Page:The Mediaeval Mind Vol 1.djvu/423

CHAP. XVII scrutinizer of Majesty and fabricator of heresies." Here was the gist of the matter. That a man should be great in his own eyes, apart from God, and teach others so, stirred Bernard's bowels.

Of Arnold, the impetuous clerical revolutionist and pupil of Abælard, Bernard writes with fury: "Arnold of Brescia, whose speech is honey and whose teaching poison, whom Brescia vomited forth, Rome abhorred, France repelled, Germany abominates, Italy will not receive, is said to be with you." Again, Bernard rejoices with great joy when he hears that the anti-pope who divided Christendom was dead.

It is pleasant to turn back to Bernard's lovingness and mercy. His God would not condemn those who repented; and the saint can be gentle toward sinners possibly repentant. He urges certain monks to receive back an erring brother: "Take him back then, you who are spiritual, in the spirit of gentleness; let love be confirmed in him, and let good intention excuse the evil done. Receive back with joy him whom you wept as lost." In another letter he urges a countess to be more lenient with her children; and there is a story of his begging a robber from the hands of the executioners, and leading him to Clara Vallis, where he became at length a holy man.

So one sees Bernard's severity, his gentle mercy, and the love burning within him for his fellows' good. Such were the emotions of Bernard the saint. The man's human heart could also yearn, and feel bereavement in spite of faith. As his zeal draws him from land to land, he is home-sick for Clara Vallis. From Italy, in 1137, fighting to crush the anti-pope, a letter carries his yearning love to his dear ones there: