d is valuable, may make even
selfishness generous, and cowardice heroic, but to suffer during life
the lingering martyrdom of the cross; and then to expire, not suddenly,
but like a taper, burnt out; to fall like a flower, not in its prime and
beauty but gradually shedding its leaves and perfume, and bearing its
fibres to the last, till it droops and lies exhaled and prostrate in the
dust; is a death too pure, too self-devoted, too sublime, for any but
the annals of Christian heroism to supply. And assuredly a day will come
when the conqueror's crown shall not be brighter than the Christian's
halo, nor the patriot's laurel-branch bear richer foliage than the palms
of Paradise, which the humblest denizen of heaven shall carry. A day
will come that will give to all their proper measure and dimensions; yet
even before that day shall God glorify those who have died the peaceful
death of the just, by embalming their memory and rendering their tombs
and relics illustrious, so that, for the one who shall have heard of the
hero, thousands shall bless and invoke the Saint.

{519}

* * * * *

He alone is a perfect Christian who is crucified to the world, and to
whom the world is crucified, and who glorieth in nothing save the cross
of out Lord Jesus. Nor without embracing the cross at least in heart and
affection, can any one belong to the religion of Christ. Upon entering
life we are marked with the cross; through the various vicissitudes
thereof our every step is encountered by it--go whithersoever thou wilt
and thou shalt find it impossible to escape the cross--and it
accompanies us even unto death and the grave. For a Christian dieth
pressing the cross to his lips; and the cross is engraven upon his tomb
that it may bear witness of his faith and hope. But if Our Lord has
said, in general terms, "Whosoever will be my disciple, let him take up
his cross and follow me;" and if it be true that through many
tribulations it is necessary to enter into the kingdom of heaven, then
are all without exception called upon to assume this burden. It is not
strange, then, that saints should have delighted to blend their names
with the cross wherewith their hearts were so closely entwined; or that
men, after their departure to glory, should have designated them by the
title of that whereof they were so deeply enamored.

MARCH VI.

ST. CHRODEGANG, BISHOP OF METZ, CONFESSOR.

From Paul the Deacon, l. 2 de