.

The actions of several apostles and other illustrious saints were never
committed to writing: and, with regard to some others, the records of
their transactions, by falling a prey to the moths or flames, have
perished in the general wreck: yet their names could not be omitted. If
their history affords little to gratify vain curiosity, at least a heart
which seeks and loves God will find, even in these scanty memoirs, every
thing interesting and entertaining. If the names of some saints have
been transmitted down to us without particular accounts of their
lives,[4] their virtues shine with no {051} less lustre in heaven; and
this very circumstance is pleasing and favorable to humility, which
studies and loves to lie concealed and unknown; and it was pointed out
by the hidden life of Christ. It is also objected, that certain actions
of some saints, which were performed by a special instinct of the Holy
Ghost, are to us rather objects of admiration than imitation; but even
in these we read lessons of perfect virtue, and a reproach of our own
sloth, who dare undertake nothing for God. But some may say, What
edification can persons in the world reap from the lives of apostles,
bishops, or recluses? To this it may be answered, that though the
functions of their state differ from ours, yet patience, humility,
penance, zeal, and charity, which all their actions breathe, are
necessary virtues in all persons. Christian perfection is in its spirit
and essence everywhere the same, how much soever the means or exercises
may vary. Though edification be the primary view in works of this
nature, the other ends of history are not neglected, as it becomes more
entertaining and useful in proportion as it is more clear, complete, and
important. This, it is hoped, will excuse certain short digressions
which are sometimes inserted, and which the laws of correct writing
allow when not too long, frequent, or foreign, when they have a natural
connection with the subject, and when the want of regularity is
compensated by greater perspicuity and utility. This liberty is more
freely taken in parts which would have otherwise seemed barren. Notes
are added, which seemed useful to the bulk of those for whom this work
was designed, or likely to attract the curiosity of some to whom these
lives would otherwise have seemed obscure, or not sufficiently
interesting. This method renders sacred biography a more universal
improvement in useful knowledge,