When he had spent two years in his bishopric, Cuthbert returned to his island hermitage, God having made known to him that the day of his death was drawing near, or rather, the day of his entry into that life which alone may be called life. In his usual simple way, he mentioned this fact to some people at the time in somewhat veiled terms, though such that they could be clearly understood later; but to others he spoke openly.
There was a priest of praiseworthy life named Herebert, who had for a long time been linked in a spiritual friendship with the man of God. He lived the life of a hermit on an island in the great lake which is the source of the river Derwent, and used to visit Cuthbert each year to seek his advice on matters of eternal salvation. Hearing that Cuthbert had come to the city of Lugubalia,1 he went to visit him as usual, wishing to be ever more fervently inspired to heavenly desires by his salutary guidance. As each in turn regaled the other with exhilarating draughts of heavenly life, Cuthbert said among other things: ‘Brother Herebert, remember that, whatever you wish to ask or tell me, you must do before we part, because we shall not see one another again in this world. For I know that the day of my death is approaching, and I shall soon put off this earthly tabernacle.’ At these words, the other fell at his feet with sighs and tears, saying: ‘In the Name of our Lord, I beg you not to leave me! Remember that I am your most devoted friend, and ask God of His mercy to grant that, as we have served Him together on earth, we may pass away together to the vision of heavenly grace. You know how I have always tried to live as you directed; and whenever I have sinned out of ignorance or frailty, I have at once tried to make amends in any way you enjoined.’ So the bishop prostrated himself in prayer, and soon received inward intimation that God had granted his request. ‘Rise, my brother, and do not weep. Be glad. For God in His mercy has heard our prayer.’
Subsequent events proved the truths of this prophecy; for when they parted, they never saw one another again in this life and on the twentieth of March, their souls left their bodies on the same day and were together borne by angels to see the beatific vision in the kingdom of heaven. But Herebert was first tried by a long illness. And one may believe that God’s mercy decreed this in order that, if his merits were inferior to those of blessed Cuthbert, the chastening of a long illness might supply whatever was lacking: in this way, he would be made equal in grace with his intercessor and in departing this life at the same time would merit to enter into the same state of eternal blessedness.
The most reverend Father Cuthbert died on Fame Island, earnestly requesting the brethren to bury him in this place where he had served God so long. But at length he yielded to their entreaties and consented that his body should be taken back to Lindisfarne and buried within the church. This was accordingly done; and the venerable Bishop Wilfrid held the see for a year until a successor could be appointed. Subsequently Eadbert was consecrated, a man who was well known for his knowledge of the Scriptures, his obedience to God’s commandments, and especially for his generosity in almsgiving. For each year, in accordance with the Law, he used to give a tenth not only of all his beasts but also of all his grain, fruit and clothing to the poor.
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Carlisle. ↩