Chapter 4

Of the vision which he saw in his journey, and of the apostle's command.

WHILST he was accomplishing his journey, on a certain night he saw a vision, full at once of terror and sweetness. For, when after sweats by day he was refreshing his limbs with rest, it seemed to him that he was borne on high by a certain beast having four feet [not 8 as in the Middle English version] and two wings, and that he was set by it in a very high place. And when from such a height he bent down the glance of his eyes to the depths, he discovered a horrible pit to be beneath him, the terrible vision of which struck the beholder with both fear and horror at once, for its depth baffled all human view. He, therefore, conscious in himself of his sins, thinking that he would forthwith fall into so vast a precipice, as it seemed to him, shuddered, and began to give forth lusty cries from his mouth and, as he was thus fearful and crying aloud with fear, one was beside him bearing royal majesty in his countenance, of wonderful beauty and imperial authority and, with his look fixed upon him, spake good words -- words of consolation, bringing a good message, as if he spake in these words --

"Oh, man -- says he -- what and how much allegiance would you pay to him who should help you in such a mortal crisis?"

and when he replied thereto that he would most diligently repay whatever heart, whatever strength were his for the thanking of his deliverer; he continued --

"I am Bartholomew, an apostle of Jesus Christ, who have come to help thee in thy straits, and to unlock for thee the secrets of the heavenly mystery; for thou shalt know that I -- by the will and command of all the High Trinity, and with the common favour and counsel of the court of heaven -- have chosen a spot in a suburb of London at Smithfield where, in my name, thou shalt found a church, and there shall be the House of God, the tabernacle of the Lamb, the temple of the Holy Ghost. This spiritual house the Almighty Lord shall inhabit, sanctify, glorify, and preserve unspotted for ever and ever. And His eyes shall be opened and His ears directed toward that house night and day [Kings viii 29] -- that he who asketh may receive, he who seeketh may find, he who knocketh may enter [Chron. vi 20, 40]. For everyone who being converted and penitent shall pray in this place shall be heard in heaven, or, seeking with a perfect heart help from any tribulation, without doubt shall obtain it; to those who knock with pious longing at the door of the Spouse attendant angels shall open the gates of heaven, receiving and offering to God the prayers and vows of a faithful people. Therefore, let thy hands be strengthened, and having faith in the Lord act manfully. Nor doubt at all with anxious mind concerning the expenses of this building; merely apply diligence; mine it shall be to provide the costs necessary for directing and completing the fabric of this work, and to proclaim the place itself acceptable to God and myself with very manifest signs and tokens, and to protect thee incessantly beneath the shadow of my wings. Of this work know that thou art minister and I the master. Do thou employ diligent service, I will perform the office of master and patron."

At these words the vision disappeared.

 

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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