Saint AMBROSE BARLOW, OSB, 1641

SEPARATED UNTO THE GOSPEL

Biography

HE began his labours in his native county Lancashire, aged thirty, about 1615. There he boarded with an honest country farmer, which he preferred to living with great families, though desired by many, that the poor might always have access to him night or day. To them he devoted his labours and imparted alms, spiritual and temporal, according to his ability. He would never have a servant till forced by sickness ; never would have a horse, but made his pastoral visits always on foot. His apparel was mean ; neither would he ever wear a sword or carry a watch. He allowed himself no manner of play or pastime, and avoided all superfluous talk or conversation. He was never idle, but was always either praying, studying, preaching, administering the Sacraments, or sometimes as a diversion painting pictures of Christ or His Blessed Mother, whose beads he recited daily. He set free many possessed persons ; he had great talent in composing differences and reconciling those at variance, and was consulted as an oracle by the neighbouring Catholics in all their difficulties. He feared no dangers, and when God's honour or the salvation of souls called him forth, would face his enemies even at noonday, and pass through them unhurt.

" Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the Gospel of God." —ROM. i. 1.