Life of St Martin of Tours
Following in the lines of Jerome and Athanasius, Sulpicius Severus composed a biography of St. Martin of Tours. Concerned more with miracles and encounters with the devil rather than a complete description of the monastic life, Life of Martin of Tours is a glimpse into the nature of Christianity of the 4th Century. Life of Martin of Tours gives a very brief view of Martin's life before he entered into the service of God. Upon entering a church at the age of 10, he became so enamored that he told his military father of his intent to become a churchman. Being the son of a tribune, his wish would be granted only after a tour of duty in the army of the empire. It is in the service of Julian that Martin truly learns of his destiny. Late winter in the town of Amiens, Martin was approached by an almost nude beggar. Taking his sword and cutting his cloak in half, Martin gave part of his clothing to the beggar. The beggar appeared that night in a dream to Martin with the voice of God. According to the dream, since he had helped the lowest element in society, he had really helped Jesus. It is interesting to note in this section the variety of the term
The time in which Martin was in the army is the same time that the Arian controversy is dividing the Christian populace. Like many other monastic figures of the period, after the townsfolk harassed him, they soon turned to Martin for assistance. Severus meant to show the many faces of the Lord in composing this work, thereby showing both his own and Martin's adherence to orthodoxy. Severus states that no one saw him enraged, angry, or even exhibiting emotion even through the various slander campaigns laid out before him. Life of Martin of Tours illustrates many aspects of the evolving empire. Again, like Jerome's Life of Malchus, the spiritual strength is emphasized over the notion of physical prowess. A very unflappable man, Martin was not easily swayed by much outside of Jesus' promise of salvation. In this same chapter, again worthy of note, that Arianism is brought back into the story, although directly stated this time. Following Peter Brown's theory of the role of the holy man, Martin does not deny the power of the Lord in front of Emperor Maximus, giving the goblet to the presbyter instead. Wandering off track in the mountains, the party is set upon by a group of bandits. Martin saves several people from various ailments as well, these acts too in accordance with this notion. Martin probably did act as a mediator, Severus more than likely did not mention these proceedings focusing more on the spectacular. Julian, called a tyrant by Severus, attributes this to cowardice and orders that he be forced to fight. Martin is harassed by Auxentius, the founder of Arianism. This section is another proclamation of guiltlessness on the parts of both Martin and Severus himself.
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