Ethelbert died soon after the death of his wife, Bertha. He had married a young woman as his second wife. His son and successor, Eadbald, insisted upon marrying his father's widow. He relapsed into paganism. His kinsmen, the sons of Sebert, now deceased, wished to eat some of the bread used in celebrating the Lord's Supper. The bread attracted their attention by its great whiteness. Mellitus

answered, "You must first be baptized. The bread of life is reserved for such as have sought the laver of life." Mellitus was answered by expulsion. He retired to Kent. Laurentius and Justus were there. The three Roman invaders agreed that a retreat was inevitable. Justus and Mellitus departed. Laurentius, being delayed by preparations for his departure, ordered a couch to be spread in the church, as soon as his preparations had been completed. This he intended as his last farewell to a spot endeared by So many grateful labours.

Eadbald rejoiced in his delivery from his spiritual tormentor. The morrow brought to Eadbald the agitated appearance of Laurentius. The archbishop uncovered his shoulders. He spoke: "I come, Eadbald, to shew to you what I have undergone during the night. St. Peter stood at my side while I slept; reproached me sharply for presuming to flee from my charge, and scourged me most severely, as these marks will testify." Eadbald feared that St. Peter might visit him with a rod. He dismissed his father's widow. He received baptism. He recalled Mellitus and Justus. Justus was fixed again at Rochester. He was not able to establish Mellitus again in London.

(9.) Eadbald had a sister named Ethelburga. Edwin, a powerful prince of Northumbria, desired to have her as a wife. The marriage was solemnized, as the conditions were agreed on by Edwin. Ethelburga must be protected in the free exercise of her religion.

Paulīnus, one of the second Missionary company sent over by Gregory, and consecrated to the Episcopate by Justus, now archbishop of Canterbury, accompanied Ethelburga to the north.

Paulinus almost despaired of success in his mission. He watched his opportunity with the eye of an Italian. Quichelm, king of the west Saxons, desiring to seize Edwin's country, sent a messenger to Edwin upon some pretence. The messenger explained his business, and attracted the attention of the persons in the king's presence. His real business with the king soon appeared. He rushed upon his intended victim with a poisoned dagger. Lilla, a faithful thane, intercepted, and died in the king's stead. It was Easter Day. The queen was delivered of a daughter. The king's life had been saved as if by a miracle.

Paulīnus spake to the king: "I must give thanks

to Christ for the queen's safe delivery. I cannot think otherwise than that her safety has been granted to my prayers." Edwin replied by a question, "And will you pray for my success in an expedition which I shall undertake against the cowardly traitor, Quichelm?" Paulīnus answered, "Yes, but I fear that Jesus will not hear me, unless you resolve on becoming his disciple." Edwin promised to become a christian, desired Paulīnus to baptize his infant daughter, and twelve persons of his household; proceeded against Quichelm, and killed or captured all who had been concerned in the late attempt upon his life. He declared himself unable to renounce heathenism until his more eminent subjects had approved.

Paulīnus was made acquainted with a scene in the early life of Edwin Bede supposes that Paulīnus learned the secret by revelation from above.

Edwin, almost in infancy, ascended the throne of Northumbria. Ethelfrid usurped his crown. Edwin was set aside. The usurper sent his emissaries everywhere in pursuit of the fugitive, who at length found protection at the court of Redwald, king of east Anglia. Redwald wavered; Ethelfrid urged him by promises and menaces. Edwin was advised to fly. He hastened from his slumber, and wandered in distraction till, as night wore away, sleep partially relieved him from his cares. A majestic personage now roused his attention; he knew neither the circumstance nor the dress of his visitor. The person spoke and informed Edwin, "I know all your distress. What will you give to me to set your heart at ease, and make Redwald spurn every overture of your enemy?" Edwin promised to give anything which might be in his power. "What would you give to me if I should enable you, not only to trample on your foes, but to outstrip the power of every neighbouring king?" Edwin pledged himself, if possible, more largely than before. "Should he, who now cheers you with unexpected hopes, be found quite equal to crown them with success, would you hereafter take his advice, if he should recommend a course of life different from any ever followed in your family, yet far more excellent?" Edwin assured his unknown friend that he would follow his advice. The person said"When this signal shall be repeated, remember then your pledge.' your pledge." The figure then pressed his right hand solemnly on Edwin's head and disappeared.

The friend who had roused Edwin from his bed now approached, and informed him "that Redwald had now given up every thought of betraying him to Ethelfrid, that the queen had influenced him to this resolution; and that, under the queen's influence, Redwald was ready to furnish him with troops, that he might drive the usurper from his throne." wald did lend this aid, and Edwin was reinstated in his patrimonial sovereignty.

Red

When Edwin returned triumphant from his expedition against Quichelm, Paulīnus desired an interview; he was admitted into the royal presence. Paulinus slowly raised his right hand, and pressed it earnestly upon the royal head. Edwin started, and

trembled violently. The Italian spoke, "You know this signal. You know it to have been originally given by one whose words have been most exactly fulfilled? Remember then your pledge."

Edwin fell at the missionary's feet, and earnestly inquired his meaning. The Italian reminded Edwin of his former hopeless condition, and of his life being saved by the mercy of God. He reminded him of God's mercy vouchsafed to him in the overthrow of his enemies, and in the regaining of his paternal throne. "A third and a greater instance of his mercy yet awaits acceptance. Redeem your pledgeand the God who has led you through so many dangers to gain and to secure an earthly throne, will remain your friend until you reach the glories of his own eternal kingdom." Edwin consented to redeem his pledge. Baptism was delayed until he could receive it in company with his leading men. They Paulīnus pleaded in favour of Christianity. Coifi, a Druidic pontiff, apparently, thus addressed king Edwin-"It seems to me, O king, that our paternal gods are worthless. For no man's worship of them has been more devout than mine; yet my lot has been far less prosperous than that of many others not half so pious."

met.

A chief then said, "The life of man, O king, reminds me of a winter feast around your blazing fire; while the storm howls or the snow drives abroad, a distressed sparrow darts within the doorway; for a moment is cheered by warmth and by shelter from the blast, then, shooting through the other entrance, it is lost again. Such is man. He comes we know not whence; he snatches hastily a scanty share of worldly pleasure; then goes, we know not whither. If this new doctrine, therefore, will give to us any closer insight into things of so much interest, my feeling is to follow it."

These arguments may be similar to the arguments used by the North American Indians; still they are the plain expressions of minds from which darkness is being dispelled. Coifi mounted the king's charger, and rode, spear in hand, to a famous temple at Godmandham, in Yorkshire; pierced the idol through, and ordered the building to be burnt.

Paulīnus soon after kept a most impressive Easter, by holding a public baptism at York; in which Edwin, his principal men, and multitudes of inferior people, were solemnly admitted by baptism into the Christian church.

Paulīnus was established in his see at York. The customary pall was sent to him from Rome. Cadwalla, a British prince, and Penda, king of the Mercians, united their forces and attacked Edwin, who fell in the battle. Frightful destruction followed; and Northumbria completely relapsed into paganism. Paulīnus, with queen Ethelburga, sought safety on shipboard, and sailed into Kent. Shortly afterwards, the see of Rochester was vacant. Paulinus was chosen to fill the see. He remained bishop of Rochester till he died.-Soames' History of the AngloSaxon Church.

(h.) Bede was born at Yarrow, near to the mouth

of the Tyne, in Northumberland. At the age of seven years he was sent to the neighbouring monastery of St. Peter to be educated; and in a short time he transferred himself to the neighbouring monastery of St. Paul. He became a deacon in his nineteenth year, and eleven years afterwards was admitted into priest's orders. His well known "Ecclesiastical History of the English Nation" is considered to be full of proofs of its author's industry, honesty, and credulity. He was a very learned man; his whole life was devoted to study. King Alfred translated Bede's Church History into Saxon. The early students wrote in Latin. Bede translated the Gospel of St. John into the vernacular. The secretaries had retired. One youth remained. "Dearest master," said the youth, when he had been left alone with his dying friend, "a single chapter still remains, will it distress you if I ask you to go on with its translation?" The dying scholar answered, “By no means; take your pen, but write quickly." The time passed on, and then the good man requested the lad to call his brethren to his bedside, that he might distribute to them some tokens of his regard for them. message was delivered. The brethren soon appeared in the presence of their dying friend. The venerable translator said, "There are a few pleasing trifles in my desk; a little pepper, some scarves, and incense." When the brethren stood at the bed of their dying friend, he said to them, "You will see my face no more in this world. I have a desire to depart and be with Christ." The youth again requested the good man's attention. 'Dear master, one sentence remains unwritten." "Make haste and write it then," said his learned master. The old man then said, "It is finished. Take my head and turn my face to the spot where I have been used to pray. Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.' His lips ceased to move. His friends now looked upon the mortal remains of Europe's most illustrious scholar.

The

Bede's remains were first interred at Jarrow (Yarrow). His bones were afterwards stealthily conveyed to Durham. His fame increased after his death. His remains (his bones) were enclosed in the same coffin with those of St. Cuthbert.-Soames' History of the Anglo-Saxon Church.

The Durham Cathedral has its Lady Chapel at the west end. The chapel is sunk very much below the floor of the cathedral. The chapel is called the Galilee. No record has been found of the reason why this name was given.

Dr. Sumner, Bishop of Chester, had a rich stall in the cathedral. His time for residence was in summer. His candidates for ordination came to Durham, A.D. 1837 and A.D. 1838.-I resided in the university and attended divine service in the cathedral. The situation of the cathedral and of the ancient remains of former days is very imposing. The hill on which these ancient remains survive the ravages of time is in a plain. The antiquity of the cathedral, of the dining hall, and of the bishop's chapel, is evident to the visitor, even when he first beholds them. In my

formity with Rome. A similar letter was written to the inferior clergy of south Britain (that is to those who were not bishops), their superiors, that is their bishops, probably being considered proof against any such attempt. May God send such bishops always to His church.

Ethelbert died soon after the death of his wife, Bertha. He had married a young woman as his second wife. His son and successor, Eadbald, insisted upon marrying his father's widow. He relapsed into His kinsmen, the sons of Sebert, now paganism. deceased, wished to eat some of the bread used in celebrating the Lord's Supper. The bread attracted Mellitus their attention by its great whiteness. answered, "You must first be baptized. The bread of life is reserved for such as have sought the laver of life." Mellitus was answered by expulsion. He retired to Kent. Laurentius and Justus were there. The three Roman invaders agreed that a retreat was inevitable. Justus and Mellitus departed. tius, being delayed by preparations for his departure, ordered a couch to be spread in the church, as soon as his preparations had been completed. This he intended as his last farewell to a spot endeared by so many grateful labours.

Lauren

Eadbald rejoiced in his delivery from his spiritual tormentor. The morrow brought to Eadbald the agitated appearance of Laurentius. The archbishop uncovered his shoulders. He spoke: "I come, Eadbald, to shew to you what I have undergone during the night. St. Peter stood at my side while I slept; reproached me sharply for presuming to flee from my charge, and scourged me most severely, as these marks will testify." Eadbald feared that St. Peter might visit him with a rod. He dismissed his father's widow. He received baptism. He recalled Mellitus and Justus. Justus was fixed again at Rochester. He was not able to establish Mellitus again in London.

(9.) Eadbald had a sister named Ethelburga. Edwin, a powerful prince of Northumbria, desired to have her as a wife. The marriage was solemnized, as the conditions were agreed on by Edwin. Ethelburga must be protected in the free exercise of her religion.

Paulīnus, one of the second Missionary company sent over by Gregory, and consecrated to the Episcopate by Justus, now archbishop of Canterbury, accompanied Ethelburga to the north.

Paulīnus almost despaired of success in his mission. He watched his opportunity with the eye of an Italian. Quichelm, king of the west Saxons, desiring to seize Edwin's country, sent a messenger to Edwin upon some pretence. The messenger explained his in persons business, and attracted the attention of the the king's presence. His real business with the king soon appeared. He rushed upon his intended victim with a poisoned dagger. Lilla, a faithful thane, intercepted, and died in the king's stead. It was Easter Day. The queen was delivered of a daughter. The king's life had been saved as if by a miracle.

Paulinus spake to the king: "I must give thanks

Edwin

Edwin, almost in infancy, ascended the throne of Northumbria. Ethelfrid usurped his crown. was set aside. The usurper sent his emissaries everywhere in pursuit of the fugitive, who at length found protection at the court of Redwald, king of east Anglia. Redwald wavered; Ethelfrid urged him by promises and menaces. Edwin was advised to fly. He hastened from his slumber, and wandered in distraction till, as night wore away, sleep partially A majestic personage relieved him from his cares. now roused his attention; he knew neither the The person circumstance nor the dress of his visitor. spoke and informed Edwin, "I know all your distress. What will you give to me to set your heart at ease, and make Redwald spurn every overture of your enemy?" Edwin promised to give anything which might be in his power. "What would you give to me if I should enable you, not only to trample on your foes, but to outstrip the power of every neighbouring king?" Edwin pledged himself, if possible, more largely than before. "Should he, who now cheers you with unexpected hopes, be found quite equal to crown them with success, would you hereafter take his advice, if he should recommend a course of life different from any ever followed in your family, yet far more excellent?" Edwin assured his unknown friend that he would follow his advice. The person said— "When this signal shall be repeated, remember then The figure then pressed his right your pledge.' hand solemnly on Edwin's head and disappeared. The friend who had roused Edwin from his bed now approached, and informed him "that Redwald had now given up every thought of betraying him to Ethelfrid, that the queen had influenced him to this resolution; and that, under the queen's influence, Redwald was ready to furnish him with troops, that he might drive the usurper from his throne." wald did lend this aid, and Edwin was reinstated in his patrimonial sovereignty.

"

Red

When Edwin returned triumphant from his expedition against Quichelm, Paulīnus desired an interview; he was admitted into the royal presence. Paulinus slowly raised his right hand, and pressed it earnestly upon the royal head. Edwin started, and

351

scholastic influence was felt through all the extensive territories of Charlemain. Alcuin was permitted to revisit his native isle, A.D. 790, to negociate a treaty between Charlemain and the Mercian Offa. Charlemain urged the return of Alcuin. He did return after a delay of three years. He was permitted to retire to his abbey of St. Martin, at Tours, conferred upon him A.D. 796. From every quarter, but especially from England, a crowd of students assembled at Tours. The value of the labours of Alcuin may be estimated by considering the ignorance of the barbarous age in which he lived, and the spirit of inquiry which he created and fostered in his own and in succeeding ages. Alcuin, Abinus Flaccus Alcuinus, died at Tours, May 19, A.D. 804, aged 69 years.

The great change in the western empire was effected by the inhabitants of Franconia-the Franks. Clovis had founded the Frankish empire, and had established himself at Paris, A.D. 507-511. Clovis was succeeded by nameless sovereigns. At length Pepin Heristal, and his son, Charles Martel, slowly paved the way for a new authority. They used their influence; the former, Pepin, by familiarizing men's minds to justice and goodness in the sovereign, the latter, Charles Martel (the hammer), by his victories over the Saracens, who had conquered Spain. Charlemain was the grandson of Charles Martel, and the great-grandson of Pepin Heristal. Charlemain lived A.D. 742-814. The Popes were pleased to have in Charlemain one who could control the eastern empire of Irene, and the dreaded power of Haroun-alRaschid.

A.D. 790.-Charlemain established seminaries of learning, and did all in his power to elevate the character of the clergy, the most of whom, hitherto, had known little more than the Lord's Prayer. Charlemain became master of an empire which embraced all France, a part of Spain, more than half of Italy, and nearly all Germany. His youngest son was Louis-la-Debonaire, to whom he confirmed the succession.

Charlemain confirmed the temporalities of the Popes. He died at Aix-la-Chapelle in the seventyfirst year of his age, and in the forty-seventh year of his reign, A.D. 814.

(k.) Oswy was king of Northumbria. He married Eanfleda, who had fled, in company with her mother and Paulinus, in her infancy, to Kent, where she remained with her mother's relatives till she returned to her native Northumbria, as the wife of Oswy, king of that country and Bretwalda. Eanfiēda inherited all the religious constancy of her mother, Ethelburga, and of her grandmother, Bertha. She would abandon Kentish usages for those of Northumbria. Her religious prejudices were in favour of Rome.

Her son

was entrusted to the care and tuition of Wilfrid, an able Englishman of the Roman party, whose attainments had been matured in southern Europe. Oswy continued firm to the religious profession of his youth. Easter was celebrated at his court by the British party in their way, and by the Roman party in their way. The difference must have been easily seen and

felt by all, since the one party would be enjoying the festivities of Easter, whilst the other party would be engaged in the austerities of Lent (spring). Oswy had founded a monastery at Whitby. He consented to have a solemn argument in that place. Colman, bishop of Northumbria, assisted by Chad, bishop of Essex, conducted the British cause. Wilfrid pleaded for the Roman cause. The national divines insisted chiefly upon a tradition, originating, as alleged, in St. John, our Lord's beloved disciple. The foreign party traced Roman tradition to St. Peter, who was entrusted by Christ with the keys of heaven. Oswy asked, "Were they really intrusted to him?" The Roman party answered, "Undoubtedly so." Oswy asked the British party, "Can you allege the grant of any such privilege to an authority of yours?" Colman replied, "We cannot." Oswy answered, "I must leave your party then, for I should not like to disoblige him who keeps the keys of heaven. It might be found impossible to get the doors open when I seek admittance."

A remembrance of the chieftains of America may save from ridicule the language of Oswy. The language was applauded. But Colman, with many of his adherents, were disgusted, and retired to their brethren in Scotland, A.D. 664. The triumph of the Roman party probably made a change in articles of belief. Perhaps prayers and offerings for the dead may have been introduced. Gregory the Great repudiated the authority since claimed for his see, and disapproved of the adoration of images. The ritualism of Gregory and that of Trent may not differ. The doctrines of Gregory and those of Trent may not be found to agree.

1. The Empress Irene has influence upon the readers of her history. Theodora has the same influence. Mary Queen of Scots has a similar power upon the minds of the readers of her history.

Leo

Irene was born at Athens, of a private family, A.D. 752. Leo IV. married her. Six years after the marriage Leo succeeded his father, A.D. 775. died A.D. 780. Irene became regent. Her son Constantine was in his tenth year. The court of Constantinople was a perpetual scene of intrigue and counterplot, which led to the most ruthless crimes. The teachers of the young emperor on the one side, the beautiful Athenian on the other side. Images and the worship of images formed the controversy. The beautiful Athenian supports the worship of images. The teachers of the young emperor denounce the worship of images. The controversy ended in favour of Irene. The Council of Nice, A.D. 787, was in favour of Irene. Irene then totally neglected the education of her son. When he was put by the troops in forcible possession of his father's authority, he proved incapable, unscrupulous, and cruel. Irēne watched her opportunity. Her assistants seized the Emperor, and, by his own mother's orders, put out his eyes: he was therefore incapable of government. Irene was proclaimed sole empress. She reigned five years. She was negotiating a marriage with Charlemain, emperor of the west, which would

two visits to Durham, I attended divine service in the cathedral twice every day. Each Sunday evening a service was given in the Galilee. This service was very well attended. I sat by the tomb of Bede. The story of the inscription on Bede's tomb was told to me as to all who visit the Galilee. One line is engraven on the tomb. Tradition states that a monk sat by the tomb engraving the epitaph; he succeeded in engraving these words, "Hac sunt in fossâ Bedæ

"7 ossa. He sighed and mourned, and was unable to find a proper word to come between Bed and ossa. He fell asleep, being worn out by grief. He awoke, and upon the stone the word was already engraven, "Venerabilis." An angel did it. Posterity has the epitaph, "Hâc sunt in fossâ Bedæ vener

abilis ossa:" In this foss are the bones of venerable Bede. The armour and the wooden coffin of St. Cuthbert, Bishop of Durham, were, in my time, in the dining hall.

Bede professed to preserve only the annals of religion. He has preserved a great mass of civil information. He has preserved in his annals many traces of the ancient British church. He was a papal partisan. He bears witness to the fact that Saxon-paganized-England was more than half evangelized by the holy zeal of British missionaries. He was educated and supported by Rome. Perhaps, unintentionally, he has weakened the pleadings of the advocates of Roman Christianity. Bede's death, though sometimes placed later, certainly occurred on May 27, A.D. 735. He died on Holy Thursday, and on May 27. These two requisites for fixing the date occurred in 735. He was born in the modern bishopric of Durham, A.D. 674. He was only sixtyone years old when he died. He was afflicted by asthma.-Soames' History of the Anglo-Saxon Church. (i.) The greater number of the Saxons owed their conversion to Christianity to the persevering diligence of missionaries sent forth by the ancient British church. Some calculate that the ancient British church converted ten out of every twelve who were converted to the faith of Christ. The kingdom of Mercia, containing the counties of- 1 Chester, 2 Nottingham, 3 Derby, 4 Stafford, 5 Salop, 6 Northampton, 7 Leicester, 8 Lincoln, 9 Huntingdon, 10 Rutland, 11 Warwick, 12 Worcester, 13 Oxford, 14 Gloucester, 15 Buckingham, 16 Bedford, 17 Hereford, 18 and half of Hertford, were converted to Christianity by Finanus, Dinma, Ceollach, and Trumhere, all members of the British church.

The kingdom of Northumberland, which contained York, Lancaster, and the northern parts of England, and extended a considerable way into Scotland, was chiefly converted by Aidan, another native bishop. Paulinus had failed. Aidan succeeded.

Essex, Middlesex, and Hertford, were reclaimed from idolatry, and evangelized by Cedd, a native British churchman.

The Picts and Scots of Scotland were converted to Christianity by Columba, the first abbot of Iona, in the sixth century.

Of these bishops it was said, "That they were

remarkable for their piety, and for their labours in preaching the Gospel, beyond any who came after them." "Aidan especially" (says Bede), "although he observed not Easter, contrary to the manner of those who sent him, yet was careful diligently to perform the works of faith, godliness, and love, according to the manner used by all godly men; wherefore he was worthily beloved by all, even by those who entertained different views of Easter, and was respected, not only by those of meaner rank, but by the bishops themselves, Honorius of Canterbury, and Felix of the east Angles."-Bede. Book III.

The Scots ordained Aidan, Finanus and Colman, successively, Bishops for Northumbria. Cedd, bishop of the east Saxons; Diūma, and after him, Ceollach and Trumhere, bishops for the middle Angles, who inhabited Leicestershire, and for the Mercians.

On the other hand, the Romish Episcopacy became almost extinct; so that on Wilfrid's nomination to succeed Colman in his bishopric, we are informed by Bede, that Wine, the bishop of the west Saxons, was the only one in all Britain who had been consecrated after the order of the Romish church.

The consecration of these bishops was deemed null and void by the Papal advocates. Their consecration was uncanonical. So thought Wilfrid. No Scottish nor Welsh prelate shall consecrate Wilfrid. He could not find in England a sufficient number of Romish bishops to assist at the ceremony of his consecration. He crossed over into Gaul, and was there ordained. The triumph of the Roman party over the national church of England may be dated from the conference held at Strenacshaleh, A.D. 664, between Colman and Wilfrid, in the presence of king Oswy, on the subject of Easter, when the king decided in favour of Wilfrid, the Roman advocate. Upon this decision Colman and his associates returned to their college at Iona, and the influence of Wilfrid became every day more extended and confirmed." The Church of England independent of the Church of Rome in all ages:" by the Rev. John Williams, M.A., Curate of Llenfor, Merionethshire.

(j) Egbert and Elbert successively filled the see of York. Alcuin, born of noble parents in York, calling himself in Latin, Albinus Flaccus, received personal instruction from Egbert, and was the favourite pupil of Elbert. He succeeded Elbert in the school at York, and became the most popular teacher of his day. Pupils came to York from the most distant places. He went to Rome to obtain the pall for Eanbald, formerly his pupil, who had been placed, after Elbert's death, in the see of York. On his way home, passing through Parma (in Italy), he saw Charlemain, who desired to retain him. Alcuin consented, provided he could obtain the consent of the king of his own land, and the consent of his friend Eanbald. These friends consented, and Alcuin appeared before the Frankish conqueror, A.D. 782.

Charlemain formed a school in his own palace, and became a pupil under Alcuin's instruction. He made the monastic institutions under his control efficient seminaries for spreading useful knowledge. Alcuin's