ^? During a sojourn witii some brethren of a religious house, whilst they were buried in sleep, he often went outbynight,toengageinprayer. Thecuriosityofacertainbrotherbelong- ing to this house being excited, from a knowledge of this circumstance ; he stole out privately, on a particular night, to see what the saint did, or whither he went. Cuthbert was found to have gone down towards the sea, over which that monastery stood. Having waded into the water, until it reached his breast, Cuthbert continued to recite the divine praises, in this comfortless position,untilmorning'sdawn. Then,returningtotheshore,andkneeling down, he seemed in a rapture of prayer or meditation. While thus engaged, two otters, or sea animals, came out from the water, and couching near him on the shore, they began to warm his feet with their breath, and to cleanse them with their skin or fur. Afterwards, they returned to the water, when our saint retired to the monastery. Here, he engaged in the recital of canonical hours with the monks, at their usual time.
&c. See Innes' *' Civil and Ecclesiastical
History of Scotland," Chronological Me- nioirs, p. 245.
<* Also called Coludi.
^ See Le Comte de Montalembei-fs "Les
Moines d'Occident," tome iv. , liv. xv. , chap.
i. , pp. 422, 423.
4S
Bede's Life, cap. x. Capgrave's Life, cap. xviii.
^9'I'lie PictsofGallowaywereknownas
44
Bede's Life, cap. ix, cap. xvii.
Capgrave's Life,
*s Her feast occurs, at the 2nd of April, accordingtotheEnglishMartyrology.
The inquisitive brother also repaired to
March 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 877
his moiicastery, and sought an early interview with the holy prior. Casting himself on his knees, with tears he asked pardon for a foolish curiosity, which inducedhimstealthilytohangonthefootstepsofthemanofGod. Cuth-
brother? orwhereforehave become you
bert "Whathave replied,
you done,
aspy,onmynocturnalrambles? however,youshallobtainpardonforthis
offence, provided you keep as a secret what you have seen, at least during the term of my life. " The monk promised a compliance with this condition, and immediately obtained the saint's pardon for his fault. His promise was faithfully observed, during Cuthbert's lifetime ; but, after our saint's death, the circumstance was divulged to many persons, by him who had witnessed it. "**^
At another time, having occasion to make a journey to the people of Niduari,
in the Pictish land,''9 he went by sea, two of his religious brethren having
accompanied him. One of the latter afterwards became a priest, and related
the following miracle, which occurred during their voyage. Having arrived
at the place of their destination, on the day after our Lord's Nativity, and
thinking the weather favourable for their voyage, while hoping to return
under the same propitious auspices, within a short space of time, they had
brought no provisions with them. However, they scarcely reached land,
whenatempestarose,soastoprecludeallhopeofreturning. Havingspent
some days, suffering from cold and hunger, while waiting for a favourable
change of weather, the saint, nevertheless, did not interrupt his usual prayers
and nightly vigils. At length, addressing his companions, he said, with a
to Cuthbert " You God, said,
a result of and trust hope
" Why, I ask, do we remain idle in this place,
cheerful tone and manner
and not seek for some means of deliverance ? Behold, the earth is covered with snow, and the sky with clouds ; the atmosphere is failed with storms, and the ocean with waves ; we are about to perish through want, while no man can be found to afford us relief. Let us, therefore, importune with prayer the Almighty, who formerly led his people through the depths of the sea, and who miraculously fed them in the desert, that he may also have compassion on us, in our extremity. I trust—if our faith fail not—that we shall not be left fasting this day, when he has already manifested so many wonders of his divine bounty ; I recommend, that we go to a certain place to seek for food, which may be afforded us, at this festive time. " Saying these words, he led them beneath that bank, on which he had spent the night in prayer. Here, to their great joy, they found three pieces of dolphin's flesh, which appeared to have been cut by human hands, and prepared for cooking. Giving thanks
:
see, dearly beloved,
in the Lord ; behold, he hath prepared food for his servants, and hath showed
us we must remain here three days, according to the proportion of food pro- vided for us three. Take ye, therefore, those gifts which Christ hath sent us, andletusrefreshourselves,havingconfidence; for,mostcertainly,afterthree days have elapsed, the sea and sky shall resume their serenity. " The storm prevailed, with its accustomed violence, for the triduum which followed ; on the fourth day, however, according to the prediction of Cuthbert, a calm ensued, and with favouring gales, they were wafted to those shores, they had desired torevisit. 5° Onanother hewentforthfromthe to ac-
day, monastery preach, cording to a usual custom, taking with him a boy, as his companion. Having travelled towards the village, whither he had been proceeding, and which lay " Tell where do
at a considerable he said to the distance,
me, my son,
you think we shall find refreshment, or have you in mind any person along
theNiduari. "Thetracesofthisvisithav—e ^°SeeBede'sLife,cap. xi.
5' "Irish been left in the name of Kiikcudbright. " See Rt. Rev. Bishop Moran's
"
ii. , book ii. , chap, v. , p. 209.
William F. Skene's
Celtic Scotland," vol. Saints in Great Britain," chap, xi. , p. 286.
boy :
87S LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 20.
our route, at whose house we may receive hospitahly ?
"
Having been yet
since
ing such a matter, in my own mind, for we have brought no food with us, nor do we know any person on the way to entertain us, while no inconsider- able portion of our journey remains, and this we cannot accomplish without
fasting,
they
left
home,
this
youth
"
replied the saint, "for he never injures with hunger, those who serve him
faithfully. " Thenlookingtowardsheaven,thesaintsawaneaglesoaringover-
:
liead,andheexclaimed "Do3'ouperceivethateagleflying? even,through
his agency, our Lord can provide for us to-day. " While thus engaged in conversation, both saw this bird alighting on the banks of a certain river,
suffering
from
hunger. "
Learn, my son,
to have faith and
hope
in
God,"
towards which they went. Cuthbert said
servant, of whom I just now spoke? Run, therefore, and see what food it hath pleased God to send us through him, then bring it hither. " Doing as he had been directed, the youth found a large fish, which this bird had lately taken from the river. Cuthbert said
why have you not left his part with our servant? divide the fish in two portions, and give him that one, which his services merit. "5^ This order being obeyed, and taking the other part along with them, when a time for their re- fection arrived, they turned towards the next village. On presenting the fisli to certain inmates of a house into whicli they entered, it was prepared, and sufficed as well for their family meal, as for our travellers' fare. Cuthbert preached the Divine word, and extolled God's benefits, within this humble tenement. Having resumed his journey, he again set out for the village, towards which his course had been directed. s^ About the same time, a number of persons collected around our saint, to hear him preach, in a certain village. The servant of God had a revelation, that the devil, wishing to retard
S3
Bishop—Challenor calls tills "a fantas-
tical fire. ' "Britannia Sancta," part March 20, p. 190.
^s
5< See Bede'. s Vila S.
and Capgravc's Vita S. Cuthberti, cap. xx.
^' Le Comte de By
Montalembert,
Cuthberti, cap. xiii. ,
i.
Lite, cap.
xiv.
Capgravc's
Life,
:
" What have you done, my child ?
the Gospel fruits, had prepared a stratagem for this purpose. In the midst
"
of his discourse, he suddenly addressed a crowd, in these words :
beloved, as often as you hear mysteries of the kingdom of heaven expounded, you should always apply the most vigilant attention of your senses and minds ; lest perchance, the devil, who hath a thousand fallacious arts, may prevent you from receiving God's word, through any want of interest on your part. " Hethenresumedtheordinarytenorofhisdiscourse. Onasudden,theevil one produced a great conflagration in their village, and a high wind seemed to spread the flames on all sides. 53 Immediately, the whole crowd, with a few exceptions, ran to extinguish this fire. They threw water on it, witli little
effect, until Cuthbert, offering up his prayers to God, procured its extinction. The crowd was filled with confusion, on seeing this, and flocking again to the servant of God, the people fell on their knees, imploring pardon for that incon-
stancy of purpose and of conduct, which induced them to disregard their preacher'sadmonitions. 5+ Onanotheroccasionoflikemissionarylabour,he entered the house of a certain religious woman, who was a nurse to him, during histenderyears. ss Onthisaccount,hewasinthehabitofcallinghermother, and of frequently visiting her house, which was situated in a western part of the village. " Through accident and want of caution, a great fire broke out, inanoppositedirection. Thewind,blowingwithviolenceatthissametime,
s- Bede's Life, cap. xii. Capgravc's Life, cap. xix.
^3 From this account, it is probable, that
in early youth or infancy, Cuthbert had lived in the southern part of Scotland,
said in " I have been consider- reply :
:
" Do you behold where rests our
Bede's caj). xxi.
he is called "uu Les ealdorraen du roi Egfrid,"'
Dearly
March 20.
almost certain destruction. At this moment, a crowd of rustics stood on the opposite bank of the river, and with these also appeared St. Cuthbert. When with deep grief, our saint belield five vessels receding from view, until they appeared like so many small birds rocking on ocean's surface, he had the mor- tification of hearing the crowd remark, moreover, that the monks deserved this punishment, for having introduced new forms of living into their country.
" "Letno tion ? But, the rustics, in a great rage against him, cried out :
man dare pray for them, and may the Lord compassionate none of those, who took away old popular practices, by substituting new ones, which we cannot well observe. " Cuthbert, however, fell upon his knees, and bending his head with reverence, poured forth prayers 'to God. Immediately, the wind changed in an opposite direction, and those outward barks were borne towards the monastery, near which the mariners landed, and to their great joy, after this providential and unexpected deliverance. Seeing such a result, the rustics felt ashamed of their infidelity, while they extolled Cuthbert's faitli, and failed not in circulating the fame of this great miracle. Venerable Bede tells us, he heard this relation, from a trustwortiiy brother of his own monastery, who declared, that he likewise received this account, from one of the crowd, who happened to be present. That narrator besides was a man of
simple mind, altogether incapable of forming such a story, without j ust grounds, and one, who had frequently related it to many companions. '3
While engaged at the occupation of tending sheep, on the mountains, in this part of the country, it pleased the Almighty to call Cuthbert to the pro- fession of a religious life, in Lindisfarne monastery. One night, while his com- panions were sleeping, Cuthbert, according to a usual custom, was engaged in vigil and prayer ; when, on a sudden, he saw the heavens pouring forth pre- ternatural light, which dispelled all darkness around, and a band of heavenly spirits descended upon earth. Here, without delay, having procured possession of a departed soul, radiant with beams of Divine Charity, they were again seen,
cap. ii. Also, Capgrave's Vita S. Cuthbert! ,
cap. X,
'-'See Rt. Rev. Bishop Moran's "Irish
Saints in Great Britain," chap. xi. p. 227.
'3 See Bede's Life, cnp. iii. Capgrave's
Life, cap. xi.
:
" Why, brethren, do you wish evil, to those
The saint addressing them said
whomyouseedevotedtodeath? shoulditnotbebetterandmorehumane, to beseecli the Lord for their preservation, than to rejoice at their destruc-
872 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 20.
returning to the Kingdom of the Blessed. The servant of God, transported with desire to enter upon a course of life, which could merit for him such
glory of the saints, immediately gave thanks and praises to God, for having been permitted to enjoy this magnificent vision. Then, awaking his com- panions, and relating what had occurred, at the same time, he expressed a belief, that some holy bishop, or great servant of God, had been called away, onthatverynight,tothejoysofeverlastingbliss. Theshepherdsfeltathrillof devotion, taking possession of their hearts, on hearing this account, given by their companion ; and, when morning dawned, it was known, that St. Aidan,'* Bishop of Lindisfarne, had been translated from earth to heaven, at the very moment of Cuthbert's vision. At once, our saint resolved upon entering Lindisfarne monastery, resigning the charge of his fleecy flock, into the hands ofitsmaster. ^5 Revolvingwithinhimselfthepurposeforembracingalifeof strict observance, a certain incident occurred, which taught him most implicit reliance,onthebountyofDivineProvidence. Oneday,whilehejourneyed alone, and about the third hour, he came to a village, where entering the house of a pious woman, he wished to find fodder for an animal, on which he rode. It chanced to be Friday, which was a day of fast,''^ and his hostess asked permission to prepare dinner for his refreshment, as he should not meet with any other resting-place, on the road he travelled ; hence, if he did not then eat, he might be obliged to remain without food, for a whole day. '? The saint, however, refused to accept of her proflered hospitality, and continued his travels, until the shades of evening began to foil ; when he found the journey, he had proposed for himself, could not be finished on that day, nor could he find a single inhabited house, where he might obtain shelter for the night. Seeing, on the roadside, some huts of shepherds, erected for their accommodation, in a temporary manner, but now deserted, he entered them. Tying the animal on which he rode to a wall, he collected a bundle of hay, which the wind had removed from the roof of those huts. This he placed before the horse, and betook himself to prayer, not having broken his fast during the entire day. Meantime, the horse, raising his head towards the top of the hut, began to eat that hay, with which it was covered. Suddenly, a l)iece of folded linen dropped from the roof. Having finished his prayer, Cuthbert went to examine this piece of linen ; when, to his great surprise, he found half of a loaf yet warm, and a piece of flesh meat, quite sufticient for liis refection. '^ Giving thanks to God, for such a favour, he divided this breadwithhishorse,reservingtheremainderforhisownuse. Thisaccount was given by Cuthbert himself, when bishop, to a certain religious priest, named Inguald,'^ living in a monastery, at the mouth of a river, called Vuiri,
'* The Life of this saint will be found, at
the 31st day of August.
'5 See Bede's Vita S. Cuthberti, cap. iv.
Capgrave's Vita S. Cuthberti, cap. xii.
that fasting on Friday was not accompanied by abstinence from flesh meat, at this time,
and in that particular place. But, it must be observed, the incident related most pro- bably occurred after midnight, or on Satur- day morning.
'' Colgan cannot find any mention of
him in the Martyrologies, unless perhaps he was St. Higbald, a priest, who in the time of St. Cuthbert lived in Northumbria, and thence went into Hibernia. Of him, Bede treats in his Fourth Book of English Ecclesiastical History, chap. iii. In the English and other Martyrologies, he is commemorated, on the 22nd of September. See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibernice," x\-. Martii. Vita S. Cuthberti, n. 7, p. 677.
'^ "
Erat namque sexta sabbathi, qua
plerique fidelium ob reverentiam dominicce
])assionis usque ad nonam horam Solent pro-
irahere jejunium. "—Bede's Vita S. Cuth-
berti, cap. v.
'' In an ancient English National Council
at Enham, it was decreed, that a fast should
be observed, on every Friday, except it happened to be a festival. Among the Ec- clesiastical Laws of King Ina and of King Canute, there is a like prescription. See
"
Concilia," tom. i. , From this account, it might appear,
Sir Henry Spelman's
pp. 518, 546. '^
March 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 873
now iknown as the Wear. The priest, already named, afterwards communi- cated this anecdote to Venerable Bede. ^°
At this time, Melrose was the great Keltic establishment for novices in Nor- thumbria. ^' When our saint prepared to enter upon his monastic life, Lindis- farnemonasterywaspeopledwithmanyholymonks; but,thatofMelrose^^was inhabited, by a holy man, named Boisilus,''3 the fame of whose virtue had been widelydivulged. ^4 CuthbertrodetothemonasteryofMelrose. Whenalighting to enter its church, for the purpose of offering his prayers, as a person of dis- tinction, the visitor left his horse and a spear which he carried, in charge of a servant ; for, it appears, he had not yet laid aside his secular habit. Standing be- fore the gate of his monastery, Boisilius was the first to observe him. In a pro-
phetic spirit,
he exclaimed to those that were near
:
" Behold the servant of
God,beholdatrueIsraelite,inwhomthereisnoguile. " ThePriestStgfrid,^^a
religious man, just entering upon his monastic profession, Avas then present, as
lietoldVenerableBede; and,atthattime,whenthelatterwroteoursaint'slife, his informant was still living as abbot, at an advanced age, in the monastery, calledWirensis. Boisilusreceivedoursaintwithgreatkindness,andafterwards obtained an account of his reasons for leaving the world ; tlaen, this Prior of Melrose—for to such dignity was Boisilus advanced—gave Cuthbert a most cordial welcome. Afterwards, our saint was introduced to Eata,^^ who was Abbot of Mailrose and of Lindisfarne, at the same time ; and, at length, having received tonsure, Cuthbert was admitted among the religious brethren, about the year 651, according to Capgrave. ^7 No sooner had he entered the monas- tery, than he became distinguished, not alone by an observance of usual discipli- nary rules ; for he even practised austerities, not required by the engagements of his profession. He applied himself, with great zeal, to reading, labour, watching and prayer ; he abstained from all kinds of intoxicating liquor, but made use of necessary food to support his constitution, during exercises of bodily and mental labour, to which he was subjected. A robust frame dis- tinguished him, and the strength he possessed was adequate to the per- formance of his most laborious occupations. ^^ The institute, under which St. Cuthbert began his religious profession was undoubtedly the same, that St. Aidan had formed at Lindisfarne, and which he had derived from the monastery at Iona. ^9 At this time, likewise, the powerful King of Northum-
"°
See Bede's Vita S. Cuthberti, cap. v.
iv. , cap. 27, and lib. v. , cap. 10.
^* In the year 651, he was Prior at Mel-
"
rose. See Origines Parocliiales Scotise,"
vol. i. , p. 292.
=5 He died on the 22nd of August, A. D.
Also, Capgrave's Vita S. Cuthberti, cap. xtii.
-' See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's " Lives of the Saints," vol. iii. , March 20, p. 338.
-^
situatedonthebanksof the Tweed, near Mel- tiones," lib. ii-, at that date. Also, Edward
Mailro. s or Melrose monastery was
688, according to Menard, "in observa-
rose town, about ten miles west of Kelso, in
Scotland. Fleury very strangely mistakes, by placing it within the country of the Mer- cians, which comprised the central parts of
Maihew, in Tropheis, and other writers.
^^ "
See Circle of the Seasons," p. 80,
^^ Life of St. Cuthbert, chap. xxiv.
Lngland. See his
"
Histoire Ecclesiasti-
=^ See Bede's Life, cap. vi. , and Cap- grave's Life, cap. xiv.
tome
-^ The feast of St. Bosilius is celebrated frid had not published in those parts the
lib.
on the 23rd of January, and he died, in the year 670, according to the English Marty- rology. However, the more correct date for his festival is on the 23rd of February, at which day some account of him will be found, in this v/ork. Ferrarius places his feast, at the 7th of August, and Menard at
the 9th of September. He is mentioned, in
^9 Dean
que,"
ix. ,
xl. ,
sect,
xliii. , p. 95.
Cressy writes,
Bede's
"
Ecclesiastical History. " See lib.
Holy Rule of Saint Benedict : neither was the Roman manner of celebrating Easter in- troduced among them : Which controversy divided the Black Monks from those whom Saint Columba and the Monastery of Hye
^o gee Matthew of Westminster, " Flores Historiarum," pp. 230, 231,
sent into Brittany"
Brittany," book xv. , chap, xvi. , p. 867.
" as Saint IVil- yet
—"Church
History of
874 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 20.
bria, and its seventh Bretwalda, Oswio, reigned ; for, after the defeat and death of his rival, Penda, in 655,3° his territorial jurisdiction was extended over Mercia, while the Britons, the Southern Picts, and the Scots, were carefultoaverthisenmity,bythepaymentofanannualtribute. 3' Aftersome years had passed, Alchfrid,32 or Alefrid,B3 King of Northumberland, presented Eata34 with a site, whereon to found a monastery. In this establishment, ])rayers were to be offered up continuously, for the future repose of King Ale- frid'ssoul. TheplacewascalledRhypuon,orWrypum,35accordingtoBede; now, it is better known as Ripon. 3S Eata having taken with him some religious brethren, and amongst others, Cuthbert, his monastery was accord- ingly built, and the discipline of Mailrose was established within it. 37 Cuth- bert was appointed to receive all guests, and to furnish them with suitable entertainment. Going forth one morning, he found a young man, without the monastery, and, according to the guest-master's usual custom, he began to exercise hospitable offices, presenting water to wash the hands and leet of thisstranger,withatoweltowipethem. Itbeingthenwinterseason,snow had covered the ground ; and our saint, supposing the traveller had suffered from cold and hunger during the night, placed this man's hands within his ownbosomtorestoretheirnaturalheat. Hetoldtheguest,thatfoodshould l)e immediately prepared. But, this stranger refused to partake of it, saying, lie had a long journey to perform, before he could reach his mansion, to which he must instantly hasten. In fine, Cuthbert importuned him in the name of God to remain, at least until breakfast-time, when he consented. The prayers of tierce being over, Cuthbert set a table for the usual meal. Placing some viands thereon, he told the guest to partake of these, while he wenttoprocuresomewarmbread,whichhehopedwasthenbaked. Onre- turning, he found no trace of the stranger, not being able even to discover
his parting footsteps on the snow-covered earth. Again, hastening to the re-
fectory, to prosecute his employment, he found it filled with a most fragrant odour. On further examination, three loaves were discovered, which rivalled the lily in whiteness, the rose in fragrance, and honey in sweetness
"
of taste. Our saint cried out,
whom I received, came to feed, not to be fed ; for, behold he hath brought bread, such as earth cannot produce. " Being moved with this miracle, to the saint it became an incentive for the attainment of higher virtues, and for the acquisition of greater graces. From that time forward, he often saw and conversed with Angels, who furnished him with food from heaven, whenever
3' See Rev. Dr. Lingard's "History of monastery of thirty families.
England," vol. i. , chap, ii. , pp. 93 to 103. ^^ Ripen, at one time, was an episcopal 3» He was son to King Oswy, and asso- city. See an accovmt of it, in Dugdale's
"
Alonasticon," vol. ii. , pp. 130 to 133. Edition of 1817. London, folio.
37 Dr. Lanigan thinks it is evident, from berland, and Ijrother to King Egfrid ; for, this account, tliat the monks of Maih-os lie did not obtain the Icingdom, untd St. were of Irisii institution, and followed tlie Cuthbert had been appointed Bishop of Irish system. Tiierefore, Mabillon was mistaken in his "Acta Sanctorum Ordinis S. Benedicti," torn, ii. , p. 878, when assert- ing, tiiat Cuthbert had received, not the Wherefore, the present Alfrid, or Alefrid, Irish but the Roman tonsure. Tliis had
ciated, by the latter, in tlie government of
his people.
3» This was not Alfrid, Kingof Northum-
Lindisfarne, in the time of Egfrid, as may 1)e seen, by referring to the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth chapters of Bede's Life.
King of Northumbria, was predecessor of the former. To him Venerable Bede
alludes, in the passages already mentioned, as also Matthew of Westminster.
3* See his Life, at the 26th of October.
35 It is said, likewise, to have been a
been said before, in an anonymous Life of Cuthbert ; but, then the Bollandists justly suspect, that the passage relative to it is an interpolation. See "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. iii. , chap, xviii. , sect, iv. , n. 42, p. 93.
I now perceive, that the Angel of God,
March 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS 875
he felt hungry. Of affable deportment and pleasing manners, Cuthbert frequently excited those with whom he conversed, to most exalted practices
of piety. When relating, for their edification, the actions of distinguished saints,heintroducedexamples,furnishedbyhisownexperience; yet,through liumility, he always spoke of himself in the third person, thus imitating the
" I know a man in Christ above fourteen
in the body, I know not, or out of the body, I know not, God knoweth) such a one wrapt even to the third heaven, &c," 3^ Good-natured and exceedingly
well-tempered, the holy man was remarkable for his modesty, patience and tact, while regulating the various duties, devolving on him. He was also tolerant and moderate to a degree. In his life was exemplified the most
perfect' precepts of the monastic profession. 39
With the prudent reserve which he maintains, in recounting the contest
between St. Wilfrid and the Celtic saints. Venerable Bede speaks of a storm wliich suddenly arose, when the Roman paschal rite was proposed for intro-
duction, to supersede the Celtic observance, at Ripon. We may well sup- pose, this was not effected, without considerable opposition ; however, the united power and influence of St. Wilfrid and of his friend Alchfrid caused the inmates to yield, as they wished to preserve their national usages. '*" Eata, Cuthbert, and certain other religious, at length were expelled from the monastery of Ripun, and their place had been occupied, by other monks. However, Cuthbert did not recede from his purpose ; but, he remained a faithful disciple of the holy Boisilus, endeavouring to emulate his words and actions. The Celtic community, with the Saxon element combined, pre- ferred a return to Melrose—their parent house—where they enjoyed tlie practiceoftheirColumbanobservances. Herefrid,afterwardsAbbotofLin-
declared he had heard from the of Cuthbert— that disfarne, lips himself, being
seized with a —then known in pestilence, raging throughout Britain, history
as the Yellow Plague,'*^ the monastic brothers spent a whole night, offering
up prayers for his recovery. These prayers were heard, for on the following morning, he was enabled to arise, and calling for his staff and hose, he went
forth, leaning on the former, and thus gradually recovered his strength. But, a tumour remaining on his tln'gh, it extended afterwards to the intestines ; so that, during his whole future life, he felt occasional returns of this pain. A few days, afterwards, Boisilus died, a. d. 664, in the odour of sanctity ; he, likewise, having been stricken by the Yellow Plague. Cuthbert concealed the prediction of this holy man, regarding his own promotion, when he had retired into solitude ; lest such announcement might hasten an event, the relization of which, with his accustomed humility, he much feared. How- ever, the holy man was known to signify his wishes to other brethren, that he might find an obscure habitation in some secluded island, where a surrounding ocean, might remove him from the sight and regard of all
persons.
worldlytemptations; but,heearnestlydesiredthisseclusion,thathemight avoid any false glare of ambition or vain-glory. '*^ On the death of Boisilus,
3^ II. Cor. xii. 2. See Bede's Vita S. on the Southern coasts ; thence it spread to
Cuthberti, cap. vii. ; Capgrave's Vita S. Northumbria ; and about the beginning of
Apostle
St.
Paul,
years ago (whether
Cuthberti, cap. xv.
^9 See Dean "
August, it reached Ireland. See Thomas
Nor even there would Cuthbert consider himself secure from
Cressy's
iSrittany, book xix. , chap, i. , p. 462.
i. , chap.
" Church of -History
Moore's " of Ireland," vol. History
xiii. , p. 280.
'"SeeLeComtedejNIontalembert's**Les
Moines d'Occident," tome iv. , liv. xiv. , cap. xvi.
and liv.
•" Its first appearance in the summer was
'^ He " travelled far and near the among
inhabitants of those parts, especially in the parts of Scotland to tihe south of the friths,'
chap, i. , p. 149, 400.
xv. , chap, i. , p.
'•'^ Bede'sLife,cap. viii. Capgrave'sLife,
,
S76 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 20.
Cuthbert was appointed his successor, about the year 664 ; and, he discharged
the duties of superior, with great virtue and prudence. But, his pastoral vigilance was not confined alone to subjects, within the walls of his monastery :
lie often went out on missions, among people living in the neighbourhood, to reclaim them from certain superstitious practices and heathen observances, to
which they were yet addicted, notwithstanding that faith which they professed and had recently embraced. To correct these errors, Cuthbert went to ad-
joining villages ; sometimes on horseback, but more frequently on foot, preaching the Gospel maxims, on all occasions. At that time, it was
customary for early English neophytes, to assemble at whatever village a priest or cleric visited ; there to receive, with the greatest docility and reverence, instructions from their lawfully-appointed pastors. The angelic countenance
of Cuthbert, joined with his fervid zeal and persuasive eloquence, had such an effect upon his dear humble children in tlie faith, that all who heard him were not only moved to contrition and penitence for their past errors ; but, even the people publicly confessed their delinquencies, in presence of their great missionary. He penetrated, moreover, to remote hamlets, among rugged and lofty mountains, in this part of the country ;43 delighting in poverty of accommodation, afforded by unsophisticated but kind-hearted mountaineers, among whom he sojourned, and to their great spiritual advantage. He was frequently absent from his monastery, for the whole of a week ; sometimes, for two and three weeks, or even an entire month, he did not return, being employed among his beloved rustics, extending the
•+
kingdom of God, both by precept and example. —
Whilst our saint continued to rule over the family of Melrose, St. Ebba,'»5
daughter to Ethelfred, and sister to Oswald, both Kings of Northumberland
presided over a community of nuns, at Coldingham. ''^ Hearing of the
newly-appointed prior's zeal and fervour, she requested his presence in her nunnery, to give a suitable course of instruction to its inmates. The servant
ofGod,inaccordancewithherrequest,setoutforthishabitation. Remain- ing there for some days, he preached in a most effective manner ; while his whole demeanour impressed this pious community of nuns, with sentiments of most profound veneration for his character. ^? During a sojourn witii some brethren of a religious house, whilst they were buried in sleep, he often went outbynight,toengageinprayer. Thecuriosityofacertainbrotherbelong- ing to this house being excited, from a knowledge of this circumstance ; he stole out privately, on a particular night, to see what the saint did, or whither he went. Cuthbert was found to have gone down towards the sea, over which that monastery stood. Having waded into the water, until it reached his breast, Cuthbert continued to recite the divine praises, in this comfortless position,untilmorning'sdawn. Then,returningtotheshore,andkneeling down, he seemed in a rapture of prayer or meditation. While thus engaged, two otters, or sea animals, came out from the water, and couching near him on the shore, they began to warm his feet with their breath, and to cleanse them with their skin or fur. Afterwards, they returned to the water, when our saint retired to the monastery. Here, he engaged in the recital of canonical hours with the monks, at their usual time.
&c. See Innes' *' Civil and Ecclesiastical
History of Scotland," Chronological Me- nioirs, p. 245.
<* Also called Coludi.
^ See Le Comte de Montalembei-fs "Les
Moines d'Occident," tome iv. , liv. xv. , chap.
i. , pp. 422, 423.
4S
Bede's Life, cap. x. Capgrave's Life, cap. xviii.
^9'I'lie PictsofGallowaywereknownas
44
Bede's Life, cap. ix, cap. xvii.
Capgrave's Life,
*s Her feast occurs, at the 2nd of April, accordingtotheEnglishMartyrology.
The inquisitive brother also repaired to
March 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 877
his moiicastery, and sought an early interview with the holy prior. Casting himself on his knees, with tears he asked pardon for a foolish curiosity, which inducedhimstealthilytohangonthefootstepsofthemanofGod. Cuth-
brother? orwhereforehave become you
bert "Whathave replied,
you done,
aspy,onmynocturnalrambles? however,youshallobtainpardonforthis
offence, provided you keep as a secret what you have seen, at least during the term of my life. " The monk promised a compliance with this condition, and immediately obtained the saint's pardon for his fault. His promise was faithfully observed, during Cuthbert's lifetime ; but, after our saint's death, the circumstance was divulged to many persons, by him who had witnessed it. "**^
At another time, having occasion to make a journey to the people of Niduari,
in the Pictish land,''9 he went by sea, two of his religious brethren having
accompanied him. One of the latter afterwards became a priest, and related
the following miracle, which occurred during their voyage. Having arrived
at the place of their destination, on the day after our Lord's Nativity, and
thinking the weather favourable for their voyage, while hoping to return
under the same propitious auspices, within a short space of time, they had
brought no provisions with them. However, they scarcely reached land,
whenatempestarose,soastoprecludeallhopeofreturning. Havingspent
some days, suffering from cold and hunger, while waiting for a favourable
change of weather, the saint, nevertheless, did not interrupt his usual prayers
and nightly vigils. At length, addressing his companions, he said, with a
to Cuthbert " You God, said,
a result of and trust hope
" Why, I ask, do we remain idle in this place,
cheerful tone and manner
and not seek for some means of deliverance ? Behold, the earth is covered with snow, and the sky with clouds ; the atmosphere is failed with storms, and the ocean with waves ; we are about to perish through want, while no man can be found to afford us relief. Let us, therefore, importune with prayer the Almighty, who formerly led his people through the depths of the sea, and who miraculously fed them in the desert, that he may also have compassion on us, in our extremity. I trust—if our faith fail not—that we shall not be left fasting this day, when he has already manifested so many wonders of his divine bounty ; I recommend, that we go to a certain place to seek for food, which may be afforded us, at this festive time. " Saying these words, he led them beneath that bank, on which he had spent the night in prayer. Here, to their great joy, they found three pieces of dolphin's flesh, which appeared to have been cut by human hands, and prepared for cooking. Giving thanks
:
see, dearly beloved,
in the Lord ; behold, he hath prepared food for his servants, and hath showed
us we must remain here three days, according to the proportion of food pro- vided for us three. Take ye, therefore, those gifts which Christ hath sent us, andletusrefreshourselves,havingconfidence; for,mostcertainly,afterthree days have elapsed, the sea and sky shall resume their serenity. " The storm prevailed, with its accustomed violence, for the triduum which followed ; on the fourth day, however, according to the prediction of Cuthbert, a calm ensued, and with favouring gales, they were wafted to those shores, they had desired torevisit. 5° Onanother hewentforthfromthe to ac-
day, monastery preach, cording to a usual custom, taking with him a boy, as his companion. Having travelled towards the village, whither he had been proceeding, and which lay " Tell where do
at a considerable he said to the distance,
me, my son,
you think we shall find refreshment, or have you in mind any person along
theNiduari. "Thetracesofthisvisithav—e ^°SeeBede'sLife,cap. xi.
5' "Irish been left in the name of Kiikcudbright. " See Rt. Rev. Bishop Moran's
"
ii. , book ii. , chap, v. , p. 209.
William F. Skene's
Celtic Scotland," vol. Saints in Great Britain," chap, xi. , p. 286.
boy :
87S LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 20.
our route, at whose house we may receive hospitahly ?
"
Having been yet
since
ing such a matter, in my own mind, for we have brought no food with us, nor do we know any person on the way to entertain us, while no inconsider- able portion of our journey remains, and this we cannot accomplish without
fasting,
they
left
home,
this
youth
"
replied the saint, "for he never injures with hunger, those who serve him
faithfully. " Thenlookingtowardsheaven,thesaintsawaneaglesoaringover-
:
liead,andheexclaimed "Do3'ouperceivethateagleflying? even,through
his agency, our Lord can provide for us to-day. " While thus engaged in conversation, both saw this bird alighting on the banks of a certain river,
suffering
from
hunger. "
Learn, my son,
to have faith and
hope
in
God,"
towards which they went. Cuthbert said
servant, of whom I just now spoke? Run, therefore, and see what food it hath pleased God to send us through him, then bring it hither. " Doing as he had been directed, the youth found a large fish, which this bird had lately taken from the river. Cuthbert said
why have you not left his part with our servant? divide the fish in two portions, and give him that one, which his services merit. "5^ This order being obeyed, and taking the other part along with them, when a time for their re- fection arrived, they turned towards the next village. On presenting the fisli to certain inmates of a house into whicli they entered, it was prepared, and sufficed as well for their family meal, as for our travellers' fare. Cuthbert preached the Divine word, and extolled God's benefits, within this humble tenement. Having resumed his journey, he again set out for the village, towards which his course had been directed. s^ About the same time, a number of persons collected around our saint, to hear him preach, in a certain village. The servant of God had a revelation, that the devil, wishing to retard
S3
Bishop—Challenor calls tills "a fantas-
tical fire. ' "Britannia Sancta," part March 20, p. 190.
^s
5< See Bede'. s Vila S.
and Capgravc's Vita S. Cuthberti, cap. xx.
^' Le Comte de By
Montalembert,
Cuthberti, cap. xiii. ,
i.
Lite, cap.
xiv.
Capgravc's
Life,
:
" What have you done, my child ?
the Gospel fruits, had prepared a stratagem for this purpose. In the midst
"
of his discourse, he suddenly addressed a crowd, in these words :
beloved, as often as you hear mysteries of the kingdom of heaven expounded, you should always apply the most vigilant attention of your senses and minds ; lest perchance, the devil, who hath a thousand fallacious arts, may prevent you from receiving God's word, through any want of interest on your part. " Hethenresumedtheordinarytenorofhisdiscourse. Onasudden,theevil one produced a great conflagration in their village, and a high wind seemed to spread the flames on all sides. 53 Immediately, the whole crowd, with a few exceptions, ran to extinguish this fire. They threw water on it, witli little
effect, until Cuthbert, offering up his prayers to God, procured its extinction. The crowd was filled with confusion, on seeing this, and flocking again to the servant of God, the people fell on their knees, imploring pardon for that incon-
stancy of purpose and of conduct, which induced them to disregard their preacher'sadmonitions. 5+ Onanotheroccasionoflikemissionarylabour,he entered the house of a certain religious woman, who was a nurse to him, during histenderyears. ss Onthisaccount,hewasinthehabitofcallinghermother, and of frequently visiting her house, which was situated in a western part of the village. " Through accident and want of caution, a great fire broke out, inanoppositedirection. Thewind,blowingwithviolenceatthissametime,
s- Bede's Life, cap. xii. Capgravc's Life, cap. xix.
^3 From this account, it is probable, that
in early youth or infancy, Cuthbert had lived in the southern part of Scotland,
said in " I have been consider- reply :
:
" Do you behold where rests our
Bede's caj). xxi.
he is called "uu Les ealdorraen du roi Egfrid,"'
Dearly
March 20.
