Overview

This book begins: SAINT BERNARD was born A.D. 1091, and died A.D. 1153. His life thus almost coincides with the central portion of the Middle Ages. He witnessed also what may be regarded as especially media: val events. He saw the First and the Second Crusades; he saw the rising liberties of the communes; the beginnings of scholasticism under Abelard were contemporary with him. A large Church reformation, and the noblest period of growth and influence that monasticism was destined to know, were social facts with which he was not only coeval, but on which he has left the deepest marks of his action and genius. The faith of the Saints is illustrated by the following story: On another occasion he said to Brother Guibert, Guibert, saddle the ass, go to the fair, and buy us salt. Guibert answered, Where is the money? Believe me, said Bernard, I know not the time when I had gold or silver. He is above who holds my wallet and my treasures in His hands. If I go forth empty, so shall I return. Fear not, my son, go in peace. He who holds our treasures will be with thee in the way, and will grant thee all those things for which I send thee. Guibert received his abbot's benediction and obeyed, though still more than doubtful of the use of his errand. He proceeded on the ass-the solitary animal in the possession of the community-to the castle of Risnellum, where the fair was. As he approached his destination, he met a priest. Whence comest thou, brother, and whither art thou bound? He told his questioner the object of his expedition, and drew a sad picture of the misery and suffering to which he and all the monks under Bernard were reduced. The tale so wrought upon the priest that he took him to his own house, gave him half a bushel of salt, and fifty solidi or more. Guibert soon hastened back to Clairvaux, and told Bernard all that had occurred to him. I tell thee, my son, said Bernard, that no one thing is so necessary to a Christian as faith. Have faith, therefore, and it will be well with thee all the days of thy life. Bernard worked valiantly to end the schism caused by Antipope Anacletus II against Innocent II.

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