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. BENET ABBOT. Taken out of the Dialogues of S. Gregory.

The Infancy, and more tender yeares of S. Benet; with his incli∣nation to piety and religion: And how Romanus a Monke assisted him therein. Chap. 1.

SAINT Benet, Founder of the most noble Con∣gregation of Mount Casin; gaue with his birth, no litle glory to Nursia, though otherwise, a notable and famous Citty, in the Confines of Marca, and Vmbria, It was in the yeare of our Lord 482. when Gelasius the first, gouerned the Catholique Church, and Anastasius the Empire. The Father of S, Benet was called Proprius, the Mother Abundantia, of the family of Riguardati, at that tyme, not only Honourable, but potent and Illustrious. The Child of a rare to wardnes, in wit fa•…•…re outstripping his yeares, in shewing himselfe to be aliened from all manner of pleasures and sports, was sent to Rome, to study, vnder the tutelage of one, that had a good care of him. Heere now be∣ing entred into profane schooles, he was soone aware of the perils,

that hung ouer him, through vayne sciences, ill companyes, and •…•…he snares and intrications of the world. So as, fearing some preci∣pice, he made hast to pluck out his foote betymes; with firme deli∣•…•…eration to repayre vnto the desart, and with all endeauour to at∣•…•…end to the diuine worship, and to the saluation of his Soule.

With this deliberation, the Saint and Elect of God first retyred himselfe from the concourse of Rome, into the castle of Offida, with∣out other company, then only of his Nurse, that deerely loued him, from whome (as yet) he could not conueniently quit himselfe. Nor was it long, erre the Diuine Goodnes with euident signes, began to shew forth how gratefully he accepted the religious purposes of S. Benet. For that a Scry wherwith they winnow corne, being bro∣ken by chance in two peeces, which the Nurse had borrowed of her neighbours, and she poore woman most pittifully lamenting for it, the pious youth could by no meanes endure to see her so distressed. Whereupon putting himselfe into prayer, with the two peeces thereof by his side, as soone as he had ended the same, he found thē suddenly vnited, and the Vessell as whole, and sound, as if it had neuer beene broken or hurt at all. The miracle was great, & could not be concealed, whence all the inhabitants there-about, came running in to behold the same, blessing our Lord, and magnifying the Child, with the words that had been spoken heertofore of the holy Precursour of Christ: and further for memory of the fact, they did hang vp the sayd Scry publikely, at the entrance of the Church, where it remayed, till such tyme, as the Country was sackt by the Lombards.

These fauours & acclamations were a great spur vnto S. Benet, to fly away thence, and to hide himselfe, as soone as he could. So that abandoning his Nurse, and as many as knew him; he secretly got him to the Mountaynes of Sublacum, about some 40. miles di∣stant from Rome; a territory but obscure in those dayes, though illu∣strious afterwards, through the abode and long conuersation of S. Benet. And it pleased God, that before his arriuall thither, he should hap to meete which a certayne Monke, by name Romanus, who courteously examining him of his life, and vnderstanding his hea∣uenly Vocation, gaue him besids good counsayls, the habit more∣ouer of an Hermit, with promise withall to keep it secret, and to be assisting vnto him, in what he might. With such direction, the new Champion of Christ being come to Sublacum, puts himselfe into a most

strayt ca•…•…e, and therein remayned shut vp, for three yea•…•… co•…•…∣nually together, without the knowledge of any person, in the world, except Romanus; who liuing not farre off, in a monastery vnder the Obedience of S. Theodosius Abbot, fayled not to steale some part of his leasure, and reserue also some pittance of the food allo∣wed him, to visit from tyme to tyme, and to susteyne his deere dis∣ciple. And forasmuch as from the Conuent to the caue, no path way was to be found, there hanging a very high cliff iust ouer the same; Romanus was wont to tye to a long cord, that little bread he could get, with a bell vnto it, by sound wherof S. Benet might conuenien∣tly vnderstand, when his refection was brought him.

Our Lord appeares to a Priest, and sends him with victuals to S. Benet. He 〈◊〉〈◊〉 assayled with a cruell temptation, which he strangely puts away. And after∣wards escapes poysoning. Chap. 2.

NOw the auncient Aduersary, not brooking well the charity of Romanus, and the life of S. Benet; in letting downe the cord a∣bouesayd, threw downe a stone vpon the bell, & burst it to peeces, which notwithstanding Romanus fayled not to supply, and still to perseuer in that worke of mercy, vntill such tyme, as our Lord, be∣ing willing to giue him rest of such labours, and to others the ex∣ample of so high and sublime vertue, appeared in vision to a cer∣tayne Priest of those countryes, who to feast himselfe on the day of Pascha, had made ready a good dynner to that end, and sayd to him; Thou standst heere preparing thee banquets, when loe, my Seruant the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, lyes staruing yonder for hunger. At which admonishment the good Pri•…•… arising sudenly, on the same day of Easter, with his victuals, pu•…•… himselfe on the way, and after he had fetcht some compasse about those mountaynes and valleyes, a prety while, he found S. Be•…•… at last, in the Caue. When saluting him fayrely, and making so•…•… prayer together with him: Let vs now, sayd he, afford some little nourishment to the body, & reioyce in our Lord, for this is the Feast of the Pascha. It is truly a Pasch to me, answered S. Benet (who in so great a solitude, vntill this tyme, haue not knowne the course of the yeare) and you haue afforded me a Feast sufficient already with your presence. Nay truly, not so (replyed the Priest) to day is celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord, not is it any wayes fit for you to fast on this day, and that especially so much the rather, as I

am sent hither of purpose, to communicate in charity with you on this day.

Then without more strife or contention they both blessing our •…•…rd, fell to eating, and after a sweete, and spirituall discourse had betweene them, the Priest went his wayes. And now, as it were, at the same tyme, some shepheards also lighted on the said place: Who beholding amidst those brakes, the holy yōg man to be clothed with •…•…kyns, at first they tooke him for a beast that might lurke there, but after approching neere vnto him, and illumined with his admirable aduises, & christian doctrine; they knew anone themselues, who till that tyme, had beene but as brute beasts. Wherupon being tou∣ched with true Contrition, they gaue themselues from thenceforth •…•…o a more reasonable life. From whence, the fame of S. Benet began to spread it selfe, & the poore Caue to be frequented of many; who bringing him corporall food, returned from thence, well refreshed with spirituall nourishment.

On those dayes, he being once all alone, was assayled by the Deuill, in forme of a blacke Bird, being called a Moore-hen, which for a good space, did neuer giue ouer from flying in his face, with such importunity, and so neare withall, as he might easely haue ta∣ken her in his hand, if he had listed. But he chose rather to defend himselfe, with the signe of the holy crosse. Wherupon the bird flew away, leauing notwithstanding a cruell temptation with an into∣lerable passion, enkindled in the members of the yong man. In such wise, as the souldiour of Christ, stood now vpon staggering, & de∣liberating, as it were, to returne back into the world agayne; when being sudenly fortifyed with diuine Grace, he reentred into himself agayne, and beholding a bush of sharpe thornes, and stinging net•…•…les at hand, with a generous force pulling off his clothes, on a sudden casts he himselfe therinto, & so long rouled his naked body theron, as that being full of wounds, and bloud all ouer, with the external heate he extinguished the internall, and through such a noble act remayned so victorious ouer the rebellions flesh, as that from thence forth (as himselfe reported to his Disciples) he neuer felt any more trouble therof.

After this, it pleased God, that diuers persons of sundry places should repayre to S. Benet, desirous not only of saluation, but euen likewise of perfection. And it was but iust, that he now possessing so peacefully the kingdome of his proper mynd, should be applyed

to the care & gouerment of others. For that we see also in the wri•…•…∣ten Law, how the Leuits, in the seruour of their youth, were tyed to labour, & to serue in the Temple; nor before they were •…•…ull 50. yeares old (at which tyme, it is supposed their passions, are in quiet, and the heart at rest) were they made the Guardians, and Sacristans of the holy Vessels, which are interpreted the reasonable soules. But among others, who approched to S. Benet the seruant of God for his help, were some religious of a neighbour Monaste∣ry thereby, who in those dayes being destitute of an Abbot, besought him to take the charge vpon him.

These men, were accustomed to a large, and more liberall life, and litle disposed to conforme themselues with the manners of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Benet. And he being aware thereof, for a while made a strong resi∣stance to their request. But being constrayned through the praye•…•… and coniurations of the whole Family, he accepted the gouerment at last; and first with example, and after with words, endeauou∣red he to take away the abuses, and then to bring in a forme of li∣uing, worthy of the profession they made. But soone it appeared, how the good inspirations and desires they had, had taken but litle roote in their soules; because that shortly they were all aggrieued with the Rule, and reformation made; and the diabolicall insti∣gations had gotten such power in some, as that not being able to endure in their sight, such a liuely and continuall example of ex∣treme abstinence, & perfect manners, they determined to take him away, out of hand, with poyson. But the diuine iustice, suffered not their wicked designe to take affect: because that at the tyme of the refection, while one of them, was presenting the holy Father with a cup of poysoned wine, it pleased God, with the signe of the Crosse which S. Benet, according to custome, vsed to make thereu∣pon, the glasse, as with the blow of a stone, fell suddenly into peeces, and the wine from the brothers hand, dropt downe to the ground. Whence the Man of God, knew presently, that drinke without doubt to be the potion of Death which could not endu•…•… the signe of life. And thereupon with a mind composed, and a fa•…•… serene. turning himselfe to the Monkes; God forgiue you (sayd he) what a plot was this amongst you? Did I not tell you at first, my manners would neuer seeme to agree with yours? Then rest you in peace, and seeke you out some other, that may gouerne you bet∣ter, And heerwith, leauing them quite confounded and astonished

he retired to his desired Caue agayne, and there attended seriously to himselfe.

How two principall Senatours of Rome offer vp, and dedicate their children to S. Benet: and how a Monke was led away by a Deuill, which S. Be∣net discouers, and remedies. Chap. 3.

TRue it is, that S. Benet was not suffered to enioy that estate any tyme, because that the odour of such a sanctity, continually spreading it selfe more and more; there repayred to him a new cō∣curse of people, much touched with the holy Ghost, and cloyed with the world. With which multitude after a sufficient instruction had, he founded in those countryes, about a dozen Monasteryes, appoin∣ting Lawes, offices, and an Abbot to ech. So as diuers personages, and Senatours of Rome, began now to hold it a great felicity to haue any Children at such a tyme, to send to S. Benet, and to dedicate thē vnder the care of such a Father, to the seruice of the diuine Maiesty. Among which, were two principall, Eutitius and Tertullus. Wher∣of one offered Maurus, a yong man of so rare a wit and of such a spi∣rit withall, as in short tyme, he became an assistant of the Maister himselfe. The other greatly addicted to the same discipline, with much veneration, offered in person his eldest sonne Placidus to him yet a Child, & then after made likewise, a free donation of a great masse of riches, farmes, manners, and Castles to the Saint, with cit∣tyes both maritime, and in land, wherof the Catalogue would be heere too long: surely to the great confusion of our tymes, in which as the entring into Religion is ordinarily held desperatiō, shame & madnes; so the taking away of subiects reputation and goods frō them, is reputed, and that euen of those who call themselues Chri∣stians, to be good prudence, valour, and Iustice.

But to returne to S. Benet, vnto whome as well in the begin∣ning, as in the progresse of his administration, there happened ma∣ny notable things. The vigilant Pastour, with the greatest sollici∣tude that might be, was wont to apply his subiects to the study of prayer, as knowing well, how necessary the succour of Heauen must needs be, for the cutting off of disordinate affects, and repres∣sing of passions withall, which euen from the mould whereof we are framed, do continually spring, For which cause, besids the par∣ticular deuotions of ech one, at certayne houres, he would assem∣ble

them all togeather, in a certayne place deputed for holy exerci∣ses. Now it happened, that in one of those assemblies, while di∣uine office being ended the Monks were meditating, & conuersing with God; one of them, being vanquished with rediousnes, we•…•… forth of the Quire, and partly went idly vp and downe heere and there, and partly busyed himselfe in some temporall matter of litle moment. Which being known to his Abbot Pompeanus, after he had admonished him thereof diuers tymes, but all in vayne, he brought him at last to S. Benet himselfe, who with a good reprehension sent him backe againe.

But yet this auayled not much, because after two dayes, the Monke returned to his old custome: and Pompeanus anew had re∣course to the Saint, who being moued with compassiō for the sheep nigh lost, determined immediately to go in person himselfe to ap∣ply by all possible meanes, some present remedy thereunto. Taking then Maurus, for his companion, and Pompeanus withall, he went his wayes thither: and setting himselfe to espy, in a fit place, what happened in tyme of prayer, he saw how a litle blacke boy, tooke the Monke by the hemme of his Cassocke, and went leading him forth of the Oratory. Then the vigilant Prelate sayd secrely to Mau∣rus and Pompeanus. Do you not see therewho it is, that leades him thus away? and they answering, no: Let vs pray then, sayd he, that you may be li∣kewise made partakers of the spectacle. And so they did all for two daies togeather, at the end whereof, Maurus did deserue to see the reuela∣tion, while the other found not the grace. Which done, yet S. Be∣net expected another day, and suddenly after prayer agayne, fin∣ding the Monke to be yet gadding as before, he gaue him a blow, which had so much efficacy with it, as that the diuell, as it himselfe had been lashed, had not the hart to returne any more to the same a∣gayne. This acccident surely, was very memorable, but yet this other which followes, is no lesse glorious then it, though in a diffe∣rent kind.

S. Benet causeth a spring to arise out on the top of a mountayne: With other accidents besides. Chap. 4.

AMong the Monasteryes, whereof we haue made some menti∣on aboue, three were seated on a high and craggy rocke, and so dry with all, as the Monkes were enforced, through those cliffs & steepy places, to fetch their water from the Lake, which as then the

riuer of Teneron caused, and that not only with extraordinary tra∣uayle and paynes, but euen also with the manifest danger, & con∣tinuall feare of precipices. Whereupon the Monkes certifyed S. Be∣net of the greatnes of the difficulty they felt, and besought him hū∣bly, that he would be pleased to place them somewhere els. The benigne Father, was touched with tendernes at the request, and gi∣uing them good hope, dismissed them anone, bidding them to re∣turne to him on the next day. In the meane while, the night being come, without taking any other then the innocent Placidus with him, he went secretly to the top of those cliffs, where he made his prayer, and in the very fame place, putting downe three stones, as a signe, with like secrecy as before, he returned home to his Cell a∣gaine. When day was come, behold the Monkes returne; to whome S. Benet, without more ado: Go your wayes, sayd he, towards such a place, & where you shall find three stones layd one vpon another, there dig, for God is able to produce water on the tops of moun∣taines to ease you of the paines of so tedious a iourney. And they go∣ing with great confidēce to the sayd place, found it already to wax moyst, & to spring vp water, increasing at last in so great abōdance, as vnto this present day, without diminishing awhit, it stil runs from that top, to the foote of the hill. With this remedy the Saint refre∣shed and eased his disciples of their trauayle and thirst: & with this other that followes gaue peace to a timorous, and anxious soule.

A certayne poore man in those dayes, was conuerted to the fayth, a Goth by nation, who putting himselfe into the hands of S. Benet, by whome being exercised in his tyme, as well in spirit as in bodyly labour, he was appointed after prayer, to fell downe a peece of wood, vpon the banck of the Lake there, to make a garden plot of. Now it happened, while the prompt Neophit attended with all his forces, to cut downe the bushes and bryers, that the head of his axe, flying off suddenly from the helue, f•…•…ll into the deepe wa∣ter, without hope of euer recouering it agayne. Whereupon, being afflicted for the losse, which it seemed to him, he had caused to the Conuent, he went trembling to accuse himselfe vnto Maurus, and to do penance for the same, in case he had committed any fault therin. Maurus was much edified at so tender a conscience; nor was he slack the while to acquaint the common Parent, & Maister therwith. Thē S. Benet being moued to compassion, went his wayes to the Lake, and taking the helue of the hatchet out of the Gothes hand, threw it

into the water, and the head of the hatchet of it selfe immediately floating, tooke hold of the helue agayne, and came to the land: at which sight, the Goth being astonished, and quite as it were, besids himselfe, S. Benet puts the hatchet into his hand, saying: My sonne, Goe to worke agayne, and trouble not your selfe any further in the matter. There followes yet another act, no lesse admirable then this, and perhaps from the tyme of S. Peter the Apostle hitherto, not heard of before.

Placidus on a tyme, being gone to the said Lake for water, while he stoopes with his vessell, fell vnfortunately thereinto, and being snatcht by the streame, in a moment was caryed away, the distance for space of a bowes shot from the land. This in spirit S. Benet did behold, being shut vp in his Cell, and calling Maurus very sud∣denly vnto him: Go thy wayes, said he, in all hast, for the Child is drow∣ned. The good subiect, was accustomed to hold the Superiours becks as Oracles. Wherfore, without other reply, he demaunds only his benediction of him: and hauing taken the same, ranne violently to the danger, and that with so much speed, as that going on the wa∣ters dry foote, he tooke Placidus by the hayre of his head, not being aware the while of the nature of the way he went on, vntill such tyme, as he had pulled him safe to the land. When returning into himselfe, and reflecting on what was past, his hayre stood an end, and giuing thankes to the highest God, led Placidus to the presence of S. Benet. Heere arose a noble contention of profound humility betweene the Mayster and disciple; while S. Benet ascribes the gre∣atnes of such a miracle vnto the fayth and promptnes of Maurus, and Maurus attributes all to the merits and intercession of S. Benet. The youth himselfe, in part decides the controuersy, affirming, that in arising aloft, it seemed to him, that he saw the habit of Father Abbot ouer him; whereby, he tooke it that he was deliuered by him. But howsoeuer it passed, it is euident, the obedience of Maurus was wor∣thy of eternall memory.

Florentius a Priest, seekes to poyson S. Benet, but is preuented. He practi∣seth also to corrupt his Disciples; and is lastly punished by the hand of God. Chap. 5.

IN the meane tyme, the Followers and Deuotes of S. Benet, do continually multiply and increase, esteeming themselues amidst

the snares of this pilgrimage, very happy and secure, vnder the gui∣•…•…ing of such a Leader. But as Enuy alwayes spurnes at vertue; a •…•…ertaine Priest of that countrey, called Florentius, being of the number •…•…f those who couet the fruites of human prayses, and fly the pur∣•…•…hase of solid vertues, could by no meanes endure so much reputa∣•…•…ion, & so prosperous successes of S. Benet. This vnfortunate wretch •…•…eing stirred vp and excited through blind passion, began first, with •…•…uill words to detract from the merits, and actions of S. Benet, and •…•…hen to hinder by all meanes possible, the concourse of people that went vnto him. After which perceiuing how he trauailed in vayne, •…•…nd that, by how much he endeauoured to vilify, and depresse him, •…•…e was the more exalted by God, and reuerenced of men; he suffered •…•…imselfe at last to be led into the same very deuilish plot, whereinto •…•…hose former traytours of the Saint had beene caryed. True it is that whereas they hid the fraud vnder a cup of wine, this vnder a loafe •…•…f bread. But as that was not able to deceiue the eyes of the Man of God, so was this also reuealed vnto him. Because Florentius vnder •…•…he shew of charity hauing sent him in almes, a Loafe of bread cō∣•…•…empered with deadly poyson, the holy man stuck not to receiue it with thanks giuing. But being soone certifyed, through diuine po∣wer, of the wicked deceipt, at the houre of refection, he threw it •…•…owne to a Crow, which at that tyme was wont to come to him •…•…o take her meate at his hands, & said to her: On behalfe of our Lord •…•…sus Christ, take you heere this loafe of bread, & cary i•…•…to some place where it may not be touched of any person lyuing. At which words •…•…he Crow spreading her wings, and opening the mouth, began to •…•…oure, with croaking, and shewing a will and feare alike to touch •…•…hat pestilent food: but the Man of God vrging her to obey, with •…•…onfidence tooke it vp with her clawes, and flew away with it, and •…•…hen after some three houres space, returned agayne to her wonted •…•…eate.

At such ill demeanours as these, S. Benet was exceedingly sory, •…•…ot so much for his owne sake, as for compassion of his aduersary. •…•…ut Florentius the while, being full of gaul and obstinate in malice •…•…nce he could not murder the body of the Maister, endeuoured to •…•…estroy the disciples soules. And among other things, he had the im∣•…•…udence to contriue in the very garden of the Monastery, and in the •…•…ght of the Monkes themselues, a lasciuious daunce of naked womē. •…•…t which spectacle, the Abbot, with reason fearing some notable

disorder, determined to giue wholy place to the fury of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and to abandon the Country and mansion there built vp by hi•…•… selfe, with so great expences. Setting then the affayres of the Co•…•…∣uents in order, and exhorting the Monks to perseuere in the st•…•… of perfection, with some of his companions, he puts himselfe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his iourney, and through diuine instinct, or rather through a cle•…•… voyce which came to him from heauen, he trauayled toward•…•… Castle, about some two dayes iourney from thence, by name C•…•… with ful purpose to announce the true light of the Ghospel vnto t•…•… Country people that in habited there, which miserably lay yet b•…•… in the darknes of Gentilisme, and the shadow of death.

Hardly was the seruant of God, departed from Sublacum, wh•…•… as vengeance from heauen, appeared vpon Florentius: because 〈◊〉〈◊〉 howse, being otherwise safe and sound, the roofe only of the roo•…•… where he then remayned, falling downe on a sudden, with a re•…•…∣dyles ruine, burst all the bones of his body, and for his soule, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 went to the tribunall of the eternall iustice. The accident was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 denly diuulged, and one of the Monks, ran immediately in hast a•…•… the holy Abbot, to carry him the newes, as he thought, very gl•…•… and welcome to him: but S. Benet, insteed of reioycing thereat s•…•… forth sighes vnto heauen for that soule, & with seuere words ga•…•… a sharpe rebuke to the Monke, who therein had shewed in himsel•…•… not so Christian a mynd, as he ought. From thence, proceeding o•…•… his way, he arriued at last at the foresaid Castle, scituated on the s•…•… of a steepy and high hill, in the top wherof, was a Temple seene amid the thickest of the woods, being dedicated to Apollo. Where S. Benet wanted not matter to worke on, or what to encounter.

But before he would enter into battayle, he would seeme 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prepare himselfe for that purpose, with especiall care, by retyring him into some remote place: and there for fourty dayes continually together, remaynes he in prayer, fastings, and vigils. After whi•…•… with the odour of so good a life, and with the efficacy of his prea∣ching, being the fittest batteryes to Fayth; he sets himselfe, through diuine fauour, couragiously to destroy paganisme, and so brake the Idol, demolisheth the Aultar, hewes downe the woodes; & where before was the Oracle of the false God, he erects an Oratory to S. Martin, and in place of an Aultar builds a Chapell vnto S. Iohn B•…•…∣tist, through whose intercession, obteyning alwayes new graces, & offering vp most pure and acceptable sacrifices to the Creatour, he ne∣uer

left labouring to acquit, and discharge poore mortalls from the •…•…ruell seruitude of the Deuill.

The Diuell appeares to S. Benet; He throwes downe a wall new built vp, and kills one of •…•…he Monkes in the ruines thereof, who is restored to lyfe agayne: with other illusions of the Diuell. Chap. 6.

THe ancient Tyrant, no longer able to endure to foresayd en∣terprises of S. Benet, besides the diuers difficultyes and impe∣•…•…iments which in vayne he stirred against the messenger of Christ; •…•…egan also to appeare vnto him, not through in imagination, or •…•…reame, but with open vision, and with dreadfull figures, casting •…•…rth, by the mouth and eyes, infernall smoake, and flames of sul∣•…•…hure, and with a raging voyce, howling, and lamenting in such •…•…anner, as that the disciples, though they were not permitted to •…•…ehold him, yet playnely might heare him to say, among other •…•…ings; Benedicte, Benedicte: and while the Man of God, vouchsafed •…•…ot to answere him, outragiously he added: Maledicte, and not Be∣•…•…dicte, what hast thou to do with me? Wherefore dost thou persecute me thus? •…•…nd heere with, fell a vomiting of most horrible blaspemies, and •…•…enaces; whereof, though the Saint seemed to make but light ac∣•…•…ompt, yet the standers by euen the while feared grieuously.

That which increased his fury, was a certayne building begun •…•…y the Monkes for their habitation, which in processe of tyme, •…•…om meane beginnings, amounted after to the magnificence we •…•…e at this present. Whereupon being incensed more and more •…•…ith anger, he appeared one day to S. Benet, in his Cell, while •…•…e Monkes were a labouring, and fretting sayd openly to him, that •…•…e was then going to worke what mischiefe he could, both to the •…•…bourers, & to the worke in hand. Whereat the holy Father, sends •…•…ddenly to aduertise his disciples thereof, and to admonish them, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 retire thēselues without delay: but the messenger arriued not so •…•…one, but that the diuell had already throwne downe to ground, a •…•…ery high wall, which they had built, and thereby crushed to pee∣•…•…a Monke vnderneath the ruines: in so much, as to shew him to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Benet, it was needfull to gather the peeces, and to put them vp 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a sacke together: When the man of God, causing them to be layd •…•…rth, where he was wont to make his prayer, and dismissing the •…•…onkes, shut himselfe in the Cell, & prayed with such feruour

vnto God, as euen at that houre he restored the yong man all whole and sound agayne, and as able as the rest, to continue and go for∣ward with the worke interrupted.

Nor did the malignant spirit only in weighty matters, th•…•… vent his choler; but euen sometymes also in things, that were halfe ridiculous in themselues: as was that of a stone, of no great bignes, which being to be placed in the wall, he sets himselfe vpon it, in∣somuch, as they did but labour in vayne, to place it aright, being not able to stirre it awhit, vntill such tyme, as the Man of God, in person, had giuen his benediction thereon. Whereat the deuill, a•…•… he is wont, goes his wayes, and the stone was suddenly lifted, & lightned, as it had beene of wax only. After which, it seemed good vnto all, to dig somwhat deep, & they found out an Idoll of brasse, which after some houres casting by chāce into the kitchin, it seemed to send forth fire on all sides, as it would doubtlesse haue burned vp the roome. This sight, put the Conuent into a hurly-burly, all stri∣uing to runne in with their buckets of water, and calling for help. At which noyse of theirs, the admirable Abbot arriuing, with one only cast of the eye, was presently aware of the illusion; and th•…•… bowing the head prayes awhile, and bids the Monkes, to make the signe of the Crosse vpon their eyes: which done, the flames im∣mediatly vanished, and so euery one vnderstood it to haue been on∣ly a fantasticall flame, and not true fire.

Through these persecutions, and troubles, Lucifer did in fine ef∣fect no more, then to affoard new occasions to S. Benet, to illustr•…•… the name of Christ, and to purchase to himselfe credit continually more and more, as well with the faythfull, as Gentills; and that so much the more, as to this so rare a grace of miracles, was added an extraordinary Gift of Prophesy, as by the following examples, may cleerely be gathered.

A secular man, but exceeding pious withall, was wont euery yeare, to go from home, a good way off, to the Monastery; as w•…•… to take the benediction of the holy Father, as also to visit a Brother of his, whome there he had in religion. And to the end the voyage might be the more meritorious, he would make it on foote, and re∣mayne fasting, vntill his arriuall vnto the presence of S. B•…•…. Now it hapened on a tyme, that another trauayler kept him cōpany on the way, who had brought along with him, good prouision of victuals; and after they had gone thus a pretty way togeather

while it grew somwhat late, the trauayler inuited him very frien∣dly to eate a bit with him, and to refresh themselues, as well as they might. God forbid, Brother, said he, since my custome is, for to ar∣riue fasting vnto Father Abbot. With this answere as then, the inui∣ter was quiet, but yet after a space agayne, he vrged him afresh, that now it was ful tyme of dynner. But the Man being resolued to keep abstinence, still denyed him againe a second tyme; so as the other was feigne to comply with him.

But not long after, behold a goodly meadow, with a limpid spring, presents it selfe to them, which opportunely inuited them to recreate themselues; when he that caryed the victuals, sayd: O what water! O what a pasture is this! O what a place to repose in awhile, and to take some repast, rest, and breath of our trauaile! The sunne by this tyme was growne very forward on its way, the mē∣bers weary, the sound of the Byrds very sweete to the Eares, the flowers and hearbs, as seeming to flatter the eyes; besides which many fayre pretences fayled not the sensuality, to excuse withall. What more? The deuout pilgrim at last was ouercome. But then at the euening, being come into the presence of the Man of God, & crauing his benediction, as he was wont, the Saint stucke not very dexterously to vpbrayd him, with what had passed with him on the way, saying. How goes the matter brother? The wicked enemy who spake to thee so, by the meanes of that Trauayler there on the way, neyther at the first, nor second tyme could moue thee away whit, till at last, at the third he brought thee to his bent. The poore man hearing this, and acknowledging his great vnconstancy, casts himselfe at his feere, full of teares, and confusion. A fayre reuelation surely: but yet is this that followes, no lesse prety, and admirable, then it.

The Gift of Prophecy, which S. Benet discouers by occasion of Totila, endea∣uouring to abuse him by a tricke. And how he discouers, and chastizeth his Monkes, through the same Gift. Chap. 7.

TOtila the King of the Gotes, hauing heard of the wonders of S. Benet, and measuring others manners by his owne perfidi∣ous mynd; determined with a subtile inuention to informe himselfe better of the truth thereof. Trauayling therefore to Mount Cassin, he stayd a little way off, & sent to certify the worthy Abbet, that he was

now come to visit him: and being answered, he might come when he pleased, he caused a Fauourite of his, by name Rigone, to be deck∣ed vp with his Princely robes, and commaunded him to be accom∣panyed by his whole Court, and attended by three principall Ba∣rons, vnto the presence of S. Benet, as if it had beene the person of Totila himselfe; and gaue good order besides, that no inckling of the fiction, might come to the conuent. Rigone trauayling with such Maiesty, and so great a pompe, was hardly arriued at the Cell, but the Saint, began a farre off to call vnto him, with a lowd voyce: Lay away, my sonne, put off those things thou wearest so, for they are none of thyne. At which words, the Barbarian, as strucken with thunder, fell suddenly downe to the ground, and feared worse, for his great presumption, in abusing and mocking so great a Man. At which terrour likewise, all fell humbly prostrate before him, & not daring to approach neerer, returned to the King, with pale counte∣nances, and with faltering speech, related vnto him how sodainely the deceipt was discouered by the Man of God.

Then Totila himselfe, went thither in person, with so much submission, and reuerence withall, as that being come in the sight of S. Benet, who was sitting a farre off, he casts himselfe presently on the ground; and howbeyt the Man of God, some twice, or thrice, said to him, Get vp I pray; yet durst he not do it, vntill such tyme as S. Benet, with his owne hands, went and lifted him vp. And after this, in few words in priuate, he reprehended him shrewdly of his euill manners, and acquainted him besides, with what was like to succeed with him, saying: Thou dost much mischiefe, & many euil•…•… thou hast hitherto wrought, but now refrayne frō thy iniquityes at last, & know thou shalt enter heereafter into Rome, thou shalt crosse the Seas, nine yeares thou shalt raigne, and dye on the tenth. With these newes, Totila being exceedingly terrifyed, most humbly cra∣uing the intercession of the Seruant of Christ, departed thence: and from that tyme afterwards, began to be lesse cru•…•…l and fierce. Not long after the same, he entred into Rome: from thence he sayled into Sicily, and being arriued vnto the tenth yeare of his raigne, through diuine Iustice, came to loose both life and kingdome at once.

The foresayd reuelations of the Saint, and other the like, which for breuity sake we let passe, haue happened with strangers only: While these others haue succeeded, partly for amendement, & part•…•… for the consolation of his Monkes.

Two whereof, being once goneforth, about some worke of Charity, the businesse held them so long, as the poore Monkes were persuaded to eate in the house of a certayne deuout woman. Wher∣upon returning late to the Monastery, and crauing the wonted be∣nediction of the Venerable Father; he suddaynely demaunded, where they had dyned, and they answering confidently, in no place; he replyed, why tell you me a lye in this manner? For you did enter into the house of such a woman; and did you not eate of such and such meates? And haue not ech of you drunke so often? They be∣ing conuinced with these circumstances, and with ech particular thereof, being full of confusion withall, cast themselues at his feet confessing the fault, and demaunding pardon at his hands. And the good Father shewed mercy to them, as knowing they would run no more into the like default.

There was not farre from the Monastery, a village inhabited by many, conuerted by S. Benet, among whome; were found some Women, consecrated to the diuine worship, and the sollicitous Pa∣stour, being carefull to conserue that flocke, was wont often to send some one of his disciples thither, to make some spirituall exhorta∣tions to them. One of which, hauing ended his discourse with them, was persuaded through the intreaty of those deuout Women, to ac∣cept a small present of lynnen cloth, at their hands, and so he puts it vp in his bosome; but the Gift cost him full deare, because returning to the Monastery, he had of S. Benet a most bitter reprehension for it: for among other things, it was demaunded of him, how crept that iniquity into his breast? when as he halfe besides himselfe, had quite forgot his fault, nor could well tell, wherfore he was so ac∣cused; when lo, the holy Abbot replyes: Belike then, I was present with thee, when thou receiuedst so that lynnen cloth of the Ser∣uants of God, and didst put in thy bosome? With this, at last the Monke came to acknowledge his fault, and with a great deale of contrition, taking it forth of his Cassocke, threw it away to the ground.

S. Benet discouers a temptation of Pride in the hart of one of his Monks: with a briefe Relation of the life of S. Scholastica his Sister. Chap. 8.

ON a tyme, in the euening, the man of God taking some litle repast, a certayne Monke stood holding him a candle, who

in the world had beene the Sonne of a certaine Protectour, which in those dayes was an Office of great dignity. Now while he way∣ted in that manner vpon him, he was halfe vanquished with a grie∣uous temptation of Pride, saying within himselfe: Who is this heere, that sitting at the Table, I should not only not sit besides him, but stand holding him the candle, and serue him as a Page? He had hardly giuen place in his soule to these suggestions, but that the Saint, with great vehemency of spirit, began to rouse him vp, saying; Make the signe of the Crosse on thy hart, Brother: what is that thou thinkst on? Make the signe of the Crosse I say: and sudenly calling in others, he made them to take the candle out of his hand, and willed him to sit downe at the table himselfe. He being afterwards demaunded of the Monks apart, what was that which he was thin∣king of at that tyme, he ingenuously confessed, the assault of pride which he then had, and the formall words, he was then framing in himselfe. They all wondered the while, and were much astoni∣shed thereat. Nor can it easily be expressed, what a spurre to per∣fection were these kind of discoueryes, and fatherly admonitions of his, vnto them. And thus S. Benet of purpose, vsed some acerbi∣ty with them, as knowing that medicines for the most, are the more holsome, as they haue more bitternes in them: whereupon the disciples of necessity must needs stand the more on their guard, & become more vigilant vpon their defects, in beholding the may∣sters eyes still so vpon them, and alwayes intentiue, not onely to what they did, but euen likewise to what they thought.

But as the diuine Prelate, with such oracles as these, vsed to cause a great feare and sollicitude in his subiects: so with others in its turn he would deale as sweetly, and giue as much security and comfort. At such tyme then as Mount Cassin, and all the arable Land there∣about was oppressed with a great and extraordinary dearth, that sa∣cred Conuent also, what with the nourishments of those of the howse, as with the almes which were distributed to strangers, was brought to such straits, as there remayned no more, then fiue loa∣ues of bread in the Monastery, & the Granary quite empty. Wheru∣pon the Monkes, but litle acquainted with such manner of extre∣mityes, were now so sad and constristate with it, as they could not choose but in words, & countenance, bewray their pusillanimity. The man of God then being aware therof, very modestly reprehē∣ded such diffidence in them; & after that afforded them great hopes

notwithstāding, affirming that though they had but small prouisi∣•…•…n for that day, yet should they haue the next day following a great •…•…oundance. Nor fayled he in his promises, since on the very next day were found at the Gate 100. bushells of meale in sacks, without knowing euer by what way or meanes Almighty God had sent them thither: whereby, the Seruant of Christ, besides the help and consolation they felt therein, had likewise occasion to di∣•…•…ate their harts, and to trust in the diuine Goodnesse, and in their greater scarcity not to doubt of reliefe any more.

The newes also of the happy passage of S. Scholastica out of this •…•…yfe, gaue them extraordinary contentment. This same was the na∣•…•…ural Sister of S. Benet, & wholy dedicated to the diuine seruice from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 child. Who being of riper age was wont euery yeare to visit her Brother, and to receiue spirituall instructions from him, who in cō∣•…•…any of some disciples of his, would go forth to meete with her som∣•…•…ymes, at a certayne Grange of the Conuent. Now in their last vi∣•…•…it, there happened a thing of great astonishment; which was this, •…•…hat they hauing passed ouer a whole day togeather in sweet and deuout discourses, and then after, in the euening, hauing giuen •…•…ome refection to their body, S. Benet being about to take his leaue of •…•…er to returne to his Cell agayne; the holy Virgin, being then more taken with his sweet conceypts, and discourses then euer; be∣gan to intreate him, with the greatest instance that might be, he would please to stay with her, and there passe away that night in such discourses, and particularly in treating of the future life, and of the glory of Paradise. At which request, S. Benet being angry, as it were, seuerely answered: What say you Sister? And know you not, that by no meanes, it is lawfull for me to lye out of the Mo∣nastery? And thereupon being ready to arise, and go his wayes, Scholastica obtayning yet some delay, and grasping her hands vpon the table, put her head thereon, & powring forth a floud of teares, made secretly her prayer to God. A strange thing! the Heauens be∣fore being so cleere, as no cloud appeared in the skies, on the sud∣den, in the lifting vp of her head, there followed such thunder, & hideous noyse thereupon in the ayre, & such a floud of rayne with∣all, as it was impossible for S. Benet, and his companions, to put forth of doores that night.

Then the venerable Abbot, perceiuing himselfe to be thus layd vp as it were, being ful of sorrow for it: God forgiue thee Sister (said

he) what hast thou done? When she answered; I intreated you, Syr, and you would not heare me, and I prayed to my God, and he hath vouchsafed to heare me: now then go forth if you can, and leauing me, returne to your Cell. In the meane while, the storme s•…•… increased, as the holy old man was enforced to remayne there, a∣gainst his will, for to satisfy the desire of the thirsty virgin to hea•…•… the word of God. The morning being come, she vrged no more, but taking her leaue of S. Benet, he returned to the Conuent, & aft•…•… three dayes, remayning in a closet of his chamber, and lifting vp 〈◊〉〈◊〉 eyes, beholds the blessed spirit of his said Sister, to go forth of her body, in forme of a doue, & thence to fly vnto heauen. For which, he first gaue due thankes to God, with psalmes, and hymnes, and thē like wise acquainted the Monks therwith, to their extreme ioy, & so sent them without delay to fetch the sacred corps, & to carry i•…•… into the Church, where he caused it to be layd in the Sepulcher, which already he had prepared for himselfe, to the end that as their mynds had beene alwayes vnited in life; so their spoyles after death might not seeme to be seuered and disioyned. This same was surely a notable vision, and full both of iubily and wonder. But yet w•…•… that other, more straunge and admirable, which he had in the Mo∣nastery of the Abbot Seruandus, not farre from Mount Cassin.

A Notable vision of S. Benet, together with Seruandus Abbot: with di•…•… other admirable things. Chap. 9.

SEruandus was a person of a great spirit, and very learned withal, and as he often visited S. Benet, to conferre with him about mat∣ters of the diuine seruice; so S. Benet mutually, from tyme to tyme, would repayre to him: & one day among others, after they had tal∣ked a prety while together of God, thirsting after the heauenly coū∣trey, whither as yet they could not arriue; the houre of rest being come, S. Benet retires himselfe vnto the vpper Chambers in a tower where he then lodged, and Seruandus rested in another beneath; & right ouer against the said tower the Monkes lodged in a great howse. Now S. Benet arising by night, according to his manner, some while before the others to contemplate, and treate with God, standing at the window, and looking vp to Heauen-wards, espyes a sudden light to illuminate the ayre, with so great a splendour, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it farre surpassed the brightnes of the day it selfe. In which specula∣tion

of his, happened an incredible thing, if the Saint himsellfe had •…•…ot reported the same, which was this: That the whole world was •…•…epresented to his sight, as gathered together through, diuine power, •…•…der a beame, as it were of the Sunne, And while he fixeth his eyes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the purest light; he sees also, by an inexplicable way, the soule •…•…f the blessed Germanus Bishop of Capua, to be conueyed to Hea∣•…•…en, by the Angels, in a Globe of fire.

Then S. Benet, that he might haue some companion of so glo∣•…•…ous, and adnirable a spectacle, with a voyce, as lowd as he could •…•…alled the Abbot Seruandus to him, some twice or thrice: who being waked, and troubled with the noyse, made extraordinary hast to •…•…et vp to him; but yet came but to a peece only of that great light. Howsoeuer, he was much astonished thereat, & so much the more •…•…hen he vnderstood, what first his holy Ghest had seen. And how∣•…•…eyt, the matter was such, as there could be no doubt made of any •…•…se imagination therein, yet for the greater euidence, it seemed not •…•…isse to send that night, a graue and pious Monke, by name The∣•…•…dosius, vnto the Citty of Capua it selfe, to vnderstand what was be∣•…•…ome of the holy Bishop. And in effect it was found, that he was •…•…ead indeed; and informing himselfe more punctually of the matter •…•…e was certifyed, his passage was iust at that houre, or rather in •…•…at very moment, wherein the man of God, had seene him to as∣•…•…end to eternall glory.

The blessed Gregory the Great, relates other visions, and pro∣•…•…hesyes of him; which to declare at length, would seeme a super∣•…•…uous thing, and farre from our purpose: and much longer would 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be, to vnfold one by one, all the other merueylous works, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 diuers subiects are recounted of him. While once he lamented & •…•…oretold a long tyme before, the destruction of Mount Cassin, which •…•…llowed through the incursion of the Lombards, and agayne of the •…•…ine of Rome, not by the hand of the armed Barbarians, but through Earthquakes, winds, thunders, & horrible tempests from Heauen; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 appeared to some Monks in sleepe, who were sent to Terracina, •…•…o set vp a Conuent there, and gaue them the whole modell, and •…•…rder of the building. He threatned excommunication to two Re∣•…•…igious women of a naughty and slaunderous tongue, if they amen∣•…•…ed not the same, and after the menace giuen, without more adoe •…•…e effect followed, since dying in that vice, and buryed in the Church, they were seene to go forth, as often as Masse was celebra∣ted

there: nor euer found any rest vntill such tyme, as the Man of God, with his owne hand, had giuen an host to the Priest to of∣fer for them.

A certayne yong Monke, going forth of the Monastery, witho•…•… leaue, to see his Father and Mother, was suddenly at his arriuall thither fallen dead in the house; and there was no meanes to keep the body in the Sepulcher, vntill such tyme, as S. Benet, had cau∣sed a consecrated host, to be put on his breast; when the earth be∣ing so pacifyed, as it were, with the same, reteyned him still still, With another Monke being fickle and vnconstant, and who with great importunity had obtayned leaue to go forth of Religion, •…•…e so wrought with his prayers, as that going forth of the Monastery, he was assayled by a dragon with open mouth; with which ter∣rour he calling for help, had the grace to returne into his Cell agay∣ne, where gathering his wits togeather, he persisted allwayes af∣ter very found in his Vocation.

A child being couered all ouer with leprosy, insomuch as the hayre fell off his head, and his skinne all swolne and puffed vp, be∣ing brought into the presence of the Saint, was suddenly cured. Through prayer he got likewise a good summe of money for a ma•…•… that was shrewedly vexed by his Creditour; and that inough, not only to satisfy and defray the debt, but euen also to liue, and ma•…•…∣tayne himselfe withall afterwad.

In the tyme of the dearth aforesayd, he ordayned that a litle oyle which remayned in the Dispense, should bee giuen to Agapitus, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 subdeacon, who had demaunded some of him: and knowing the Dispensier had not executed his order, he comaunded the vessell which was of glasse, should be throwne out of the window, which was done; and howbeyt the place beneath was all very rugged, and full of the sharpest stones, yet remayned the vessell as entire, as it had fallen vpon soft feathers. When causing it to be presently giuen to Agapitus, he puts himselfe with the Monks in to prayer ouer another vessell which was empty, & couered; and it was not long ere it was full of oyle, insomuch as it heaued vp the couer withal, & tan ouer on the ground. Heere with the Saint made an end of his prayer, and the flowing liquor ceased. Whereby the disobedience, & infidelity of that Monke, became iustly reprehended.

Another old Monke, in whome the deuill was entred, and whome he cruelly tormented; a secular man being poysoned by his

enemy; a Country swayn, being miserably beaten, and tyed with cords by a Souldiour of Totila, were all quite deliuered. The first, with a light stroke; the second with a simple touch, the third only with a glaunce of S. Benets eye.

Another country man, with much fayth, and a great deale of teares, laying his dead child at the gates of the Monastery, had him agayne restored by the Saint aliue and lusty. The like effects aboue nature wrought, through diuine power, by meanes of S. Benet, are worthily celebrated by Writers. But I for my part, do make a farre greater reckoning of the burning zeale, which he had of the glory of God, and of the eternall saluation of Men, then of all these: in reguard that the vertue of miracles, and other such like gifts of Hea∣uen, are seene also sometymes to be found in the reprobate; while Charity is it that makes vs gratefull, and acceptacle to the diuine Maiesty.

S. Benet hauing founded many Conuents, and giuen a Rule to his Monk•…•…, knowing the tyme of his death before hand, made a most blessed End. Chap. 10.

SAint Benet, as we haue said aboue, was no sooner taken out of the caue, through diuine prouidence (where for three yeares con∣tinually together, so exposed to the iniuryes of the ayre, incom∣modityes of the body, and temptations of the enemy, he had exer∣cised a very sharp and strict penance) but that with all his power he attended to the reducing of mortals, according to the capacity of ech one, partly to the precepts, and partly to the counsayles of Christ. Nor being content with the founding of many howses of Monks well ordered in the same Country, he went in person, with a few souldiours of his, to assayle the Idolatry of Mount Cassin, and to chase away the deuill from those old lodgings & ancient holds of his. Nor there only by himselfe, and others, did he fortify & esta∣blish whatsoeuer he had gayned to God: but likewise sent very choyce Captaynes into diuers and remote prouinces, to promote & conserue the Catholique Faith. Moreouer, though he left good or∣ders & rules of life to the Conuents there which from tyme to tyme he had founded: yet neuerthelesse he wrote afterwards of purpose rules full of wisedome and equity for the whole vniuersal Religiō, which being published to the world, were, and are continually of 〈2 pages missing〉〈2 pages missing〉