E07555: Constantius of Lyon, in his Life of *Germanus (bishop of Auxerre, ob. c. 448, S00455), written in Latin at Lyon (central Gaul) between c. 460 and c. 480, reflects on the nature of Germanus' miracles.

Constantius of Lyon, Life of Germanus of Auxerre 6

For a full account of Constantius' Life of Germanus, see $E05841.

Qui duplicem uiam Christo ad profectum religionis instituens, in conspectu oppidi, interposito Icauna flumine, monasterium conlocauit, ut ad fidem catholicam populi et congregationibus monachorum et ecclesiastica gratia raperentur, praesertim cum tali pontifice uel magistro, accedentibus miraculis, fides succensa ferueret. Et ut ad temptamenta uirtutum, crescentibus meritis, ueniretur, non praesumptionis, sed misericordiae principium fuit.

'Furthermore, for the advancement of religion he provided two roads to Christ, by founding a monastery within sight of the town, across the river Yonne, so that the surrounding population might be brought to the Catholic faith by contact with the monastic community as well as by the ministrations of the Church. This was all the more likely to succeed since the flame of faith was fanned by such a bishop and such a teacher, to say nothing of the miracles. As for these, when, as his holiness grew, he came to make proof of his spiritual powers, his motive was not presumption but mercy.'

This passage is followed by Constantius' account of Germanus' miraculous recovery of gold that had been lost by a tax-collector: E07550.

Text: Borius 1965. Translation: Hoare 1954.