To the Universal Doctor, Gilbert, Bishop of London
ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX
To the Universal Doctor, Gilbert, Bishop of London Gilbert was Bishop of London from 1128 to 113 5. It is therefore probable that this letter was written about the year 1130. He was called the 'Universal Doctor'' because he excelled in all branches of learning. St. Bernard congratulates him in his letter for overcoming avarice by living as a poor man while Bishop of London. Henry of Huntingdon, however, attributes the spartan life of the bishop to miserliness.
THE fame of your life has spread far and wide, and it has been as a most sweet odour for all unto whom it has come.
Your avarice has been stifled: who would not delight in this?
Charity rules in its stead: who does not relish this? All men know you to be wise because you have crushed the chief enemy of wisdom. This is something worthy of your priesthood and your great name. The witness of your life well becomes your philosophy; it is a fitting crown of your studies. Yours has been the true wisdom which scorns filthy lucre and refuses to consort with the service of idols. Eor you it was no great thing to be a bishop, but to be a bishop of London and yet to live as a poor man, this is something clearly magnificent. The dignity of high office could have added little to the lustre of your fame, but the humility of your poverty has added much. To bear poverty with resignation argues great patience; to seek it of one's own free will is the highest wisdom. The Scriptures acclaim and praise the man who does not set his heart on riches, but you have deserved even higher praise by scorning them. Unless cold reason can see nothing wonderful in a wise man acting wisely.
And without any doubt you are a wise man, taking your pleasure in all the books and studies of the wise men of the world,