CHAPTER 26: His way of life as a bishop
CHAPTER 26
His way of life as a bishop
THIS venerable man of God, Bishop Cuthbert, following the teaching and practice of the apostles, adorned his office with good works. He protected the flock committed to him by constant prayer on their behalf, by wholesome admonition and – which is the real way to teach – by example first and precept later. He delivered ‘the poor man from him that was too strong for him, the poor and the needy from him that despoiled them’. He took care to comfort the sad and faint-hearted and to bring back those that delighted in evil to a godly sorrow. He strictly maintained his old frugality and took delight in preserving the rigours of the monastery amidst the pomp of the world. He fed the hungry, clothed the destitute, and had all the other marks of a perfect bishop. These outward signs and wonders in which he excelled give adequate proof of his virtue. It has been my task to give a brief account of some of them.