ST. AMBROSE 69 wanting of extraordinary occurrences which took place during his infancy, that seemed to presage his future greatness. Be these as they may, his life and works, which are before the world, stand in need of no such embellishments, now that they have become 'matters of history. His father died in his infancy, and his mother returned to Rome, where her wealth and social position enabled her to give her children the best education possible ; and none of them profited more by his opportunities than Ambrose. His attainments were numerous and varied, embracing, among other things, a thorough knowledge of the Greek language and literature, oratory of a high order, unusual skill in poetic composition, and a thorough acquaintance with music. Having completed his education, he went to Milan to enter upon his public career. Here his learning, ability, and integrity were soon recognized, and prefer- ments crowded thick upon him. But under all circumstances he remained true to himself ; and, although then only a catechumen or one undergoing instruc- tion before embracing Christianity he yet made the maxims of the Gospel the rule of his life and conduct. In a short time he was made governor of the prov- inces of Liguria and ^Emelia, which embraced the greater part of Northern Italy. When setting out to assume the duties of that exalted position, he was told by one of those highest in authority, to "go and rule more as a bishop than a judge." Although but thirty years of age at the time of his appointment, he strove by his vigilance, mildness, and probity, to act upon that advice which seemed almost pro- phetic ; for he was soon after called to the bishopric of Milan, as we shall present- ly have occasion to remark. The Arian heresy was then at the zenith of its power, and was at least secretly, and often openly, favored by the imperial authority. In few places was it more openly defiant than at Milan. Auxentius, the Arian bish- op of that see, died in the year 374, and a serious tumult was raised during the election of his successor the Arians and the orthodox Christians each contending for the mastery. In the discharge of his duties as governor, Ambrose entered the assembly, where by his firmness, prudence, and moderation he succeeded in restor- ing order Tradition states that in a moment of tranquillity a child cried out : " Ambrose is bishop ; " but, be that as it may, and it matters little, so great was ihe public appreciation of his merits, and so high was the esteem in which he was held, that he was immediately elected by acclamation. Alarmed at this deter- mination of the people, he endeavored to escape the honor and remain in conceal- ment till another election should take place ; but the vigilance of the people pre- vented it. He then had recourse to another means of escape, urging that he was only a catechumen and could not lawfully be elected a bishop. But this, too, was overruled, when he insisted that being in the service of the emperor his permis- sion was necessary. So far, however, from this availing, it had the opposite effect, for the Emperor Valentinian readily gave his consent, adding the flattering re- mark that he was very much pleased to know that the civil governors whom he had selected to rule the provinces of the Empire, were fit to be made bishops to rule the Church of God. Seeing the will of heaven so clearly manifested, Am- brose feared longer to refuse his acquiescence, and at the age of thirty-four he
