MARCH. MARCH 1. S. David, Archbishop. 544. S. DAVID, or Dewi, the glory of the British Church in the sixth age, was born in the year 462, according to the best authorities. The Saxons had then overrun the greater part of England; and Vortigern the British king had been fain to purchase his life and liberty from them by surrendering the provinces which included the modern counties of Essex, Sussex, Surrey, Norfolk, and Suffolk. The Church also was cruelly persecuted by the pagan invaders. The birth of David had been foretold thirty years before by S. Patrick the Apostle of Ireland, as he passed through Wales on his mission. It is reported that it was revealed to him by an angel. Regarding this and some other extraordinary circumstances, as in the history of S. David, Collier remarks 1, "Some of them may very probably be true; for in the infancy of a Church miracles are more necessary, and therefore may be supposed much more frequent, than afterwards." The wonderful prediction of his birth by an angel was commemorated in the collect 1 Eccl. Hist. B. i. p. 58. on his feast in the older office of the church of Sarum. His father was the son of the king of Ceretica, a province of Wales, now Cardigan; and his mother's name was Nonnita or Melaria. The infant David was baptized by S. Albæus, an Irish bishop of Munster or Cashel, who had been a disciple in Italy of S. Hilary of Arles. He was educated by his mother at Hên Vynyw or Henmeneu-vetus Menevia-and his whole time was devoted to sacred learning. Having passed unspotted through the dangerous period of his early youth, he was at length advanced by the various grades to the priesthood. He soon after retired into the island of Vecta1, to enjoy the instruction of S. Paulinus, a disciple of S. Germanus bishop of Auxerre, who lived there in great seclusion from the world. David remained a long time with him, and besides a constant attendance on his teaching, he went about preaching and founding monasteries. When he returned to his own country he founded a religious house in the Vallis Rosina, afterwards called Ross. Boia, a pagan nobleman who lived near, did all he could to deter the holy brotherhood from their purpose; and both he and his wife used every annoyance and temptation that they could devise, but in vain. The Saint encouraged his spiritual children to persevere in their life of self-denial. He devoted himself wholly to the training of his monks, and mingled little in public affairs. In a little time his house became very famous, and many 1 Perhaps the Isle of Wight, though Vectis is the proper name for it. rich and powerful men left their estates and retired into it to end their days. Their rule seems to have been nearly the same as that of S. Antony and the Egyptian monks. The brethren earned their livelihood by rural labour; and spent their leisure time in silent study, and in meditation on divine things. In the evening they all left their work at the sound of the bell, and went into the church, where they remained till the stars appeared. They then partook of a frugal supper, in the refectory, consisting of bread and herbs and salt, with a little milk and water. Then they went to rest till cock-crowing, when they rose to prayer, and continued in the church till daylight dawned. Perfect obedience to the superior was enjoined, even in the smallest trifle; and frequent confession was also practised. All novices were subjected to a severe discipline and trial in order to test their resolution to conform to the rule. "At that time," says Giraldus Cambrensis, "the Church of God in Wales flourished and was honoured with many fruits. In many places monasteries were founded, and congregations of faithful religious were gathered with holy devotion under the obedience of Christ. To all, David was a mirror, and an example. He taught his children in Christ by word, and still more powerfully by example. He was instruction to those who heard him; a guide to the religious; life to the needy; protection to the orphan; the stay of widows; the father of the young; to monks a rule; and to seculars a pattern; and all things to all men, that God might be glorified'." Another ancient 1 Vita S. Davidis. historian has preserved a portrait of the holy man : "He was about six feet in height; and had an amiable and pleasant countenance, and a distinguished he was easy of access, and of great appearance; eloquence in speech." The Pelagian heresy had before this time made its way into Britain. Nearly a century before, its progress had been checked, but it seems to have gained new strength in the beginning of the sixth age; and in 519 a synod of Welsh bishops, abbats, and clergy met at Brevi in Ceretica to condemn it anew. Many noble and honourable lay persons were also present at the consultations. The principal leaders were Daniel, first bishop of Bangor, and Dubritius, who had been consecrated bishop of Llandaff in 436, and removed to the see of Caerleon in 492. According to Geoffrey of Monmouth, the bishop of Caerleon was then primate of Britain, and legate of the see of Rome. Dubritius was then a very old man, and after crowning King Arthur in 516, he had retired into the island of Bardsey, to be more at leisure to devote himself to continual prayer. But he was roused by the dangers which threatened the Church, and repaired to the synod at Brevi. He died in the same year, and was buried in the cathedral church of Llandaff. During the sittings S. Paulinus reminded the fathers that the holy ascetic David was not among them; and they immediately sent to bring him from his solitude to the synod. This was not done without great difficulty; so unwilling was the humble man to thrust himself into the notice of the world. It is even said that Dubritius and Daniel had to go themselves and fetch him. And when he was come at last he made a noble defence of the Catholic Faith, and convinced many among the laity who were inclined to the novelties of Pelagius. The marvellous display of His power with which God was pleased to show His approval of His servant may be found recorded in the larger histories of his life. The aged Dubritius prevailed on the synod to appoint him his successor in Caerleon; but no entreaties could persuade him to leave his beloved Menevia; and it was at length agreed, with the sanction of King Arthur and the synod, that he should be allowed to transfer the see thither from Caerleon. S. David seems to have then made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where he received his episcopal consecration from the Patriarch. Ten years afterwards he held a synod at Victoria, which confirmed the statutes of Brevi, and enacted several new ones. All record of these is now lost; --though David was at great pains to have copies of them made for every church, and even assisted with his own hand. Little is known of the other events of his episcopate, except that he sometimes visited Ireland, and sent many of his monks thither, who became afterwards renowned for their sanctity, and were advanced to the highest offices in the Church. The year of his decease is doubtful. Some historians say that he lived to the very great age of a hundred and forty-seven years, and died in 609. But Ussher, and with him the best authorities, say that he died in 544, aged eighty-two years. As his last sickness increased angelic voices might frequently be heard in his chamber, and many gracious visits were vouchsafed |