Standing Distant from the Fathers: Smaragdus of Saint-Mihiel and the Reception of Early Medieval Learning
Matthew Ponesse
Standing Distant from the Fathers:Smaragdus of Saint-Mihiel and Reception Early Medieval Learning Matthew Ponesse Abbot Smaragdus elaborates on practice compilation in his ninth-century Liber comitis, a compendium biblical exegesis organized around readings used liturgy.1 In preface to this work, he makes it quite clear that ideas expressed are not own, but instead derive works church Fathers: Seeing many wisely seek investigate mystical sense divine scriptures pluck them figurative fruit, I have made an effort gather one book many, filled with flowers allegory, acting both as abbreviator deriver tractates teachings great Fathers, namely Hilary, Jerome, Ambrose, Augustine, Cyprian, Cyril, Gregory, Victor, Fulgentius, John Chrysostom, Cassiodorus, Eucharis, Tychonius, Isidore, Figulus, Bede, Primasius, also those who must be approached cautiously, such Pelagius Origen, if reducing powerful rivers whirling eddies sea into moderate currents.2 [End Page 71] clearly identifies task compiler, gathers earlier writers situates tradition new framework. However, while homiliary has appearance “pure compilation,” is say, work consisting unadulterated textual excerpts, modern scholars acknowledged Smaragdus’s activity went far beyond mechanical preservation sources.3 Even we see was intention flores their best most useful teachings.4 This selection process necessarily involved critical judgments part compiler.5 refers himself “abbreviator” “deriver,” 72] suggesting did transmit sources form they were handed down antiquity. These two terms only attribute compiler active role, describe manner which transmitted existing knowledge audience.6 endeavored reduce learning past convenient easily digestible form, at same time attempting redirect make relevant needs generation. It indicative compares tools engineer whose contain divert waterways. For him, imposing reader “powerful rivers” or “whirling sea,” so worked channel flow tradition. Notwithstanding recent studies established significance writing context educational ecclesiastical reform, continues mostly overlooked assessments Carolingian scholarship account derivative nature work.7 Rarely does deviate order pass judgment advance ideas. But precisely infrequency merits investigation. appears reverence for authorities shared by few day. If sometimes compelled go engage independent believe there been much stake. my examine 73] approach identify principles guided him update generation readers. particular, how reconciled conflict sources, accounted discrepancy between current monastic program monasticism Benedictine rule. Smaragdus: Life Works early ninth century teacher, writer, abbot. While very little known about life, left behind tell us association court commitment education monks His best-known De processu spiritus...
Traditio