To Geoffrey, Bishop of Chartres
SELECTED LETTERS
[59] To Geoffrey, Bishop of Chartres The Dom Norbert mentioned in this letter was Saint Norbert, founder of the Premonstratensian Canons. It is interesting for showing Bernard's opinion of Norberfs prophesy.
I DO not know whether Dom Norbert is going to Jerusalem or not. When I last saw him a few days ago and was deemed worthy to drink in his heavenly wisdom, he never mentioned the matter to me. He spoke of the coming of Antichrist and, on my asking him when he thought this would be, he declared himself quite certain that it would be during this present generation. But when I heard the reasons he had for his certainty, I did not feel compelled to agree with him. He concluded by saying that he would live to see a general persecution of the Church.
2. May I remind you of that poor and exiled man, Humbert?
He twice begged you, when you were at Troyes, to intercede for him with Count Theobald who has dispossessed him. And now I join my prayers with his to implore your aid in the matter. I myself have written to the Count but, not finding favour,
I achieved nothing.
3. And now I must tell you something which you will be very glad to hear. Your Stephen is 'not running his course like a man in doubt of his goal; or fighting his battle like a man who wastes his blows upon the air'. Pray that he may so run as to reach the goal, so fight as to conquer.