Fuga sæculi. Or The holy hatred of the world Conteyning the liues of 17. holy confessours of Christ, selected out of sundry authors. Written in Italian by the R. Fa. Iohn-Peter Maffæus of the Society of Iesus. And translated into English by H.H.

THE LIFE OF S. ANTONY ABBOT.

Taken out S. Athanasius, from S. Hie∣rome, Palladius, and others.

The Genius and disposition of S. Antony: with his Vocation, and Renuntiation of the world. Chap. 1.

SAINT ANTONY of Aegypt, that glo∣rious Conquerour of himselfe, and triumpher of the Princes, and powers of darknes, was borne in the confines of Heraclea, in a place cal∣led of Sozomenus by the name of Coma, and by Nychephorus Conia; a variety sprung peraduen∣ture from the errour of the Copyers: and so it is to be thought, since Coma in the Greeke tongue doth signify a Bourg, and therefore it is a common opinion of some, that eyther of both the Authours had so written. But howsoeuer it be, it ap∣peares very well, that S. Anthony from the first beginning was de∣stined to high enterprizes; since Nature, Education, and grace haue concurred with so liberall a hand, to fauour and adorne him. He had an able, and liuely temperature of body; an aspect both graue and pleasant; a sacacious iudgement; a memory tenacious; a witt

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docible, acute, and constant. Besides he was bred of Christian pa∣rents, very honourable, with singular care and custody, and with so much the greater facility, as the Child of his owne accord, being much aliened from childish sports, and profane studies, shewed him selfe most amorous of silence, and of Churches; attentiue to the word of God, content with simple fare, and without any delica∣cies. To such matters, and addresses as these, the holy Ghost added the forme, and the ornaments, which presently we shall see. For that indeed in the most dangerous passage of his age, which was of 18. or 20. being left an Orphā, with one Sister only, certaine things began to come into his mynd, which formerly he had heard, or read, of the Counsayles of Christ, of the conuersation of his disci∣ples, and of the meruailous feruour of the primitiue Church, at such tyme as the faythfull, replenished with charity, selling their hou∣ses and liuings, and whatsoeuer els they possessed in the world, went voluntarily, bringing the price thereof, and laying the same at the feete of the Apostles. Considering withall, the inestimable re∣wards, wherewith for the same they were to be recompenced in Heauen.

These thoughts, went S. Antony reuoluing in his mind; when as it happened through diuine disposition, being entred into a Tē∣ple, according to custome, he heard in the very same instant, these words of the Ghospell recited; Si vis perfectus esse, vade, & vende om∣nia quaecumque habes, & da pauperibus, & veni sequere me, & habebis the∣saurum in caelo. The words were not sung to a deafe man: they sud∣denly pierced with extraordinary feeling vnto the marrow & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Wherupon the Sacrifiec being ended, he returned home from thēc•…•… without delay: and gaue liberally the rents of his Patrimony to his kindred, which were 300. acres of very fertill land, as S. Athana∣su•…•…s affirmes (to whose Greeke text I do particularly adhere, though others haue accompted it for some 300. trees of fruitfull Palmes) and this to auoyd all manner of contention. For the moueables he put them to sale, and taking from thence a summe of money, distri∣buted the same to the poore; reseruing to himselfe, but a very small part for necessities occurring, and especially for his Sisters sake. But within litle after, being returned to the Church, and hearing that other aduise of the chiefe Verity; Nolite cogitare de crastino: with a ge∣nerous resolution he made an end of selling the rest, and placing the child his Sister, in the company of some noble and deuout Virgins,

he distributed the rest that remayned, to the poore. Thence lea∣uing his house, and parents, being replenished with singular con∣fidence, he made his entry into the sharpe way of perfect Vertue.

At that tyme, there were not on foote so many Monasteryes in Egipt, as were afterwards to be seene: and in the Deserts which were more remote (none can remember) that euer any one inhabi∣ted, till that tyme: But, he that would with particular study, giue himselfe to diuine Seruice, and attend to the saluation of his soule, for the most, recollected himselfe into some little Lodging, neare to his country, and there would exercise and apply himselfe with sun∣dry meanes to pacify the heauenly wrath, to amend his manners, & to prepare himselfe for death. The holy youth hauing got some no∣tice of one of these Exe•…•…citants, being now of good yeares, and wel experienced, disposed himselfe to do as much. And likewise seque∣string himselfe from the conuersation of seculars, began first to deale with him, and afterwards with others, frō time to tyme, such as dayly he discouered to be addicted to that manner of life: and not for curi∣osity to know sundry inclinations of natures, or features of faces, but with diligence only to obserue the industryes, and vertuous quali∣tyes of all, and in ech one to imitate whatsoeuer might seeme more admirable in him; and so like a wise Bee, for the framing of his mi∣sticall hony, in visiting them at tymes, and shewing himselfe offi∣cious, obsequious, and obedient to them, he went on with a great deale of iudgment; collecting abstinence from hence, thence affa∣bility, from one dexterity in conuersation, from another vigilancy in praying, from this heere patience and meekenes, from him there sharpe penance and mortification, and from all together a feare of God, and christian charity to his Neighbour. And it is truly a thing worthy of note, that he contending so with euery one to his power in so noble an enterprize, would be doing the same with such cir∣cumspection, and with so much sweetnes; as not only he was free from rancour and enuy, but likewise highly beloued and esteemed of euery one. And moreouer now hauing made the renunciation of his goods, and hauing nothing to susteyne himselfe, he would not liue with the sweat of other mens browes, but would giue some tyme to the labour of his hands, & of the price which he purchased with his trauells, reteyning onely to himselfe, so much as might suffice him for a little bread, he would diuide the rest with very great charity, among the poore.

S. Anthony is twice tempted by the euill Spirits: but reiects them both. Chap. 2.

TO so fayre a beginning, and so happy a progresse, the subtile & cruell Enemy of human kind, opposeth himselfe, vsing all art, and framing euery engin, to withdraw the new souldiour from his glorious purposes. First he beginnes on the one side, to reduce into his mynd, his parentall inheritance, the commodity and delights of his home; his nobility of bloud, with the hope of new purposes. On the other, the streight way of vertue, the frailty of flesh, the diffi∣culty of pennances, especially in the spatiousnes of a long life, which with apparent reasons, he would seeme to make him promise to himselfe. He added moreouer, the due sollicitude of his kindred, & particularly of the virgin his Sister; who though recommended to others, yet if peraduenture any sad disastre should betide her, she might iustly in the sight of God & men, cōplaine of him. With these suggestions, gaue Sathan the first assaults to S. Antony: and perceiuing himselfe to be so valiantly repelled with words of the diuine scrip∣ture, through liuely fayth, and with the memory of the Pouerty, of the dolours, and Passion of Christ; he reenforced the battayle afresh, with a squadron of bestiall & carnall thoughts, enflaming in an in∣stant, the naturall incentiues of youthfull age, and representing in his imagination day and night, sundry formes of beautifull and lasciuious women. This new warre, as it was continuall and peri∣lous to S. Antony, so was it grieuous and troublesome to him beyond measure, and the Enemyes so much the more audacious and fierce, as their intelligence on earth was greater, and their enflamed darts seemed to penetrate more neere to the Fort of the soule.

Neuertheles, the stout and faythfull Guardian, opposed so many rampiers of vigils, fastings, considerations of infernal paynes and of the last iudgment; and aboue all obteyned with humble and feruent prayer so much succour from heauen, as euen likewise from these battayles, he seemed to carry away alwayes a happy & glo∣rious victory. Whereupon the restles Aduersary did tēpt him with arrogancy, and vanity, hoping by that meanes to depriue him of the crowne. Within a little after, the Enuious & diabolicall wretch appeared to the blessed young man, in the shape of a horrid, & yong Blackamore, complayning with a human voyce, & prostrate at his

feete, sayd to him: Many, and many, O Antony, haue I deceiued in my tyme, but as by other Saints, so likewise now by thee, and thy valour, am I put to confusion. Being demanded, who he was: I am said he, the friēd of Carnality. I am he that moues debates, & in sun∣dry manners, do cause perplexities in youth; & therfore they do call me, the spirit of Fornication. How many, that haue beene disposed to liue in Chastity, haue I made them already to alter their purposes? How many, that haue begun to keepe the same, haue I reduced a∣gayne to their obscenes and vncleanes, as before? I am he, through whose occasion, the Prophet so reprehends the lapsed, saying: Spirit•…•… fornicationis seducti estis: & surely with reason too, since I, & no other but I, am he that deceiued them. And I finally, am he, who haue tempted thee often, yet hitherto could I neuer ensnare thee.

At these words, S. Anthony acknowledging, all good to come from heauen, sudenly gaue thanks to the diuine Goodnes, & thence taking new confidence, thus answered the Deuill. Thou then for ought I can see, art a very coward, and hast little in thee: and like∣wise the age, and hew thou hast taken vpon thee, are right signes of great weakenes and basenes in thee: and added, For this reason alone, (quoth he) I will not care for thee. And concluded with great iubiley of hart: Dominus mihi adiutor, & ego despiciam inimicos ineos. Scarcely had he begun to sing this goodly verse, of the hundred & seauententh psalme, when the infamous seducer vanished quite, ful of rage, and confusion. And it was but iust, that the fierce encoun∣ters, and vercrate stratagems of that immortall substance, which had once the impious boldnes, to rise vp against the Highest; should re∣mayne thus scorned & reproached by a yong man, encombred with flesh, and encompassed with infirmity.

But yet for all this, S. Antony held not himselfe a whit secure, or out of danger: because he had well vnderstood ere now, how the wicked spirits, haue a thousand inuentions to hurt with. Heerupon taking al wais new courage, at the presence of God, he would neuer lay down the armes of iustice; nor yet discouered he only, from the strongest tower of holy fayth, with high contemplation, the coun∣try afarre off, but euen lay also in wayt with particular attention to be alwayes ready agaynst the domesticall enemies, not suffering in the Ports of the hart any thought to haue entrance, not through∣ly examined, and well known. He had all his parts subdued and restreyned with seuere lawes, and heasts. He would passe very of∣ten

whole mights in prayer, and when through extreme necessi∣ty it behoued him to rest somewhat, he had no other bedd, then a peece of a mat, or the bare ground. Some two or three dayes to∣geather, would he be without eating or drinking awhit, and at last would refresh himselfe with nothing els, but bread, and a l•…•…le water, and salt.

And heere it is to be noted, that he slackt not his rigour after he had thus continued a while as if he had done inough: nor mea∣sured he the greatnes of his profit by continuance of tyme: But day by day, he would suppose he did but then beginne, remembring that saying of Elias: The Lord liues, in whose sight I do stand to day. In which saying, S. Antony would ponder on that word, to day: be∣ing well aduised, that the souldier of Christ, were to make no rec∣koning of the trauayles, and yeares now passed ouer; but as if e∣uery day, he had but newly entred into the lists, so were he to be alwayes in a readines, to giue forth himselfe, as a glad spectacle to the diuine Maiesty, Men, and Angels. And now since mention i•…•… made of Elias, I will not spare to add, how the blessed S. Antony ac∣cording to the light he had in raysing vp his thoughts, from tyme to tyme, was purposed at last, with singular study to expresse in himselfe, the lyfe and manners of that louer, not of Prophecy so much, as of retirednes, and solitude.

S. Antony betakes himselfe into a Cell in the Desart; and is therefore ma∣ligned by the wicked Spirits. Chap. 3.

NOr farre of from S. Antonyes Cottage, were many ancient rui∣nes, not inhabited by any. In one of which causing himselfe to be shut vp, by a certayne friend of his, with order taken with him, to bring him bread within such a space; he heere would treate with none other, then himselfe, and God alone. For which the Prince of darknes, being now anew enflamed with rage, and fearing if he put not remedy to it in tyme, he should soone behold (to his irreparable losse) the desert likewise filled with Monasteries & Monkes: sending presently to the Cell of S. Antony, a great num∣ber of cruell Ministers, caused him (through diuine dispensation) to be so sharpely scourged & whipped, as he was left on the ground, deuoyd of speach or breath: and he himselfe likewise related after∣wards, that the smart of those stroakes exceeded any tormens, which

were humanly supportable.

While then he lay along stretched forth in this man nor; behold through diuine prouidēce) his coadiutour came now to him with •…•…is wonted prouision. Who opening the doore, and finding the •…•…oore S. Antony in so ill a plight; tooke him vp for dead on his shoul∣•…•…ers, & with much cōpassion carryed him so to the Parish Church. Heere now, who were able to explicate the concourse of freinds, Parents, and Neighbours, who came suddenly to behold him, to, •…•…ewayle him, and to prepare his obsequyes? Some lamented the •…•…red of so heroicall actions should so beyond al opinion be cut off. Others very bitterly deplored the losse of such a Father and Maister, •…•…nd perhaps there wanted not those (such is the nature of men) that •…•…r lack of consideration, would seeme to re•…•…rehend him of immo∣•…•…rate feruour, & foolish temerity. The Euening being passed with •…•…ch discourses, while they stood about the Corps with many lights •…•…fficiously, expecting the Exequyes; by little and little (as it hap∣•…•…ens) they fell a sleep. And now it was about midnight, when S. •…•…ntony being returned to himselfe, & opening his eyes, was aware, •…•…at all the Standers by were oppressed with a profound sleepe, ex∣•…•…epting his familiar friend, who through his much sollicitude and •…•…harity, was continually in suspence, and vigilant. Which S. Antony •…•…rceiuing, coniured him so much, partly with signes, and partly with a low voyce, as in fine he obteyned, without any noyse to be •…•…onueighed back into his cell againe. Where being not able, throgh •…•…e many soares he had, eyther to kneele, or to stand on his feete, •…•…e was feyn first, as he lay, to make his prayer a prety while, & af∣•…•…er that with a greater courage thē euer, began he with a lowd tone •…•…o defy the infernall squadrons, saying.

Behold me Antony, heere I am, I fly not your shirmishes, how •…•…ierce soeuer they be, nor shal euer any thing in the world be able to •…•…euer me from Christ; and presently gaue himselfe to singing of Psal∣mes, saying: Si consistant aduersumme castr•…•…, now time bit cor•…•…; whē •…•…s the Authour of Pri•…•… conuerting himselfe to his cursed Crew, See you (saith he) this vntamed beast, how after so many punishments, •…•…nd bitter woes, he daies yet to prouok vs thus? Take vp your armes fresh, and assayle him now more sharpely then euer; that he may •…•…nce come to learne, whome he hath to deale with Lucifer had yet •…•…ow scarcely finished his commaunds, when the foundation being •…•…aken with a horrible Earth-quake, and the foure sides of the poore

Cell layd open. There entred in a moment by those chincks a h•…•… multidue of vncleane spirits, in sundry and dreadfull figures of Ly∣ons, Buls, Leopards, Beares, Wolues, Aspes, Scorpions, a•…•… Serpents, beating the ayre, and bestirring themselues, ech one, ac∣cording to its proper forme, and nature. The greedy Lion roared, ready to deuoure: The Bull lowed, threatning with his cruell hor∣nes: The Dragon hissed, with the neck stretched forth, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pestilent breath: The rauenous Wolfe fell a houling, with open mouth, and sharp teeth: and all the sauage beasts, in fine, with eye•…•… enflamed, and open iawes, fell a brissling themselues, being ech o•…•… power, if not hindred from aboue, to teare S. Antony into a thou∣sand peeces. But as they had no power vpon the lyfe of the Saint: so on the person, as farre as they had leaue, they striue now agayne, to worke him what domage and outrage they could.

At which very tyme the inuincible Champion, though other∣wise groaning amidst all those terrible blowes, yet fayling not •…•…∣whit of his courage, reproachfully rebuked the malignant spirits, saying: If there were any force in you, some one of you alone, were inough (I trow) for so light a conflict, but because God ha•…•… taken away your forces from you, therefore you do go thus abo•…•… to affright me with multitudes, and with strange figures of beasts▪ being surely an euident token of your misery. And manfully infe•…•…∣red moreouer: If you haue any power in you; If God hath giu•…•… you any authority ouer me, am I not now heere in your hand•…•… Then do you swallow me vp. & glut your appetites vpon me: b•…•… if you haue no such lycence, why trouble you your selues in vayn•…•… See you not, how the signe of the holy crosse, & the Fayth in Go•…•… serues christians, as impregnable walls.

At these words, the wicked fiends, encompassed him round, & euen fretted, and gnashed their teeth at him: When the Seruant of God, in lifting vp his eyes, beheld incontinent, the roofe to open it selfe, and the ayre to appeare with a celestiall ray; wherupon th•…•… roome was illuminated at once, the Enemyes vanished, the payn•…•… ceased, and the building shaken and disioynted before, came sudday∣nely now to be vnited agayne, & reduced to the former estate. And from thence in a moment, S. Antony was informed of the presen•…•… of God, and sending forth a deepe sigh, to the vision-wards, exclay∣med. Where wast thou, O good Iesu•…•…, where wast thou? Why w•…•… thou not heere from the first beginning to remedy my wounds? 〈◊〉〈◊〉

answere whereof, was heard this voyce: Antony, I was heere in presece with thee, but stood expecting thee. And since thou hast shewed thy selfe to be thus stoute, & daunted not awhit, I will al∣wayes succour thee, and shall make thy name famous through the world. With this Visitation S. Antony rose vp from the ground, with a great deale more vigour, then before he euer receyued. And was euen iust at that tythe; of the age of 35. yeares.

S. Antony retires himselfe into more inhabitable places. He meetes with the illusions of the Diuells: and shuts himself vp. Chap. 4.

SAint Antony being now by this tyme enflamed to greater enter∣prizes, determines to penetrate further into the more inhabitable places, and most remote from humane society: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yet thought it not meete to conceale this determination of his, from his first and dee∣rest Mayster, but rather communicating with him his whole desi∣gne, inuited him also to be partaker with him of so illustrious a cō∣quest. But he excusing himselfe, through his oldage, with other difficultyes besides, S. Antony doth put himselfe alone on the way: And while he hauing confidence in God, goes forward, very sud∣denly he beheld a great siluer Bason on the ground. At which sight, making a stop, and glauncing his eyes, obseruing the ap∣parition, did presently perceyue the subtility of him, that had for∣ged the same, and began to discourse with himselfe. Whence might this siluer vessell seeme to come hither? The place is quite out of the way, heere are no steps of any passengers, and when peraduenture one should loose it, yet such is the greatnes thereof, as suddenly he must needs be aware thereof, or at least would he afterwards haue turned backe at leasure to seeke it out: so as this is thy trick, O Satha, nor thinke thou thus to hinder my intention heerby. Go thy waies then with thy mettall with a mischiefe.

This sayd, the Plate immediately vanished like smoke, when S. Antony pursuing his iourney, but a little way off discouered a very great wedge of gold on the ground, and that not counterfayte and phantasticall, as the siluer was: yet could not be discerned, whether it were by diabolicall operation, or els (for the greater proofe of the Seruant of God) by some heauenly power, there put in that fort. But this is well known the gold was not imaginary, but true & per∣fect. At the quantity and brightnes wherof, while S. Antony won∣dered,

to the end so betwitching an obiect, might not penetrate th•…•… mynd, starting away from it, as it were from fire; he passed on his way, with his eyes shut, & flying through the playnes, neuer made stop, till he had quite lost the sight of the place. When taking some breath, & renewing his holy purposes againe, he arriued at a Moū∣tayne, where was a Castle halfe ruined, and inhabited with serp•…•… and hurtfull beasts, insteed of men. Which at the appearing of the Saint, as if they had been chased, went headlong away in al post; & he damming vp the gate, with stone & tymber, remayned within, with prouision of bread for six months: hauing left order with his friends, that twice a yeare (for which space and more some Egiptians knew, & especially the Thebans, how to bake breake, & make it last) should supply be made him, from tyme to tyme: with which suste∣nance, and with a little water only to be had in the same place, con∣tinued he his admirable sobriety, and singular abstinence.

There came many to visit him, while he himself not withstāding being shut vp, saw them not, nor would suffer himselfe to be seen of any: and the bread I spake of, was let downe to him by certay∣ne holes in the roofe. In the meane while, his friends, attending with great desire at the doore, and passing that way many tymes by day and night, might heare from tyme to tyme, a very great noise within the roome, with raylings and outcryes, which sayd to him: Get you hence, out of our house. What haue you heere to do, in this desert? You shall neuer be able to endure our persecutions. The friends of S. Antony now hearing such quarrels, and menaces, with∣out, did verily belieue some ill disposed persons, and enemies of the Saint, had byn gotten in with a ladder, from the top: but af∣terwards, looking in very curiously through a chincke, they cau∣sed some to get vpon the roofe, and by diligent search they could fi∣nally discerne no such matter: It was presently knowne, that those horrible clamours, proceeded from none, but infernall spirits. Whereupon, the poore people, being now affrighted, began sud∣denly to call vpon S. Antony by name, & to craue his succour: Wh•…•… regarding the good of these, more then the menaces of those, appro∣ching to the doore, exhorted thē with fayre speeches to retire from thence, and not to feare, since the Deuill is commonly wont (if you be fearefull) to increase your vaine and needles feares. Go home then on Gods name, and do you make the signe of the holy Crosse. Go your wayes, home, I say, in the name of the Highest, & leau•…•…

them heere in fine to be illude themselues.

With this conge, the visible friends giue backe, and departed thence, and he alone remayned behind to stand in contest with the inuisible Enemies: although from henceforth in all bickerings, he had not much to do with them, partly in regard, that they, through so many losses, became continually more weary & feeble: partly also, because he felt himselfe euery day more couragious and stoute, being very often comforted with diuine Visitations, and with often triumphes ouer his now vanquished Enemyes. In the meane time, new troupes of people, ceased not to resort from Cit∣tyes and Villages to S. Antonyes Cell: Who making accompt to haue found him allready dead, beyond all hope, did heare him sing. Exurgat Deus, & dissipentur inimici eius, & fugiant qui oderunt eum, à faci•…•… eius: sicut deficit fumus deficiant, sicut fluit cera à facie eius, sic pereant peccatores a facie Dei. And like wise: Omnes gentes circumdederunt me, & in nomine Domini, quia vltus sum in eos. With such and other like darts, the valourous Champion, transfixed so the rebels of Christ, as in all the encounters, they had euer the worst.

S. Antony remaynes reclused. His fame spreads through all parts: whereby many come to renounce the world. Chap. 5.

IN this manner of inclosure, the seruant of God, remayned for 20. yeares continually, without once seeing to yssue forth, or e∣uer being seen of any person. Whereupon, the fame of S. Antony was so spread, and was in so great credit, of more then humane vertue; as day by day, there assembled about him a greater concourse of di∣uers Nations, and conditions of persons, then euer. Some came with desire to be instructed, and trayned vp by him: & others to be deliuered from the Deuill, and from sundry infirmities. Others in fine desired, to behold such an Hermit as he, with their proper eyes, and so rare and liuely example of perfection, and to speake in a word, such an Angell on earth. Who, by how much more through humility retyred, so much greater thirst was excited in men of his conuersation. And in briefe, the matter went so farre, as they being able no longer to endure the expectation, pulling a way the obsta∣cles by violency, and breaking vpon him with boldnes and re∣uerence alike; they intreated him so much, as he was able to resist no longer, but forth with he came out of a Sanctuary, where he

had beene, as it were, annoynted with the diuine hands, consecra∣ted and promoted for the gouernement of soules. And it may well be conceyued the while, what a plenitude of graet, he receiued from Heauen; since loc, the very same redounding like wise to the body, after so many yeares of pennance, so great fastings, and such meditations, combats, and vigils, appeared to be of so good a cō∣plexion, as if in all that tyme, he had attended to his health, and had entertayned himselfe in pleasant pastimes.

With this was matched such a manner of composition, mode∣sty, and grauity, as well beseemed a foster-child of the supreme wi∣sedome, and Citizen of the supernall country. In such wise, as to haue met him, after so long a retirement in so great a multitude of men, applying themselues to him, and euen profuse in his prayses & renowne, yet should you not haue seene any signe of perturbation in him, or of vayne conten•…•…mēt, but was alwayes found with Rea∣son in the Sterne most firme, constant, and equall. He had so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 refull & serene a coūtenance, as all men that looked vpon him, were comforted therwith. But what shall we say of the other Gifts of the holy Ghost? The dispossest of euill Spirits may suffice to winne be∣liefe: the infirme also whome he hath restored: And the many be∣sides aflicted and disconsolate, through diuers occasions, which with sweet & efficacious words he hath recomforted. How many emnityes, and how many strifes hath he reduced to peace and con∣cord? He would exhort all with great vehemency of spirit, nory•…•… lesse with the weight of reason, and examples, by no meanes to preferre any wordly thing, before the loue of our Lord Iesus. And he would also discourse of the future goods, and of the excessiue cha∣rity of God towards miserable mortals: since for their Redemption and Saluation he would not seeme to pardon his owne most well∣beloued Sonne, but rather in satisfaction of our debts, deliuer him o∣uer to so cruell and bitter a death. With which discourses and ad•…•…∣nishments, S. Antony went mouing the people in such fort, as many conceauing a like desire of the Eternity, and contempt of the world, determined themselues likewise to be sequestred from the vulgar, & to giue themselues to a solitary life.

From hence so many Monasteryes tooke their beginnings, where with in a very short tyme, were all those craggy mountaynes and champians of Egipt filled. And he, so long as he liued, had the superintendency and sollicitous care ouer them all▪ receauing with

singular affect of charity, such as for diuers occurences of good go∣•…•…rnement, would be making their repayre vndo him, and he him∣selfe also would no lesse be visiting them in person, when tyme re∣•…•…ired, without sparing any labour, or respect of manifest perils, ha∣•…•…ing alwayes the heauenly custody with him, which miraculously •…•…efended him from all disasters.

As it happened once among other tymes, in his visit of the coū∣•…•…y of Arsinoe; whither trauayling with some of his, and being to •…•…ade ouer a branch of the riuer of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 full of Crocadills, & most •…•…uell Enemyes & Deuoures of men, hauing made his praier a litle, •…•…tred into the water, and passed quite through it, both going and •…•…omming, without any manner of hurt at all of himselfe or his Cō∣anions. Being now returned to his Cell, he gaue himselfe to his •…•…onted labours and exercises, as before: and aboue all to his pasto∣rall care, by inducing alwaies the Monks to greater perfection, with words and deeds, full of holsome incite ments, and holy doctrine. Nor was it hard for him to assemble an Auditory, so great was the •…•…unger which euery one had of his words, and so singular the grace 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his discourse, vouchafed him by our Lord, But especially, one day, •…•…ere being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 together a very great •…•…course of people, to heare •…•…im, the venerable Abbot with accustomed modesty, & candour of •…•…ynd, in the Egyptian tongue, began to deliuer himselfe, as it fol∣loweth in the next chapter.

The Exhortation of S. Antony to the Monkes, and people of the Disart Chap. 6.

ALthough the diuine Scriptures (my Children, and most belo∣ued Brethren) are sufficient of themselfes for the instruction, and erudition of men: Yet is it a thing notwithstanding very reaso∣nable, and iust, that euen Men no lesse knowing themselues, with mutuall incitements, excite one another to the execution of that, which they haue well vnderstood; and with pertaking ech one with the rest, the inspirations and lights he obteynes of God, they may all come to be euery day more wife, and expert in his holy ser∣•…•…ce. Wherfore you, my children, whensoeuer you shall haue any good conceipt, to propose, vnto others, & to me your Father; omit •…•…not, and I also as more ancient in yeares and most ready for the glory of God, will participate with you, in a much of that kind, as

I haue hitherto any wayes, eyther by document of others, or of my owne experience, been able to comprehend.

The first then, and principall aduertisement for all, is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that ech one of vs, endeauour two things. The one, not to dimin•…•… a whit of our labour or industry, reputing our selues, to haue do•…•… inough. The other, not to loose courage, while the affayre seeme too prolix and tedious to vs; but rather, we are to make accompe that euery day is the first beginning, and to be alwayes a conseruing and increasing our holy purposes. Because, that as the whole age of a man, is very short, in comparison of what succeeds: so is al the created tyme, as nothing, being paraleled with Eternity. And truly in this life, things are ordinarily bought at a iust price, & in human traffiques is accompt made of so much, for iust so much: but in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 case it is not so: while the Eternall Crowne seemes to stand vs 〈◊〉〈◊〉 deed, but in a very little.

We read in the Psalmes: Dies annorum nostrorum in ipsis, septuag•…•… anni: Si autem in potentatibus, octoginta, & amplius eorum labor & 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Whence put the case, we do spend the same whole space of eighty, or a hundred yeares, in the diuine seruice, thinke you the rew•…•… therof to be equal? The trauaile exceeds not an age, the guerdon en∣dures foreuer; the toyles are on earth, the recompence in heauen; the body comes to be rotten and consumed, but recouers a glorious, and vncorruptible one. So as my Children, let vs not go foulding o•…•… armes; Let vs not thinke it to be ouer long; or that we haue done already any great matter, since according to the Apostle: The T•…•…∣lations of the present life, haue not any proportion with the glory, which is 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 manifest in vs. Nor, casting our Eyes to the world, belieue, that we haue forsaken any great matter. For as much as the whole round•…•… of the Earth, is but a point, in respect of the vniuersall fabrique of the world: and yet supposing we were Lords of as much as the S•…•… warmes, and should haue quite renounced such a Monarchy, for the Loue of Christ; yet for all that would it be nothing at all, if we re∣gard but the Realme of the Heauens, which is proposed to vs. And who is he, that would not willingly seeme to cast away a dramme of yron, to haue for the same a hundred of gold? Euen so a Man, that should abandon for God, all these earthly Signoryes, should afford very little, and receiue a hundred for one.

Now, if all the Earth at once, may not seeme to contest with the worth of Paradise; it is cleere, that for one to depriue himselfe

of armes, or houses, or summes of money, he should not yet seeeme take eyther any vayne glory, or foolish sadnes for the same: es∣•…•…ially considering, that though we despoyle not our selues of •…•…se things for the loue of Christ, yet of force are we very soone to •…•…go them, when we come to dye; and to leaue them very often, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 such, as we thinke least of, as Ecclesiastes well notes. Why then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 we not make a vertue of necessity? Wherefore exchange we not, •…•…sitory patrimony, for an incorruptible inheritance? And if it •…•…olly, to be tenacious of that which we possesse, much lesse be∣•…•…g once disentangled from the same, should we be turning our •…•…ought agayne vpon such a purchase? but alwayes aspire to the ga•…•…∣ing of such things, as follow vs after the departure of the Soule •…•…m the body: such as are the merits of Prudence, Temperance, lu∣•…•…ce, Wisedome, Fortitude, Humanity, Liberality, Fayth in Christ, •…•…eekenes, Hospitality, and other such like merchandise: where∣•…•… if we make vs prouision in tyme, being once recalled from this •…•…nishment, we shall find them to haue gone before vs, as Har∣•…•…ngers, to prepare vs a Mansion, in the Citty of the Blessed.

These things, being well considered, should surely shake off, •…•…om the mynd all negligence, and weake pufillanimity: but when •…•…ey suffice not, at least we ought to be moued, with the strictnes of •…•…ligation we haue to God. He truly is our law•…•…full Lord, and we •…•…s naturall vassayles and slaues. Now then, as a slaue dares ne∣•…•…r to matter thus much, and say, I haue laboured yesterday in ough, •…•…o day therefore I will do nothing: No, but day by day (as the •…•…ospell sayth) still shew forth the selfe-same promptnes, which he •…•…d before, presuming not at all vpon his passed toyles, nor thinke •…•…ereby to be idle, eyther now, nor heerafter; to the end, he •…•…ight conserne himselfe in grace, with his Mayster, and not to be •…•…ust out of his seruice: so likewise should we, euery day be encou∣•…•…ging ech other to Religious Discipline, assuring ourselues, that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 we cease from working one day only, we shall not obtayne re∣•…•…ission, in vertue of any former seruices done, but shall be punished •…•…ther for this dayes demerits. For so sayd the Prophet Ezechiel; That •…•…ter death, euery one shall beiudged, according to the state, he shall then be •…•…nd in. And Iudas also for his ill carrage (if I might so say) of one •…•…ght onely, did loose the fruite of all his yeares for passed.

So as, attend we, my children, to the true Obseruation of our Ru∣•…•…s, and not suffer our selues to be vanquished with tediousnes, as

knowing, that according to the Apostle, Our Lord is not backward whit to cooperate with him that hath a good will, and endeauours to help 〈◊〉〈◊〉 selfe. It shall likewse auay le vs not a little, to chase away Slouth carry alwayes, in the memory, that saying of the Apostle himse•…•… Quotidie morior. And if we likewise would be alwayes thin•…•… with ourselues, that this present day were to be our last, & a wak•…•… in the morning we would but suppose not to arriue to the Eueni•…•… and agayne being layd downe at night, not promise to our se•…•… to liue till morning: If we would regard, how vncertayne the•…•… is, and how the diuine Prouidence, seemes to measure, and num•…•… our steps, & how it hath continually the Eyes vpon vs; we sho•…•… certainely not sinne, nor sufferre our selues to be carryed aw•…•… with vnbrideled desires, nor should we be angry with our Nei•…•… bour, nor giue our selues to lay vp treasure in earth: but we she•…•… hubly yeild to others, in all, & through out, & should abhore all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 suall pleasures, as a lewd and transitory thing, remayning alway•…•… with our wits about vs, & with the Eyes turned towards the T•…•… bunall, where we are all to be iudged. And after this manner s•…•… the feare of euerlasting torments, be of more power to extingui•…•… then the delicatenes of the flesh to enflame the desires of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 man. And with such a Stay shall the Soule sustayne it selfe, th•…•… enclining already to a miserable precipice.

S. Antony proceeds yet in his Exhortation: And giues them other 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sides. Chap. 7.

NOw, therefore, beginning a new, as if to day we but en•…•… into the way of Perfection; let vs enforce our selues, to ar•…•… to the End; and let no man turne his face to looke back, as di•…•… wife of Lot especially our Lord hauing said so expressely, Th•…•… soeuer hauing once set his band to the plough, should turne his face to heed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 remaynes behind, were not apt for the heauenly kingdome, And this; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 back, is nothing els, then for a man to repent himselfe of his go•…•… beginning, & to returne yet agayne to wordly thoughts & acti•…•… But some peraduenture may be affrighted with the name of ve•…•… Go to then, yet let it not seeme strange or impossible, since •…•…ey 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is it farre from vs, or extrinsecall to vs, but rather within vs and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 matter is easy to him, that truly disposeth himselfe to seeke it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Let the Grecians, and other profane Louers of themselues, go th•…•…

wayes to seeke it out, in forren Prouinces: let them plough the •…•…as, crosse mountaynes, runne ouer the playnes & countries: For •…•…s, there is no need to make any voyages for it, by sea or land, since •…•…at, as the Prime Verity affirmes, The Kingdome of Heauen is with in vs. •…•…n so much as to obteyne the same (supposing the diuine Grace, as •…•…nclined to all) on our parts there requires no more, thē a meere effi∣•…•…acious will. For so much as looke when the superiour part of the •…•…oule, should be reduced to its naturall state, it would come to •…•…aue in it selfe a solid and formall vertue indeed: since the naturall •…•…ate seemes to be nothing els but the great rectitude, & much good∣•…•…es, wherein it was framed by the soueraygne Creatour.

And hence it was, that the captayne Iesus Naue sayd to the He∣•…•…rew people: Direct your hart to the Lord of Israel: And S. Iohn Baptist; •…•…o you rectify your wayes. Because it is proper to the nature of a Soule, •…•…o haue no wrinesse or crookednes in it. But whē it goes bending to •…•…his or that side, then looseth it the naturall rectitude, & that ben∣•…•…ing so, is worthily termed malice. From whence may appeare, •…•…hat the enterprise is not so bad, as it seemes. For that if we, with •…•…he helpe of our Lord, but conserue ourselues, such as we were fra∣•…•…ed by him; we may come without more a do, to possesse Vertue: •…•…ut if through election, we adhere to the euill, we do voluntarily •…•…ecome wicked. If then the matter be not to be sought for else∣where, but only consists in our selues, let vs beware of vncleane cogitations; and since from God we haue receyued our soule, as in •…•…posito, let vs so deale that in his time, he may acknowledge his own workemanship in vs, and find the soule to be such, as himselfe had •…•…ormed at first.

Let vs fight manfully, that we be not tirannized by wrath, nor yet ouerswayd with concupiscence: While it is written, The anger of •…•…a man, workes not the iustice of God: and concupiscence after its conce∣ption, doth bring forth sinne: and sinne being put in effect be∣•…•…gets death. Let vs then be circumspect, in the gouernement of our selues, and stand we alwayes vpon our ward: and as the sacred Scripture aduiseth vs, let vs guard our hart withal the warynes that may be; because, though our enemyes on the one side, be infeebled, and deiected, notwithstanding on the other, are they very saga∣cious, great dissemblers, and most subtle withall; and as the holy A∣postle well notes: Non est nobis colluctatio aduersus carmen, & sangui∣nem, sed aduersus principatus, potestates, aduersus mundi rectores tenebrarum

harum, contra spiritualia nequitiae, in caelestibus. Great is their number, in this lower region of the ayre, nor are they in truth farre off from vs: They are likewise very different from ech other, in nature, and species; of which differences surely might a long discourse be had, but being a matter so litle necessary to our present purpose, & wor∣thy of a more sublime vnderstanding, then mine is; It shall suffice me for this tyme, to touch that only which more imports vs; to wit, the fraudes, and stratagemes, which those maligne substances do worke, to the offence, and domage of our soules.

The blessed S. Antony, being come to this passage, made a pause for a while: and then began more at large, to discouer diuers arts and subtilities of Sathan, for that tyme as yet very new, and vn∣known; at this day notwithstanding by the obseruation of so ma∣ny ages, God be thanked, now very common, and vulgar. And then began he afresh, to declare a certayne remedy agaynst them, which was a vigilant, and continuall memory of God, conioyned with spirituall gladnes, with the firme confidence of the fatherly Prouidence, and with the care which our Lord, taketh of his Seruā•…•…s In which state so long as the Christian stands, and the Religious al∣so, he hath no need to feare any thing. Since as the Diuels, withall their fury, and rage, when he stands in his owne defence, cannot endomage him, with force; so are they not wont to assault him, with open warre, but with ambushes, and snares: wherein yet ly∣ing in wayte, if they note the Citty of the soule, to be neglected, ill prouided, and vnquiet; then rushing in on a sudden, they will enkindle seditions, multiply breaches and put all in confusion and disorder. And this in summe sayd the blessed Antony, for asmuch as concernes temptations, and inuisible traynes.

But for apparitions, and visions, to be able well, and secure∣ly to distinguish them; he counsay led the Monkes, in such a case, not to be dismayed a whit, nor to shew any signe of feare at all: but be the Spectacle what it will, couragiously to speake vnto it, and demand, who art thou, and from whence comst thou? For that if it be good it will suddaynely cleare thee in that point, through diuine power, and will replenish thee together with true gladnes: If naught, it shall loose its forces in a moment, in beholding the mynd so stout, and constant; since to demaund in that manner, is a manifest signe of assurednes, & tranquillity. In this manner we may see Iesus Na•…•…e to be cleered by the Angell of light; and others not to be deceyued

with that of darknes.

The Exhortation ended; a certayne Probleme is handled among the Fathers of the Desert: wherein euery one passeth his verdict. Chap. 8.

VVHile the holy Abbot spake in this sort, it canont be expres∣sed, what comfort and consolation the Auditory felt; so as the tepid, were enflamed with the loue of vertue, the pusillani∣mous seemed to pretend now great hope. And some on the contra∣ry, being full of vayne persuasion before, came now to be humble, and to thinke more modestly of themselues; and finally all remay∣ned astonished at the discretion of spirits, wherewith our Lord had seemed to endue S. Antony. Of which so precious a gift, since we are now fallen vpon it; we cannot so slightly passe ouer in silence that so famous a discourse, that to this purpose Iohn Cassian declares, with the Morall therupon; which was, that some of those ancient Fathers, on a tyme, being come to the blessed S. Antony, in Thebais, to conferre with him, about spirituall matters; the conference it selfe grew so hoat betweene them as it lasted from the beginning of •…•…he night, to the next day morning.

The Probleme was this. What vertue, or what obseruance, might seeme more efficacions, and more secure, to preserue a Monke al∣wayes assured from diabolicall snares, and deceipts, and to leade him by the stricter way, and with greater fredome to the top of Per∣fection? Concerning which doubt, ech one, according to his capaci∣ty, produced what he thought best. Some there were, who placed al in fastings, and vigils, affirming for proofe therof, that the soule, be∣ing extenuated therby, and made pure of hart, & body, comes more easily to be vnited with God. Others extolled entire pouerty, and the totall contempt of worldly things; in reguard the mynd, being •…•…aked, & quite stript of all those things, without doubt, being now •…•…light, and discharged of all, may sudenly mount to the heauenly de∣lights. By some others, was giuen the palme to the loue of solitude, and the deserts for being the true, and only way to become familiar with God, and to be alwayes vnited with his infinite Goodnes. Nor were they wanting, who preferred the works of mercy, and faternall charity, before all other Exercises whatsoeuer: alleadging that especially to these is the kingdome of heauen promised in the Ghospell. Thus euery one, hauing now vnfolded his mind, and

more spaciously enlarged himselfe, in proofe of his proper assertion the greater part of the night, as we said, being spent already, di•…•… the blessed S. Antony, beganne to speake in the manner follow∣ing.

It cannot be denyed, my Reuerend Fathers, but that the same propositions by you made, are of singular auayle, for him that hat•…•… the loue of God in him, & hath a longing desire to come vnto him Neuerthelesse to place a principall foundation theron, in numerabl•…•… proofes and seuerall euents, occuring to diuers persons, wil not a•…•… ford me to do it. For as much as I haue seen heeretofore some me•…•… being giuen to wonderous abstinence from meate, and sleepe, in∣credibly retired from all human society, so addicted to Pouerty, a•…•… they would not reserue a penny to themselues, or a loafe of brea•…•… for the tyme to come, being wholy employed with exceeding d•…•… uotion, and with singular feruour in hospitality, and in the comfo•…•… and succour of Neighbours; to fall at last into such errours & illu•…•… ons, as their issue proued nothing answerable to their genero•…•… beginnings, and magnanimous enterprizes. So as we may clerely discerne, which way is the better, to arriue to God by. If wi•…•… diligence we seeke, and search into the occasion of the ruine, and perdition of those vnhappy ones, who most certayne it is, had bee•…•… gathering together, along tyme a notable treasure of good, and ho∣ly workes; what then was it, that made them not perseuere vn•…•… Death? Surely the only lacke of Discretion, they hauing not suffici∣ently learned of their Maysters, the rules and conditions of this Ver∣tue, which shunning eyther extremes, continually maintaynes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon the high way, and lets vs be carryed away with the rig•…•… hand of spirituall consolations, to superfluous & vnmeasurable ser∣uours; nor yet with the left of temptations and aridities, vnder c•…•… lour of care of the body, to fall into slouth, and sensuality.

This Discretion is that, which by the Lord and Sauiour of m•…•… kind, is called the Eye, and Lampe of our body. Which eye being simple, the whole body shall be replenished with light: but when the Eye is too blame and naught, all the body shall be as full o•…•… darkenes: the reason is, for that to this faculty of the soule it belon∣ges, to weigh, ballance, and discerne all the thoughts, and operati∣ons of man. Whence being corrupted, that is, not founded in true knowledge, or some errour, it comes to obscure the whole body, in blinding the vnderstanding and folding it vp in the night of vices,

and of disordinate passions: and immediately our Sauiour himselfe •…•…dds the cause thereof; For that if the light which is in thee, be darkenes, •…•…ow great then shall the darknes it selfe be? And in truth, who sees not, •…•…hat when the iudgement, through ignorance, remayning in the darke, goes doubtfull and wauering; but needs must the thoughts •…•…nd actions, depending thereon, come thence to be entrapped in a greater and thicker myst of sinnes? Of which truth, he doth giue vs •…•…ufficient testimony, who by the eternall Maiesty, being chosen the first King of Israel, for not hauing this eye of discretion sound, but •…•…ll members ill affected with darknes, deserued to loose the King∣dome; while he thought to be more seruiceable to God, in sacrifi∣cing to him, then obeying of Samuel; incurring thereby the diuine •…•…ffence in the selfe same thing, wherein he made full rekoning to gayne his fauour.

The defect of this knowledge, after that glorious triumph, •…•…erswaded Achab, that mercy and clemency were better then seuc∣•…•…ity, and the execution of that rigorous and cruell command, as it •…•…eemed to him. Through which cōsidering, being mollifyed, whilst •…•…e would needs seeme to be contemning with an act of piety, the •…•…loudy victory, as he thought, through indiscreet compassion, be∣•…•…ng himselfe likewise obscured in his whole person, was without •…•…emission condemned to death. This is that Discretion, which is not only called by the Apostle, a Lampe, but a Sunne also, where he saith; •…•…et not the sunne seeme to set vpon your anger. This in like manner is called •…•…he Gouernment of our life, according to that saying: Such as haue •…•…o gouernment with them, do fall like leaues. This is worthily termed Counsayle, without the which to do any thing, is by the holy Scrip∣ture, so precisely forbidden vs, as neyther are we to take otherwise the spirituall wine it selfe, which is, that Gladnes that cheeres vp the •…•…hart of man, while Salomon saith; Do you euery thing with Counsaile; and with Counsaile likewyse do you drinke your wyne. And elsewhere; Who workes without Counsayle, is like to a Citty, which is dismantled quite, and destroyed: as shewing with this similitude, how pernicious to the soule, is the lack of such a vertue. In this, knowledge, in this the vnderstanding, and iudgment consists, according to that aduertise∣ment, which saith; with wisedome is the house built, & with vnder∣stāding repayred; with iudgment is the Cellar replenished withall the best and most precious things. This I say, is that solid foode, that cannot be taken, but of strong, & perfect men. Whence the Apostle

sayth: To the perfect belonges a solid foode, who through long experience, let t•…•… senses be well exercised in the discretion of good and ill. What more? It is so profitable, and necessary, as it comes to be numbred among the o∣ther diuine attributes, according to the sentence of the same S. pal: Quick and liuely is the word of God, and very efficacious, and more penetrate farre, then the sharpest knife, arriuing to the diuision of the soule & spirit, •…•…ea euen to the ioynts & marrow, & is a discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the hart. Out of which authorityes, it is manifestly shewed, that with out the grace of Discretion, it is impossible, eyther perfectly to pur∣chase, or long to conserue any vertue whatsoeuer.

This then in matter of Perfection, was the iudgment, this the Doctrine of S. Antony. The which, being first by that sacred Session of Fathers, without reluctatiō approued, & after, with good reason, by Cassian, as we said, inserted into his Collations, hath also seemed good to vs, for the publique vtility, to transferre into our present discourse.

The multitude of Monks increaseth. The Angelicall life of S. Antony: And of the persecution raysed by Maximinian against the Church. Chap. 9.

IN the meane season, the number of Monks did meruaylously in∣crease, and throughout all those hills, could nothing els be seene but Cells and Monasteryes, like to Pauillions applyed to a sacred warfare, full of Psalmes, Conferences, Lessons, Prayers, Fasts, and vigils, accompanyed partly with a iubiley of hart, through expecta∣tion of the future goods; partly also with the industry, and la∣bour of the hands, to purchase almes for the poore. Who shall ex∣presse then, the chast dilection, and streight concord amongst the•…•… In such sort, as casting the eyes vpon those countryes, a Man verily seemed to behold, a Region as wholy dedicated to the worship & Iustice of God. Heere raigned not, eyther open, or hidden factions, not practices or designes of transitory, or terrene things, but only a multitude well ordered of men, all applyed to the study of the more eminent vertues. So as one beholding them, & the Orders withall, might truly breake forth, into that exclamation of Numbers the 23. chapter. Quam bona domus tuae Iacob, tabernacula tua Israel, tamquam nemor•…•… obrumbrantia, tamquam Paradisus super flumina tamquam tabernacula, qua fix•…•… sunt à Domino, tamquam cedri Libani circa aquas.

But yet in so vniuersall a feruour, did the Lampe of S. Anteny alwayes seeme farre to exceede, both in heate and splendour, the

other lights: who neuer ceasing his angelicall customes, did alwaies •…•…o his power keepe silence, and augment his pennances: aspiring day and night to the happy mansions of Heauen. Whereupon, as •…•…ikewise the imitation of the more glorious Saints, he had so fixed •…•…is mynd, that whensoeuer it was needfull for him to eate or sleep, •…•…r in any other manner to serue the body, he beheld the noblenes •…•…f the Soule, so miserably abased with so vile an exercise. And thus •…•…hrough compulsion, he would take his refection, now alone, & •…•…ow with others, not omitting through occasion thereof, to remē∣•…•…er his disciples, how much it behoued them very seriously to at∣•…•…end to the soule, and to seeke after the profit thereof, in spending as •…•…tle tyme, as might be in the care of the body, that the spirit be not •…•…ulled downwards by sensuall delights, but the flesh to be reduced •…•…ather into the seruitude, and power of the spirit; and this sayd he, •…•…as the sense of those wordes of the Ghospell. Nolite soliciti esse animae •…•…estrae, quid manducetis, neque corpori, quid induamini: haec enim omnia gen∣•…•…s inquirunt: Scit enim Pater vester, quod his omnibus indigetis: Querite au∣•…•…m regnum Dei, & haec omnia adijcientur vobis.

At the same tyme, while S. Antony was instructing, and gui∣•…•…ing his Monkes in this manner; was raised in Egypt, that cruell per∣•…•…cution of Maximinian, agaynst the Church of God. At the newes •…•…hereof, the holy Abbot, being desirous to shed his bloud for Christ, •…•…ent his way in hast to Alexandria, accompanyed with many, say∣•…•…g: let vs be present by all meanes at the glorious combats of •…•…e Champions of Christ: for that God will eyther make vs wor∣•…•…y of that glorious Fellowship with them, or at least, if our Vo∣•…•…ation extend not so high, their fayth and fortitude will affoard •…•…s a noble spectacle, and of much edification. In the meane tyme, •…•…e puts himselfe in publique to help and encourage them. First in •…•…e mines, and in prisons, and afterwards much more, when they •…•…rought them to the vniust Tribunall. And heere is the manifest •…•…rouidence of God to be noted, that as he had destined him to the •…•…ouernment, and example of Religious, (and in truth many be∣•…•…g inuited only with the example, aspect, and manners of the man •…•…f God, renounced the world) so he neuer suffered the Tyrant to lay •…•…ands vpon him.

True it is, that hauing once vnderstood, he was in the Citty, •…•…nd succoured the Christians, he made an Edict, that no Monke •…•…ould approch to the prisons, and that all should depart from Ale∣xandria.

But yet the valourous Confessour, was not terrifyed with this, but rather on the day appointed for the wicked Execution, and at the publique Act of Matrtyrdome, while the other Monkes, were a hiding themselues, he alone, accompanyed the combatants to the scaffold, exhorting them alwayes to perseuere inuincible, and cou∣ragious. From hence, to the end to be more easily seene, or rather to draw the eyes of the Prefect himselfe vpon him, being clothed with a garment, which was very conspicuous; he gets vp on a place of aduantage, somewhatneere vnto the scaffold, and there stood con∣fidēt to the very end of al; with a holy Emulation for the Crownes, which the faithfull of Christ, seemed to purchase by their deaths: de∣claring thereby the promptnes and fortitude, which in such occu∣rences, they are to haue, who are truly Christians. In so much, as the Prefect descending from the Tribunall, & with all his Guard, pas∣sing by S. Antony, remayned astonished at the grauity and fortitude of the Saint. Who since he saw himselfe, not without griefe, to b•…•… thus deceiued of the hope, returned afresh to the prisons, and caues to serue, and comfort the Confessours of Christ, as he was wont; vn∣till such tyme, as the blessed Bishop Peter being martyred, the rage of the Persecutours, came finally to cease.

Vpon occasion wherof, S. Antony retiring to his Monastery, there gaue himselfe to participate as well as he could, of the Palmes of the Martyrs, with bitter austerityes, abstinence, and voluntary punishments: not wearing any other within, but Cilices, and skins without; and neuer washing his body, nor so much as his feet, but when he chaunced on the way to wade ouer any water. And it is held most certayne, that vntill his buryall, he was neuer seene to be stript, or naked.

S. Antony dispossesseth one of the Deuill: and heares a voyce from hea•…•… which directs him what to do. Chap. 10.

NOw S. Antony, being thus recollected, with purpose not to be seene of any, for a tyme; a certayne Captayne called Mar∣tinianus, with a daughter of his, very shrewdly tormented by the deuill, and with a great troupe of people, approached to the Cel, & there stood knocking, and beseeching S. Antony with a lowd voyce, to come forth in publique, and to pray to God for the Mayden. To which cryes, hauing now stopped his eares for a pretty while, he

came at last of meere compassion, to a litle chinck of the wall, and said. Hola, Who do you call for? I am yet mortall: If you belieue in that Lord •…•…home I serue, go your waye•…•…, and pray to him, and according to your faith, •…•…hall the grace be done you. The Captayne shewed not himselfe to be a∣ny thing backe-ward to such aduises, but immediately conuerting himselfe from Paganisme, began to inuoke the name of Christ; and on a suddayne, the daughter of that Captayne was found to be safe and sound. After this, many other aswell Lunatique, as infirme per∣sons, who could not come to haue any audience of the Saint, lay prostrate at the doore, and there recommended themselues, so long to his intercessions, as they came thence wholy cured.

At which meruayles, and at the concourse of new troupes of people, was S. Antony sore molested: fearing in his mynd, some motion of Pride, or at least, the world might come to frame too high a conceipt of him. Making then, mature deliberation herupon, •…•…he determined to leaue that Cell, and to co•…•…ueigh himselfe secretly into the vpper Thebais, in some part, where he might not be known of any liuing body.

To this effect, being departed, with some loaues of bread, to the shore of Nilus, while he was sitting there, expecting commodi∣ty of passage, he heard a voyce from Heauen, which with a cleare tone pronounced these words: Antony, whither 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thou going? and wher∣fore? And he not being troubled thereat, as being already acquain∣ted with such things, made answere: These people will not let my rest, whereupon I am resolued to passe into the vpper Thebais, as well to eschew the sayd disturbances, as principally also for not to be requested in things which exceed my power. The voyce adds: Although thou goest thy wayes hence to Thebais, and endeauourest to hide thy selfe (as thy designe is) among the sheapeards Cottages there: Yet know, thou shalt thence but purchase to thy selfe a double trauayle: Whereas if thou wilt find true rest indeed, thou must go into the hart of the Desert. And S. Antony replying: who shall shew mee the way thither to some place, to the purpose, since I my selfe was neuer there? when presently was shewed him a squadron, or to say rather a company of Saracens, who comming to Egypt for traffique sake, were now in their returne into Arabia, and were bound to trauaile iust that way.

Then S. Anthony approching to them, intreated them fayrely they would be pleased to take him along for a pretty way with thē, and so they did, as if they had had commandment from God: and

at the end of three dayes, and three nights, they arriued at a very high mountayne, at the foote whereof, went gliding a fresh, and christall water, and nor farre from thence certayne trees were to be seene of sauage, and wild palmes. At the discouery of such a sight S. Antony did exceedingly reioyce, and sayd within himselfe, that same was surely the seate appointed for him. So as taking his leaue, with a thousand thankes, of the Saracens (who gaue him moreouer some of their bread) he remayned there alone in the Mountayne, & tooke it as his deere habitation, susteyning himselfe with wa•…•…, and the Dates thereby, and with the now supply, which the S•…•…∣cen passengers, from tyme to tyme, admiring so great a vertue, di•…•… afterwards affoard him: Vntill such tyme, as the Monkes at last, be∣ing come to the knowledge of the place, tooke vpon them, the care to prouide for him; howbeit the holy, man, perceyuing by this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 casion, they were like to be troubled much, and forced to take a great deale of paynes for his sake, was resolued to spare that labo•…•… & causing some plough-•…•…ons to be brought vnto him, with a litle seed corne, he beganne to till and sow a plot of ground, so as eue∣ry yeare, he reaped sufficient to liue on: being much comforted the while, that he was heerby no whit offensiue or troublesome to any person of the world, being a thing, to his power, which he had e∣uer auoyded. But seeing afterwards, for all this, that Ghests for∣bore not to resort thither, he sowed there moreouer, some hearbes, for to be able to giue some manner of entertaynement, to passen∣gers, we aryed with so long and difficult a iourney. And forasmuch as diuers sauage beasts, being inuited by the water there, came thi∣ther to drinke, and did withall some hurt to his corne; he catching one of them, sayd very mildly to it, & the rest: Why do you wrong mee so, that offend nor you? Go your wayes, and come you hither no more, for our Lords sake. A very admirable thing; they being terrifyed, as it were, with such a commandement, durst neuer more seeme to returne thither.

S. Antony is much troubled with the assaults of the Diuell: He heares of S. Paul the great Hermit, and goes to seeke him out. Chap. 11.

A Midst such labours of body & mynd, the seruant of God being now growne old, yet continued his wonted discipline, and neuer left to afflict himselfe. Wherupon the Monks being moued to

pitty, did bring him Oliues, with oyle, and pulse, for these were de∣•…•…icacyes amongst thē. But in that place so remote, it cannot be told what combats the blessed S. Antony continually susteyned from Sa∣•…•…han. Such as went thither, for their deuotion, were afterwards wont to relate, they had heard besides, great tumults, and noyses •…•…here, with many cryes and clamours, and clashing of armes, and seene the mountaine all couered ouer with sparkles of fire, and the Saint vpon his knees, making his praier, against the fury of the outra∣gious Enemyes. And surely it was an admirable thing, that a soli∣tary man, in so great a vastnes of regions, should haue no feare, neyther of infernall spirits, nor of dragons, nor wild beasts: but truly, according to the Psalmist, confiding in our Lord, like to Mount Sion, had alwayes his mind very peaceable, and quiet: so as the deuills had occasion to feare him, and the beasts laying their poyson and cruelty aside, became very meeke and tractable to him.

But yet Lucifer ceased not to tempt him agayne, and to seeke alwayes to worke his annoyance, gnashing and grinding his teeth at him. And one night, among the rest while S. Antony was busy in prayer, he had leaue to set against him as many hurtfull beasts, as were to be found in those desert cliffs; who as forced to come forth of their dennes, were set on to encompasse the Seruant of Christ, making a proffer (as others heeretofore) to swallow and deuout him quite: but the vnderstanding the subtility of the Aduersary, told them, That if they had power from heauen, they might deuoure him, but if otherwise they came as sent by the deuill, without delay they should go their wayes, for he was the seruant of Christ. With which protestations, the brutish troupes, being affrighted & scour∣ged, did suddainly fly away.

From thence within few dayes, while he was making baskets, as he was wont, to bestow on them that dealt very charitably with him; he perceiued one of the wickers of his worke to be drawne to the doore-wards, and raysing vp himselfe, sees a monster, from the head to the hips, which appeared like a man, & frō the hips downe wards, was like an Asse. And yet was S. Antony not astonished a whit at so new, and straunge a spectacle; but rather making the signe of the Crosse on himselfe, defyed it boldly, as he was wont: whereupon the beast being scared, togeather with the spirits that guided it, so imperuously ranne from thence as falling downe head∣long, it dyed, representing in that fal the vnhappy aduenture of such

as would go about to driue away S. Antony from the Desert.

Now after so many toyles of body and mynd, the Seruant of God was become Ninety yeares of age, & could no more without manifest daunger, endure austerites as before. Wherupon, with a pious violence, the Monkes enforced him to accept of two of them, to boare him company, and to haue care of him. The one called Amtli•…•…, and the other Macarius. About which tyme, the glorious doctour S. Ierom declares, how S. Antony bethinking himselfe, that hitherto neuer had any Monke gone further into the desart then he, it was reuealed to him, on the night following, that he was decei∣ued, since there was another yet, more ancient and perfect then he that likewise inhabited therein, and that by all meanes, he should go to seek him. S. Antony was nothing flack to obey. For scarce had the Aurora put forth, when without any other companion, then a little staffe, he puts himselfe into the voyage: and now was it about high Noone, and the parching rayes of the sunne beganne to scorch the head of the holy Old man, and yet neuerthelesse, would he not seeme to desist from going forwards, saying within himselfe: I haue a firme confidence in God, that he will shew me him he hath promised me to see. And standing to muse thereupon, behold a Hippo-centaur appeares before him, to wit, halfe a man, and halfe a horse. At which sight, arming himselfe with the holsome signe, on his forhead: Hola, said he, where abouts I pray you, inhabits a cer∣tayne man of God? To which demaund, the beast, with a confused voyce, made offer to answere, and withall stretching form the right hand, seemed to point him the way, and flying vanished, nor could it euer be knowne, whether the same were a feigned appari∣tion, or some reall thing.

With such direction, did S. Antony follow on his way, deeply considering with himselfe on that strange figure, which he beheld a little before. He had not passed farre, thus musing with himselfe, but there appeared to him, in a craggy valley, a man of a little sta∣ture, with a hawked nose, and horned countenance, who with a gratefull aspect, approaching to him, did offer him Dates, in signe of peace. Whereat S. Antony stood still, and laying hand on his won∣ted armes, doubted not to aske him, who he was, and he answered so plainely as S. Antony was much astonished thereat. I am likewise mortall, said he, as you are, and one of the Inhabitants of the wil∣dernes, adored by the blind Gentility, vnder the name of Fanus, Sa∣tyrs,

and Incubi. I come to thee now, as an Embassadour of my Companions, beseeching thee in the name of all, to make intercessiō for vs likewise, to the common God, for we haue now vnderstood he is come, for the saluation of the world. At which words, the holy Abbot beganne to sheed teares for ioy, in beholding how the glory of Christ was dilated, and the power of Sathan annihilated, and smiting the ground with his staffe, addes: Wo be to thee Alexandria who giues the honour due to God, vnto Monsters & Portents: Wo be to thee meretricious Citty, where haue all the superstitions of the world, built their neast now, wilt thou say? The beasts doe seeme to confesse Christ, and yet do you neuertheles, stand adoring of Idols.

S. Antony had not yet ended these wordes, when the Satyr as betaking himselfe to his wings in a moment, was quite vanished away. And to the end, that not any may hold it for a fabulous thing, it is to be vnderstood, that a like Monster to this, was brought a∣liue to Alexandria, where after it had been wel seene, and reuiewed, by all the people, it came to dye. Whereupon being opened, and powdred with salt, it was lastly conueighed to Antioch, to satisfy the eyes also, of that Citty there, and of the Emperour himselfe.

S. Antony trauayling on his way, espies a wolfe comming forth of a Caue; where entring in, he finds S. Paul the Theban retired. Chap. 12.

TO returne to S. Antony, the good old man went on his way, and not discouering ought els, then the tract of beasts, and in∣finite wasts of sand withall, there remayned now no other su∣stenance to him, then a firme confidence of the Protection of Christ. By this tyme, two dayes were spent, and the night following, the seruāt of God did consume in prayer; when in the dawning of the day, he discouers a farre off, a thirsty she-wolfe, which panting and seeking for water, approched to the foote of the Hill. The wary trauayler looke after her, and as soone as she was departed from the denne, he likewise comming thither, began to looke in, though in vayne, because so great was the darknes there, as he could not discerne any thing. It was truly a horrible and dreadfull thing to behold, but Charity banished feare; he taking courage to himselfe, and going very softly and tenderly in, as he could, at last amidst those obscurities going forwards not farre off, there appeared a light

wherewith being inuited, while greedily he makes hast thereunto, he stumbles on a stone, and with the noyse thereof, gaue occasion to him, that was within, on a sudden to shut & make fast the door vpon himselfe.

The caue lay open on the one side thereof, but well shadowed the while with a plan-tree, very great and full of leaues, and in the same playne arose a most cleere spring, from whence a litle brooke streaming along for a litle space, went creeping vnder the ground. The same place in tymes past, had beene the receptacle of those wicked Forgers, who in the tyme of Cleopatra, and Mark-Antony, in that place, had been coyning of false money; as do well testify the many anuils, & hammers there scattered vp & downe in those ta∣uernes. And lastly for auoyding the persecution of Decius, & Valeri∣anus, and to leade a holy lyfe, was the blessed Paul the Theban there shrowded from his youth, and had there perseuered with incredi∣ble constancy to the age of 113. yeares. Now S. Antony perceiuing himselfe to be shut forth, in this māner, with exceeding great griefe lying prostrate at the doore, remayned there vntil the sixt hou•…•…e, & vpwards, continually intreating to be admitted, & saying: You know well inough, who I am, and whence I come, and though vnworthy (I confesse) of your sight, yet without such a grace, I will not depart hence. Whereas you that affoard harbour to beasts, why banish you a Man? who according to the Ghospell, hauing sought and found already, doth now knock to be let in. Which if I attayne not, I shal dye heere in the very Entry, and when that hap∣pens you shall be constrayned to bury mee. Which will be to trou∣blesome to you.

The Pilgrime hauing thus continued a prety while, in this mā∣ner of intreaty, at last S. Paul smiling within himselfe, made an∣swere: This same is a prety custome indeed, to beseech in brauing thus, to charge so, and calumniate with teares? And is it so straunge to you, that I receiue you not, if you seeme to come hither to leaue your life? In this manner of iesting, did S. Paul open the doore, & the straungers, howbeyt new, and as yet vnacquanted, very lou∣ingly embracing ech other, did salute notwithstanding one ano∣ther by name, giuing infinite thankes to the diuine Goodnes. And after the holy kisse of peace, being both set downe. S. Paul began to speake in this manner: You see heere, Antony, him, whome you haue sought for thus, with so much trauayle, rude, worne, frayle, &

decrepit, & one in briefe, who within a very litle shall become dust. But in the meane while, for Charity sake, tell me, what is done in the world? Who rules? Go they about to reedify the cittyes agayne, already destroyed? And is the Deuill yet worshipped there, as he hath euer (almost generally) beene heere to fore?

Now while they fate thus sweetely discoursing together in lifting vp their eyes, they behold a Crow pearching on the bough of a tree thereby, which descending downe with a moderate flight; let fall betweene them, a whole loafe of bread, and so went its wayes. Wherupon said S. Paul: Go to, our Lord hath sent vs our dynne•…•… heere, truly pious, truly mercifull. It is now full sixty yeares, that I haue hitherto receiued my halfe loafe euery day: Whereas now at your comming hither, he hath redoubled the allowance to his Ser∣uants. After which, the Benediction giuen, they both sate down, by the side of a cristall fountaine: but yet before they fell to their meate, there was no litle ado betweene them which of the two, should breake the bread, in streyning courtesy the one with the other, with religious modesty, and with diuers reasons, in the point of prehe∣minency before ech other. S. Paul did principally ground himselfe in the Lawes of hospitality, wherto S. Antony opposeth the maiority of yeares. The strife seemed to last a good while, and the day in the meane tyme passing away, at last, the duell ceased, vpon agree∣ment made to take hold of the loafe between them, and to pull it, so as to ech might remayne his share in his hand; and so it iust fell out, and without more dispute, hauing taken the bread, and final∣ly stooping, sipt a litle water, with thankes-giuing, they passed that night in Psalmes and Vigils.

S. Paul discouers to S. Antony his death approching. He dyes in S. Anto∣nies absence, and is afterwards buryed by him. Chap. 13.

THe morning being come, S. Paul begins to speake to his Ghest in this so•…•…: It is now a good while, my Brother, since I haue knowne that you haue dwelt in these parts, and your presence hath beene promised me heeretofore by our common Lord. But now in fine that I am arriued to my last passage, there remaynes me nought els, but to go my wa•…•…es, vnto Christ, as I haue alwaies desired. Know then, you haue been sent hither by God to performe my Exequyes, & to couer myilymmes with Earth. S. Antony hearing this, beganne

to weepe, and beseech him, not to leaue him behind, but to ad∣mit him for companion on the way. When S. Paul replyed: You are not to reguard your owne cōtent, but the profit of others. He might seeme to fauour you indeed, hauing layd down the burthen of your flesh, to cause you to fly into Heauen; but he should not therby an∣swere the expectation of the Brothers, that should remayne behind depriued of your guidance, and example. Wherefore I pray, be i•…•… not troublesome to you, for Charityes sake, to returne your wayes home, to fetch hither the Cloke, which was once giuen you by Athanasius the Bishop, to fold vp my carkas in, and so to commit it to the Earth. Which request the Blessed Paul made, not that he cared much to be putrifyed, eyther naked, or clothed, especially not ha∣uing for so long tyme, vsed to couer himselfe with other, then with the leaues of Palmes, being wouen together with his owne hands; but he did it, that he might not grieue him, by expiring in his sight.

S. Antony remayned amazed at the thing, which he heard, & particularly for the Cloke, and with veneration, acknowledging our Lord in the person of S. Paul, without reply, kissing the eyes and hands of the Saint, went his wayes in hast to his Hermitage: and at his approach, his two disciples demaunding of him, with great an∣xiety, where he had been so long, he answered: Wo be to me Syn∣ner, and false Monke: I haue seen Elias, I haue seen Iohn Baptist in the desart, or to say better, I haue seen Paul in Paradise. Then holding his peace, in knocking his breast, he tooke the Cloke of Athanasi•…•… out of the Cell; when as his Companions importuned him yet to vouchsafe to speake more cleare, but he differing the same to its time without more delay, or affording any nourishment to his body so lōg fasting & wel nigh spent; went suddainly forth, with his mynd wholy fixed on his sweet Host, fearing (as it fell out) least in his ab∣sence, he might giue vp the ghost. And now by this tyme, he had gone in great hast, as it were, half the way, when as lifting vp his eyes aloft, he sees among the happy troupes of elect spirits, the bles∣sed soule of S. Paul, very glorious & radiant, to ascend vp to heauen. And suddenly casting himselfe on the ground, beganne to sprinckle his head with sand, and to weepe and lament, saying: Why leaue you me O Paul? Why go you away so before I had taken my leaue of you? So lately knowne; alas so soone parted!

S. Antony himselfe recounted afterwards, that he had passed the •…•…est of the way, with the swiftnes of a Bird: and so it was knowne

in the proofe, since entring into the Caue, he found the holy corps yet kneeling, and the necke vpright, and hands lifted vp; in∣somuch as notwithstanding the triumph, which he had seen before, he was almost of the mind that he was yet aliue: but then not per∣ceyuing any breath, or signe of life, he endeauoured with bitter playnts to kisse him; and •…•…olding him vp in the sayd garment of S. Athanasius, he brought him forth with Hymnes, and Psalmes. But then not hauing any instrument to digg his graue with, and with great anxiety thinking, & bethinking himself what to do: Behold two Lyons, with their hayre layd open to the wind, to come run∣ning at that tyme. Whence he at first being somewhat affrayd, and then taking courage in God, attended their comming, as so many Doues; and they being arriued to the corps, did humbly cast them∣selues at the feete thereof, with fanning in their manner, and bit∣terly roaring in signe of the sorrow they felt: and presently began with their feete to plough vp the sands, vntill such tyme, as there remayned sufficient roome for a man. Which being done, and as it were for their hire, receiuing the benediction of S. Antony, they quietly went their wayes: and he putting his shoulders to the sacred burthen, did bury it in the trench.

After this, surueying the Heritage of the dead, for not to go thence, altogether empty handed, he tooke hold of the Cassocke of Palmes; and being returned home agayne as long as he liued af∣terwards in the solemnities of Easter and Pentecost, he would alwaies reuest himselfe therewith. After these workes of charity were ended he was intreated by a great number of Monkes, now comming in hast to him, where he was, to visit anew, & to recomfort the Cō∣uents. He went then along with them, and while they were on the way, there fell out another notable meruaile. That way was al very craggy and barren, & the heates excessiue, so as it was not long ere prouision of water fayled them, and the Monkes not knowing what to do, letting their Camell go loose, being scortched, and af∣flicted, lay downe; When the holy old man, not a litle contristate at so great a perill of theirs, sequestred himselfe a little, and knee∣ling on the ground, & lifting his hands to the starres, began to be∣seech God, with so much fayth and feruour, as suddenly in the self same place of prayer, sprung forth the desired liquour. Whence all were reuiued, and others being satisfyed, as they anxiously sought for the Camell, did suddenly find him by the cord of the headstall,

through a new miracle, entangled in a rocke. Loading him then, to their great contentment, they came very safe, and found to their Cells agayne.

S. Antony is very wellcome to all at his returne: and giues holsome Docu∣ments to ech one, vpon good occasions. Chap. 14.

NOw it would be long, and superfluous heere, to explicate the ioy, which the Disciples shewed at the comming of their most sweest Father and Mayster, and he likewise reioyced as much to see them all, to be so seruent, with his presence and renewed in spirit. He had besides no small consolation, to find his Sister so per∣seuering in the diuine seruice, being come to be Superiour of a most Noble, and numerous Conuent of Virgins. Now the arri∣uall of the Saint being knowne throughout all those Parts, a great multitude of persons of all qualityes resorted thither, to salute him, and to visit him as they were wont, and especially of the Religi∣ous: to whome he for entertaynement sake, insteed of presents, and gifts, would be giuing of precious aduertisements and aduises, say∣ing: They should alwayes hold firme their fayth, and dilection to God, and the Neighbour: They should guard themselues from vn∣cleane thoughts, and delights: They should not not suffer them∣selues to be deceyued with Gluttony: and should fly Vayne glory: continue their prayers: lay vp the documents of the holy Scrip∣ture in their breast: be allwayes reuoluing the actions, and man∣ners of Saints, in mynd; endeauouring to reforme themselues, through the imitation of them.

And principally, he aduised them not to cease to meditate on those words of the Apostle S. Paul: Sol non occidat super iracundiam vestrā, and added therunto, nor yet vpon any other sinne whatsoeuer: it being a thing very fit and necessary, that neyther the Sunne accuse vs of our diurnall malice, nor the Moone of nocturnall sinnes. For which end (said he) shall the preceps of the Prophet himself, help you much: Iudge your selues, and examine your selues well. Let ech one, euery day, take accompt from his proper soule of his actions, words, and thoughts. And hauing erred, let him amend; hauing done wel, not exalt himselfe, but seeke to perseuere, and not become negligen•…•… and let him beware, he iudge no man, nor iustify himselfe, (as S. Paul said another tyme) vntill such tyme as our Lord comes, who shal discouer the

hidden things; in regard, that we in our actions, many tymes do de∣ceaue our selues. But our Lord beholds euery thing very cleerely: and therefore we should seeme to haue the same reguard to others as to our selues, and to compassionate one another. It shall be also very profitable for vs to suruey with our Memory, the motions of our soule, and the workes which we dayly performe, and set them downe in writing, as if we were to giue accompt therof to others. Whence it shall come to passe, that for shame to be manifested to the world, we shall keepe our selues from falling into things which are worthy of reprehension. And with such a discipline refrayning the appetites, and subduing the flesh, we shall be able, very easily to conserue our selues in the grace of our Lord.

These, and such like instructions, he fayled not to giue to his Monks, vpon good occasions. And for as much as among the secular multitude, there was continually a great number of lame, & disea∣sed people; he prayed afresh for them, but obteyned not equally forall: our Lord dispencing his graces, according to his good ple∣asure. And S. Antony, euen as when he was heard seemed not to vaunt himselfe; so when he suffered repulses, murmured he not, but alwayes gaue thankes to our Lord; & exhorted the afflicted to haue Patience, and to be satisfyed, that their cure depended not on him, nor on men, but on God only, who affoardes health, when he wil, and to whome he lists. Wherupon, the languishing receiuing the words of the Old man, as from the mouth of God, learned to attēd, and suffer, and the cured came to acknowledge themselues bound not so much to S. Antony therefore, as purely to God. But what shall we say, besides al this, of the efficacy, which the Prayers of S. Antony had euen in persons, and places farre remote?

He being in the Monastery, and on this side of the mountayne, the Count Hercolaus came humbly to beseech him to vouchsafe to intercede for the health of Policratia virgin of the Citty of Laodicea, a great seruant of God, who through much abstinence, and macera∣tiōs of the body, did feele most bitter dolours of the hips & stomack and was quite fallen away and come to nothing: which the holy Father did with a very good will, and the Count noted the while in a little scrole the very day of the prayer. And being afterwards returned to Laodicea, and finding the virgin to be now on foote, & free from all manner of paynes, to satisfy himselfe more fully, whe∣ther it were to be attributed to the prayer of the Saints, or no; he de∣maunded

of her, on what day she began to feele her selfe well; and hauing heard it, he presently tooke out the scrole, & with the great astonishment of all, they found the Saints prayers, and recouery to haue happened on the selfe same day.

In like manner, a certaine Courtier, called Frontone, that being tormented with a raging infirmity would haue eaten his tongue, & pluckt out his eyes, had recourse to S. Antony. Who without any more ado, sayd to him: Go thy wayes, and thou shalt be healed. But Frō∣tone standing yet still for all that, and not departing thence for some dayes, the seruant of God replyed to him: Thou canst not be cured heere; Go thy wayes then into Egipt, & thou shalt see wonders. And so it fell out, for scarcely was he arriued in those confines there, but his vehement sicknesse quite for sooke him.

Many others likewise, whome it were too long to recount in this place, were by meanes of the Saint, deliuered from sundry, & daungerous maladyes. Though the miracle of Frontone it seemes, ap∣perteynes not so much to the gift of Curing, as that of Prophecy. Which in S. Antony how eminent it was, though by diuers things aforesaid, may seeme in some manner to be comprehended: yet shall the same more clearely appeare, by that which we shall presently declare.

S. Antony relieues a Monke in distresse: and sees the soule of Ammon, in a vision, to ascend to Heauen. Chap. 15.

TWO Monkes on a tyme, being trauayling in the desert, came to fayle of water; in so much as the one of them dyed thereof, and the other seemed to lye in extremes. This, being reuealed to S. Antony, he commaunded the two which were in his company, to go their wayes, and runne presently with a vessell of water to the said place, being distant frō the Monastery, a dayes iourney at least, and tels them wherfore. And they diligently performing the same, found the one, as I said, departed, whome they buryed, & brought succour to the other in good tyme, and being so escaped they con∣ducted him to the Saint. Now for what cause, the same was not she∣wed him before, and why God would conserue the one, and not the other, seemes not to concerne me so curiously to seeke into. It sufficeth, that in so great a distance of place, was manifested to S. Antony what passed.

Another day, he sitting on a hill, in company of others, sees

one ascending in the ayre, and many meeting of him, with very great ioy. Whereat S. Antony, remayning in admiration, and excee∣dingly desirous to know who it was; it was reuealed to him, to be the soule of Ammon a Monke, who dwelling in the Desart of Nitria, about some 13. dayes iourney from the residence of S. Antony, was wont notwithstanding to come sometymes to visit him. He was a person of rare vertue, and many miracles are likewise reported of him: and this one among others, that being once to passe ouer the riuer Licus, which at that tyme, was very much ouerflowne, he prayed Theodore his companion for his sake, to follow some distance from him, to the end by wading together, they might not be seene to ech other naked. So did the other, and yet for all that was Am∣mon afterwards abashed at his owne skinne. And while he stood vpon such points, and bethought him thereof, I know not how, without touching the water, he sees himselfe on the other shore, in the twinckling of an eye: where likewise the other, being after∣wards arriued, and seeing Ammon to be all clothed, and without any signe of wet vpon him, demanded the manner how he pas∣sed ouer, and seeing he refused to participate the same with him, he tooke hold of his feete, and wrong him, and coniured him so much, as in fine he vnfolded the quality of his passage to him, with this pact notwithstanding, that he should not discouer it to any, till his death.

Now the Monkes, as I sayd, seeing S. Antony with eyes so at∣tentiue and suspended, very deerely intreated him, not to con∣ceale from them, what he saw: when as he answered, that Ammon was departed from these miseries, and was was gone triumphant to Heauen. Whereupon the disciples noted the day, and after a month some Brothers coming from Nitria, making a diligent comparison of tymes, they found, that Ammon, on that very very day, had pas∣sed to a better life.

Another tyme, S. Antony sayling with some Monkes and other Seculars, began to smell a very loath some sauour, and all affirming it to be the smell of salt fish, and of dryed figs, he replyed, he felt another sent. And while he was thus affiming, there was heard a horrible cry to come from a yong man possessed of the deuill, who lay hid vnder the vpper decke of the ship. Then S. Antony rebuked the Deuill, and on the behalfe of Christ constreynes him to depart, as he did, leauing the young man found, and the others astonished

not so much at the miracle, as at the purity of a soule, so quicke of sent, as to fauour the neerenes of the vncleane spirit. Besides, he was wont also to perceyue before hand, the comming of such, as came to see him, and the occasion wherefore: and many tymes, would foretell the one, and other, some three or foure dayes, and somty∣mes a month before they arriued at him. But that which happened to Eulogius of Alexandria, was a matter of particular edification, and caution to all.

The life of Eulogius briefely set downe, and especially a not able act of Cha∣rity of his, concluded happily through S. Antonyes aduise. Chap. 16.

THis Eulogius, was a man, (as Palladius declares) of a good dis∣position, and hauing distributed already the greater part of his substance for the loue of God, yet neuerthelesse had not the hart, ey∣ther to lead a solitary life, or to liue vnder obedience. Wherupon finding by chaunce a miserable wretch, to lye in the streetes, forsa∣ken of all, maymed, without his hands and feete, depriued of the vse of all his lymmes, except his tongue: he made choyce, for his Mortification, and for the Exercise of christian vertue, to take care of that poore wretch, to keep him at home, and to serue him til death: and to the end the worke might become more meritorious, being all in feruour, he made a votiue promise thereof to our Lord. Ha∣uing taken him then to him, he attended to the gouernement of him, to prouide him of victuals, and cloathing, bathes, medicines, & phisitians; in fine to serue him, as he had been some good Bene∣factour, or Patron of his.

In which ministery hauing now perseuered, at least for fif∣teene yeares, with equall sollicitude of his, and gratitude of the o∣ther, at last the Cripple was assayled with so strange and diaboli∣call temptation, as he now beganne, not to suffer himselfe to be gouerned any longer, making very earnest instance to be exposed forth anew in publique; alleadging that he was now glutted with Eulogius his entertaynement, and could endure no longer so retyred a life, nor so much abstinence. Eulogius wonders at such a manner of mutation in him, and though he had no small occasion of iust indig∣nation against him; notwithstanding ouercoming himselfe, he wet about to cherish the Wretch, more now then euer, in giuing him dainty meates, and procuring him some good and pleasant conuersa∣tion,

but all in vayne: The more he laboured therein, the more did the other perseuer, requiring the good Father with nothing els, but complayn•…•…s, grumbling, & iniuryes. At last, the deuill had brought him into that rage, and desperation, as he was euen vpon the point as it were, to kill himselfe.

Now the matter hauing passed thus a prety while, the trouble on the one side was intollerable to Eulogius, and he was now euen ready to acquit himselfe therof: on the other it seemed to him a great folly to loose through impatience, the trauayles and toyles of so lōg a tyme. Moreouer he was stung with the offering, which he had made to our Lord God. Amidst these perplexityes and agitations of mynd, he resolues for a last dispatch to cōmunicate the whole with some neighbour Monks. Of whome he was counsayled, that since the great S. Antony was aliue, he should be contented to repayre to that Oracle, and seeke fit remedy at his hands. Wherupon Eulogius did thinke it best so to do, in regard he had heard much commendatiōs of the great Sanctity of that Holy man, and was glad to haue this opportunity to see him. To which end, Eulogius had prepared, though with great difficulty, a barke to put the Criple into, but not without much ado he got the miserable Wretch to be conueyed thereinto, with him: and so both of them went by water to the Monastery of the Saint, where being once arriued, Eulogius gladly attended his comming from the Hermitage, to visit the Brothers, and Ghests, as he was wont. Nor was it long; for on the night following the seruant of God, came into the publique view, inter∣mitting for a tyme his diuine contemplations, and attending now to the good of his Brethren; & causing all the strangers to be assem∣bled, according to custome, he suddāynely calls for Eulogius, very often by name, not known to him before: Who thinking there had been some other Eulogius present, held his peace for that tyme: But afterwards hearing himselfe to be called vpon a new, being halfe astonished, made answere; Behold I a•…•…re.

S. Antony requires the cause of his voyage, ann Eulogius replyes: There is no need, Father, that I should tell it to you: He that hath so manifested my nam•…•… vnto you, may as well like wise discouer my necessity. I know it very well, replyed the Saint; but yet for edifi∣cation of the standers b•…•…, I would haue it declared from your own mouth. Eulogius obeyed: when he had ended the narration, the holy A•…•…oot stood vp, and with be•…•…ded bro•…•…es, looking him in the face:

Thou art ready to abandon (sayth he) this poore man, and le•…•…st thy•…•… selfe to be vanquished with perturbation and tediousnes: Know then, if thou leauest him so, that God will receiue him by the mea∣nes of another, that is better then thee. With which words, Eulogius being much terrifyed, durst open his mouth no more. When S. An∣tony turning himself to the infirme man, with a seuere countenance, and with a terrible voyce, beyond all expectation, sayd to him: Thou peruerse and abhominable Wretch, vn worthy both of Hea∣uen, and earth: Thou neuer leauest fretting, & quarrelling, to the offence of God: knowest thou not, that he who serues thee is Christ? How darst thou then so to mutter agaynst the diuine Maiesty? Is it not cleere, that Eulogius, only for the Loue of Christ, hath vnder∣taken to haue care of thee, & to do thee good? This sayd, he atten∣ded to giue audience to the others, and after some space of tyme, re∣turning to those two againe, with more benignity of speach, aduised them, saying: Beware my Children, you part not from ech other: but laying aside all rancour, & bitternes returne you home againe, where you haue liued together, for so long tyme, because our Lord will soone be calling for you: and know, that so cruell a tempta∣tion, hath not befallen you for ought els, then for being now so neere your End, and the reward of your labours: and take heed, you do not otherwise, for that if the Angell find you not so, you are in great daunger of loosing your Crownes.

This manner of reprehension, with both, had the weight it ought to haue, and they departing without delay, by accord, went to their former habitation, and there passed not 24. dayes, but Eu∣logius dyed: & after three dayes more the Leaper followed him, very well disposed in the inward man, & exceeding contrite. This suc∣cesse was attentiuely obserued, not without a great deale of glory to our Lord, and much profit to soules.

S. Antony enioyeth sundry visions. And fortels diuers things of the Arrian Heretiques. Chap. 17.

TO this kind of visions, and Reuelations, may others be added, no lesse to the purpose of exciting the feare of God, and very worthy to be alwayes conserued in memory. Whereof one was, that S. Antony being one day in prayer, about the hower of Noone, be∣fore meate, he felt himselfe sudenly to be rauished in spirit, and it

seemed to him that he was carryed to Heauen, by some fauourable spirit. But in ascending some others of a proud and fierce aspect, op∣posed themselues against him, who being repulsed by the Guard of S. Antony, beganne to quarrell, and alleadge the power they had frō aboue, to examine whosoeuer passed. With this denunciation, they preuayled to performe their office, but the wicked spirits being wil∣ling to demaund an accompt of S. Antony from the day of his Nati∣uity, it was not permitted them to do so, but only from the tyme he became a Religious person, in regard that all the transgressions behind, were now cancelled, and remitted by the diuine piety.

Then did the infernall Ministers dilate themselues against the seruant of Christ, in diuers accusations and calumnyes, but not being able to proue any, so ashamed, and confounded, in spight of them∣selues they were feigne to let him passe. And at that very instant a∣gayne, did S. Antony returne to himselfe, so strooke and astonished withall, as that forgetting his refection, he remayned all the rest of the day, and all the night, a sighing, and considering, with how many Enemyes vnhappy Man hath to deale withall. It came into his mind besides, how the Apostle not without good reason seemes to call the deuils, the Princes and Rulers of this ayre: exhorting the fay∣thfull, to betake them to the armour of God, that they may be able to resist him in that dreadfull day, and the spightful accuser may not haue wherewith to conuince them at that houre.

Another tyme, after he had a while talked of the immortality of the Soule, with some that came to visit him; the next night, he heard himselfe called from aboue, with these words: Antony stand vp, go forth, and behold. Being gone out, he seees a foule and horrible Mō∣ster, who with the head seemed to reach to the clouds; and some others besides, with wings, which endeauoured to fly, but he stret∣ching forth his vnmeasurable hands, strooke some of them downe to the Earth; others he could not hinder from mounting on high: and as for the one he fretted with rage, and gnashed his teeth; so he reioyced for the other, and made great triumph: When sudden∣ly a voyce sayd to S. Antony: Marke well what thou seest: & so cōming a new light vpon him, he perceyued it to be the passage of soules, and that great Giant to be the diuell, who had power & authority vpon his Subiects only; but was wholy impotent against those, who in life had not been obedient to him.

Another day, he seemed to behold infinite snares, gins, and

pit-falls, to be spread on the face of the Earth, saying with a lowd •…•…igh: And who shall be able to come off safe, •…•…midst so many nets, and traps? he heard this answere: Humility only. With these and other such like illustrations of the vnderstanding, came S. Antony continually to be more enflamed to the study of Perfection, and to vanquish him∣selfe: and as vpon such accidents, he was euer wont to stand mu∣sing, and be extraordinarily recollected; so the Disciples would be easily aware, that some such like extasies or abstractions, or other had happened to him: & they would be comming about him, with so m•…•…ny prayers and coniurations, as he could not conceale them, especially considering the fruite they might gather from them.

Another tyme, after these, he approaching now towards the end of his life, and sitting in contemplation, he was rapt in like mā∣ner, & turning himselfe to the standers by, beganne to fetch a deep sig•…•…, and trembling all ouer, kneeles on the ground, and so remay∣ning a good while in prayer, he arose agayne, all bathed in teares. Wherupon the disciples being affrayd, enforced him to manifest to thē, that which happened to him. Then the Saint, with many sobs, and with words interrupted, answered: O children, how much better were it to dye outright, then to behold the things to fall out, which haue now been declared to me. When they yet vrging him agayne, he addes, but with deepe sighs: The wrath of God hangs ouer the holy Church. Forlo, it is to be giuen vp into the power of bestiall persons. I haue seen the table of our Lord encompassed roūd with lasciuious and vnbrideled mules, that with many kicks of the heeles, oppresse the Priests, and turne euery thing vpside downe. At which sight, I sighing amayne, and desirous to know the mistery, this voyce seemed to land in myne eares: My Aultar shall be profaned, and full of abhominations. But yet together with this euill newes, I haue likewise learned, how the storme shall soone passe ouer, and fayre weather agayne shall returne to the Catholiques. Both which Prophesyes, were shortly fulfilled. First in the sacrilegious boldnes and insolency of the Arrians: and then with the demonstration of the diuine iustice, and with the punishments which in part, at least they payd for all.

These Ministers of the deuill, had sacked the Temple of Christ, and within sacred cloysters had violated the Virgins and Matrons there, made hauock of the pious people, and stayned the Yards, & Chappels with innocent bloud, brought in the rabble, and the vilest

artizans, the worshippers of Idols, to contaminate the vessels, to trample the Baptisteryes, and Sacraments; and in summe, com∣mitted such things, as without horrour and shame cānot be related. But so impious, and licentious prosperity of theirs, lasted notlong. For lo, the rauenous wolues now fallen into hatred with al Natiōs, for such impietyes; and chased away with the fury of the selfe same people, whome they had stirred vp, fled out of the Cittyes, & basely went lurking agayne in their wonted holes. Wherupon the true & ancient Religion, came agayne to dilate it selfe; and the saythfull saw to their great content and consolation, the predictions of S. An∣tony to be verifyed. Whereof since we haue now treated sufficiently already; we will conclude this matter, with a notable case, which happened in the tyme of Nestorius the Gouernour of Alexandria, to a certaine man called Balatius, a Captayne in Egypt.

The Iudgement of God shewed vpon Balatius the Heretique: and how S. An∣tony opposeth himselfe against the Arrians. Chap. 18.

THis Balatius was a great fauourer of the Arrians, & consequent∣ly a most c•…•…uell Persecutour of Catholiques, and particularly of the Religious: in so much, as he made the Monkes to be publi∣quely whipt starke naked: nor was ashamed likewyse to scourge the sacred Virgins, and the Seruants of Christ. Where with S. Antony, being moued, resolued to write to him a briefe Letter, of the te∣nour following. I see the wrath of Heauen to come vpon thee: Do thou cease then to deale with the Christians in this manner, that it may not come and ouertake thee. The Heretique laughed and scof∣fed at these menaces of his, and casting the letter to the ground, & spitting vpon it, he bad the bearers thereof (after he had vilely in∣treated them) to returne to S. Antony, with this message: Since you seeme to take such thought for the Monkes, it will be now tyme for mee to call you to accompt also. But there passed not ouer a full day, when the diuine vengeance appeared vpon that vnhap∣py Wretch. Forasmuch, as he and Nestorius going to a place called Cherius, but a dayes iourney distant from the Citty, vpon two hor∣ses, that of Balatius being the gentlest in his stable, the sayd horses began to play together, when as that, wheron Nestorius fate (being they stiller and quieter of the two) giuing suddenly a gripe to Bala∣tius, pulled him downe, and leaping vpon him, most cruelly brake

his hippe, whence being carryed to Alexandria, he dyed within three dayes, while all remayned astonished to see, how suddenly S. An∣tonyes menaces were executed vpon him.

In whose soule, besides so noble a gift of Prophesy, was seene also a rich ornament of Wisedome; not sprung from the curiosity of vnderstanding, but from purity of affect: not founded in meerespe∣culation or discourses, but in a sensible knowledge, and diuine Loue: not refined with the chayres, and scholasticall disputes, or written Bookes, but with liuely fayth, deuoute aspirations vpon the meruaylous volume of this great fabrique: Insomuch as the im∣mensity, and most swift, and ordinate motions of the heauenly sphears, the generation & corruption of sublunary things, the dis∣cording concord of simple bodyes, the formes and differences of the mixt, the variety of inuentions, arts, customes, and accidents of men: but aboue all the sweet disposition, and infallible gouerne∣ment of the Eternall Prouidence, were to him, as well a glasse of verity, as an incentiue of Charity. And that which is more to be celebrated with these so great gifts, and treasures of profound know∣ledg; he was so farre from being puffed vp with them; or once to thinke but vainely of himselfe, as how much more knowledge he got, so much the more he increased in true Modesty and Hu∣mility. And especially he carryed a very singular respect, with an interiour and exteriour reuerence to the Interpreters & Deposita∣rians of the diuine Scripture, such as are the Clarks, and Prelates of the holy Church, and as willingly demaunded, & learned of them all, as if he had been the most rude and ignorant of the world: albeit on the other side, when need was, he would not sticke to giue a good account of himself, and of the fayth he imbraced to any person of what quality soeuer.

The Arrians had spread throughout all Alexandria, with subtile lying, that S. Antony was of their opinion: which the Seruāt of God hearing, admiring so great impudency in them, by the iudgement of the Catholike Bishops, and of the Brothers withall, he descended from the hill, and being in the citty, in the presence of al the people, beganne to detest that peruerse Sect, calling it a pestilent heresy, & the Messenger of Antichrist; teaching, and aduertising all how the Sonne of God is no created thing, nor made of nothing, but is the selfe same substance, and wisedome of the eternall Father. Whence were it a great impiety to say, there was once a tyme, when he was

not: for as much as he, the word of the Father, was eternal with him, wherupon he concluded: Wherfore, haue you no communication with those wicked followers of Arius, since the light hath nothing •…•…o do with darkenes; and you that obserue the due Worship of God with reason do call your selues, and are truly Christians. But they in •…•…earming the Sonne, and the Word of God the Father, a creature, are nothing different from Gentils; nay rather do you hold it most cer∣taine, that the creatures themselues, are al incensed against such wi∣cked persons, that dare to number and put among things created, the Creatour, and Lord of the Vniuerse, in whome, & through whome hath beene made, and hath being, whatsoeuer is therin.

From such like aduertisements and protestations of the Saint the hearers tooke a great deale of pleasure, in seeing that pestiferous o∣pinion so anathematized by such a Man: and all the inhabitants of the Citty, as well the Laicks, as Ecclesiasticall, as well Gentils as Christians, did striue to be the first in the Temple, to see the Man of God, (for so was he called of all) and there likewise, in the sight of them all, would he worke many Miracles, partly in expelling deuils, partly in curing: in so much as the very Pagans themselues, made instance to be touching at least of the garment of S. Antony. Finally, in that short space of tyme, there were made more Christiās, then were in a whole yeare before: and he himself, besides the truth of the doctrin he deliuered, & the vertue of the miracles he wroght, and the Prudence which in his dayly actions he shewed; was of so attractiue, and gracious a countenance, as how beit of stature he were not different from others; neuerthelesse the strangers that ar∣riued thither, hauing neuer seen him before, could easely distinguish him from the multitude, and point him out with the fingar to be such a one. To this serenity of countenance, were answerable his behauiours, so iudicious, and complete, as if he had alwayes liued notin Caues, or in the Forrests, but in populous lands, and in con∣uersation with the Nobles.

S. Antony sends away two Philosophers well satisfyed, who came to proue, and tempt him; Besides others, that came to iest at him. Chap. 19.

THERE came on a tyme, as S. Antony was on this syde of the Mountayne, two Pagan Philosophers to him, to try him a∣while, and to proue what was in him: and he knowing a farre off,

what manner of men they were, went forth to meete them, & said to them by meanes of a good Interpreter: Wherfore haue you, being sage, and Philosophers as you are, taken such paynes, so to come to the house of a foole? When they answering, he was no foole, but prudent, and wise; S. Anthony replyed, and pressed them with this dilemma: If you would seeme to visit me, your labour were super∣fluous: If you take me to be sensible, and wise, then do yee become Christians as I am, since conuenient it were, we should seeke to imitate the better: and, if I were to repayre to you, I would su∣rely endeauour to follow your steps; so do you, that haue procu∣red to see and know mee thus, not refuse to do that which I doe. With such like words as these, with some miracles, which they had seene him but lately worke, these eurious men, being amazed thereat, departed hence, not without some amendement in them∣selues.

Others came afterwards of purpose to iest at him, as an Idiot, to whome he sayd: What thinke you? Which was the first, eyther wit or learning? Whereto the Philosophers answering, that with∣out doubt, Wit was the first; and that by it, learning was found out. S. Antony did reply: if it be so then he that hath his wits sound, hath no need of learning. With this cōclusion, as well the Doctors themselues, as the standers by, with reason were astonished. After whome came in others in like manner to demand of S. Antony, ac∣cōpt of the Christian Religion. These men also were very learned, & versed not only in Poets fables, but no lesse in the imaginations of Plato, and Pithagoras. Now then, they beginning to sophisticate with him, and gibe at the Gospell, the blessed S. Antony, stood a∣while as it were in a study, and thence with great compassion of their blindnes, discoursed in manner following.

What is more honourable, thinke you Philosophers, eyther to confesse the Crosse, or to adore, as Gods, such as are announced for adulterous, and full of wicked carnality? The thing, which Chri∣stians professe, at least, is the signe of Fortitude, and contempt of death: your glories are nothing els, but passions of intemperance, lasciuiousnes, and vnbridled desires: which is better to say, the E∣ternall Word, without leauing his Diuinity, for the benefit of the world, hath taken human flesh, to make vs partakers of the diuine nature: or insteed of the great God, to worship (as you do) the bru∣tish beasts, and dead men? And with what face then, dare you to

scoffe at Christians for affirming Christ, the Sonne of God, for the Redemption of mortalls, without leauing what he was before, to become what he was not, and to be so abased, as the humility dero∣gates not a whit from Maiesty; while you others, so vnworthily in∣treate a substance so fayre, and noble, as are reasonable soules? For∣asmuch, as on the one side, you would haue them to be streames, braunches, and semblances of a supreme Intelligence, •…•…gendred of the highest God: & on the other, you do seeme to precipitate them from the top of Heauen, euen downe to Earth beneath: Whereas indeed a lesse euill it were for you, to shut them vp only in human bodyes, but you cloth them, or to say better, put on them, the shapes of Asses, Dogs, Wolues, and Serpents, and that which is worse, with shifting and thrusting them now into one body, now into another, you do make them perpetual erratiques & vagabonds. With which villany notwithstāding you perceiue not awhit, being so blind, how much you do iniure withall that soueraygne mynd whence they are deriued, and whome they seeme to resemble, since looke what the image is, the same by all likely hood, must the archi∣type be, & yet that which is worse by this meanes do you come also to diminish the dignity of God himself, the father and origine of that most excellent Intelligence.

But come we to the mistery of the Crosse, which you so much vpbraid. Now tell me then, which of the two were fitter to be chosen, to suffer without default the snares of the wicked, and for defence of Honesty & Truth, to expose ones selfe to all bitternes of punishments: or els to giue credit to fables, and adore the errours of Osiris, & Is•…•…s, and the deceipts of Tiphon, & the flight of Saturn, & the deuouring of children, and murdering of Parents, for such are your opinions, and your articles. Besides this, you that flout so, at the reproach of death, why seeme you not to admire the glory of the Re∣surrection? And yet those that preach the one, proclayme the other: and how remember you the crosse, & passe ouer in silence, so many dead men raysed, blind restored, palsey men cured, leapers clean∣sed, the walking vpon waters, & other infinite miracles? Al which seeme to shew very cleerely, that Christ was not purely Man, but true God and Man together. And surely it cannot be denyed, but you proceed very vniustly with vs, and deale not with our scriptures as you ought; forasmuch, as if you regarded them, with an equall eye, you should find, without doubt, how all the actions of Christ,

do manifest and discouer him to be God.

And now produce you awhile your tryumphs against vs. Though indeed frō irrationall substances, what els can you bring forth, but crueltyes and bestialityes? And it forsooth (as I vnder∣stand you would seeme to answere) that such things, are but all•…•…∣gorically meant by you, and that they haue a good in terpretation with thē, while in Proserpina is vnderstood the earth: in Iuno, the ay•…•… in Diana, the Moone; In Neptune, the Sea; and so of the other: y•…•… for all that, you can not deny your selues to be seruants and wor∣shippers of the creature, to the open disparagement and grieuous di∣shon our of the Creatour himselfe. Whereas, if the beauty of the visible things, were it that moued you so much, such a motion were inough indeed to make you to admire them, and no more: but you insteed thereof, fall a deifying them, and the honour which is due to t•…•… Artificer, do you giue to the masonry it self, the same of the Archi•…•…ed to the house, and that of the Captayne to the Souldiour. What th•…•… do you answere to all those things? Do but tell vs. I pray, that w•…•… also may learne, if things so worthy of laughter, may seeme to be cō∣teyned in the Crosse.

S. Antony proceeds in his discourse: and what followed therupon. Chap. 20.

THe Philosophers now being brought into streights, & forced to shift heere and there, S. Antony smiling, proceeded forward. The truth of the things, which I haue told you, is euen to be seen with the very eyes; and yet neuerthelesse, whereas you, as Profes∣sours of Logick, ground your selues vpon sillogismes, and without such instruments, allow not Religion: tell me first, The know∣ledge of God, is it more exactly purchased by dialecticall demon∣strations, or by operations of Fayth, occasioned through workes, o•…•… demonstration founded in words? And they answering, that Fai•…•… proceeding from workes, without doubt, was the more ancient of the two, and brought the greater certainety with it. You haue an∣swered well, said S. Antony, because indeed Fayth consists in a cer∣tayne interiour disposition of the Mynd; whereas Logique seemes to leane meerly vpon the artificiousnes of those, which put the words and the propositions together; in such wise, as when one, by the me•…•…nes of Fayth, hath the vertue to worke, he hath no need of the art of argumentation at all; since the very same which Faith tea∣teacheth

vs, do you seeke to proue by reasons and discourses, and many tymes are you not able so much, as to expresse with wordes, that which we penetrate with the vnderstanding: and no mer∣uayle, beause the Christian law, is not founded in specious & pom∣pous reasons, but in that power and Vertue, which by Christ, is sub∣ministred to vs, from the Eternall God.

And that this is true, behold vs heere, who neuer hauing lear∣ned any letters, do belieue in God, acknowledging in his factu•…•…e, the Prouidence, he hath of the Vniuerse. And this our habit of mynd, how operatiue, and efficacious it is, you may gather at least from hence: That whereas, the foolish Inuentions, Sects, Phan∣tasyes, and I dols of you Grecians, in effect do vanish, and come to nothing: the Christian Verity extendes it selfe on all sides, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you with all your Sophistryes, conuert not the Christians to Gentilisme: but we, not proposing, nor teaching any other then the Fayth in Christ, go daily defacing your vnhappy superstitions, and diaboli∣call ceremonyes, in making Christ manifest to all, to be truly God, and the Sonne of God: and you withall your smooth, and elegant speech, are not able to hinder the progresse of the Christian do∣ctrine: wheras we only with the name of the Crosse, do suddaynly chase away those very deuils thēselues, which you dread, & adore for Gods. And where, but the signe of the Crosse is made, can no art Magique auayle, nor haue Sorceryes there any force at all. And if not, then tell me, I pray, where now are your Oracles? Where your Egiptian Enchaunters? When ceased, and vanished trow you these infernall arts, but since the coming of the crosse of Christ?

And do you now then thinke the Crosse, to be worthy of scorne; & not rather the things, by it conuinced, annihilated, & destroyed? And that so much the more, as your rites were neuer yet persecuted of any, but haue beene alwayes for the most part receiued, and ho∣noured of the world: Whereas the Christian Fayth with al the per∣secutions & tribulations, which it hath hitherto suffered frō Kings and Princes, continually flourisheth and multiplyes, now more thē euer. And when was there euer in the world, more light, & greater knowledge of God? When euer attended they so much to Sobriety, Continency, and Virginity? When was death so much euer contē∣ned, as since the holy Crosse hath beene knowne, and adored? & he that belieues it not, may behold so many squadrons of Martyrs, and such a number of Virgins, who for the loue of Christ, haue conser∣ued

their bodyes immaculate, and vntouched. And howbeyt the things already said, are most sufficient for the cleering of our Fayth: neuerthelesse since you yet stand requiring of demonstrations, be∣hold the persons possessed with ill spirits (and by good hap some were present at that tyme,) and causing them to come forth in the midst, he said, as followes. Eyther do you with your sillogismes, or with any other art you, haue of Enchauntments, or inuocations of your I dols, deliuer this people; Or else if you cannot, leaue of to entercounter with vs, & acknowledge the Omnipotency of our Sauiour.

Heereupon S. Antony inuoking the name of Christ, he made two or three signes of the crosse vpon the possessed, who from the crye•…•… they gaue, and from prancks they played, and from the torments, and violences they suffered, being suddaynely returned to full and perfect health, became now very still, and gaue infinite thanks to our Lord God. Whereat the Philosophers, with reason, remayning asto∣nished, S. Antony spake to them in this sort. Why do you so wonder heereat? These are no workes of ours, but of Christ, by the meanes of such as belieue in him. Do you then belieue in him likewise, and become Christians, and you shall see, that ours are no bablings a∣whit, but meerely the effects of a liuely Faith, which if you had, you should not neede, to go begging of arguments. These were the words of S. Antony, and they likewise admiring the same, wēt their wayes, shewing him great Reuerence, and confessing withall how much they had beene helped by him.

How the fame of S. Antony increased: And especially what credit he had with Princes. Chap. 21.

BY these and such like things, may euery one easily imagine, how much daily the fame and renowne of S. Antony, went dilating it selfe: insomuch as at last not only persons afflicted with infirmityes, and euill Spirits, or such as were desirous to be gui∣ded in the way of our Lord; came to the mountayne to visit him, and to request help and counsayle at his hands: But euen likewise the very Magistrates, and Iudges of Alexandria themselues. Who for to haue more easy accesse vnto him, sent to entreate the same at his hands, by meanes of prisoners, and guilty persons, who were sub∣iect to criminall sentences, as knowing well such cases and neces∣sityes,

would not be despised of the seruant of Christ. Nor were they deceiued, since being vanquished by their prayers and teares, he went forth of his Hermitage, and came to exhort the Gouernour in passing sentence vpon them, by any meanes to preferre the feare of God before any passion, or human respect: remembring them with∣all of that saying in the Ghospell, What measure you affoard to others, shal be likewise giuen to you. And with such manner of aduises as these, ob∣teyned he, very many dispatches of suites, and releases of Innocents.

For other personages, he forbare not with admirable modesty to remember them likewise of the vanity of the world, and the fe∣licity of a solitary life: nor the same without fruite, for that many hauing left great riches, and honours, as well of warre, as of peace, haue conuerted themselues to a religious life. And in summe, in the person of S. Antony, Christ had affoarded a famous Phisitian to all E∣gypt. What hart oppressed with sadnes which parted not cheerfull and content from him? What dolorous soule, for the death of their deerest friends, deposed not on a sudden their heauynes and mur∣muring? What wrathfull person, was not presently reduced to con∣cord? What beggar or Wretch, with his wordes and examples, that came not to make litle reckoning of money, and willingly to suffer the necessityes of life? What tepid Monke, resumed not againe new feruour? What young man, with the sight and discourses of S. An∣tony, was not suddenly enamoured with chastity? What conscience afflicted and tempted of the Enemy, or molested with irksome thoughts, that was not immediately quietted. Because indeed a∣mong the vertues of this holy man (as we haue said aboue) one was so acute a discretion of spirits, as in the twinckling of an eye, he would know their inclinations and motions; and would not only suffer himselfe to be deceyued, but likewise giue opportune and excellent remedy to others, according to the necessityes of euery one. Besides, How many Virgins; already destined to matrimony, that with the only beholding of S. Antony a far off, haue been con∣secrated to Christ? And finally, as many as repayred to him, haue come their wayes from him much encouraged agaynst the Diuell, instructed against euill cogitations, comforted in tribulations, and full of vertuous, and holy purposes.

True it is, that such manner of conuersation with men, was very cautiously dispensed by him, nor did he so giue himselfe to the care of others, as to be any whit vnmindfull of himselfe, but rather

assoone, as could be, in imtation of Christ, leauing the multitude, he would retire himself to prayer and solitude. Nor was the sweet∣nes of friends, or power of Princes, able to withdraw him from such manner of obseruance. To which purpose, we are not to passe ouer in silence, how a certayne Captayne, after he had visited him, being willing to entertayne him further in discourse, he gently excused himselfe, with that similitude of Fishes (so renowned af∣terwards, and brought into a Prouerbe) that euen as those, remai∣ning on the land, giue ouer and dye, so Monkes abiding too much with Seculars, do loose the feruour of the spirit; with which com∣parison, the Captayne was well satisfyed, though much grieued the while to be seuered from him. But what great matter may it seeme, that S. Antonyes friendship, should so be desired of Rulers or Prefects of some Prouinces only, since we see it sought for no lesse of very Monarkes themselues, and of the Emperours of the world?

It is a knowne thing, how Constantinus Augustus, and the Prin∣ces his sonnes, Constans and Constantius, sent him letters, as to a Fa∣ther, intreating him to vouchsafe to send them greeting, and good counsayle: but he was so alienate from worldly fauours, and so abhorred he euery least apparence of vanity, as he was vpon the point, not to accept the Epistles sent, saying to the Monkes, to whome it seemed to be some great honour to be so courteously greeted by the Caesars: Why meruayle you that a King should write to a man? Nay wonder rather, the immortall God, should write so his law to mortals, yea euen speake to them face to face by meanes of his only begotten Sonne. The magnanimous Abbot then (as we haue sayd) within a litle had refused to receiue the letters, at least he was resolued not to answere them at all, if through the prayers of his Monkes, and scruple which would arise of litle Edification, he had not been enforced in a manner to write backe, as he did: first with praysing those Lords, for the sayth they professed, & then exhorting thē to make no great reckoning of their present greatnes but to haue alwayes the future Iudgement in mynd, & to acknow∣ledge Christ only, for the true, and eternall King; he concluded lastly in persuading them to be courteous and benigne, and to haue speciall care of the poore, and of Iustice. Which aduises, were re∣ceyued of the Emperour and Princes with great ioy and confola∣tion.

This was the credit and reputation, whereto the Seruant of Chist, euen in his tyme, was arriued, surmounting the Enuy, and detraction of the world; and the same not so much, through same of great learning, or of extraordinary Eloquence, or of Bookes •…•…ut forth to light, or of any of those arts, which are in price with •…•…he world, as through a sanctity of manners only, and by the grace of God, who is delighted to exalt the humble, to manifest such as are willing to hide themselues, and withall to giue the world to vnderstand, how the diuine precepts and counsayles, are not im∣possible to those, that will disentangle themselus, and walke cou∣ragiously in the way of vertues. But be this sufficiently sayd for the present of the glorious acts, and rare parts of S. Antony, rather as inti∣mated to the faythfull only, then any wyse explicated as they de∣serue. And now remaines it for vs to touch somewhat of his Death, that to him was a sweet, and blessed Birth-day.

S. Antony being now come to the end of his dayes, presageth his death. With his happy departure out of this life. Chap. 22.

THe holy Old man, was now arriued to the age of one hun∣dred and fiue yeares old, with a great ability of body. He wā∣ted not a tooth, though his gumms indeed were somwhat fallē: He had his sight very excellent good; hauing his eyes yet sound, and quite without blemish: his feete, and armes he had still very actiue, and that which is more to be merueyled at, was this; that notwith∣standing he was so giuen, from his childhood, to Fastings, Vigils, Solitudes, Cloysters, with other of the sharpest penances that are, without shifting (as we sayd aboue) his garments, or euer bathing himself; he had yet, so fresh, and fayre a skynne, as if he had beene alwayes trayned vp in feasts, and banquets, stoues, and baths, and other addresses of human delicacyes. In this state, had he an interi∣our feeling in himselfe, of the speedy approach of his last dayes. Wherupon going forth againe from the in most part of the wilder∣nes to reuisite and comfort the Conuents abroad, and causing the Brothers to be assembled together as to a Congregation, he cleerly spake to them in this sort.

This is the last visit, and surely is it much, that in this present life, we haue enioyed one another so long. But now it is tyme at last, that I goe my wayes. For I haue liued in the world my part

already. The disciples in hearing this, beganne to weep, and to giue very deare imbraces, and holy kisses of peace to their Mayster, Who being now very glad to go forth of this exile, and to passe into his Countrey, in the meane while he went about, to put them in mynd, that they would not suffer the trauayles of Religion to seeme tedious to them, but dayly seeme to expect death: that they endeauour to keep, the soule from vncleane thoughts: that they purpose to imitate the manners of Saints, and wholy fly the cōmerce of Schismatiques, and Heretiques, not suffering themselues to bend this way, or that way; through feare of Magistrates, or Princes, whose forces are but little, and not durable.

With these, and other such like aduises, making an Epilogue as it were of the rest, he tooke leaue of his children, who vsing all violence to reteine him there, that they might be receiuing his last spirit, they could not procure the fauour, as well for many respects which he cōcealed, as principally, to auoyd a certayne abuse, which the Egiptians had, to conserue with some art or other, the bodyes of persons of quality, vpon certaine beds, in performing their wonted Exequies indeed, & en wrapping them after their manner in sheetes, but yet auoyding to put them vnder the ground, as a thing wholy vnworthy of them. Now was this abuse alwayes very much dis∣pleasing to S. Antony, and he had been reprehending the people for it at sundry tymes, and intreated the Bishops, often to remedy the same: alleadging that euen from the auncient Prophets themselues, were seen to bee sepulchers extant, yea that the body of Christ our Lord himselfe, had beene put in to a Monument, and was couered with a great stone, who arose the third day With which examples, howbeyt already, he had reduced many persons, to bury their dead; yet neuerthelesse, knowing the custome, and inclination of that people, he would not trust the multitude with his spoyles, but re∣tiring himselfe into his Cell, from whence had he departed, within few months after fell sicke: and calling his two disciples to him, who had now some fifteene yeares been present with him, he spake to them in manner following.

I am now (my deerest) vpon walking the way of my Fathers, and I feele my selfe to be called of our Lord. As for you be you wary and vigilant, and take heed, you loose not the labours of so long a tyme: but as if you had but now begunne, do you enforce yoursel∣•…•…es to maynteynly out wonted feruour and study. Then know yo•…•…

the snares, and rages of the inuisible Enemies, and know you like∣wise, how through diuine Iudgment, they haue lost their forces. Do you not feare them then, but alwayes aspire to Christ, and fixing a •…•…iuely fayth in him, expect euery moment to be cited before him, & so attend to your selues, still remembring the rules, and documents, you haue had from me; especially to fly as fyre, the conuersation of Arrians, and Meletians, and whosoeuer shall haue seuered themsel∣ues from the Fayth, and communion of the Catholique Church, since you know, how I no lesse haue alwayes abhorred them. But rather seeke to vnite your selues with Christ, and with his Saints; that after death, they may acknowledge you as Friends, and be re∣ceyuing you into the Eternall tabernacles. Be this your opinion then, and this your discourse.

And if you haue any care of me also, as of a Father, doe not suffer my Corps, by any meanes, to be carryed to Egypt, with the hazard of being put vp in some house, according to the peruerse cu∣stome of the Country there; but hide me rather in the earth, in a place, where no person of the world, may know besids your sel∣ues, because if it be cōsumed for the present, it shall yet be restored agayne very glorious in the Resurrection. You shall distribute my Garments in such sort, as that Athanasius the Bishop may haue one of my Melots (which were only poore sheep skins sowed together) and the Mantle whereupon I was wont to lye. To the Bishop Sera∣pion, you shall giue the other Melot: and you, in memory of mee shall keep the Cilice: and with this my Sonnes, remayne in peace, for Antony passeth, and shall be no more abiding with you.

These were his last words, and then with a cheerefull counte∣nance, shewing the Angels and Saints to reioyce, who came to meete him, he gaue vp the Ghost. And the disciples, though sad for loosing such a Father on earth, neuerthelesse being recomforted, for hauing purchased such an Intercessour in Heauen, did bury him, according as he had ordyned. And to the Bishops, they gaue the garments, as welcome, and as much esteemed of them, as those who had gotten a very rich inheritance. And the great Athanasius, recounts of him∣selfe, how he wore the same afterwards, very willingly: whereby it seemed to him, that he carryed about him, a perfect Memorial of the wholesome aduises, and documents of S. Antony. Such a course, and end, made the great Seruant of Christ: whose life (as we insinuated aboue) Athanasius himselfe first wrote, in the Greeke tongue; who

though he were of another vocation, notwithstanding in fayth & will was he most vnited with him. The blessed Euagrius translated the same into latin, who liued very neere those tymes, and was the disciple of both the Macarius, enriching the same with some things receiued, as it is probable, of such as had much familiarity & conuer∣sation with the Man of God. Moreouer, as many as haue framed the Ecclesiasticall History, and other most graue Authours besides, haue likewise touched his acts, and made very pious, and honourable mē∣tion of him: God vndoubtedly so disposing the same, not so much in recompence of the labours of S. Antony (who enioying eternall felicity in heauen, should seeme to care very little to be renowned in earth) as for the profit of all man kind. To the end, so perfect, and noble deeds, words, and manners, might not seeme to be shut vp within the termes of one people, or of one age only; but should dilate themselues into all parts, and serue for instruction, glasse, & incitement to all Nations, and to all posterity.

FINIS.