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. PACHOMIVS ABBOT.

Written by Simeon Metaphrastes.

Of the Birth of S. Pachomius, and his miraculous Conuersion to the Christian Fayth. Chap. 1.

IN the same age (some few yeares after) the bles∣sed Pachomius did flourish, a great Father likewise and an excellent Mayster of Monkes: whose vertue, and Religion, no doubt was so much the more memorable, as the helpe of Education, which he had was lesse, being borne of Gētiles both Father and Mother, & brought vp in The∣bais, without any knowledge of our Sauiour Christ, vntill such tyme, as he arriued vnto military age. Some notable signes did fore∣run his Vocation. One was, that when they gaue him to drinke any wine, or other liquour, which had been offered to the Idols, with a certaine hidden auersion of the stomacke, he would sudden∣ly be vomiting it forth. And another signe also was there yet of

more wonder: for that, he being once conducted to a Sacrifice, which was to be performed, by a riuers side, hard by, there could be nothing done; for that at his presence, the Priest could neyther finish his ceremonies, nor would the Diuels seeme to enter into the Statues, to giue forth answeres, from thence, as they were wont: so as their wicked Minister, hauing finally vnderstood the occasion thereof, with furious brawling, began to controule the Parents of Pachomius, as hauing brought thither, an enemy of the immortall Gods: and commaunded them, suddenly to thrust him forth, as fearing least some heauenly wrath, or vengeance might light on their Sonne.

Amidst so impious superstitions of his house, & the rudiments of Egiptian learning and doctrine, S. Bachomius being arriued to the twentith yeare of his life, was enrolled as a Souldiour in a new leuy of men, which in the name of Constantius, was then made in diuers parts, against the Tyrant Maxentius. And with this occasion, being conducted by water with others, to a certayne Citty, neare vnto Thebes, he fell into great necessity, together with the whole army, through the smal prouision that was made of victuals for thē. Which being vnderstood, by those of the Country there, who by good hap, were of the faythfull people of Christ, and very friendly to the Neighbour, they suddenly prouided for the afflicted Souldiours, what was needfull for them; and that with so great sollicitude and charity, as S. Pachomius was astonished thereat: & demaunding what nation they were of, that was so hospitable, and benigne; answere was made him they were Christians. When demaunding againe, of what manner of life & institute they were, he vnderstood, that they did belieue in Iesus Christ, the only Sonne of God, and did well to all sorts of persons, with firme confidence, to haue some large re∣muneration for it, at the hands of the same God.

S. Pachomius, had scarcely heard these words, but that full, as well of interiour consolation, as of an vnusuall light, retyring him∣selfe from the company, and being somwhat in a deepe study with himselfe, he lifted vp his hands to the starres, saying: Lord God, who framedst the Heauen and earth, if thou shalt vouchsafe to regard my basenes, and my trauayles, and giue me the knowledge of thy Diui∣nity; I promise to serue thee, and obey thy precepts while I breath. With this prayer, and promise, the loue of vertue so increased in him, as he began, from that tyme forwards through the diuine Grace

to resist all sensuality, and valiantly to suffer Tribulations; helping himselfe with the memory of his first purposes, vntill such tyme, as the Emperour, hauing gotten a glorious victory vpon the Tyrant, he was cashiered with others: and not seeing opportunity there to become a Christian, he immediately went his wayes to Chemosium, a Towne of the higher Thebais, where remayned some notable and venerable Seruants of God. Of whome, being instructed in the holy Fayth, he was baptized: and the very same night, that he receiued this wholsome Sacrament, he sees in his Sleepe his right hand to be filled with dew, which falling from heauen, did incorporate it selfe in forme of hony, and withall heard a voyce, which said: Open the eyes of thy vnderstanding Pachomius, and know, that this is a signe of the grace, which is affoarded thee by Christ. This vision was not in vayne or vnprofitable a whit, but rather Pachomius felt himselfe so compund therewith, and enflamed with diuine Loue, as he determined, with∣out delay, to renounce the world, & to consecrate himselfe to a mo∣nasticall life. And hauing heard of a famous Hermit, called Palemon, that dwelt in those desarts, he wēt his wayes to him, to submit him∣selfe to his discipline.

S. Pachomius craues of Palemon to be receiued into his discipline, and is admitted: with the manner of their liues togeather. Chap. 2.

THis Palemon for yeares was very graue, seuere of countenance, & so rigid and mortifyed in his cōuersation, as by many he was iudged to be inimitable. So soone as he heard then, one knocking at his cell, opening the doore, he sayd to Pachomius. Who art thou? and what seekes thou? To whome the good young man answering: God sends me to you to be admitted into your estate of life. The old man re∣plyed. This is no worke for you, not so easy as you thinke; for some three or foure others, haue come hither likewise that haue not been so well able to stand to it afterwards. Then Pachomius: All men are not made of the same mould. Do you receiue me, and in tyme (I trow) you shall be cleered in that point. I haue told you already (replyed the Hermit) that you cannot brooke the labour. Go your wayes then first to do pennance in some other place: and if you shall then thinke your selfe able to endure it, do you come to me, & then perhaps I shall accept of you. Because indeed my manner of liuing (for to tell it you) is very sharpe, and difficult. I susteyne my

selfe (God be thanked) with no other thing, then bread and s•…•…lt. Neither wine nor oyle euer enters into my mouth. Halfe of the night, or there abouts, do I spend, part in praier, part in reading, and ruminating the diuine Scripture.

These and the like words, though deliuered. with a harsh voi∣ce, and a horride brow, were not sufficient to terrify the constant Pachomius, but rather, as a litle water spurted on a great fyre, en∣kindled such a flame in his breast, as with much reuerence, he most cheerfully affirmed, that he felt in his mynd, a firme beliefe, that the diuine Goodnes, by meanes of the intercession of the same Pale∣mon (whose life was a mirrour to all Mortalls) would make him a disciple not vnworthy of so noble a Mayster. From such perseue∣rance, vnited with like piety, the Anchoret, now easily gathered, that Pachomius had an extraordinary feeling, and a manifest voca∣tion of God. Whereupon, hauing now some confidence of a hap∣py successe, without more ado, he admits him into his Cell, and giues him his habit. And from thence, they began to liue together, spending the greater part of the tyme in deuotions, and the •…•…est, in twisting of Camels hayre, and making of sacks, and that not to pick out money for their owne profit, but to relieue the poore with, as the Apostle counsayles.

At night then, in tyme of prayer, and Psalmes, if Palemon perceiued the disciple to be somewhat pressed with sleep, taking him forth of his Cell, with a basket in hand, he would employ himselfe with him, in carrying of heapes of sand, to and fro, vn∣till such tyme, as the superfluous vapours of the body being disper∣sed by this meanes, he might come to be prompt, & nimble againe, and haue the spirit now throughly awaked; and would besides be admonishing him, saying: be you sober and attentiue O Pachomius, that you be not ouercaught by the Tempter, and all our labours proue not to be in vayne. But the seruent Nouice, gaue not much occasion vnto spurs and incitements, and the holy Father exulted in himselfe, and glorifyed the Diuine Clemency, to see him become euery day, more obedient then other, to see him more addicted to mortification, and abstinence, he not sparing in the meane while to go alwayes before him, with a liuely, and continuall example.

So as once vpon Easter day, Pachomius to solemnize that Feast, hauing dressed him a litle Oyle, seasoned with salt, when Palemon saw him to reach it to him, suddaynely striking his forhead, & ca∣sting

forth a deepe sigh, with teares he sayd: My Lord was put on the Crosse, he was loaden with iniuryēs, cuffs, and buffets, in his greatest thirst he was made to drinke both Vinegar and Gaule, and shall I be pampered heere, and be soothing my palate which oyled meates? Nor with all the instance, and intreatyes, that Pachomius could vse by any meanes, he would seeme to breake his Fast, vn•…•…ll such tyme, as that seasoned Oyle being taken away, and some o∣ther brought him which was pure, and simple (in blessing it first, with the signe of the Crosse, and rendering most humble thankes to the high Creatour for it) he finally fell to. In such like acts Pacho∣mius continually beheld himselfe, as in a glasse: and as from the ex∣cellency of the Mayster, he was hourely encouraged more to fol∣low the good; so from others defects, became he alwayes more cau∣tious to beware the euill.

The iudgement of God shewed vpon a Monke. S. Pachomius founds a Mo∣nastery, and Palemon dyes. Chap. 3.

AN audacious Monke but ill founded in the knowledge of himselfe, and human frailty, came on a tyme to see Palemon and Pachomius, while they had made by chaunce a very good fyre: & after he had sate downe with them a pretty while, entertayning themselues with spirituall discourses, arising on a sudden, sayd to Palemon: if you, and your disciple haue true Fayth, shew me heere some Euangelicall experience thereof, and make your prayer, heere barefoote, vpon these burning coales. Palemon reprehending him for it, and aduising him, not to suffer himselfe to be deceyued so by the enemy; he puffed vp with greater pride, and presumption, went voluntarily vpon the Coales, and the Diuine Maiesty, per∣mitting it so, the Diuell had power to preserue him without hurt at all. Whereupon that miserable Wretch, with malapert insolency, vpbrayding Palemon and Pachomius, with saying: where was their fayth? went his wayes very proud, from thence. But it was not long, ere he payd very soundly for it.

For first, being deluded by the ancient Aduersary with lasci∣uious shapes, and therupon very grieuously strooke and afflicted, he repayred agayne, after some dayes to Palemon, with sighes confessing his errour, saying: Know that I am vndon, for not hauing obeyed you, and now I do pray you, to succour me, with your prayers, for

that I stand in great daunger, to be slayne of the infernall Enemy. The wretch was yet a speaking, and Palemon and Pachomius a wee∣ping for compassion; when lo, on a sudden, the deuill assaults him, takes him out of the Cell, and like a sauage beast, chàsing him a good while through the Crags, and Mountaynes, finally in the Citty, which is called Pun, tooke away his wits, so as he cast him∣selfe headlong into a fornace of a bath, where suddaynely he dyed.

S. Pachomius being admonished with these so horrible, & straūge accidents, from thence learned to feare the Iudgment of God, and to re-enforce the guard vpon his hart, by resisting the appetites, bri∣deling anger, and the other passions, and endeauouring to found himselfe, by all meanes, in true humility. Besides, when he read or recited any things of the sacred scripture, he posted not in hast, as many are wont, but tasting, and ruminating the sentences, & pre∣cepts, one by one, he sought to deriue profit from them, and to serue the Highest with fit attention. Being often sent barfoote, to make wood, in a certayne forrest, very full of sharpe thornes, while he •…•…elt his flesh to be torne, and wounded, he would be suffering all the dolours thereof with alacrity, in remembring the Nayles, which pierced the sacred feete and hands of our Lord and Sauiour Christ Iesus, & continually treating with God in those solitary places would he pray for himselfe, and for all human kind, that he might be preserued from the snares of the common Aduersary. In summe, with these manner of Exercises, was he arriued to such a point of perfection, as the Maister himselfe remayned much comforted, and astonished thereat.

It happened to him afterwards, on a tyme, by a certayne oc∣casion, to arriue at the Iland, and Towne of Tabenna; where, being in a long, and profound Prayer, he heard a vovce to say to him: Pachomius, stay heere, and set vp a Monastery in this place, because many shall come vnto thee with desire to be saued whome thou shalt guide according to the instruction which I shall giue thee. And with this, an Angell appeared, and gaue him a Table, wherein the same Institute was conteyned, which for many ages afterwards, the Monks of Tabenna obserued. Then Pachomius, with the discretion of spirits which he had pur∣chased, very cleerely perceiued, that as well the vision, as the Rule was a heauenly thing: and receiuing the same with great Reuerēce, he went to his Mayster, and communicated the whole with him: beseeching him to be pleased, to put to his helping hand, in the exe∣cution

of what, had beene ordeyned him, by the Angell. And though Palemon otherwise, would very vnwillingly haue left his auncient Cell, notwithstanding to comfort so good and vertuous a disciple, he was perswaded to go thither, and they both set vp there a poore habitation, in forme of a Monastery. But it was not long, ere Palemon, being now spent, partly with old age, and partly with maceration of the body, arriued to the end of his dayes; and Pa∣chomius, as in life he had alwayes obeyed, and serued him, with ex∣quisite diligence; so after death, with extraordinary feeling, buryed him, with his owne hands, with a great deale of Lamentation, but not without Canticles and Hymnes.

A Brother of S. Pachomius ioynes himselfe with him in his manner of lyfe; and what followed. Chap. 4.

AFter this, a naturall Brother of S. Pachomius, becomming a Christian, and called by the name of Iohn, being likewise tou∣ched with a laudable desire of a perfect life, came to seeke him, and to inhabite with him. They remayned full fifteene yeares together continually exercising themselues, in acts of religion, & pennance. At the end wherof, while now it seemed to Pachomiuhs, it would not be long, ere that came to effect, which had been promised him of the multiplication of Monkes, he began anew, to enlarge the dwelling, to be able to receiue them all. This fact of his, was dis∣pleasing to Iohn, and as he, who was the elder in yeares, and perhap∣pes, knew not, or not fully belieued, what was signifyed to Pa∣chomius from Heauen, esteemed such a building, to be against Po∣uerty, and therfore reprehended his Brother, somewhat bitterly for it, saying, he should cease from committing such follyes, so to seeke to enlarge himselfe, more then needed. To which words, though he answered nothing, yet did he in wardly thinke vpon the and after hauing some remorse at such a thought, retyring himselfe at night in the new building, he puts himselfe into bitter Laments and turning himselfe to God, with great dolour cryed out in this manner.

Alas, that the prudence of the world, should be yet continually raigning in me! I am still a carnall man, and after so many yeares of Religious warfarre, doe I yet suffer my selfe to be vanquished by wrath, vnder a colourable pretext of good. Mercy Lord, least I vt∣terly

perish, because that if thou establish me nor, in thy patience, and that the Enemy come to find somewhat of his in me, I shall be subiect to him, since it is written: That if any one but fayle in one, he is made guilty of all. I belieue thy benignity is exceeding great, help me Lord, & I shall walke in the way of thy Elect; aduauncing my self alwaies forward, & forgetting quite what remaines behind. Euen as they likewise through thy grace, haue done, to their euer∣lasting prayse, and crowne, but to the great affliction, and vt∣ter confusion of the aduersary: otherwise, how shall I be able to in∣struct those, whome thou saydst, thou wouldst giue me in charge, if first I shall not subdue the passions, which by meanes of the flesh, make warre against the spirit, and if I shall not haue learned to ob∣serue thy Law inuiolable? But I hope Lord, through the help of thy high and mighty hand, I shall do that, which may like thee best, and thou pardon all my defects.

In such accusations of himselfe as these, ioyned with bitter playnts, with burning prayers, and with solid purposes, spent he all that night, & at the apearing of the day he found on the ground, a certaine durt which was there caused through the continuall tea∣res, that streamed from his eyes; as also with the excessiue sweat, which tricked downe from all his body. Nor let any one seeme to attribute this, to an exaggeration of words: for that besides the hu∣mour, which contrition wrong from him, and affliction of mynd; it was then likewise the season of Summer, and the place of its na∣ture was exceeding hoat: nor was the seruant of God, then making his prayer in a carelesse kind of composition of body, but eyther on his knees, or prostrate, or bolt vpright, with the armes erected & distended in forme of a Crosse, without letting them once to fall, or leaning himselfe to any thing, vntill the tyme he had purposed to himselfe; and this, as well to suffer something with Christ, and for Christ, as by that meanes to keep his mynd more vigilant, and attentiue.

With this sacrifice of an humble and penitent hart, he obtey∣ned so much fauour from heauen, as for the tyme to come, he per∣seuered with his Brother, in meruaylous Peace, and Patience: and assoone as he passed into a better life, he interred him, with all due piety, & with the wonted Exequyes. Frō hence, remayning quite alone, as he had but then entred into the Wildernes, he gaue him∣selfe with a fresh vigour to his accustomed spirituall exercises, not

forbearing the while, like another No•…•…, to be building the Arke for those, that were to be saued therin, according to the Angelicall prediction, which howbeit slow in coming to passe, yet was he certayne, it would not fayle.

S. Pachomius is tempted by Deuils in sundry sorts. He sees a vision; & many repayre vnto him, to be admitted into his Institute. Chap. 5.

IN the meane tyme S. Pachomius was very grieuously molested by Hellish Monsters, being all enflamed with Enuy against him, & desirous to put any obstacle soeuer to so great a good; so as putting in practize whatsoeuer was permitted them, with diuers appariti∣ons and strange phantasmes, they sought to affright the seruant of God. Among other on a time, being about to kneele to his Prayers, the earth on a sudden fell a gaping before him, in forme of a deepe Cesterne, to swallow him vp. At other times, returning from the more remote deserts, where sometymes through desire of greater solitude, he was accustomed to retire himselfe; vpon the sudden, the same peruerse spirits were before him, marching as it were in order of battaile, and saying with a loud voyce: Giue place to the Man of God. They endeauoured likewise to shatter the new buil∣ding in such sort, as it seemed they would haue turned it topsy∣turuy from the very foundations. Besides, sitting on a day at some handy worke, after he had made his prayer, there seemed a Cock to be represented to him of an vnmeasurable greatnes, which re∣doubling very fierce, and horrible crowings, aduentured from tyme to tyme to fly in his face, and with the clawes, and spurs most cruelly scratched him.

These, and other affrights and iniuryes S. Pachomius, being full of a high confidence in God, very easely repelled, now with the signe of the most holy crosse, now with some verse of the sacred Psalter. Wherupon the malignant spirits, perceiuing the way of feare, succeeded not with them; turned themselues by agreement to tempt him, with laughter, in shewing themselues very busy & earnest to remoue certayne leaues of a tree therby, tying them with great ropes, and exhorting one another to pull hard, with voyces and vnited forces, much after the manner, as Carpenters are wont to do, when they lift some huge piece of tymber. But this trick of theirs, was not any whit sufficient to moue the grauity, and con∣stancy

of the Christian Philosopher; but rather sighing, insteed of •…•…aughter, and setting his mynd on the Crucifix, he attended to pro∣secute the exercise in hand, in such wise, as the powers of darknes, being thus scorned by a mortall man, and put to confusion, went their wayes.

But yet for all this, they ceased not afterwards, to renew the battaile agayne, by taking the habit and forme of beautifull women and endeauouring to sit downe at the Table with the Man of God in tyme of refection, and to be impudently putting their hands into that poore fare, which he had before him; when seeing themselues to be howerly vanquished and despised, chaunging their figures by diuine dispensation to the greater crowne of the Saint, they afflicted him more then once with sundry paynes & cruel torments. Wherin as he, through the help of Christ, remayned alwayes, victorious; so according to the saying of the Scripture, it often happened, that he walked, and that without hurt, vpon venemous beasts; and which is more, being to passe the Riuer of Nilus, when need was, the Cro∣codils themselues, insteed of a bark, would securely be wasting him ouer.

With such proofes, and so glorious victoryes, S. Pachomius now being arriued to the highest degree of hope and charity, the Angell appeared to him anew, and sayd to him: God is pleased, O Pachomius, with thy seruice, and would haue thee reconcile the Gentils vnto him. When not many dayes after, some persons, desirous to saue their Soules, and glutted with the world, beganne to repayre vnto him from diuers places, who benignly receiued them all, but yet gaue thē not the Monasticall habit, till first he had proued euery one with a long and exact probation.

The manner he held in the instructing of all together, and ech one in particuler, consisted, in keeping them free, and farre off from all traffique, and transitory cares; and to vnite them, first from the world, then from the hauing of things proper, and lastly from thē∣selues. And forasmuch as to exhort others to the Crosse, examples do moue a great deale more, then words; he was the first in obser∣uing of Silence, in Edification, Lessons, Fasts, Vigils, and other labours, and austerityes of the Monastery, to prepare the Table, to cultiuate the garden, to answere at the gate, to be seruing of the Sick both night and day, and hence with louing aduices, and remem∣brances withall, would he afterwards very easely conduct others, to

liue according to the obligation of such a vocation. It was not long ere the good odour, & same of this new Institute was spread euery where, in such sort as the multitude of Monks, came soone to ariue to the number of a hundred.

S. Pachomius highly regardeth the Clergy; and visits the great Athanasius. Chap. 6.

AMōg these Monkes, was not yet seene to be any Priest: wher∣upon when they were to communicate, some Priest was cal∣led for, of the neighbour Villages, so rare was Priesthood in those dayes, and held in the esteeme it ought to be. And as for S. Pachomi•…•… he suffered not any of his disciples to •…•…spire to such a dignity, or any other honours, or degres at all, affirming that from like desire, doe grow emulations, s•…•…rifes, and contentions; and added, that as a least sparckle of fyre, falling in a barne, if not speedily oppressed, will vnluckily consume the whole yeares haruest: so Ambition, or the thought of a Clerkship, with what pretext soeuer it enter once int•…•… Cloysters, and be not suddenly extinguished, will come to put all the Religion in tumult, or ruine rather and vtter destruction. Not∣withstanding afterwards, if any one being a Priest already, should offer himselfe to follow the Rule, Pachomius would not refuse to ac∣cept him, and with such quality of persons, so carryed himselfe, as how much more respectfull, he shewed himselfe towards them for the sacred Orders sake which they had taken; so much more hum∣ble & meeke would they become through the Vertue, and example they saw in him.

Besides that, he was full of Piety to all, especially towards th•…•… aged and infirme persons. To young men likewise, he would vse discretion, dexterity, and longanimity to saue their Soules, wher∣of he was meruaylously zealous, & sollicitous. And because not fat from his Conuent, was a certayne Village without a Pastour, and consequently depriued of the word of God, and the holy Commu∣nion, he dealt very charitably about the same with Aprion Bishop of Tentiri, in whose Diocesse the sayd place was; and with his con∣sent, set vpon the building of a Church, where afterwards a Parish was appointed. And he in the meane time, not fayled to go thither with some companions, to instruct thē in the Christian doctrine, performing that exercise with such deuotiō, & with •…•…o much grace,

& composition of body and mynd, as to the Seculars it seemed they •…•…eard, and saw an Angell, and no mortall man, nor were the •…•…aythfull only confirmed, by this meanes, but many Infidels like∣wise conuerted to the Fayth. And as S. Pachomius receyued those who belieued in the Ghospell with extraordinary ioy; so for the •…•…osse of the obstinate and incredulous persons, he would seele ex∣•…•…reme dolour, and for the same be sheding of continuall teares.

At that very tyme, the great Athanasius had taken possession of the Bishoprique of Alexandria; & being gone in progresse, as a good Pastour, in person to visit the Churches of Egipt, & especially of the •…•…pper Thebais, and Siena, by that occasion he was likewise to passe by Tabenna, when S. Pachomius knowing some part of the trauailes, and persecutions which the holy Bishop had suffered for the Catho∣lique sayth, went forth to meete him, in company of all his Monkes with iubiley and festiuity of Psalmes, of Hymnes, and Canticles. True it is, that hauing vnderstood before hand, how meanes was made by the Bishop of Tentiri to Athanasius, for his promotion to a higher state, for not to be seene nor knowne by him, he hid him∣selfe of purpose, in the throng. Whether he spake with him after∣wards, or no, is not found written any where. But as this Chan∣pion of Christ, was a great friend, and much deuoted to the Catholi∣que Prelates; so could he not suffer so much as the name of Arrius and Meletius, and the other Heretiques and Scismatiques to be men∣tioned of any by name: and for their writings he could not endure them by any meanes to be had o•…•… read of his Monkes. He was like∣wise very cautious in forbidding them to murmur at all, especially against the Clerks and Prelates of the church, and if by chance they had fallen into such a default, he would suddenly oppose himselfe against them in ci•…•…ing some verses & sentences out of the holy Scrip∣ture to that purpose, together with the example of Mary the sister of Moyses, so seuerely punished by God, for hauing murmured against her Brother. And finally by how much more sweete and plyable he was to all, in that which lawfully he might; so much more ri∣gid, and inflexible he shewed himselfe, where it stood not with the least point of the honour of God, or the Neighbour.

S. Pachomius is visited by his Sister, who afterwards retires herselfe in•…•… Monastery. Chap. 7.

SAint Pachomius kept himselfe wholy from the conuersation & fa∣miliarity of his Parents, except when he had good hope to help them in Spirit. And therfore lastly being visited by a Sister of his, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sent her answere by the porter in thes words. Behold thou hast heat I am yet aliue: Go thy wayes then, and take it not ill, that I let thee not see me. I will promise thee, that if thou wilt happily imita•…•… this manner of life of myne, to obteyne together with me pardon & Mercy of our Lord, some fit dwelling or other shal be assigned thee in a conuenient place to liue in peace and silence, and by that occa∣sion peraduenture, it may happen the diuine Goodnes will o•…•… some other women likewise to do pennance with thee, since in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there is no other consolation on earth, then for one to do well, & to serue God.

With this answere, the good woman was so compunct, as s•…•…e brake forth into plaints, and without more ado, determined to obey the counsayle of her Brother; who according to promise, caused cer tayne Lodgings to be built for her, not farre from the Monastery very apt for the end pretended: wherin she exercising her selfe, ac∣cording to the directions and orders of S. Pachomius, it was not long ere there came many other women likewise to her for the same pur∣pose, who increasing continually in number, she was elected to be the Mother & Abbesse of them. Whence he attended with more sollici∣tude then euer to instruct them well, and to conduct them safely to a good Port.

A certayne venerable and discreet Father, called Peter, had the superintendency ouer that Conuent, by commission of S. Pachomius, who at his tymes would visit, and exhort them to Perfection; and if it happened now and then to any Monke, hauing some kinswo∣men there to haue occasion to go to any such, he was accompanied thither, by some ancient, and graue person, or other, of approued vertue: nor could he speake with such a one, but in the presence of the Mother, and some of the principall of the Monastery. To giue, or take any thing with them, or els to eate, or drinke in that place, vnder any pretext whatsoeuer, was wholy prohibited. When any of the Sisters came to dye, the others very decently composing the

corps, would depose it with Psalmes in a determinate place, neere •…•…to the conuent, Whence after the Monkes wold conuey the same 〈◊〉〈◊〉 manner of procession, and bury it with deuout prayers & accu∣•…•…omed Canticles in the hill neer at hand. Through the fame of •…•…ese things, a certayne yong youth (among others) of some four∣•…•…ene yeares old, by name Theodore, a Christian of noble Bloud, be∣•…•…ag moued, gaue himselfe likewise to the discipline of S. Pachomius, •…•…y the occasion which I shall presently tell you.

The history of Theodore, and how he and his Mother entred into the discipline of S. Pachomius.

THeodore once on a festiuall day, beholding the riches, the de∣lights, and the ornaments of his owne house, felt himselfe sud∣•…•…enly to be interiourly moued by the diuine grace, & began to dis∣•…•…ourse with himselfe in this manner, saying: What shall all these •…•…ases, contentments, and momentary pleasures auayle me (Wretch •…•…s I am) if I come to be depriued of the Eternall? Forasmuch as •…•…one for the present can attend to these, and in the future enioy the •…•…thers: and fetching suddenly a great sigh, retyred himselfe into a •…•…ore secret place of the house, where prostrate in teares, he sayd: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lord, who seest the secrets of harts, thou knowest, I prefer not •…•…ny thing of this life before thy loue: vouchsafe then to illumine •…•…e, so as I may be able to vnderstand thy will; and that perfectly •…•…xecuting the same, I may glorify, and prayse thee foreuer.

After this, refusing the commodityes and the cherishments of •…•…is Mother, he began to giue himselfe seriously to abstinence, and •…•…astings, with other mortifications and asperityes, wherin hauing •…•…xercised himself for some two yeares together, he recollected him∣•…•…elfe in the company of some Seruants of God. One of which, (the •…•…espers being ended) discoursing according to the custome amōgst •…•…hem of spirituall things, he entred in, to speake of the Tabernacle, •…•…nd of the Saencta Sanctorum, of the ancient Law; interpreting the exteriour Tabernacle (as that which was of the manner of manu∣facture) to signify the first people of the Iewes; but that of the Sancta Sanctorum, should figure the vocation of the Gentils, as hauing a more sumptuous and mysticall entry with it; whence in the place of Sacrifices of beasts, and insteed of the Thurible, of the Table, of the Arke, of the Candlesticke, of the Propitiatory, and of all those o∣ther

ancient symbols, for our saluation, hath succeeded the diuine word it selfe: who assuming our human flesh, hath taken vs from the paynes of our sinnes, through the holy light of the Ghospell, and with the satisfaction of his infinite merits.

This said, he confessed he had heard this interpretation from the great Pachomius himselfe, who had lately gathered togeather good number of Monks in the Iland of Tabenna, and gouerned them with merueilous discipline; and I hope (added he) that the mentiō of this Man of God, now made by me, may impetrate for vs some indulgence of our sinnes. The good Monke had scarce finished his discourse, when Theodore was enflamed with the relation made, with an exceeding desire of knowing S. Pachomius by sight, and to giue himselfe wholy to be gouerned by him. In so much, as a ver∣tuous and good Old man, called Pecusius, being come thither from Tabenna, for to visit that Congregation there, was by Theodor intre∣ated at his returne, with great affectiō, he would be pleased to con∣duct him with him to the blessed Pachomius, as he did with a very good will, and being arriued at the holy place, the youth, not being able to conteyne himselfe from teares of Ioy, was receiued by him with a great deale of charity, and numbred with the others; when in a short tyme, he profited so much in all manner of vertues, as S. Pachomius himselfe, did wonder at it.

There was afterwards an occasion presented to make the con∣stancy and feruour of this Nouice more renowned. In reguard the Mother, being now become a widow, and not brooking the ab∣sence of her sonne; came to Tabenna in person, bringing letters frō the Bishops with expresse order to haue him restored her agayne. Heere now, she being receiued by the Nuns, as a guest, she speedily sent the letters to S. Pachomius, vrging the execution therof. When the seruant of Christ, hauing called Theodore to him, said to him in this sort: I vnderstand thy Mother is come to see thee, behold the Letters of the Bishops, which she hath brought me, for that end. Go thy wayes then, and comfort her, especially for the Prelates sakes who haue recommended it to me. Theodore answered. Do you giue me security then, Reuerend Father, that this little edification, which I shall giue vnto others, with such an enteruiew, be not imputed to me, at the day of Iudgment? Forasmuch as if in the tymes before grace, the children of Leui, did quite forsake their Parents, howbeyt most deere vnto them, for to serue the Lord God wholy: how much

rather should I, that haue receyued so great mercy and light from the •…•…ame Lord God, keep my selfe from preferring in any wise the affe∣ction to flesh, before the loue, and seruice of his diuine Maiesty? see∣ing our Sauiour hath sayd openly to vs: He that loues his Father, or Mo∣ther more then me, is not worthy of me. Then S. Pachomius declared him∣selfe better vnto him, with saying: If it seeme not expedient to thee my Sonne, I will not vrge thee to it, but rather confesse the other to be of more perfection; because indeed the Monke is to fly al world∣ly commerce, and be louing, with an ordinate affection, & without passion, all those who through fayth, are members of Christ. And if any would seeme to oppose, that he may not desist from wishing well to his owne bloud, let him note that saying of the Scripture, That euery one becomes the slaue of him, that vanquitheth him.

By this manner of speach, the good Youth, being now con∣firmed more, and more, would by no meanes, shew himselfe to his Mother. And it pleased our Lord, through this austerity of his, that she remained so astonished and moued to deuotion as she deter∣mined likewise herselfe to leaue the world, and with the approba∣tion of S. Pachomius, was receiued into the number of the Seruants of Christ. Whence may be gathered, that things being done to the greater glory of God, howbeit in the beginning sometymes, they may seeme perilous and bitter: yet neuerthelesse through diuine dis∣position, do they produce many tymes most sweet fruites.

The Griefe which S. Pachomius tooke for the lapsed: Togeather with this Discretion, and Patience in all occasions. Chap. 9.

FRom these, and other such like successes, looke how much con∣solation S. Pachomius tooke in our Lord; so much griefe and sorrow felt he for the ill proceeding of some, who tyred with la∣bour, & to much giuen to carnall prudence, would neuer throughly renounce themselues, nor be desployed of the old man. The holy Man would seeke to help such by all meanes possible, but in vayne. Because they, partly not knowing how to deny their proper will; partly affrighted with the difficulty of vertue, and with the exam∣ples of the pennances and Mortifications which they saw in others; finally being vanquished by the spirit of pusillanimity, and vayne feare, did suffer themselues to be caryed from the port, into the dā∣gerous tempests of the world: Yet this departure of theirs was not

altogether vnprofitable to others, since the field of our Lord hee•…•…∣pon, being purged from weeds and cockle, became continually more pleasant and fruitfull. And besides, from thence might be ga∣thered, how that euen as the austerity of the Monasticall life do•…•… not hurt Seculars, if they wil but help themselues with it, in some part; so neyther the aduice, good carriage, nor the Prayers of o∣thers do benefit Monkes, if they resolue not to shake of quite, very manfully all manner of Slouth and Cowardise.

But to conserue, and to promote Men of good disposition, one of the principall industryes of this great Louer of the Crosse, was, not to permit, that in the treating of his person, should be vsed par∣ticularityes with him, of any sort whatsoeuer, as we shall see by the ensuing acts. He being gone on a tyme, in company of some Mon•…•… to reaping in an Iland called Threa (where euery one had built him a houell to retyre himselfe to, in due tymes) the good Father, whe∣ther it were, through age, or with ouermuch worke, fell sick of a feuer, and Theodore, in his cold fit, being ready to couer him with▪ Shepheards mantle wouen with hayre, S. Pachomius would by n•…•… meanes suffer it, but willed him to take it away sudenly, and to co∣uer him only with a Mat, as the custome was to do with others; which done, Theodore brings him a handful of dates, exhorting him to refresh himselfe with them: Whereat the good Father, with teares in his eyes, replyed.

Why, Theodore, because we haue power ouer the labours of our Brethren, and to vs the care belonges to prouide and distribute the portions among them; should we therefore at our pleasure, and without any regard be treating of our selues in this sort, or be ta∣king of any thing superfluous, or out of tyme, and comon custome? And where should our holy Feare be then, if we should do so? For tell me; Brother, haue you runne through al the houels, & certifyed yourselfe, that there is no other sick body, more necessitous then I▪ deceiue not your self so, Theodore, iniquity is abominable in the sight of God, not only in great, but euen also in smaller matters. If others then, with diuine help, can patiently suffer afflictions, and dis∣commodityes; why should not I seeme to suffer the same? And with this answere, he sent the Disciple a way exceedingly edifyed and instructed. S. Pachomius likewise had obteyned of our Lord, together with the discretion of spirits, that same likewise of the Infirmityes, so as he could very well distinguish, which proceeded from natural

causes, and which from the operation of the Enemy; who many •…•…ymes, for to •…•…hinder the diuine seruice, is wont to alter the humours of human bodyes, and to cause indispositions in them. Wherupon S. Pachomius being assayled on a tyme in the Monastery with a most grieuous feuer; it seemed to him very requisit, to cause him thereby increase his abstinence (since by this meanes for fiue •…•…ontinuall dayes, he remayned without eating and drinking) but •…•…et slackt not a whit to rise in the meane tyme vnto Prayer. Wher∣with, being cured, he went with the rest into the Refectory, giuing •…•…hankes to the Eternall Goodnes.

But yet with all this rigour, which he vsed with him selfe, let •…•…o man thinke, he was hard or mercyles towards others, but rather (as hath been sayd aboue) was he wonderfull tender, and compas∣•…•…ionate to all, and afforded all possible succours to relieue their ne∣•…•…essityes. Besides that, as farre as reason of gouernement would per∣mit, setting all arrogancy a part, he would be shewing himselfe e∣quall, or rather inferiour to all. In so much, as being weauing on a •…•…yme, and controuled by a child with saying, Father, you worke not •…•…ight, for lo, our maister weaues not in that manner; he arose vp sudenly from his seate, and whereas another would eyther haue see∣med, as if he had not heard him, or haue chastised his little modesty: The holy Old Man with a cheerefull countenance, approching to the Maister, and quietly taking instruction from him, went sudenly to execute the same, with singular humility, and with the great edi∣fication of as many as were present. With these and such like things not only particular and profane men; being now inuited at last, but euen whole congregations likewise of other Monks, came to ioyne, and submit themselues to S. Pachomius, to whome with equall cha∣rity, he afforded Rules, and Superiours.

The History of Ionas the Monke in the desart there. And S. Pachomius his solution of a doubt. Chap. 10.

IN one of those Monasteryes, called Muchosa, there was a Reli∣gious man whose name was Ionas a man of so great perfection & fame as we cannot choose but step a little from our purpose, to say something of him. This Religious person had continued in the di∣uine Seruice, and in the cloyster, some 85. yeares, with very good example: and it is a memorable thing, that he hauing alone had al∣wayes

care of the garden, and therin had planted diuers trees, ye•…•… he neuer had tasted to his death, so much as one fruite of them, being notwithstanding very francke therof to the Brothers, and to the Ghests, and to all the Neighbours about, who at their pleasure we•…•… satisfied with them. His clothing as well for sommer, as winter, was of three sheepe skins, sowed together, saue only, to go to the holy Communion, he would put ouer a coate, somewhat more decent, but being then risen from the sacred table, he would presently des∣poyle himselfe therof; and so had he conserued it neare and cleane, for all that space of 85. yeares.

He was so great a friend of Labour, as he knew not, as it were what Rest was, nor yet the Infirmary. He neuer eate any boyled thing: he liued vpon hearbs chopt in vinegar: He neuer lay stretcht forth in length, but laboured by day in the garden, & at the setting of the Sunne, taking his refection, he would retire himselfe into his cell, and sitting on a stoole in the midst of the roome, attend to the knitting of bull-rushes, and to make ropes, vntill the ringing to Of∣fice; shutting his eyes sometymes, scarcely as much as necessity re∣quired. And this his worke he performed, not by the light of a Lampe, or of fire, but through much practice and dexterity, wholy by darke, for to be able in the meane tyme, the better to attend to the Meditation of holy Scripture, wherof he had cōmitted a good part to memory.

We let passe besids, many other meruaylous things of this holy Man, for breuityes sake, but yet we may not seeme to passe ouer in silence, the manner of his last act. Because he was foūd by the Mō•…•… starke dead to sit in his Cell, with rushes in his hands (according to his wont) & with his feete and armes stretcht forth, & stiffe withal in such sort, as they would not seeme to change that composition of his, nor to pull off his furrd coate frō his back, but were feigne so to sold him, as in a trusse; and in that manner were they glad to carry him to be buryed.

But now let vs returne agayne to S. Pachomius, who neuer ceased with words and deeds to enflame and guide his disciples to Perfection: exhorting them sometymes, and sometyme agayne re∣soluing their doubts, with a great deale of wisedome, and no lesse charity. He was demanded once (among other things) by one of hi•…•… Monks; What was the cause, that while a man, is in peace before temptation, he discourseth so well of Temperance, Humility, and

other Vertues; and when the time of execution comes afterwards 〈◊〉〈◊〉 put that in practise which was in discourse, we find our selues so •…•…ayle and feeble to performe the same? As for example, in the tyme 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Anger, to shew acts of Patience; in bitternes and rancour, to be •…•…rgetfull of iniuries receyued; when we are paysed of others, to be •…•…ary of vayneglory; in these (I say) and other the like occurren∣•…•…es? Then the Saint: The reason is (answered he) for that, we •…•…now not how to prepare ourselues, nor to meditate as we ought, •…•…or to keepe the spirit prompt and vigilant in the tyme of battayle. Whence it behoues vs euery day, and euery houre, with a fresh re∣•…•…olution to renew our good purposes, and to power into the con∣•…•…ēplatiue part of the Soule, the oyle of holy feare, which may serue •…•…s well to re-enforce it to do good, as to illumine the same to dis∣•…•…erne, and distinguish the Obiects, which are represented to it by •…•…he wily and subtile Aduersary. In such wise, as standing cōtinually vpon its guard, it suffer not it selfe to be easily moued to disdayne, •…•…orrancour, nor to other disordinate passions: and besides that, ray∣sing it selfe aloft, and thinking of inuisible, and eternall things, it may come to assume great courage, and consequently to contemne all diabolicall suggestions, and finally to walke (as the Scripture sayth) vpon Serpents, and Scorpious, and aboue all the powers of the Enemy.

With such aduertisements, and counsayles went S. Pachomius opportunely encouraging, and instructing his Subiects. And how∣beit in amending their defects, he would more willingly be vsing of sweet remedyes and lenitiues, as more conformable to his pro∣per genius, and to Christian clemency; notwithstanding, when it was expedient for him, he knew well also, how to apply more bit∣ter and biting medicines; as by reading this ensuing discourse the iu∣dicious Reader may easily perceiue.

The life of Siluanus the Monke: And what a blessed end he made, through the help of S. Pachomius. Chap. 11.

SAINT Pachomius had in his Conuent, a certayne Monke cal∣led Siluanus. This man in the world had been a Comediant, and of a lyfe (as commonly such persons are) very wild and dissolute. Whereupon, at his entrance into Religion, S. Pachomius had parti∣culerly exhorted him to stand vpon his guard, and to mainteyne himselfe sober, and vigilant, that he might not be carryed away with sensuality, and the diuell, to vices, and leuityes past. And so

had he promised to do: then he tooke the habit, and indeed so wal∣ked he, as long as the feruour of deuotion lasted; but afterwards, through wearines of combating, and subtraction of grace (as it hap∣pens, for one to be tepid without being, as it were, aware of it) so began he by litle and litle to grow looser in his conuersation, and to returne to his secular iests, and scoffs, as before. S. Pachomius ga•…•… him many wholesome admonitions, which being not inough, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 likewise added sundry seuere chastisements: and at last, while 〈◊〉〈◊〉 seemed to him to be incorrigible, some twenty yeares after he had receyued him, he ordeyned in the presence of all the Monkes, that he should be stript of his habit, and thrust our of the Congregation.

Whereat Siluanus being wholy confounded and contrite, did cas•…•… himselfe at the feete of the Saint, with saying: Pardon me, Father, ye•…•… for this tyme, for I hope in our Sauiour, that he will graunt me tru•…•… Penance, and to your Paternity much consolation in my action•…•… To whome S. Pachomius answered: Thou knowest, how I haue borne with thee all this while, how many chasticemēts haue I both against my wil and custome inflicted vpon thee? since then neyther with fayre meanes, nor yet with foule, thou wilt amend thy selfe, how can I, or how should I permit so contagious and infected a mē∣ber, should go wasting thus, and consuming the whole body of Religion? To this so bitter an answere, Siluanus replyed, with new humiliations and promises. And yet S. Pachomius stood firme in his purpose, till being conuinced with the perseuerant submission of the other, he required pledges, which might giue security of his chaunge of manners. When immediatly a venerable man, by name Petronius, being moued out of Charity, tooke the Obligation vpon him; and full of diuine confidence, gaue his word, that Silua•…•… should be renewed in spirit, and should giue himselfe seriously to the exercise of vertue. With this intercession was S. Pachomius con∣tent to prolong his tearme. Nor was the grace afforded in vayne, or the promise any way temerariously made, since from that tyme, Siluanus began to wage a sharpe warre with himselfe, and to go for∣ward in such sort, as in a short tyme, he became a mirrour of per∣fection to all the Cōuent, hauing got (among other things) so great a gift of teares, as they streamed from his eyes, like a perpetual riuer: so as, neyther in the presence of strangers, nor at the Table, could he possibly conteyne himselfe from them: While that saying of the Psalme agreed with him; Cinerem tamquam pa•…•… manducabam, & po•…•…

meum cum fletu miscebam.

He was instanced by some, that if he could not absteyne alto∣•…•…ather, yet by all meanes at least, he would forbeare in the pre∣•…•…nce of the Ghests. When he affirmed, he had endeauoured the •…•…me many tymes, but not by any meanes could he refrayne; they •…•…swered, that a deuout soule may well abide allwayes with in∣•…•…rnall compunction, without breaking into open demonstration •…•…erof; and in summe, they brought him to represse them in tyme 〈◊〉〈◊〉 refection, because many being confounded, & moued with such •…•…spectacle, refrayned from taking their necessary nourishment: whē •…•…luanus not being angry with any other then himselfe only, with •…•…reat feeling, brake forth into those words; Would you haue me to •…•…int my teares (I pray) in seeing so many Saints, with whome I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not worthy to be numbred, to attend vpō me, most vile wretch •…•…ith so much diligence, hauing been accustomed heeretofore to •…•…ayne my liuing on the Stage? Whereas rather, I deserue not to •…•…sse the very place, where they set their feet. I weepe indeed, as •…•…aring euery houre, least the earth should swallow me vp, as once 〈◊〉〈◊〉 happened to the profane Dathan and Abiron: since I hauing had •…•…om Heauen, both light and grace, more then inough, should haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them so ill, & haue reaped so litle fruit. Then am I not through •…•…ame to forbeare from discoueting my selfe to be a sinner, since for •…•…uch indeed do I acknowledge my selfe to be. Whereas truly if I •…•…hould lay downe my life in doing pennance for the same, yet were •…•…t nothing in comparison of my demerits.

With such like answeres, Siluanus stopt the mouths of such, as •…•…ealt with him about this matter: nor was it contrition of words •…•…nly, as often it happens, but his sayings and workes accorded in •…•…uch manner, as S. Pachomius himselfe being full of meruayle there∣•…•…t, for true humility preferred him before all in the Monastery; and within eight yeares afterward, was certifyed, how be was nothing deceiued, when he beheld that Soule going forth of the body, to •…•…ly vnto Heauen, with a great troupe of glorious Angells in com∣pany with it. This then was the fruite, which sprung from the sea∣sonable rigour of S. Pachomius: and no lesse worthy of memory li∣kewise, was another act of seuerity of his, which we will put down in the Chapter following.

How a Monks was penanced by S. Pachomius for Vayne glory, and anoth•…•… for Disobedience. Chap. 12.

IT happened on a tyme, while S. Pachomius was sitting in com∣pany with other graue Fathers, that a Brother who had made tha•…•… day two mats, with double the labour he was obliged to do by th•…•… Rule, being ouercome with vayne glory would by no meanes cō∣teyne himselfe, but needs must he set them forth to view, at his cell, right ouer agaynst the place, where S. Pachomius was, as thinking verily to haue been much praysed and esteemed of him for his dili∣gence therein: whereof the wise Pastour being aware, fetching a deep sigh, said to the standers by: behold I pray, this Brother hee•…•… who hath been labouring all this while from the Morning hither to, to dedicate afterwards all his sweats to the Diuell, without lea∣uing any merit or fruite thereof for his owne soule, since he hat•…•… had for end, the satisfaction of men, rather then the pleasure of God.

Heerupon, causing him to come before him, he gaue him a sound reprehension for it; and to the end, he might learne to rectify the intention, in whatsoeuer he should worke heerafter, enioyned him in pennance, that while the Brothers were in prayer, he holding both those mats in his hands, should cry vnto them, with a lowe voyce: I beseech you Brothers, to pray for this miserable soule of myne, which hath preferred two small mats before the Kingdome of Heauen. And in the same manner, caused him to stand in the Refectory, till the Table was ended: and for addition shut him vp in his Cell, for fiue moneths space, with order that no man sho•…•… visit him the while, & that he should eate nothing, but bread and salt. Such accompt was made in those dayes of purity of hart, and to fly those sinnes, which in our age, peraduenture, are accompted very veniall and light. And if yet this chastisement, perhaps, shal seeme to any to be too disproportionate to the fault, let him know, that to the Man of God, there wanted no sufficient motiues for the same.

The holy Abbot, made great accompt also of sincere Obedience, which especially consists in simply executing what is commāded, without curiously examining the designes of the Superiours, nor putting into controuersy the quality of the thing commaunded. Now, he hauing committed to some Officers, that while he went

on a certayne Pilgrimage they should haue some respect to the ten∣der age of certayne Nouices, who were not able to performe so much abstinence, as the other: It happened, the same Officers, perceyuing the Community had not eaten the herbes, and Oliues, which were boyled, had giuen ouer to prouide any more of them, contenting themselues with distributing of dry bread onely, to •…•…ll the Refectory. S. Pachomius returned, and all the Monkes, be∣ing gone forth to meete with him, and to receyue him; one of the •…•…nnocents, began to say with a lowd voyce. Verily Father, since •…•…he tyme, that you went from hence, to this day, hath there beene •…•…o herbes boyled for vs. To whome the Saint answered, with a cheerfull countenance. Trouble not your selfe (my Sonne) for I will prouide for you. Entring then into the kitchin, and the Cooke being busy in knitting of rushes, he sayd to him, in this manner: Tell me Brother, how long since is it, that you boyled any her∣bes? It is now some two Monthes ago (answered he;) and be∣ing demaunded the reason, he alleadgeth, that scarce any of them had eate thereof, when they were before him, but only the youths: whereupon, he had a scruple to bestow so in vayne, both the la∣bour, and the cost: And to the end, this same might not be impu∣ted as Slouth vnto him, he had employed himself in the meane time with his fellowes, to worke the Mats. And how many haue you made of them, demaunded S. Pachomius? Some 500. answered he. Now bring them hither then to me (sayd the Father.) Which be∣ing brought, he caused them suddaynely to be all cast into the fi•…•…e: giuing cleerly to vnderstand by that act of his, and with the words he spake to that purpose, that as it is the proper office and prayse of the Superiour, to moderate and discerne: so from the subiect, is not required so much prudence, and circumspection, as a prompt exe∣cution, and perfect Obedience. To this example, the same also was not much vnlike, which followes in the next Chapter.

How two Stewards of S. Pachomius, were checked by him, for doing against Obedience. Chap. 13.

THere hapned so great a dearth of corne, as scarcely was any to be found, throughout all the Land of Egipt. Which S. Pachomius wel knowing, sent one of the Brothers, to make his prouision therof as much as an hundred peeces of gold, of a certaine coyne, was able

to procure him, being taken out of cōmon stock of the Labours of the Monastery. The Procuratour or Steward went his wayes ther with, into diuers forren parts, without finding the desired cōmerce, till lastly arriuing at the citty of Hermothen, it pleased our Lord, that he should meete by chaunce with an honest Gentleman, who had the whole corne of the countrey in his custody. This man, being required of the Monke, so much corne, as might amount to the said summe, answered: Truly Father, I haue not any of myne owne, but if I had, I would take it from my childrens mouthes, to spa•…•…e it for you, whose vertue, and holy life, hath now a good while since, beene notifyed to me. But harke you Father, I haue yet now the publique grayne vnder my charge, which hitherto the Magi∣strates haue not seemed to require at my hands, nor do I thinke, they will demaund it, till the new be gotten in. If you suppose by that tyme, you can restore it me agayne, do you take therof, as much as you please. When the Monke told him, how he durst not vnder∣take to returne it so soone; but if it seemed to him, that he might well dispose thereof, as he had said, he would willingly take a quā∣tity to the valew of the price aforesaid of a hundred peeces.

I shall not only afford you so much (replyed the Commissary) but euen likewise as much more, if it please you to accept the same. Do me but only the fauour the while to pray for me. Whereto the buyer made answere, that for the present, he had no more money to bestow. When the other very courteously affirmed, that it impor∣ted nothing, but he might take the grayne with a good will, and yeild him the price therof at his commodity, so liberall an offer see∣med now to the Monk, not fit to be refused. Wherefore he suddai∣nely freightes a great bark therwith of some thirteen Tun, so great indeed, as one half thereof, was not to be found else where in all those countryes therabout, & with great ioy went his wayes ther∣with to the Monastery, as thinking he had done some great peece of seruice to the whole company, and especially to S. Pachomius. But he was very much deceiued in his accompt.

Because the Saint had no sooner vnderstood of the arriuall of the barke, so laden, & knowne the manner how it came to be so freigh∣ted, but he sent a man to the wharfè in post, with expresse order, they should not vnlade any whit therof, saying: Let the Steward assuredly know, that not a gayne of that corne of his, shall seeme to enter into our howse; nor shall his person appeare before me, vntill

he haue satisfyed the errour committed, in so gouerning himselfe to •…•…e led with auarice, in taking the same vpon Credit, and abusing withall the goodnes of him, that sold him the corne. Now there∣•…•…re since he hath so exceeded the precepts giuen, let him go suddai∣•…•…ely to all these neighbour-places, and sell the same according to •…•…he price set him downe by the seller; and hauing carryed him the •…•…mme, let him buy according to the price, so much, and no more •…•…s he may haue with the money which he receiued of vs, for that •…•…ffect. Which being executed, and no more then fiue measures & a •…•…alf, conueyed to the house, the Monke was depriued of his Ste∣•…•…ard-ship, and restrayned in the Monastery. Nor had the Procura∣•…•…ur yet much better successe. Who was appointed to sell some of •…•…e labours of the Monkes, at a slinted rate how much he was to •…•…ke for them. He went then to the inhabitants with those mer∣•…•…handize, and finding them to amount to thrice so much, as he was prescribed to take, it seemed to him a folly to put them away •…•…or lesse, and so returned he his wayes home, with his purse fuller, •…•…hen was pretended. Which being vnderstood, S. Pachomius made •…•…im immediatly to returne into the Market, and to restore to the •…•…uyers, all that, which exceeded the rate set downe. Whereupon, •…•…e like wise being depriued of his office, was shut vp, and had a good pennance enioyned him. With thes demonstrations the Saint, •…•…t seemes, besides the purity which he required in Obedience, would •…•…ikewise manifest, how far off they are to be from all manner of •…•…ouetousnes, who seeme to manage the temporals affayres in Reli∣gion. But as this man of good; was an Enemy of tepidity, and of •…•…usillanimity; so on the other side, approued he not immoderate fer∣•…•…ours, which ordinarily succeed but ill, and such was the euent we shall presently tell you.

An Example of the indiscreet •…•…eale of a Monke of S. Pachomius; and the happy Life he led afterwards. Chap. 14.

A Person there was of a good disposition, rather then of any great reach, who after he had attended a while to a spirituall •…•…ife, of himselfe, came at last of his owne accord (as others did) to submit himselfe, to S. Pachomius; nor was it •…•…ere being prickt for∣ward with excessiue feruour, and youthfull heat, he began very ear∣nestly to instance the said holy Father to obteyne him from heauen,

some commodity, & occasion to spend his bloud, for the Catholik•…•… fayth. The world, at that tyme, was all in peace, and the Church of God enioyed an vnwonted tranquility, through the deuotion, & by the vertue of the most Christiā Emperour Constantine. In so much as the importunity of the Monke, besides his being too bold in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 certaine manner, came likewise to be vnreasonable, and foolish withall. S. Pachomius then answered him, that forbearing for the present to thinke of Martyrdome, he might do well to conuert his thoughts, to the taming of his Passions, & to combat with himselfe, alleadging that in a sort he was depriued of the glory of Martyrs, who perseuered to the end, in Cloysters, without reprehension.

But that other, not satisfyed heerewith: and renewing oft the same request, S. Pachomius at last said to him. Since you wil not ceas•…•… to prouoke me so, I will pray for this thy intention, and I hope I shal be heard. But thou on the other side, beware that cōming after∣wards to the Triall, insteed of confessing our Lord Christ, thou cō∣mest not to renounce him quite. Because in truth, thou dost bu•…•… delude thy selfe, so to tempt thy God, and thus to seeke, those pe∣rils, which our Maister and Sauiour himselfe, hath taught vs to shun. So sayd the expert Captayne: But neyther authority nor reasons, were of power to bridle the confidence, or to say better, the pre∣sumption of the Monke.

From hence, within two yeares after, it chaunced to S. Pachom•…•…, to send certayne Brothers to a place, not far from thence, to prouid•…•… some marish rushes for mats and cottages, and a litle after he sent the audacious Wretch thither also: & presaging, as it were, the encoun∣ter he was to meete withall on the way, vpon his departure adui∣sed him to stand vpon his guard; and in manner of an Enigma, ad∣ded those words of S. Paul: Ecce nunc tempus acceptabile, ecce nunc di•…•… salutis: nullam in aliquo demus offensionem, vt non vituperetur ministerium nostrum. These marishes where the Monkes were working, were scituate at the feete of certayne mountaynes, inhabited by sauage & barbarous people, and continually drowned in Paganisme: some of which, at that tyme being descended into the playne, to fetch water, found in those deserts, the poore Trauayler alone; when causing him to a light on a sudden, they bind his hands, and lead him together with his Asse into the Mountaine: at whose approch, the other Gentils, who as then were ready to offer their sacrifice, and had killed many beasts for that purpose, began with great

laughters to scorne him, saying: Come thy wayes hither, O Monke, and •…•…ore our Gods: and leading him before their Aultar, they forced him •…•…o do, as they did. At the first, he refused to do it, and shewed them •…•…ome resistance thereunto; but when the Pagans being angry, layd •…•…ands on their weapons, and that he saw the ponyard at his bosom, •…•…nd the swords which glittered round about him, being now for∣•…•…etfull, in an instant of al the stout purposes made, the poore wretch •…•…elded, and being terrifyed, stuck not to tast of the wyne & flesh dedicated to Diuels, being a thing which (as for the essentiall of I∣dolatry) was as much, as if he had offered incense with them.

Heereupon, being licenced to depart by that wicked people while on the way, he had leysure inough, to enter into himself, loo∣king back into the fowle enormous and impious cryme commit∣•…•…ed, the vnhappy wretch beganne to fill the ayre with laments & •…•…ighes, and to lay on most furiously on his cheekes with his fist, & to curse his temerity, which had brought him into those tearmes. With this disaster, & with vncertayne, and wandering paces, being now come home in this piteous plight, and beholding the sayd Pachomius to meet him on the way, who had the reuelation of the whole euent, falling downe prostrate on the Earth, and weeping a mayne, he cryed out alowd: I haue sinned before God, and you, holy Father, with following my owne will, and not obeying your counsayles. Then replyed S. Pachomius: Get vp, poore Wretch, thou hast indeed depriued thy selfe of the chiefest good. Assuredly, the crowne was already prepared for thee. Thou wast euen ready to en∣ter into the Catalogue of the glorious Martyrs of Christ, and thou willingly hast made thy selfe vnworthy of that blessed fellowship. Our Lord was prepared with his Angels, to haue enuironed thy head with an immortal Diademe, and thou hast renounced the Di∣uine Maiesty for a moment of life. And while thou fearedst the first death (which by no meanes shalt thou euer be able to auoyd) art thou fallen into the second, which shall neuer haue end. Where are the words now which thou vtteredst once? Where the enflamed desire of suffering? Where those so many, and so great promises made?

To this, the Wretch could not answere a word, nor open his mouth, any otherwise, then to detest his crime, and to confesse himselfe, wholy vnworthy of pardon; yea now was his afflicti∣on, passed so farre, as he held himselfe altogether vncapable of pen∣nance:

whereof S. Pachomius being suddaynely aware, least 〈◊〉〈◊〉 might cast himself head long into the gulfe of dispayre added: tho•…•… for thy part, hast not fayled to become the enemy of thy Creatour & Lord; yet neuertheles, so great is that diuine goodnes of his, as it i•…•… able to drowne in the Abysses all our sinnes whatsoeuer, so that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our part, we dispose our selues with true sorrow, and due con•…•…∣tion to be partakers of his mercies: wherefore be thou not dismai•…•… for yet is there left thee some hope of saluation, since the tree, though pruned, yet springs agayne. Go thy wayes then into thy Cell, & stay there recluded in watching, and making thy prayer, & bewayling bitterly thy great offence. For a whole day thou shalt eate nothing, after that, shalt thou feed of nought els but bread sal•…•… and water: & not to eate of other mens labours, thou shalt mak•…•… thy two matts a day; & if thou shalt perseuer in this manner during life, I trust in the merits of Christ, thou shalt not be excluded from the diuine Clemency.

From these words, it cannot be explicated, what comfor•…•… this poore soule felt. He shuts vp himself then sudēly, & redoubling the labours, fasts, and macerations of the body, gaue himselfe to satisfy what he ought, with all the power he was able. It is tru•…•… indeed, that for his spirituall help, it was permitted him by the holy Abbot, to go forth sometymes to comfort him with Theodore, & with some other Old men of the perfectest. And thus hauing perseue∣red for the space of ten yeares, being surprized at last by a most grie∣uous infirmity, he chaunged the temporall miseryes for the Eter∣nall felicity, as S. Pachomius was afterward certifyed from Heauen. With whome God was wont to communicate things very far off, and hidden, and by his meanes to worke other wonderfull effects: as by the following Examples, we shall see in some part.

A Woman cured of the bloudy Flux, with other Miracles wrought by S. Pa∣chomius. Chap. 15.

THere was in Tentiri, a woman that suffered an incurable flux of bloud: She hauing heard the renowne of S. Pachomius his sanctity, and not hauing the audacity to deale with such a Father, she instantly prayed the Bishop Dionysius, that vnder the pretext of some other busines of importance, he would procure him to come into

the Citty. Hauing called him then, & after prayer, being set downe •…•…n the Church with him, while there they were discoursing with •…•…ch other of diuine things, the woman by little and little stealing •…•…ehind them, touched his hood, with so much fayth, as she suddenly •…•…ecouered, and feeling her selfe to be wholy deliuered, did prostrate •…•…er selfe on the ground, giuing thankes to the diuine Mercy. S. Pa∣•…•…homius was aware of the practice had with him by the Bishop, & giuing his benediction to the woman without more ado, returned •…•…ack agayne to his Connent.

There hath beene already mention made of a certaine Monke, of great fame, whose name was Ionas, being the Gardiner of the Mo∣•…•…astery of Muchosa. Now S. Pachomius being gone to visit the same Monastery, at his entry thither, espyed some young Nouices, that •…•…ecretly had climbed vp a fig-tree, which was very high, for to ga∣•…•…her of the fruit, & to eate them without any leaue. When the Saint •…•…pproching nearer, perceiuing a deuil sitting on the top of the tree; •…•…he expert Phisitian of soules, knew it presently to be the vncleane •…•…pirit of Gluttony, the familiar enemy, & impostour of that greener •…•…ge; & calling for Ionas without delay, appointed him to cut downe •…•…hat tree, since it stood not well within the cloysters, and did afford •…•…ut matter of temptation to those, who were not yet so well roo∣•…•…ed in vertue. Ionas was sad thereat, and answered; Noe, for Gods sake Father, since euery yeare it brings vs forth no little fruite.

Then S. Pachomius not to seeme to disgust the good Old man (whose goodnes otherwise he well knew) held his peace. But the day after, behold, how the Tree was withered; so as there was •…•…eyther fruite, nor leafe, which was not dead thereupon: a thing so much more admirable, as the fig-tree of its nature, is more humid, •…•…nd more repugnant to aridity. Whereupon, Ionas comprehending •…•…he vertue, and heauenly grace of the Saint, was very sory, for not hauing obeyed him with all dexterity. On a day, as he was making an exhortation to his Monks, according to custome, he was suddai∣nely eleuated in spirit, and being a while in that manner, he after∣wards whispered in the eares of the vicar. Go your wayes into that next cell, and see what such a Monke is doing, since insteed of atten∣ding to the word of God, he lyes sleeping the while, exposed to the •…•…ares of the Enemy, who seekes nothing else, but to draw him into •…•…erdition, and the world. The vicar went thither, and found him •…•…ery drowzy indeed. And a little after, notwithstanding they adui∣ses

of the blessed Pachomius, though his negligence, the miser•…•… Wretch, forsooke the Religion.

Another, being now brought into the extremity of sicknesse i•…•… the Monaf•…•…ery of Cheneboscus, and desiring before he closed his ey•…•… to comfort himselfe with the sight of S. Pachomius, and to haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 holy Benediction; he sent to him, to beseech him that he would 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pleased to come vnto him. At the newes whereof, the amouro•…•… Father, very suddenly puts himselfe on the way thither, with so•…•… companions: and while with diligence they went walking toge∣ther, some two or three myles before their arriuall to the sayd place, S. Pachomius stopping on a sudden, stood looking vp into the Hea∣uens, and beheld the soule of the Brother, enuironed with Angel•…•… with a sweet harmony to mount vp into Paradise. In the mean•…•… while, the companions, not hearing the Musique, nor seeing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 triumphe, sayd to the Father, who had his eyes still fixed on the Stars: Why stayes your Paternity thus? let vs make hast to find the Brother aliue. Whereto he answered: Nay rather let vs hast to ar∣riue, whither he is now conducted, that is, to eternall beatitude. Whereupon they vnderstood, he had a Vision of the Saluation 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Soule, to represent it to them as well as he could. And dilig•…•… inquisition being afterwards made, it was found, the sayd sickm•…•… expired, euen iust at that houre, wherein S. Pachomius stood still i•…•… that manner.

S. Pachomius procures through prayer, the gift of tongues. He falleth si•…•…k, & appoints his Successour, and so dieth. Chap. 16.

SAint Pachomius on a tyme, visiting (as he was wont) his subiect•…•… to see how they carryed themselues, and to demaund particu∣lar accompt of profit, and conscience of euery one, found himsel•…•… to be much perplexed with a certaine straung Monke, of great repu∣tation: who being come from the parts of Rome, by how much 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was more skillfull in the Latin and Greeke tongues, so muc•…•… more raw and ignorant was he in the Egyptian tongue. In such 〈◊〉〈◊〉 S. Pachomius, not hauing other language, then his owne, it was im∣possible for him to declare himselfe to him, or to vnderstand hi•…•… well. To which was added another impediment, that the Rom•…•… Monke, being desirous to discouer to the holy Pastour, his ancie•…•… miseries, and to confesse his sinnes committed, would not admit 〈◊〉〈◊〉

other meanes, nor communicate his secrets to a third person. Wher∣upon S. Pachomius with great sorrow, seeing himselfe to be exclu∣ded from the meanes of being able to help that soule, causing the •…•…nterpreter to go his wayes, and hauing beckned to the Roman to expect a while; he retired himselfe into a place apart, and there •…•…tretching forth his hands to Heauen, made this deuout prayer.

Almighty Lord, if I through defect of language, be not able to help such men, as come vnto me from countryes so remote, to what purpose were it so send them hither? And if yet thou wouldst haue me to be an instrument of the saluation of others; Graunt, Lord, (to whome nothing is impossible) that I be not ignorant of that, which they would say vnto me. Hauing thus perseuered in this prayer, for full three howers continually together, with ex∣traordinary feruour; he espyed a sheete of paper, in a hand writ∣ten in forme of an Epistle, to fall from heauen. Which as soone as he read (a wonderfull thing) he suddenly felt within himselfe the gift of all Tongues: for which, giuing thankes to the diuine Good∣nes, he returned very cheerefull to the stranger, and began to talke to him in the Greeke and Latin tongues, with so much propriety and variey of words, as to the other, it seemed the Abbot in elo∣quence out stript all the learned men of the world. Hauing heard his confession then, and with holsome aduices enioyned him due penance, he proceeded to deale with the rest.

These, and the like demonstrations, which the diuine Maiesty gaue, from tyme to tyme, in fauour of S. Pachomius, especially ioy∣ned (as hath beene said) with a perpetual tenour of a most holy life, it cannot easely be explicated, how much reputation and reuerēce they won him, not with Religious only, but euen Seculars also. Through which meanes, this great Gardiner of Christ, after he had sent to the table of his Lord, many fruites very seasonable and ripe, himselfe also being called to the rewards of so great labours, fell sick; when perceiuing the deposition of his Tabernacle to draw neare, causing the Monks to be assembled together, & brought before him, with a louing and gratefull countenance, he said to them, in this sort: I, Brothers, now at last, am entring into the passage, which al the children of Eue are to make, and do feele, how our Lord now cals me to him. Do you then, reteyning in memory, the fatherly aduices, which I haue giuen you, endeauour to stand continually on the guard of your soules. Eschew all things, that may any wayes

coole fraternall charity in you, and bring in factions or discords a∣mongst you. Attending to the marke, which our Sauiour gaue vs to know his disciples withall, which truly is no other, then a mutu∣all loue, & sincere coniunction of mynds. Wherfore, I do exho•…•… you, aboue all things, to abhor the commerce, & dealing, not only with Meletius, and Arrius, but euen likewise with any other, who shall but step an inch from the Apostolicall Traditions, and from the holy vniuersall Church. And since I am to depart, as I haue said, endeauour you to choose in my place, a person, that may be a spiri∣tuall help vnto you, and conduct you at last, to the end you haue all proposed. To which enterprize I do see none more sufficient, them our most beloued Petronius.

This said, the brothers sent sudenly to the Monastery of Chen•…•…∣boscus, to call for him. And S. Pachomius in the meane tyme, compo∣sing his body, and recommending himselfe to our Lord with due preparations, very happily expired, betweene the armes, and sighe•…•… of his deere Congregation, on the 14. day of the month of May. As for the yeare, and other circumstances of tymes and places, there is no memory to be found. The sacred corps, with much veneration and solemne offices, was committed to the Sepulcher, & the blessed spirit, with singular feasting, receiued into the heauenly countrey, leauing on earth an exact modell of perfect exercitation to al those, who being aware of the false flatteryes of the flesh, of the vayne hopes of the world, and of the pernicious subtilityes of the deuill; aspire to the durable goods, & to the blessed vision of the most holy Trinity. To which be all glory & benediction, and yeilding of thāks for euer and euer.

Amen.

FINIS.