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

THE LIFE OF S. ANTONY OF PADVA. Taken forth of Laurence Surius.

Of the family and youthfull age of S. Antony: and how he became be of the family of the Chanons-Regular. Chap. 1.

THE marueilous Mysteries of the diuine proui∣dence, are discouered as it were, through the whole pilgrimage of S. Antony, commonly cal∣led of Padua; and so much more worthy to be renowned by the world, as through the solli∣citous cooperation of this most noble Confes∣sour, they are seene to be accompanyed with the cleere examples of an Apostolicall spirit. and of ech Christian vertue. The blessed man was borne in the famous Metropolis of Portugal, which is called Lisbon, K. Alphonsus raigning in those partes the second of that name, in the yeare of our Lord 1195. His Father was called Martin Boglion, his Mother Mary Tauera, both of ancient and very honourable families, dwelling right ouer against the great Church dedicated to the Mother of God, wherein the Reliques of the glorious Martyr S. Vincent are kept with much veneration. From so noble a couple, in the flower of their youth sprung forth

this blessed Bud, and in Baptisme was named Hernando.

In the first rudiments of learning and Christian manners, he was with diligence instructed by the Priestes of the sayd great Church; so as an exact education being added to an excellent in∣clination, vnder the protection of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, and that most inuincible Martyr, he came very soone to bring forth most euident signes of his future greatnes: because, as it is likewise reported of some others elected of God in their childish age, being farre off from childish thoughtes, he tooke pleasure in imitation of his Parents, to frequent holy places, and to distribute almes to the poore, as he was able, that saying of Iob well suiting with him: Ab infantia mea, creuit mecum miseratio. With these passages of his childish innocency, being come to the dangerous & ticklish point of youth in choice of an estate of life, he felt himselfe not a little to be allured by sensuality, with enticements of flatteryes: but preser∣ued doubtles by the diuine Mercy, very generously withdrew his foot, resolued to follow by the sharp way, the guide of reason, and splendour of honesty.

And to secure himselfe the better, with perseuerance, with a voluntary holocaust he dedicated himselfe to our Sauiour Iesus Christ, in the Monastery of S. Vincent of the Chanons-Regular: which Monastery howbeit scituate forth of Lisbone, yet was it not so farre, but many, as it happens some for loue, some for curiosity, came to visit the new souldiour of Christ: whence he perceauing himselfe to be disturbed in his deuout exercises, obtayned with much difficulty to be remoued from thence, some three dayes iourney, into the Monastery of the Holy Crosse of Conimbria, where yet to this day that Order flourisheth, to the great benefit and or∣nament of that Citty. Heere the feruorous disciple of Christ, be∣sides the learning and diligent obseruing the holy Ceremonyes, so imployed himselfe in the grauer studyes, as he alwayes reserued the better part of his tyme and trauaile for spirit: nor suffered he (as often it fals out with they vnaduised) the vehemency of specula∣tion should come to oppresse or diminish deuotion, but with a sage temper, helping himselfe with the sacred Scriptures, partly for finding out of deep senses, partly to enflame himselfe with diuine loue, and making no lesse often acts of the Will, then of the Vn∣derstanding, he arriued within a little while, to so high a degree of perfection, as he had no greater thirst, then to spend his bloud for

the Catholicke fayth. And in this so laudable a desire of his, he be∣came much more confirmed, through the occasion we shall present∣ly declare.

The occasion that moued S. Antony to endeauour to change his Rule, and what it was. Chap. 2.

THe venerable Family of Fryars, which through Christian hu∣mility doe call themselues Minours, was by the Eternall Pa∣stour newly founded, to the help and reduction of wandering soules. The head of these was the most blessed Francis of Assisium, who with the approbation of the Sea Apostolike, and with the example and profit of his holy manners and speaches, trauayling into diuers Countryes, and especially into the vtmost confines of Spayne, had with admirable increase spread his name, and ministery, by the many residences of his children. And by this way had sought with all industry to prouide for the extreme necessityes of the af∣flicted Christianity. After this being not able to suffer the other so great a part of the world to be seduced by the fabulous lyes of the Mahumetan perfidiousnes, he very freely determining to bring, to his power, some light and succour to those miserable nations; and when he should be able to profit no more, with a glorious end at least, to lay downe his life, in confirmation of the Ghospell.

Into which enterprize hauing put himselfe more then once, but through diuers impediments, being not able euer to prosecute any thing; at last, assembling together, two squadrons of choyce workemen, with one of Eleuen, he himselfe passed from Ancona into Egipt, where vnder Damiata, the Christian army was encamped against the Saracens: the other of Six, he sent vnder Fryer Vitalis an Italian, into the land of Granata, and of Andaluzia, being tiranically handled by Miramolinus King of Morocco, a great vpholder of the name and sect of Mahomet. These two expeditions concerning the litle fruit they wrought, with those blind and obstinate people, had in a manner the same successe: but for the dealing with Apo∣stolicall persons they were farre different. Because S. Francis passing boldly from the Christian tents, vnto those of the Saracens, was by the Soldan (though for that tyme he resolued not to accept the Ghospell) more then once, yet graciously heard, and with diuers courtesyes and fauours much honoured and entertayned, not with∣out

the infinite wonder of the standers by.

But the troupe, which vnder Vitalis went into the West, by his order continued their way, and with incredible fortitude prea∣ching the truth of Christ, and accusing the vanity of the false Pro∣phet, not only in Seuill of Andaluzia, but euen also in the Citty of Marocco it selfe, and in Affrica, and confirming their doctrine with workes aboue nature, they were first scorn'd, pelted, & ouerwhel∣med by the people, with stones, cudgells, and prisons: and af∣terwards by Miramolinus himselfe (to reuenge the iniuryes of his Ma∣homet with his owne hands) very cruelly slayne through the strokes of a Semiter, in the presence of his people. Whose bones now re∣nowned with new and euident miracles, being diligently gathe∣red by the meanes of the Infant Don Pedro, the King of Portugals Brother (who was very acceptable at that tyme in Marocco to Mira∣molinus himselfe) and decently conuayed to the Church of the holy Crosse of Conimbria, caused in that deuout people, diuerse motions of Christian piety, but in the Chanon Don Hernando, through holy emulation increased so the thirst of Martyrdome, as he could find no rest by day or night; and he was much more rouzed vp, being taken with the triumphall palmes of those valorous Champions, thē was Themistocles awakened from sleepe through the Tropheyes of that other Athenian there. In fine, the enkindled flames of cha∣rity at this spectacle increased so in him, as Hernando being not able to contayne the same, with full resolution, determined to passe likewise ouer himselfe into Mauritania, and preaching couragiously the fayth of Christ, to purchase to himselfe, a precious death for the glory of Christ, and saluation of Soules.

Now by this tyme, he was made Preist, and had arriued to the age of 26. yeares. He was for his singular vertue and rare talents, so deere to his whole Congregation, as diffiding wholy to get leaue of the Abbot for such an enterprize, concealing his purpose vnder the pretext of choosing a more austere and strict rule, he determined to passe into the new religion of the Fryars Minors, holding for certaine, that thence he might more easily compasse his desired enterprize. Wherefore making very feruent prayers there∣upon, at last he found out this way to execute his designe which followes in the next Chapter.

S. Antony is admitted into the Conuent of the Fryars Minors, where he pursues his intent, but all in vayne. Chap. 3.

AMong other Conuents of S. Francis, dispersed through the kingdome of Portugall, there was a litle one vnder the prote∣ction of S. Antony the Great, without the walls of Conimbria, where those Fathers philosophizing rather with life and manners, then with questions and disputes, gaue themselues to let the world vn∣derstand the vanity of things present, and solid hopes of voluntary pouerty. Some two of this Conuent, from tyme to tyme, were wont to come to the sumptuous and rich Monastery of the holy Crosse, according to their institute, very humbly to craue Almes: So as Don Hernando, taking them one day aside, with a liuely affect of Charity vnfolded vnto them, as to two Angells of Paradise, his holy purpose, and besought them, keeping it secret where need was, to deale with their Superiours, about his admission into their Order, but yet with expresse condition to send him by obedience, as soone as may be vnto the land of the Moores, to worke some fruit in the conuersion of Gentils. Euen from that tyme, was the name of Hernando famous for learning and goodnes; so as the Fryars Minors, tooke it to be no small fauour so to enrich themselues with such a purchase. Wherefore the busynes being concluded on their parts; on the other Don Hernando began to craue humble licence of his Prelates, who made a very strong resistance for a tyme; but his prayers were so continuall and vehement as they finally preuayled. So as deuoutly taking the habit of S. Francis from the Minous in their Cloyster, he went his wayes thence with such displeasure of the Chanons, as he heard at his going forth, such a bitter taunt in the way of iest cast forth by one of them, as this: Goe your wayes now, perhaps you will be a Saint in that Religion. At which words (sayd he) with a cheerefull countenance: VVhen that shall be, I beleiue you will giue praise and thanks to the Redeemer for it.

In this manner passing into a new habitation and institute; the first thing he did, was to lay aside all secular habits, and quite to forget his fathers house, & to be also himselfe the more vnknowne, and quite forgotten of the world, from the title of that litle Church, or to say better, Oratory of the Minors, in changing his name, he caused himselfe to be called Fryar Antony. From thence renewing

his supplications to God, and his Superiours, and preparing him∣selfe continually with fit meditations, to each cruelty of punish∣ments that might be, it was not long ere he was sent into the de∣sired parts of Marocco; where as in a most certaine field of battayle, he hoped to obteyne by dying for Christ, a glorious victory.

But soone appeared very euident signes of the inscrutable dispo∣sition of our Lord; who accepting herein the good will of his seruāt, had preordeyned him for other labours, and to other merits. Be∣cause, that in the very beginning of his departure, being oppressed with a greiuous malady, he was constreyned for the most of that winter to keepe his bed. Where, though after many profers and endeuours made in vayne, he coniectured, the diuine Maiesty was no wayes propitious to his purposes; yet by the beginning of the next yeare, hauing scarcely recouered any forces, he valiantly be∣gan afresh to make proofe of himselfe, and to sayle towards Affrick. But the barke had hardly hoysed sayle & departed from the hauen, when behold a contrary storme of the South-west winds, by force, transported the Mariners to Messina of the Iland of Sicily.

This aduenture gaue S. Anthony much more matter to reflect vpon the interpretation of the diuine will, and had yet a more eui∣dent signe therof. As soone as he landed he vnderstood by the Fryars Minors there resident, how of late a generall Chapter was intima∣ted of the Order, at Assistum, and therefore it apperteyned to him also, as a Preist, not hindered by any lawfull cause to goe thither. Through this citation ioyned with passed accidents, he came to be satisfyed, it was not the diuine pleasure he should aspire to preach to the Mahometans or Gentils. From which barre of exclusion, the wary Merchant went about to make a double profit, one of his owne confusion, accusing himselfe of too much boldnes, and pre∣sumption in himselfe; the other of a stable purpose, to suffer him∣selfe heereafter to be wholy guided by the Creatour, by meanes of his Ministers; without making choyce on his owne head, of this or that manner of procuring the diuine glory. And withall, since it was not permitted him to expose himselfe for the holy fayth, vnto the fury of the people, to the cruelty of Tyrants, to the scourges & kniues of the mercyles hangmen, he determined to offer vp him∣selfe, another way to Christ, in a liuing hoast, vpon the aul•…•… of Religious iustice, by mortifying the flesh with whips, fastings, prayers, and vigils, slaying and annihilating the will and vnder∣standing,

with perfect obedience, and full contempt of priuate respect.

How S. Antony goes hiding his talents for humility sake, and is vnknowne to men. Chap. 4.

S. Antony going with such designes in his breast vnto the Con∣gregation of Assisium, since by reason of his celebrating of Masse euery day, and reciting the canonicall howers, his Priestly dignity could not be hidden, he endeauoured at least with all care to con∣ceale the nobility of his bloud, the force of his wit, and the variety of learning which he had; which so cunningly he did, as with the whole Chapter, he remayned in opinion of an Idiot or simple man, and not apt, eyther for subtilityes of speculatiue learning, or ma∣nage of practicall matters. Whence it followed, that the assembly being dissolued, while distribution of subiects (according to the vse) was made, and the Superiours requiring to haue some this, some that man, along with them vnto their residences, S. Antony remayned alone without being required or requested of any. Meane while the diuine man exceedingly reioyced, in beholding him∣selfe, in imitation of his great Maister and Sauiour Iesus, without fault of his to be slighted and neglected of all. Yea rather to make continually more intense acts of Christian humility, approaching with great humility and submission to the Minister of the Prouince of Romania, called Fryar Gratianus, he did reuerently beseech him, he would daigne to intreat Father Generall, he might take him to him, to instruct him with other Nouices, in the ceremonyes and obseruances of the Order.

Nor was the petition made in vayne. For Fryar Gratian being moued with the modesty and solitude of the person, come thither from parts so remote; tooke him benignly along with him, vnto his owne Diocesse, and a little after, at his new instance permitted him to retire himselfe into the hermitage of Monte Paulo, with some others. Where S. Anthony being prouided of a narrow Cell, in fa∣sting with bread and water, and perseuering in holy contempla∣tions, and manfully resisting the temptations of the Diuell, pre∣pared himselfe vnwittingly, vnto the admirable exploits and en∣terprizes, which for the benefit of Christendome, God was pleased to worke by his meanes. Being afterwards called from the deserts

to the Conuents, he departed not awhit from his firme delibera∣tions, to vse and cause himselfe to be dealt with by others, as the meanest & most ab•…•…ct of all: whence the tyme which he had spare frō the aultar & Quire, he spent cheerfully in sweeping the house, in seruing in the kitchim, and in doing such offices, which ordina∣rily are held in most scorne, and are most abhorted of human pride. And in such ministeryes, he continued hiding, shrouding, and concealing himselfe from mortall eyes; when it pleased him at last, who beholds the hidden things, to his eternall glory, and salua∣tion of many people & nations, to manifest him to the world, with the occasion following.

How S. Antony is discouered by his talents, to be singular, and is declared Preacher. Chap. 5.

IT was now the tyme of Ecclesiasticall Ordinations; and there∣fore Father Guardian hauing destined some Fryars to the Citty of Forli, he thought good to lead them thither in person himselfe, & would needs haue S. Antony also along with him being Priest alrea∣dy, as we haue sayd; and as reason dictats vnto vs, and the Portugall Chronicles themselues doe cleerely demonstrate, howsoeuer more moderne Authours being mooued by one ambiguous word only of Surius, haue after affirmed, that S. Anthony went thither to be enrol∣led with the others into the sacred warfare. With this family then, for the same effect, went some Dominicans a long like wise: a Reli∣gion instituted as it were, by the eternall Father at the same tyme of the Franciscans, for the greater help of the Catholicke Church, and for supply, of men for the continuall preaching of the word of God.

These two companyes, though diuerse in habit and meanes, yet in will and end very conformable, being come to Forli, were lodged both in the same place: and not for to giue ouer their spiri∣tuall exercises, the houre of their conferences arriued, the Guardian of the Minours made great instance to the Father of the Preachers, that according to their institute they would be pleased, for the com∣mon consolation to discourse something of matters concerning the diuine seruice, and for the purchase of vertues. Whereof those ver∣tuous Fathers excusing themselues, through the shortnes of tyme, & wearynes of the iourney; the Guardian being doubtlesse touched

with some hidden inspiration from Heauen, contrary to the opini∣on of all, turned himselfe to S. Antony, and suddenly imposed vpon him to make them a Homily, and to say something of edification. To which precept the seruant of Christ very modestly opposed a while, but the Superiour and the rest vrging him to it, at last not to breake with Obedience, recommending himselfe to God, he began to discourse, but rudely at the beginning, and without any shew of learning in him; but in the progresse of the discourse, the Holy Ghost without doubt, so guiding his tongue and hart, ere he was aware, he entred into so great a variety of allegations of the diuine Scripture, into so great sublimenesse of mystical senses, & aboue al, into so great an accesse and ardour of charity (which euen cast forth flames from his countenance and gesture) as all the Auditours re∣mayned partly inflamed with heauenly affects, partly also astoni∣shed with wonder, as of a man that knew no more then his Breuia∣ry, that neuer handled as it were any bookes, and from whose mouth scarcely euer came forth any Latin word.

But he, to whome, as well the memory, as also the creature it selfe, serued as a Booke layd open, and in so long an intermission of study and reading, had yet neuer fayled from treating familiarly with the benigne Giuer of Wisdome, gaue forth to vnderstand in that act, how much richer are the treasures of the mystical & sweet, then the scholasticall and sterile Theology. Besides their astonish∣ment at this so sudden an eloquence, such indeed as all confessed they had neuer heard the like; they had a singular esteeme & con∣sideration at his so rare humility, since whereas others, hauing scarce got a smatch in learning, can hardly conteyne the vnbridled will from appearing in Pulpits, and hunting after vayne prayse and applause of the people: he though very well instructed already, with infused and purchased learning, and besides endued by nature, with those parts which are required in a Christian Oratour, had euer held his peace, & was euer more willing to heare then speake, and striued as much to abase himselfe, as others doe to procure high degrees, and to be notable and famous in the world.

It was not long ere the Blessed Father S. Francis had newes thereof, who tooke extraordinary contentment therein, and gaue infinite thankes therefore to the diuine Goodnes. And howbeit he might without more adoe haue deputed S. Antony vnto the holy Function of Preaching, as who had beene well studyed already of

himselfe; yet by reason of his so long intermission now from his said studyes, and not to giue matter of murmure vnto others, he de∣termined to make him renew and refine his mystical Theology, vn∣der the direction of the Abbot of S. Andrew in Vercells, a man very famous in those dayes for learning and sanctity, and who among o∣ther signes of profound Science, had lately translated the workes of S. Denys Areopagita, out of Greeke into Latin, and illustrated the same also with his explications and comments. S. Antony then being recō∣mended to this Doctour, with another English Fryar called Adam de Marisco, within the space of a yeare, they both made such profit in the knowledge of celestiall things, and arriued to such a height and eleuation of mind, as it seemed to the sayd Maister, he had two Angells in his howse, and that he had learned of them rather then they of him. With this so happy successe, S. Francis was more con∣firmed in his opinion already conceiued of S. Anthony, and with great hope, of much profit to the world, declared him Preacher, & commaunded him very confidently henceforth to apply himselfe to the ministery of the Word or God.

How S. Antony mollifyed a Tyrant with his sharpe reprehension, and brought him to reason. Chap. 6.

THis excellency of preaching, was not only discouered in the blessed disciple of Christ; but as true humility is capable of all graces, and mother of all vertues, he shewed himselfe very soone, how exceeding sufficient he was for confessions, and apt withall for disputations against Heretikes, and for Scholastical chayres, & for writing of bookes very profitable for the whole posterity, and (being a thing very hardly to be coupled with such 〈◊〉〈◊〉) he shewed likewise no small skill and dexterity in gouernment. To all which prerogatiues, as by an irrefragable seale and patent, the diuine Clemency had annexed the spirit of Prophecy, with the priuiledge of frequent and manifest miracles. Of ech one of which guifts according to our purpose, we shall declare the cheife of them with breuity.

And first, for his preaching, we must know, there was so bur∣ning a zeale of the glory of God, and the saluation of men, planted by inch solid and deep rootes in the soule of this louer of Christ, as that being suddenly pushed forth of his stand, like a generous

steed, he began to discurre through villages, Boroughes, castles, and Cittyes, leauing steps imprinted of holy customes on all sides, and exciting miserable mortalls, from base and terrene cares, to high and celestiall thoughts. And this his zeale of Charity, he en∣deauoured allwayes to keepe liuely and flaming, with the breath of prayer, and with matter of consideration, keeping also it from all humidity of sensuall pleasures or disordinate affections. Whence followed among others, two inestimable aduantages, to wit, a great credit with the auditory, and a singular energy of discourse: the one of which conditions, more auayles to perswade with, then all the artificiousnes, and figures of Rethoricall art that may be: the other how behouefull for a Teacher of truth, and Embassadour of the King of Heauen, may be easely comprehended of euery one.

By this meanes he came to be free and rid of those bands, which are wont to inueagle the mind, or restrayne and tye the tongue of others. So as neyther the force, nor malignity of the Mighty was able to dismay him, nor flatteryes or offers of freinds to bow him, nor the winds of popular applause to puffe him vp. Without all ex∣ception of persons, as well in publike according to occasions, as in priuate, the magnanimous Interpreter and Messenger of Christ, ceased not to hammer & breake the wils growne obdurate in vices, and that with a presence of a couragious hart, as that many fa∣mous Preachers, who came to hear•…•…him would euen tremble; and some amazed at the lightning and flashes he sent from him, would couer their face; others agayne, through doubt of some perilous ac∣cident, would retyre themselues. Which thinges to be no whit exaggerated, nor feigned may sufficiently be seen by that, which happened to him, with that famous Tyrant Ezelinus, of the Citty of Padua, and of a great part of Marea Treuisana.

This man vnder a rationall figure, hauing the hart of a Beare, and Tigre, seemed to thirst for nothing more then human bloud. Persidiousnes and impiety both, were in him as conuerted into na∣ture: robberyes, rapines, destructions through fire & sword, were euen sports and recreations to him, and (as to the Captayns of mis∣chiefs it happens) he was allwayes wayted on by Souldiours and Sergeants, neyther in auarice, nor cruelty, nor lust much inferiour to him. Now this bloudy wretch, only to terrifye the people, without cause, made many noble Cittizens, to be slayne in Vero∣na. Saint Antony tooke such sorrow, and indignation thereat, at

that going boldly into the presence of that monster, and those Ser∣geants of his, began with a loud voyce to cry out against him, say∣ing: VVhen wilt thou cea•…•…e, thou fierce Tyrant, and rauenous Dog, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 so the bloud of innocent Christians? VVhen wilt thou termine or m•…•…gate euer this so great inhumanity? Know then, there hangs a dreadfull punishment of the diuine Iustice vpon thee which shall not leaue vnpunished the homicides, the robberyes, the extorsions, and wicked slaughters thou committest.

These thinges the Seruant of God vpbrayded him with to his face, first in generall, and then after in particuler, descending into circumstances, with so much vehemency of spirit, with so much sparckling of the eyes, & feruour withal, and with so much weight and liberty of speach, as that most rauenous Wolfe became now of a sudden a most meeke Lambe, & in the presence of as many as were there, pulling off his girdle with his owne handes, & putting it a∣bout his necke, cast himselfe at his feet, very humbly crauing par∣don, both of God and him, and offering himselfe most ready to per∣forme whatsoeuer pennance the Venerable Father should impose vpon him. Whereupon the Blessed Antony being somewhat pacify∣ed, and the penitent confirmed with sweet admonitions in his good purposes, not only without any hurt at all, but rather with a great deale of reputation and honour, and grace withal, came from him: the people remayning the while much admiring, and amazed be∣yond measure, how Ezelinus at the first sound of such rebukes and reprehensions, had not caused him to be hewed in peeces, and cast forth to the beasts with a looke only. To take away the wonder, he yet wholy confounded, and euen pale for feare, sayd: Let it not seeme strange to you my Maisters, what heere I haue done, because while that same Religious man spake in that manner, I manifestly saw most liuely rayes of diuine splendour to come from his face, which so dazeled me, & filled me with such feare, that euen doubt∣les me thought, I should euen haue beene swallowed into hell. These wordes indeed Ezelinus spake, and such feelings he shewed for the present: but as the promises proceeded from seruile feare, & not for the loue of vertue, after a short remorse, returned the Bar∣barous wretch to his former custome, accusing himselfe for hauing yielded so basely, to the boldnes and menaces of a presumptuous Fryer, and perhaps also a dissembler and hypocrite. Yet neuerthe∣lesse, remained that more then humaine countenance so engrauen in his memory, and that Maiesty, wherewith he was terrifyed,

as to him it seemed very hard to belieue, that without some hea∣uenly concourse, and the hidden merites of so couragious a repre∣hender, so strange and vnusuall a thing should befall him.

After the Tyrant had beene thus perplexed in mind a prety while, wauering in himselfe, he resolued at last to cleare himselfe in that point of the goodnes & sincerity of the Fryer, with the touch∣stone as followes. Taking then forth of his treasury a rich Iewell, he gaue it to some Ruffians, of his, to carry it to S. Antony on his be∣halfe, with faire and amorous speaches, but with expresse order, that if he accepted the same, as a false & couetous man, they should suddenly hew him to peeces: and if he should refuse it, they should with all respect abstaine, as from a person truly holy and accepta∣ble to God; nor for whatsoeuer he should say vnto them, they should take any reuenge vpon him, but without any reply at all returne backe againe. With such commission those Russians being come to S. Antony, and intreating him with the greatest courtesy they could, to accept of that small charity, which Ezelinus sent him, and to remember him only in his deuout prayers; by so liuely ex∣perience they presently knew what he was, since with a seuere looke & shew of anger, he thus answered to the message: God for∣bid, I receaue in signe of liberality the very bloud of the poore of Christ: for which shall Ezelinus, ere he be aware thereof, make an exact accompt to the diuine iustice: and get you hence also with∣out delay, least through your iniquityes eyther the howse ouer∣whelme vs with a sudden ruine, or the earth come to swallow vs vp with a horrible rupture.

Whereat those miserable wretches, with bowing downe the head, went silently and fearefully away to giue account to their wicked maister of the whole successe; who being cleared in this manner of the suspitions falsely conceaued by him, touching the seruant of God, from that tyme forwards held him in the esteeme he ought, and gaue order to his souldiers, they should let him say of him what he listed himselfe: and though the Tyrant, through his inueterate custome in sinning, was neuer conuerted from his lewd wayes, yet certaine it is, that the memory of S. Antony serued him often tymes for a bridle, and through feare and reuerence of so great a man, he forbare afterwardes to commit many outrages, which he had otherwise effected without respect. These then and the like assaults, the couragious Champion of Christ, would not

fayle to make at any tyme when need required. Though indeed no merueyl it be, that for the defence of the truth, he should not feare the face of any man how angry soeuer, who with so much desire heretofore had sought to drinke of the chalice of the passion.

The excellent guifts, and talents of S. Antony, especially necessary to so notable a preacher, as he was. Chap. 7.

LEt no man thinke by the former Chapter, that S. Antony shew∣ed himselfe to be so rigorous and terrible to all. He wanted not iudgment to discerne the difference of his Auditours, nor skill and practize to deale with the rich, with the poore, with the noble and ignoble, according to the capacity, and nature, and state of ech one. And how beyt the principall foundation of his preaching was placed, as we haue sayd, in frequent prayer, and continuall abne∣gation of himselfe; neuerthelesse he tooke light and nourishment of sound and sincere knowledge from the auncient Doctours, sacred Councells, and diuine Scriptures, wherein he was so versed and dexterous, as it is affirmed for certaine, that when by any misfor∣tune, they might hap to be lost, he alone from the Cabinet of his memory, was sufficient to recouer them agayne, as heeretofore Esdras had done, and to put them faythfully in writing.

Wherof among other persons of authority, Gregory the Ninth his Holynes, gaue truely a most cleere and graue testimony; for that S. Antony being come to the Court of Rome (for this likewise was a notable exployt of his) to oppose the designes and endeuoure of Fryar Elias, and of others, who sought to wrest the Rule, and enlarge the Religious discipline, he not only laboured efficaciously in this matter, but preached also to the Court, and people of Rome, in diuers places and tymes, with so great abundance of true and profund conceipts, with such subtilityes, and art in discouering the origens and causes of vices, and in appling apt remedyes to each one, and with such sharpe and sound interpretations of the Psalmes and the Prophets, and of all historyes & Oracles, and diuine precepts as the Pope himselfe being astonished, besides infinite other prayses afforded him, with a Pontificall spirit daigned to call him, The Arke of the Testament. There were added to these so rare guifts of a Christian Oratour, a dignity of aspect, a grace in his gestures, á sweetenes and cleernes of voyce, and all in so eminent a degree,

as he seemed to be an organ for honest delectation, and for a hole∣some mouing of soules, framed by the hand of God himselfe. And that which more increased the wonder, was so great a variety, quaintnes, and propriety in the Italian tongue, in a man trayned vp in Prouinces so remote, and come into Italy being of yeares so mature, and so late brought forth to the light of the world, and to the eminency of Pulpits.

Whence it is not very easy to explicate the concourse of people of all conditions, that assembled together at the sound of that cele∣stiall harmony and diuine Trumpet: in shutting vp their shopps, leauing their traffikes in the market places, and the noyses of the Pallace, and taking vp places before day at the sacred audience, with such hast and strife withall, as many tymes the seruant of God was constreyned to abandon the Churches and Cittyes, and goe forth into the spacious playnes, and there from the higher bancks to breake the bread of the diuine word vnto the hungry multitude. And he howbeyt corpulent by nature, and much subiect to swea∣ting, and diuers infirmityes, left not for all that, to expose him∣selfe with great promptnes, and without sparing any labour, or trouble where the greatest need was, & hope of a more certaine & copious haruest.

Now who were able to set downe what fruite followed, to the glory of our Lord and saluation of men? Who could number the rancours and enmityes deposed, the restitutions made, the Con∣cubines forsaken, the processions, disciplines, fasts, the pious works both common and particuler instituted for behoofe of body & soule? Many contemning the vanity of the world, though rich and po∣tent otherwise, eyther dedicated themselues to the diuine seruice in Religion, or the better to assure their conscience, very freely sub∣iected their whole substance and their life it selfe, vnto the dispose of the faythfull seruant of Christ; the good and faythfull through his discourses would depart from him very full of consolation of new courage and purpose afresh. The sinners chasing away dark∣nes and sleep, astonished at the diuine prouidence, acknowledging their perilous estate, and the greiuousnes of their synnes, as woun∣ted Harts to the fountayne, so ran they to the tribunall of Confes∣sours, with teares and sighs.

How S. Antony mountes into the Chayre of Theology, and was the first of his Order, that read in those Schooles. Chap. 8.

VVE may not seeme to passe ouer in silence, how 22. Thee∣ues being accustomed to rob and murder trauaylours in a certaine thick and obscure forest, and then after vnknowne in the Citty, to appeare in the habit of Honourable persons, being lastly moued with the fame, which ran euery where of the Angelicall preaching of S. Anthony, resolued to goe all at once to heare him. And found the report of him to be nothing false, but rather remay∣ned so mollifyed and softned, at his fyery speaches, as the sermon being hardly finished, they went al one after another, to cast them∣selues at the feet of the Preacher, with most humble confession, crauing absoluion at his hands, and promising amendment. Of whome being graciously heard, and with fatherly admonitions being encouraged and instructed, they retired themselues to per∣forme the pennances imposed vpon them.

By which example, may easely be estimated without more ado, how great, and how vnusuall effects, that instrument of the diuine goodnes occasioned in the harts of men. So as S. Bonauenture in the second translation of the Saint, which was some thirty two yeares after his death, finding that happy tongue, through the di∣uine will, wholy fresh and red, with good reason exclaymed: O tongue, which hast euer blessed God, and taught others to blesse him like∣wise, it appeares now manifestly of what merit thou wast before our Lord: and so kissing it deuoutly he placed it in a decent Reliquary, for that purpose. But returning to the matter of the spirituall purchase, and most burning zeale of S. Antony. It is surely a merueilous thing, how the man of God, notwithstanding the occupation of the pul∣pit, and other trauayls of no light importance, employed himselfe very willingly in hearing confessions, and with so much prudence, and longanimity applyed himselfe to looke into, and to cure the wounds of soules, as sometymes from morning, to late in the eue∣uing, he had no tyme to restore his weary and afflicted body eyther with meate, or repose at all.

The Heretikes moreouer and the Heresiarks being manifestly conuinced by the wisedome and spirit that spake in him, were con∣streyned opēly eyther with base silence to confesse their perfidious∣nes, or with wholesome compunction to accept the truth. Though

indeed he combated against such a plague, •…•…ot only from aloft with long and continued speaches, but euen also in meetings and assem∣blyes in schooles, with syllogismes and distinctions, and with other arts which Logick teaches. Which perticularly is seen in the Citties of Arimini, Millan, & Tholouse. From which things grew also another effect of no small consideration, as well for the common benefit of all Christendome, as for the especiall increase and reputation of the Fryars Minors.

The sayd Religion, as we mentioned, was lately founded by the most Blessed Father S. Francis, in profession and spirit, rather of Christian pouerty and humility, then of erudition or learning. Which though they were not despised, or in contempt with him, yet was he very circumspect and cautious in admitting them into his Institute, being desirous that his Fryars should preach rather with example and good works, then with precepts, and words: nor lightly would he giue them leaue to study, as fearing not with∣out good reason, least through weakenes of humane nature, much reading might extinguish deuotion, and the wind of curio∣sity destroy the building of Charity. From this caution of the ho∣ly Father, and simplicity which commonly appeared in his chil∣dren, sprang vp an vniuersal opinion in the world, that the Fryars were certainely but silly, and good men only; but ignorant meer∣ly and litle apt for discouering the deceipts of the auncient aduer∣sary, and iudging the quality of synnes, or distinguishing between leaprosy and leaprosy, and by consequence vnable to cooperate with the diuine prouidence in the conducting of soules.

Now some Fathers being desirous to cancell this note, as zea∣lous of the fame of their Order, and of the glory of Christ, made great instance vnto the Blessed Antony, he would take the paynes to read and explicate the more grauer sciences, and set vp in the Reli∣gion of the Minors a Schoole also, whence as from a noble and per∣petuall Seminary, might issue from tyme to tyme sufficient worke∣men for the Vinyard of our Lord. To which so honest requestes, howbeit otherwise he would willingly haue condescended, yet hauing some notice of the mind of his common Father and Superi∣our, he could neuer be brought to accept the enterprise, vntill such tyme, as he had expresse faculty and commission from him, with a letter of the tenour following: To his most deere Brother Antony, Fryar Francis sends greeting. I am content that you read Diuinity to

the Fryars, but in such sort, that (according to the aduise of the Rule) neither in you or them, the spirit of holy Prayer may be ex∣tinguished.

Heereby, all excuse being taken away, S. Antony did at last begin to satisfy the continuall desires of the Fryars, and he was the first, who in that, venerable Family euer held the Chayre; begin∣ning in Mompelier in France, and prosecuting afterwardes in Bologna, and then in Padua. To which Citty, whether it were for the cle∣mency of the ayre, or for the humanity and disposition of the inha∣bitants, he bare very speciall affection: and with this his new la∣bour of interpreting the diuine mysteries, he came both to illustrate the Order of Minours, and to affoard the militant Church a fit sup∣ply of the choicest fouldiours. Amidst these so noble and fruitefull cares of his, the Seruant of Christ, could not also auoyd that same of gouerning others, in diuers degrees, and places of France, and Italy, where he was (according to the institute of the Order) both Guar∣dian and Minister. In which dignityes, howbeit he shewed affa∣bility, and such iudgment, as he was both reuerenced and beloued of his subiects: yet to the end he might more readily attend to spiri∣tuall workes, and for the greater common good, it seemed well to Pope Gregory the IX. through singular priuiledge, to discharge him of all superintendency of Conuents, or of Prouinces, which do ne∣cessarily bring with them diuers distractions and thoughts of tem∣porall matters. And besids the office of confessing, conuersing with the Neighbours, and preaching, the same Pope would haue him to put his sermons into writing, that the profit might not only deriue to the present and liuing, but euen also to the absent, and posteri∣ty. Whereupon retyring himselfe a new into the Citty of Padua, being a place for diuers occasiōs very apt for al exercise of learning, he went forward in putting those bookes to writing, which are now read in print, & which to the studious of christian eloquence, serue as a copious and rich storehouse for any subiect whatsoeuer.

A certaine Prophesy of S. Antony fullfilled, of one Philip a Martyr of Christ. Chap. 9.

HItherto we haue spoken of the actions of the Saint, which are imitable of ech religious person. It remaynes now to touch some thing of the more admirable. And to begin with prophecy,

whereof two no lesse certaine then famous predictions, sufficienly declare, how much this so precious a gemme shined in the blessed S. Antony. There being a woman at Assisium now ready to be brought to bed, she deuoutly recommended her selfe to his intercession, who for charityes sake had been to visit her. To which request, through the hidden instinct of God, he manifestly answered forthwith, she should be of good cheere, that she should haue a happy labour, and haue a sonne, and that which more imported, he was desti∣ne by diuine prouidence, first, to be a glasse of vertue in the Reli∣gion of S. Francis, and then also with effusion of his bloud, and greattorments, for Christ should purchase a palme of a glorious mar∣tyrdome. There was nothing of all this that infallibly fell not out. The happy Babe was borne without hurt of it selfe or mother, and in the sacred Baptisme, tooke the name of Philip. And passing his first yeares in Angelical purity, of his owne election became a Fryar Minour. Hence fortifying himselfe in the loue and feare of the eter∣nall God, through a heauenly inspiration, was moued to the pil∣grimage of the holy Land, and arriued at Azotus, euen iust at the tyme, when that Citty, was by treason taken by the Saracens, and the Christians that were there, to the number of two thousand, were all publiquely condemned to death.

Through which so cruell a sentence, Philip fearing least some being affrighted might come to abandon the holy fayth, requested as a fauour at the ministers hands of the Souldan there (and obtayned it without difficulty) to be the last executed of all. Whence the Mahumetans being brought into some hope, that he would renoūce in the meane tyme; found themselues at last to be far deceaued of their expectation. Because the cruell spectacle being now begun, Philip endeauoured with all feruour & fortitude of mind to comfort all the Christians, to suffer freely, speaking aloud, he had a reue∣lation of our Lord, that he was to enter that day into the kingdome of Heauen, with more then a thousand Martyrs; through which so high a promise these faythfull people being exceedingly comfor∣ted, did voluntarily, yea euen cheerfully present their bare necks, to the sword of the bloudy Executioner.

Which thing the Souldan noting (who beyond measure abhor∣red the name of Christ) entered into such a fury, as he suddenly commaunded, that with all the sortes of most exquisite tormentes that might be, should his temerity and boldnes be punished, that

durst so disswade from the worship of the Great Mahomet. Whereu∣pon a troupe of hangmen, assailing Philip without more ado, and in the sight of the whole company of Christians, went first to cut of his fingars ioynt by ioynt, in which so sharp and prolix a torment, he neuer ceasing to exhort and enflame the Christians, in such wise as neyther being enforced with menaces, nor won with flatteryes, they all cryed out, with one accord, they would follow by all meanes the stepes, and counsails of the couragious Philip. The Soul∣dan continually more enraged, caused him to be fleaed aliue to the nauell, and afterwards that blessed tongue to be cut out, whereof being depriued & torne in all parts, he ceased not for all that with signes and gestures, and much more with example to enflame those sacred victimes, vntill such tyme as he was beheaded with them, and that alltogether ascended to the eternall Country, leauing euen to their enemyes behind, an euident signe of their felicity, since the bodyes being kept a good while, in the same place vnburied & vncouered did not only not giue forth the least ill sauour, but ra∣ther yeilded a most sweet odour. And in this sort came that to effect which had now for so many yeares before, without all doubt, or ambiguity at all, already beene prophesyed by S. Antony.

Another example of S. Antonyes prophesyes, which happened in another Martyr. Chap. 10.

NO lesse memorable then the former, was a certaine reuela∣tion, which S. Antony manifested cleerely being Guardian at that tyme in the confines of Aquitan, in a Citty, which being in a more high place, the Frenchmen called Le Pay, and the vulgar Italian Val Poggio, and was aunciently by the Latins called Anicium. In this Citty among other Inhabitants, was a certaine Notary, very Catholike in fayth, the worldly in his dealinges, and more practized in taking of Suretyships, then discerning of spirits, more aquainted with plying the Iudges, and Aduocats, then frequen∣ting of Churches and Sacraments. And yet S. Antony on a tyme, meeting him one the way, with a low duck, & vncouering of the head, made him an extraordinary reuerence and obeysance. Which thing the Notary, being guilty of his owne quality, and not tyed through any freindship to the poore Fryar; at first attributed the same to errour or simplicity, afterwards perceiuing him to persist

in the sayd obseruance, when he saw him a farre of, endeuoured to shunne him. But meeting full on a tyme where he could not auoyd him, and the Fryar saluting him againe with the accustomed, or ra∣ther with greater signe of honour then euer, he holding the same as an act of scorne and derision towards him, began with anger, euen grinding his teeth, and drawing out his sword withall, and to cry out, saying: If thou hadst not been a Fryar, I had now a good while since euen thrust this same in thy sides.

But tell me, thou rude, base, and errant Iacke: What is the mat∣ter thou scoffes me thus to my face? To whome the seruant of Christ answered with all submission; Brother, trouble not your selfe, I do reuerence you with my hart, and do honour you withall fidelity that may be: the reason is, for that I hauing greatly desired, & beg∣ged as a fauour of our Lord, to spend my bloud in his holy seruice, haue neuer been worthy, nor hath he byn pleased to heare my suite. But indeed of you, he hath reuealed to me, that you shal one day dye a Martyr; Whence I am constrayned with a sweet enuy, to hold you in the esteeme and regard I doe: and doe most affectuously in∣treate you, that when you shall come to that glorious conflict, you would be mindfull of me poore wretched sinner. At which words the Notary being pacifyed, conuerting choler into laughter, went his wayes iesting at the matter. Nor long it was, but the effect did really succeed.

Because the Bishop of that Citty, preparing himselfe to go vnto the holy Sepulcher, the Notary being touched with supernall mo∣tiues, resolued to accompany him thither, as he did. And being ar∣riued at Palestine possessed by the Saracens, the Bishop happened to fall into dispute, of matters concerning the holy Fayth. In which conflict those barbarous people shewing themselues very bold and iusolent, against the honour of Christ, and the Bishop being timo∣rous in defending the same, and in opposing their blasphemyes; the Notary could by no meanes brooke such indignities, but couragi∣ously entred into the quarrell, & without any respect a whit indea∣uoured to discouer & accuse the vanity, fraud, & ambitions of their wicked Mayster whome they adored: wherupon the Mahumetan•…•… being all enraged tooke the Notary, & for the space of three conti∣nuall dayes, hauing satiated their greedy desires, with mangling and scourging the victorious warrier of Christ, at last they led him to death: and he remembring very well, what had been told to

him by S. Antony, declared it to the Christians about him, and with infinite consolation, stretching forth his neck, to the seruants of impiety, and washing his stole anew in the bloud of the Lambe, went immaculate to the heauenly banquet. And thus, with the stupour, and amazement of all, came the Oracle to be verifyed.

Of sundry apparitions of S. Antony, made in his owne person, vpon seuerall occasions. Chap. 11.

THe apparitions of God, made to S Antony, & of him to others, are worthy of eternall memory. Being one day receaued as a Ghest, by a certayne Knight, no lesse deuout then illustrious, he had a lodging appointed him, farre from noyse, where he might the better attend to study, and contemplation. Now, while the Knight passes in the night by the house, he sees a most bright splendour to proceed from that chamber, whereat meruei∣ling much, he secretly approches to the doore, and looking through the key hole, beholds vpon an open booke before S. Antony, a child of a celestiall beauty; who sending forth rayes more bright then the Sunne, threw himselfe tenderly about the necke of the blessed man, and imbraced him without end, and S. Antony likewise him, with ineffable ioy and affection. Amidst these chast imbraces the most sweet Babe shewed him how his Host was standing at the doore, & beheld al things remayning in a rapt. S. Antony not enuyed him so happy a sight, letting him enioy it at his pleasure, vntill such tyme as the glorious child did vanish away, when lastly he opened the doore, and with a thousand prayers coniured him to keep the matter in secret vntill his death. So promised the Knight and ob∣serued the same: and as soone as the Seruant of Christ was quit of the bandes of his body, he vnloosed the same of silence, and began to proclayme the aforesayd spectacle, and to affirme it with oaths and teares togeather, with so much gust as he could neuer be satis∣fyed with recounting it. And hence it is, that the images of the Saint, are seene so depainted with a child in his armes, sitting on a booke, for a difference of others of his Order. In this manner was S. Antony among other tymes, as then made worthy of the presence of our Sauiour.

And he also, as we sayd more then once, affoarded himselfe in seuerall places, vnto diuers persons at once, and that allwayes

eyther for the diuine seruice, or for edification, and the helpe of neighbours: as particulerly happened to him in France, while he was preaching first in Mompelier, in the great Church, after in Li∣moges in S. Peters, which they call of the Quadrino. Because S. Anto∣ny being in the pulpit, and remembring suddainely, he had forgot to substitute one in the Quire of the Conuent, who should supply his part, that belonged to him; suddenly by diuine power, not fayling neyther the people assembled, nor pulpit, was present with his Fryars to sing his Lesson, and Antiphone.

At other tymes his Father being falsely accused in Lisbone, for intercepting the monyes of the Fiscall, and then agayne for killing a yonge man, which by certaine wicked men, was of purpose put into his garden with many signes of bloud vpon him, S. Antony in the meane while being certifyed by diuiue reuelation of what had happened at both tymes, from places and Prouinces most re∣mote, was found to be present in the same moment in the Citty of Lisbone; and as for the monyes he made the Magistrates to vnder∣stand, that the Kings Treasurers, though fully satisfyed heertofore, yet maliciously had denyed the receipt thereof, and acquittances giuen. For the homicide, it pleased him to demaund it publique∣ly of the dead himselfe, whether his Father (though sentenced al∣ready for it) were guilty of the said wickednes: whereto hauing answered no, without the vrging of S. Antony to name the ma∣lefactours, he demaunded absolution of the seruant of God, for a certayn excommunication he had formerly incurred, and interces∣sion for his synnes; which hauing obtayned in the sight of all the multitude, he fell downe dead into the sepulcher agayne. And thus S. Antony conserued his innocent Father in his goods, honours, and life.

Moreouer, the seruant of Christ, was wont to shew himselfe cleerly in the night in sleep, to some inueterated in sensuality, and other vices, who for feare or shame durst not to lay open their enormious synnes to the Priest, and vpbrayding them their of crymes, and circumstances thereof, now to admonish them with sweetnes, and now to constreyne them with seuerity and menaces, to repayre to this or that Confessour, as he esteemed most for the purpose, & so with the Sacrament of penance they had tyme, to de∣liuer themselues from the power of the diuell: which euen the pe∣nitents themselues related afterwards, not without the great mer∣uayl

of euery one. So as neyther in this also may the blessed S. Anto∣ny be accompted inferiour to S. Nicholas, to S. Ambrose, to S. Fran∣cis, and others, of whom it is read, how they had the same very fa∣uours from the Almighty in diuerse occurrences. And since we haue newly made mention of penitents, we may not fold vp in silence, how efficacious the words of S. Antony were concerning that holsome Sacrament.

Other notable examples, of the efficacy of S. Antonyes preaching, not with∣out manifest miracles. Chap. 12.

A Certaine Cittizen of Padua by name Leonard, confessing vnto him, among other iniquityes discouered, being very contrite, that he kickt his Mother on the belly so hard, as he threw her to the ground. For which the Saint reprehending him most grieuously, in processe of discourse sayd to him: How that foot which had had the boldnes to strike the belly, whence he came forth, deserued to be cut off. The wordes were not spoken to a deafe man: the abso∣lution receaued, Leonard goes his wayes home, and interpreting the sillables as they sounded, taking a hatchet really in hand, he cut off his foot, and presently being seised with a mortall sooning, began to cry out aloud; to these cryes the vnfortunate Mother full of feare came suddenly in, the Chirurgians are sent for, the wound is swathed with little hope of remedy or cure, the neighbours run in, one cryes, another weepes, all are astonished.

The wofull woman, scarcely yet recouering breath, goes her wayes with her haire disheueled to the Saint, and with woma∣nish plaints, & bitter sobs, charges him with the death of her deare sonne. The Blessed Antony, with the newes thereof remayned ex∣tremely disconsolate and afflicted, and not content to haue dischar∣ged himselfe with iust excuses, he went immediatly to the lodging of that simple man, and there sending vp enflamed prayers to God, he tooke vp the foot cut off, and laying it to the stump of the legge, with the benediction of God so vnited the same, as the yonge man without griefe or scarre remayned safe and sound. The fame of so great a miracle dilated it selfe throughout, and thankes were ren∣dred to the diuine goodnes on all sides. These and other such like shinges befell S. Antony in Confessions.

But turne we now to his Preaching againe, we may not let

passe, how the Crusado for the holy Land being proclaymed, vn∣der Gregory the IX. and a most ample Iubiley published for such an intention in Rome, there assembled together an infinite number of people from all parts of Christendome, as Greeks, French, Almans, Spaniards, English, and of other nations: by all which, the blessed S. Antony was heard to preach at once, ech one in their proper lan∣guage, as in the Citty of Hierusalem heeretofore the Apostles were heard on the solemne day of Pentecost; that supernaturall effect be∣ing renewed, with the astonishment of as many as heard the same.

In Arimini, the Citty being full of Heretikes, S. Antony ende∣uoured cheifly, and not without much trauayle to reduce the He∣resiarcke Bonuillus, or (as some would haue it) Bonellus to a better mind, who for thirty yeares continuallly had persecuted the Church of Christ: and after his amendment, notwithstanding many others yet remayning most peruerse in their obstinacy, and shutting their ears vnto the truth, after that S. Antony with many prayers in vayne, had inuited them to a Sermon, there being a great number of them as then forth of the wals, where the riuer called Marechia discharges it selfe into the Sea; with great cōfidence in our Lord, he begins to call the Fishes vnto the word of God, since men of reason & redee∣med with his precious bloud, would by no meanes seeme to harken to him. And incredible thing had it not been euident: he had scarce giuen forth the commaund, when an innumerable multitude of fishes of sundry formes and bignes, were seene to appeare on the waters of the Sea and riuer, which euen of their owne accord came in by sholes, and with heads erected accommodating themselues to listen to him; in so much as the lesser put themselues neer to the bancks side, and then the greater and bigger in order, with so good∣ly and fayre a dispose, as a more pleasing sight could not be seen.

To these squadrons so well ordered, the blessed S. Antony lif∣ting vp his voyce began to vnfold vnto them the benefits vouch∣safed them from the Creatour, the guift of swiftnes and colours, and of their beauty in particuler; the medicine subministred from them by Toby; the tribute, and food of our Lord himselfe: the mi∣stery of the Resurrection represented in the Prophet Ionas. For which reasons with many others besides did S. Antony exhort them to yeild God thanks. To which aduise of his those Marine troups▪ since they could not by words, with sundry motions at least did sig∣nify their obedience, stooping with the head, sporting with iubily

and shewing a will to honour the messenger of Christ. Nor would they depart from the place, vntil they were licēced thence, through his holy benediction. And so in the meane tyme the concourse of spectatours being now continually growne greater; the man of God taking then occasion, vpbrayded those obstinate and peruerse men of their malice and impiety, since in acknowledging the high Creatour, admitting so his holy law, they would so manifestly suffer themselues to be vanquished by beasts; whereupon the He∣retikes at last remayned confounded, and the Catholikes conti∣nually more confirmed, in the holy doctrine and veneration of the Sea Apostolike.

Other miracles which S. Antony wrought in the sight of Heretikes, to the conuersion of many, and confusion of others. Chap. 13.

MOst famous was that which happened in the exequyes of a certaine publike Vsurer, now buryed allready: at which ex∣equyes, it belonging to the blessed S. Antony to make the sermon, he tooke for text that saying of our Sauiour: Vbi est the saurus tuus, ibi est & cor tuum. To which purpose with accustomed liberty he inueighed against the disordinate loue of gold and siluer, and wei∣ghed the inestimable domages which grow from thence: finally to let them see with their eyes themselues the truth of that sentence, turning himselfe to the neerest parents of the dead: Go your wayes (sayd he) by and by, to the chest of the miserable wretch, and there within shall you find his very hart it selfe: which they did without contradiction, and to the great terrour of them, and of the whole land, in the midst of his monyes they found the said hart, as yet not wholy cold. We shall now ad another of no terrour awhit, but of meere consolation.

S. Anthony being Custos at Limoges, after he had passed through France still preaching heere and there, chaunced to discourse with the inhabitants of Burges. But the presse was so great of such as came to heare him, as that the Canons of the Church, putting themselues in procession with the whole Auditory, went forth of the gates of the towne, into the open fields: where while the man of God puts himselfe to discourse in an eminent place, behold there gathered to∣geather very blacke clouds in the ayre, which threatned a terrible •…•…pest; for feare wherof the people flying from thence & beginning

to shift for themselue, S. Antony sayd with a loud voyce: Bee of good cheere my maysters; stirre not a foot, there shall not a drop of water light vpon any of you. The people obeyed: and behold suddenly a mighty storme of hayle and rayne to fall from heauen, which enui∣roning the Auditory as a wall, did not wet the breadth of a palme in the whole circuit, but left the people dry & vntouched. Whence followed many prayses vnto God, and extraordinary credit and re∣uerence to S. Antony.

And now to speake something likewise of meruails succeeding in his disputations with Heretikes: It is reported for certayne, how the diuine man being at Arimini on a tyme, or as others would haue it, in the Citty of Tholouse, a malapert minister of Sathan▪ of the Sect of Berengarius, being not able to maintayne himselfe in a controuersy of the most holy Sacrament, agaynst the reasons alleadged by S. An∣thony, sayd finally vnto him. Thou confoundest me with words, as more learned then I; but not because they haue more foundation of truth. But let vs come to some more cleere experiences in effect; Whence I may be certifyed indeed, that God is really present in the consecrated host, and I promise and sweare vnto you (when it shall succeed) that I will confesse to be vanquished, and belieue this ar∣ticle, in the manner as you teach it.

S. Anthony accepts the condition, nor doubts awhit to put the quality of the tryall to his owne choice. Let vs do it then in this manner replyed the Heretike. This day will I beginne to keep my Mule without meate, & after three dayes againe shall I bring him forth so hungry into the market place, togeather with a pecke of oats for the purpose. And at the same tyme thou likewise come thi∣ther with thy azime or host, and if the beast in presence of the one and other shall forbeare to eate the oats, and turne to bow vnto thy bread, I am content also to adore the same, without more adoe. In the name of God sayd S. Antony let the matter be published through the Citty. The third day being come, both parties repayre to the market-place, with such a thronge of people as euery one may iudge. Heere S. Anthony sacrificeth vpon an Altar set vp for the purpose, and before he communicates, conuerting himselfe to the principall Cittizens, with lighted torches about him, holding the Host in his hand replenished with fayth, •…•…es to the brute beast, which now was senting the oats, & commands him in power of that God there present, that l•…•…uing the prouande•…•… now taken out

of the sacke, & set before him, to come presently to his Creatour, and acknowledge and adore him in the sayd Host.

The Priest had scarcely ended these wordes, when the Mule despising the prouander, with headbowing, humbly approaching to the most holy sacrament kneeld downe to adore it, to the infinit iubiley of the good, and holesome conuersion of that wretched Sa∣cramentary. In this manner was a very strange experiment brought to passe, vnworthy indeed of so high a mystery; but yet nothing preiudiciall, nor perilous to the life of S. Antony.

How S. Antony escaped the treacheryes of his enemyes by secret poyson, and of the opinion he gayned with all men. Chap. 14.

SOme others of the same kind with the former, found out ano∣ther more wicked proofe, and by so much more dangerous, as more hidden; who being not wone with the former passage, but more exasperated rather with the sayd miracle, determined with poyson to murder the seruant of Christ. Inuiting him therefore to dinner (whither he refused not to goe, being desirous to help any manner of wayes) vnder colour of charity, they present him with poysoned meat; which fraud being suddenly knowne in spirit, he reprehended them with loue & grauity for such impiety: but those obstinate and peruerse men, insteed of being compunct, and peni∣tent therat, vnto their hidden deceits added a manifest impudency, and boldly thereupon began to say: How Christ had promised his faythfull Disciples, that neyther the poysonous, nor fatall drinkes, should seeme to hurt them. Whence if he would but tast thereof, he should soone doubtlesse confesse that saying of the Ghospell to be false. At which wordes S. Antony recollecting himselfe, and on the one side, holding the taking of such food were a meere temp∣ting of him that had reuealed the danger vnto him; and fearing on the other, through the wicked disposition of those Calumnia∣tours to occasion some discredit to the sacred Scripture, was resol∣ued at last to eate, and drinke the same without exception, if they would promise to returne to the Catholik fayth, when as he should receaue no hurt thereby. To which condition they yielding assent, his word was performed, as well without the hurt of his person, as with the glorious purchase of those mindes seduced.

These, and many other thinges, which for breuity we let passe

were wrought by the Blessed Anthony in the name of Christ, be∣yond all course & compasse of humane power: which being mat∣ched with a singular innocency of manners, and with a solid, liuely and enflamed eloquence, may not seeme strange they should fru∣ctifye so much, not only in the harts of the meaner and poorer sort (which ordinarily is wont, very willingly to accept the word of God, & without difficulty to rayse the affect from visible things) but euen also in the minds of the rich and potent; who so rarely imbrace the seed of the Ghospell, and be so hardly weaned from false delights, and designes, to aspire with paynes, mortifications, and almes to the future felicity. And yet many of this condition rendred themselues to the battayls of this great Captayne, and com∣mitted wholy to his discretion and gouernement (as we sayd) both their goods and liues.

Among which, a principall Baron of Padua, being called Tisone Campo San Pietro, may not seeme to be reckoned in the last place. This man after he had serued long in the warres, wherein he had beene a chiefe Commander, retyring himselfe to his house, and laying his armes aside, at the intreaty of the Blessed Antony, with the good example of the whole Citty, gaue himselfe to spirit; and conceauing feruour and zeale to help his subiects, obtayned of the Blessed Father to vouchsafe to come into the Land of Campo S. Pietro (from whose dominion, tooke the noble family of the Tisons that name) to cultiuate & instruct the rude people there in Christiā Religion, and in the feare of God. Which S. Antony refused not, especially for that there was in that place a little Conuent of Minours, that was maintayned by the almes of Tisone himselfe. True it is, that S. Antony being arriued there, to remaine more re∣tyred, would not abide continually, neither among the Fryars, nor lesse in the Pallace of his Host, but vnder a Nut-tree of an vn∣measurable greatnes, from whose truncke grew forth six great branches in manner of a crowne, causing three litle Cells to be set vp, one for himselfe, and the other for two Fryars and companions of his (in which worke Tisone himselfe with singular piety did la∣bour with his owne hands) whence S. Antony was wont after his exercises of prayer and contemplation, to preach vnto the people; which assembled to that heauenly food, from the neighbour coun∣tryes thereabout; but yet descending at the howers of refection and rest, he remayned in the Conuent.

Amidst these things the diuine man, although by his old Insti∣tute he shunned, and had all worldly glory in much horrour; yet through the greatnes of his merits, he was arriued to that venera∣ti•…•…n with the people, that euen peeces of his poore cassock were se∣c•…•…etly cut off for deuout Reliques; & when the word Saint was but named, for excellency sake it was cōmonly vnderstood of him. And yet he notwithstanding continued in austetityes, macerations, & vigils, not that his flesh now tamed and subdued allready, had need thereof; but to afford therein a perpetuall example, and edi∣fication to seculars. Who ordinarily not hauing iust weights to bal∣lance the integrity of vertues, are wont, and accustomed to valew and prize perfection, by the exteriour afflictions and penances they discouer in Religious.

The Death of S. Antony, with the sequels thereof: and his speedy Canoni∣zation. Chap. 15.

VVIth such manner of strictnes of life accompanyed (as we haue sayd) with an extraordinary weake complexion, and many labours, and trauayls withall, came the seruant of Christ to be so feeble, as being surprized in Campo San Pietro with a gree∣uous infirmity, he soone, and directly told it likewise to one about him, that he was now arriued to the terme of his short dayes, and hoped ere long to go, & enioy those places without terme or mea∣sure of tyme. And withall not to be troublesome in his cure, either to that small Oratory of Minors, or the lay Families there, though he were with the most affectuous prayers that might be, coniured by all to abide with them, yet causing himselfe to be layd in a Countrey cart, he went to Padua. And considering that in the Mo∣nastery of Sancta Maria Maior, within the wals, he should too much be molested with visits, he diuerted to another place, which is cal∣led Arcella, of Franciscans indeed, but yet somwhat forth of the Citty.

Heere now being oppressed with the malady, with all deuo∣tion he receiued the holsome Sacraments, and with hands ioyned together, and lifted vp, not without extraordinary feeling he recited the seauen Penitentiall psalmes, and a deuout hymne to the most Blessed Virgin, whose protection with particuler ser∣uice he had allwayes sought to rely vpon. From thenceforth he begins suddenly to lift vp his eyes, and to fix them on heauen; &

being demaunded what he looked vpon? I behold, sayd he, my Lord Iesus Christ and after a short repose, among a thousand bene∣dictions and pious teares of his deerest freinds, he yeilded vp his spirit to the Creatour, with all the tranquility and serenity that might be, in the yeare of our Lord 1231. and the 13. of the month of Iune, on a Friday, he being then but 36. yeares of age, whe∣reof 15. he had spent in his Fathers house, two in S. Vincents of Lis∣bone, 9. at the holy Crosse of Conimbria, and about some 10. in the Order of S. Francis

After the passage, that blessed flesh, which through euill vsage, was before so horrid to see, so rugged, dry, and wrincked to be touched, became in a moment so white, soft, and plump, as if it had been of a tender and delicat child. His beloued freind & maister the Abbot of Vercells, whom we mentioned aboue, at that tyme, was much afflicted, with a disease of the throat. And euen loe, the same day, when S. Antony dyed, being in his chamber alone at prayer, he saw him suddenly to appeare before him; and after mutuall sa∣lutation, & imbraces: Behold (sayd he) my Lord Abbot, hauing left my Asse at Padua, how I goe in hast to my Country. And saying so, with a light touch only, he cured his throat, and so vanished. But the Abbot stedfastly beleiuing, that S. Antony was really passed by to Lisbone, going forth of his chamber, began to enquire of hi•…•… familiars, where he was; from whom not gathering any thing, at last returned into himselfe, and coniectured by that vision the hap∣py departure of the man of God: whereupon, making new dili∣gence by letters, he found the encounter of howers and moments to be iust the same, as he himselfe did afterwards testify.

In the meane while the Fryars of Arcella, fearing some tumul∣tuous concourse would be at the body, endeuoured to keep the de∣parture of the seruant of Christ very secret, but in vayne. Because the very innocent boyes, through hidden instigation of the spirit, began in many troups to goe crying through the countryes: The holy Father is dead, the Saint is dead. With which voyce the people being awaked, on a sudden they shut vp their shopps, and laying all other businesse aside, put themselues in armes, with great ef∣fusion of bloud, while one part stood for retayning the sacred trea∣sure in Arcella, and the other to conueigh him into the Citty: but after many and perilous bickeringes betweene them, by the hum∣ble prayers of the Fryars, & the authority of the Magistrates it was

obtayned, that as himselfe being neere to death had requested, he should be carryed to the Church of Sancta Maria Maior, and so he was accompanyed thither by the Bishop, the Clergy, and by per∣sons of quality in good order, with such aboundance of lightes, as the whole Citty seemed to be on fire.

Heere the high Masse being sung by the Bishop, began con∣tinually new and stupendious miracles to manifest themselues in diuers infirmityes of soules and bodyes. To which fame, with in∣credible feruour, continued a long tyme, whole troupes of Pilgrims to resort thither, not only of those confines, but of Italy also, and as it were of all Europe, with such a number of large guifts, and pre∣cious offeringes, as they were fayne to appoint chamberlaines and keepers for the custody of them, of the chiefest, & most honoura∣ble persons of Padua. With the help whereof, and with that more∣ouer which the Citty it selfe adioyned thereto, changing the title of the Temple (which was first of Iuno, & after of the Blessed Virgin Mary) in honour and inuocation of the Saint, was built in the same place, one of the magnificent and sumptuous Churches of Christen∣dome. Lisbone it selfe being the natiue Countrey of the Saint, con∣curred in a manner with the deuotions of the Paduans, in making by command of the King, of one part of the House, where he was borne, a fayre little Church as we sayd, and of the other a Hall, where the Ancients with the Senate, vnto this present day, are wont to assemble to deale about matters of the Common wealth.

But aboue all, Pope Gregory the IX. himselfe, who before in Rome had with so choyce an Elogy commended the doctrine of the seruant of God, concurred to the exalting of his glorious me∣mory. So as scarcely had a moneth passed ouer from the death, or to say better, from the natiuity of S. Antony, but causing a most ex∣act inquisition to be made of his life, and miracles, with the high approbation of all the Cardinalls, and Prelats of the holy Church, he canonized him solemnly, and enrolled him among those spirits, who arriued in the eternall country, doe securely enioy the bea∣tificall vision of God, there making intercession for others, who being on the way, are yet doubtfull continually of their progresse and tearme. Through which iudgment and approbation of the Sea Apostolike, was enflamed in all Christendome, a new desire to accumulate honours vpon the sacred depositum, & a liuely sayth in presenting supplications to that glorious soule: the Paduans yet in

this part shewing themselues most remarkable of all; who being constant in their auncient piety, follow in celebrating euery yeare the day of the deposition of the Saint, with most exquisite pompes, psalmes, panygeriques, & other triumphs, truly belonging to the immortall merits of the noble Confessour of Christ, and particuler protection he affords that famous Citty: whence he renouncing in a manner his proper Country, hath been pleased to accept, the perpetuall sweet Surname of Padua.

FINIS.