Page:The Church of England, its catholicity and continuity.djvu/36

 Edwin was saved from the assassin's knife which had been hurled at him by the instigation of Cwichelm, his determined enemy. Paulinus told the king that his escape was due to the mercy of God. The night on which this happened Ethelberga gave birth to a daughter, for which Edwin had prayed to other heathen gods. Paulinus told him that he had prayed to the Christian God that he might have the same blessing. Edwin was persuaded to believe that the gift was due to the prayers of Paulinus, and he allowed his daughter to be baptized. He also made a further promise, that if he should be successful in gaining a victory over Cwichelm, who had sent to assassinate him, he himself would become a Christian. Edwin went to battle. He was victorious. This fact led to the conversion of Northumbria, and through Northumbria of nearly the whole of England.

On his return from battle, Edwin called together a Council of his wise men and heathen priests, at Godmundham, to consider the question of renouncing their heathenism. The High Priest Coifi was called upon to speak of the merits of heathenism. "The old worship," he said, "seems to me to be worth nothing: no man has practised it more than I, and yet many fare better, and have more favours at your hand. If the gods had any power, they would rather help, who have served them more than others. Let us then see what this new lore is good for; if it is better than the old, let us straightway follow it." A Thane also made a speech. "I will tell you, O king," he said, "what methinks man's life is like. Sometimes, when your hall is lit up for suppers on a warm winter's evening, and warmed by a fire in the midst, a