Million Book Collection - The Fishers of Men Ministries

340 THE BECLUSKS.
contrary, were walled up in the midst of populous
cities. Most commonly their cell was built on to a.
church, and its narrow window enabled them to look
at the altar, which contained the well-spring of their
supernatural strength. This life was practised by
laymen and lay women, and by priests and monks.
In the case of religious the leave of the superior had
to be obtained in order that the monk might " go up
higher". The recluse's time was strictly divided
between prayer and manual labour, and he was
supported by the alms of the faithful. This special
vocation to solitude became at last a state recognised
by the Church for which the bishop's sanction was.
necessary. In the calling of both hermit and recluse
the first step was made by taking the habit,
and repeating in presence of the bishop the words :
"I, N., not wedded, promise and avow to God, and
to our Lady St. Mary, and to all the saints of
heaven, in the presence of you, Reverend Father in
God, N., bishop of N., to live in perpetual chastity,
after the rule of St. Paul, the first hermit, in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen. " It maybe mentioned incidentally
that the hermit was frequently engaged in the
humblest manual labour. He mended and repaired
roads and bridges, which was then looked upon
as a sort of charitable work. Old wills contain
bequests for the purpose. The love of God urged
men to do gratuitously what is now performed
grudgingly by the lowest menials of the State,,