Book Two - Chapter 16

Of a merchant.

THERE came once to the said church a certain man who asked to be allowed to speak with the brethren and to relate what had happened to him. So he was brought into the chapter-house, and in the presence of the canons he thus began --

"That you may know" (said he) "how tender and how glorious a patron you have, hear, my lords, what lately has happened to me and my fellows and know that of much mercy and of great power is he whom you worship on the earth, in heaven, and at sea. For we were exceeding many of us in one ship and when a sudden storm arose we began to be in peril, so much so that, despairing of life, we were awaiting only the hour of our utter destruction. Meanwhile, we ceased not to groan for our sins, to strike our breasts, and to implore the protection of many saints. Then as I was standing apart at the farthest part of the ship, and with trembling lips and sorrowful heart was entreating the divine mercy, I heard a voice saying -- "Why call ye on the names of so many saints and neglect to invoke the patron, granted by special privilege to you by God?" And I replied -- "Whom, my Lord?" "Call" (said he) "upon the most blessed Bartholomew and ye shall perceive that he is the most ready helper in your present danger." And forthwith I came to my fellows and told them what I had heard, and advised them by all means to have faith therein. Then with one mind from the bottom of our hearts with a mighty shout we called upon the apostle who is the refuge of the wretched, the haven of the shipwrecked, saying -- "Lord, Lord, save us, we perish. Our safety is in thy hand. Let thy mercy look upon us and in safety we will serve thee." Marvellous to relate, at the repeated call upon that revered name, the very elements gave way to us and were attentive to our prayer. The sky, till then dark, clothed itself in light; the sea forthwith ceased from its raging; the wild storm of the winds became absolutely quiet; then, sailing with soft breezes blowing, we came to harbour. Now we are come to the church of our deliverer and for the benefit bestowed on us of so great pity, we render thanks to him and to you his servants and friends. Oh, happy are ye, and most happy, that boast a leader so famous, a prince so powerful, and a father most merciful. For from us ye may know how much comfort and grace ye can hope for from him. For if he was so favourable to us who were strangers to his service, what kindness and how great must he keep for you, his most beloved?"

So he spoke, and, commending himself to the prayers of the brethren, he made his oblation, and full of joy he left them rejoicing.

 

The Book of the Foundation of St. Bartholomew's, Smithfield Rendered into Modern English from the original Latin version preserved in the British Museum, numbered Vespasian B. IX, by Mr. Humphrey H. King and Mr. William Barnard for use in the Records of St. Bartholomew's Priory by E.A. Webb.

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