But, like King Saul
and the Emperor Julian, he hid himself. He fled from the town to a
hermit's grotto in the Sabine Mountains. But the people came,
brought him out, and led him back to Rome, where he was consecrated
as Gregory I. For thirteen years Gregory ruled over the former queen
city of the world. He was Governor, for the Exarch of Ravenna
existed no more, having been driven away by the Longobards. He
asked help from the Emperor in Byzantium, but obtained none. He was
thrown upon his own resources, and succeeded by the power of his
eloquence in disarming King Agilulf, who threatened Rome.
But he was also Bishop, and as such had to govern all the churches
of the West. He succeeded in bringing them to abandon Arianism and
to accept a single creed, which became the universal or "catholic"
confession of faith.
To the heathen of England he sent the former novice Augustine, who
had quickly overcome his initiatory difficulties. The little
"glutton" ended as Archbishop of Canterbury.
The former retiring and life-weary Abbot had with great effect
developed the necessary strength for his duties. The high post to
which he had been summoned called out his capacities. He had time
for great and small things alike. He reformed the liturgy, wrote
letters, composed books, arranged church music.
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