Name: The Life of St Martin
Author: Sulpicius Severus

The Life of St Martin

396–397

Name and Summary	Pages
Preface This preface explains that the author originally intended to keep his brief account of St. Martin's life private due to his modest skill and fear of criticism.more	2
Chapter 1 This chapter explains that many people have historically sought glory through secular achievements, but true eternal reward lies in a pious and holy life rather than in worldly fame or writing about famous individuals.more	3
Chapter 2 This chapter describes the early life of St. Martin, focusing on his upbringing in Italy, his initial military service, and his exceptional piety from a young age.more	2
Chapter 3 This chapter recounts the story of St. Martin of Tours giving half of his cloak to a poor man in need during a harsh winter, demonstrating his compassion and reverence for Christ.more	2
Chapter 4 This chapter recounts how Martin, a soldier, refuses to fight in battle, declaring himself a servant of Christ rather than a soldier of Caesar.more	2
Chapter 5 This chapter recounts Martin's journey back to his homeland, during which he faced numerous trials, including being captured by robbers.more	2
Chapter 6 This chapter describes St. Martin's spiritual journey, his encounters with spiritual and earthly adversaries, and his perseverance in fighting heresy and withstanding persecution.more	2
Chapter 7 This chapter recounts how Martin, after establishing a monastery, miraculously restores a young man from death through fervent prayer and divine power.more	2
Chapter 8 This chapter recounts how St. Martin, upon passing through Lupicinus's estate, encountered a crowd mourning the suicide of a slave and responded with compassion.more	1
Chapter 9 This chapter describes the public election of Martin as bishop of Tours, highlighting the unanimous support he received from the populace despite opposition from a few bishops.more	2
Chapter 10 This chapter describes how St. Martin maintained his humility and dedication to monastic discipline even after assuming the episcopal office, establishing a remote monastery that emphasized simplicity and communal living.more	2
Chapter 11 This chapter describes how St. Martin prudently investigated a local superstition regarding a supposed martyr's burial site.more	2
Chapter 12 This chapter recounts how St. Martin intervened when he encountered a rustic crowd carrying a dead body, mistakenly believed to be an offering to demons.more	2
Chapter 13 This chapter recounts how St. Martin courageously confronts and overcomes pagan opposition while destroying a temple and cutting down a tree dedicated to a demon, demonstrating his unwavering faith in God.more	2
Chapter 14 This chapter recounts Saint Martin's powerful efforts to destroy pagan temples and promote Christianity.more	2
Chapter 15 This chapter recounts instances of St. Martin's courageous efforts to destroy pagan temples and his ability to influence and convert the heathen through his holy presence and discourse.more	1
Chapter 16 This chapter describes the extraordinary healing power attributed to St. Martin, exemplified by his rapid and complete recovery of a paralyzed girl.more	2
Chapter 17 This chapter recounts how Saint Martin successfully expels demons from two individuals, leading to conversions and instances of faith.more	2
Chapter 18 This chapter recounts events in which Martin alleviates fears and demonstrates his divine power through miracles.more	1
Chapter 19 This chapter illustrates the miraculous power of St. Martin through various healings and divine interventions.more	2
Chapter 20 This chapter recounts how St. Martin demonstrated unwavering integrity and spiritual authority amidst a time of political chaos and flattery, notably refusing to partake in imperial festivities and showing humility even in the presence of kings.more	3
Chapter 21 This chapter recounts how St. Martin frequently experienced visions of angels and perceived the devil in various forms, which he was able to see clearly and confront directly.more	2
Chapter 22 This chapter describes the spiritual struggle between St. Martin and the devil, who appears in various false forms to deceive and tempt him.more	2
Chapter 23 This chapter recounts the story of Clarus, a pious youth who initially succeeds in demonstrating a miraculous garment, but ultimately reveals the deception behind the false prophet Anatolius, demonstrating divine authority through Martin.more	3
Chapter 24 This chapter recounts the appearance of false prophets claiming to be Elias, Christ, and John, which signals the imminent arrival of the Antichrist and the deception of many, including a bishop who worshipped the false Christ.more	2
Chapter 25 This chapter recounts the author's journey to meet St. Martin, highlighting the humility and kindness he received during their encounter, including acts of service like washing his hands and feet.more	2
Chapter 26 This chapter emphasizes the remarkable spiritual devotion and inner virtue of St. Martin, highlighting the difficulty of fully describing his character.more	2
Chapter 27 This chapter describes the virtuous and serene demeanor of St. Martin, emphasizing his constant heavenly happiness, piety, and compassion.more	2