grity, fervent faith, and a solid understanding. His learning was not unworthy of comparison with that of the doctors of the Christian church; and his piety was worthy a true successor of the apostles. Yet the quality for which he was most peculiarly distinguished, was Christian watchfulness and circumspection. His piety attained to its uncommon growth and depth, not so much from any superior brightness of divine illumination, as by his peculiar assiduity in strictly attending to that light he had. Whilst at Bayonne, both himself and M. de St. Cyran had been peculiarly struck with the character of Abraham. This great patriarch had neither the advantages of the Christian, nor even of the Mosaic institution. The command he received from the Lord was, Walk before me, and be thou perfect. Abraham obeyed the command, and became the father of the faithful, and the friend of God. Owing to a contemplation of this passage, both M. de St. Cyran and Jansenius were peculiarly attentive at all times to entertain a sense of the divine presence, and to walk as before God. The immense plenitude of spiritual riches which afterwards distinguished these great men, was almost entirely accumulated by a constant watchfulness over their own spirits, and selfdenial in what are termed little things. The charities of Jansenius were extensive, but discriminating. His measure and mode of assisting his flock united an episcopal munificence with Christian humility, simplicity, and love. He never seemed fatigued with serving the poor. Jansenius was no sooner elevated to the see of Ypres, than he occupied himself in tracing a plan for effecting a permanent reformation in his diocese. His scheme was said to have been as luminous, as his end was pious and benevolent. His beneficent projects were never executed. A raging plague broke out in Flanders. It more particularly desolated the neighbourhood of Ypres. The inhabitants, seized with consternation, fled in every direction. Motives, neither of humanity nor lucre, could induce them to assist those afflicted with the distemper. In the midst of this fiery trial, the faith of Jansenius was clearly manifested. It stood unmoved, because it was founded upon Christ the rock. Calm amidst the dismayed multitude, he was seen in every place where the devouring contagion had spread. Every where he appeared as a guardian angel amidst the sick and dying. Their most loathsome wounds he dressed with his own hands. The most infected abodes of wretchedness he entered in person, bringing food and medicines, when all others refused the task. Wretches abandoned by all, plundered and stripped of every thing, lying in the agonies of death, found in the Bishop of Ypres the most tender friend and compassionate benefactor. He was ever ready to pour divine truth into the heart, and to attempt to save the soul, even whilst the body lay in the very jaws of death. Wherever the infection raged, there was the good bishop to be seen. If for a short time he was missed, it was well known that he retired, not for the purpose of relaxation, but of intercession and of prayer. His The Lord, who remembers even a cup of 'cold water bestowed in his name, beheld the labors of his faithful servant. loving kindness honored with a martyr's crown, him who had performed a martyr's work. Jansenius was suddenly struck with the contagion. The Lord whom he served, saw he was prepared. He does not causelessly grieve the children of men, nor willingly afflict with needless sufferings. A few hours sufficed this highly favored servant to leave a glorious testimony behind. Then the Lord was pleased immediately to remove him from persecutions on earth, to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance among his saints in heaven. He died on the 6th of May, 1638. He was buried in the cathedral church of Ypres. His tomb was placed in the centre of the choir. A mo nument was erected over his remains, on which was inscribed an epitaph, which on account of its singular beauty, is here inserted. D. O. M. CORNELIUS JANSENIUS HIC SITUS EST Satis dixi Virtus eruditio fama cætera loquentur Hic incepit tantum Ut fulgur luxit et statim Extinctus est etiam brevia cum longa sunt! Funera tamen suo superstes Arcanarum cogitationum ejus Si quis unquam fidelissimus interpres Ingenium divinum studium acre vitam totam huic operi arduo et pio dederat et cum eo finitus est Ecclesia in terris fructum capiet * Ypre. Pridie |