XXIX. How this bishop foretold that his own death was
at hand to the anchorite Herebert. [687 A.D.]
CHAP. XXIX.
How this bishop foretold that his own death was at hand to the anchorite
Herebert. [687 A.D.]
HAVING spent two years in his bishopric, he returned to his island and
hermitage,being warned of God that the day of his death, or rather of his
entrance into that life which alone can be called life, was drawing near; as he,
at that time, with his wonted candour, signified to certain persons, though in
words which were somewhat obscure, but which were nevertheless afterwards
plainly understood; while to others he declared the same openly.
There was a certain priest, called Herebert, a man of holy life, who had long
been united with the man of God, Cuthbert, in the bonds of spiritual friendship.
This man leading a solitary life in the island of that great lake from which the
river Derwent flows at its beginning, was wont to visit him every year, and to
receive from him the teaching of everlasting salvation. Hearing that Bishop
Cuthbert was come to the city of Lugubalia, he went thither to him, according to
his custom, seeking to be more and more inflamed in heavenly desires through his
wholesome admonitions. Whilst they alternately entertained one another with
draughts of the celestial life, the bishop, among other things, said, "Brother
Herebert, remember at this time to ask me and speak to me concerning all whereof
you have need to ask and speak; for, when we part, we shall never again see one
another with bodily eyesight in this world. For I know of a surety that the time
of my departure is at hand, and that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle."
Hearing these words, Herebert fell down at his feet, with tears and
lamentations, and said, "I beseech you, by the Lord, not to forsake me; but to
remember your most faithful companion, and entreat the mercy of God that, as we
have served Him together upon earth, so we may depart together to behold His
grace in Heaven. For you know that I have always endeavoured to live according
to the words of your lips, and likewise whatsoever faults I have committed,
either through ignorance or frailty, I, have instantly sought to amend according
to the judgement of your will." The bishop applied himself to prayer, and having
presently had intimation in the spirit that he had obtained what he asked of the
Lord, he said, "Rise, brother, and do not weep, but rejoice greatly because the
mercy of Heaven has granted what we desired."
The event established the truth of this promise and prophecy, for after their
parting, they never again saw one another in the flesh; but their spirits
quitting their bodies on one and the same day, to wit, the 20th of March,were
immediately united in fellowship in the blessed vision, and together translated
to the heavenly kingdom by the ministry of angels. But Herebert was first wasted
by a long-continued infirmity, through the dispensation of the Lord's mercy, as
may be believed, to the end that if he was in any wise inferior in merit to the
blessed Cuthbert, that which was lacking might be supplied by the chastening
pain of a long sickness, that being thus made equal in grace to his intercessor,
as he departed out of the body at one and the same time with him, so he might be
accounted worthy to be received into the like abode of eternal bliss.
The most reverend father died in the isle of Fame, earnestly entreating the
brothers that he might also be buried there, where he had served no small time
under the Lord's banner. But at length yielding to their entreaties, he
consented to be carried back to the isle of Lindisfarne, and there buried in the
church.This being done, the venerable Bishop Wilfrid held the episcopal see of
that church one year, till such time as a bishop should be chosen to be ordained
in the room of Cuthbert. Afterwards Eadbertwas ordained, a man renowned for his
knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, as also for his observance of the heavenly
precepts, and chiefly for almsgiving, so that, according to the law, he gave
every year the tenth part, not only of four-footed beasts, but also of all corn
and fruit, as also of his garments, to the poor.
