A.D. 718. BAB BOD DECLINES TO BE BAPTIZED. 349 a true worshipper of God, or whether he only put on an appear ance of sanctity. Accordingly, the bishop before-mentioned, being refreshed by the conversation of the man of God, began to exhort him earnestly to receive the ordination of priesthood from him. And he, falling at the feet of the bishop, promised to obey his injunctions. Therefore, the bishop being delighted, having first consecrated a church, joyfully promoted him to the rank of the priesthood. And on that day, contrary to his usual wont, he was compelled, by the invitation of the pontiff, to sit down at supper with the rest. Then, beholding Wilfrid, of whom I have spoken before, he said to him, " Oh ! brother Wilfrid, what do you now think ought to be said of the man of whom you yesterday undertook most positively to pronounce an opinion V He, marvelling greatly, rose up, and prostrated himself at his feet, humbly begging pardon. If I were to deaire to give a full account of all the virtues of this holy man, it would be an undertaking resembling that of be ginning to count the sands of the sea. He commenced his solitary life in the twenty-fifth year of his age, and continued in it fifteen years. And when he died, being perfect in all holiness, he was buried in his own oratory, which he had de dicated to the honour of Saint Bartholomew. And in that place, all who entreat his aid with pious minds obtain the indulgence of divine mercy. A.D. 715. Gregory was elected to the Roman chair, which he occupied fifteen years, eight months, and twenty-two days ; and the see was vacant thirty-five days. The same year, Anastasius rose up in insurrection against the Emperor Philippicus, deprived him of bis eyes, usurped his throne, and reigned three years. % A.D. 716. Ina, king of the West Saxons, fought against Ceolred, king of Mercia, at ŒHtoont sbirri), and the victory remained undecided. A.D. 717. Theodore having obtained the empire of Rome, reigned one year. The same year, Osred, king of Northumberland, fought a battle near the sea-shore, and being unsuccessful, was slain. He was succeeded by Kinred, who reigned two years. A.D. 718. Rabbod, duke of Frieeland, was, by the preaching of the blessed bishop Wilfran, induced to be baptized ; but when he had put one foot in the font, he drew back the other, and asked whether the greater number of his predecessors