when the wind had somewhat moderated, as "a miracle." The
effect of "oil on the troubled waters" is illustrated in
Bede's " Historia," iii., 17. Utta, setting out on a voyage, asks Aidan for his prayers :— " Qui benedieens lllos ac Domino commending dedit °tiara oleum sanctificatum: 'Selo,' inquiens, rquia, ubi navem ascen- deritis, tempestas vobis et ventus contraries superveniet; sed tu memento, at hoc oleum quod tibi do, mittas in mare; et statim quiescentibus ventis serenitas mans vos laeta prosequetur, ac cupito itinere domum remittet."
And so it happened. This Bede relates among the " miracles " of Aidan. The tank steamer poured "hundreds of tons" upon the waves, whereas Utta took but the flask (" ampulla ") the saint had given him and " misit de oleo in pontum." But the " miracle " may have grown out of the natural effect of oil, doubtless used in a somewhat larger quantity; and it would be interesting to know of other early evidence of this use of oil. Bede died about 735 £D.—I am, Sir, &c.,
W. A. C.
Previous page
