Columbanus came to Gaul about the year 575,
according
to Baronius, or follow-
314 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
314 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v1
She bestowed a tract of land on the saint, and also means to erect thereon a monastery.
Dichul immediately set about building his abbe\'.
'^ He afterwards collected around him some monks, who were subject to his rule, as likewise to the discipline and regulations established by Columbanus.
Our saint also erected two oratories, dedicated respectively to Saints Peter and Paul.
Deicolus is said to have had his donation of lands assigned to him in presence of many witnesses.
A great number of persons accompanied him to the site of Lure.
He spent some time examining the ground presented to him, and afterwards he entered upon possession of a spot, where his remains were destined to repose.
Here he betook himself to
thanks to his benefactors. He
'* This is The faithful
and
rest for ever ; here shall I dwell, because I have chosen it. "'7
standing around, who had assembled for the purpose of seeing and of hear- ing him, presented Dichul with gifts. These enabled him to erect his oratories, dedicated to the Prince of the Apostles and to the Doctor of the Gentiles, in a very beautiful style of workmanship. For it was the saint's most earnest desire to render his establishment suitable for all religious requirements. Whatever largesses were received, he thought should be devoted
prayer,
gave
instantly
exclaimed,
honour and '^ glory.
my
to God's promote
'* See "Les Moines d'Occident," tome words, " ipsum esse a mortuis resuscita-
ii. , liv. ix. , chap, v. , p. 560.
turn," seems inclined to the first supposition,
while thinks rather that Weifhar Colgan
happily. See "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
niae," xviii. Januarii, n. 41, p. 126.
'* This monastery was founded at Luthra or Lure in the diocese of Besanoon, and in the province of Burgundy. See Fleury's "Histoire Ecclesiastique," livre xxxviii. ,
sec. 27.
'' See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's " Lives of
the Saints," vol. i. , January xviii. , p. 282. '^ Mabillon says, that Deicolus obtained
'5 I Corinthians
vii. , 14.
We have not a
" Histoire de
great
'3 See
Gallicane," tome iii. , liv. ix. , p. 399, purgatory. Petnis a Natalibus, in these
Longiieval's
I'EgHse saint,
so that he
escaped
from the of pains
sufficiently clear account respecting the na-
ture of this miracle, as given by the author and that afterwards repenting, he died
of our saint's acts. For the saint's words will not lead us to infer, the chiefs soul could have been released from the hell of the damned, and from which there can be no redemption ; but either that he was saved from a temporal death "in extremis," or that, repenting of his crimes at the last moments of his life, and owing to the pious prayers of his wife, God's mercy had been extended to him, through the ministry of the
was first brought to life by St. Deicolus,
January i8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 311
The foundation of his monastery having been duly established, numbers of religious men resorted to the desert, which heretofore only offered lairs for wild beasts. Now it was about to become a monastic garden of Paradise, under the culture of this holy servant of God. While devoutly submitting themselves to the sweet yoke of Christ, those words of the Prophet Isaias
" In the dens where dragons dwelt before, shall rise up the verdure of the reed and the bulrush. " '9 Here the holy man and his brethren spent their time in sacred meditation, in reading, and in teach- ing. A school of most sublime religious practice was there estabHshed ; for according to the most perfect models did Deicolus aspire to imitate the early Christians' discipline, when the multitude of believers had but one heart and
one soul. ^°
Clotaire 11. ,^' who, on the death of Thierry, possessed Burgogne, en-
gaged in the chase among the Vosges mountains. ^^^ Accidentally coming to this monastery, and learning that it was under the rule of Columbanus, for whom he entertained a deep veneration, Clotaire desired an interview with the abbot. The king had an exchequer for receiving royal revenues near the monastery. He was accompanied on this occasion by a great train of nobles. A wild boar, which these pursued in the royal forests of Sequania, fled towards the monastic lands. It even entered the cell of our saint, engaged in prayer at this time. On seeing the quarry become tame, Dichul
found manifest fulfilment
:
reached forth his hand towards it and said :
*'
Trust me, you shall not be
deprived of life to-day, because you have sought the protection of our monastery. "^3 Meantime, following the tracks of their game, these dis- tinguished huntsmen came to the cell of Deicolus. Some of them entered,
when, to their great astonishment, they saw an animal lying doAvn before the altar, and in a quiet manner. Being men of pious sentiments, they sent messengers to the king, so that he might witness such an unusual occurrence.
On his arrival, having offered up a prayer in a benignant manner, Clotaire began to ask Deicolus whence he came, and what object he had in view, by establishing himself in that remote place. The saint explained his motives, and he was then asked by the king, if he and his monks had the necessary means for living. The saint replied, according to the Scripture, that those who feared God should want for nothing, and that it sufficed, if they feared Almighty God. Still he acknowledged that the community livedafteraverypoormanner. Clotairewasgiventounderstand,likewise, that Deicolus had been a disciple to the great St, Columban. After departure, the monarch bestowed great gifts and possessions on this house. ^* He made a special request, that its inmates should never entertain any idea of removing beyond the bounds of his kingdom. '^s Before the king's de-
the site of Lure and the lands given to him
by Berthilde, that he might be an inter- cessor for the soul of her deceased husband. See " Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus i. , lib. xi , sec. xviii. , p. 309.
'9 Isaias xxxv. , 7. The author of our saint's acts adds, by way of comment on this Scriptural passage cited by him, that
'"
Clotaire II. was son to Chilperic, King
of Soissons, and to Fredegonde. He suc- ceeded his father when a minor, in the year 584. He was grandson to Clotaire I. , sole monarch of France. See L. P. Anquetil's "HistoiredeFrance. " PremiereRacedite Des Merovingiens, sees, iii. , iv. , pp. 45 to 52.
*3 See also an account of this incident in ""
the prophet spoke metaphorically, and that the word "calamus stands for the Sacred
Scripture ; while by the word "juncus" the hope and joy of hearers must be understood.
''°
Acts,iv. , 32.
"He was the sole king of France in 613,
according to a prophecy of St. Columbanus,
Le Comte de Montalembert's Les Moines
d'Occident," tome il, liv. i. , chap, v. , p.
559.
** See Mabillon's "Annales Ordinis S.
Benedicti," tomus i. , lib. xi. , sec. xviii. ,
p. 309.
^^ Lure and Luxeuil were situated in the
three
years
before its fulfilment.
JI2 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January i8.
parture, he received our saint's blessing, having previously assured the latter
his royal patronage should be so exercised, that the monastery henceforth could want for nothing. Clotaire is said to have pronounced these words,
" All possessions that have hitherto belonged to me in this neighbourhood,
whether of woods, royal fisheries, pastures, or meadows, I henceforward
freely bestow upon you and on your monastery, as a perpetual gift, from
this day. Moreover, I confirm to you the proprietorship of the village, called Bredanus, with its church and all matters belonging to it. And, as
vineyards are here wanting, I most willingly grant to my reverend Father, and by free gifts, all St. Anthony's vineyards, which I possess in my own
right.
*^ Then Deicolus ordered that wild
boar,
which had taken with refuge
him, to seek his den without molestation. This order was obeyed in the
king's presence, and before all who accompanied him. =7 But, when it has
been asserted, that deeds of vassalage and of monastic privileges,*^ were not known in the days of Deicolus, we may well question the correctness of a statement, which seems to be controverted by abundant historical evidence and inference.
CHAPTER IV.
VISIT OF ST. DICHUL TO ROME, AND HIS RECEPTION BY THE SOVEREIGN PONTIFF- HE RETURNS TO GAUL—HE PROPOSES ST. COLUMBIN AS ABBOT OF LURE, AND RETIRES TO A CELL—HIS PREPARATION FOR DEATH—THE DAY AND YEAR OF HIS DECEASE—ST. DICHUL's VENERATION IN BURGUNDY—MIRACLES WROUGHT AT HIS TOMB—HIS SARCOPHAGUS AT LURE—CONCLUSION.
After these occurrences, it is said that the saint began to reflect seriously on
the propriety of obtaining a further confirmation for his newly-acquired landed possessions from the Sovereign Pontiff, lest after his own death these might be invaded by turbulent and impious marauders or by powerful and unscrupulous nobles. Wherefore through Divine inspiration having collected the sage opinions of his congregation and disciples, he resolved to set out for Rome on a visit to the Holy Father. ' By the latter, he was received with marked distinction, on his arrival in the Eternal City. After he had visited the apostolic shrines and satisfied his devotional feelings there, the Pope particularly enquired what had induced this saintly old man to under- take such a
prosecution
north of ancient Sequania, then included in
thekingdomofBurgundy. Thisprovince, with that of Austrasia, belonged to Clotaire II. See " Les Moines d'Occident," tome ii. , liv. ix. , chap, v. , p. 561.
"*
Dr. Lanigan observes, that the author of our saint's life, who lived at a period much later than the times of Deicolus, and when monasteries were richly endowed, de- scribes the grants made by Clotaire to Lure as considerably greater than they really were. He says,
the death of Deicolus, that this monastery became gradually possessed of great estates.
^ According to Dr. Lanigan, the author of St. Dichul's acts supposed that because these customs existed in the tenth century, in which he appears to have lived, the same practices must have prevailed at all other times. See "Ecclesiastical Historj' of Ire- land," vol. ii. , chap, xvi. , sec. iv. , n. 24, p. 441.
it was not until
We are left no means for ascertaining who then filled the Papal Chair,
of his laborious Deicolus " I am journey. repHed,
long
after
'
^ See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nise," xviii. Januarii. Vita S. Deicoli, cap. v. , pp. rig, 120.
Chap. — iv.
January i8. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
313
a native of Scotia,' a monk and an exile for the sake of Christ. 3 It has pleased the Almighty to give me a residence in that part of Gaul, which is inhabited by the Burgundian people, and in a place called Lure. There I have erected two oratories, according to the extent of my means. These buildings I have dedicated to the apostolic princes, who are the patrons of this Roman city, and now the Lord hath enriched that place, through the in- strumentality of local potentates, who have given fruitful lands, ample en- dowments, and almost all things necessary for the subsistence of the brethren. But the people there residing are ungovernable and rapacious beyond measure. WhereforeassupremeFather,Idesiretoplaceunderyourrule that place and all its possessions, as also to confirm them by tradition and perpetual charter to the Prince of the Apostles. An obligation to pay ten pieces of silver each year, as a tribute to the apostolic treasury, shall be binding on myself and on those successors of mine, who henceforth may govern in my place. " All things having been thus arranged, Deicolus ob- tained a charter, to which the apostolic seal was affixed, according to the prayer of his petition. The document was to this purpose : that long as the world lasted, the Abbot of Lure, who should be appointed by the elec- tion of those brothers dwelling there, should have full liberty without ques- tion to dispose of things pertaining to them for religious uses. Under pain of anathema, the Sovereign Pontiff issued a mandate, that no king or chief- tain by force or violence should ever molest that place. He, who admi-
nistered affairs in the Roman Empire, and who was guardian of the Apostolic See, must always faithfully defend the rights and property of our saint's
monastic institution. FeeHng gratified beyond measure, at having obtained this apostolic sanction, St. Dichul took his leave of the Roman city. He then directed his course immediately towards Gaul. He was loaded with spiritiial treasures, having not only obtained special favours and privileges, confirmed by the apostolic seal, but also various ecclesiastical ornaments and relics of holy martyrs. Having happily returned to his house, after the accomplishment of his Roman journey, our saint resolved on certain arrange- ments in his monastery, which might enable him to select Mary's part, by sitting and meditating at the feet of his Divine Master, as hitherto like Martha, he had been busily occupied with more active labours. * In practice and laborious toil, having served the Almighty assiduously, this holy abbot was prepared by a natural sequence to spend the evening of his life in con-
templative exercises.
As during his earlier years, he had been a solicitor for
so
' From this statement, Dempster and Camerarius suppose this saint to have been a native of their own country, which was called Minor or Britannic Scotia. They also add, that he was Abbot of Luthrensis in Etruria. Camerarius likewise confounds him with St. Dichull, St. Fursey's disciple, of whom the Venerable Bede speaks in lib.
might
of the Lord all the days of my life. "s
others,
he out with the " One I cry Psalmist, thing
the salvation of
have asked of the Lord, this will I seek after ; that I may dwell in the house
iii. , cap. 19, of his " Historia Ecclesiastica
Gentis Anglorum. " But BoUandus, in his ing other writers in the year 589. He re-
premonitory annotations, shows, that this saint was not Abbot of Lutrium in Etruria, or of any other place in Italy, but that he
was Abbot of Lure. According to Menard,
mained there until the time of his death, which occurred long previous to the arrival in Britain of the first-named Dichull.
* See Luke x.
' Psalms xxvi. , 4.
this is
"
urbs nobilis in Burgundia,"
Having thus resolved on securing the
^ The disciple of St. Fursey who went to Britain in the year 636, according to Flor- ence of Worcester, or much later accord- ing to other authorities, was different from the present St. Deicolus. This may be gleaned from the life of St. Fursey, at the l6th of January. St. DichuU the disciple of St.
Columbanus came to Gaul about the year 575, according to Baronius, or follow-
314 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January i8.
one thing necessary, and on assuming the better part, so was he destined to
preserve for ever the most sublime grade of spiritual perfection.
Thus lived the saint, loved and respected by his spiritual children and by strangers,untiltheweaknessofoldagecreptuponhim. Thenheproposed to his brethren the election of one from among his most virtuous disciples,
whom he judged best capable of assuming the charge, he now felt himself unable much longer to fulfil. This successor was no other then* his godson St. Columban,^ whom he had trained up in piety and discipline. This manner was accordant with those obligations to which Dichul pledged him- self as sponsor at the baptismal font. His spiritual son was also one of Columbanus' companions, when journeying from Ireland on his way to France. 7 Having thus relieved himself from the responsibilities of his former station, Dichul avoided all commerce with the world in the retirement of a cell. There he had erected a chapel, dedicated to the most Holy Trinity.
In prayer and seclusion, joined with other practices of a contemplative life, he there made a due preparation for the approach of death. Being now far advanced in years, as likewise full of virtues and merits, this venerable man approached the period of release from a corporal prison. Thus he anti- cipated a joyful reign with God's noble saints and angels in the kingdom of heaven. Many miracles are recorded of this saint during life, and in con- nection with his relics after death. The latter event took place on the i8th ofJanuary,abouttheyear625. ^ Atthisdate,BishopChallonerhasgivenus a brief life of St. Deicolus, abbot. 9 This biographical sketch he has ex- tracted from Chifflet's notice, and the latter had been taken from a manu- script at Lure. In the Martyrology of Donegal'" he is entered at this day, as the disciple of Colman, by which name we are to receive that of Colum- banus. In the anonymous Catalogue of Irish Saints, published by O'SuUivan Beare, this saint is called Deicolaes, at the present date. " He is styled Deicolus, abbot, by Henry Fitzsimon, in his list," when reference is made to Floratius and to the English Martyrology, as authorities regarding his festival.
The Roman MartyTology expressly commemorates this saint at the i8th of January. '3 Andrew Saussay, in his Gallican Martyrology, and Hugh Menard, in his Benedictine Martyrology, mention him, with special eulogy andthatvenerationpaidhiminLureandBurgundy. Molanus,andtheCar- thusians of Cologne, in addition to L^suard, Wion, Gales, Felicius, Maroli- cius, Drogan, Canisius, Camerarius, and the English Martyrology, have their respective observations about our saint, at this date, which is generally re- garded as his Natalis. Another festival, in connexion with St. Dichul, is observed at the isth of February ;'+ while Florarius places one at the 21st
* Bollandus and Colgan are of opinion he came from Ireland, as he is said to have immediately succeeded St. Dichul in the government of Lure. See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xviii. Januarii. Vita S. Deicoli, n. 43, p. 127.
' See the Life of St. Columban, at the 2 1 St of November.
* On this day the Church specially honours
his See " Histoire Ec- memory. Fleury's
clesiastique," tome v. , liv. xxxvii. , n. 27. Also Mabillon's "Annales Ordinis S.
Benedicti," tomus i. , lib. xi. , § xlv. , p. 326.
'See "Britannia Sancta," part i. , pp.
52 to 55.
" Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
20,21.
" See " Historic Catholicse Ibemiae Com-
pendium," tomus i. , lib. iv. , cap. xi. , p. 49.
" Catalogus aliquorum Sanctorum Iber- niae, ibid. ^ cap. xii. , p. 53.
'3 "In Brittannia S. Deicolae Abbatis, discipuli B. Columbani. "
'^ For further notices of S. Dichul, the reader is referred to that date.
January i8. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
315
of November. "S The latter have probably some relation to a transference of his relics. *^
Having received the last sacraments with sentiments of great devotion, and calling his disciples to his bedside, Dichul exhorted them to observe fraternal charity towards one another, and love to that God whom they served. ^7 He advised them to a strict and faithful observance of conventual rules. Locked in the embraces of St. Columbin, the holy man then resigned his pure spirit into the hands of his Creator, amidst the tears and prayers of those who surrounded him. His remains were interred in the Holy Trinity Chapel,'^ and these were long afterwards resorted to by pious pilgrims. ''^ The life of our saint as written by a monk of Lure^° in the tenth century^' is found in the collection of Mabillon. This saint is variously called by the names Dichul, Deicolus, Deel and Diey. In the country about Lure, he is held in great veneration. The French name Deel is quite common there, among the male inhabitants, while the feminine termination Deele, given as a name to females in baptism, yet shows respect entertained towards his memory, in the place which he has rendered illustrious by his life and labours. ^* His chief festival is kept on the day of his death. '3 Various miracles are said to have occurred at his tomb, and long after his demise.
Notwithstanding the sanctity and immunities of the place, when the re- nowned spiritual school of St. Dichul had flourished at Lure, for a long
lapse of years, a war-devastating tempest arose. This caused the infliction of deplorable and wide-spreading evils. Fierce pagan warriors, bringing numerous forces, invaded the country with fire and sword. Behind them were left those fatal evidences of their prowess to be witnessed in the levelled wallsofcitiesandecclesiasticalbuildingsthatwereburned. AsAlmighty God had been offended by the actions of many false professing Christians, so did He permit this barbarian scourge to ovemm the province, like a fierce
monster, that tears with his teeth, or tramples under foot, everything that
comes in his way. ^-* WTien this large invading army entered the kingdom of Burgundy, all the natives young and old fled towards valley recesses, or to
'S See observations at that date. Tropicum Capricomi exire, et primam '* "
44, p. 127.
'7 See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of
sunt. "
•9 Mabillon acknowledges, that Deicolus
is called the brother of Gallus in the " Ne-
crologium Monasterii S. Galli," although this relationship is not found in the acts of
"
'^ See " Histoire Literaire de la France," tome vi. , p. 410.
dinis S. Benedicti," tomus ii. , p. 103.
" See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of the
Fathers,Martyrsandother Principal Saints," vol. i. , January xviii.
See Colgan's Acta Sanctorum Hiber- partam 'Aquarii per Zodiacum circulum niaf," xviii. Januarii. Vita S. Deicoli, n. praeterire. " This serves to give us some
the Saints," vol. i. , January xviii. , p. 283. The old writer of his acts " ibi
idea, regarding the astronomical knowledge of the middle ages, besides placing our saint's death at the l8th of January. Dr.
says, quippe ejus sacra lipsana in pace tumulata
— an
Lanigan doubtless, through —oversight
^''
Deicolus. See
dicti," tomus i. , lib. xi. , § xlv. , p. 326. It is noticed, however, in the saint's acts, as published by Colgan and Bollandus at the l8th of January.
or some typographical mistake gives the l6th of January, as the day for his death. See "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap. xvi. § iv. , p. 440.
^^ I have followed the inverted order of the narrative, as found in our saint's acts ; although Colgan remarks, that by a para- chronism we find related, in the first instance, events that followed those, which are im- mediately afterwards recounted. For the Hungarians first invaded Germany under Amulph, king of this country, who died in the year 911. Again, in 919, as Flodoard, in his chronicle, and as other writers state,
they devastated that part of Gaul, which was subjected to Lothaire. However this ac- count must read entirely different, if we should say, that in the time of Columbin,
Annales Ordinis S. Bene-
" See Mabillon's "Acta Sanctorum Or-
"3 The acts of our saint
autem egregius Pater die quinto decimo Kalendarum Februarii, in quo solet Phoebus
Menard such de- writes,
state,
abbot,
Hugh
" Obiit
as
vastation was caused by the Huns, and not by the Hungarians. See "Acta Sanctorum
3i6 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 1 8.
the mountain heights, in order to conceal themselves, and with a hope of
preserving their lives. The religious of St. Dichul's monastery escaped in likemanner. ^VhenthosefiercebarbariansenteredLure,findingnomonks there after a diligent search, they resolved impiously to burn all before them. But, through the Divine mercy, its two oratories, dedicated to the Aposdes, were preserved from their profane attempts. On approaching with fury the tomb of St. Deicolus, they were suddenly awe-struck; for they supposed Divine punishment would immediately follow a commission of their meditated offence. At length on going out, those marauders endeavoured to bum the mortuary chapel of the saintly man ; but Almighty God so willed it, that they could not destroy a single tilers belonging to the building. Frenzy being added to their naturally savage dispositions, they filled this oratory with straw even to its roof Then they kindled a strong flame beneath, that thus they
"might accomplish their diabolical purposes. But wonderful to relate, the more those barbarians endeavoured to bum the building, the less did their fire prevail in the work of Vandalism. Beholding this miraculous inter- position of Divine Providence, the barbarians retreated in great fear. Still their baneful efforts were directed towards the destruction of other
When those ferocious hordes had carried fire and sword throughout almost the whole of France and through a great part of Germany, they returned in triumph and loaded with booty towards their own country. The Christians found themselves unable to cope with their invaders, nor could they even offer any effectual resistance. It was a lamentable sight to behold nettles, thoms and shrubs growing, as if in a desert, where some time before devout monks and clerics practised their re- ligious exercises. As only a few inhabitants remained, once populous places presented the appearance of lonely sohtudes. Lure, consecrated by the pre- sence and virtues of St. Deicolus, shared in this general calamity. Neither a monk nor a clergyman could there to be found. During this state of things a certain powerful chieftain of Alsace, named Eberhard, who was ac- customed to visit the Burgundian kingdom, unjustly claimed this place as his property. He invaded it with a great force. As no opponent could be found to resist his unjust claim, this Eberhard retained possession of the place, and mled it with tyrannical sway, so long as he lived. =7
This chieftain departed from life without relinquishing his ill-gotten gains. After death, his son Hugh assumed the chieftainry. He persistently re- tained in the same tyrannical manner all his father died possessed of,
whether justly or unjustly acquired. Among such possessions was this place of St. Deicolus. While the property of his church had been profaned by a conversion to secular uses, on the evening of a certain day, three sons of Hugh retumed very much fatigued to Lure. Having despatched their necessary business, these young men incautiously placed themselves near St. Dichul's tomb. At this time they were in excellent health and full of strength. But as they neglected giving due honour to Almighty God and to His holy servant, Dichul, so were they miraculously punished. '^ On this same night,'9 these
places. '^
Hibemiae," xviii. Januarii. Vita S. Deicoli,
n. 46, p. 127.
"5 This epithet would seem to indicate
that tiles were then used for covering churches.
"* The author of St. Dichul's acts adds, that this wonderful preservation of his tomb showed how honoured he was in God's pre- sence.
"^ The author of our saint's acts contrasts
with bitter regret the changed appearance of
Lure, when dogs and horses usurped the
quarters of venerable religious,
**
The author of our saint's acts, after
lauding the Almighty for a just retribution, visited on these impious young men, ob- serves, that he wished, without fear or favour, to speak the truth,
"^ From the writer's foregoing sentences, it would seem probable, that he was under
January i8. ] -LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 317
three sons of Eberhard,3° found themselves lapsing into a strange state of
weakness, after they awoke from a grateful sleep. This occurred previous to a hunting excursion which they meditated. These noble youths felt debilitated, and contracted in their limbs to such a degree, that they seemed paralysed and altogether deprived of strength. While these distinguished young cavaliers were suffering such punishment in expiation of their crimes, Eberhard, their father,3' began to feel that it was time to make his peace withHeaven. Hissonscomplained,thattheywereafflictedforhiscrimes, whilst acknowledging at the same time their own demerits. At last, moved by his sons' excessive grief, Eberhard penitently and in tears acknowledged
the of those He justice complaints.
attend to the words of your father.
" Hear
Know for certain, that this misfortune
exclaimed,
me,
O and my sons,
occurred to you, not through mere chance, but through the Almighty's just judgments, and as a punishment from Divine Providence. For my father was accustomed to tell me very frequently about the sort of tenure, whereby he held this place, which is sacred, since it formerly belonged to Deicolus, the servant of our Lord. But I see that injustice is now visited on your heads, because Almighty God will not allow any injury offered to His saints topassunavenged. Hewillvisitonchildrentothefourthandfifthgenera- tion, the iniquity of their fathers. However, I believe that since in His mercy He paternally chastises.
thanks to his benefactors. He
'* This is The faithful
and
rest for ever ; here shall I dwell, because I have chosen it. "'7
standing around, who had assembled for the purpose of seeing and of hear- ing him, presented Dichul with gifts. These enabled him to erect his oratories, dedicated to the Prince of the Apostles and to the Doctor of the Gentiles, in a very beautiful style of workmanship. For it was the saint's most earnest desire to render his establishment suitable for all religious requirements. Whatever largesses were received, he thought should be devoted
prayer,
gave
instantly
exclaimed,
honour and '^ glory.
my
to God's promote
'* See "Les Moines d'Occident," tome words, " ipsum esse a mortuis resuscita-
ii. , liv. ix. , chap, v. , p. 560.
turn," seems inclined to the first supposition,
while thinks rather that Weifhar Colgan
happily. See "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
niae," xviii. Januarii, n. 41, p. 126.
'* This monastery was founded at Luthra or Lure in the diocese of Besanoon, and in the province of Burgundy. See Fleury's "Histoire Ecclesiastique," livre xxxviii. ,
sec. 27.
'' See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's " Lives of
the Saints," vol. i. , January xviii. , p. 282. '^ Mabillon says, that Deicolus obtained
'5 I Corinthians
vii. , 14.
We have not a
" Histoire de
great
'3 See
Gallicane," tome iii. , liv. ix. , p. 399, purgatory. Petnis a Natalibus, in these
Longiieval's
I'EgHse saint,
so that he
escaped
from the of pains
sufficiently clear account respecting the na-
ture of this miracle, as given by the author and that afterwards repenting, he died
of our saint's acts. For the saint's words will not lead us to infer, the chiefs soul could have been released from the hell of the damned, and from which there can be no redemption ; but either that he was saved from a temporal death "in extremis," or that, repenting of his crimes at the last moments of his life, and owing to the pious prayers of his wife, God's mercy had been extended to him, through the ministry of the
was first brought to life by St. Deicolus,
January i8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 311
The foundation of his monastery having been duly established, numbers of religious men resorted to the desert, which heretofore only offered lairs for wild beasts. Now it was about to become a monastic garden of Paradise, under the culture of this holy servant of God. While devoutly submitting themselves to the sweet yoke of Christ, those words of the Prophet Isaias
" In the dens where dragons dwelt before, shall rise up the verdure of the reed and the bulrush. " '9 Here the holy man and his brethren spent their time in sacred meditation, in reading, and in teach- ing. A school of most sublime religious practice was there estabHshed ; for according to the most perfect models did Deicolus aspire to imitate the early Christians' discipline, when the multitude of believers had but one heart and
one soul. ^°
Clotaire 11. ,^' who, on the death of Thierry, possessed Burgogne, en-
gaged in the chase among the Vosges mountains. ^^^ Accidentally coming to this monastery, and learning that it was under the rule of Columbanus, for whom he entertained a deep veneration, Clotaire desired an interview with the abbot. The king had an exchequer for receiving royal revenues near the monastery. He was accompanied on this occasion by a great train of nobles. A wild boar, which these pursued in the royal forests of Sequania, fled towards the monastic lands. It even entered the cell of our saint, engaged in prayer at this time. On seeing the quarry become tame, Dichul
found manifest fulfilment
:
reached forth his hand towards it and said :
*'
Trust me, you shall not be
deprived of life to-day, because you have sought the protection of our monastery. "^3 Meantime, following the tracks of their game, these dis- tinguished huntsmen came to the cell of Deicolus. Some of them entered,
when, to their great astonishment, they saw an animal lying doAvn before the altar, and in a quiet manner. Being men of pious sentiments, they sent messengers to the king, so that he might witness such an unusual occurrence.
On his arrival, having offered up a prayer in a benignant manner, Clotaire began to ask Deicolus whence he came, and what object he had in view, by establishing himself in that remote place. The saint explained his motives, and he was then asked by the king, if he and his monks had the necessary means for living. The saint replied, according to the Scripture, that those who feared God should want for nothing, and that it sufficed, if they feared Almighty God. Still he acknowledged that the community livedafteraverypoormanner. Clotairewasgiventounderstand,likewise, that Deicolus had been a disciple to the great St, Columban. After departure, the monarch bestowed great gifts and possessions on this house. ^* He made a special request, that its inmates should never entertain any idea of removing beyond the bounds of his kingdom. '^s Before the king's de-
the site of Lure and the lands given to him
by Berthilde, that he might be an inter- cessor for the soul of her deceased husband. See " Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus i. , lib. xi , sec. xviii. , p. 309.
'9 Isaias xxxv. , 7. The author of our saint's acts adds, by way of comment on this Scriptural passage cited by him, that
'"
Clotaire II. was son to Chilperic, King
of Soissons, and to Fredegonde. He suc- ceeded his father when a minor, in the year 584. He was grandson to Clotaire I. , sole monarch of France. See L. P. Anquetil's "HistoiredeFrance. " PremiereRacedite Des Merovingiens, sees, iii. , iv. , pp. 45 to 52.
*3 See also an account of this incident in ""
the prophet spoke metaphorically, and that the word "calamus stands for the Sacred
Scripture ; while by the word "juncus" the hope and joy of hearers must be understood.
''°
Acts,iv. , 32.
"He was the sole king of France in 613,
according to a prophecy of St. Columbanus,
Le Comte de Montalembert's Les Moines
d'Occident," tome il, liv. i. , chap, v. , p.
559.
** See Mabillon's "Annales Ordinis S.
Benedicti," tomus i. , lib. xi. , sec. xviii. ,
p. 309.
^^ Lure and Luxeuil were situated in the
three
years
before its fulfilment.
JI2 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January i8.
parture, he received our saint's blessing, having previously assured the latter
his royal patronage should be so exercised, that the monastery henceforth could want for nothing. Clotaire is said to have pronounced these words,
" All possessions that have hitherto belonged to me in this neighbourhood,
whether of woods, royal fisheries, pastures, or meadows, I henceforward
freely bestow upon you and on your monastery, as a perpetual gift, from
this day. Moreover, I confirm to you the proprietorship of the village, called Bredanus, with its church and all matters belonging to it. And, as
vineyards are here wanting, I most willingly grant to my reverend Father, and by free gifts, all St. Anthony's vineyards, which I possess in my own
right.
*^ Then Deicolus ordered that wild
boar,
which had taken with refuge
him, to seek his den without molestation. This order was obeyed in the
king's presence, and before all who accompanied him. =7 But, when it has
been asserted, that deeds of vassalage and of monastic privileges,*^ were not known in the days of Deicolus, we may well question the correctness of a statement, which seems to be controverted by abundant historical evidence and inference.
CHAPTER IV.
VISIT OF ST. DICHUL TO ROME, AND HIS RECEPTION BY THE SOVEREIGN PONTIFF- HE RETURNS TO GAUL—HE PROPOSES ST. COLUMBIN AS ABBOT OF LURE, AND RETIRES TO A CELL—HIS PREPARATION FOR DEATH—THE DAY AND YEAR OF HIS DECEASE—ST. DICHUL's VENERATION IN BURGUNDY—MIRACLES WROUGHT AT HIS TOMB—HIS SARCOPHAGUS AT LURE—CONCLUSION.
After these occurrences, it is said that the saint began to reflect seriously on
the propriety of obtaining a further confirmation for his newly-acquired landed possessions from the Sovereign Pontiff, lest after his own death these might be invaded by turbulent and impious marauders or by powerful and unscrupulous nobles. Wherefore through Divine inspiration having collected the sage opinions of his congregation and disciples, he resolved to set out for Rome on a visit to the Holy Father. ' By the latter, he was received with marked distinction, on his arrival in the Eternal City. After he had visited the apostolic shrines and satisfied his devotional feelings there, the Pope particularly enquired what had induced this saintly old man to under- take such a
prosecution
north of ancient Sequania, then included in
thekingdomofBurgundy. Thisprovince, with that of Austrasia, belonged to Clotaire II. See " Les Moines d'Occident," tome ii. , liv. ix. , chap, v. , p. 561.
"*
Dr. Lanigan observes, that the author of our saint's life, who lived at a period much later than the times of Deicolus, and when monasteries were richly endowed, de- scribes the grants made by Clotaire to Lure as considerably greater than they really were. He says,
the death of Deicolus, that this monastery became gradually possessed of great estates.
^ According to Dr. Lanigan, the author of St. Dichul's acts supposed that because these customs existed in the tenth century, in which he appears to have lived, the same practices must have prevailed at all other times. See "Ecclesiastical Historj' of Ire- land," vol. ii. , chap, xvi. , sec. iv. , n. 24, p. 441.
it was not until
We are left no means for ascertaining who then filled the Papal Chair,
of his laborious Deicolus " I am journey. repHed,
long
after
'
^ See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nise," xviii. Januarii. Vita S. Deicoli, cap. v. , pp. rig, 120.
Chap. — iv.
January i8. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
313
a native of Scotia,' a monk and an exile for the sake of Christ. 3 It has pleased the Almighty to give me a residence in that part of Gaul, which is inhabited by the Burgundian people, and in a place called Lure. There I have erected two oratories, according to the extent of my means. These buildings I have dedicated to the apostolic princes, who are the patrons of this Roman city, and now the Lord hath enriched that place, through the in- strumentality of local potentates, who have given fruitful lands, ample en- dowments, and almost all things necessary for the subsistence of the brethren. But the people there residing are ungovernable and rapacious beyond measure. WhereforeassupremeFather,Idesiretoplaceunderyourrule that place and all its possessions, as also to confirm them by tradition and perpetual charter to the Prince of the Apostles. An obligation to pay ten pieces of silver each year, as a tribute to the apostolic treasury, shall be binding on myself and on those successors of mine, who henceforth may govern in my place. " All things having been thus arranged, Deicolus ob- tained a charter, to which the apostolic seal was affixed, according to the prayer of his petition. The document was to this purpose : that long as the world lasted, the Abbot of Lure, who should be appointed by the elec- tion of those brothers dwelling there, should have full liberty without ques- tion to dispose of things pertaining to them for religious uses. Under pain of anathema, the Sovereign Pontiff issued a mandate, that no king or chief- tain by force or violence should ever molest that place. He, who admi-
nistered affairs in the Roman Empire, and who was guardian of the Apostolic See, must always faithfully defend the rights and property of our saint's
monastic institution. FeeHng gratified beyond measure, at having obtained this apostolic sanction, St. Dichul took his leave of the Roman city. He then directed his course immediately towards Gaul. He was loaded with spiritiial treasures, having not only obtained special favours and privileges, confirmed by the apostolic seal, but also various ecclesiastical ornaments and relics of holy martyrs. Having happily returned to his house, after the accomplishment of his Roman journey, our saint resolved on certain arrange- ments in his monastery, which might enable him to select Mary's part, by sitting and meditating at the feet of his Divine Master, as hitherto like Martha, he had been busily occupied with more active labours. * In practice and laborious toil, having served the Almighty assiduously, this holy abbot was prepared by a natural sequence to spend the evening of his life in con-
templative exercises.
As during his earlier years, he had been a solicitor for
so
' From this statement, Dempster and Camerarius suppose this saint to have been a native of their own country, which was called Minor or Britannic Scotia. They also add, that he was Abbot of Luthrensis in Etruria. Camerarius likewise confounds him with St. Dichull, St. Fursey's disciple, of whom the Venerable Bede speaks in lib.
might
of the Lord all the days of my life. "s
others,
he out with the " One I cry Psalmist, thing
the salvation of
have asked of the Lord, this will I seek after ; that I may dwell in the house
iii. , cap. 19, of his " Historia Ecclesiastica
Gentis Anglorum. " But BoUandus, in his ing other writers in the year 589. He re-
premonitory annotations, shows, that this saint was not Abbot of Lutrium in Etruria, or of any other place in Italy, but that he
was Abbot of Lure. According to Menard,
mained there until the time of his death, which occurred long previous to the arrival in Britain of the first-named Dichull.
* See Luke x.
' Psalms xxvi. , 4.
this is
"
urbs nobilis in Burgundia,"
Having thus resolved on securing the
^ The disciple of St. Fursey who went to Britain in the year 636, according to Flor- ence of Worcester, or much later accord- ing to other authorities, was different from the present St. Deicolus. This may be gleaned from the life of St. Fursey, at the l6th of January. St. DichuU the disciple of St.
Columbanus came to Gaul about the year 575, according to Baronius, or follow-
314 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January i8.
one thing necessary, and on assuming the better part, so was he destined to
preserve for ever the most sublime grade of spiritual perfection.
Thus lived the saint, loved and respected by his spiritual children and by strangers,untiltheweaknessofoldagecreptuponhim. Thenheproposed to his brethren the election of one from among his most virtuous disciples,
whom he judged best capable of assuming the charge, he now felt himself unable much longer to fulfil. This successor was no other then* his godson St. Columban,^ whom he had trained up in piety and discipline. This manner was accordant with those obligations to which Dichul pledged him- self as sponsor at the baptismal font. His spiritual son was also one of Columbanus' companions, when journeying from Ireland on his way to France. 7 Having thus relieved himself from the responsibilities of his former station, Dichul avoided all commerce with the world in the retirement of a cell. There he had erected a chapel, dedicated to the most Holy Trinity.
In prayer and seclusion, joined with other practices of a contemplative life, he there made a due preparation for the approach of death. Being now far advanced in years, as likewise full of virtues and merits, this venerable man approached the period of release from a corporal prison. Thus he anti- cipated a joyful reign with God's noble saints and angels in the kingdom of heaven. Many miracles are recorded of this saint during life, and in con- nection with his relics after death. The latter event took place on the i8th ofJanuary,abouttheyear625. ^ Atthisdate,BishopChallonerhasgivenus a brief life of St. Deicolus, abbot. 9 This biographical sketch he has ex- tracted from Chifflet's notice, and the latter had been taken from a manu- script at Lure. In the Martyrology of Donegal'" he is entered at this day, as the disciple of Colman, by which name we are to receive that of Colum- banus. In the anonymous Catalogue of Irish Saints, published by O'SuUivan Beare, this saint is called Deicolaes, at the present date. " He is styled Deicolus, abbot, by Henry Fitzsimon, in his list," when reference is made to Floratius and to the English Martyrology, as authorities regarding his festival.
The Roman MartyTology expressly commemorates this saint at the i8th of January. '3 Andrew Saussay, in his Gallican Martyrology, and Hugh Menard, in his Benedictine Martyrology, mention him, with special eulogy andthatvenerationpaidhiminLureandBurgundy. Molanus,andtheCar- thusians of Cologne, in addition to L^suard, Wion, Gales, Felicius, Maroli- cius, Drogan, Canisius, Camerarius, and the English Martyrology, have their respective observations about our saint, at this date, which is generally re- garded as his Natalis. Another festival, in connexion with St. Dichul, is observed at the isth of February ;'+ while Florarius places one at the 21st
* Bollandus and Colgan are of opinion he came from Ireland, as he is said to have immediately succeeded St. Dichul in the government of Lure. See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xviii. Januarii. Vita S. Deicoli, n. 43, p. 127.
' See the Life of St. Columban, at the 2 1 St of November.
* On this day the Church specially honours
his See " Histoire Ec- memory. Fleury's
clesiastique," tome v. , liv. xxxvii. , n. 27. Also Mabillon's "Annales Ordinis S.
Benedicti," tomus i. , lib. xi. , § xlv. , p. 326.
'See "Britannia Sancta," part i. , pp.
52 to 55.
" Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
20,21.
" See " Historic Catholicse Ibemiae Com-
pendium," tomus i. , lib. iv. , cap. xi. , p. 49.
" Catalogus aliquorum Sanctorum Iber- niae, ibid. ^ cap. xii. , p. 53.
'3 "In Brittannia S. Deicolae Abbatis, discipuli B. Columbani. "
'^ For further notices of S. Dichul, the reader is referred to that date.
January i8. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
315
of November. "S The latter have probably some relation to a transference of his relics. *^
Having received the last sacraments with sentiments of great devotion, and calling his disciples to his bedside, Dichul exhorted them to observe fraternal charity towards one another, and love to that God whom they served. ^7 He advised them to a strict and faithful observance of conventual rules. Locked in the embraces of St. Columbin, the holy man then resigned his pure spirit into the hands of his Creator, amidst the tears and prayers of those who surrounded him. His remains were interred in the Holy Trinity Chapel,'^ and these were long afterwards resorted to by pious pilgrims. ''^ The life of our saint as written by a monk of Lure^° in the tenth century^' is found in the collection of Mabillon. This saint is variously called by the names Dichul, Deicolus, Deel and Diey. In the country about Lure, he is held in great veneration. The French name Deel is quite common there, among the male inhabitants, while the feminine termination Deele, given as a name to females in baptism, yet shows respect entertained towards his memory, in the place which he has rendered illustrious by his life and labours. ^* His chief festival is kept on the day of his death. '3 Various miracles are said to have occurred at his tomb, and long after his demise.
Notwithstanding the sanctity and immunities of the place, when the re- nowned spiritual school of St. Dichul had flourished at Lure, for a long
lapse of years, a war-devastating tempest arose. This caused the infliction of deplorable and wide-spreading evils. Fierce pagan warriors, bringing numerous forces, invaded the country with fire and sword. Behind them were left those fatal evidences of their prowess to be witnessed in the levelled wallsofcitiesandecclesiasticalbuildingsthatwereburned. AsAlmighty God had been offended by the actions of many false professing Christians, so did He permit this barbarian scourge to ovemm the province, like a fierce
monster, that tears with his teeth, or tramples under foot, everything that
comes in his way. ^-* WTien this large invading army entered the kingdom of Burgundy, all the natives young and old fled towards valley recesses, or to
'S See observations at that date. Tropicum Capricomi exire, et primam '* "
44, p. 127.
'7 See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of
sunt. "
•9 Mabillon acknowledges, that Deicolus
is called the brother of Gallus in the " Ne-
crologium Monasterii S. Galli," although this relationship is not found in the acts of
"
'^ See " Histoire Literaire de la France," tome vi. , p. 410.
dinis S. Benedicti," tomus ii. , p. 103.
" See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of the
Fathers,Martyrsandother Principal Saints," vol. i. , January xviii.
See Colgan's Acta Sanctorum Hiber- partam 'Aquarii per Zodiacum circulum niaf," xviii. Januarii. Vita S. Deicoli, n. praeterire. " This serves to give us some
the Saints," vol. i. , January xviii. , p. 283. The old writer of his acts " ibi
idea, regarding the astronomical knowledge of the middle ages, besides placing our saint's death at the l8th of January. Dr.
says, quippe ejus sacra lipsana in pace tumulata
— an
Lanigan doubtless, through —oversight
^''
Deicolus. See
dicti," tomus i. , lib. xi. , § xlv. , p. 326. It is noticed, however, in the saint's acts, as published by Colgan and Bollandus at the l8th of January.
or some typographical mistake gives the l6th of January, as the day for his death. See "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap. xvi. § iv. , p. 440.
^^ I have followed the inverted order of the narrative, as found in our saint's acts ; although Colgan remarks, that by a para- chronism we find related, in the first instance, events that followed those, which are im- mediately afterwards recounted. For the Hungarians first invaded Germany under Amulph, king of this country, who died in the year 911. Again, in 919, as Flodoard, in his chronicle, and as other writers state,
they devastated that part of Gaul, which was subjected to Lothaire. However this ac- count must read entirely different, if we should say, that in the time of Columbin,
Annales Ordinis S. Bene-
" See Mabillon's "Acta Sanctorum Or-
"3 The acts of our saint
autem egregius Pater die quinto decimo Kalendarum Februarii, in quo solet Phoebus
Menard such de- writes,
state,
abbot,
Hugh
" Obiit
as
vastation was caused by the Huns, and not by the Hungarians. See "Acta Sanctorum
3i6 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 1 8.
the mountain heights, in order to conceal themselves, and with a hope of
preserving their lives. The religious of St. Dichul's monastery escaped in likemanner. ^VhenthosefiercebarbariansenteredLure,findingnomonks there after a diligent search, they resolved impiously to burn all before them. But, through the Divine mercy, its two oratories, dedicated to the Aposdes, were preserved from their profane attempts. On approaching with fury the tomb of St. Deicolus, they were suddenly awe-struck; for they supposed Divine punishment would immediately follow a commission of their meditated offence. At length on going out, those marauders endeavoured to bum the mortuary chapel of the saintly man ; but Almighty God so willed it, that they could not destroy a single tilers belonging to the building. Frenzy being added to their naturally savage dispositions, they filled this oratory with straw even to its roof Then they kindled a strong flame beneath, that thus they
"might accomplish their diabolical purposes. But wonderful to relate, the more those barbarians endeavoured to bum the building, the less did their fire prevail in the work of Vandalism. Beholding this miraculous inter- position of Divine Providence, the barbarians retreated in great fear. Still their baneful efforts were directed towards the destruction of other
When those ferocious hordes had carried fire and sword throughout almost the whole of France and through a great part of Germany, they returned in triumph and loaded with booty towards their own country. The Christians found themselves unable to cope with their invaders, nor could they even offer any effectual resistance. It was a lamentable sight to behold nettles, thoms and shrubs growing, as if in a desert, where some time before devout monks and clerics practised their re- ligious exercises. As only a few inhabitants remained, once populous places presented the appearance of lonely sohtudes. Lure, consecrated by the pre- sence and virtues of St. Deicolus, shared in this general calamity. Neither a monk nor a clergyman could there to be found. During this state of things a certain powerful chieftain of Alsace, named Eberhard, who was ac- customed to visit the Burgundian kingdom, unjustly claimed this place as his property. He invaded it with a great force. As no opponent could be found to resist his unjust claim, this Eberhard retained possession of the place, and mled it with tyrannical sway, so long as he lived. =7
This chieftain departed from life without relinquishing his ill-gotten gains. After death, his son Hugh assumed the chieftainry. He persistently re- tained in the same tyrannical manner all his father died possessed of,
whether justly or unjustly acquired. Among such possessions was this place of St. Deicolus. While the property of his church had been profaned by a conversion to secular uses, on the evening of a certain day, three sons of Hugh retumed very much fatigued to Lure. Having despatched their necessary business, these young men incautiously placed themselves near St. Dichul's tomb. At this time they were in excellent health and full of strength. But as they neglected giving due honour to Almighty God and to His holy servant, Dichul, so were they miraculously punished. '^ On this same night,'9 these
places. '^
Hibemiae," xviii. Januarii. Vita S. Deicoli,
n. 46, p. 127.
"5 This epithet would seem to indicate
that tiles were then used for covering churches.
"* The author of St. Dichul's acts adds, that this wonderful preservation of his tomb showed how honoured he was in God's pre- sence.
"^ The author of our saint's acts contrasts
with bitter regret the changed appearance of
Lure, when dogs and horses usurped the
quarters of venerable religious,
**
The author of our saint's acts, after
lauding the Almighty for a just retribution, visited on these impious young men, ob- serves, that he wished, without fear or favour, to speak the truth,
"^ From the writer's foregoing sentences, it would seem probable, that he was under
January i8. ] -LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 317
three sons of Eberhard,3° found themselves lapsing into a strange state of
weakness, after they awoke from a grateful sleep. This occurred previous to a hunting excursion which they meditated. These noble youths felt debilitated, and contracted in their limbs to such a degree, that they seemed paralysed and altogether deprived of strength. While these distinguished young cavaliers were suffering such punishment in expiation of their crimes, Eberhard, their father,3' began to feel that it was time to make his peace withHeaven. Hissonscomplained,thattheywereafflictedforhiscrimes, whilst acknowledging at the same time their own demerits. At last, moved by his sons' excessive grief, Eberhard penitently and in tears acknowledged
the of those He justice complaints.
attend to the words of your father.
" Hear
Know for certain, that this misfortune
exclaimed,
me,
O and my sons,
occurred to you, not through mere chance, but through the Almighty's just judgments, and as a punishment from Divine Providence. For my father was accustomed to tell me very frequently about the sort of tenure, whereby he held this place, which is sacred, since it formerly belonged to Deicolus, the servant of our Lord. But I see that injustice is now visited on your heads, because Almighty God will not allow any injury offered to His saints topassunavenged. Hewillvisitonchildrentothefourthandfifthgenera- tion, the iniquity of their fathers. However, I believe that since in His mercy He paternally chastises.
