Chlodulphus

ON SAINT CHLODULPHUS, BISHOP OF METZ ON THE MOSELLE.

ABOUT 692.

PREVIOUS COMMENTARY.

On the cult, life, translation.

Chlodulphus, Bishop of Metz on the Moselle (S.)

G. H.

[1] That more than thirty Bishops of the Church of Metz are to be numbered, who in the ancient Catalogues and Martyrologies of this Church were truly held Saints, Meurisse Bishop of Madaurensis, and Suffragan of this Church, teaches in the Preface to the History of the Bishops of the Church of Metz §.6. Of these on this 8 June is venerated S. Chlodulph, inscribed in several sacred Fasti, and not only in MSS. of the Church of Metz, but

also in those of Hilariacum of S. Nabor, and in the MS. Florarium, where these things are read: At Metz the deposition of B. Chlodulph, Bishop and Confessor of the same city. Similar things are had in the Martyrology of Bellinus of Padua, according to the manner of the Roman curia printed at Venice in the year 1498, which Grevenus and Molanus followed in the Additions to Usuard, Maurolycus, Canisius, with the present Roman Martyrology Galesinius: likewise also Ferrarius, but these two on day 7. We adhere to the Earlier ones with Theodore Rhay, although Meurisse and Saussay refer the same Saint to 8 May, as there we said among the Passed-over. Paul Warnefrid on the Bishops of Metz, writes these things: With Godo departing from the world, Chlodulph, the natural son of blessed Father Arnulf, also brother of Ansigis (from whom the royal seed was propagated), ascended thirty-second to the Episcopal summit on account of the glory of his father's sanctity: about whom fame has brought nothing more to us, except that from such a root he sprang. Thus Warnefrid to Angilramn Bishop of Metz, who presided over the said Church from about the year 769 until the year 799.

[2] Afterwards some author, on account of the sanctity of his life and perhaps the virtue of miracles, Life written roused, collected the deeds of S. Chlodulph, and wrote this Life which we give. He at n. 5 mentions King Pippin, and the succeeding offspring, namely Charlemagne and Louis the Pious: likewise at n. 17 asserts, that S. Chlodulph was buried in the church, which before was called of the holy Apostles, now is called of S. Arnulf. Namely under the sons of Louis the Pious, when in the charters of Charles the Bald are found Canons of the monastery of S. Arnulf, and by Louis of the Kingdom of Germany, are named Brothers from the monastery of the holy Apostles, and also of the most blessed Confessor of Christ Arnulf, his great-great-grandfather. given from MSS. This Life we give transcribed from an old codex of Trier of the Imperial monastery of S. Maximinus, collated with that which Acherius and Mabillon published in Volume 2 of the Acts of the Saints of the Order of S. Benedict, received from a MS. codex of the very celebrated Andrew du Chesne.

[3] Arnold Wion, Dorganius, Menardus, Bucelinus, He was not a monk, inscribed this same one in their Benedictine Martyrologies. But from the Life now cited Mabillon gathers, that Chlodulph was nowhere a Monk or Eremite; but was taken from a lay life to the Episcopal See, or certainly that this was unknown to this author: which since it is not proved from elsewhere, the same Mabillon chose to add his Life to his Acts only in smaller type. We gave at the Kalends of February after the Life of S. Sigebert page 235 two diplomas, but a domestic of S. King Sigebert, both of him and of King Childeric, granted for the monasteries of Stavelot and Malmedy, in which Chlodulph is called a domestic of King Sigebert; under which King S. Desiderius, Bishop of the Cadurci, in Epistle 55 Volume I of Andrew du Chesne's Writers of the History of the Franks page 878, names Clodulph illustrious Lord and most excellent man; and exhorts him to remember the admonitions and acts of his father. Now Chlodulph was at the next time, under the same King Sigebert, ordained Bishop of Metz: and in that Episcopate full of days he died, not Archbishop of Trier or married. but was not translated to the Archbishopric of Trier, which after some others Saussay and Bucelinus, as also his monastic life, without any foundation assert. Lastly we judge it a fable of the same kind, that with Roserius the fabulous author some say, that Chlodulph procreated nine children in matrimony; because in the said Life or with the ancient and domestic writers we find no mention made of any wife.

[4] Body translated to Lay, Lay is a celebrated place in the County of Calvomont, near Nancy the capital of Lorraine, which Udelric Archbishop of Rheims and his mother Eva Countess offered to S. Arnulf of Metz. The charter of this donation exists with the Sammarthani in the Archbishops of Rheims, and with Meurisse at the Life of S. Chlodulph. Now that the already indicated Lay might be made more celebrated, and consecrated to God; the said Udelric obtained from Adalbero Bishop of Metz, that the body of S. Chlodulph be transferred there, and a Priory of Monks, depending from the monastery of S. Arnulf of Metz, be instituted: as was done in the year 959 on the 11th day of December: on which day the memory of S. Chlodulph is celebrated in the MS. Florarium, and another MS. of the Carthusian house of Utrecht, and is called Translation by Grevenus and Canisius. But this some assert was done on 6 September, but Saussay refers the same to 16 December. the head preserved at Metz. Meurisse adds that in that Translation certain illustrious miracles were done, and his head is preserved at Metz in the church of S. Arnulf. We desire to obtain those Miracles, if they are extant written anywhere.

LIFE

From MS. codices.

Chlodulphus, Bishop of Metz on the Moselle (S.)

BHL Number: 1735

FROM A MS.

PROLOGUE.

[1] Exhortation to celebrate the feasts of Saints, Commemorating with annual return the venerable deposition of blessed Chlodulph, glorious Pontiff of the city of Metz, we have decreed it most worthy to magnify, praise together, and bless the grace of the Lord, and have judged it most useful; and at the same time with the highest utility we admonish, that He who always makes His virtue known among the nations, and who is God working wonders, and who is glorious in all His Saints; as to the same Saints He conferred eternal glory, so to us celebrating their feasts may He confer pardon of all sins, let us all together and singly with the highest devotion entreat. For the Saints, who by the most happy retribution of manifold labors and their own works obtain eternal rewards, rejoicing reign with Christ God forever; and incorporated to the same Christ Lord as supreme head, with the prince of the world conquered, with all enemies conquered, clothed with the stole of immortality, and adorned with the laurel of perennity, ever stand as victors before their Lord, and rejoice with continual festivity from the presence of their King. Therefore they do not need our veneration, nor do they need our annual solemnities; but these divine subsidies are provided for our infirmity, that as often as through times revolved and through assigned days we recall the merits of the Saints, and in recalling exhibit sweet affections of veneration; we may merit the same Saints, for evils to be avoided and goods to be acquired, sweet patrons and pious entreaters, with the God of gods and Lord of lords.

CHAPTER I.

Illustrious lineage. Education. Possessions.

[2] About to write something of the deeds of B. Chlodulph, and to speak of so great a man, Born of father S. Arnulf by the wonted order of just narration, who or whence he was, it is first necessary that we intimate: and lineage, so noble, so illustrious, because to those present it lies most clearly open, that to the future also it may be open, it is just that we do. For the paternal genealogy B. Arnulf a, Pontiff of this holy See of Metz, wondrously makes coruscant, and most becomingly renders wondrous; while his father is proclaimed and is the one, who from the ancient stock of Senators, procreated by father Arnoald b, surpasses all France, nay all Gaul in nobility and most becoming generosity, grandfather Arnoald and in surpassing rendered it famous and honest with huge glory. Arnoald, whom we say, had as father Anspert c; who enriched not only with the opulence of things, great-grandfather Anspert, but glorious shone with the dignity of brothers and societal d excellence. For they say S. Aigulfus e, Pontiff of the Metenses, was procreated from the daughter of King Clovis: which Clovis, brother of S. Aigulfus, with S. Remigius Pontiff of the Rhemenses preaching, was the first to subject both himself and all France to the Christian religion, and into due honor and the beauty of the Church, as far as he ever could, dilated and exalted. Deotarius f Pontiff of Arisidum, and Firminus g likewise Pontiff of Uceti, and Gamardus father of S. Goëricus the Bishop, and Renfridus were brothers of this Anspert. of Deotarius, Firminus, and Gamardus, Renfridus. But the mother of the Lord and venerable Chlodulph h, called Doda, shone clear with no less nobility: but this same nobility, she most gloriously illustrated and decorated with piety of manners and sanctity of mind. Who with her husband living most chastely, Mother Doda as the world bears, did not suffer herself to be unequal in the exhibition of goods: and when B. Arnulf was raised to the Pontifical chair, afterwards enclosed at Trier died. she also, with the fiery grace of the holy Spirit fervent in her, was not only clothed with spiritual robe and veil, but even with the Trier folk in enclosure until the day of death enclosed and bound herself.

[3] Therefore Chlodulph, a boy of venerable disposition, as was fitting, and as is wont to happen to sons of nobles, is handed over to schools and is exhibited to be taught in liberal letters: Educated in piety and doctrine, and he was advancing in age, no less truly in the outflow of spiritual doctrine. In whom also a desirable treasure was being prepared, which would rest in his wise mouth; and his pious and most learned masters were studying, that their most kindly hearer, made a paterfamilias in the foreappointed time, might know and have whence to bring forth new things and old. So this most liberal boy, from boyhood into adolescence and youth, well grown up in human and divine things and studies, was advancing; and was striving most cleverly to please God and all good men perfectly in words and deeds; but to favor the evil, and to be joined to their friendships even moderately he so fled and resisted, as he abhorred and despised utterly imitating depraved life and manners. He was subject to elders in age and wisdom, he was equal to equals; he was kind and mild to those younger, and with wondrous benevolence by every order, sex, and profession, was most sweetly loved.

[4] But when the ancient piety of omnipotent God had with His inspiration kindled intimately the heart of B. Arnulf, with S. Arnulf the father elected to the Episcopate of Metz, father of this blessed Chlodulph, to divine studies, and to celestial works, and compelled to burn most fervently; it was done, with Papulus i Pontiff of the Metenses dead, that this same B. Arnulf with the highest insistence was demanded by the Clergy and people; and there was such force in demanding, that King Theodoric k granted him to them. For although he had this one most beloved among friends and most secret among confidants, and was also Rector of the palace, and the first auditor of councils to be heard and rendered, and the wisest renderer; yet the admirable importunity, so to say, of the most noble people prevailed, and the unblushing constancy in asking: and B. Arnulf, a most erudite layman and most holy Major-domo, suddenly made a Cleric, was most happily raised to the Pontifical Chair by the vows of all peoples to rule. But while the time of Ordination loomed, and the despair of flight and of all hiding places had been already made; the estates and furnishings of many riches, from the resources left to him by him which he had possessed most rich, most honorably divided, he conferred many on holy Mother Church, very many also he left to his two sons Chlodulph and Anchises to be had by hereditary right. Who endowed with paternal benediction, in a short time are made most wealthy; and the principality of the whole country after the King, glorious by royal gift, most gloriously they obtain. But the blessed Pontiff with what he had retained from his own,

or even in the archives of the holy Church committed to him he had found of treasures and moneys, distributing all to the uses of the poor, as a good lender had dispersed; compelled by much necessity, he went to his sons; and that they should have mercy on him and his, with humble prayer suppliant he asks. bestows only a few: But because the foresight of God, and the inevitable predestination had decreed that Chlodulph, still most sweet, blooming with the flower of youth, was to be set in charge of His holy Church, and had disposed to set him to rule the people and Clergy of Metz; the things which he possessed, and which he was afterwards to confer on God and His Christ and his spiritual sons, by the instinct of the same God and our Lord Jesus Christ he retained for himself, nor conferred many on his father from those things which he had asked, but reserved them to be expended hereafter for like uses.

[5] Anchises l, the younger son of the blessed man, most willingly assenting in all things to his father's petitions, for his more liberal brother glorious posterity is promised. handed over to his will all that he seemed to have; and thinking nothing of the morrow, following the poor Christ, that he might have a treasure in heaven, he deliberated to sell with his father's hands all that he had and give to the poor. Wherefore enriched with the magnificent benedictions of his same most pious father, namely blessed Arnulf, by spiritual and through this prophetic foresight, that omnipotent God was to confer all France, nay also all Gaul, on him and his sons through many successions of generations, he merited to hear. Which also happened, when the same Anchises, as his father had been, made Major of the royal house, left the succession of the same office to his son m; and after, to his son's son. For Pippin from a ministry into King of all Gaul, consecrated and blessed by blessed Pope Stephen, the first from the most happy stock of B. Arnulf, with royal scepters made himself and the succeeding offspring n, with a happy auspice and blessed beginnings, decorous and honest.

NOTES G. H.

CHAPTER II.

Lay and Episcopal life.

[6] But to pursue what I have begun, B. Chlodulph, while he lived in the world, lived without complaint; Chlodulph still attends to virtues. doing to no one what he did not wish to be done to him; doing to his neighbor what he wished to be done to him; bringing no injury to a brother, and most patiently bearing the injury brought to him; most perfect in faith, spread out in hope to further things, and these divine; most fervent in love of God and neighbor, most full of the bowels of piety for giving alms. He was forming mind and intent, placed in lay proposal, in such a way, that when afterwards by God's providence he should be compelled to preside over others, he himself first taught to preside over himself, instructed and worn by the zeal of assiduous operation in the office of doctrine, which he was to infuse into the minds of subjects, might always teach by example those whom he would be compelled to instruct by speech.

[7] So with the times of many years running on, with B. Arnulf the father of this holy man, after the dignity of the Episcopate, after the most sweet solitude of the desert, now translated to the eternal joys of the celestial fatherland; with B. Goëricus a his successor now joined to the society of celestial virtues and of all the Saints; with also Lord Bishop Godo b translated to the eternal; now at last this man, in the gymnasium of all virtues; most nobly accustomed and most becomingly informed and instructed in the schools of good action, who meanwhile had known how to be well subject to others, raised to the Pontificate, is set over the See of Metz, thereafter began most diligently to preside over the subjects, and most honestly to rule those committed. For, that I may relate the matter in order, when B. Godo the Bishop had passed from the dwelling of this mortality, and was most happily joined to God and all the Saints; the people and clergy began to seek with prayers and voices a Father and Pastor; and they asked the royal dignity, that it might deign to give them B. Chlodulph, distinguished in nobility and sanctity, as their Bishop. For they commemorated that many of his race, first in generosity in all France, most celebrated in the glory of sanctity and virtues and miracles, through many courses of years, had presided over and benefited this holy city; and with most worthy praises, by what powers they could, they extolled them even to the ether. But the royal majesty, seeing the faith and devotion of the people, weighing also that the man was sufficiently noble for these things; summoned, admonishes him to undertake the care of souls to be ruled: and that he should not deny to administer the conveniences of the utility of the Brothers, on the part of God and from his own authority commands. He desiring to resist, but in no way prevailing, took the staff and office of Pastoralship; and made Pontiff by the vows of the peoples, was compelled to sit upon the Sacerdotal Chair. with great joy of all; Voices are given on high; praise, beauty and honor are sung to God; every sex and age professes itself happy, when with holy men succeeding one another in turn the daily gains of souls are heaped up, the eternal detriments of the devil are foreseen and procured. Happy times, and happy days will come to themselves the faithful people exclaim, and testifies itself blessed for the succession of so great a Pastor: when by his pious example it is informed to do well, instructed by word and preaching, gladdened by benedictions, strengthened by the insignia of virtues.

[8] Therefore B. Chlodulph is ordained Pontiff, not unmindful of the office committed, began to go around the given Episcopate, that what was to be corrected he might correct, and what was to be confirmed he might confirm; the good he might raise up with patronages and worthy favors, the evil he might cut away with just censure: and so with God and His Christ granting, in a short time he obtained the summit of perfection, from a perfect layman that with the most happy applause of all good men, just and perfect altogether he was both said and was. For in lay proposal constituted, when he lived without complaint, and was a true worshiper of God, and had peace with all men; nor defended himself, but always gave place to wrath, feeding and giving drink to the hungering and thirsting enemy; nor would he ever be overcome by evil, but always to overcome evil in good; after he had ascended the Pontifical throne, accounting all these as very small, he began at last, with Christ God as Bishop, becomes a most holy Bishop. to become a new man, and to advance from goods to better things: and he who had been accustomed to fight well in the palaestra of the active life, now in the sweetness of the contemplative life, most strongly wearing himself down, with continual instancy of prayers, with continuous vigilance of reading and sacred meditation, night and day, at all hours and moments striking heaven, since he could not yet by the presence of body, with conversation and probity of manners most eagerly dwelt in heavenly things. And because he was procreated from parents not only noble, but also most holy; the sanctity of the elders indeed to imitate, but to surpass and transcend the carnal nobility by the virtue of mind and vigor of intent most vigorously procured: and so relying on divine aid, to perform divine works he rendered himself most approvable; that not only might he profit himself, but to subjects and to all beholding him, made a specimen of piety, he might offer his life imitable and to be followed. What more? Perfect in faith, believing in hope, most sweet in charity, distinguished in piety, in speech most prompt to useful things, most rare in saying vain things, or even none, most continent in chastity, most large in alms, most approved in innocence of life, he was the good odor of Christ in every place, whose name was spread-out ointment, fragrant with aromas and best perfumes; who with the holy Church, spouse of the heavenly Spouse, truly was saying; Draw me after you, we will run in the odor of your ointments. Cant. 1

NOTES G. H.

CHAPTER III.

Acts of S. Chlodulph with S. Trudo.

[9] But that we may prove that the things said and proclamations, which we have brought forth about the Saint, are true; we have brought into the middle some deeds, that a wise hearer may conjecture great things from small and compensate from some goods many best things. Therefore in the times of King Childeric a of the Franks, with this same holy man presiding over the city of the Metenses, and most fervently watching over the custody of the committed flock, there was in the parts of Hesbaye a man of great nobility and excellent sanctity b, named Trudo, S. Trudo who from the most pious rudiments of his very infancy beginning to serve omnipotent God, as his tender age bore, also a highest seeker of poverty, was longing to hand over to Christ God the faculties and possessions, with which he most richly abounded; and was desiring to follow naked the same Christ our God and Lord naked. To whose most kindly desire and most just affection the Divine goodness, in the wonted manner, that He might give effect, immediately was at hand; and in the order which we shall say, that He might inspire what He had conceived in pious mind, to S. Remaclus; bestowed aid and counsel. There was in the city of Tongres c Remaclus a most worthy Pontiff, to whom this boy S. Trudo was joined with most sweet affection, to whom also, what the grace of the Holy Spirit deigned to inspire to him, and because he had deliberated to have Jesus Christ our Lord Son of God as a good heir, he sets forth all in order. The holy Priest Remaclus, because to him and to his Church, whatever he could confer, with just and good ingenuity, that he should confer, he decreed right; and because the goods of this holy man were established in the diocese of his city and in the vicinity; began with continual prayers to entreat God, that, his goods being given to his Church, He who to the mind of B. Trudo had inspired the devotion and the kindly intent of mind all

to relinquish and to expend on the poor, would give the blessed man to hand these things over to the sons of His Church and on this account to obtain a treasure in the heavens. But because man's way is not in him; and it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who has mercy; this thing proceeded otherwise than the blessed Priest had estimated, and stretched itself out to other things. For while blessed Trudo had devoted himself wholly and all his to God, but where to turn himself, and to which of the Saints to join himself, he did not have certain; with continual prayers and continual lamentations striking the heavens and heavenly things, he was asking God, that through some of His Saints, He would teach him what He wished him to do; and where He disposed him to subject himself and his, might deign to make plain. And because the assiduous entreaty of the just avails much, he was not long frustrated of the efficacy of his vow; but made partaker of his good will, on a certain of the nights after a long accustomed labor of vigils and prayers, he merited to be consoled by an Angelic visitation, and most fully to be instructed in what was to be done by him. Your prayers, the Angel said, and alms, most beloved brother Trudo, like good odor, and like happy aromas have ascended before the sight of the highest Divinity: I indeed, a companion of the celestial militia, have been sent hither by God to announce what must be done by you. God and His Christ have fulfilled your vow and desire, sent by an Angelic visitation and what with assiduous prayers you have demanded, as pious hearer He will perfect, and will give you wisdom and knowledge of letters; nor for you alone, but also for many others, made a wise teacher for fulfilling the divine commands, you will be able to be useful. Arise therefore and go to B. Remaclus Pontiff of the Church of Tongres; for he is present in the nearest villa, which is called Septemburiæ d; and whatever he shall command, hasten to fulfill: for the divine piety reveals to him, what is to be done by you: for omnipotent God will be with you, and will guard you in all things to which you shall proceed.

[10] The blessed man waking, and marveling much with himself, as quickly as he could, taking with him two boys, hastens to go to the blessed man: but before he came, the blessed Pontiff orders his own to come out, and to lead the holy youth with the highest devotion. Who led in, when he wishes to prostrate himself at the feet of the holy Pontiff; the holy Pontiff arises, and rushing into embraces, soothes his eyes and face with sweet kiss; and amid kissing, both sides wept enough. But after much shower of tears and weepings, with which they suffused each other, and when scarcely there ceased to be sobs, he is ordered to offer his goods to S. Chlodulph, the holy Pontiff; To what, he said, you have come, son, to say; you do not need: for God revealing mysteries, what you bear in mind and what is to be done by you, has deigned to reveal to me the least of Saints. Go, son, go to B. Chlodulph the glorious Pontiff of the city of Metz, and by his nod and disposition, all things, which in these parts of estates and faculties you appear to possess, hasten to hand over to God and S. Stephen the Protomartyr: and make him the heir of your earthly things, that you in the joy of eternal happiness of his merits and virtues may merit to be made a happy and perpetual heir. With the faculties and things and possessions handed over, through the hands of S. Chlodulph the Pontiff, to God and the Protomartyr, with a testament made out of the same things, most humbly seek the munificence of the same venerable Pontiff; and that he may deign to provide for you a master, who may imbue you with sacred letters, urgently demand; and the ancient goodness of the supernal Divinity will give you grace, not only in the sight of the most sacred Pontiff, but also before all those fearing God: and your journey and your vows, and whatever in boyhood from then to perform divine service you had disposed to do, and had bound yourself with vows, know to be about to be prospered, and that to your most pious affections salutary and secure effects, with me predicting, I wish you to believe most certainly: for I speak those things, which God and the Holy Spirit have deigned to reveal to me the small one.

[11] B. Trudo hearing these things, and at the same time confirmed by many blessings of the Pontiff, and departs to Metz: returns home, and prepares the supplies necessary for the journey: and taking with him money, with which he sufficiently abounded from his most noble and most rich parents, hastens to go to Metz; and with the Lord God, who loves the meek in judgment, and teaches the mild His ways, making it, with prosperous swiftness and swift prosperity, where he was tending he arrived. Having entered the often-mentioned and often to be mentioned for his memory city of Metz, nowhere turning aside, with straight step the Church of B. Stephen the Protomartyr, prayers being poured forth in the church of S. Stephen, which is the head of the whole city and Episcopate, with the devotion of the highest humility and piety enters; and the complaint and matter for which he had come, to God and to S. Stephen, with many showers of tears and many beatings of breast, prostrated, brings forth. What more? It was long prayed, long wept, long the brow was pressed to the earth, the hand to the breast: and after these things from prayer the blessed man, not once or twice, but more frequently fortifying himself with the saving sign of the Cross, rose up. To this matter a certain venerable sacred provisor of the same Church was present, whom they called Sacristan or Treasurer: who admiring with the greatest stupor the so huge devotion of the holy man, gives his hand to him rising from prayer; and who he was, or whence he was, or whither he was tending, or why he came, with the highest zeal inquires. To him it was answered by Trudo, from the Sacristan he asks access to S. Chlodulph: that he was born of honest parents in Hesbaye; that he was hastening to Metz, with the highest intention to seek the salvation of his soul. That however he had undertaken these things by Angelic oracles, and the commands of B. Remaclus Pontiff of the Tongrenses: but to be brought and led to the presence of S. Chlodulph the Priest he wished with the highest devotion and most pious affection: and the cause for which he had come, to suggest to the most glorious Pontiff, he professes to have in mind. There was no delay: the venerable man and keeper of the ecclesiastical treasures recounts the things heard to B. Chlodulph the Bishop; and that so great and such a man, coming from foreign parts, urgently asks to be presented to the Pontifical dignity, he reports.

[12] B. Chlodulph prepared with the highest devotion to divine things, suffered no delay to be made in summoning the holy man: but to the same one, who had announced these things to him, commands the blessed man, with the highest honor and the highest devotion, to be led to him and presented to him. The messenger as quickly as he could, and as devoutly as he could, obeying the commands of the pious Father namely Lord Chlodulph, represents the youth to the presence of the holy Pontiff; and that this is he, of whom he had spoken, humbly suggests. To whom the venerable Priest Chlodulph, now full of tears, now full of sobs, most reverently rising, and rushing into sweet kisses; after it was long wept, after abundant weepings were most lengthily poured forth, made the man sit by him; and what the cause of his coming was, asks. There is no delay in the relating: but narrating the whole matter in order, that he may merit to be made partaker of his vow, and is kindly received by him: with whatever gestures he can he urgently asks. S. Chlodulph the Priest drawing in these things with pious ears, and wholly turned to acts of thanks, and to performing the praises of omnipotent God, and having exhorted those who were present with him to do the same; again turning himself to the blessed man, that the highest and individual Trinity might grant the efficacy of his desire, again and again was asking. But because the time and hour admonished, and now great part of the day had advanced, they go to lunch; and while lunching, the venerable hero did not desist to sow the seeds of the divine word in the furrows of good earth, namely in the pious ears, and in the pious heart of the holy youth Trudo. Many things about the contempt of the world, very many about the desire of eternal life, how great are the joys of the good, how great the punishments of the evil; that for sinners and the impious to be converted our Savior descended from the bosom of the Father, and from the highest citadel of the heavens, remaining there, and coming to us, that He might lead us back to the knowledge of Divinity, with great piety the most eloquent Pontiff was teaching. There is mingled food, which does not perish, but which abides into eternal life; which God the Father always administers to His faithful; and the inebriating cup, which is so much more excellent, than the sustenances of food and drink: and the blessed youth was saying himself more happily refreshed by the fattening of soul, than the body had been satisfied with the opulence of meats and meals. Why do I delay? the day is finished, the following night passes. But with another day shining, because the mind of a just and perfect man knows no twilight, but always boils with the sweet fervor of the Holy Spirit; at highest dawn the venerable Trudo is at the doors, and continuously admitted, seeks a master of the divine Scriptures: and summoned was he who the day before had presented him to the holy Pontiff, because he was most skilled in that art, and conspicuous for much goodness, took up the commended one, is cultivated with various sciences, undertaking the most honest work. While the master most faithfully, and without any envy, carries out what is enjoined; but the disciple, made most capacious of mind and memory with God's grace granting, in a short time is imbued with the knowledge e of divine Scriptures; and what pertains to the divine mysteries, and to performing sacred uses, is most fully instructed and taught.

[13] But because in this mortal life without the support of the body the soul cannot subsist; B. Chlodulph the Pontiff, while he subministers spiritual things, also providing with much zeal for the supports and necessity of the body, whose steward unwillingly ministers necessaries, summoning the steward of his goods, that to so great a man, both seriously and equitably, with the greatest diligence and the highest care, whatever was necessary, as to himself, he should have to minister especially, most vigorously commands. He indeed receives the command: but because the animal man does not perceive those things which are of God, but loves only the carnal and falling; ignorant of God and His servants, he began to envy, whatever he was compelled to give to the uses of the holy man: and amid daily complaints on a certain of the days dared to dash against himself this eulogy of malediction, wretched and unhappy. Pain of teeth, he said, may I not suffer before this foreigner has fully apprehended even the knowledge of the Psalter alone. But the ancient goodness of God, who knows how to purge vices, and knows how to complete just desires; gave to B. Trudo facility of best sense, and great efficacy of good ingenuity; and having ill-prayed for himself, so that before the circle of the year, is punished by death, not only the perfect knowledge of the Psalter, but also no small fullness of the remaining holy Scriptures the happy one drew in. The year is finished, and B. Trudo knows the Psalter fully; and behold the unhappy steward, vengeance, with his evil omen imprecated, follows. For the strongest pain of teeth so invaded the wretch, that in a short time the force of the illness extorted life and soul from him; and so that rustic proverb was fulfilled, Foolish it is to bewail a bad servant from the gifts of a good Lord.

[14] Therefore when B. Trudo, to what he had come, had fully obtained, and was well instructed in letters

and in manners; and when he had handed over the things and faculties, and whatever of estates, of which the supply was not small, he seemed to possess, to God and S. Stephen and B. Chlodulph the Pontiff under the strongest testaments; Trudo offers his possessions to S. Stephen. now at length asking dismissal, demands the benediction and leave of the same venerable Pontiff Chlodulph, and hastens to his own as quickly as possible; and that, what once he had disposed in mind, ardent with the pious vow of holy desire, he might be able to fulfill in work, he was wholly striving. What next B. Trudo did, with how great fervor of mind he constructed monasteries and other dwellings of the servants of God, and gathered holy men to serve God; what was the course of his life; & returns to Hesbaye. how holily, how justly, how piously he lived; whoever desires to know, let him return to the little book of his holy deeds, and there he will find all most honestly described.

NOTES G. H.

CHAPTER IV.

Other virtues of S. Chlodulph, Death, Burial.

[15] But we, having attempted to write some little of the deeds of our Father and Pontiff Chlodulph, of how great humility he was, and how vile a slave he adjudged himself, we shall relate in a few words, S. Arnulph's Life he takes care to have written and we shall set before Christian faithful to be imitated. Certainly B. Chlodulph caused the life of our happy patron and his most holy father, namely Arnulf, to be described a: in which what he did, what he merited, what he obtained; how large toward the poor, how sparing toward himself, how devout in all divine cults he was, as he could the writer studied to describe. To which little book also B. Chlodulph b ordered to be inserted, that at a certain time, when in the uses of the poor B. Arnulf had spent his own or whatever had been of the holy Church; he went first to this Chlodulph, and that he should succor his and the necessities of the poor of Christ, with much prayer demands; but he denied, either with youth persuading, or (what is more credible) with divine prescience foreseeing, that B. Chlodulph was born and predestined for like uses; and his sparing toward him to be inserted. namely that he was afterwards to be set in charge of the same holy Church, and what he had prepared, likewise was to distribute to the poor of Christ, widows and orphans and pilgrims and those serving God: who unless he had been endowed with the marvelous virtue of humility, and unless he rejoiced more at the censure of men than was delighted to be raised up by popular favors; not only would he order; but, lest such things be written about him, with the highest effort would prohibit.

[16] For with how great largeness of alms, with how great power of piety toward natives and strangers, without any acceptance of persons, the holy Bishop flowed forth, Devoted to giving alms, while he himself wished to be most secret altogether; every order, every sex, and every profession everywhere resounded. O how great solicitude, how great care, and how great desire was in this most holy man, to administer to the entrusted sheep divine and human, useful things at home and abroad, by night and by day, and to be most sweetly and continuously present to the infirmities of manners and bodies; fulfilling that; Give yourself to the Omnipotent, and enclose alms in the bosom of the poor, and it will pray for you; for as water extinguishes fire, so alms extinguish sin. Eccl. 29 For, what is rare, in cutting away vices, severity and piety in the sanctuary of his mind, were confederated among themselves by such a love of peace, he shines in other virtues: as King and Psalmist David attests, that in the minds of Saints mercy and truth meet each other, and peace and justice kiss, which he taught subjects by word, by operation and the exhibition of work first he studied to fulfill; imitating him of whom Scripture testifies; for Jesus began, saying, to do and to teach. Ps. 18:16, Acts 1 He rejoiced with those rejoicing, wept with those weeping. He was not high-minded, but consented with the humble. He gave back to Caesar what was Caesar's, and to God what was God's, when royal businesses and palace cares with his brother Anchises, for celebrating the vigils of the committed souls and the committed flock, foreseeing and procuring, most intent and most skilled in either matter, he so fulfilled this office, as if of the other nothing pertained to him. Happy days, happy times, which merited to be governed and disposed by so great a Pastor! Happy people, who by his institutions and admonitions to the celestial courts day by day more and more was being advanced!

[17] In these therefore and gymnasiums of this kind and in the heavenly palaestra serving omnipotent God through many spaces of years, sick, attends to God. touched by the molestation of infirmity, he came to the last day. And, although the body was most gravely pressed by the molestation of languor, yet the spirit, to that end well taught and instructed, did not desist from serving God and his Creator. The eyes always intent on heaven and on heavenly things, the hands likewise to God and to divine things continuously raised, mind and voice with prayers with which it could commended his soul to the Angels and Archangels, and to the bands of all the Saints, and most studiously invited that they be a suffrage to him. With the soul indeed of the most holy man arriving at eternal joys and eternal rewards, and his spirit associated to the highest spirits, the sad and mournful throng of disciples, which not only from the whole city, but also from the fields and villas with clamorous voices had broken in from every side, paid the due wakes to the most holy body; and placed on a bier, to the church, which before was called of the holy Apostles, dead, is buried in the church of S. Arnulf: but now distinguished by the most holy body of S. Arnulf, is called of S. Arnulf, situated between South and East, they carry; and as devoutly as they could hand it over to burial; and through thirty days, the most faithful people studied to commend his soul and spirit to omnipotent God with the solemnities of Masses, continual prayers, vigils and continual psalmodies.

[18] That however he was full of days, virtues and sanctity, and that he was not recalled in the half of his days, hence clearly is plain; when returning to the catalogue of the Pontiffs of the Metenses, we find B. Arnulf, already in perfect age, promoted by the vows of the peoples, and to the Episcopate rather snatched than elected, in which he sat fifteen years c; Reckoning of time. to whom succeeding holy Goëricus ruled the Church for seventeen years, to whom likewise venerable Godo following, administered the regime of the Presidency for eight years. To this man he, about whom is our discourse in the present, the most blessed Chlodulph succeeded; and adorning most happily the infulae of the Priesthood, while he is adorned, he ruled the Church for forty-two years. Now he could have been thirty years old, when his father Lord Arnulf was raised to the Pontificate: and so collecting from this and that, we estimate the days of the same venerable Lord Chlodulph the Pontiff d to have been one hundred years, giving thanks to God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, living and reigning before all times, and now and in all future ages of ages. Amen.

NOTES G. H.