Whilst offering up his prayers, the wind
suddenly
changed, so as to divert the flames from this entire western portion of the village.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v3
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. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 879
carried bundles of burning straw or thatch, with whicli the houses were
covered, in all directions ; while the villagers endeavoured, but in vain, to arrest the raging flames, by throwing water on their blazing homesteads. Cuthbert's nurse hastened to the house, in which he resided, and she besought him to save her house, and the dwellings of her neighbours, from destruction, through his prayers. The saint told her not to fear for her property, which should be safe ; then, going before the door, he fell prostrate upon the earth.
Whilst offering up his prayers, the wind suddenly changed, so as to divert the flames from this entire western portion of the village. 5^
Another friendof oursaint, byname Hilmer,who was prefect to KingEgfrid,57 and a most religious man, had been frequently visited by Cuthbert. This man's wife became possessed by an evil spirit, so that she was an object of horror to all,whowitnessedhersufferings; but,finally,itwasthought,shelayatthe point of death. In this emergency, Hilmer mounted his horse, and speeding to Cuthbert, told him the doleful state of his companion. He besought our saint to send a priest to her, for administration of the Sacrament of our Lord's body and blood, that afterwards she might repose in consecrated ground. Hilmer felt ashamed, to confess the real state of his wife, who was distin- guished for her charity and other virtues, lest our saint might think she had lived a life of hypocrisy. Cuthbert went to visit her, and, through a revelation, he learned the cause of her insanity. On returning, he purposed seeing her again,incompanywithherhusband. Ontheway,St. Cuthbert,observing
" Do not weep, because I am about to find your wife in the state, I so much regret, for I know that she is troubled by a demon, a matter which you felt ashamed to disclose. I know, also, that before we arrive, she will be restored to sanity of mind, and that coming to meet us, she shall take those reins, and entreat us to pnter, whilst eagerly she will engage in her accustomed kind oflSces towards us. For, the wicked are not alone tormented in this manner ; but, in God's secret councils, the just are sometimes possessed by demoniac influence, not only in their bodily members, but even in mind. " While speaking these words, for the instruction and consolation of his companion, they both approached his house. Then, the evil spirit, being unable to bear the presence of the Holy Ghost, with which Cuthbert was filled, deserted this woman, who ran with joy to welcome the man of God, and she held the reins of the horse, on which he was mounted. ^^ She besought him to remain for the night, and to imparthisbenedictiontothehouse. Whiledischargingofifiicesofhospitality towards her guest, the woman declared, from the moment she had first touched the reins of Cuthbert's horse, she felt no further suffering from her
former malady. ^?
CHAPTER III.
LABOURS AND AUSTERITIES—HE IS ELECTED T. ISHOP OF LINDISFARNE—
the grief of Hilmer, and suspecting its origin, said
:
STUDIES AT MELROSE—ST. CUTHBERT IS TRANSFERRED TO BECOME PRIOR AT LINDIS- FARNE—HE CHOSES TO LEAD AN EREMITICAL LIFE, IN THE ISLAND OF FARNE—HIS
KINCJ EGFRID'S GRANTS TO ST. CUTHBERT—THE HOLY MAN'S PROPHECY AND VISION REGARDING THE DEATH OF KING EGFRID—CUTHBERT'S PREDICTIONS AND MIRACLES.
There can be no doubt, that Cuthbert gave a great impetus to learning,
—"Les Moines d'Occident," tome iv. , liv. the Saints," vol. iii. March 20, pp. 349,
XV. , chap, i. , p. 416.
58 See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's " Lives of ^9 See Ven. Bede's Life, cap. xv.
350.
88o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 20.
while ruling over the Abbey of Melrose, and that such influence continued to a period long subsequent. We have traces of primary schools in those
early days. Narrating one of our saint's miracles, Reginald of Durham describesavillageschool,heldinachurch,atNorham,ontheTweed. It seems to have been a parish school, for parish boys. But, the monasteries of Scotland furnished education even to a higher class of pupils, than children taught in the burgh and choral schools. '
Venerable Bede states, that our saint, having ruled over ^lelrose many years, the most reverend Abbot Eata transferred him to a monastery, in the Island of Lindisfarne; in order, that he might teach the perfection of monastic discipline, by precept and example, to monks, over whom he was
placed as Prior. Eata had jurisdiction over Melrose and Lindisfarne, being both bishop and abbot of the latter place, at this time. Having spent four- teen years, in Melrose Abbey, Capgrave says, he was transferred to that of Lindisfarne. Simeon of Durham places this removal, at the year 664 ; but, according to Capgrave's account, it must have been in the year 665. In our saint's new station, Cuthbert continued his former practices of visiting and evangelizing among people, living without the walls of his monastery ; whilst advancing, at the same juncture, true spiritual exercises and piety within its enclosure. He wrought many miracles, and he restored to former health those afflicted,withvariousdiseasesofmindandbody. Throughprayer,herelieved thosepossessedbywickedspirits. Somebrethren,inhismonastery,feltdis- posed to relax somewhat their regular observances ; but, by mildness and patience, gradually he brought them to the practice of rule, and through daily exercises of devotion. Frequently, when in conclave with his monks, some bitter remarks were made against him, when disputes arose, with regard to regular observances ; yet, on these occasions, the prior calmly arose, and with a placid countenance, he adjourned any debated question to the following day. Then, as if no discussion had before occurred, Cuthbert began to advise his brethren: until, in fine, he succeeded, by impressing on them the justice of his opinions. His invincible patience enabled him to bear all adversities, against mind and body ; and, even in the midst of contradictions, his countenance appeared cheerful, as if the Holy Spirit within his breast sus- tained him against all outward afflictions. Cuthbert was believed frequently to have spent three or four nights successively, in practices of watching and prayer, when he neither slept on his own bed, nor was there any place with- out the monastery, where he could rest. Whether he retired for prayer to secret places, or wrought with his hands to repel sleep, or walked around the island, was not exactly known ; but his vigils were occupied by holy medita- tion, and in the recitation of Divine psalms. On certain occasions, he would gently reprove the impatience of some among his brethren, when disturbed
"No
arousing me from sleep, but it rather affords me satisfaction, that having re-
pelled sloth, I may apply myself by thought or deed to something useful. " Such was his fervour and compunction of heart, that frequently, whilst offer- ing up the holy Sacrifice of Mass, his face was bathed with tears. While cele- brating the Mass of our Lord's Passion, he felt most intense sorrow of soul ; and, when inviting the people to raise their hearts to God, and to give him thanks, according to the ritual, he appeared to elevate his mind, rather than his voice. The tones of psalmody, when recited by him, produced a deeply plaintivemelancholicfeeling. ' Filledwithzeal,reproofwasadministeredfreely
Article I. — Chapter m. — ' The high rank made over a part of her dowry Register of Kelso records, that a lady of lands to the monks of this place "on coh«
in their daily or nightly slumbers, by saying :
person disquiets me, by
March 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
tosinners; butstill, hisspiritoftendernesswasmanifested,inhistreatmentof penitents. Oftentimes, when hearing the confessions of his penitents, taking
compassion on their oifences, he shed abundance of tears ; thus, teaching
them, by this example, the most effectual means for removing their disorders.
His garments were neither distinguished, by any exact care, nor by any studied neglect,withwhichtheywereworn; and,tothetimeofBede,thisbecoming practice was observed in the use of garments, belonging to the brethren of Lin- disfarne. Theirhabitswereofplainwoollentexture,norweretheyrenderedre- markable, by fanciful dyes or patterns. 3 The moderation and sanctity of our saintdrewallheartstowardshim; while,eventheimmortifiedandrebellious, among his spiritual children, began to imitate this example, set by their holy superior. In a short time, he was enabled to introduce, or rather to revive, the old spirit of regular discipline and observances. ^ After Cuthbert had ruled over his monastery of Lindisfarne, for a period of twelve years, in the twenty-sixth year of his monastic profession, he conceived a great desire to withdraw from the responsibilities and cares of his imposed office, that he might devote himself, in a more abstracted manner, to the service of his Creator. In the year 676,5 according to Capgrave, he withdrew to an island, called Fame, which was situated some few miles, in the sea, and out from Lindisfarne. This small spot of land ceases to be an island, during the low ebb of ocean-tide, being then united by a depressed sandbank to the main shore. But, at high water, which occurs twice a-day. Fame is insu- lated by the sea. In popular rumour, it had the reputation of being in- habited by demons, before this sojourn of Cuthbert, who put to flight the hosts of darkness, on erecting his standard of the cross, within its borders.
Our saint constructed a building, there, almost circular in shape, the walls of which were about four or five perches in extent. On the outside, they were little more elevated than a man's height, when in a standing position. ^ The interior of the structure was dug out of the solid rock, and it was excavated in such a manner, that the saint could not see any object near his cell on the outside. 7 His view was solely directed towards heaven, which his heart had so frequendy desired. The walls were constructed, with large masses of stone and turf, yet in a very rude manner. ^ So large were some of these stones, that it would seem impossible they could have been raised, by the strength of less than four men ; but, our saint is said to have been assisted, by an Angel, in elevating them to their several positions. He constmcted two different
dition that they should maintain her son among other scholars of the best rank in the monastery. " See "Fasti Aberdonensis," edited for the Spaulding Club, by Cosmo Innes. Preface, p. vi.
^ These are valuable details, as serving to
illustrate ancient Irish ritualistic obser-
vances, and they show, that certain portions
of the present liturgy date to a very early period of our national church history.
3 These observations enlighten us on social usages of the seventh century.
• See Bede's Vita S. Cuthberti, cap. xvi,, and Capgrave's Vita S. Cuthberti, cap. xxiii.
[intravit] et per undecim annos—mira animi alacritate Domino militabat. " Wharton's "Anglia Sacra. " Chronicon Casnobii Sanctse Crucis Edinburgensis, vol. i. , p.
155.
" The rampart which is described by
Bede, as enclosing St. Cuthbert's little
monastery in Fame, may be taken as the type of the Irish monastic vallum. See,
"
Historia Ecclesias- tica Gentis Anglorum," lib. iv. , cap. 28.
7 This description would nearly apply to
the ruined hennitage on the top of Crogh
Patrick, county of Mayo. The latter is
square, however, and not circular interiorly.
s "Anno dclxxvi. Ethelredus Rex Merciorum adducto maglino exercitu Can- tium vastavit et Ecelesias et Monasteria
^
For an interesting account of this kind
;
sine respectu divini timoris faedavit. Eodem
of structure, called a cAipol,, or cashel, see Dr. Petrie's "Ecclesiastical Architecture
and Round Towers of Ireland," part it. , pp. 440, 446.
anno Insulam Fame vir Domini Cuthbertus
also, Venerable Bede's
3K
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 20.
chambers : one served for the purpose of an oratorj', and the other for
ordinaryuses. Bydiggingthroughorbreakingtherock,hecontrivedapar- titionbetweenthem; while,someshapelessrafters,coveredwithhay,formed the roof. At the entrance of Fame Island was a larger house, for the accom- modation of those brethren, or other persons, who came to visit him ; and, a fountainwasnear,whichsuppliedthemwithfreshwater. 9 But,hisowncell, being built on a hard rock, was unprovided with spring water, until calling
9 See Bede's Vita S. Cuthberti,
and Capgrave's Vita S. Cuthberti, cap. xxv.
"'
See iJede's Life, cap. . wiii. Capgrave's Life, cap. xxvi.
" De Vere thus alludes to Cuth- Aubrey
bert's manner o—f living, in "Legends of ihc Saxon Saiuts :"
together,
:
heremarked "Youseehowthismansion,I
someofthebrethren
have chosen, is destitute of water, but let us beseech him, who converts tlie solid rock into pools, and the crags into fountains of water, that giving glory, not to us, but to his own name, he would deign to open for us a streamlet from this stony surface. Let us dig, therefore, in the middle of this en- closure ; for, I beheve, that God will refresh us with a torrent of delights. "' They dug a well, therefore, and on the following morning, it was found to be replenished with water, which oozed from the earth, in such quantity, that it was sufficient for our saint's necessities, and, it never failed, afterwards, in affording a grateful supply. Having completed the necessary buildings, through the assistance of his religious brethren, Cuthbert began to live apart in his cell, going forth occasionally to minister for his visitors' wants. He was in the habit of washing their feet, with warm water ; and, sometimes, through compliance with the wishes of others, he allowed them to return this same kind office towards himself. Through a love of mortification, he re- mainedwholemonths,withoutremovingboots,whichcoveredhislegs; and,it
sometimes happened, that he discalced himself but once a year, and this only on Holy Thursday, for the ceremony of washing the feet. On account of his frequent prayers and genuflections, he was known to have wales and ex- crescences, on his knees and legs. In fine, wishing to remove, as much as possible, from human intercourse, he remained shut up in his cell, occupied with continual prayer, watching and fasting. When obliged to converse with others, it was only through the window of his cell ; and, in the course of time, this outlet was also closed, being opened, only for the purpose of bestowing his benediction on persons without, or in some other case, which was generally one of great necessity. '" At first, our saint was sustained by bread, which had been brought to his retreat, by the brethren, while the fountain furnished him witli
water; but,conceivingittobemorebecominghisprofession,tosupporthim- selfbymanuallabour,heprocuredimplementsofhusbandry. Havingprepared
theearth,hesowedwheat,inthespring-time. Asthesummerhoweveradvanced, no appearance of a growing crop was observable. One day, as some of
"
Cuthbert's brethren visited him, he said :
that a growth of wheat should be produced from soil of this quality ; or, per- chance, it is not the will of God to give an increase ; bring me, therefore, barley, to see if it will grow. If it does not please God to produce a crop of barley, it must be better for me to reside in the monastery, than to remain in til is place, sustained by external labour. " Barley was accordingly pro- cured, and when the seed had been committed to earth, the season was alreadysoforadvanced,littlehopeswereentertainedthatitcouldgrow; but, contrarytoexpectation, anabundantcropwaspromised,asthebladesadvanced
tomaturity. " Birds,however,cameinflocks,tofeeduponCuthbert'sripen- ing barley. As he afterw^ards declared, in a confidential manner, our saint
:
said "Whydoyoumeddlewithwhatis sown,whenyouhavehadnopart
cap. xvii. ,
Perhaps, it is not to be expected,
March 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 883
intendingit? Or,perhaps,yousuppose,thatyouhavehadmoretodothan Ihad,atthiswork? But,ifitpleaseGodtoallowyouthisliberty,doashe
permits ; if not, retire, and inflict no injury on me. " These words, spoken with an air of pleasantry, were immediately followed by the departure of
those birds, nor did they return, afterwards, to molest the crops of our saint, during such time as these continued growing. " A peculiar species of wild sea-bird, known as the eider duck, was said to have been tamed by the saint, and rendered subservient to his use. Before the middle of the twelfth century, these birds, frequenting the Fame Islands, were called St. Cuthbert's Ducks ; and, many strange accounts are left us, regarding their habits and haunts. *3
Again, when flocks of crows, which had long been accustomed to frequent his island, caused injury to the house-roof, under which Cuthbert received his religiousbrethren; thesaintcommandedthem,toabstainfromfurtherdamage, and to depart. Those ravens hkewise obeyed his injunctions ; but, some of them returned, in the course of a few days, bearing an humble offering to the holy man, and apparently as compensation for former injuries. Although they continued to build their nests in the island, for many subsequent years, yet, they offered no further molestation towards our saint, nor to his frien—ds. '-* Besides this obedience, shown by mute animals to Cuthbert's wishes, for
to the Northumbrian — he made the birds
according legends, companions
of hissolitudeandcaressedthemes theveryelementsseemedpropitioustohis intentions. Desiring, at one time, to erect a small house, which should prove a convenient addition to his hermitage, near the sea-shore, and over a fissure in the rock, which was about twelve feet in width ; Cuthbert besought those brethren who visited him, to bring on their return a beam of requisite length, to serve as a basement, for the erection of his hut. Promising compliance with his request, and having received their beloved father's benediction, they departed. On their return to the island, however, they forgot to fulfil their promise ; but, on being reminded of it, they felt abashed, because of their neglect. However, Cuthbert, with his usual kindness, told them to feel no
concern on this account, and to remain with him until the following morning saying, he trusted God would be mindful of his desire and necessity. They
complied with our saint's invitation, and on the following morning, it was found, that the nightly tide of ocean had cast on shore a beam of the very length required, and near the exact spot, where his proposed hut was to be erected. '^
There is a description, by Francis Grose,'? of St. Cuthbert's oratory on
Coquet Island, one of the Fame group, about a mile and a-half from the Nor-
thumberland shore. Accompanying this, there is a fine copperplate engraving
of St. Cuthbert's Hermitage, with a stone coffin exposed, in the foreground. This
is said to have been the one, which first enclosed the remains of our holy ancho-
ret. The fame of our saint's virtues had extended, already, not only amongst
inhabitants, living in the neighbourhood of Lindisfarne, but even to those, at themostremoteextremitiesofBritain. Numbersflockedtowardshiscell,to
" In narrow cave
Worn from the rock, and roughly walled
around.
The anchoret made abode, with lonely
hands
Raising from one poor strip his daily food, Barley thin-grown, and coarse. "
'3 See, "Miscellany of the Spaulding Club," edited by John Stuart, Advocate, vol. iv. Preface, pp. Ixiv. to Ixvii. , and vi. . pp. 329, 330.
'* See Bede's Life, cap. xx. , and Cap- grave's Life, cap. xxviii.
'^ See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of the Saints," vol. iii. , March 20, p. 345.
—"
HowSaint
'*
'^ See " The Antiquities of Wales," vol. iv. , pp. 82, 83.
Cuthbert at Carlisle," p. 178.
"See Bede's Life, grave's Life, cap. xxvii.
his Pentecost
See Bede's
and England
cap.
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. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 879
carried bundles of burning straw or thatch, with whicli the houses were
covered, in all directions ; while the villagers endeavoured, but in vain, to arrest the raging flames, by throwing water on their blazing homesteads. Cuthbert's nurse hastened to the house, in which he resided, and she besought him to save her house, and the dwellings of her neighbours, from destruction, through his prayers. The saint told her not to fear for her property, which should be safe ; then, going before the door, he fell prostrate upon the earth.
Whilst offering up his prayers, the wind suddenly changed, so as to divert the flames from this entire western portion of the village. 5^
Another friendof oursaint, byname Hilmer,who was prefect to KingEgfrid,57 and a most religious man, had been frequently visited by Cuthbert. This man's wife became possessed by an evil spirit, so that she was an object of horror to all,whowitnessedhersufferings; but,finally,itwasthought,shelayatthe point of death. In this emergency, Hilmer mounted his horse, and speeding to Cuthbert, told him the doleful state of his companion. He besought our saint to send a priest to her, for administration of the Sacrament of our Lord's body and blood, that afterwards she might repose in consecrated ground. Hilmer felt ashamed, to confess the real state of his wife, who was distin- guished for her charity and other virtues, lest our saint might think she had lived a life of hypocrisy. Cuthbert went to visit her, and, through a revelation, he learned the cause of her insanity. On returning, he purposed seeing her again,incompanywithherhusband. Ontheway,St. Cuthbert,observing
" Do not weep, because I am about to find your wife in the state, I so much regret, for I know that she is troubled by a demon, a matter which you felt ashamed to disclose. I know, also, that before we arrive, she will be restored to sanity of mind, and that coming to meet us, she shall take those reins, and entreat us to pnter, whilst eagerly she will engage in her accustomed kind oflSces towards us. For, the wicked are not alone tormented in this manner ; but, in God's secret councils, the just are sometimes possessed by demoniac influence, not only in their bodily members, but even in mind. " While speaking these words, for the instruction and consolation of his companion, they both approached his house. Then, the evil spirit, being unable to bear the presence of the Holy Ghost, with which Cuthbert was filled, deserted this woman, who ran with joy to welcome the man of God, and she held the reins of the horse, on which he was mounted. ^^ She besought him to remain for the night, and to imparthisbenedictiontothehouse. Whiledischargingofifiicesofhospitality towards her guest, the woman declared, from the moment she had first touched the reins of Cuthbert's horse, she felt no further suffering from her
former malady. ^?
CHAPTER III.
LABOURS AND AUSTERITIES—HE IS ELECTED T. ISHOP OF LINDISFARNE—
the grief of Hilmer, and suspecting its origin, said
:
STUDIES AT MELROSE—ST. CUTHBERT IS TRANSFERRED TO BECOME PRIOR AT LINDIS- FARNE—HE CHOSES TO LEAD AN EREMITICAL LIFE, IN THE ISLAND OF FARNE—HIS
KINCJ EGFRID'S GRANTS TO ST. CUTHBERT—THE HOLY MAN'S PROPHECY AND VISION REGARDING THE DEATH OF KING EGFRID—CUTHBERT'S PREDICTIONS AND MIRACLES.
There can be no doubt, that Cuthbert gave a great impetus to learning,
—"Les Moines d'Occident," tome iv. , liv. the Saints," vol. iii. March 20, pp. 349,
XV. , chap, i. , p. 416.
58 See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's " Lives of ^9 See Ven. Bede's Life, cap. xv.
350.
88o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 20.
while ruling over the Abbey of Melrose, and that such influence continued to a period long subsequent. We have traces of primary schools in those
early days. Narrating one of our saint's miracles, Reginald of Durham describesavillageschool,heldinachurch,atNorham,ontheTweed. It seems to have been a parish school, for parish boys. But, the monasteries of Scotland furnished education even to a higher class of pupils, than children taught in the burgh and choral schools. '
Venerable Bede states, that our saint, having ruled over ^lelrose many years, the most reverend Abbot Eata transferred him to a monastery, in the Island of Lindisfarne; in order, that he might teach the perfection of monastic discipline, by precept and example, to monks, over whom he was
placed as Prior. Eata had jurisdiction over Melrose and Lindisfarne, being both bishop and abbot of the latter place, at this time. Having spent four- teen years, in Melrose Abbey, Capgrave says, he was transferred to that of Lindisfarne. Simeon of Durham places this removal, at the year 664 ; but, according to Capgrave's account, it must have been in the year 665. In our saint's new station, Cuthbert continued his former practices of visiting and evangelizing among people, living without the walls of his monastery ; whilst advancing, at the same juncture, true spiritual exercises and piety within its enclosure. He wrought many miracles, and he restored to former health those afflicted,withvariousdiseasesofmindandbody. Throughprayer,herelieved thosepossessedbywickedspirits. Somebrethren,inhismonastery,feltdis- posed to relax somewhat their regular observances ; but, by mildness and patience, gradually he brought them to the practice of rule, and through daily exercises of devotion. Frequently, when in conclave with his monks, some bitter remarks were made against him, when disputes arose, with regard to regular observances ; yet, on these occasions, the prior calmly arose, and with a placid countenance, he adjourned any debated question to the following day. Then, as if no discussion had before occurred, Cuthbert began to advise his brethren: until, in fine, he succeeded, by impressing on them the justice of his opinions. His invincible patience enabled him to bear all adversities, against mind and body ; and, even in the midst of contradictions, his countenance appeared cheerful, as if the Holy Spirit within his breast sus- tained him against all outward afflictions. Cuthbert was believed frequently to have spent three or four nights successively, in practices of watching and prayer, when he neither slept on his own bed, nor was there any place with- out the monastery, where he could rest. Whether he retired for prayer to secret places, or wrought with his hands to repel sleep, or walked around the island, was not exactly known ; but his vigils were occupied by holy medita- tion, and in the recitation of Divine psalms. On certain occasions, he would gently reprove the impatience of some among his brethren, when disturbed
"No
arousing me from sleep, but it rather affords me satisfaction, that having re-
pelled sloth, I may apply myself by thought or deed to something useful. " Such was his fervour and compunction of heart, that frequently, whilst offer- ing up the holy Sacrifice of Mass, his face was bathed with tears. While cele- brating the Mass of our Lord's Passion, he felt most intense sorrow of soul ; and, when inviting the people to raise their hearts to God, and to give him thanks, according to the ritual, he appeared to elevate his mind, rather than his voice. The tones of psalmody, when recited by him, produced a deeply plaintivemelancholicfeeling. ' Filledwithzeal,reproofwasadministeredfreely
Article I. — Chapter m. — ' The high rank made over a part of her dowry Register of Kelso records, that a lady of lands to the monks of this place "on coh«
in their daily or nightly slumbers, by saying :
person disquiets me, by
March 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
tosinners; butstill, hisspiritoftendernesswasmanifested,inhistreatmentof penitents. Oftentimes, when hearing the confessions of his penitents, taking
compassion on their oifences, he shed abundance of tears ; thus, teaching
them, by this example, the most effectual means for removing their disorders.
His garments were neither distinguished, by any exact care, nor by any studied neglect,withwhichtheywereworn; and,tothetimeofBede,thisbecoming practice was observed in the use of garments, belonging to the brethren of Lin- disfarne. Theirhabitswereofplainwoollentexture,norweretheyrenderedre- markable, by fanciful dyes or patterns. 3 The moderation and sanctity of our saintdrewallheartstowardshim; while,eventheimmortifiedandrebellious, among his spiritual children, began to imitate this example, set by their holy superior. In a short time, he was enabled to introduce, or rather to revive, the old spirit of regular discipline and observances. ^ After Cuthbert had ruled over his monastery of Lindisfarne, for a period of twelve years, in the twenty-sixth year of his monastic profession, he conceived a great desire to withdraw from the responsibilities and cares of his imposed office, that he might devote himself, in a more abstracted manner, to the service of his Creator. In the year 676,5 according to Capgrave, he withdrew to an island, called Fame, which was situated some few miles, in the sea, and out from Lindisfarne. This small spot of land ceases to be an island, during the low ebb of ocean-tide, being then united by a depressed sandbank to the main shore. But, at high water, which occurs twice a-day. Fame is insu- lated by the sea. In popular rumour, it had the reputation of being in- habited by demons, before this sojourn of Cuthbert, who put to flight the hosts of darkness, on erecting his standard of the cross, within its borders.
Our saint constructed a building, there, almost circular in shape, the walls of which were about four or five perches in extent. On the outside, they were little more elevated than a man's height, when in a standing position. ^ The interior of the structure was dug out of the solid rock, and it was excavated in such a manner, that the saint could not see any object near his cell on the outside. 7 His view was solely directed towards heaven, which his heart had so frequendy desired. The walls were constructed, with large masses of stone and turf, yet in a very rude manner. ^ So large were some of these stones, that it would seem impossible they could have been raised, by the strength of less than four men ; but, our saint is said to have been assisted, by an Angel, in elevating them to their several positions. He constmcted two different
dition that they should maintain her son among other scholars of the best rank in the monastery. " See "Fasti Aberdonensis," edited for the Spaulding Club, by Cosmo Innes. Preface, p. vi.
^ These are valuable details, as serving to
illustrate ancient Irish ritualistic obser-
vances, and they show, that certain portions
of the present liturgy date to a very early period of our national church history.
3 These observations enlighten us on social usages of the seventh century.
• See Bede's Vita S. Cuthberti, cap. xvi,, and Capgrave's Vita S. Cuthberti, cap. xxiii.
[intravit] et per undecim annos—mira animi alacritate Domino militabat. " Wharton's "Anglia Sacra. " Chronicon Casnobii Sanctse Crucis Edinburgensis, vol. i. , p.
155.
" The rampart which is described by
Bede, as enclosing St. Cuthbert's little
monastery in Fame, may be taken as the type of the Irish monastic vallum. See,
"
Historia Ecclesias- tica Gentis Anglorum," lib. iv. , cap. 28.
7 This description would nearly apply to
the ruined hennitage on the top of Crogh
Patrick, county of Mayo. The latter is
square, however, and not circular interiorly.
s "Anno dclxxvi. Ethelredus Rex Merciorum adducto maglino exercitu Can- tium vastavit et Ecelesias et Monasteria
^
For an interesting account of this kind
;
sine respectu divini timoris faedavit. Eodem
of structure, called a cAipol,, or cashel, see Dr. Petrie's "Ecclesiastical Architecture
and Round Towers of Ireland," part it. , pp. 440, 446.
anno Insulam Fame vir Domini Cuthbertus
also, Venerable Bede's
3K
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 20.
chambers : one served for the purpose of an oratorj', and the other for
ordinaryuses. Bydiggingthroughorbreakingtherock,hecontrivedapar- titionbetweenthem; while,someshapelessrafters,coveredwithhay,formed the roof. At the entrance of Fame Island was a larger house, for the accom- modation of those brethren, or other persons, who came to visit him ; and, a fountainwasnear,whichsuppliedthemwithfreshwater. 9 But,hisowncell, being built on a hard rock, was unprovided with spring water, until calling
9 See Bede's Vita S. Cuthberti,
and Capgrave's Vita S. Cuthberti, cap. xxv.
"'
See iJede's Life, cap. . wiii. Capgrave's Life, cap. xxvi.
" De Vere thus alludes to Cuth- Aubrey
bert's manner o—f living, in "Legends of ihc Saxon Saiuts :"
together,
:
heremarked "Youseehowthismansion,I
someofthebrethren
have chosen, is destitute of water, but let us beseech him, who converts tlie solid rock into pools, and the crags into fountains of water, that giving glory, not to us, but to his own name, he would deign to open for us a streamlet from this stony surface. Let us dig, therefore, in the middle of this en- closure ; for, I beheve, that God will refresh us with a torrent of delights. "' They dug a well, therefore, and on the following morning, it was found to be replenished with water, which oozed from the earth, in such quantity, that it was sufficient for our saint's necessities, and, it never failed, afterwards, in affording a grateful supply. Having completed the necessary buildings, through the assistance of his religious brethren, Cuthbert began to live apart in his cell, going forth occasionally to minister for his visitors' wants. He was in the habit of washing their feet, with warm water ; and, sometimes, through compliance with the wishes of others, he allowed them to return this same kind office towards himself. Through a love of mortification, he re- mainedwholemonths,withoutremovingboots,whichcoveredhislegs; and,it
sometimes happened, that he discalced himself but once a year, and this only on Holy Thursday, for the ceremony of washing the feet. On account of his frequent prayers and genuflections, he was known to have wales and ex- crescences, on his knees and legs. In fine, wishing to remove, as much as possible, from human intercourse, he remained shut up in his cell, occupied with continual prayer, watching and fasting. When obliged to converse with others, it was only through the window of his cell ; and, in the course of time, this outlet was also closed, being opened, only for the purpose of bestowing his benediction on persons without, or in some other case, which was generally one of great necessity. '" At first, our saint was sustained by bread, which had been brought to his retreat, by the brethren, while the fountain furnished him witli
water; but,conceivingittobemorebecominghisprofession,tosupporthim- selfbymanuallabour,heprocuredimplementsofhusbandry. Havingprepared
theearth,hesowedwheat,inthespring-time. Asthesummerhoweveradvanced, no appearance of a growing crop was observable. One day, as some of
"
Cuthbert's brethren visited him, he said :
that a growth of wheat should be produced from soil of this quality ; or, per- chance, it is not the will of God to give an increase ; bring me, therefore, barley, to see if it will grow. If it does not please God to produce a crop of barley, it must be better for me to reside in the monastery, than to remain in til is place, sustained by external labour. " Barley was accordingly pro- cured, and when the seed had been committed to earth, the season was alreadysoforadvanced,littlehopeswereentertainedthatitcouldgrow; but, contrarytoexpectation, anabundantcropwaspromised,asthebladesadvanced
tomaturity. " Birds,however,cameinflocks,tofeeduponCuthbert'sripen- ing barley. As he afterw^ards declared, in a confidential manner, our saint
:
said "Whydoyoumeddlewithwhatis sown,whenyouhavehadnopart
cap. xvii. ,
Perhaps, it is not to be expected,
March 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 883
intendingit? Or,perhaps,yousuppose,thatyouhavehadmoretodothan Ihad,atthiswork? But,ifitpleaseGodtoallowyouthisliberty,doashe
permits ; if not, retire, and inflict no injury on me. " These words, spoken with an air of pleasantry, were immediately followed by the departure of
those birds, nor did they return, afterwards, to molest the crops of our saint, during such time as these continued growing. " A peculiar species of wild sea-bird, known as the eider duck, was said to have been tamed by the saint, and rendered subservient to his use. Before the middle of the twelfth century, these birds, frequenting the Fame Islands, were called St. Cuthbert's Ducks ; and, many strange accounts are left us, regarding their habits and haunts. *3
Again, when flocks of crows, which had long been accustomed to frequent his island, caused injury to the house-roof, under which Cuthbert received his religiousbrethren; thesaintcommandedthem,toabstainfromfurtherdamage, and to depart. Those ravens hkewise obeyed his injunctions ; but, some of them returned, in the course of a few days, bearing an humble offering to the holy man, and apparently as compensation for former injuries. Although they continued to build their nests in the island, for many subsequent years, yet, they offered no further molestation towards our saint, nor to his frien—ds. '-* Besides this obedience, shown by mute animals to Cuthbert's wishes, for
to the Northumbrian — he made the birds
according legends, companions
of hissolitudeandcaressedthemes theveryelementsseemedpropitioustohis intentions. Desiring, at one time, to erect a small house, which should prove a convenient addition to his hermitage, near the sea-shore, and over a fissure in the rock, which was about twelve feet in width ; Cuthbert besought those brethren who visited him, to bring on their return a beam of requisite length, to serve as a basement, for the erection of his hut. Promising compliance with his request, and having received their beloved father's benediction, they departed. On their return to the island, however, they forgot to fulfil their promise ; but, on being reminded of it, they felt abashed, because of their neglect. However, Cuthbert, with his usual kindness, told them to feel no
concern on this account, and to remain with him until the following morning saying, he trusted God would be mindful of his desire and necessity. They
complied with our saint's invitation, and on the following morning, it was found, that the nightly tide of ocean had cast on shore a beam of the very length required, and near the exact spot, where his proposed hut was to be erected. '^
There is a description, by Francis Grose,'? of St. Cuthbert's oratory on
Coquet Island, one of the Fame group, about a mile and a-half from the Nor-
thumberland shore. Accompanying this, there is a fine copperplate engraving
of St. Cuthbert's Hermitage, with a stone coffin exposed, in the foreground. This
is said to have been the one, which first enclosed the remains of our holy ancho-
ret. The fame of our saint's virtues had extended, already, not only amongst
inhabitants, living in the neighbourhood of Lindisfarne, but even to those, at themostremoteextremitiesofBritain. Numbersflockedtowardshiscell,to
" In narrow cave
Worn from the rock, and roughly walled
around.
The anchoret made abode, with lonely
hands
Raising from one poor strip his daily food, Barley thin-grown, and coarse. "
'3 See, "Miscellany of the Spaulding Club," edited by John Stuart, Advocate, vol. iv. Preface, pp. Ixiv. to Ixvii. , and vi. . pp. 329, 330.
'* See Bede's Life, cap. xx. , and Cap- grave's Life, cap. xxviii.
'^ See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of the Saints," vol. iii. , March 20, p. 345.
—"
HowSaint
'*
'^ See " The Antiquities of Wales," vol. iv. , pp. 82, 83.
Cuthbert at Carlisle," p. 178.
"See Bede's Life, grave's Life, cap. xxvii.
his Pentecost
See Bede's
and England
cap.
