york00orns

88 YORK.
'
"Fasti
wliich a bishop only could perform. Besides the
offices of ordination, &c., it contains a series of
benedictions. Some of these are very interesting, as
showing how religion was brought to bear upon the
things of common life. God's blessing was sought
upon medicine about to be taken, or healing unguent
about to be applied for the benefit of either man or
beast ;
upon the bread which was about to be eaten,
and upon the wine before it was drank. There is a
benediction also for hallowing vessels of heathen
workmanship which had been turned up by the
plough or the spade. Egbert's other works relate mostly
to matters of discipline, founded to some extent on
the writings of Archbishop Theodore.
All his works,
says Raine, " seem to pre-suppose the existence of
a regular clerical organisation, and as he occupied
the throne of Paulinus with such commanding influence
for above thirty years, he would have time
enough to see the systems in full play He
was, in all probability, the first introducer of the
parochial system into the North." i This is perhaps
a thing incapable of absolute proof, though it may
fairly be inferred. But there can be little doubt
respecting one great work, the foundation of the
school of York, and the library attached to it, which
became renowned, not in England alone, but throughout
Europe also. Youths were sent from all parts to
carry on their studies under Egbert's guidance. He
was assisted by his kinsman Albert, who was afterwards
his successor in the see. Amongst their pupils
was one whose name must ever be honoured as one
Ebor.," i. p. 96.