Introduction
As a boy, so his biographer Felix tells us, St Guthlac (673-714) had been a mild-mannered child, a credit to his pious and well-to-do parents Penwald and Tette. But when he was fifteen, Guthlac began to be fascinated by stories of warriors and heroes and deeds of arms, and soon it became apparent that they were having a very negative effect on the blithe and innocent boy.
WHEN his strength waxed and he grew up to manhood, then thought he on the strong deeds of the heroes, and of the men of yore. Then, as though he had woke from sleep, his disposition was changed, and he collected a great troop and host of his companions and equals, and himself took weapons. Then wreaked he his grudges on his enemies, and burned their city, and ravaged their towns, and widely through the land he made much slaughter, and slew and took from men their goods. It was about nine years that he was thus engaged in hostile raids, the blessed Guthlac,* and he thus wandered amidst the tumult of this present world.
It happened on one night when he had come from an expedition, and he rested his weary limbs, and thought over many things in his mind, that he was suddenly inspired with divine awe, and his heart within was filled with spiritual love.
* For the sake of his tale Felix affects amazement that the holy man should have lived such a life, but he would know very well that Guthlac is just one of many holy men and women who were ‘a brand plucked out of the fire’ (Zechariah 3:2). See for example The Conversion of Saul and St Mary of Egypt. Guthlac was badly wounded in soul by his fascination with those ‘heroes of yore,’ yet warrior that he was it led to no worse, because when he realised his peril he was brave, and fought back to vanquish his enemy. “There is a shame that bringeth sin” Jesus ben Sirach wrote; “and there is a shame which is glory and grace.” See Ecclesiasticus 4:11-21.
Précis
In about 688, when Guthlac was in his mid-teens, he was captivated by the stories of warrior heroes. Quite against his character hitherto, he recruited a militia under his own command and began harassing towns, thieving and killing. One night, however, as he was deep in reflection he was overcome by a sudden love for and fear of God. (59 / 60 words)
In about 688, when Guthlac was in his mid-teens, he was captivated by the stories of warrior heroes. Quite against his character hitherto, he recruited a militia under his own command and began harassing towns, thieving and killing. One night, however, as he was deep in reflection he was overcome by a sudden love for and fear of God.
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