Λ.η. 1170.] ST. ;oinic mvKU.s WITH WILD BK.XSTS. r, How the blessed Gothic, by (ItxVs inspiration, chose his residence at Finchale, Returned from pilgrimage, lie found a secret placo in a fore«t, in the north of England, called Eskdale, which he thought would suit him to dwell in. He accordingly built a hut of logs, covering it with turf, and dwelt there a year and some months: but when the proprietors ol'the hind began to annoy him, he left it and went to Durham, where he made such rapid progress in learning the Psalter afresh, that he soon knew as much of the psalms, hymns, and prayers, as he thought sufficient. Wherefore, one day, inspired from on high, he went into a grove in the neighbourhood, where he heard a shepherd say to his comrade, " Let us go and water our flocks at Finehale." Godric bearing these words, gave the shepherd the only penny he had, to conduct him to that place. As he proceeded towards the interior of the forest, there met him a fierce \volf of extraordinary size, which rushed upon him, as if it would tear him in pieces. Godric, perceiving that this was one of the wiles of the old eneinv. made the sign of the cross, saying, " I adjure thee in the name of the Holy Trinity to depart with speed, if the service which I propose to discharge to God in this place is acceptable to him!" At these words, the animal prostrated himself with his impious feet, as if begging pardon of the holy man. llmr Saint Clattric dwelt at Finchale among the wild beasts and serpenti. Intending, therefore, to serve the Lord in this place, Godric, by licence of Ralph bishop of Durham, formed a cave in the earth near the bank of the viver Wear, and covering it with turf, resided therein among the wild beasts and serpents. The number of serpents was fearful : but they were all tame towards the man of God, suffering themselves to be handled, and obedient to his commands. Sometimes as he sat by the fire they would twine round his leg-, or coil themselves up in his dish or his cup. After having passed some years in this way of life, he thought that tin serpents impeded his prayers; wherefore one day seeing them about him as usual, he commanded them to enter his house no more ; upon which all those vermin wholly left it, and never again crossed his threshold. When, also, prc.-ents of food and other articles were offered to him. he declines