Bad Advertisement?
Are you a Christian?
Online Store:Visit Our Store
| Chapter XIV. Martin destroys Heathen Temples and Altars.
PREVIOUS SECTION - NEXT SECTION - HELP 
Chapter XIV.
Martin destroys Heathen Temples and Altars.
Nor did he show less eminence,
much about the same time, in other transactions of a like
kind. For, having in a certain village
set fire to a very ancient and celebrated temple, the circle of flames
was carried by the action of the wind upon a house which was very close
to, yea, connected with, the temple. When Martin perceived this, he
climbed by rapid ascent to the roof of the house, presenting himself in
front of the advancing flames. Then indeed might the fire have been
seen thrust back in a wonderful manner against the force of the wind,
so that there appeared a sort of conflict of the two elements fighting
together. Thus, by the influence of Martin, the fire only acted in the
place where it was ordered to do so. But in a village which was named
Leprosum, when he too wished to overthrow a temple which had acquired
great wealth through the superstitious ideas entertained of its
sanctity, a multitude of the heathen resisted him to such a degree that
he was driven back not without bodily injury. He, therefore, withdrew
to a place in the vicinity, and there for three days, clothed in
sackcloth30
| 30 Literally “a
covering made of Cilician goats’ hair.” It was called
Cilicium, and was worn by soldiers and others. | and ashes fasting and praying the whole time,
he besought the Lord, that, as he had not been able to overthrow that
temple by human effort, Divine power might be exerted to destroy it.
Then two angels, with spears and shields after the manner of heavenly
warriors, suddenly presented themselves to him, saying that they were
sent by the Lord to put to flight the rustic multitude, and to furnish
protection to Martin, lest, while the temple was being destroyed, any
one should offer resistance. They told him therefore to return, and
complete the blessed work which he had begun. Accordingly Martin
returned to the village; and while the crowds of heathen looked on in
perfect quiet as he razed the pagan temple even to the foundations, he
also reduced all the altars and images to dust. At this sight the
rustics, when they perceived that they had been so astounded and
terrified by an intervention of the Divine will, that they might not be
found fighting against the bishop, almost all believed in the Lord
Jesus. They then began to cry out openly and to confess that the God of
Martin ought to be worshiped, and that the idols should be despised,
which were not able to help them.E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
|
