The pilot and transcript. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1840-1841, 1840-08-18


Of Camaldoli, situated bnt few miles distant
from valIombrosa. N#
This institution, which almost equals in repu-
tation, that which we are about to describe, bad
been but lately established by st. Romauld, one
of the most distinguished men of the age
Like Gualbertus, he was descended from a ia
mily of rank, and like him, owed his conversion
to a strong conviction of the wretched state of
morals which prevailed in his time. He had
often, it is said, when pursuing the pleasures
common to his age and rank, felt disguised with
their folly; and often, when he happened in hunt
ing, to find himself alone in retired spot of
the forest, he would exclaim, e'How much better
would it be to spend ones life amid these tran
quill shades, than 10 pass it in the midst OF the
world" These feelings received considerable
accession of strength, when his father, who is
described as man of most violent passions,
obliged him to be present at duel, which he
fought with some one who had offended him.
From that moment Ronaud determined to pass
his life in religious solitude, and to promote by
every means in his power, the same disposition
in others. His efforts in respect both to himself
and 20 those whom he addressed, proved eminent
ly successful. The growth of his piCty was ac-
comPanied by corresponding increase of repu-
tation and influence. He was thus soon enabled
to form little community of persons devoted to
the same principles as himself; but even while
| still young man, and under the tutelage of
hermit, to which he had joined himself, he had
an important share in persuading Peter Urseole,
the Doge of Venice, to resign his ill-acquired
dignity. After long life, of varied labor, and
some peril, he founded the monastery of Canal
doll, and soon after died,
The discipline of that establishment was of the
strictest kind, and Gualbertus remained there
considerable time. But at length the superior
expressed his desire that JOHN should be chosen
his successor, which induced him to retire from
this monastery, he had before done from st.
Minias. On his way from Camsaldoli, he PASS
ed through the wild, untrodden district of VAL
| lourbrosa. The united hearts and solitude of
the place arrested his steps, and he resolved upon
passing the remainder of his days among its
shades. There was small spot of ground,
in the heart of the rugged precipice, which seem
ed formed expressly for the abode of little bro
therhood, intent only on the worship of COP, and
the exercise Of personal austerities. The stern
Apprentices hemmed it in with their rocks and
woods. Not an echo could be heard that bore
any murmur of the peopled valleys. Here and
there stream, gushing through the interposing
crags, broke the silence but not the solitude Of
the scene; and the birds that sung, hidden in the
impenetrable foliage of the forests, were, by the
very nature of their race, afraid, like the holy
hermit himself, of being subject to man, or his
customs In this lonely spot, therefore, Gualbur-
tus took up his residence. There were already.
it is said BY some writers, two eremites in the
r. neighborhood; and having united himself to
|. them, he obtained grant of the superior of an
er Abbey to which the district pertained. He wa.
10 SOON Joined by several persons, who vener
J. ted him for his signal piety; and, humble bull
;, ding having been erected, brotherhood was
i formed, of which he remained the venerated
I head to the end of his days The rule which he
f followed in the government Of the society. was
that OF st Benedict, in the strictest form; and
there is sufficient evidence to prove that he felt
the necessity of adhering to it. as the only safe
guard against the cerruptions which, even in sol
itude, lead men to initiate the world His feel
r ings respecting the growing vices Of the monas-
tic orders were strongly shown whenever he saw
them indicate love of luxury or ostentation.-
a legend reports that, going visit one day
e to a neighboring monastery, he was astonisLed
and disguised to find that the buildings had more
i the appearance of lordly residence than of one
intended for the simple shelter of the servants of
a Christ. "What" exclaimed he, addressing the
d hobot, ''have you built palace with the money
n which might have nourished multitude of the
poor and distressed % Then, turning towards a
little brook which near, he said +: go. AL
mighty Cod who of the least things art often
!. pleased to make the mightiest, may see this
= little stream overthrow this edfce. so unyvortb
of our profession"
The legend states that, soon after he r.,;rad
( the brook overfowed, and, by the increased
r strength and rapidity of the current, loosen;no
the rock on which the monastery was built,
brought down the sumptuous structure.
Such was the founder of the monastery of Val
lombrosa; nor will the traveller. as he tbro,vs
himself beneath the shade Of the old venerable
trees that frown about his path. forget The viz
tues, the benevolence, and beauties of John
Gualbertus- Beautiful as these wild scenes are
by nature, he will now feel how doublv interest
ing they are rendered to the human mind by any
connexionl with human history. Had YaIlorr-
bresa been an unnhabited valley, far less lovely
would have seemed its peace and solitude. less
musically would its brooks have murmured to
the ear OF melancholy; less solemnly even woald
the leaves OF its shadowy forests have fallen ON
the waters OF the stream Tourist in Haly.
-.
STEAMB DAT LINE FOR PIIII.ADEI.
| PHIA,