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. THEODOSIVS ABBOT.

The Parents, Country; and Education of S. Theodosi•…•…: His Vocation, and how he met with Stelites. With his a•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 af∣terwards at Hierusalem. Chap. I.

THE great Father and Maister of Monks S. •…•…∣dosius, was one of the number of those, who not receiuing from their Natiue Countrey, eyther splendour or renowne, haue yet through 〈◊〉〈◊〉 proper actions, and eminent vertues, enobled the same. The blessed Mān, was borne in M•…•…∣assus of Cappadocia, a place obscure, and vnknown before, but after by so happy a pla•…•…t, deseruedly famous and illustri∣ous. His Parents were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & •…•…gia, both Christians, & accor∣ding to the quality of the land there, very honourable, & wealthy. By these, the Child being nurtured with great care, both in the feare of God, and in some knowledge of good literature; assoone as he arriued to yeares of discretion, (as he was among other his gifts, of a prompt and ready wit, and of a cleare voyce, and distinct pro•…•…∣ciation) he was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to recite the •…•…ine scriptures to the people as∣sembled in the Temple, on determinate dayes. In which exercise,

while many examples, & precepts of sanc•…•…y, were presented 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him; and while he notes in the old Testa•…•…nt, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 obedien•…•… of Abraham, in going forth of his Country; and •…•…ing h•…•… only begotten sonne; and in the sacred Ghospell considers the rewards proposed to such as leaue their Parēets, or goods for the loue of God; •…•…his doctrine anon •…•…unck very deepe into the hart of the pr•…•…dent youth: so as now generously contemning the delights of that age, & reiecting with a sterne brow, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 flatteryes of the Sens•…•…, he determined to walke by the narrow, and vnbeaten way, vnto the glorious confines of the true Beatitude.

To which effect, knowing what need there was of the celesti∣all grace, to obtayne it more easily, and in greater aboundance; the first thing he did, was, that recommending himselfe to God, he ap∣plyed his thoughts, vnto the pilgrimage 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Palestine, to see & ador•…•… the Land, so dyed with the bloud, and printed with the steps of our Sauiour; and through the liuely memory of his cruell torments, to gather from thence aboundant fruite of spirit, and perseuerance. Such in summe, was the Vocation of S. Thedosius, while the Coun∣cell of Calcedon was then assembling. And forasmuch, as at that time, the same of Simeon Stelites the Greater, was very illustrious, who •…•…eare vnto Antioch; standing day and night on the top of a pilla•…•…, wholy exposed to the iniury of the elements, to the great admira∣tion of the world, performed very sha•…•…pe pennance; it seemed good to the deuout Pilgrime to go that way, to take thereby the bene∣diction and spirituall precepts of so worthy, and admirable a perso∣nage. T•…•…yling th•…•… towards the same: Countrey, he no sooner approched to that strange habitation, but that before he opened his mouth, he heard himselfe with a lowd voyce to be called vpon, and saluted by the holy old man, by his proper name; who hauing •…•…otice from Heauen of the quality and intention of this new. Tra∣•…•…aylour, th•…•… began to cry out a•…•… the first sight of him: Thou art well∣come, Thou man of God, O Theodosius. At which very sound, the fresh Disciple of the eternall Wisedome, being stooke with 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as it were, and prostrating himselfe on the ground, most humbly saluted him agayne, and then recollecting himselfe from the feare he was in, and with a set ladder getting vp the Pillar; he was not only most deerely imbraced by Simeon but also fully certifyed of all his foture euents and aduentures, of the numerous ra•…•…nall stocke, which in processe of tyme, he was to assemble togeather, and to

seed, and of the great multitude of soules, which he through 〈◊〉〈◊〉 help, was in time to take forth of the iawes of the internall 〈◊〉〈◊〉; & as much also in summe, as in the whole course of his present 〈◊〉〈◊〉, through diuine disposition, were like to betyde him.

To this prophesy were adioyned counsayles, and exhortation•…•… full of wisedome and truth; where with S. Theodosius being much comforted, very cheerfully proceeded in his way, and safely 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at Hierusalem, while the Blessed Inuenall did gouerne that Me•…•… Heere hauing visited with great cōsolation those most holy place, he began to thinke with himselfe, what manner of life, he might choose to discharge himselfe of all terrene affects, and to be vnited more easily with the eternall goodnes. A consultation by how much more necessary, so much the more dubious and perplexed it was vnto him, as appeares in the Chapter following.

The conflict S. Theodosius had in himselfe about his vocation; with his resolution thereupon. And how searing Prelacy, he flyes into a Caue. Chap. 2.

THeodosius heereupon, on the one side, felt himselfe to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with a vehement desire vnto solitude; while to him it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that therein, without al impediment, he might giue himselfe wholy to Prayer; and on the other he was not ignorant, how dangero•…•… it was, with a mind not fully purged, to depriue ones selfe of all human direction, and succour: since that in the desart, the di•…•…∣nate passions, like fire raked vp in the ashes, or as wild beasts in the woods, do lurke, & awayt occasion, to wreake their natiue cruel∣ty: Whereas amidst human Society, they being discouered through dayly encounters, and thrust out of their dens, are more ea•…•…ly de∣stroyed; insomuch, as the Soule victorious of it selfe, and dissolued from the bands of corrupt nature, mounts vp very lightly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 high thoughts, and to the free contemplation of celestiall things. The•…•… and other such like reasons, on the one and other side, this new Phi∣losopher puts into the ballance, and hauing poysed them ma•…•…∣rely, in the diuine sight, at last takes himselfe to the securer side, with resolution to become, not a Doctour before a Scholler, & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 enter on the stage, before he had learned the art of fencing. So as being 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, that in Dauids Tower (a place so called in th•…•… parts) was an old souldiour of Christliuing, by name Longinus, grow∣ing

into friendship with him, he easily obteyned to be admitted •…•…to his howse, to be guided and instructed by him, in all, and •…•…oughout. Whereunto he disposed himselfe, with so great submis∣•…•…n of the vnderstanding, and with so much seruour of the will, as •…•…at through meanes of the dayly exercise of vertues, and diligent •…•…struction of the Maister, with the noble strife of his fellow-pupils, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 became very sudenly perfect in the rules of profitably taming the •…•…esh, of knowing and readily discerning of spirits, of restrayning with a hard hand the motions of pride; and finally to walke in the •…•…resence of God, with perpetuall recollection of the bodily senses, •…•…nd of the powers of the soule.

S. Theodosius in this wise, hauing made, in monasticall profession, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 notable a conquest of himselfe, as in the iudgement of all, he •…•…ight well be a Guide, and Maister to others; notwithstanding see∣•…•…ed to himselfe only, to be still, but as it were, in the beginning. He had perseuered yet more yeares in the same schoole, if an impe∣•…•…iment had not happened, which heere we shall speake of. A cer∣•…•…ine pious, and honourable Matron, by name Iulia, hauing at her •…•…ost built a magnificent Temple, to the honour of the Queene of An∣gels, not farre off from the habitatiō of Longinus, obtayned with great •…•…stance of him, that he would appoint Theodosius by name, to the •…•…ustody of that sacred place, while things were preparing about the •…•…ll exercise of Religion, with the choyce of Quiristers, & Clerks, & of all things els belonging to the splendour of diuine seruice ther∣•…•…. Theodosius was but vnwillingly drawne from his deere conuer∣•…•…tion, and going thereupon to the said Church, remayned there vn∣till such tyme, as he thought he might well stay there without •…•…rill; but in processe of tyme, being aware how busines went, a∣•…•…out preferring him to the formall Rectorship of that Colledge, he •…•…ayed not till the matter might be concluded, when he could not •…•…e able to make resistance; but in imitation of the Sauiour of the World, who in the like occasion, preuented before hand the in∣clinatiō of the people, he fled away secretly vnto the top of a moū∣•…•…ayne, and got himselfe into a great caue, where by ancient Tra∣dition, it is held the three Magi had lodged, when as they, hauing •…•…dored the King of Heauen, and illuded that King of the Earth, they returned from Iudea, into their country by stealth.

Heere now, S. Theodosius being quite rid of all disturbance, be∣gan that manner of life, which a good while since he had designed;

where Prayer, and Psalmes, with order and deuotion seemed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hold their turns; the vigils often endured throughout the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 night, and the eyes were become aperpetuall fountaine of 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 the habit, which was a grosse, and course Cassocke, his food 〈◊〉〈◊〉 very well, as being the rootes of hearbes, windfall acorns, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of palmes, some pulse; or when these fayled, the shells of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 soaked in water. In this manner, the seruant of God, spent 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dayes, with so much the more consolation, as he was further 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ued from al testimony of men, that might put him into vayne glory and consequently diminish a good part of the merit. With this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rinesse, concealed he himselfe to his power. But the diuine clem•…•… enclining alwayes to the vniuersall good, could not brooke so great a light, should be shut vp, & enclosed so in that horrid rock. Where assoone as some ray had appeared in those countryes thereabo•…•… there wanted not Louers of the chiefest good, & contemners of the world to shew themselues; who to be guided securely to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 proposed, with all affection, craued to be admitted, and to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the instruction of S. Theodosius. To whome, though he to mainta•…•… himselfe in his secret intention, would willingly haue giuen a con∣stant repulse; yet remembring himselfe, of the prophesy of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Stelites, & weighing the great seruice, which is done to the highest wisedome, in cooperating with it, to the saluation of soules; after 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had excused himselfe, to those suiters some while, at last he per•…•…∣ted himselfe to be vanquished, & won, to accept them for his disci∣pline, with reteyning alwayes in himselfe the interiour humility 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before, and a vigilant care of himselfe.

Two notable signes of the Prouidence of God, towards his Seruants in their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ter necessities, through the prayers and merits of Saint Theodosius, Chap. 4.

IT followed hence, that S. Theodosius, shewing himselfe such a •…•…∣uely mirrour of all laudable actions, increased day by day the co∣ceipt was had of the sanctity of the Superiour, being a thing of ine∣stimable moment for the quietnes, cheerfullnes, and incitement of the subiects. And God cherished this opinion of others with •…•…∣uaylous signes now and then. Among which was one, that the Feast of Easter being come, & the Monkes hauing a desire to keep that day sacred, and also very festiuall, with some recreation of the

body and spirit; there was in that Hermitage, no •…•…yle or bread, or •…•…ny manner of food, to be had, for the purpose of such a Solem∣nity. Whereupon being sad and disconsolate, they stood, as it were, •…•…eflecting thereon and exaggerating their great misfortune. Theo∣dosius heerwith, notes their countenances to be changed, and vnder∣standing the occasion of their sadnes, commaunds on the Saturday ouer night, that an Aultar should be set vp, and some forme of a Re∣•…•…ectory be put in order for the next day. Which thing, seeming ve∣ry absurd to those, who knew the want there was of all manner of •…•…ictuals: Do you make ready notwithstanding, sayd Theodosius, what I bid to be done, and for the rest, take you no care. He that flourished so many thousands of Israelites in the desart, and after sa∣tisfyed fiue thousand persons, with fiue loaues of bread, will surely likewise haue compassion of vs, being now no lesse prouident, nor •…•…whit lesse potent, then he was.

The venerable Father, had fearce made an end to speake, when behold, two Mules appeared, well loaden with all those nourish∣ments, which were fit for the present solemnity, and monasticall professiō. Whereat they yeilding endles thankes to the diuine mercy and acknowledging the truth of the promisses, and efficacy of the prayers of the Saint, the sacrifice being finished the next morning, and the prouision disposed in order, they all very cheerefully re∣freshed themselues, in eyther kinds. And after some tyme, that poore family, falling into streights agayne, and euen ready to murmur •…•…hereat, not so firme and assured of the former succour, as deiected and oppressed with the present necessity; S. Theodosius encouraged them the while, with saying among other things: Who euer trusted in our Lord, and hath beene abandoned by him? Who hath euer faythfully depended on him, & hath not beene comforted? Let Ie∣remy the Prophet answere for me: he hath replenished 〈◊〉〈◊〉 soule, that was a hungry. Let Iob, and Dauid answere likewise: He prepares •…•…ood for the crowes, and their yong ones. So as •…•…ence we may le∣arne at last, how much the diuine Prouidence, excells any human •…•…ndustry, which euen of set purpose many tymes, lets things be brought to extremes, that the remedy may proue more gratefull, and be held more worthy of acknowledgement. And we plainely 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the while, euen in this life also, how largely he required all those things, which for his sake, we haue left in the world.

In this manner, went S. Theodosius, comforting those saynt

minds; when it pleased God, that a rich distributer of almes, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 along those craggy mountaines, to relieue certayne others in neces∣sity, as soone as he approached to the side of S. Theodosius his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, perceiued on a sudden, his beast first of all to stand still, and th•…•… after to bend very violently that way; whereat the rider merueyling much, who as yet had no notice of the retirement of S. Theodo•…•…, after he had a good while beene spurring and kicking the beast on∣wards in vayne, at last resolues to let the reynes go loose, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 see whither the secret instinct would seeme to lead him: and the beast therupō went directly to the vnknown caue, where the good man perceiuing with his owne eyes, the distresses of those religious there, did blesse the diuine Maiesty for the occasion affoarded him, to merit so, and redoubling the almes he intended to haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto others, he left those soules, though feeble otherwise, & vnex∣pert Nouices, so prouided and contented withall, as they had and occasion, to rely euer after on the heauenly protection, & ne•…•… more to make any doubt thereof.

The number of S. Theodosius his disciples increaseth. He builds a 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Conuent, according to the miraculous direction of God. Chap. 4

IN the meane tyme, with the •…•…ame of S. Theodosius increased the number of his Disciples, and Conuictours; insomuch as now th•…•… first habitation not sufficing, with all the cottages adioyning ther∣unto; it was needfull for him, to apply himselfe to a formall buil∣ding, that were capable of an extraordinary multitude; nor was it any difficult matter for him, to take such an enterprize in hand, while the wealthy and deuout persons of all those countryes thera∣bout, so readily concurred thereunto. He stood yet a good while 〈◊〉〈◊〉 suspence, abou•…•… the election of the seate therof: in which consulta∣tion, hauing more then once considered many places, both 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and further off, he finally resolued to be certifyed of the best, and more gratefull to God, in the manner following▪

He tooke then a Thurible in his hand, full of •…•…oles, and put∣ting incense thereon, but without any fire, went his wayes through all the desart, deuoutly singing of prayers very apt for the purpose as these: O God, who by the meanes of many, and stupendio•…•… proofes, perswadedst Moyses, to take the gouernment of the Israel•…•… in hand, and with them likewise, with affects aboue nature, pro∣•…•…uredst

him credit, who changedst the rod into a serpent, the sound •…•…to a leprous hand▪ and in a moment restoredst the same from le∣•…•…rous, as cleane and sound as euer; who conuertedst water into •…•…loud, and the bloud agayne into water. Thou who with shew∣•…•…ng the fleece, madst Gedeon secure of the victory. Thou who hast •…•…ramed all things, and still conseruest the same. Thou who decla∣•…•…edst to Ezechias, with Sunne-dyall reuerst, the addition of his yea∣•…•…es. Thou who at the prayer of Elias, for the conuersion of Idola∣•…•…ours, didst send downe fire from Heauen, which in a moment, •…•…onsumed both the victime, the moist wood, and the water there∣•…•…bout, togeather with the stones of the Aultar themselues. Thou I •…•…ay say, O Lord, who art now the same thou wast then; heare •…•…e also, thy poore Seruant, and vouchsafe to intimate to me, where it pleaseth thee, I should now erect a Temple to thy diuine Maiesty, and a dwelling for my children. And I shall vnderstand that plot, to like thee best, where thou shalt cause these coles to en∣kindle of themselues.

With these inuocations, went he circling about all those moun∣•…•…aynes, no•…•… euer left, till he arriued at Cu•…•…illa, and the bankes of the •…•…ake Assaltite. But seeing the coales in the Thurible to be yet cold, •…•…nd dead, laying the default on his demerits, he returned against his will; when not farre from the Caue, he suddenly sees a smoke to •…•…ise vp from the coles, through diuine power, as it were, enkind∣•…•…ed of themselues. Wherewith, being fully satisfyed of the diuine will, while the large contributions of the faythfull fayled him not; first of all, he began to erect a Church, with diuers Chappells, & Quires, distinguished in such sort, as without hindering one ano∣ther, the sacred Offices, might there be sung at the same tyme, in •…•…undry languages, by seuerall nations. Whence it was afterwards, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thing of great consolation to heare Psalmes, and Hymmes sunge •…•…t once with order, and sweetnes, by Palestines, Bess•…•…ans, Greeks, and •…•…rmenians.

The house of God being finished, he passed to that of Men, with such distinction, and so much scope and amplenes, as that the first Cloyster was for the vse of the Monkes, with all the Offices re∣quisi•…•…e, and with a partition, which is called in the Greeke tongue, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, for the commodity of such, as being toyled out with •…•…abours, and worne with yeares, were not able, to wield themsel∣•…•…es, or keep them to the obseruance of the order. Next to the same,

the Ghestory, or roomes for secular strangers; yet deuided into two parts, the one for persons of quality, the other for the 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉. Then followed the Hospitall of the poore, and sicke of euery 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and in the last the lodgings of persons possessed with spirits. Because that among other workes of mercy, S. Theodosius gaue himself, with particular diligence most benignly to receiue a number of Her•…•… who without first purging their soule with due remedies, through false apparence of good, and proud presumption of their owne knowledge, hiding themselues, some in this & some in that ca•…•…; were thereby, through the iust iudgement of God, most miserably abused and oppressed by the Diuell. To these, besids corporall su•…•…∣stenance, he would also giue wholesome aduises, and seeke to take away the false opinions from their mynds: and a good part of th•…•… tyme, which they had free from torments, he would cause them to spend in prayers, and psalmes. He would enter moreouer by day & night into the sickmens chambers; and with particular tendernes, comfort the lame, the wounded, and leaprous, feeding them with his owne hands, washing the stincking and noysome vlcers now of this, and then of that man, and lastly with frequent kisses, and amourous armes, be deerly imbracing them.

The great Hospitality of S. Theodosius in the tyme of a Dearth, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 God concurred therwithall: with his great zeale for the Catholike Church▪ Chap. 5.

AT the same of so great charity of S. Theodosius, were a great 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of persons of all qualityes, assembled together at the said place, to all which, with much patience, and with very good or∣der, was both diet, and lodging affoarded: and it would fall out now, and then, especially at some principall Feasts of the Mot•…•… of God, that at diuers houres of the day, they were fayne to furnish 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hundred tables. And there happening afterwards an vniuersal dea•…•… almost through all the prouinces of the East, there came such a mul∣titude to that noble Monastery, as that the Officers, fearing some disorder, resolued to keep them out of the Cloysters, and with exist measure to deale them victuals by weight. The which, as soone •…•…t S. Theodosius once vnderstood; confiding now more then euer in the diuine Goodnes causing the gates to be set open, in the sight of all most cheerefully admitted the presse of people; and in vertue of his

firme fayth, and enflamed prayers, the prou•…•…on in creased of it selfe in the Cellars and Pantryes, in such sort, as that all being satisfied at table, there was plenty inough yet left for such as wayted.

Among which occupations of theirs, by how much fuller of distractions, they are of themselues, so much the more vigilantly watched the good Pastour for the spirituall conseruation, and the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 piety of his Monks, endeauouring by all meanes, that at certaine houres, they might be recollected in necessary meditation of vertues, and of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 acknowledgment of their owne defects; and to the end, the ordinary meanes vnto purity of hart, might not turne into ceremonyes, and their frequent victoryes oc∣•…•…asion security, (to which perils, religious are commonly exposed) •…•…esides his owne example, as we sayd, with workes, he would likewise excite the Family frō tyme to tyme, with enflamed words, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thus: I beseech you, would he say, my brothers, by that Lord who •…•…ath giuen himselfe for our sinnes, let vs once apply our selues in earnest, and truly indeed, to the care of our soules. Let vs bitterly bewayle our dayes vnprofitably spent, and endeauour not to loose those same which remayne. Let vs not suffer our selues to be slou∣•…•…full in sensuality; nor the occasions of this present day escape out of our hands, through the foolish hopes of the morrow, least death surprizing vs voyd of merits with the foolish virgins, we come to •…•…e excluded from the blessed nuptials, whence we shall afterwards bewayle, when it will be too late to repent. Behold now is the •…•…cceptable tyme, behold the day of saluation. This is the course of •…•…abours, that same shall be the ioy of rewards. This the sowing of teares, and that the fruite of consolation. For the present, God is very fauourable to such as conuert themselues to him: then shall •…•…e be a terrible Iudge, and a strict examiner of ech worke, word, & •…•…hought of ours. We now do enioy his Longanimity, then shall we experience his Iustice, when we come to arise agayne, some to e∣•…•…ernall felicity, and others to the qualityes, and deme•…•…nours of ech one. How long then shal it be, ere were fully obey the counsayls of Christ, who with so especiall a vocation inuites vs to the hea∣uenly kingdome? Shall we not awake from the sleepe of slouthful∣nes? Shall we not rayse our selues from base•…•… thoughts, to Euangeli∣•…•…all perfection? And yet, forsooth, we professe to aspire to the coū∣•…•…ry of the blessed, and on the other side, we 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the meanes that •…•…ades vs to it. And surely this is a great vanity of ours, that flying

the labours of the warfare, we should promise to our selues 〈◊〉〈◊〉 crownes of the victory.

With such like reasons, S. Theodosius awaked his subiects, and confirmed them, as need required, not only with ancient and mo∣derne examples, but also with diuers authorityes of the sacred w•…•… explayning the difficult places thereof, with such clarity, and im∣pressing them strongly with such an energy withal, as the Audi•…•… remayned therewith much illumined in the vnderstanding, & en∣flamed in the will. He was more ouer exceedingly versed in the a•…•…∣cient Traditions, and in the Orthodox, and sincere doctrine of the Fathers, and especially of the Great Basil, whose writings, & princi∣pally those of monastical constitutions, he held in great veneration▪ Nor was this great zeale of his, restrained a whit within the boun•…•… of that house, or among the inhabitants of that Prouince only; b•…•… nobly dilated it selfe vnto the common benefit of the Catholique Church, and to the conseruation of the right fayth, against the sub∣tilityes, and lewd machinations of perfidious people, ambitious, & friends of nouelty, as appeares in the chapter following.

The ancient Heresies arising, are maynly resisted by S. Theodosius; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that cause he is banished by the Emperour: who dying shortly after, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Church flourished agayne. Chap. 6.

THere arose agayne in those dayes, through the secret iudge•…•… of God, reuiued by diuers Sectaries, worthily called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the pestiferous opinions of Nestorius, Eutiches, Dioscoru•…•…, and Seu•…•… already condemned by foure Generall Councels, the Nicen, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cōstantinople, & Calcedon; and among the other multitude, was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Emperour Anastasius very miserably seduced by them, insomuch as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 laboured to amplify his Sect, by all meanes possible. But the pr•…•…∣cipall assault he vsed, was to gayne the holyer Prelates to him, o•…•… to take them away, by disquietting, and assayling now this, now that, by himselfe and his Ministers; now with prayers, and th•…•… with perswasions, now with monyes and titles, and then wi•…•… menaces, depressions, and banishments.

In this manner, hauing tempted, and preuayled with diuers, he finally resolued to s•…•…t vpon S. Theodosius, as seeming to himselfe▪ that he should make a great conquest, if he could but reduce an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of so great a •…•…ame, and reputation vnto his part. To this in•…•…

by men for the purpose, he sent him letters, full of feygned friend∣ship, peruerse counsayles, and deep malice, and for the greater ef∣ficacy, vnder the shew of piety, adioyned therunto a rich present, of thirty pounds of gold, for the holy man to bestow at his pleasure in workes of mercy. With this deuise the Emperour thought to bat∣ter the fortresse of S. Theodosius; but he found himself to be much de∣ceyued of his presumption. For the Seruant of Christ indeed, accep∣ted the gift, and faythfully shared it amongst the poore; but for the particular of Religion, most freely answered the Emperour, and his Messengers, that he would please not to enter into such practise with him, since he was fully resolued to loose not one life only, but a hundred liues, rather then once to mooue an inch from the do∣ctrine of the vniuersall Church, and from the articles, and Decrees of the Sacred Councells.

To this effect was the answere of the glorious Abbot: which made such impression in the Emperour at first, as he being touched therewith, and acknowledging the errour, returned him fresh letters agayne, protesting those motions and troubles, wherein the Christians were then embroyled, were not caused, or occasioned by him, but through the pride, and vnquiet nature of some Priests, from whome particularly he should rather haue expected all care, to maintayne the people of God in peace, and concord. Wherefore now the more earnestly, he exhorted the Blessed Father, to continue still in his good purposes, and to renforce, togeather with the o∣ther Monks, the vsuall prayers for the quiet of the common wealth. Such demonstrations as these, for that time Anastasius shewed being of a better mynd; but (as he was of a nature exceeding vnconstant and mutable) it was not long ere that suffering himselfe ••o be •…•…r∣ned agayne, and deceyued through perfdious Couns••ilours, he en∣tred into rage more then euer. And besides the placing in diuers Coūtryes of false ministers of the Ghospell; he sent withall, a great company of Souldiours, to hinder by force and Preachings, Con∣sults, and assemblies of the maintayners, and fauourers of the truth. Which commaund was immediately put into execution.

But S. Theodosius for all this, ceased not to prosecute his generous actions: but rather with redoubled feruour hauing made choyce of exemplar, learned, and zealous labourers, began with them to •…•…it and make his progresse through the villages, astles, and Cit∣tyes thereabout, and to present with fit antidotes, and holsome me∣decins,

the hellish poyson of heresy; in catechi•…•…ing the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 reclayming the strayed, encouraging the wauering, confirming 〈◊〉〈◊〉 stable: and in summe, not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 slowing any meanes, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the help of 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and to the glory of Christ, wherby 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 he came to promote things so farre, as that notwithstanding 〈◊〉〈◊〉 frownes of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 souldiours, and subtilityes of the aduersary, moun∣ting the pulpit, with a most extraordinary concourse of people, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 publiquely declared, all those to be excommunicated, who depar∣ted from the authority, and constitution•…•… of the foresayd 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 nerall Councels. Which as soone as Anastasius the E•…•…perour hea•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 forgetting quite the veneration he had shewed before to the persō 〈◊〉〈◊〉 S. Theodosius, and together without conscience, hauing wholy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all shame, without •…•…spect disgracefully 〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉 stery, and condemned him, with opprobrious and ini•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to perpetuall banishment. Which notwithstanding, through diuine Goodnes, continued not long. For that the Emperour, within a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 months, being with a heauenly mace sommoned before that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bunall which cannot erre, •…•…ad for his Successour the famous 〈◊〉〈◊〉 through whose valour •…•…nd prudence •…•…he clouds of 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 dispe•…•…d, the furi•…•…s 〈◊〉〈◊〉 o•…•… •…•…cutions ceased, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tranquility returned to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Christ againe.

S. Theodosius being returned agayne to his Charge, cured a woman of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Canker. And works other myracles besides. Chap. 7.

NOw S. Theodosi•…•…s, with the i•…•…y and •…•…ubiley of al the •…•…ay 〈◊〉〈◊〉, being remitted agayne into his former) ch•…•…rge, be tooke him∣selfe with fresh courage to his wonted exercises; the which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 acceptable and gratefull they were to the diuine Maiesty, besi•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 aforesaid signes, may likewise appeare by the merueilous th•…•… that follow. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the holy Crosse, was kept 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there, in a •…•…ayne Temple built by Constan•…•… for that purpose, i•…•… those countryes. And to this Solemnity went S. Theodosiu•…•… wi•…•… many of his Monks. Wherof a certaine woman hauing got some •…•…∣tice, that had beene cruelly tormented a long while with a ho•…•…i∣ble canker in one of her breasts, and who had proued diuers med•…•…∣cins in vayne; resolued at last vpon diuine remedyes, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bring her selfe of the generous resolution of that famous▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with like •…•…ayth & greatnes of courage, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 entered into the Church

while the Office was celebrated. And being she•…•… the Man of •…•…od (whome she knew not by •…•…ace) with •…•…ealing paces, & with∣•…•… noyse, approached behind him, and dexterously applying the •…•…greiued part, to the •…•…ood of the Saint, most certayne i•…•… is at the first •…•…uch of the sacred cloth, all payne on a sudden abādoned the breast •…•…nd left no scarre of the vlcer.

This sudden, and so perfect a cur•…•…, to the great glory of God, •…•…as proclamed through the East. Besides which, that other which •…•…cceeded in his returne from Bethle•…•…, gaue great matter of ac∣•…•…nowledging, and praysing the diuine power in the person of S. •…•…eodosius; when as he being lodged in the Conuent of the Abbot •…•…artian, caused through this benediction, from one sole grayne of •…•…orne, in a few houres, so great a quātity to be multiplied, as that •…•…e granary being not able to hold the same, in the sight of all men, •…•…e corne brake forth at the doore.

Elswhere agayne, a child being fallen into a deep well, through •…•…he same intercession, being held past all human succour, in the •…•…sence of many, to the inestimable ioy of the afflicted and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mother, came forth agayne, very safe and •…•…ound. Through 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…me of these, and other such like meruaylous things, a certaine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the East, whose name was 〈◊〉〈◊〉, being to pass•…•… with his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, agaynst the Persians, first visiting the holy Citty of Hierusalem; •…•…payred also to the Monastery of S. Thedosius, by whome being ex∣•…•…ted, with liuely reasons, not to place his hopes of the Victory, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the multitude, or fo•…•…ce of his souldio•…•…s, but in the ayde of him▪ who as well can worke won•…•…rs with 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, as with infinite 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he became so enflamed with the admonitions, & māner of •…•…he •…•…lessed Man; as that to enter into battaile, he esteemed he could not •…•…ake vse of armour of better proofe, then of the Cilice that S. Theo∣•…•…s was wont to weare on his naked ski•…•…. Wherewith, being ar∣med, together with the benediction of the sayd Father, going his wayes, with his army, towards the enemy, he came very sudden∣•…•…y to handy blowes, and that with so much the greater confidence; •…•…s he had besides the foresayd coate of male, the person of S. Theo∣•…•…osius also euer in his eyes; who in the heate of the battayle, with •…•…ointing, and signes of the hand, went sh•…•…wing him still, what 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to enforce, what aduantages to take, where the ensignes should 〈◊〉〈◊〉 aduanced, and where couragiously he should spur his horse. By which apparition, the deu•…•… Champion, being greatly encoura∣ged

on euery side where he seemed but to cast his eyes, as that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Pagans to flight, and terrour; it was not long, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…e re∣turned backefull of ioy and glory, to giue S. Theodosius a distinct ac∣compt of all that dayes worke, with immortall thankes.

Many other apparitions, are recompted of this diuine Man, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 heertofore of S. Nicolas. By meanes wherof, heere one at sea very happily escapes out of cruell tempe•…•…s; and heere another in the land from sauage beasts; and some from this perill, and some from that: There are likewise told diuers predictions of his▪ whence 〈◊〉〈◊〉 appeares, how eminent he was in the spirit of Prophesy. But setting apart such like graces, being common with men, sometymes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no good life, my pen more willingly conuerts it selfe, to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 discourse of his religious Vertue.

The Humility, and Patience of the Man of God, especially in his extremity 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sicknes. And how sweetly he gaue vp the Ghost. Chap. 8.

AMong the vertues of this Venerable man, the sollicitude 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had of manteyning continuall peace, and true concord be∣tween his Subiects, not deserued the least place. And this •…•…are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his, so boyled in his breast, as that when any of them, by so•…•… accident had broken any friendship betweene them, if by no other meanes, he could not peece, and reunite them agayne, he would not stick to cast himselfe downe at their fee•…•…e, and to pray and con∣iure ech part so long, as that being mollifyed with tendernes, and confounded with shame, deposing all rancour, they became recon∣ciled to ech other. From whence, may likewise be gathered, how great was the humility of the holy man, most worthy of admiratiō, were it only for this, that by such acts he lost no reputation, but rather how much greater contempt he shewed of himselfe, he wa•…•… so much the more esteemed, and reuerenced by othes.

With this submission of his, was the vertue of Patience seene 〈◊〉〈◊〉 march hand in hand with him, being a safe buckler, and secure 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the souldiours of Christ, against the hoat and furious assaul•…•… of the ancient aduersary. Of which kind of aimes, how 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Man of God would be helping himselfe, he notably 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in his extreme age. Because, that being oppressed, through•…•… most grieuous infirmity, which made him more then a yeare to keep his bed, with most sharpe dolours; yet for all that, he fayled not of

his in ward peace, nor yet for s•…•…ew his accustomed prayer, and fami∣liarity with God. And they affirmed who assisted him day & night, •…•…hat in the greatest extremity of all, and fury of his fits, he did no∣thing, or sayd any word vn worthy of Christian magnanimity, or of his former behauiour.

But euen rather the said assistants auerre: That a certaine vene∣rable old man, being come to visit him, and through compassion, bidding him pray to God, to deliuer him of so great affliction, and he should easily be heard; with no pleasing countenance, contrary •…•…o custome, he answered thus: Of charity, Father, speake not to me •…•…ny more in this manner, for as often as such thoughts haue come •…•…nto my mind, I euer held them, as suggestions of the enemy, & with all endeauour haue expelled them from me, discoursing in this manner with my selfe; that to abate the pride that may arise in me from the credit, which God hath plesed to giue me on earth, these •…•…gonyes, and humiliations are to very good purpose. And what share, trow you, are we like to haue in the consolations of the E∣•…•…ernity, if in this short space, or rather moment of tyme, we suffer •…•…ot some manner of affliction? In truth, Father, we needs must re∣solue to suffer at this present, if we would not worthily be vp∣•…•…rayded with these words herafter, Recepisti bona tua in vita tua. Thus S. Theodosius spake: and the Monke admiring, and touched withal, went his wayes.

In the meane tyme, the Man of God, feeling himselfe to decay more and more, & calling at last his sad disciples to his Cell, with his owne and their great feeling, he exhorted them to perseuere in their vocation, and stoutly to resist all temptations; and aboue all, to maynteyne faythfull and prompt Obedience, to whome soeuer with lawful election should come to succed him in the gouerment. Moreouer, very humbly calling for three of the Bishops of those countryes, and communicating with them, some things of impor∣tance for the publique seruice; in the presence of them, and of all the Monkes in teares, he alone being ioyfull, and glad, hauing with diligence procured already all things necessary for such a presage, did lift vp his eyes and hands to heauen, and then decently •…•…sting them on his breast, without any difficulty, yeilded vp his spirit, being now of 105. yeares old.

And it pleased our Lord, that a man possessed of an ill spirit, who till that tyme could neuer be deliuered from so great a calami∣ty;

now finally casting himselfe downe, with many teares, and bitter sighes, on the couch of the Saint, at the first touch of the vene∣rable Reliques (but yet more tormented then euer) in the presence of as many as were there, was freed, and secure from that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tyranny.

The blessed Pope Hormisda, had the care of the Vniuersall Church at that tyme (though others according to S. Cyrill, would haue him to haue arriued to the tymes of Pope Agapitus, that is, to the yeare 536▪) and in particular of Hierusalem, in the tyme of the Pa∣triarch Peter; who at the first aduertisement of the departure of S. Theodosius, came in hast to the Monastery, while an infinite num∣ber of people, of all parts, came likewise in to obtayne some sh•…•…ed of the Garment, or Capuch of the blessed man, or at least to com•…•… neare him, and contemplate more freely on those chast lymmes of his, which had beene such efficacious instruments of the high Cr•…•…∣tour. Whereupon to satisfy the pious desire of the multitude, the sa∣cred corps of force remayned vnburyed, vntill such tyme, as the throng being somewhat ceased, he was, by his deerest, & most de∣noted friends, with teares and sighes, deposed in the bosome of the cōmon Mother, from thence to arise agayne, at the sound of the last trumpet, with the other Elect, most glorious, and resplendant for all Eternity.

FINIS.