Ihesus. The floure of the commaundementes of god with many examples and auctorytees extracte and drawen as well of holy scryptures as of other doctours and good auncient faders, the whiche is moche vtyle and prouffytable vnto all people. The. x. commaundementes of the lawe. Thou shalt worshyp one god onely. And loue hym with thy herte perfytely ... The fyue commaundementes of the chyrche. The sondayes here thou masse and the festes of co[m]maundement. ... The foure ymbres vigyles thou shalte faste, [and] the lente entyerly. Fleur des commandements de Dieu. English. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A13586 of text S117724 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 23876). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 2084 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 292 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A13586 STC 23876 ESTC S117724 99852934 99852934 18289 2240925286

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 Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A13586) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 18289) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 235:5) Ihesus. The floure of the commaundementes of god with many examples and auctorytees extracte and drawen as well of holy scryptures as of other doctours and good auncient faders, the whiche is moche vtyle and prouffytable vnto all people. The. x. commaundementes of the lawe. Thou shalt worshyp one god onely. And loue hym with thy herte perfytely ... The fyue commaundementes of the chyrche. The sondayes here thou masse and the festes of co[m]maundement. ... The foure ymbres vigyles thou shalte faste, [and] the lente entyerly. Fleur des commandements de Dieu. English. Chertsey, Andrew. [24], CClxi leaves : ill. (woodcuts) In Flete strete at the sygne of the sonne by Wynkyn de Worde. The seco[n]de yere of ye reygne of oure moost naturell souerayne lorde kynge Henry ye eyght of that name, [Enprynted at London : Fynysshed the yere of oure lorde. M.CCCCC.x. [1510] the. xiiii. daye of Septembre] A translation by Andrew Chertsey of: La fleur des commandements de Dieu. Imprint from colophon. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. eng Ten commandments -- Early works to 1800. Fasts and feasts -- England -- Early works to 1800. eebo Ihesus. The floure of the commaundementes of god with many examples and auctorytees extracte and drawen as well of holy scryptures as of other doctour [no entry] 1510 857 379737 584 0 0 0 18 0 27.31 C The rate of 27.31 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 2012-08 Assigned for keying and markup 2012-08 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2012-09 Sampled and proofread 2012-09 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2013-02 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

Ihesus .

The floure of the commaundementes of god with many examples and auctorytees extracte and drawen as well of holy scryptures as of other doctours and good auncient faders / the whiche is moche vtyle and prouffytable vnto all people .

The .x. commaundementes of the lawe . Thou shalt worshyp one god onely . And loue hym with thy herte perfytely God in vayne swere not wylfully Ne by nothynge that he made veryly The sonday kepe and halow holyly Herynge gods seruyce on them deuoutly Fader and moder honour thou lowly And in theyr nede helpe them gladly Slee thou no man malycyously Nor to his dethe consent wytyngly Thou ne shalte commyt lechery But with thy wyfe in wedlocke onely Thy neyghbours goodes stele not falsly . Nor nothynge withholde vntruely Fals wytnesse bere thou not slyly Nor fals recorde for none enuy Other mennes wyues take not flesshely Ne other women to knowe carnally Other mennes godes coueyt not lightly Nor holde from them vnryghtfully

The fyue commaundementes of the chyrche . The sondayes here thou masse and the festes of commaundement . Of thy synnes thou the confesse at the leest one tyme of the yere . And thy creatour thou shalte receyue / at Eester humbly . These feestes thou shalte halowe / that ben gyuen the in commaundement . The foure ymbres vigyles thou shal● faste / & the lente entyerly .

INRI

depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus

The prologue of the translatour . IN the begynnynge of this lytell werke Almyghty god be my spede Indewe me lorde with some lytell sperke Of grace and connynge / my penne to lede So that in nothynge I excede Folowynge myn auctour / truely to endyght To thy laude and prayse in doynge this dede . And of thy blyssed mod / lorde moost of might O maris stella / o sterre moost bryght Shynynge in the fyrmament or skye The whiche doost guyde the maryners by night And where thy helpe / sholde perysshe & deye As thou in heuen / syttest ryght hye Praye for those / vnto thy blyssed son That this to rede wyll them applye For theyr rewarde / may haue saluacyon Vpon the payne / of eternall dampnacyon To lerne and knowe / the commaundements ten We all be bounde / without excusacyon And in especyall / we crysten men The day shall come / we knowe not when That vnto accompt / called we shall be For fere and drede / tremble shall we then And knowe not for helpe whyder to fle Wherfore in this worlde / blyssed is he That in herte lyueth pure and clene The deuyll / the worlde / our conscyence these thre Wyll cause our synnes / to be knowen & sene And what soeuer our lyfe hath bene Good of yll / it shall appere Wyll we or nyll we / sooner than we wene Before god / his sayntes / & his moder dere Wherfore whyles we ben lyuynge here Hauynge tyme / oportunyte / and space Serue we god / with herte entere Makynge petycyon vnto his grace In humble wyse / that in that place Where he is we may euer dwell Hauynge the fruycyon of his blyssed face And to be delyuered from the paynes of hell These doctours dyuyne / done preche and tell That ydlenes is a ryght peryllous vyce By the whiche our forne faders fell Example we haue of Salamon the wyse That whan he was besyed / about the deuyse . Of goddes temple / and good operacyon And in other vertues hym dyde excercyse He was neuer ouercome by temptacyon But as soone as he had delectacyon In ydlenes / slouthe / and womans company . Of wyll dysposed / by delyberacyon Renouncinge his faythe / commyted ydolatry Dauyd also lyued in aduoutry With Vryes wyfe / and caused to be slayne And ydlenes the rote / & cause of all theyr foly / This story the byble reherceth playne Ryght many in nombre hath be knowen & seyen That ydlenes hath brought vnto perdycyon By lawe and Iustyce / demed vnto payne For theyr demerytes / and transgressyon And to auoyde / the peryllous infeccyon Of ydlenes slouthe / & other occasyons of synne Hath bo●ded me / vnder correccyon Out of frensshe / this mater to begyn Entendynge therby / no syluer for to wyn Ne yet none other temporall gayne But welthe of soules / escapynge the engyn Of the deuyll of hell / his snares / & his chayne Who euer is besy / gladde / and fayne Soules to dystroye / whome god hath electe Who gyue vs grace / heuen to attayne Of my hole mynde / this is th effecte Explicit .
Tabula . Here foloweth the table of this boke .

MAn reasonable call the ayde of god & of the vyrgyn Mary for to enlumyne thin entendement to knowe thy selfe . That is to knowe what thou arte / what synnes reygne in the / & how thou hast dysobeyed vnto god in brekynge his commaundementes . Saynt Bernarde sayth that thou shalt be better & more to alowe yf thou knowe thy selfe than yf thou knewe the cours of the sterres / the foundementes of the erthe the strengthes of herbes / the complexyons of men and that thou haddest knowlege of the thynges celestyalles & infernalles . Vnde bernardus . Studo cognoscere teipsum qr multo melior et laudabilior eris si teipsum cognoscas / quam si teiplum negleto cognosceris cursus syderum / fundamenta terrarum / vires herbarum / complexiones hominum / et haberos noticiam celestum et infernorum . Many persones there ben throughout the worlde the whiche wyll not beleue of symple worde that they the whiche transgresse the commaundementes of god gone vnto dampnacion and pardycyon . And they the whiche wyll not beleue it / study they & seke they by this table theyr synnes as they ben declared in this boke / & they shall fynde by the holy scrypture wytnesse of certayne by auctorytees that they lose paradyse & descende in to hell in the whiche they shall be eternally without euer to haue ayde ne socoures in ony maner . And for to fynde lyghtly the maters wherof this boke speketh hym behoueth to loke what nombre & lettre is marketh & gooth & in the nombre in the heyght of the margen / & in those nombres & lettres shall be founde that that a man demaundeth .

The perambule & dyuysyon of this boke in the nombre .i. lettre . A. and the leaf .i. To loue god with all his herte & his neyghbour as hymselfe .i. B Folio . i Wherfor a man sholde loue god with all his herte .i. C. Fo. i Aboue all thynges .i. D Folio . ii More than worldly goodes i. E Fo. ii More than fader & moder i. F Fo. iii More than his owne body .i. G Fo. iii More than all estates .i. h Fo iiii . Example .l. ii That the auarycyous loue the golde & syluer more than god .ix. B Fo. xx That the glotons loue theyr wombes more than god .ix. E Fo. xxi That this commaundement compryseth vnder it the thre fyrst commaundementes & the thre vertues theologalles .ii. A Fo. iiii That many persones loue other thynges more than god .ix. D Fo. xx To loue his neyghbour .ii. E Fo. v The thynges esmoeuynges to loue his neyghbour .ii. F Fo. v That he is commaunded to loue his neyghbour as hymselfe .ii. G Fo. vi That to loue his neyghbour as hymself compryseth the werkes of mercy / the .vii. last commaundements & the cardynal vertues .ii. h. &c That it is commaunded that we loue eche other as god hath loued vs .iii. A Fo. v That god hath loued vs in many maners wherof we shall tell .v. Fyrst he hath loued vs for to saue and socour vs .iii. B Fo. viii Secondly he hath loued the persones & hated the vyces .iii. C Fo. viii Questyon / yf the loue of theues & synners the loue eche other be good .iii. C. eodem Thyrdly god hath loued vs of worde & of operacyon togyders .iii. D Fo. viii Fourthly he hath vs loued more than his owne body .iii. E Fo. viii Fyfthly he hath loued the saluacyon of his ennemyes .iii. F Fo. viii Questyon / how may I loue those the doo me harme .iii. G Fo. ix Questyon / who is it that is my neyghbour .iii. H Fo. ix Of the vertue of charyte the whiche extendeth in all the commaundementes of god .iiii. A. Folio . x How god defendeth in his commaundementes all euyll wordes / thoughtes / and operacyons / & there commaundeth all good operacyons .v. A. Folio .xi. Questyon vnder what commaundementes ben defended the .vii. deedly synnes . And where ben commaunded the vertues opposytes and contraryes .v. C. Fo .xii. Of the condycyons of the synners after the braunches of the seuen synnes mortalles .v. D. Folio .xiii. Here foloweth the fyrst commaundement THe fyrst commaundement of god defendeth many thynges / and commaundeth some .vi. A. Folio . xiii Fyrst it is commaunded to beleue in one onely god in trynyte / and to worshyp hym soueraynly .vi. B. Fo. xiiii Secondly it is defended to beleue in ydolles & straunge goddes in errours & folysshe credences .vi. C. Folio . xv Thyrdly all the artycles of the fayth ben commaunded to beleue in lykewyse as holy chyrche holdeth & beleueth .vii. A. Fo. xvi Fourthly of th effect of the .vii. sacramentes the whiche ben comprehended vnder that the artycles of the faythe . Credo sanctam ecclesiam catholicam . Sctōrum communionem . Remissionem pctōrum .viii. A. Fo. xvii Example in eodem loco .viii. C. Fo. xix Fyfthly it is commaunded to loue god aboue all thynges . And how many people loueth other worldly thynges more than our lorde god .ix. A. Folio .xx. Syxtely the pryde the whiche is agaynst the dyleccyon of god is defended in this commaundement .ix. E. Fo. xxi That humylyte is commaunded oueral & pryde defended .ix. F. Fo. xxi Seuenthly that the synne of ydolatry & of infydelyte noyeth in many maners vnto the soules of them the whiche hath broken this commaundement . Quere .xliiii. b / c / d / e / f g / h / i / k. Folio . Ciii . Of the seconde commaundement . THe seconde commaundement of god treateth of them the which swereth vnprouffytably .x. A. Fo. xxii That god defendeth al vayne othes and inutyles vnder this worde ( vanum ) / & allle synges and languages the whiche ben agaynst the dyleccyon of hym or of his holy sayntes .x. B. Folio . xxii The maners of forswerynge by the othe affermynge .xi. A. B. Folio . xxiii To be forsworne by the othe promyttynge .xi. C Folio . xiiii That a venyall synne is transmuted into mortall in foure maners .xi. D. Fo. xxv That one othe is more byndynge than another .xi. E. Fo. xxv The maners to blaspheme god / & that the blasphemers ben yll .xii. A. B. Fo. xxvi That the synne of blaspheme & of periurynge noyeth in many maners vnto the soules of them the whiche hath broken this seconde commaundement . Quere ad numerum .xliiii. b / c / d / e / f / g / h / i / k / Fo. Ciii Questyon / yf a man commyt synne at euery tyme that he swereth .xiii. A. Fo. xxviii What is requysyte to swere lefully without ony synne .xiii. B. Fo. xxix That a man sholde accomplysshe the vowes made Iustly .xiii. C. Fo. xxix That thynges requysyte to a vowe that is lefull .xiii. D. Folio . xxx The thynges wherfore a man is not bounde to accomplysshe his vowe .xiii. E. Fo. xxx Remedy ayenst swerynge .xiii. F. Fo. xxx Of the thyrde commaundement . THe thirde commaundement commaundeth to kepe the feestes .xiii. A. Fo. xxx The causes & reasons wherfore the sondayes and feestes ben commaunded to sanctyfye .xiiii. B Fo. xxxi Questyon at what houre one sholde begyn to kepe the feestes .xiiii. C Fo. xxxii Questyon wherfore men do kepe an holy daye in one countre and not in another countree .xiiii. D Fo. xxxii How in .vi. maners men sanctyfye the festes commaunded / the whiche maners ben put by psalmes / and some ben necessaryes for the sanctyfycacyon of the feestes / and the other ben Cerymonyalles for the augmentacyon of good operacyons and of vertues .xv. A Fo. xxxii The fyrst maner that men sanctyfyeth the feestes is for to abstayne them fro worldely operacyons .xv. A Fo. xxxii Questyon / yf a man may werke on the holy day without commyttynge of mortall synne .xv. B Fo. xxxii The seconde mater is for to take hede to here the seruyce and the predycacyons or sermons xv . C. d. Fo. xxxiii The thyrde maner is for to serue god & his sayntes .xvi. A Fo. xxxiiii The .iiii. is to wake in orayson .xvi. b. Fo. xxxv The fyfth maner is for to yelde graces & thankes vnto god of his goodnes that he hath don● vnto vs .xvii. A Fo. xxxvi Example of a good chylde the whiche yelded graces and praysynges vnto our lorde in al the aduersytees the whiche came vnto hym .xvii. B Fo. xxxvii The syxte is to wake in contemplacyon & to do the werkes of mercy .xvii. C. Fo. xxxviii That the reuerence and sanctyfycacyon of all holy thynges is brought in this commaundement .xvii. D. Fo. xxxviii The maners how men breke the feestes commaunded .xviii. A Fo. xxxix That those the whiche breketh the feestes commaunded ben punysshed oft tymes in this worlde and they apperceyue not from whens suche punycyon vnto theym procedeth .xix. A Folio . xl Of slouthe that god defendeth .xix. B. Fo. xlii Example of a relygyous the whiche wolde do no good dede .xix. C Fo. xlii Example of a man the whiche is dampned for that / that he wolde doo no good operacyons .xix. D Folio . xlii Example of a curate the whiche taryed to admynyster the sacraments vnto his parysshen that was seke .viii. C Fo. xix That the synne too breke the feestes noyeth in many maners vnto the soules of them the whiche hath dysobeyed this thyr-cōmaundement . Quere ad numerum .xliiii. b / c / d / e / f / g / h / i / k / Fo. Ciii Of the fourth commaundement . THe fourth commaundement of god treateth that a man sholde loue his parentes .xx. A Fo. xliii Whiche ben the faders pryncypalles that a man sholde honour .xx. B Fo. xliii That in .vii. maners chyldren do honour vnto theyr faders .xxi. A Fo. xliiii Fyrst for to salue them / to be bare heeded & to bowe the knee .xxi. B Fo. xliiii Secondly to speke vnto theym swetely and humbly .xxi. C. Fo. xlv Thyrdly for to loue them in sechynge theyr welthe & helthe .xxi. D Fo. xlv Fourthly for to submyt them in to theyr subieccyon and seruyce .xxi. E Fo. xlv Fyfthly for to submyt theym vnto theyr obedyence .xxi. F Fo. xlv Sextly for to helpe them with body and with goodes in necessyte .xxi. G Fo. xlvi Seuenthly for to supporte them in theyr aege .xxi. H Fo. xlvii The thynges that styreth for to honoure theyr faders .xxi. I Fo. xlvii That the faders oweth vnto theyr chyldren foure thynges the whiche ben nourysshynge / correccyon / techynge / & to shewe good example .xxii. a / b / c / d / e Fo. xlvii That it is also commaunded to loue his neyghbour as hymselfe as it is declared here before . Quere .ii. G Fo. vi That the werkes of mercy ben here commaunded to be done towarde theyr faders and neyghboures indygentes and nedy .xxiii. A / b / c / d / e / f / g / h / i / k / l / m. Fo. l That pryde the whiche is agaynst the dyleccyon of thy neyghbour is here defended & humylyte commaunded .ix. e / f. Fo. xxi That the synne of those chyldren the whiche dyshonour fader & moder and the whiche fayle them at nede noyeth in many maners vnto theyr soules . Quere ad numerum .xliiii. b / c / d / e / f / g / h / i / k. Folio . Ciii . Of the fyfth commaundement . THe fyfth commaundement defendeth homycyde vniust .xxiiii. A Fo. liii Of dethe spyrytuall and corporall that god defendeth .xxiiii. B Folio . liii That a man commytteth homycyde bothe corporally and spyrytually in many maners .xxiiii. C Folio . lv That homycyde is a synne that demaundeth vengeaunce .xxv. A. Fo. lvii A notable that these rauysshers ben deputed homycydes .xxiiii. D Fo. lvi Whan it is that betynge is leful / & whan it is defended .xxv. B Folio . lvii That betynge is greter offence in one persone than in another in eod . B. That god defendeth all yre iniust ayenst his neyghbour .xxvi. A Fo. lviii Of yre in herte .xxvi. B Fo. lviii Of Yre the whiche is shewed bysygne or token .xxvi. C Folio . lviii Of yre shewed by worde .xxvi. d. Fo. lviii Of yre the whiche is shewed in operacyon and dede .xxvi. E. Fo. lix That god defendeth Yre agaynst hym selfe .xxvi. F. Folio . lix Of yre that is ayenst god .xxvi. G Fo. lx Of vengeaunce that god defendeth .xxvi. h. fo. lx Questyon / whan it is that Yre is good / and whan it is venyall synne or whan it is mortall .xxvi. K Fo. lxii Of remedyes agaynst the cursed synne of Yre .xxvi. L. Fo. lxiii Of hate that god defendeth agaynst his neyghbour .xxvii. A Fo. lxiiii That the synne of ha●e is to drede & to fle for fyue thynges .xxvii. b / c / d / e. &c. Fo. lxv Other ylles .xliiii. b / c / d / e / f. &c. Fo. Ciii That these haynours sholde pardon & pacyfy togyders the iniuryes & offences done yf they wyll that god pardon theym theyr synnes .xxvii. G. Fo .lxvi. Example of a knyght the whiche pardoned vnto hym the whiche hadde slayne his fader and he hadde pardon for his synnes in eodem loco .xxvi. I Fo. lxvii Other examples . Cxii . l / m. Fo. CC. xlii To loue his neyghbour as he dooth hym selfe .ii. G Folio . vi That enuy and al her braunches and dependaunces ben defended by this commaundement .xxvii. K. Fo. lxvii Of the vertue of charyte the whiche is agaynst the synne of enuye .iiii. A Fo. x Of the vertue of pacyence the whiche is agaynst the synne of Yre .xxviii. A Fo. lxviii That the synnes of homycyde / yre / hate & enuye noyeth in many maners vnto the soules of them the whiche hath broken this fyfth . commaundement . Quere ad numerum xliiii . b / c / d / e / f / g / h / i / k. Fo. Ciii Of the syxte commaundement . THe syxte commaundemement of god defendeth theft & all the braunches of auaryce .xxix. A. Folio . lxix Of theft that god defendeth .xxix. B. Fo. lxx Of sacrylege that god defendeth .xxx. a. fo. lxxi The examplary of those the whiche wel or yll paye theyr dysmes the whiche god commaundeth to pay cerymonyally .xxxi. a / b / c / d / e. Folio .lxxiii. A notable of rauysshers .xxiiii. D. Fo. lvi Examples . Cix . e / f. Fo. CCxxxv Of vsury that god defendeth .xxxii. a. Fo. lxxv Than faynt wrapped vsury hath .vii. kyndes the whiche ben deuyded in many maners .xxxii. b / c / d / e / f / g / h / i. Fo. lxxvi A notable of vsury manyfest .xxxii. K. Folio .lxxviii. Of Symony the whiche is commytted in byenge and sellynge the thynges espyrytualles .xxxiii. A. Fo. lxxviii That man commytteth symony in many maners .xxxiii. B. Fo. lxxix Primo whan ony gyueth for to entre in to holy ordres / or in to ony b●nefyce .xxxiii. C Secundo whan ony promytteth not to take ony thynge of his tytle to be preest . D. Tertio whan that a man permytteth / or selleth or byeth benefyces . E. F. G. H Quarto whan ony gyueth for to entre in to relygyon . I Quinto whan ony selleth the sacramentes of the chyrche . K. L. M Sixtely whan ony selleth the gyftes of grace / or of vertues / or of connynge . N. A notable that these aduocates sholde not sell theyr scyences / but the trauayle of theyr bodyes .xxxiii. O. Fo. lxxxi Example .lxxxi. E Fo. Clxxxii Another example . Cvi . C. Fo. CCxxvii The mater of restytucyon the whiche is in .v. questyons .xxxiiii. a / b / c / d / e / f. Fo. lxxxii That the synnes of thefte / auaryce / vsury / & symony noyeth in many maners vnto the soules of those the whiche breketh this sexte commaundement . Quere ad numerum xliiii . b / c / d / e / f / g / h / i / k. Folio . Ciii . Of the seuenth commaundement THe seuenth commaundement of god defendeth all maners of lechery that a man commytteth in dede .xxxv. A. Fo. lxxxiiii Of the synne of fornycacyon that god defendeth .xxxv. B. Fo. lxxxiiii Of the synne of aduoutry the whiche god defendeth .xxxvi. A Fo. lxxxv Of thynges merytoryous / and of the offences lecherouses that man commytteth with his owne wyfe .xxxvi. D. Fo. lxxxvii Fyue examples ben wryten here of some the whiche hath knowen theyr owne wyues vnduely .xxxvi. e / f / g / h / i. Fo. lxxxvii Of defloracyon the whiche god defendeth .xxxvii. A. Fo. lxxxviii Of incest that is defended .xxxvii. b. Fo. lxxxviii Of sacrylege as vnto lechery that god defendeth .xxxvii. C. Fo. lxxxviii Of thynges the whiche aggraueth the synne of the flesshe in men of the holy chyrche .xxxvii. D. Fo. lxxxviii Examples in eodem loco . e / f. Fo. lxxxix Of the synne agaynst nature & of sodomyte that god defendeth .xxxvii. g. Fo. lxxxx Of the vertue of chastyte in all sortes of people .xxxviii. A Folio . lxxxx Of dronkennes and glotonny that god defendeth .xxxix. A Fo. lxxxxii Of fastynge the whiche god commaundeth .xxxix. B. Fo. lxxxxiii That the synne of lechery noyeth in many maners vnto the soules of them the whiche breke the .vii. commaundement . Quere xliiii . b / c / d / e / f / g / h / i / k. Fo. Ciii Of the .viii. commaundement . THe .viii. commaundemente of god deffendeth all wordes the whiche ben agaynst the dyleccyon of his neyghbour .xl. A Fo. lxxxxiiii Of fals wytnessynge that god dooth defendeth .xl. B Fo. lxxxxiiii Of cursed language that god dooth defendeth .xl. C Fo. lxxxxvi Of lyenge that god defendeth .xli. a. Fo. lxxxxvii Eyght kyndes of lyenge .xli. b. Fo. lxxxxvii That a man sholde fle lyenge & loue veryte for many thynges .xli. C Fo. lxxxxviii Of the .ix. commaundement THe .ix. commaundement of god defendeth the lecherous thoughtes & commaundeth clennes of herte .xli. a. Fo. lxxxxix The concupyscence of the flesshe . How a man commytteth lecherye in his thought .xlii. B Fo. lxxxxix The ylles and domages that the yll thoughtes done .xlii. D Fo. C Of the .x. commaundement . THe .x. commaundement of god defendeth all yll thoughtes of thefte / couetyse / auaryce the whiche ben agaynst the dyleccyon of his neyghbour .xliii. A. Fo. C That those the whiche haue broken the commaundementes of god and the whiche ben in mortal synne sholde not withdrawe to do of good dedes though they sholde be dampned .xliii. B Fo. Ci The dyfference betwene the good dedes the whiche is done in mortal synne & that that is done in the state of grace .xliii. D. Fo. Cii The thynges esmoeuynges for to kepe the commaundementes of god .xliiii. A. Fo. Ciii That many thynges ben noysaunts vnto those the whiche breketh the commaundementes of god .xliiii. B Fo. Ciii Fyrst the soule of the fractoure of euery commaundement is put vnto pouerte / for all inobedyence the whiche is mortal synne maketh to put inforgetfulnes the vertues and good operacyons lately goten in eodem . b Secondly inobedyence the whiche is mortall synne noyeth vnto the soule / for yf she reygne in ony person she kepeth & letteth it frogetynge of vertues & of good spyrytuall dedes that ben merytoryous .xliiii. C Fo. Cv Thyrdely In●bedyence noyeth . For she dyffameth the persones the whiche it commytteth .xliiii. D Fo. Cvi Fourthly Inobedyence noyeth . For she aueugleth & blyndeth the in wat de eyemof the soule .xliiii. E Fo. Cvii Fyfthely inobedyence noyeth . For it is a lyen that holdeth the soules .xliiii. F. Fo. Cviii Syxtely inobedyence noyeth / for she sleeth spyrytually the soule of the dethe of gylte .xliiii. G Fo. Cix Seuenthly inobedyence noyeth / for she maketh to curse and too excommunycate .xliiii. H. Fo. Cix Eyghtly inobedyence noyeth / for she putteth from paradyse .xliiii. I Fo. Cix Nynthly inobedience noyeth / for she byndeth to payne & punycyon .xliiii. K. Fo. Cxi All these thinges beforesayd serueth and also appropryeth vnto euery commaundement eyght condycyons the whiche the pylgrym of paradyse ought for to haue . Quem .xlv. A / b / c / d / e. &c. Fo. Cxii Example that the body the whiche is a fole draweth the soule in to the waye of perdycyon of hell .xlvi. A Fo. Cxvi That the pylgrym of paradyse sholde consyder .iiii. thynges .xlvi. B Fo. Cxvi Of the rewarde eternall that they shall haue the whiche kepe the commaundementes of god .xlvii. A Fo. Cxvii Item of the rewarde of them the which well or euyl haue enployed theyr wyttes of nature vpon the holy commaundementes of god .xlviii. A Fo. Cxx The maledyccions & excommunycacions of them the whiche haue dysobeyed god & the chyrche .xlviii. B Fo. Cxx Of the punycyon eternall that they shal haue the whiche breke the commaundementes of god .xlix. A Fo. Cxxiiii Examples . Cvii . A / b / c / d / e. Fo. CCxxx The deference of the fyre of helle & of that of this worlde .xlix. B Fo. Cxxiiii Questyon / yf the dampned shal haue punycyon for euery synne .xlix. C. Fo. Cxxv The deference of the fyre of helle & of the of purgatory .xlix. D Fo. Cxxvi The table for to fynde the synnes and vertues . And fyrst . QVestyon vnder what commaundemente ben defended the seuen mortall synnes / & where ben defended the euyll wordes / thoughtes / and operacyons v. A. B. C. Fo. xi The braunches of the seuen synnes mortalles .v. D Fo. xiii Of theft & auaryce .xxix. A. B Fo. lxx Of slouthe .xix. B Fo. xlii Examples .xix. C. D. Fo. xlii Of enuy xxvii . K Fo. lxvii Of hate xxvii . A Fo. lxiiii That these haynours sholde pacyfy them togyders .xxvii. G Fo. lxvi Examples Cii . l. m Fo. CCxlii Of yre .xvi. A / b / c / d. Fo. liii Of vengeaunce .xxvi. H Fo. lx Of glotony xxxix . A Fo. lxxxxii Of lechery xxxv . A / b. Fo. lxxxiiii The vertues . Of humylyte .ix. F Fo. xxi Of charyte iiii . A Fo. x To loue god .i. C / D / e / f / g. Fo. i To loue his neyghbour ii . e / f Fo. v Of faythe ii . B Fo .v. Et .vi. B. Fo. xii Of hope .ii. C Fo. v Of prudence / attemperaunce / Iustyce / and force .ii. K Fo. vii The braunche of the .vii. vertues .ii. L. Fo. vii The werkes of mercy .xxiii. A. Fo. l Et. ii H. I Fo. vi To serue god deuoutly .xvi. A Fo. xxxiiii Et .xxx. C. Fo. lxxii Of pacyence xxviii . A Fo. lxviii That god sendeth of trybulacions for . v consyderacyons .xxvi. G Fo. lx Of fastynge .xxxix. D Fo. lxxxxiiii Of the vertue of chastyte in all sortes of people .xxxviii. A Fo. lxxxx The pater noster .xvi. C Fo. xxxv The aue maria expounded . Cxix . B. Fo. cclii The credo .vii. A Fo. xvi Of penaunce .viii. B Fo. xviii

A notable .

FOr to knowe / rede / or wryte the allegacyons of auctorytees of this boke a man sholde knowe that ouerall where he fyndeth math. that is mathei / and where he fyndeth mar. that is marci / & luc that is luce / & ioh. that is iohannis / also he shal fynde ad rom̄ . that is roma in epistola ad romanos . Et .i. ad corin . that is in prima epla ad corintheos / et primo ad thy . that is in prima epla ad thymotheum / et ad gal. that is ad gallathas / et ephe. is ad epheseos / et phyl . is ad philipenses / et thessal . is ad thessalonicenses / et col. is ad collocenses / et hebre . is hebreos . Also he shall fynde gen. that is genesis / etexo . is exodi / et leui . is leuitici . et nu. is numeri . et deut. is deutonomi / & .i. vl . ii . re . is primi libri regūl secundi libri regum . ps. vel psal. that psalteru vel plalmi . et eccle. that is ecclesiastes . et eccli . that is ecclesiastici . et sapīe . is sapientie . et prouer. is prouerbiorum . et ysa . is Ysaie . et the. is iheremye . et ezchi . is ezechielis . & dan. is danielis . &c.

Here foloweth the table of the examplary of this boke .

MAn reasonable knowe thou that god hath gyuen vnto the ten commaundementes / the whiche thou sholdest put in thy herte and kepe them and accomplisshe vpon payne of dampnacyon eternall . Yf thou hast broken ony of them / take hede of the examples semblables vnto that by this table for to se how it shall happen the yf thou put not in the correccyon & amendement . And for to fynde those examples it behoueth to seche thorow the boke on hye in the margen the nombre of the leues that it marketh gooth on / and after the nombres of the maters with the a / b / c / & in that nombre and lettre ye shall fynde euery example . Fyrst the examples of obedyence shall be wryten Secondy those of inobedyence . After to here the worde of god . Morouer the examples of euery commaundement in partyculer shal come afterwarde . &c.

Obedyence . Examples of obedyence . Example that Abraham was obedyent vnto god .li. A Fo. Cxxvii That a monke kest his sone in to an ouen brennynge by obedyence and he was not brente .li. B. Fo. Cxxviii Of the obedyence of Noe .lii. c. Fo. Cxxviii Of the obedyence of Ioseph .li. d. Fo. cxxviii Of the obedyence of yonge Thobye .li. E. Fo. Cxxix Of the obedyence of a man named Mathathyas .lii. A Fo. Cxxix Of the obedyence of Ihesus and of his appostles .lii. B Fo Cxxix Of the obedyence of saynt Mor that went on the water .lii. C Fo. Cxxix Of a relygyous the whiche dyde bynde a lyon .lii. D Fo. Cxxix Of a relygyous the whiche aroused a busshe .lii. E Fo. Cxxix Of the obedyence of a relygyous scryuener named Marke lii . F. Fo. Cxxix That abstinence precedeth the other vertues in heuen .lii. G Fo. Cxxx That relygyous folke obedyentes haue grete rewarde in heuen .lii. H Fo. Cxxx Other examples .lv. f. g. Fo. Cxxxix Of a relygyous obedyent and of an obstynent .lii. I Fo. Cxxx Of an abbot the whiche called agayne his relygyous deed / and he came agayne & was obebyent . And of the gloryous Ioyes or paradyse liii . A Fo. Cxxx That a serpent was obedyent to a frere gardyner . Also of theft / & to doo good vnto his ennemyes .liii. B Fo. Cxxxi Of hym the whiche commaunded vnto two dragons that they sholde kepe the dore of his hous .liii. C Fo. Cxxxi That the water of a streme was obedyent vnto a bysshop .liii. D Fo Cxxxi That the fyre that brent a hous obeyed to a frere that prayed .liii. E Fo. Cxxxi That the rayne touched not two freres in walkynge . liii F Fo. Cxxxi Of the obedyence of a relygyous named Poule .liii. G Fo. Cxxxii Of a nother relygyous that bare flesshe all naked liii . H Fo. Cxxxii Inobedientia . Examples of inobedyence . That Adam and Eue dysobeyed the commaundement of god .liiii. A. Fo. Cxxxiii That for the dysobeysaunce of the man of god a lyon strangled hym in the way as he rode .liiii. B Fo. Cxxxiii Of the dysobeysaunce of two nonnes the whiche demaunded of the pope that they might confesse eche other .liiii. C Fo. Cxxxiiii That the kynge Amalech resysted ayenst the wyl of almyghty god and euyl came vnto hym .liiii. D Fo. Cxxxiiii That kinge saul was dysobedyent to god & yll came to hym .liiii. E Fo. Cxxxiiii Of the inobedyence of kynge Pharao & of his punycyon .liiii. F Fo. Cxxxiiii Of the inobedyence of the prophete Ionas .liiii. G Fo. Cxxxiiii That chore / dathan / and abyron and all theyr alyes descended in to hell by theyr inobedyences & murmure . Also that the chyldren of ysraell gadred of the manna agaynst the commaundement of wyl of the prophete Moyses .liiii. H. Fo. Cxxxv Of a frere that was punysshed dyuynely for bycause that he murmured agaynst god .liiii. I Fo. Cxxxv And a man sholde note that all ydolatres appostates / heretykes / & other synners the whiche ben dampned ben punysshed in hell & pryuate from the realme of paradyse for theyr inobedyences . Verbum dei . Examples for herynge the worde of god & the prechynges . That a grete synner repented hym and was saued in herynge a predycacyon or sermon .lv. A. Fo. Cxxxvi That a relygious conuerted in fewe wordes a man of yll conscyence .lv. B. Fo. Cxxxvi Of a mayster dylycatyfe that wolde not here the worde of god ne do penaunce / & he was conuerted in fewe wordes .lv. C. fo. cxxxvii Of an yll knyght that in his lyfe ne was confessed but ones & at one onely predycacyon he correcked hymselfe & was conuerted vnto god .lv. D Fo. Cxxxvii Of an erle that conuerted hym un herynge the worde of god .lv. E Fo. Cxxxvii Of a chorle the whiche wolde not here the worde of god / and the crucyfyxe stopped his eeres vnto hym in tokenynge that he wolde not here the prayers that men made for hym .lv. F. Fo. Cxxxvii Of the parochyens of a curate the whi . che wolde not here the sermons & commaundementes of the chyrche .lvi. A Fo. Cxxxviii Example contrary . lxxxxviii . F Fo. CCx That a pastour was saued & correked him herynge a sermon .lvi. B Fo. Cxxxviii That to here the worde of god is moche prouffytable though that a persone retayne it not .lvi. C Fo. Cxxxviii That some freres slept in herynge the worde of god / & herkenynge ydle wordes they were moche wakynge .lvi. D Fo. Cxxxviii . Example agaynst those the which fleeth the sermons .lvi. E Fo. Cxxxix How the dede of a precher bare hym vnto the dethe / and that Ihesu cryst helped hym & chased the deuyls .lvi. F. Fo. Cxxxix That a monke reknowleged his defawtes as he taught and shewed his other bredren . Ci. A Fo. CCxv That he that precheth gods worde shall haue grete rewarde in heuen .lvi. G Fo. cxxxix That the deuyll myght not strangle a knyght for that / that he greted the vyrgyn Mary / and for beyenge in wyll to here a predycacyon was saued .lvi. H Fo. Cxxxix Of a ryche man the whiche fled the masse and the predycacyons and occupyed hymselfe in mondanytees and the deuyll bare him away .lxv. A Fo. Clvi Of a man the whiche gaue hymselfe vnto the deuyll to th ende that he sholde enryche hym / and after in a predycacyon he conuerted hym .lx. H Fo. Cxlvii That the commaundements of god shal be forgoten in the last generacyon .lvi. I. fo. cxl Of a ryche man that serued the deuyl .xl. yeres and at a predycacyon he dyde repent hym .lvi. K Fo. Cxl That an vsurer correcked him by the admonycyon of his frendes .lxxxvii. f. Fo. Clxxxx. ii Of a monke that ●he deuyll drewe out of the chyrche whan the other dyde wake in orayson .lxv. G Fo. Cvii Of a lady the whiche herde often tymes the sermons and dyde not correcke her self And of her chamberer that desyred to here them . lxxxxix . B Fo. CCx

Primum preceptum

Idolatria . Examples vpon the fyrst commaundement of god . OF a preste prynce of ydolles that brent in he●l .lvii. A Fo. Cxl Of the ydolatry of kynge Nabugodonozor whan he made .iii. chyldren to be put in the furneys of fyre .xlvii. B Fo. Cxl That Egeas ydolatre was slayne of the deuyll .lvii. C Fo. Cxli That Dyascorus the whiche slewe saynt Barbara was ydolatre and deyed myscheuously .lvii. E Fo. Cxli Of the dethe of Symon magus & other enchauntours .lxvii. D Fo. Cxli That the prouost Tarquyn ydolatre dyed myscheuously .lvii. F Fo. Cxli That the kynge of Perce Cosdroe that wolde be worshypped as god had his heed smyten of .lvii. G Fo. Cxli Of the cursed dethe of Dacyen & Valeryen ydolatres .lvii. H Fo. Cxlii Of the dethe of cursed kynge Yrace ydolatre .lvii. I Fo. Cxlii Of the dethe of the tyraunt Quyncyen ydolatre .lvii. K Fo. Cxlii Of the dethe of the cruell emperour Neron the whiche made to sle saynt Peter and saynt Poule .lvii. L Fo. Cxlii Of the dethe of Maxymyen the enemye of god .lvii. M Fo. Cxlii Apostasia . Examples of people apostates That Iu●yan the apostate the whiche left the crystendome and persecuted the chyrche dyed myscheuously by the punycyon dyuyne .lviii. A Fo. Cxlii Of Theophyle the whiche was apostate renounced god / and the gloryous vyrgyn Marye / and worshypped the deuyll of hell and afterwarde was saued by contrycyon & penaunce .lviii. B Fo. Cxliii Of a monke the whiche renyed god the creatour & his baptym & after was saued by penaunce .lviii. C Fo. Cxliii Of one the whiche renyed god of heuen for to escape the tourments and after was saued by penaunce .lxviii. D Fo. Cxliii That a crysten man lost the crowne of glory for that that he renounced vnto the crystendome and a paynym dyde wynne the same .lviii. E Fo. Cxliiii Of a man that gaue yll counceyle for to make the crysten men to th ende to renye the fayth and that counceyle redounded fyrst vpon hymselfe .lviii. F Fo. Cxliii Of a relygyous woman that was apostate and open harlot and after was saued by penaunce . Cxiii . A Fo. CCxliii How our lorde Ihesus appered vnto a relygyous the whiche lefte his ordre for to go in to the worlde . Cxv. G Fo. CCxlvii That two relygyous were appost ●es / lecherous / and after reuerted and dyde penaunce . lxxxxiii . E Fo. CCiii Contra hereticos . Examples to confounde heretykes . That deuylles kepte an heretyke frome brennynge / but whan the body of Ihesu cryst was brought thyder they myght not kepe hym .lix. A Fo. Cxliiii That an heretyke was dombe by the vertue of the faythe .lix. B Fo. Cxliiii That a cautelous heretyke was brent by a fole dyabolyke .lix. C Fo. Cxliiii That the bysshop of the heretykes fayned for to enlumyne & gyue syght to a blynde man .lix. D Fo. Cxliiii That a symple bysshop vaynquysshed & ouercame an heretyke a ryght grete phylozophre .lix. E Fo. Cxlv That by the pacience and good example of saynt Domynycke he conuerted an heretyke .lix. F Fo. Cxlv Contra fidem Example of mysbeleuynge people . Of chermers that in the tyme of mast charmed hogges .lx. A Fo. Cxlv That the deuyll lyed to a noble man to put him in errour for to deceyue hym at the houre of his dethe .lx. B Fo. Cxlv Of a man that gaue his soule for a quarte of wyne / and the deuyll dyde bete hym a way .lxxi. K Fo. Clxvii That a woman in errour beleued in the songe of a Cuckowe .lx. C Fo. Cxlvi That a relygyous in errour beleued in the songe of a Cuckowe that he sholde haue lyued two and twenty yeres / and he lyued but two yeres .lx. D Fo. Cxlvi That there is mo women dampned than men for theyr infydelyte .lx. E Fo Cxlvi That some prepayred the table vnto the deuylles to th ende that they sholde enryche them .lx. F Fo. Cxlvi That kynge Ochorias sent to seke counceyle of the deuyll and his messagers were brente with the fyre celestyall / and he deyed myscheuously .lx. G Fo. Cxlvi Of a man the whiche gaue hymselfe to the deuyll to th ende that he sholde enryche hym .lx. H Fo. Cxlvii Of a woman that renyed her faythe / slewe her chylde / and gaue herselfe to the deuyl & after had mercy .lx. I Fo. Cxlvii Fides Examples of the faythe That a mountayne was put frome one place to another in conferminge the faythe catholyke .lxi. A Fo. Cxlviii Of a preste good catholyke the whiche entred within the fyre for to approue the faythe & was not brent .lxi. B Fo. Cxlviii That Abraham & many other obedyēts had grete faythe in god as it is sayd in obedyence .li. A / b / c. &c. Fo. Cxxvii Superbia . Example of proude folke . That Adam and Eue commytted pryde whan they appetyted to be as gods / in knowynge good and euyl .liiii. A Fo. Cxxxiii That yll came vnto the kynge Roboam to gyue proude answere vnto the chyldren of ysraell . lxxxxix . M Fo. CCxiii That the deuyll bare away in body & in soule an erle proude / fyers / & replete with synnes . lxxxxix . N Fo. CCxiii Of the pryde and blaspheme of the kynge Sennacheryb .lxii. K Fo. Cii Another example . Cix . F Fo. CCxxxv That the kynge Anthyochus was proude ouer humayne force .lxxxv. D. Fo. Clxxxix That the deuyll was seen vpon the trayne of a womans gowne pompeously aourned .lxv. D Fo. Clvii That it dyspleased vnto almyghty god the creatour that a certayne woman clothed and aourned her doughter pompeously & gaye .lxxiii. F Fo. Clxx Of the cursed ryche man that was pompeously clothed .lxxxiiii. A Fo. Clxxvi That the kynge Cosdroe that was proude had the heed stryken of .lxvii. G Fo. Cxli Of an ypocryte the whiche fayned to faste and eate secretely and he was choked of a dragon infernall . Cv. C Fo. CCxxv That the deuylles gate the soule from the myserable body of an ypocryte with an hoke . Ciiii. C Fo. CCxxvi That Nychanor had his heed smyten of & his ryght hande the whiche reysed hym proudely ayenst the prestes .lxix. A Fo. Clxii Of a woman dampned that aourned her heed .lxxx. C Fo. Clxxxxvii Humilitas contra superbiam . Example that a holy nonne fayned to be a fole / and wasshed the pottes / wyped the dysshes / and dyde all thynges meke & humble .lxi. C Fo. Clviii That humylyte kepeth a man from fallynge in to the laces and nettes of the deuyls of hell . Cii . r Fo. CCxxiii That the prynces the whiche prayed He lye humbly was not brent as the other the whiche spake proudely .lx. G Fo. CCxlvi

Secundum preceptum

Blasphemia . Examples vpon the seconde commaundement of god . OF a sone of a woman of ysrael that was stoned for his blaspheme .lxii. A Fo. Cxlix Of a childe of the aege of .v yeres blasphematour that the deuylles dyde drawe out from his faders lappe .lxxii. B Fo. C.xlix Of a player the whiche blasphemed the wombe of the vyrgyn Mary and yll came vnto hym .lxii. C Fo. Cl Of an erle blasphemer .lxii. D Fo. Cl Of one of the burgeys of Parys the whiche hadde his tongue bored thorowe for his blaspheme .lxii. E Fo. Cl Of a player blasphematour the whiche brake the armes of the ymage of the vyrgyn Marye / and he was strangled of the deuyll his mayster .lxii. F Fo. Cl Of a blasphematour that the deuyll dyde sle .lxii. G Fo. Cl Of a blynde knyght the whiche was enlumyned for that / that he strake a Iewe the whiche blasphemed the vyrgyn Mary moder of god .lxii. H Fo. Cli Of .ii. players to whome there came yll for blasphemynge .lxii. I Fo. Cli That there came yll vnto kinge Sennacheryb the whiche sente vnto kynge Ezechyas wordes blasphemynges agaynst almyghty god .lxii. K Fo. Cli That the kynge Nabugodonozor made a decrete that all people that blasphemed the god of Sydrac / Mysaac and Abdenago sholde perysshe & his hous wasted .lvii. b Fo. Cxi That a dampned woman was tourmented for her blasphemes . &c . lxxxx . a. Fo. clxxxxvi That the deuyl bare away a tauerner that permytted to blaspheme & to swere in his tauerne .lxxi. I Fo. Clxvi Periurium Example that a tauerner lost the vsage of speche for swerynge by the vyrgyn Mary moder of god .lxiii. A Fo. Cli Of chyldren the sware / and in playenge were drowned .lxiii. B Fo. Cli That the heed of a swerer was tourned that / that was before behynde / & the cattes cryed on his graue .lxiii. C Fo. Clii That two marchauntes sayd vnto theyr curate that they myght sell nothynge without lyenge & swerynge . lxxxxix . K Fo. CCxii Other examples of swerynge ben wryten in the .viii. commaundement of god . Quere . lxxxxviii . A / b / c. &c. Fo. CCxix Vota . Examples that a man sholde accomplysshe his vowes . That the chyldren of ysrahel accomplysshed theyr vowes after that they had the vyctory on theyr enmyes . lxili . D Fo. Clii Of a vyrgyn that vowed chastyte & after wolde be maryed .lxiii. E Fo. Clii Of a man the whiche had made a vowe the whiche was dampned . Also example of extorcyon and of the paynes and tourmentes of hell .lxiii. F Fo. Clii Of a doctour the whiche had vowed the whiche lost his syght for that / that he accomplysshed not his vowe .lxiii. G Fo. Cliii That it is grete peryll to fayle to accomplysshe his vowe .lxiii. H Fo. Cliii That a preste the whiche wolde not accomplysshe his vowe defyned yll his dayes also of his Iugement and of his cruell punycyon .lxiii. I Fo. Cliii Another example . Cxiii . B Fo. CCxliii Of a chorle the whiche vowed to saynt Myghell a kowe and her calfe & accomplysshed not his vowe .lxiii. K Fo. Cliiii That some Jewes made a folisshe vowe to sle saynt Poule .lxiii. L Fo. Cliiii That a woman was blynde for that / that she defayled to accomplysshe her vowe as she had promysed .lxiiii. G Fo. Clv

Tertium preceptum .

Operatio . Examples vpon the thyrde commaundement of god . OF a man that Moyses made too stone for the / that he gadred wood on the day of the feest commaunded .lxiiii. A Fo. Cliiii That a woman was dyuynely punysshed for that she enclosed her felde on saynt Iohans day .lxiiii. B Fo. Cliiii Of a man the whiche wrought on the sonday .lxiiii. C Fo. Cliiii Of a man the whiche caryed hey on the sonday .lxiiii. D Fo. Clv Of a man that bare his wheet on the feest day .lxiiii. E Fo. Clv Of a carle that went to the ploughe on the holy daye .lxiiii. F. Fo. Clv Of two women the whiche baked theyr breed in the feest of sonday .lxiiii. G. Fo. Clv Of a woman that baked breed on the feest commaunded .lxiiii. I Fo. Clv That god sent punycyon to them that brake his commaundements .lxiiii. K Fo. Clv Of cordweyners the one kept the feestes & the other not .lxiiii. L Fo. Clv Of a mowyer that ceased to mowe on the saserday at euensonge tyme and his felawes wolde not .lxiiii. M Fo. Clvi That byers & sellers on the feestes ought to be reproued .lxiiii. N Fo. Clvi Example that yll came vnto a ryche man that fledde the seruyce and the predycacyons and lepte on horsbacke and went vnto mondanitees whan they range to masse on the feestes .lxv. A Fo. Clvi Of a woman that wolde haue hanged her selfe / & as she herde rynge too the sacrynge she sette her vpon her knees and so was delyuered lxv . B Fo. Clvi That the deuyll bare a boke wherin was writen the synnes of men and women & in especyall a complyn that saynt Austyn had forgoten .lxv. C Fo. Clvi That the deuylles were seen vpon the trayne of a womans gowne pompeously arayed in the chyrche .lxv. D Fo. Clvii That saynt Bryce sawe the deuyll the whiche wrote the yll wordes that were spoken in the chyrche .lxv. E Fo. Clvii That the deuyll gaue in charge to a woman to lette the oraysons of other in the chyrche by her Ianglynges .lxv. F Fo. Clvii Of a monke that the deuyll drewe oute of the chyrche whan the other waked in orayson and prayer .lxv. G Fo. Clvii Of a man dampned the whiche yode to playe and to drynke at the tauerne whan he sholde haue ben at the seruyce within the holy chyrche .lxvii. D Fo. Clix Somnolentia Examples of slepynge in herynge the seruyce of god . Of a monke indeuout the whiche slepte in orayson .lxvi. A Fo. Cviii Of a monke the whiche was stryken with a knotte of strawe in slepynge for bycause that he was indeuout and weyke in speryte towarde god .lxvi. B Fo. Clviii Of a monke vnto whome the deuyll gaue vnto drynke of hote boylyng● pytche in slepynge .lxvi. C Fo. Clviii Pigricia . Example of a soule dampned that wept the tyme that it had loste . Cviii. B Fo. CCxxxii Of a relygyous that wolde do noo good dedes .xix. C Fo. xlii Of a man that was dampned for that he wolde do no good dedes .xix. D Fo. xlii Of a curate the whiche taryed to admynyster the holy sacramentes vnto his parochyen seke .viii. C Fo. xix Oratio . That a man sholde take hede to the orayson that he maketh .lxvi. E Fo. Clviii Of a deuout relygyous that ceased not to be in that orayson of the psalmody / & good odour yssued out of his mouthe .xiii. yeres after his dethe .lxvi. F Fo. Clviii That at the prayer of a symple shoo maker a good man ferme in the faythe a mountayne was taken fro one place & transported in to another .lxi. A Fo. Cxiviii That by the oraysons & fastynges that saynt Basyll made with his college they were preserued from yll that Iulyan the appostate wolde haue done to them .lviii. A. Fo. Cxlii That at the prayer of the prophete Helye fyre descended from heuen that brent an hondred men the whiche yede to seche coūc●yle of the deuyll .lx. G Fo. Cxlvi Of a sone that prayed for his moder & dyde penaunce & she appered vnto him at the ende of .vii. yeres / and she was saued by his prayers .lxv. F. Fo. Clvii That one of the relygyous of saynt Gregory was delyuered from purgatory for to synge masses for him .lxxxii. E. Fo. Clxxxiiii That the prayer of Balaam was vniust whan he desyred to deye wel / and he wolde not lyue well . lxxxx . D Fo. Clxxxxviii That the orayson of those the whiche been yll is somtyme exalted to theyr shame and confusyon . lxxxxvii . D Fo. CCviii That a knyght deed wolde not the prayyer of theym the whiche were in synne / but desyred the prayer of a good and holy hermyte . lxxxxviii . G Fo. CCx That the prayer of Susan̄e was herde & & she kept fro dethe . lxxxxvi . C. Fo. CCxvi That the orayson of an holy fader was not exalted / for that he for whome he prayed delyted in the thoughtes of fornycacyon with out resystynge therto . hondred . d. Fo. CCxiiii Of a man the whiche resysted not ayenst the synnes / & therfore the orayson of the heremyte was not exalted . C. e Fo. CCxv That the request of the cursed ryche man was not graunted whan he demaunded one droppe of water / and that the Lazare sholde go to his bredren .lxxxiiii. A. Fo. Clxxxvi Gula. Examples of etynge & drynkynge whan men sholde serue god . That yll came vnto Adam and Eue the whiche eate of the apple agaynst the commaundement of god .liiii. A Fo. Cxxxiii That the dragon infernal strangled a relygyous the whiche eate secretely and fayned to faste . Cv. C Fo. CC.xxvi That a nonne the whiche eate a letule before that she serued god / & without makynge the sygne of the crosse was posseded of the deuyll .lxvii. A Fo. Clix That a conuers dranke of wine without makynge the token of the crosse & without lycence / and he was posseded of the enmye the deuyll .lxvii. B Fo. Clix That yll came vnto a smyth the whiche vsed to drynke & ete whan other were at the seruyce of the chyrche .lxvii. C Fo. Clix That a seruaunt sawe by vysyon his mayster tourmented in hell / vnto whom the deuylles gaue too drynke of fyre and sulphre brennynge . Cvii . D Fo. CCxxxi That a ryche man was put in to a chayre of fyre the whiche was constrayned of deuylles to drynke of a lycoure ryght bytter / stynkynge / & foule . Cvii . B Fo. CCxxxi Of the cursed ryche man that eate & dranke delycatyuely lxxxiiii . A Fo. Clxxxvi Of a man that slewe his fader & his moder whan he was dronke .lxxvii. B Fo. Clxxv Of a seruaunt that serued wel his mayster in his youthe / and whan he was dronke he slewe hym .lxxvii. C Fo. Clxxvi Of a seruaunte that stale fygges from his mayster .lxxxi. B Fo. Clxxxi Of some the whiche retorned vnto theyr glotonyes after ester . Cii . D. Fo. CCxviii Of a man dampned that yode to swere and to drynke at the tauerne with his felawes whan he sholde haue ben in the seruyce of the chyrche .lxvii. D Fo. Clix Of a man named Vodo that yode vnto the tauernes whan he sholde haue gone vnto the chyrche / & what drynke and bedde he hath now in hell .lxvii. E Fo. Clx Of a pylgrym that solde his gowne for to drynke wyne . lxxxxiii . G Fo. CCiii That the deuylles approched them at a dyner to those the whiche spake euyll wordes / and the aungelles drewe them backewarde . lxxxxix . H Fo. CCxii That yll came vnto a boucher that mocked the holy asshes / & dranke at the tauerne whan other were at the masse .lxvii. F. Fo. Clx That yll came vnto a knyght the which yode to vylyte the tauernes whan he sholvysyte the dedycacyons and pardons of the chyrches .lxvii. G Fo. Clx Of an holy man that eate of breed & dranke water agaynst the commaundement of god / & a lyon strangled him .liiii. B Fo. Cxxxiii Of a woman dampned the whiche vsed her lyfe in glotony / & lechery . And her husbande was vnto the contrary the whiche lyued sobrely . lxxxxii . A Fo. CC Of a tauerner that the deuyl bare away in body & in soule .lxxi. I Clxvi Of a man that solde his soule for a quarte of wyne and the deuyll dyde bere hym away .lxxi. K Fo. Clxvii Venatio . Examples of honters . That lorde the whiche honted on the holy dayes hadde a chylde that hadde eeres of a dogge .lxviii. A Fo. Clxi That no man wyst where a honter became that honted on the feestes .lxviii. B. Fo. Clxi Chorea . Examples of dauncynge on the feestes That the deuyll wolde haue borne away a mayden the whiche daunced on the sondayes .lxviii. C Fo. Clxi Of men and women the whiche daunced a yere without that ony persone myght socour them .lxviii. D Fo. Clxi Of a woman dauncer .lxviii. E. Fo. Clxii That a mayden was rauysshed in a daunce and vyoled and after went and hanged herselfe .lxviii. F Fo. Clxii Fudus Examples of players on the feestes commaunded . Of a player the whiche blasphemed the wombe of the gloryous virgyn Mary & yll came to hym .lxii. C Fo. Cl Of a man dampned that yode to playe at the tauerne . &c. lxvii . D Fo. Clix Of chyldren the whiche in playenge and swerynge were drowned .lxiii. B Fo. Cli Of a player blasphematour that the deuyll slewe .lxii. G Fo. Cl Another example .lxii. F Fo. Cl Of two players vnto whom there came harme .lxii. I Fo. Cli That the heed of a player was tourned that that was before behynde in swerynge and blasphemynge .lxiii. C Fo. Cli Ecclesia . Examples of the chyrche . That Nychanor was slayne after that he had thretened the chyrche .lxix. A Fo. Clxix That Iulyan the appostate was slayne dyuynely the whiche hadde persecuted the chyrche .lviii. A Fo. Cxiii How there came yll of a chyrche the whiche was made of vsuryes / rapynes / & euyll goten goodes .lxxxvii. D. Fo. Clxxxxiii Of a knyght that was tourmented in purgatory for that he vyolated the chyrchyarde & slewe a man in it .lxxvii. F Fo. Clxvi That Helyodorus was punysshed in takynge the treasours of the chyrche of Iherusalem .lxxxii. B Fo. Clxxxiii That many were dampned for that / that they posseded vniustly an herytage the whiche hadde ben taken awaye frome the holy chyrche .lxxxii. A Fo. Clxxxiii That haynours were punysshed diuynely for that / that they slewe a man within the chyrche .lxxix. B Fo. Clxxix That the kynge Ozyas became lepre in the chyrche for that / that he toke the encenser and presumed to doo the dyuyne offyce of the preestes .lxxxv. G. Fo. Clxxxix Sepulchra . Examples of sepultures . Of a synner that deuylles drewe out of the chyrche .lxix. B Fo. Clxii That people the whiche deye cursedly sholde not be buryed within the chyrcheyarde .lxii. G Fo. Cl That an vsurer buryed in a cloyster of a monastery kepte the monkes from slepe & reste .lxix. C Fo. Clxii That the cattes cryed vpon the graue of a swerer .lxiii. C. Fo. Clii

Quartum preceptum .

Filii Examples vpon the fourthe commaundement of god . THat Absalon deyed myscheuously bycause that he warred with his fader Dauyd . lxx . A Fo. Clxiii That a sone the whiche defayled vnto his fader & moder bare a tode .iii. yere in his face . lxx . B. Fo. Clxiii That yl came vnto Cham that mocked his fader Noe. lxx . C Fo. Clxiiii Of two sones the whiche slewe theyr fader . lxx . D Fo. Clxiiii Of a sone the whiche dyde stryke his moder . lxx . E Fo. Clxiiii Of a chylde that the deuyll dyde bere away . lxx . G. Fo. Clxiiii That a good & a true chylde loued his fader & myght not suffre that a man dyde to him ony yll . lxxi . A Fo. Clxiiii That the nature of byrdes techeth to remembre his frendes . lxxi . B Fo. Clxv Of a doughter the which nourysshed her moder with soukynge the mylke of her bre. stes . lxxi . C Fo. Clxv Of a chylde that bote of the nose of his fader . lxxi . D Fo. Clxv That the kinge Salamon honoured his moder . xxi . H Fo. xlviii That a mannes berde grewe longe after as he hanged . lxxi . E Fo. Clxv Of a man the whiche was felle & harde vnto his fader and his yongest sone repreued hym . lxxi . F Fo. Clxv Patres . Example of a fader & of his sone the whiche cursed eche other in helle . And of a good fader and his sone the whiche blyssed eche other in heuen . lxxi . G Fo. Clxvi Of a fader & his sone dampned for yf goten goodes . lxxiii . A Fo. Clxviii That a fader sholde loue god more than his owne chyldren / parentes / and frendes carnalles . lxxii . A Fo. Clxvii Of a fader that badde his sone to holde his fynger in the fyre tyl that he had sayd . Aue maria . lxxii . B Fo. Clxvii That a fader sholde do good dedes whyles that he lyueth without trustynge to his chyldren and heyres . lxxii . C. Fo. Clxvii Other examples of semblable maters & thynges . lxxii . D. E Fo. Clxviii Another example that a man sholde doo good dedes . And that a fole taught wel a wyse man . lxxii . F Fo. Clxviii Of a fader the whiche put an heuy malet in a coffre and toke the keyes vnto his chyldren . lxxiii . B Fo. Clxix That a fader was put out in his aege of his two doughters . lxxiii . C Fo. Clxix That a good moder loued naturally her chylde and myght not endure that he had ony harme . lxxiii . D Fo. Clxix That a moder cursed .x. chyldren that she had / and they trembled incontynent & were punysshed deuynely . lxxiii . E Fo. Clxx That i● dyspleased vnto god that a woman aourned her doughter & clothed ouer pompeously . lxxiii . F Fo. Clxx Correctio . Examples of correccyon . That softe correccyon prouffyteth more than sharpe . lxxiiii . A Fo. Clxx Of the softe correccyon that was doone vnto a chylde . lxxiiii . B Fo. Clxx That saynt Benet bette and correcked a monke that the deuyll drewe out of the chyrche whan other prayed . lxv . G Fo. Clvii Of the correccyon of two relygyous men wherof the abbot correcked the one & spared the other . lxxiiii . C Fo. Clxx That a man sholde correcke hym whan he is admonested . lxxii . D. Fo. Clxviii . Et lxxvii . E Fo. Clxxvi Of a woman dampned the whiche dyspraysed all they in that repreued her of synnes & ylles . ixxi . H Fo. Cixvi That a man sholde drawe abacke & correcke the synners swetely . lxxiiii . E. Fo. Clxxi That Ysaac the sone of Abraham was obedyent vnto his fader whan he wolde haue sacryfyed hym . li. A. Fo. Cxxvii That many persones correcked them in herynge the worde of god / as it is sayd in verbum dei . lv. A / b / c / d. Fo. Cxxxvi That Helye correcked not well his chyldren as apperteyned . lxx . F Fo. Clxxiii That Absolon was in youth so yll correcked that he made warre on his owne fader Dauyd . lxx . A Fo. Clxxiii Caritas . Examples of charyte . Of a cluster of grapes the whiche was sent vnto many by charyte / and vnto the weykest lxxv . A Fo. Clxxi Of the charyte & loue of .ii. men that wolde deye the one for the other . lxxv . B. Fo. Clxxi That an holy man named Sanctulus delyuered hymselfe to be slayne for loue & charyte of his neyghbour . lxxv . C Fo. Clxxii Another example . lxxv . D Fo. Clxxii That the herte of a vyrgyn was cut for the grete loue that she hadde vnto our lorde god . lxxv . E Fo. Clxxii Of the charyte of hym that wanne his broder that was fallen in to fornycacyon inke kynge hym from synne & made hym to doo penaunce . lxxv . F Fo. Clxxii That one ●rere withdrewe another frome cursed wyl / not by force but by charite and pacyence . lxxv . G Fo. Clxxiiii Of people the whiche haue lyued out of charyte as the cursed ryche man Dyues . Quere in tenac●tas . in sexto p̄cepto . lxxxiiii . A / b / c. Fo. Clxxxvi Of a charitable man the whiche yode vnto heuen after his dethe before that his body was colde . lv. B Fo. Cxxxvi Examples of the werkes of mercy . Que re. xxiii . C / d / e / f / g. Fo. l Of almesdede . quere post .

Quintum preceptum .

Homicidum iniustum Examples vpon the .v. commaundement of god . OF Cayn that slewe his broder Abell . lxxvi . A Fo. Clxxiii That kinge Achab & his wyfe made to sle naboth to haue his vyneyarde . lxxvi . b. Fo. clxxiii That Herode ascolonita made to sle the Innocentes lxxvi . D Fo. Clxxiiii That Ioab slewe the prynce Abner malycyously and Amasam and euyll came vnto hym . lxxvi . C Fo. Clxxiiii That Herode antyppa made to sle saynt Iohan baptyst . lxxvi . E Fo. Clxxiiii That Iudas / Pylate / and the Iewes were homycydes of the dethe of our lorde Ihesu cryst . lxxvi . F Fo. Clxxv That a man named Lucrece made for to sle saynt Beatryce . lxxvii . A Fo. Clxxv Of a man that slewe his fader & moder whan he was dronke . lxxvii . B Fo. Clxxv Of a seruaunt that slewe his mayster whan he was dronke . lxxvii . C Fo. Clxxvi Of a doughter the whiche slewe her fader & her moder & after had mercy by contrycyon & confessyon . lxxvii . D Fo. Clxxvi Another example of an archdeaken that slewe the bysshop . lxxxv . I Fo. Clxxxx That many ydollatres and tyrauntes hath made to martyr and to sle of crystiens I mustly as dyde Egeas / Dyascorus / the prouost Tarquyn / Dacyen / Valeryan / Hy race / Quyncyen / Neron / and the cursed Maxymyen . lvii . C / d / e / f. Fo. Cxli Of the dethe of two cursed auncyent prestes the whiche wened to haue made Susanne todeye . lxxxxvi . C Fo. CCvii That Dauyd made to sle Vrye vniustly & commytted aduoutry . lxxvii . E Fo. Clxxvi That a knyght was gretely tourmented in purgatory for that / that he vy●led the chyrchyarde and hurte a man greuously within the same . lxxvii . F Fo. Clxxvi Of a none the whiche dyde slee her chylde . lxxxxiii . F Fo. CCiii Another example . lxxxxiii . H Fo. CCiii That the aungell shewed vnto Tongdalus a valey repleny●shed with coles of fyre in the whiche were put the homycydes and murderers . lxxvii . G Fo. Clxxvii Homicidium dubium . Examples of homycyde doubtfull . That saynt Peter made to dye Anamye & his wyfe Saphyre for that that they detrauded the pryce of a felde . lxxviii . A. Fo. Clxxvii That Dauyd made to sle the yonge man the whiche lyed to hym that he had slayne kynge Saul . lxxviii . B Fo. Clxxvii That Helye the prophete fell frome his chayre / & of his two sones the whiche were slayne . lxx . F Fo. Clxiiii Homicidium iustum That an archebisshop named Vdo was beheded within his chyrche for his synnes & cursed lyuynge by the Iust Iugement of god . Cvi . D Fo. CCxxviii That Achar was Iustly stoned & slayne for he was a thefe . lxxx . A Fo. Clxxx Of a man that was stoned by the commaundement of Moyses for that that he gadred & bare wood on the day of the feest commaunded . lxxiiii . A Fo. Clxx That Iulyan the appostate was Iustly slayne . lviii . A Fo. Cxlii That Cosdroe was slayne Iustly for his yll lyfe . lviii . G Fo. Cxlii Ira. Examples of Yre . Examples of a woman dampned for the kepynge of yre without beynge in wyll for to pardon . lxxviii . D Fo. Clxxviii That a lady Impacyent and yracundyous tourmented gretely her chambyrere / that was vysyted of god . lxxxxix . B Fo. CCx Of a man ful of stryfe & dyscorde that dyed myscheuously . lxxxxix . A Fo. CCx Of a man that sayd to his wyfe / goo in the deuylles name . lxxxxix . D Fo. CCx Of hym that sayd to his seruaunt / vnhose me deuyll . lxxxxix . E Fo. CCxi That god is wrothe with them that breke his commaundementes . lxiiii . K Fo. Clv Impacientia . Examples of Impacyence . Of a woman that the deuyll dyde bere away . lxxxxix . O Fo. CCxiii Of a man the whiche commaunded him selfe vnto the deuyll of hell by his Impacyence . lxxxxix . P Fo. CCxiii Of a clerke Impacyent that wrothed him agaynst god . lxxxxix . Q Fo. CCxiii Of a woman Impacyent for that her chylde wepte . And of a man the whiche dyde lede an hogge . lxxxi . C Fo. Clxxxi That a crysten man loste the crowne of glory by his Impacience / for that he myght not endure with the other the whiche were martyred . lviii . E Fo. Cxliiii Of a woman impacyent . lxxxxix . B. Fo. CCxx Paciencia . That a mayden had pacyence whan her maystresse cursed her . lxxxxix . B. Fo. CCxx That saynt Machayre was pacyent as he was wronged and beten for a woman that had imposed vpon hym that she had conceyued of hym . lxxxxi . A Fo. Clxxxxviii That a seke man was vesyted of the aungell of god . xxiii . G Fo. li That a thefe was taken & put to dethe / and the vyrgyn Marye made hym to be buryed honestly . Cxx. F Fo. CCliii That a synner bare vnto his dethe his sekenes in remembraunce of the passyon of our lorde . Cxiiii . A Fo. CCxliiii Of the pacyence of a man the whiche loued better to be slayne & brent than to breke the commaundement of god . Non mechaberis . C. B Fo. CCxiiii Of the pacyence of a good chylde that praysed god in al aduersytees . xvii . B. Fo. xxxvii Of an holy man that scorged them that had taken his hors . lxxxii . H Fo. Clxxxv Of an olde man that had pacyence whan that theues bare away his godes & bare them a sacke after them the whiche they had forgoten . lxxxii . I Fo. Clxxxv That by the pacyence of saynt Domynyk he conuerted an heretyke . lix . F Fo. Clxv Inuidia . Examples of enuye . That Cayn dyde slee his broder Abel by enuye . lxxvi . A Fo. Clxxiii That the Iewes made our lorde to deye by enuye . lxxvi . F Fo. Clxxv That Herode wende to slee our Ihesus by enuye . lxxvi . D Fo. Clxxvii Of enuye . xxvii . K Fo. lxxiii Odium . Examples of hate . That a knaue was dampned for hate / the wolde be reuenged . lxxix . A. Fo. Clxxviii Of haynours the whiche slewe a man in the chyrche and they were punysshed dyuynely . lxxix . B Fo. Clxxix That the deuyll slewe a man for kepynge or hate & wolde not pardon . lxxix . c. Fo. clxxix That the deuyll wolde haue letted saynt Thybauit to pacyfye the barons of champayne that were at debate . lxxix . D Fo. Clxxix Another example . C.ii. Y Fo. CCxxiii Of a woman that put dyuysion in good maryage . lxxxxix . E Fo. CCxi Of thre persones the whiche hated a patryarke & imposed fals cryme vpon hym & they were punisshed . lxxxxvii . A. Fo. CCvii Of a knyght that pardoned vnto hym that had slayne his fader / & he had pardon of his synnes . xxvii . I Fo. lxvii That by the name of Ihesus a woman pardoned her enmyes . Cxii . G Fo. CCxlii That one obstynate pardoned his enmyes for the loue of Ihesus . Cxii . H Fo. CCxiii Of a frere the whiche was enflambed in hate agaynst the procuroure of the sayd couent . Cxxii . C Fo. CClv Of a noble man that pardoned the homycyde of his broder / and the crucyfixe enclyned his heed to hym . Cxii . L Fo. CCxlii That Ihesu cryst wolde not pardon one deed tyll that he had pardon of him that he had offended . Cxii . M Fo. CCxliii That a seruaunt was sent in to outwarde derkenesses for that / that he ne wolde pardon the lytell debt as the lorde had pardoned hym the grete debt . xxvii . H Fo. lxvi Of detraccyon and of derysyon . Quere lxxxxv . ii . b / c / d / e / f. Fo. CCix

Sextum preceptum

Furtum . Examples vpon the .vi. commaundement of god . THat a thefe named Achar was stoned and his substaunce brent by the commaundement of our lorde god . lxxx . A Fo. Clxxx Other example . lxxvii . a. Fo. clxxv Of a thefe the whiche was fastened and holden with his theft vpon the buryell of a deed body . lxxx . B Fo. Clxxx That the deuylles slewe a thefe and bare away his soule for that the he had withholden the hors of a deed man that sholde be gyuen to the poore folke . lxxx . C Fo. Clxxx That a chylde that had stolen an halfpeny from his cosyn was punysshed in the pytte of hell / and after brought agayne vnto his body . lxxx . D Fo. Clxxxi That a carle was punysshed of the deuyll for that that he had stolen a stake of an hedge in his neyghbours felde . lxxxi . A. Fo. Clxxxi Of a seruaunte that stale fygges from his mayster . lxxxi . B Fo. Clxxxi Of a thefe that stale calstockes / & herbes fro a relygyous man . liii . B Fo. Cxxxi Of theues the whiche dyde ete the breed and the sustenaunce of a good and holy her myte . liii . C Fo. xxxi Of a man in paynes that had taken away shepe skynnes fro a wydow & withheld parte of a felde . lxxxviii . A Fo. Clxxxxiii That the deuyll of helle dyde bere away in body and soule a theuyl she coueytous aduocate . lxxxi . E Fo. Clxxxii That a fader dyde curse his sone beynge in hell . lxxi . G Fo. Clxvi Of a fader and his sone dampned & put in a ponde of fyre for that that they hadde goten and withholden mennes goodes vniustly . lxxiii . A Fo. Clxviii Of a tayler named Martyn the whiche dyde steele clothe in cuttynge gownes and other vestures . lxxxi . F Fo. Clxxxii That four men of a lygnage were damned and hanged in helle for the they posseded falsly an herytage . lxxxi . G Fo. Clxxxiii Another example . lxxxiiii . d Fo. Clxxxviii Sacrilegium . Examples of sacrylege . That an erle & many of one lygnage were dampned for that that they posseded īiustly an herytage that hadde ben taken from the chyrche . lxxxii A. Fo. Clxxxiii Another example . lxxxvi . A Fo Clxxxxi That Helyodorus was punysshed dyuynely in takynge the treasours of the chyrche of Iherusalem . lxxxii . B Fo. Clxxxiii Of the punycyon of a man that denyed the syluer of the chyrche that hadde ben lende vnto hym . lxxxii . C Fo. Clxxxiiii Of theues sacryleges the which were punysshed for that / that they had stolen the crosse & the godes of the chyrche . lxxxii . d. Fo. clxxxiiii Of a relygyous of saynt Gregory the whiche was buryed in the donghyll for that / that he withhelde thre pyeces of golde of the comunyte . lxxxii . E Fo. Clxxxiiii That a marchaunt was poore whyles that his broder that was abbot gaue hym the godes of the chyrche . lxxxii . F Fo. Clxxxiiii That a seculer was poore whyles that his broder that was monke gaue to him the goodes of the chyrche . lxxxii . G Fo. Clxxxv Of a holy man the whiche gaue the whyp vnto those that had take his hors away fro hym . lxxxii . H Fo. Clxxxv That theues sacryleges reuoked themselfe to penaunce & made restytucyon by the pacyence of an olde man . lxxx . I Fo. lxxxv Of Iulyan the appostate that persecuted the chyrche . lviii . A Fo. Cxlii Decime Examples to pay the tythes . Of Cayn & Abel that payed theyr tythes the one well & the other yll . lxxvi . A Clxxiiii Of a lorde the whiche retayned the tenthe of the godes that he dyde gyue vnto his seruaunt . lxxxiii . A Fo. Clxxxv Of a knyght the whiche tythed well and his vyne dyde bere fruyte . ii . tymes in one yere . lxxxiii . B Fo. Clxxxvi Of a symple man the tythed well & he dyde myracle . lxxxiii . C Fo. Clxxxvi Examples for them the whiche taketh tythes . lxxxiii . D Fo. Clxxxvi Iudices That the kinge of Perce made to fley an euyll Iuge . lxxxi . D Fo. Clxxxii Of a baylyf that corrupt Iustyce by gyftes . lxxxi . C Fo. Clxxxi Of two fals Iuges that condempned Susanne . lxxxxvi . C Fo. CCvii Of an aduocate that loste his tongue in his dethe . lxxxxix . G. Fo. CCxii Another example of a ryght cursed aduocate . lxxxi . E Fo. Clxxxii Dona. That saynt Fortyn bysshop was punysshed for that / that he toke a vestyment of an vsurer . Cvi . C Fo. CCxxviii That Gyesy was lepre and his lygnage for a gyft that he toke of the ryche man Naaman . lxxxv . B Fo. Clxxxviii That Iudas was dampned the toke . xxx . pence to sell our lorde . lxxvi . F Fo. Clxxv. That those the whiche kept the tombe of our lorde toke money for to bere fals wytnes . lxxxxvi B Fo. CCvi Of a baylyf that toke an oxe . clxxxi . Fo. Clxxxi That Symon magus offred gyftes to the appostles . lxxxv . A Fo. Clxxxviii Of a prophete that forsoke the gyftes of a kynge . liii . B Fo. Cxxxiii Rapina . That the deuylles bette a knight for that that he toke a cowe from a poore woman wydowe . Cix . E Fo. CCxxxv Another example . lxxxviii . A Fo. Clxxxxiii Of a rauyssher in paynes that toke a wydowes gote & dyde grete oppressyons vnto his subgectes . Cix . F Fo. CCxxxv Another example . liii . C Fo. Cxxxi Another example . lxxxvii . D Fo. Clxxxxiii That a myller sawe a rauyssher payned in hell . Cx. A Fo. CCxxxv That the deuyll myght not strangle an harlot / for that that he serued the gloryous vyrgyn Marye . lvi . H Fo. Cxxxix That saynt Iohan conuerted the prynce of theues . lxxiiii . E Fo. Clxxi That the kynge Cosdroe the whiche pylled the chyrches had his heed smyten of by his sones . lvii . G Fo. Cxli That a thefe was saued by the vyrgyn Marye . Cxx. Fo. CCiii That kynge Saull pylled the countree of Amalech agaynst the wyll of god & yll came vnto hym . liiii . E Fo. Cxxxiiii That the deuyll posseded Lucrece that made saynt Beatryce to dye for to haue her herytage . lxxvii . A Fo. Clxxvi Of a woman dampned that was nourysshed of thynges yll goten . lxxi . H Fo. Clxvi That a seruaunt sawe his mayster ledde in to dyuers paynes for that the he had ben an oppressour and persecutour of the poore people . Cvii . D Fo. CCxxxi Another example . lxxxii . H Fo. Cixxxv Tenacitas et īmisericordia . Examples of people to moche holdynge and vnmercyfull . Of the cursed ryche man the had no pyte on the poore lazare the whiche dyed for honger . lxxxiiii . A Fo. Clxxxvi Of our Durant the whiche lyued without huyngepyte ne mercy vpon the poores indycentes . lxxxiiii . B Fo. Clxxxvii Of a ryche man vnmercyfull the fledde in the tyme of famyne for drede to gyue & to do elmesse . lxxxiiii . C Fo. Clxxxviii That a monke sawe ryche men hanged in hell . lxxx D Fo. Clxxxviii Of the dethe of a ryche man / a●d or a pore woman . Cv. A Fo. CCxxvii That two men were lepres for that / that they had horroure and indygnacyon of lepres . lxxxiiii . F Fo. Clxxxvii Of a man the whiche gaue hymselfe vnto the deuyll to th ende that he sholde enryche hym . lx . H Fo. Cxlvii That the deuyll charged a woman to receyue poore folke on the day & to put them out by nyght . lxv . F Fo. Clvii Of a carle the gaue vnto the deuyll that that that he had to ete whan . ii . clerkes demaunded almesse . lxxxxvii . H Fo. CCviii Of maryners the forsware them of fere to gyue almesse . lxxxxvii . F Fo. CCviii Misericordia . That god sent . xx . s . for one peny that was gyuen to a poore man . lxxv . D Fo. Clxxii Of a ma charytable that was drowned do y g● the workes of mercy . lv. B Fo. Cxxxvi That Corne●us and saynt Eustace were conuerted for the almesdedes that they had done . x●ii . B Fo. Cl That a barly lofe the whiche a man kest furyously vnto a poore man prouffyted him moche . xliii . C Fo. Cii Other examples . xxii . e / f / g. Fo. li Of a man that was mercyfull & voluptuous . Cxxii . D Fo CClvi That a relygyous gaue colwortes to a there that worde haue stolen . liii . B Fo. Cxxxi That an he myte fedde a thefe that sto●e his substaunce . liii . C Fo. Cxxxi Symonia Examples of people symonyakes . Of Symon magus that wolde by the grace of the holy goost . lxxxv . A Fo. Clxxxviii Of the punycyon of Gyezy that was symonyake . lxxxv . B Fo. Clxxxviii Of the symonyake Hieroboam the solde the bysshopryches . lxxxv . C Fo. Clxxxviii That kynge Anthyochus was symoniake and also proude ouer the pussaunce humayne . lxxxv . D Fo. Clxxxix Of a man dampned that had many benefyces . lxxxv E Fo. Clxxxix Another example contrary of a monke the whiche was chosen to be bysshop and he refused it / and after that he deyed well and was saued . Ciiii. G Fo. CCxxvii That a man sholde not constytute ony man in benefyces by theyr prayers carnalles . lxxxv . F Fo. Clxxxix That a man seculer sholde not do the offyce of a preste . lxxxv . G Fo. Clxxxix Example in Alchynus that lordes sholde not constytute people of euyll lyfe in benefyces . lxxxv . H Fo. Clxxxx That he that precheth shal haue grete rewarde in heuen / & that fewe curates ben saued . lvi . G Fo. Cxxxix Of a man that was bysshop iniustly & he dyed sodaynly . lxxxv . I Fo. Clxxxx That a chanon was accused of the patron of the chyrche . lxxxv . K Fo Clxxxx That a conuers wolde haue ben bysshop by the inductyon of the deuyll and he was hanged . lxxxv . L Fo. Clxxxx Vsura . Examples of people vsurers Of the punycyon & dampnacyon of an vsurer from whose wombe there proceded a tree . lxxxvi . A Fo. Clxxxxi Of an vsurer the whiche wolde not restore cryed at his dethe that he dyde brenne & broyle . lxxxvi . B Fo. Clxxxxi Of the myscheuous dethe of an vsurer the whiche sayd in his sekenes that he dyde eate pence . lxxxvi . C Fo. Clxxxxi Of the horryble dethe of a meschaunte vsurer . lxxxvi . D Fo. Clxxxxi Of a woman vsuresse that made to bury her money with her . lxxxvi . E Fo. Clxxxxi Of an vsurer the whiche demaunded ayde of his golde and syluer whan he was in deyenge . lxxxvi . F Fo. Clxxxxii Of an vsurer that commaunded his soule to the deuyll for that / that it wolde not abyde with his goodes . lxxxvi . G Fo. Clxxxxii Of an vsurer that wolde not restore and he was borne vpon an asse to the galowes and there buryed . lxxxvii . A Fo. Clxxxxii That the deuyll dyde sette hym vpon the cofre of an vsurer where as the money was put . lxxxvii . B Fo. Clxxxxii That a persone shold not pray for an vsurer deed . lxxxvii . C Fo. Clxxxxiii What befel of a chyrche made of vsuries & extorcyons . lxxxvii . D Fo. Clxxxxiii Of an vsuret the whiche wolde not restore to other . lxxxvii . E Fo. Clxxxxiii Of an vsurer that confessed & restored in his laste dayes . lxxxvii . F Fo. Clxxxxiii Of an vsurer the deuyls plucked out of his graue in the chyrche and drewe hym out by the fete . lxix . B Fo. Clxiii That a vsurer buried in a cloyster waked the monkes . lxix . C Fo. Clxiii Restitutio . Examples of restytucyon . Of one named Frederyk tourmented in hell for that he restored not the thynges yll goten . lxxxviii . A Fo. Clxxxxiii Of a chylde that was in paynes of purgatory for that that he hadde not restored the syluer borowed . lxxxviii . B Fo. Clxxxxiii Of a man tourmented in purgatory for the defaute of payenge syxe pence that he owed . lxxxviii . C Fo. Clxxxxiiii Of a relygious the was in the paynes of purgatory for an half peny that he owed vnto a feryman . lxxxviii . D Fo. Clxxxxiiii That two men were neclygētes to restore and to pay as they had promysed / and the one was lepre & the other stryken with the fyre of saynt Anthony . lxxxxvii . D Fo. CCviii That the deuylles dooth lette for to restore . lxxxviii . E Fo. Clxxxxiiii Of a fader & his sone dampned the wolde not restore . lxxiii . A Fo. Clxviii Of vsurers the whiche wolde not restore lxxxvi . a / b. Fo. Clxxxxi . & . lxxxvii . A. Fo xcii Of a player dampned that restored not his wynnynges . lxvii . D Fo. Clix That god gaue charge vnto a chylde that he sholde restore an hafpeny that he hadde stolen . lxxx . D Fo. Clxxxi Of an abbot that sent agayne the money gyuen to his monastery for that it was of yll acquysycyon . lxxxvii . F Fo. Clxxxxiii Of an vsurer the whiche confessed & restored . lxxxvii . F Fo. Clxxxxiii Of a man that restored to other and put hymselfe in good operacyons for that / that none of his parents & frendes wolde put theyr lytell fynger in the fyre a whyle for the loue of hym . lxxii . A Fo. Clxvii Other examples of semblable mater that a man sholde restore to other & do good operacyons without taryenge to his parents after his dethe . lxxii . c / d / e / f. Fo. Clxvii Of a riche man the whiche restored who sayd vnto his sone that he sholde holde his fynger in the fyre tyll he had sayd one Auemaria . lxxii . B Fo. Clxxvii Of theues the whiche dyde make restytucyon . lxxii . H. I Fo. Clxxxv Excommunicatio Examples of excommunycacyon . That a whyte lofe became blacke in the excommunycacyon . lxxxix . A Fo. Clxxxxiiii That storkes left theyr nest that was in the hous of a man incontynent that he was excommunycate . lxxxix . B Fo. Clxxxxv That the sparowes that made noyse in a chyrche yode out incontynent that they were excommunycate . lxxxix . C Fo. Clxxxxv That the floures of an apple tree fell & dryed incontynent that the excommunycacyon was drawen for a portos that was in the sayd apple tre . lxxxix . D Fo. Clxxxxv That a rauen became hydeous & his feders fell fro him as soone as the bysshop had excommunycate for his rynge that the rauen had taken . lxxxix . E Fo. Clxxxxv That excommunycacyon cast Iustly or Iniustly is to drede as it appered in .ii. monkes that gelded them selfe . lxxxix . f. Fo. Clxxxxv Of a preste the whiche was excommunycate the whiche deyed sodaynly as he wolde synge . lxxxxiii . D Fo. CCiii That the lyghtnynge consumed one excommunycate . lxxxix . G Fo. Clxxxxvi That a gardyn excommunycate wolde bere no fruyte tyll the tyme that it was assoyled . lxxxix . H Fo. Clxxxxvi Maledictio Examples of maledyccyon Of the maledyccion the whiche came vnto Adam for the brekynge of the commaundement of god . liiii . A Fo. Cxxxiii That Cayn was cursed of god for that / that he slewe his broder Abell / & also for that / that he tythed yll . lxxvi . A Fo. Clxxiiii Of a woman that cursed her .x. chyldren / & they were incontynent punysshed dyuynely horrybly . lxxiii . E Fo. Clxx That Noe cast maledyccyon vpon his neuew the sone of Cham / for that / that the sayd Cham mocked the sayd noe . lxx . C. Fo. Clxiiii Of a fader & his sone that cursed eche other in hell . lxxi . G Fo. Clxvi Of the maledyccyon of .iiii. monkes that slewe a beere . lxxxix . I Fo. Clxxxxviii Of the maledyccyon that saynt Machayre vttred vpon hym that brake the commaundements of god . lvii . A Fo. Cxl Of a lady the whiche cursed her chamberere . lxxxxix . B Fo. CCx That the sone of kynge Achab bare in this worlde the punycyon & maledyccion of his faders synne . lxxvi . B Fo. Clxxvi Dyabolus Example of a man the whiche sayd vnto his seruaunt / vnhose me deuyll . And incontynent the deuyll was redy & began to vnhose hym . lxxxxix . C Fo. CCxi Of a man that sayd vnto his wyfe go in the deuylles name and the deuyll posseded her incontynent . lxxxxix . D Fo. CCxi That the deuyl serued to the carte of saynt Thybault . lxxix . D Fo. Clxxix That the deuyl strake a monke with a strawe in slepynge . lxvi . B Fo. Clviii Of an yll erle that the deuyll dyde bere away . lxxxxix . N Fo. CCxiii Another example . Cx. A Fo. CCxxxv Of a woman impacyent that the deuyll bare away . lxxxxix . O Fo. CCxiii Of a man that the deuyl dyde drowne in a water . lxxxxix . P Fo. CCxiii That the deuyl bare away a tauerner in body and soule . lxxi . I Fo. Clxvi That the deuyll toke a man that had solde his soule . lxxi . K Fo. Clxvii Of a chylde that the deuyll dyde bere away . lxx . G Fo. Clxiiii Of a chorle that gaue vnto the deuyll that that he had to eate . lxxxxvii . H Fo. CCviii Of an aduocate that the deuyl dyde bere away . lxxxi . E Fo. Clxxxii That the deuyl wrote synnes within the chyrche . lxv . E Fo. Clvii That the deuyll bare a boke wryten of synnes . lxv . C. Fo. Clvi That the deuylles were vpon the tayle of a woman . lxv . D Fo. Clvi That the deuyll gaue a monke pytche to drynke . lxvi . C Fo. Clviii That the deuyll encharged a woman . iiii thynges . lxv . F Fo. Clvii That the deuyll made a woman to renye her faythe & to sle her chylde . lx . I Fo. cxlvii That the deuyll gaue a payre of shone to an olde woman for too put dyuysyon in a maryage . lxxxxix . E Fo. CCxi Other examples of decepcyons of the deuyl . lviii . B Fo. Cxliii . Et. lx . G Fo. Cxlvi That the deuylles vnburyed a synner in the chyrche . lxix . B Fo. Cxlii

Septimum preceptum

Luxuria . Examples vpon the .vii. commaundement of god . OF a woman dampned that knewe lecherously one of her parentes & dyde many synnes of whose mouthe yssued many todes & venymous bestes in her confessyon . lxxxx . A Fo. Clxxxxvi Of the punycion of a curyal that habyted his god doughter . lxxxx . B Fo. Clxxxxvii Of a woman dampned for tyrynge and aornynge of her heed for shewynge of her pappes / for dauncynge / & vnshamefull enbracementes . lxxxx . C Fo. Clxxxxvii That .xxiii. M men were brent with the fyre celestyall for the synne of lechery / & Balaam gaue the counceyle . lxxxx . D Fo. Clxxxxviii That by the occasion of the lechery of Herode & his Herodyen saynt Iohans heed was smyten of . lxxvi . E Fo. Clxxiiii That Absalon knewe his faders concubynes as it is wryten in the .xvi. chapytre of the seconde boke of kynges / & soone after was slayne cruelly . lxx . A Fo. Clxiii Of a yonge man lecherous that conuerted hym . Cxv. F Fo. CCxlvii Stuprum . Examples of deflourynge of vyrgyns . That a vyrgyn was corrupte with a yonge man and by malyce she imposed the synne vnto saynt Machayre the whiche was pacyent . lxxxxi . A Fo. Clxxxxxviii Of a knyght dampned and tourmented in hell the whiche toke the maydenheed of a vyrgyn . lxxxx . B. Fo. Clxxxxix That Ammon the sone of Dauyd was slayne of Absalon for that that he had deflored Thamar . lxxxxi C Fo. Clxxxxix That a doughter was rauysshed in the daunce and vyoled / and after hanged her selfe . lxviii . F Fo. Clxii That Sychem the whiche deflored Dyne the doughter of Iacob was slayne & his fader Emor . &c. lxxxxi . D Fo. Clxxxxix Of hym the whiche enbraced the ketles & the cawdrons of the kechyn wenynge to enbrace vyrgyns . lxxxxi . E Fo. Clxxxxix Concilium malum That an olde baude counceyled yll a yonge woman . lxxxxi . F Fo. CC That Ionadab counceyled yll Ammon to deflour Thamar . lxxxxi . C. Fo. Clxxxxix That Balaam gaue yll counceyle for to make to commyt fornycacyon with the chyldren of ysraell / for there were .xxiiii. thousande brent with the fyre that descended from heuen . lxxxx . D Fo. Clxxxxviii That a wytche counceyled yll Theophyle to renye god . lviii . B Fo. Cxliii That kinge Ezechyas sought counceyle of the deuyll / & his messagers were brent with the fyre celestyall . lx . G Fo. Cxlvi Of a man that gaue yll counceyle to martyr the crysten men / & that counceyle redounded fyrst on hymselfe . lviii . F Fo. Cxliiii That the yonge men counceyled yll the kynge Roboam to gyue proude answere to the chyldren of ysrael . lxxxxix . M Fo. CCxiii Adulterium . Examples of aduoutry . That a woman vsed her lyfe in lecheryes and glotonyes / and her husbande was vnto the contrary the whiche lyued ryght sobrely . lxxxxii . A Fo. CC Of the dampnacion of a burgeys aduoutrer & of a woman wedded . lxxxxii . B Fo. CCi Of an aduoutrer that deuyls posseded at the chyrche dore . lxxxxii . C Fo. CCi Of an aduoutresse dampned that two dragons tourmented . lxxxxii . D Fo. CCi Of the payne of a man that knewe the wyfe of his neyghbour . lxxxxii . E Fo. CCi That a man sawe a woman payned for her aduoutry . lxxxxii . F Fo. CCi Of a yonge man that synned with his wyfe maryed . lxxxxii . G Fo. CCi That .ii. aduoutresses bet eche other for a pyece of clothe . lxxxxii . H Fo. CCi That a quene rode on Arystotle that was a grete clerke . lxxxxii . I Fo. CCii That Dauyd commytted aduoutry and homycyde . lxxvii . E Fo. Clxxvi Of a woman aduoutresse that bare an hote yren . lxxxxii . K Fo. CCii Deccatum in matrimonio . That in the solempnyte a man sholde abstayne fro his wyfe . lxxxxiii . A Fo. CCii That the chyldren of a man and of a woman might not haue baptym for the synne the whiche they commytted togyder in maryage . lxxxxiii . B Fo. CCii That a woman chylded .ix. chyldren at a burden . lxxxxiii . C Fo. CCii Of this mater .iiii. examples ben wryten in the floure of the commaundementes of god . xxxvi . e / f / g / h / i / . Fo. lxxxvii Sacrilegium . Examples of lecherous people of the chyrche . That a preest that was a fornycatoure deyed sodaynly . lxxxxiii . D Fo. CCiii That two relygyous were lecherous appostates . lxxxxiii . E Fo. CCiii Of the dampnacyon of a nonne that commytted lechery . lxxxxiii . F Fo. CCiii Of two lecherous prestes Iuges that coueyted Susanne . lxxxxvi . C Fo. CCvii That the deuyll charged a woman to do lechery with prestes . lxv . F Fo. Clvii That a relygious appostate & lecherous had mercy in requyrynge the sone of the vyrgyn mary on crystmas day . Cxiiii . A Fo. ccxliiii That a pylgrym sawe a preste caste in the pytte of hell . lxxxxiii . G Fo. CCiii Of the punycyon of two prestes the whiche receyued theyr creatour & redemptour in synne . xxxvii . E Fo. lxxxx Of a relygyous woman dampned that was a grete almeswoman in her lyfe / but she conceyued a chylde and secretely dyde sle it . lxxxxiii . H Fo. CCiii Of the terryble Iugement and horryble punycyon that was doone of an archebysshop named Vdo a grete harlot & of cursed lyfe . Cvi . D Fo. CCxxviii Of a relygyous that couered his handes of drede to touche his moder in goynge ouer a water . xxxvii . F Fo. lxxxx Castitas et bonitas That a vyrgyn sawe a preste clere & fayre in syngynge masse . lxxxxiiii . A Fo. CCiiii That two relygyous vyrgyns were fro crystmas tyl the day of saynt Iohn baptyst in spekynge of god & wende to haue be there but two houres . lxxxxiiii . B Fo. CCiiii Other examples . xxxviii . E Fo. lxxxii That a bysshop chast and pure sawe on ester day some confessed the which were blacke & other whyte . lxxxxiiii . C Fo. CCiiii Other examples . xxxvii . F Fo. lxxxx Peccatum sodomyticum . Examples of the synne of sodomye . Of the lechery and meruaylous punycyon of Sodom . lxxxxv . A Fo. CCv Of the warre and slaughter that was made vpon the sodomytes Beniamyn for the lechery that they commytted in the wyfe of Leuyte pylgrym . lxxxxv . B Fo. CCv Of a man the whiche haunted his wyfe sodomytly . lxxxxv . C Fo. CCvi That a sodomytyke deyed Impenytent & dyspeyred that sayd that he sawe hell / the tourments & the deuyls . lxxxxv . D Fo. CCvi That a woman sodomytyke was vnburyed horrybly . lxxxxvi . E Fo. CCvi That the deuylles haue horroure of the synne of sodomye . lxxxxv . F Fo. CCvi

Octauum preceptum .

Testimonium . Examples of fals wytnessynge . OF a crystyen that forsware hym cauteloussion the auter of saynt Nycolas . lxxxxvi . A Fo. ccvi That they the whiche kept the tombe of Ihesu cryst toke money for to wytnes fals that the dysciples had stolen the body by nyght . lxxxxvi . b. Fo. CCvi Of the fals wytnessynge that two auncyent prestes made agaynst Susanne & yl came vnto them . lxxxxvi . C Fo. CCvii That the kynge Achab & Iesabell made to make fals wytnesses agaynst the good man Naboth for to slee him and to possede his vyneyarde . lxxvi . B Fo. Clxxiii Periurium . Examples of periurynge . Of thre persones the whiche forsware them in imposynge fals cryme vpon a patryarke . lxxxxvii . A Fo. CCvii Of a man that forsware hym & myght not withdrawe his hande . lxxxxvii . B Fo. CCvii Of a man that wolde forswere hym for money lende . lxxxxvi . C Fo. CCviii Of two men the whiche forsware them and the one was mesell and the other was seke of the fyre of saynt Anthony by dyuyne suffraunce . lxxxxvii D Fo. CCviii Of a kynge & of many of his people the whiche forsware theym and they deyed sodaynly . lxxxxvii . E Fo. CCviii Of maryners the whiche forswore them of drede for to gyue of almesse vnto a poore man . lxxxxvii . F Fo. CCviii Of hym the whiche constreyned a man to swere and knewe well that he sholde be forsworne lxxxxvii . G Fo. CCviii Of a earle that gaue vnto the deuyl that the he hadde to ete whan two clerkes him demaunded almesse . lxxxxvii . H Fo. CCviii Of a frere deane of Coleyne the whiche forsware hym for money that had be lende to hym . lxxxii . C Fo. Clxxxxiiii Mendatium Examples of lyenge / and it is to be noted that al fals wytnesses and periuryes ben lyes . That the holy saynt Iherom was belyed before god / the whiche commaunded that he were beten / and af er the sayd Iherom dyde penaunce . lxxxxviii . A Fo. CCix That two marchauntes sayd vnto theyr curate that they coude nothynge sell without lyenge & swerynge . lxxxxix . K Fo. CCxii That the deuyll lyed vnto a noble man to deceyue him at his dethe . lx. B Fo. Cxlv That the deuyll lyed vnto our fyrst moder Eue. liiii . A Fo. Cxxxiii Of a doughter the whiche dyde make a lye . lxxxxi . A Fo. Clxxxxviii That the yonge man that made a lye vnto Dauyd was slayne / for he sayd that he hadde slayne Saul & had not . lxviii . B Fo. lxxviii Another example . lxxxxvii . A Fo. CCvii Detractio Examples of detraccyon . Of some relygyous the whiche made detraccyon of theyr broder the whiche was in deyenge . lxxxxviii . B Fo. CCix Of a detractour dampned for his detraccyons . lxxxxviii . C Fo. CCix Of a detractour that had his tongue amonge todes . lxxxxviii . D Fo. CCix Of a detractour that bote hymselve & wasted his tongue . lxxxxviii . E Fo. CCx Of a good fader that slepte whan herde detraccyon . lxxxxviii F Fo. CCx That one deed apered to a knyght as he detracted hym . lxxxxviii . G Fo. CCx Of .iii. detractours that imposed fals cryme to a patryarke . lxxxxvii . Fo. CCviii Derisio Examples of derysyon . That yll came vnto a boucher the which mocked the holy asshes and vngreaced his tethe to drynke at the tauerne whan other were at masse . lxvii . F Fo. Clx That yll came to Cham that mocked his fader Noe. lxx . G Fo. Clxiiii Of a rybaude the whiche mocked his felawe for that / that he yode to here a predycacyon . lv. A Fo. Cxxxvi Murmuratio Examples of murmure That Chore / Dathan / and Abyron / and CCl. men descended in to hell all quycke hosed & shodde for that they murmured agaynst god & Moyses . liiii . H Fo. Cxxxix Another example in eodem loco . Of a fr●xe the whiche was punysshed dyuynely for that that he murmured agaynst god . liiii . I Fo. Cxxxix That an hermyte murmured ayest god for his diuyne Iugements . Cvi . b. Fo. ccxxvi Loqui Examples of euyll spekers . Of a man full of bate & dyscorde the whiche sayd at his dethe that all those that he troubled apposed agaynst him & enforced them to sle hym . lxxxxix . A Fo. Cx Of a lady full of wrathe that cursed her mayden . lxxxxix . B Fo. Cx Of hym that sayd to his seruaunt vnhose me deuyll / and incontynent the deuyl vnhosed hym . lxxxxix . C Fo. Cxi Of a man that sayd to his wyfe / goo in the deuylles name . lxxxxix . D Fo. Cxi Of a woman that put diuysyon in good maryage . lxxxxix . E Fo. Cxi Of a woman that cursed her .x. chyldren and they trembled incontynent of punycion dyuyne . lxxiii . E Fo. Clxx That saynt Bryce sawe the deuyll that wrote the euyll wordes that men spake in the chyrche . lxv . E Fo. Clvii Of a woman that had the vpper parte of her body brent in the chyrche after her dethe for her cursed tongue . lxxxxix . F Fo. Cxi Of a man dampned of whome Lucyfer demaunded a songe for them that he had songen in the worlde . Cvii . D Fo. CCxxxi Of a knyght that spake horcely for that that he gloryfyed him in syngynge swete lecherous wordes . lxxxxi . B Fo. Clxxxxix Of an aduocate the whiche loste his tongue in his dethe / for that he had habounded in yll languages . lxxxxix . G Fo. Cxii That the aungelles ben presente whan men speke good wordes / & whan euyll wordes ben spoken the deuylles ben alway present . lxxxxix . H Fo. Cxii That a knyght abstayned him fro spekynge to fle yll wordes . Ciiii. D Fo. CCxxvi Of a man that solde his soule & the deuyll bare it away . lxxi . K Fo. Clxvii Audire . Examples of them the herken yl wordes : That the syster of saynt Damyen was tourmented for that that she had taken pleasure to here songes . lxxxxix . I Fo. CCxii That a bysshop was tourmented in purgatory for that / that he herde the detraccyons of his clerke . lxxxxix . L. Fo. CCxiii Of a man tourmented in hell for his vayne songes that he hadde vsed in the worlde folysshely . Cvii . D Fo. CCxxxi Of a woman dampned that had arowes within her eeres / for that / that she herde folysshe wordes . lxxxx . A Fo. Clxxxxvi

Nonum preceptum et decimum

Cogitatio mala . Examples vpon the .ix. and .x. commaundement of god . THat Lucrece coueyted to haue & to possede the herytage of saynt Beatryce : & the deuyl posseded & slewe hym . lxxvii . A Fo. Clxxv That a grete almesse woman was dampned for the wyll that she had to commyt lechery . C. A Fo. CCxiii That Arystotle synned whan he coueyted & prayed the quene to commyt lechery / albeit that he performed not the operacyon outwarde . lxxxxii . I Fo. CCii That a woman brake this commaundement whan she desyred and prayed a clerke to vse of his enbracynges C. B Fo. CCxiiii That a noble woman brake this commaundement whan she desyred her porter of lechery though that she dyde nothynge / for he wolde not consent . C. C Fo. CCxiiii That the auncyents the whiche coueyted Susanne brake this commaundement albeit that they dyde nothynge as they purposed . lxxxxvi . C Fo. CCvii Of a frere that delyted him in thoughtes of fornycacyon without resystynge & therfore his aungel was sory & the orayson of an holy fader the whiche prayed for him was not exalted . C. D Fo. CCxiiii That the deuyll had slayne a yongman replete with yll thoughtes yf god had not ayded hym . Cxv. F Fo. CCxlvii Of a monke vnto whom god sent breed good & fayre / & after that he had lecherous thoughtes & elacyon he loste the sayd good breed . Ci. A Fo. CCxv Of a frere that was tempted in his thought of the spyryte of fornycacyon and god suffred that he sawe it in the lykenesse of a woman . Ci. B Fo. CCxvi That incontynent that a man hadde of yll thoughtes in walkynge the deuyll felowshypped with hym & after that he was confessed the deuyll knewe him not . Ci. C Fo. CCxvi That it behoueth to yelde accompt at the daye of the Iugement of euyll thoughtes Ci. D. Fo. CCxvi . & . Cviii. D. Fo. CCxxxii Cogitatio bona Examples of good thoughtes That a frere wanne .vii. crownes on a nyght for resystynge agaynst yll thoughtes & temptacyons . Cii . A Fo. CCxv● That a relygyous apostate repeated him it appereth that the wyll is reputed for the dede . Cii . B. Fo. CCxvii Another example . Cxv. F Fo. CCxlvii That a thefe came vnto an hermyte in good wyll to amende hym the whiche hermyte dyspraysed hym / & a tree slewe hym & he went to heuen . Cii . C Fo. CCxvii Penitentia Of Theophyle the which was saued by penaunce . lviii . B Fo. Cxliii Of the penaunce of a monke that had renyed god . lviii . C Fo. Cxliii Of the penaunce of a bysshoppe that renyed god . lviii . D Fo. Cxliii Of a man that gaue hymselfe to the deuyll to th ende to be enryched / and after he was saued by penaunce . lx . H Fo. Cxlvii Of two relygyous men the whiche were apostates and harlottes and after saued by penaunce . lxxxxiii . E Fo. CCiii That the prynce of theues that saynt Iohn conuerted was saued by penaunce and correccyon . lxxiiii . E Fo. Clxxi That of theues were reuoked to doo penaunce & made restytucyon by the pacyence of an olde fader . lxxxxii . H. I Fo. Clxxxv That theues repented them and dyde penaunce by that an holy man made to kepe his dore with dragons . liii . C Fo. Cxxxi Of hym the whiche wanne his broder that was fallen in fornycacyon in doynge penaunce for hym . lxxv . F Fo. Clxxxiii The goodnes that penaunce & the other sacramentes done shall be founde in the floure of the commaundementes of god in the nombre . viii . B. &c. Fo. xviii That a man sholde do of good dedes in his lyuynge without to trust his frendes after his dethe . lxxii . A b / c / d / e / f. Fo. Clxvii Contritio Examples of contrycyon Of a synner that repented hym at a predycacyon & at euery teere that he wept he brake a lynke of the chayne that he had about his necke . lv. A Fo. Cxxxvi Of the contrycyon & correccyon of a relygyous ha●lot . Cxiii . A Fo. CCxliii Of a thefe that repented hym & was saued by contrycyon . Cii . C Fo. CCxvii That by contrycyon a relygyous apostate was saued . Cii . B Fo. CCxvii That a woman the whiche renyed her faythe & slewe her chylde was saued by the grete contrycyon that she had / & for beynge in wyll to confesse her . lx . I Fo. Cxlvii Of a doughter that slewe her fader / and her moder & had mercy by contrycyon and confessyon . lxxvii . D Fo. Clxxvi Of the correccyon of a man of grose conscyence . lv. B Fo. Cxxxvi That a woman vnto whome the deuyll gaue in charge .iiii. thynges was saued by grete contrycion & her sone dyde penaunce for her . lxv . F Fo. Clvii Confessio . Examples of confessyon . That by detaute to confesse one synne the doughter of a kynge was dampned the whiche hadde be a grete gyuer of almesses to the poores . lxxxxiii . H Fo. CCiii That a woman a gyuer of almesse was dampned by defaute to confesse one lecherous thought . C. A Fo. CCxiiii That a woman was dampned for that she ne made hole confessyon . lxxxx . A Fo. clxxxxvi That a woman a giuer of almesse that slewe two of her chyldren was dampned by defaut of confessyon . lxxxxii D Fo. CCi Another example . Cxxii . D Fo. CClvi That a man and a woman were dampned for that / that theyr confessyon at the dethe was made without charite & good purpose And that a woman synner was saued for that that her confessyon was salutary and wel made . lxxxxii . B Fo. CCi That a bysshop saw on Eester day some men confessed / of the whiche some were all blacke and some whyte the whiche denoteth that all they that go to confessyon be not in the state of grace . lxxxxiiii . C Fo. CCiiii That a blacke man bounde with a grete te chayne of yren went to confession and he came agayne more strongely bounde & blacker than before . Cii . Z Fo. CCxxiii That confessyon is the thynge that noyeth the deuyll moost . Cii . & Fo. CCxxiii That the deuyl knewe not a man after his confessyon . Ci. C Fo. CCxvi Another example lyke . lxxxxv . f. Fo. ccxlvii Another example . Cxxiii . F Fo. CClvii Of a myller dampned that wolde not confesse hym at his dethe . Cx. A Fo. CCxxx Of a clerke dampned for lacke of confessyon / the which yode to the tauerne to play & to drynke . &c. whan he sholde haue be at the masse . lxvii . D Fo Clix Of an vsurer that confessed him & restored at his dethe . lxxxvii . F Fo Clxxxxiii Of a detractour dampned that contempned to confesse hym at his dethe & yet he was warned . lxxxxviii . C Fo. CC●x Of a woman that bare an hote yren in her hande without hauynge yll after her confessyon and after that she retorned to synne was brente . lxxxxii . K Fo. CCii Eucharistia . Examples of the sacrament of the auter . Of an abbot that sayd that the hostye consacred was not the body of Ihesu cryst but that it was his fygure . lxxxxii . D Fo. CCxviii That Iudas receyued his creatour in mortall synne and euyll dyde come vnto hym therfore . Cii . E Fo. CCxix Of a woman that laughed whan saynt Gregrory admynystred vnto her on Eester daye the whiche was incredule towarde the holy sacrament . Cii . F Fo. CCxix Of a woman that put the body god before hogges . Cii . L Fo. CCxx Of a mayden that shed the body of god vp on colwortes . Cii . M Fo. CCxx That the vyrgyn Marye & many other vyrgyns the whiche were at the dethe of a wydowe yode on knees and worshypped the body of our lorde whan it was brought to her . Cv. A Fo. CCxxvii That the hony bees made to the body of our lorde a chapell & and an auter in doynge hym honoure . Cii . O Fo. CCxxi That a hors / an oxe / and an asse knewe Ihesu cryst in the sacrament and honoured hym . Cii . I Fo. CCxx Of the hors of a Iewe the whiche knewe Iesu cryst in the sacrament of the eucharystye . Cii . K Fo. CCxx That the oxes knewe Ihesu cryst in the felde . Cii . N Fo. CCxx Of a chylde of .ix. yeres the was admynystred at his dethe . Cxxiii . A Fo. CClvi Of the sone of a Iewe the whiche was preserued from brennynge for that / that he hadde receyued the body of our lorde Ihesu cryst . Cii . P Fo. CCxxi Of a man hanged the whiche might not deye tyll that he hadde receyued his creatoure . Cxiiii . C Fo. CCxlv That a vyrgyn sawe a preste replenysshed with grete clerenesse & beaute in syngynge masse . lxxxxiiii . A Fo. CCiiii That a bysshop sawe on eester day some men confessed the whiche were blacke & the other whyte . lxxxxiiii C Fo. CCiiii Of a holy fader the whiche withdrewe the synners from receyuynge theyr creatour in mortall synne . Cii . S Fo. CCxx Of the punycyon of the relygyous of saynt Bernarde that receyued his creatour in mortall synne . Cii . R Fo. CCxx Of the punycyon of two prestes the whiche dyde receyue theyr creatour in mortall synne . xxxvii . E Fo. lxxxx Of an euyl preste synner the whiche receyued the body of Ihesu cryst with grete dyffyculte . Cii . G Fo. CCxix Of a preste fornycatour that deye sodaynly as he preprayred hym to synge the masse at the auter . lxxxxiii D Fo. CCiii Of the punycyon of a curyal that knewe lecherously a yonge doughter the nyght of Eester . lxxxx . C Fo. Clxxxxvii That the daye of Eester the body of our lorde lept out of the mouthe of a man / and he myght not receyue it for that / that he hadde knowen his wyfe on the vygyll of the sayd Eester . lxxxiii . A Fo. CCii Another example . lxxxxii . G Fo. CCi That the seruaunt that had stolen his maysters fygges myght not receyue our lorde of saynt Thomas . lxxxi . B Fo. Clxxxi That a woman that wolde haue hanged her selfe was delyuered in herynge them rynge to a sacrynge . lxv . B Fo. Clvi That the deuyls kept an heretyke from brennynge / but whan the body of Iesu cryst was brought they myght noo longer kepe hym . lix . A Fo. Cxliiii Of a man that wolde not leue his synne & came to receyue his creatour agaynst the defence of the preste . Cii . Q Fo. CCxx That a woman appered to a preste in syngynge masse . lxxxx . C Fo. Clxxxxvii Of the punycyon of some the whiche retourned vnto theyr glotonyes and synnes after Eester . Cii . T Fo. CCxxii Another example . lxxix . C Fo. Clxxxxv Of a man the which was delyuered fro the paynes of purgatory by the saynge of thre masses . Cii . V Fo. CCxxii Of a frere the whiche sholde haue be .xv. yeres in purgatory / & he was delyuered by one masse Cii . x Fo. CCxxii That one of the relygyous of saynt Gregory was delyuered fro purgatory by .xxx. masses . lxxxii . E Fo. Clxxxiiii Perditio bonorum . Examples of them that deye in mortal synne dampne themselfe / lose paradyse and al goode spyrytualles as vnto the soule . In lykewyse as the water departeth fro the broken pot euen so dooth all the vertues of a man by mortall synne . Cii . Y. Fo. CCxxiii Another example that the aungell sayd to a vyrgyn / chaste / deuout / almesgyuer / and charytable that she myght not be saued but yf she had pacyence / for the synne of yre reygned in her . lxxxxix . B Fo. CCx Of the doughter of a kynge a grete almesgyuer the which was dampned for one mortall synne . lxxxxiii . H Fo. CCiii That a woman a gyuer of almesse was dampned for the delyberacyon of wyl to do lechery . C. A Fo. CCxiii Of a woman gyuer of almesse dampned that slewe .ii. chyldren . lxxxxii . D Fo. CCi That a woman the which fasted & excercysed her in oraysons & good operacyons was dampned for kepynge of yre without wyll to pardon . lxxviii . D Fo. Clxxviii That a monke lost the breed celestyall after that he had done synne . Ci. A Fo. CCxv That a yonge man the which had lyued lowably ynough in Innocence vyrgynall was dampned and lost by cōmytynge mortall synne . lxvii . D Fo. Clix That the sone of a ryche man that serued god in fastynges / orayson / & in good operacyons was dampned for kepynge yre in his herte & wolde be auenged . lxxix . A Fo. Clxxviii That an erle was dampned for an herytage yll wtholden though that he had done good operacyons . lxxxii . A Fo. Clxxxiii Finis iniquorum est peccatum . Examples of mortal synne the whiche is the lyne wherby the deuylles holdeth synners That the deuylles helde a man bounden with a chayne and ledde hym with grete so lace & Ioye . Cii . Z Fo. CCxxiii That saynt Bernarde sawe a synner that had a chayne about his necke the whiche had mo than an . C. lynkes / & at euery teere that he wept there fell a lynke . lv. A Fo. Cxxxvi That the deuyll sayd to a doctour that a man beynge in synne is so bounde that he ne may do ony operacyon the whiche to him is merytoryous . Cii . & Fo. CCxxiii That saynt Anthony sawe the worlde ful of the deuyls nettes . Cii . r Fo. Cxxiii That a monke sawe of ryche men hanged within the fyre of hell / hanged that is to say by the lyne of the deuyll . lxxxiiii . D Fo. Clxxxviii Of a woman dampned bounde with chaynes in a basket . lxxxx . C Fo. Clxxxxvii Of some auarycyous vsurers hanged in the fyre of hell . lxxxvi . A Fo. Clxxxxi That foure men were hanged in hell for that / that they dyde possede vniustly an herytage . lxxxi . G Fo. Clxxxiii Mors bonorum . Examples of some the whiche hath accomplysshed the wyll & commaundement of god hath deyed of good dethe & hath had consolacyon of god & of his sayntes . That a holy fader sawe at his dethe god & his prophetes . Ciii . A Fo. CCxxiiii That the sayntes of paradyse and the angelles & god came vnto the dethe of an holy fader . Ciii . B Fo. CCxxiiii That a woman sawe Ihesu cryst at her dethe . Ciii . C Fo. CCxxiiii That a frere shewed Iesu cryst with his fynger in syngynge . Ciii . D Fo. CCxxiiii That a holy bysshop was conforted with sayntes at his dethe . Ciii . E Fo. CCxxv That sayntes conforted an holy bysshop at his deche . Ciii . F Fo. CCxxv That saynt Peter conforted a mayden named Gelyne . Ciii . G Fo. CCxxv That a preste that fledde the company of a woman was conforted at the dethe of the sayntes of paradyse . Ciiii. A Fo. CCxxv That by the good correccyon the whiche was done vnto a chylde he fynysshed well his dayes . lxxiiii . B Fo. Clxx That a frere went to heuen as swyftly as an arowe . Ciiii. B Fo. CCxxvi Of the dethe of a pylgryme that was conforted of angelles of paradyse / & of the dethe of a synner . Ciiii. C Fo. CCxxvi That a knyght sawe the dethe of an yll man that the deuylles tourmented . And also he sawe the dethe of a good man that angelles bare to heuen . Ciiii. D Fo. CCxxvi Of an holy fader that deyed in the drede of god . Ciiii. E Fo. CCxxvi Of a pryour relygyous the whiche sayd that he deyed lawfully / faythfully / amyably & Ioyously . Ciiii. F Fo. CCxxvii Examples of the inestymable Ioyes of paradyse . xlvii b / c / d. Fo. Cxix Of a monke the which was chosen to be bysshop and he refused it / and after deyed well . Ciiii. G Fo. CCxxvii Examples of the dethe of many holy persones of the whiche the byble maketh mencyon . Ciiii. H Fo. CCxxvii Mors malorum . Examples of some the whiche hath not wylled to accomplysshe the commaundementes of god & they ben deed of euyll dethe in paynes and dolours . That the deuyll drewe the soule from the body of a cursed riche man with a hoke & a woman wydowe was conforted of our lady & other vyrgyns . Cv. A Fo. CCxxvii Of a monke ypocryte that eate secretely & fayned to fast / and the dragon infernall deuoured hym . Cv. C That the deuylles gate the soule of an ypocryte with an hoke . Ciiii. C Fo. CCxxvi That a knyght sawe that the deuyls take a yll mannes soule . Ciiii. D Fo. CCxxvi Another example . Cvii . D Fo. CCxxxi Another example . lxxxxiii . H Fo. CCiii That Cayn was cursed of god & deyed impenytent . lxxvi . A Fo. Clxxiiii That the pyllars of sodom deyed impenytentes . lxxxxv . A Fo. CCv That Chore / Dathan / and Abyron impenytences descended all quycke in to the helles . liiii . H Fo. Cxxxix That Absolon impenytent deyed myscheuously . lxx . A Fo. Clxiii That the harlot Iesabell was caste by a wyndowe / defouled with horses / and eten with dogges . lxxvi . B Fo. Clxxiii Of the dethe of iudas . Cii . E Fo. CCxix Of the dethe of pylate . lxxvi . F Fo. Clxxv That a sodomityke deyed impenytent & dyspayred & sayd that he sawe hell the tourmentes and deuylles . Cv. B Fo. CCxxviii Of a ryche man . lxxxxiiiii . A Fo. Clxxxvi Examples that many ydolatres deyed myscheuously . lvii . c / d / e / f / g. Fo. Cxli Of a player blasphemer that the deuyll dyde slee . lxii . G Fo. Cl That Lucrece ended his dayes myscheuously . lxxvii . A Fo. Clxxv Of the horryble dethe of a cursed vsurer . lxxxvi . D Fo. Clxxxxi Iudicia dei . Example that a monke requyred of god that he myght se his secrete Iugementes the whiche sawe them and knowleged that they ben ryght dyffycyle and harde for to knowe . Cvi . A That an holy bysshop named Fortyn was punysshed by the Iugement of god for that / that he receyued a vestement of a ryche vsurer . Cvi . C Fo. CCxxvii That an hermite murmured ayenst god for his dyuers iugementes Cvi . B Iuditium . Examples of the Iugement . Of the Iugement of many persones the whiche had done the werkes of mercy . Of a man that was mercyfull and lyued voluptuously . Cxxii . D Fo. CClvi Of a relygyous that was at his dethe in Iugement before god of whome he was demaunded accompt of all that he had done and sayd . Cxxii . E Fo. CClvi That the deuyl accused before god in iugement one of the relygyous of saynt Gregory that was at his dethe . lxxxviii . B Fo. CCix That the deuylles put in balaunce all the euylles that the ryche Peter had done / and the good put a barly lofe on the other syde of the balaunce . xliii . C Fo. Cii That saynt Iherom was beten in Iugement before god . lxxxxviii . A Fo. CCix Of .iii. deed men reysed that were put in Iugement before god . Cviii. D Fo. CCxxxii That the deuylles accused in Iugement before god a chylde the whiche had stolen but onely an halfpeny from his cosyn germayne . lxxx . D Fo. Clxxxi That a ryche man vnmercyfull was cyted in Iugement before god & there was iuged to dethe etnall . lxxxiiii . C Fo. Clxxxviii That a ryche sone sayd at his dethe that he was sentenced . Cv. B Fo. CCxxvi Of the Iugement of a detractour dampned . lxxxxviii . C Fo. CCix Of the vehement Iugement of a dronken smyth . lxvii . C Fo. Clix That a seruaunt sawe his mayster in iugement before god . Cviii. D Fo. CCxxxi That a relygyous was presented in Iugement before god and retrayed from glory for an half peny the whiche he dyde owe to a passage . lxxxviii . D Fo. Clxxxviii Of a man letygyous and full of debate the whiche spake at his dethe of his Iugement and sayd that all those the whiche he hadde troubled apposed strongely agaynst hym . lxxxxix . A. Fo. CCx Of a man presented in Iugement before god / of whome the Iuge demaunded the reason wherfore he hadde made a man to swere syth that he knewe well that he sholde be forsworne . lxxxxvii . G Fo. CCviii That our lady delyuered a lecherous clerke fro dampnacyon . Cxxi . B Fo. CClv That the gloryous vyrgyn Marye and saynt Peter delyuered a monke from damnacyon . Cxxi . C Fo. CClv That a yonge man the whiche accomplysshed not his vowe was borne in Iugement before god . lxiii . H Fo Cliii Another example of a preste that was Iuged . lxiii . I Fo. Cliii That a cursed bysshop was cyted in iugement before god . lxxxv . I Fo. Clxxxx That a chanone was accused in Iugement before our lorde god of the patron of the chyrche . lxxxv . K Fo. Clxxxx Of the Iugement and of the horryble & terryble punycion that was done of an archbysshop named Vdo . Cvi . D Fo. CCxxviii Peni inferni . Examples of the paynes of hell . Of a fader of housholde the whiche sawe two pondes and the tourmentes that ben in hell . Cvii . A Fo. CCxxx Of a fader & his sone dampned that brente in hell . lxxiii . A Fo. Clxviii That the dampned ben punysshed within the fyre of hell . lvii . A Fo. Cxl That the cursed Dyues is punysshed in the fyre of hell . lxxxiiii . A Fo. Clxxxvii That a monke sawe ryche men hanged in the fyre of hell . lxxxiiii . D Fo. Clxxxviii That a woman was dampned & punysshed terrybly in hell for many synnes that she had commytted . lxxxx . A Fo. Clxxxxvi Of a woman dampned the whiche shewed vnto the worlde her brestes & aourned her heed . lxxxx . C Fo. Clxxxxvii Of a woman aduoutresse and dronken dampned . lxxxxii . A Fo. CC Of a burgeys and of an aduoutrer dampned . lxxxxii . B Fo. CCi That a woman dampned was tourmented with two dragons . lxxxxii . D Fo. CCi Of an other woman that was also dampned . lxxxxii . F Fo. CCi Of the dampnacyon of a woman for an yll thought . C. A Fo. CCxiii Of a nonne dampned . lxxxxiii . F Fo. CCiii Of the thre Herodes that were hanged in hell . lxxvi . E Fo. Clxxiiii Of some auarycyous vsurers hanged in hell . lxxxvi . A Fo. Clxxxxi That four men were hanged in hell for that / that they posseded falsely an other mannes herytage . lxxxi . C Fo. Clxxxiii That an erle and many of his lygnage were dampned & punysshed cruelly for that that they posseded an herytage iniustly the whiche hadde ben taken away from the chyrche . lxxxii . A Fo. Clxxxiii That a ryche man was put in a chayre of fyre . Cvii B Fo. CCxxxi That a man was tourmented in purgagatory for that that he vyoled the chyrcheyarde and hurte a man greuously within the same . lxxvii . F Fo. CClxxvi Foure examples of the paynes of purgatorye . lxxxviii . A / b c / d Fo. Clxxxxiii That a woman sawe the paynes of her husbande & other . Cvii . C Fo. CCxxxi Other examples . lxxxxix . I. L Fo. CCxii That a seruaunt saw his mayster ledde in to dyuers paynes . Cvii . D Fo. CCxxxi That a scoler of parys appered vnto his mayster after his dethe in grete tourment of fyre . Cviii. A Fo. CCxxxii Of two men the whiche were in paynes & were reysed by the prayers of saynt Tauryn . Cviii. C Fo. CCxxxii Of thre deed men reysed the whiche tolde of the paynes of purgatory and of hell & how they were in Iugement before almighty god . Cviii. D Fo. CCxxxii That the deuyll sayd that the soule of an erle Wyllyam was terrybly tourmented in helle . Cviii. E Fo. CCxxxiii Of a relygyous the whiche wolde more sooner entre in to the fyre of hell than to beholde the deuyll . Cviii. F Fo. CCxxxiiii That the vysyon of the deuyl is terryble & hydeous . Cix . A Fo. CCxxxiiii Of a man the whiche consydered yf after a thousande yeres the dampned sholde be delyuered fro hell . Cix . B Fo. CCxxxiiii Of the doughter of a kynge dampned in hell . lxxxxiii . H Fo. CCiii Another example . Cvi . D Fo. CCxxxv That it anoyeth to a persone to be in a base bedde without to be departynge therfro . Cix . C Fo. CCxxxv That a mayster dylycatyfe correcked hymselve in thynkynge on the wormes and paynes the whiche the vnhappy dampned soules haue . lv. C Fo. Cxxxvii Of a daunceresse that the deuylles bare in to hell & there brent her . lxviii . E Fo. Clxii Of a knyght dampned & tourmented in hell . lxxxxi . B Fo. Clxxxxix That a yonge man made hymselfe relygyous for thinkynge yf his fayre membres sholde be the pasture and mater of the fyre of hell . Cix . D Fo. CCxxxv Of the punycion of a knyght the whiche rauysshed the cowe of a poore woman wydowe / and how one deuyll bette hym more than the other . Cix . A Fo. CCxxxv Of a fader & his sone dampned & punysshed in hell . lxxiii . A Fo. Clxviii Of a man rauyssher in paynes the whiche toke the gote of a woman wydowe & dyde of grete oppressyons & dyseases to his subgectes . Cix . F Fo. CCxxxv Of the punycyon & dampnacyon of a man named Vodo . lxvii . E Fo. Clx Of a knyght that appered to his doughter in tourment . lxvii . G Fo. Clx That a pylgrym sawe a prelate caste in the fyre of hell . lxxxxiii . G Fo. CCiii That a vyrgyn was rauysshed slepynge vpon the mouthe of the pytte of hell & sawe the soules tourmented . lxiii . E Fo. Clii Another example . lxiii . F Fo. Clii That a myller was borne to se the tourmentes of hell & after was brought agayne to his body . Cx. A Fo. CCxxxv Of the clerke of a bysshop how he was dampned . lxvii . D Fo Clix That a knyght deyed & after was broughte agayne in too his body that tolde of a brydge ouer a stynkynge water where him behoued to passe . Cx. B Fo. CCxxxvi Of the vysyon of Tongdalus that suffred many paynes in purgatory and sawe of the tourmentes of helle / & after was brought to his body . Cx. B Fo. CCxxxvi Iesus . Examples of the name of Ihesus . That god delyuered a man from many perylles . Cxii . A Fo. CCxli That the deuyll was chaced fro a woman in the name of Ihesus . Cxii . B Fo. CCxli That the name of Ihesus abateth the temtacyons of the deuyll . Cxii . C Fo. CCxli That the name of Ihesus gyueth many vertues . Cxii . D Fo. CCxli That by the gloryous name of Ihesus a clerke was delyuered and a thefe was conuerted . Cxii . E Fo. CCxlii That a relygious was heled of the axes by the name of Ihesus . Cxii . F Fo. CCxlii That by the puyssaunce of the name of Ihesus a woman pardoned vnto her ennemyes . Cxii . G Fo. CCxiii That a man obstynate and hatefull pardoned his enmyes for the loue of the blyssed Ihesus . Cxii . H Fo. CCxlii That the temptacyons of the deuyl was taken away by the token of the crosse / and in the moost sacred and blyssed name of Iesus . Cxii . I Fo. CCxlii That in the namynge of Ihesus the deuyll is repelled & his temptacyons taken away . Cxii . K Fo. CCxlii Of a noble man the whiche pardoned the homycyde of his broder / and the crucyfyxe enclyned his heed vnto hym within the chyrche . Cxii . L Fo. CClii Another example . xxvii . I Fo. lxvii That Ihesu cryst wolde not pardon vnto a deed man tyl that he had demaunded pardon of his broder the whiche he hadde offended . Cxii . M Fo. CCxliii Natiuitas christi . Examples of the natyuyte of Ihesus . That a nonne the whiche habandoned her in synne had mercy in requyrynge the blyssed sone of the vyrgyn Marye the daye of crystmas . Cxiii . A Fo. CCxliii That the infancye or chyldehode of Ihesu cryst delyuered a relygyous from temptacyon . Cxiii . B Fo. CCxliii That Ihesu cryst appered vnto a woman in the lykenes & semblaunce of a ryght fayre chylde . Cxiii . C Fo. CCxliiii That two vyrgyns relygyouses were in good contemplacyon from the masse of crystenmasse daye tyll vnto the daye of the feest of saynt Iohan baptyst / and they wende that they hadde not ben there but the space of . ii houres . lxxxxiiii . B Fo. CCiiii That a vyrgyn had so grete loue & deuocion vnto the chylde of the vyrgyn Marye that they appered vnto her on the day of crystmas . lxxv . E Fo. Clxxiii Passio christi . Examples of the passyon of our lorde . That a grete synner bare the dethe in his sekenes in the remembraunce of the passion of Iesus . Cxiiii . A Fo. CCxliii Of the swetenes of the passyon of Ihesu cryst that a man had the whiche sayd .v. pater nosters . Cxiiii . B Fo. CCxliiii Of a knyght that myght not deye on the galowes for that / that he had sayd euery day thre tymes pater noster in the honour of that passyon of Ihesus . Cxiiii . C Fo. CCxlv That well came vnto a man that made mynde of the passyon of our lorde in his lyenge downe and in rysynge agayne frome his bedde Cxiiii D Fo. CCxlv Of a woman that loued the passyon of cryst that chylded & deyed on the fryday & was saued . Cxiiii . E Fo. CCxlv That the oraysons the whiche ben made in the remembraunce of the crosse & the passyon of our lorde Ihesus pleased hym gretely . Cxiiii . F Fo. CCxlv Of a frere that honoured the passyon of Ihesu cryst . Cxiiii . G Fo. CCxlvi That the passyon of Ihesus styreth to haue the vertues and to resyst agaynst the deuyll . Cxv. A Fo. CCxlvi That the sygne of the crosse was founde in a martyrs herte . Cxv. B Fo. CCxlvi That a conuers had the lyfe & passyon of Ihesu cryst for a lesson in the table whan he dyned or souped . Cxv. C Fo. CCxlvi Of a relygyous the whiche lerned thre lettres the whiche he dyde recorde often tymes . Cxv. D Fo. CCxlvi Of an abbesse that made to rede the passyon whan she deyed . Cxv. E. Fo. CCxlvii That our lorde shewed his woundes to a yonge man . Cxv. F Fo. CCxlvii That our lorde reuoked an apostate for shewynge his woundes . Cxv. G Fo. CCxlvii Of a thefe murderer that repented him / made confessyon & had to penaunce to saye a pater noster before ony crosse that he sholde fynde . Cxv. H Fo. CCxlviii Signum crucis . Examples of the tokens of the crosse . That the token of the crosse appered to the emperour Constantyne / and araysed a deed man and heled a woman that was seke . Cxvi . A Fo. CCxlvii That saynt Iustyne had vyctory & resysted agaynst the deuyll by the token of the crosse . Cxvi . B Fo. CCxlviii Of a man of warre penytent that resysted agaynst the deuyls temptacyon by the token of the crosse . Cxvi . C Fo. CCxlviii That the token of the crosse serued vnto a Iewe agaynst the deuylles that helde theyr chapytre Cxvi . D Fo. CCxlviii That a man shewed at his dethe that he had receyued the crosse and the deuyl fledde away . Cxvi . E Fo. CCxlix That well came to a man that made memory of the passyon and of the token of the crosse . Cxiiii . D Fo. CCxlv That the oraysons the whiche ben made in the remembraunce of the crosse & passyon please hym gretely . Cxiiii . F Fo. CCxlv That the sygne of the crosse was founde in a martyrs herte . Cxv. B Fo. CCxlv That a mayden dyde eate a letuse without makynge the sygne of the crosse & sheete the deuyll . lxvii . A Fo. Cxlix That a relygyous conuers dranke wyne without makynge the sygne of the crosse and agaynst his obedyence and he dranke the deuyll . lxvii . B Fo. Cxlix Aqua benedicta Examples of holy water . That the deuylles whiche were in a seke mannes hous were chased away by castynge of holy water . Cxvii . A Fo. CCxlix That the deuyll myght not entre in to a dronken mannes mouthe for a droppe of holy water that was fallen therin that same day . Cxvii . B Fo. CCxlix That as a knyght sprynkled hym with holy water the deuyll cryed that he sholde not touche hym . Cxvii . C Fo. CCxlix That whan a synner obstinate had dronken of holy water he repented & confessed hym and chaunged his lyfe from euyll to good . Cxvii . D Fo. CCxlix Maria. Examples of the gloryous vyrgyn Mary That the vyrgyn Mary delyuered an abbot and many other persones for syngynge this responce . Felix namquees / to haue her helpe . Cxviii . A Fo. CCl That ( salue regina ) auayleth for to dye well . Cxviii . B Fo. CCl That the vyrgyn Mary apeased the thonders / & tempestes of weder for sayenge of salue regina . Cxviii . C Fo. CCl That the vyrgyn Mary restored the hande of Iohan Damascene that made ( salue sancta parens . Cxviii . D Fo. CCli Of the salutacyon angelyke how a relygyous made the chapelet vnto the vyrgyn Marye . Cxix . A Fo. CCli Aue maria expounded . Cxix . b Fo. CCli Of him that knewe nothynge of good but Aue maria . Cxx. A Fo. CClii Of hym that kneled in the name of the vyrgyn Marye . Cxx. B Fo. CClii Of a moder that taught her chylde to salue the vyrgyn Mary . Cxx. C Fo. CClii That the deuyll myght not strangle a knyght for that that he saluted the vyrgyn Marye . lvi . H Fo. Cxxxix That the virgyn Marye ayded a woman that was borne slepynge vpon the pytte of hell . lxiii . E Fo. Clii That the vyrgyn Marye ayded a woman to thylde in the see of the mounte of saynt Myghell . Cxx. D Fo. CCliii That the virgyn Marye kept a paynter from harme . Cxx. E Fo. CCliii Of the good & honoure that the vyrgyn Mary dyde vnto a thefe that fasted the saterdayes in her honour and absteyned fro doynge yll . Cxx. F Fo. CCliii That a thefe beheded myght not deye with out confessyon for that / that he fasted the saterdayes in the honour of the gloryous vyrgyn Marye . Cxx. G Fo. CCliiii That the virgyn Mary ayded a thefe at his dethe for he hadde fasted on the saterday in the honour of the gloryous vyrgyn Marye . Cxx. H Fo. CCliiii That a thefe hanged myght not deye with out receyuynge the sacramentes / for he had fasted the vygylles of the gloryous vyrgyn Marye . Cxx. I Fo. CCliiii That a thefe broken myght not deye with out confessyon for he had fasted the vygylles of our lady . Cxx. K Fo. CCliiii Of a monke dyspencer that was dronke to whome the ennemy appered for to sle hym and the integrate vyrgyn Mary dyde saue hym . Cxxi . A Fo. CCliiii That our lady delyuerd a lecherous clerke from dampnacyon . Cxxi Fo. CClv That the gloryous vyrgyn Mary and saynt Peter delyuered a monke from dampnacyon . Cxxi . C Fo. CClv Of some monkes the whiche qrake theyr scylence . Cxxi . D Fo. CClv Of hym the whiche brake the armes of the chylde of the vyrgyn Mary that was choked of the deuyll . Cxxi . E Fo. CClv Of a knyght with one eye that was illumyned for that / that he smote a Iewe that had blasphemed the vyrgyn Marye . lxii . H Fo. Cli That the vyrgyn Mary was meane for Theophyle to haue pardon & saluacyon of that that he had renounced god and the sayd vyrgyn Marye . lviii . B Fo. Cxliii Of theym the whiche slewe a man in the chyrche of that vyrgyn Marye the whiche had terryble punycyon . lxxix . B Fo. Clxix That a woman that deyed in mortal synne was brought agayne in to her body for to do penaunce at the request of the gloryous vyrgyn Marye for that that the sayd woman serued her . Cxxii . A Fo. CClv How as a man sholde haue be sentenced and dampned he was delyuerd at the request of our lady & his soule was brought agayne to his body . Cxxii . B Fo. CClv That a fayre doughter pompeously clothed & wery of dauncynge on a sonday was delyuered from the deuyll that wolde haue borne her away for that / that she called the ayde of the vyrgyn Marye . lxviii . C Fo. Clxi That the vyrgyn Marye ayded a frere that was enflambed in hate ayenst the procurour of the couent . Cxxii C Fo. CClv That the vyrgyn Mary vesyted & conforted a poore woman at the dethe and assured a deaken . Cv. A Fo. CCxxv That the vyrgyn marye ayded in the Iugement of a man that was mercyfull and voluptuous . Cxxii . D Fo. CClvi Of a relygyous that was at his dethe in Iugement before god / & our lady & the sayntes ayded hym . Cxxii . E Fo. CClvi Innocentia . Examples of innocent people . Of a chylde innocent that kept the ordre of myneurs relygyous & wold take no money he lyued debonayrly & deyed in good confi●macyon . Cxxiii . A Fo. CClvi Of a scoler innocent that chased the deuyll from a mayden . Cxxiii . B Fo. CClvii That a lytel innocent gate pardon of god for an appostate . Cxxiii . C Fo. CClvii That the oraysons of chyldren innocents is moche worthe for the deed bodyes and the quycke . Cxxiii . D Fo. CClvii Of a chylde innocent that touched an hote yren . Cxxiii . E Fo. CClvii Of a woman aduoutresse that bare an hote yron in her hande without hauynge yll after true confessyon . lxxxxii . K Fo. CCii That the deuyl knewe not the synnes of a synneresse after true confessyon & sayd that she was a good woman . Cxxiii . F Fo. CClviii Virtus . Examples of vertuous people . Of the vertues of fyue holy deuoute freres . Cxxiiii . A Fo. CClvii That foure vertues were in foure holy hermytes Cxxiiii . B Fo. CClix Of the excercytees of fyue contemplatyf freres . Cxxiiii . C Fo. CClix Of the vertue of .iiii. freres . lii . g Fo. Cxxx Of foure other sortes of vertuous people . lii . H Fo. Cxxx Of a relygyous obedyent and of an abstynent . lii . I Fo. Cxxx That a man & his wyfe were semblable in merytes vnto saynt Pafuncius the holy fader . Cxxiiii . D Fo. CClix That a mynstrell was lyke in meryte to saynt Pafuncius . Cxxiiii . E Fo. CClix That a prouost & his wyfe were semblables to a● hermyte . Cxxiiii . F Fo. CClx Examples of people obedyentes . li. A / b c / d / e / f. &c. Fo. Cxxvii Examples of people charitables . lxxv . A b / c. &c. Fo. Clxxi Examples of people stedfast in & ferme in the faythe . lxi . A / b. Fo. Cxlviii Example of a nonne the whiche fayned to be a fole . lxi . C Fo. Cxlviii Of a relygyous that ceased not to be in the orayson of the psalmody . lxvi . F Fo. Cxlviii Of vyrgynyte and chastyte . lxxxxiiii . a / b / c. Fo. CCiiii . Et. xxxviii . C. Fo. lxxxxi Of a frere that wanne .vii. crownes in one nyght to resyst in his thought to the deuylles temptacyon . Cii . A Fo. CCxvi Of a relygyous the whiche bywrapped his handes to th ende that he ne sholde touche his moder . xxxvii . F Fo. lxxxx Examples of the dethe of vertuous people . Ciii . a / b / c. &c. Fo. CCxxiiii That a bysshop was .xl. yeres doynge penaunce & ne ete but fruyte . lviii . d Fo. cxliii Of the fastynges & abstynences of saynt Germayne . Cxxiiii . G Fo. CClx Of the austeryte of lyfe of two holy women . Cxxiiii . H / I / Fo. CClxi Of a monke vnto whome god sent euery day of good breed / and after that he had commytted synne he loste the sayd good breed . Ci. A Fo. CCxv

Another table .

HEre foloweth a table for to fynde lyghtly in generall all the maters wherof the examples of this boke treateth and speketh . And fyrst Of obedyence . li. A Fo. Cxxvii Of inobedyence . liiii . A Fo. Cxxx To here goddes worde . lv. A F● . Cxxxvi

Primum preceptum exempla . Examples of ydolatry . lvii . A Fo. Cxl Of apostasye . lviii . A Fo. Cxlii Of heretykes . lix . A Fo. Cxliiii Of people out of the faythe . lx. A Fo. Cxlv Of people in the faythe . lxi . A Fo. Cxlviii Of pryde . Quem ann in prīo p̄cepto ꝑ tabulam . Of humilyte ayenst pryde . lxi . C Fo. cxlviii Secundum preceptum exempla . Examples of blaspheme . lxii . A. Fo. Cxlix Of periuryes . lxiii . A Fo. Cli Of vowes . lxiii . D Fo. Clii Tertium preceptum exempla . Examples of them that hath wrought on the holy dayes . lxiiii . A Fo. Cliiii Of seruyce . lxv . A Fo. Clvi To slepe in the seruyce . lxvi . A Fo. Clviii Of slouthe . Quere in tercio p̄cepto ꝑ tabulam Of orayson . lxvi . E Fo. Clviii Of fedynge in seruyce tyme . lxvii . A. Fo. clix To hunte on the feestes . lxviii . A Fo. Clxi To daunce on the feestes . lxviii . C Fo. Clxi To playe on the feestes lxii . C / G. Fo. Cl. Et. lxvii . D Fo. Clix . Et. lxiii . B Fo. Cli Of the chyrche . lxix . A Fo. Clxii Of sepultures . lxix . B Fo. Clxii Quartum preceptum exempla . Examples of chyldren . lxx . A Fo. Clxiii Of correccyon . lxxii . A. Fo. Clxvii . Et lxxi . G Fo. Clxvi Of charyte . lxxv . A Fo Clxxi Quintum preceptum exempla . Examples of homycyde that is vniustly done . lxvi . A Fo. Clxxiiii Of homycide doutful . lxxviii . A. Fo. clxxvii Of homycyde iustly done . Cvi . c. Fo. ccxxvi Of yre . lxxviii . D Fo. Clxxviii Of impacyence & pacyence . Quem ꝑtabulā . Of hate . lxxix . A Fo. Clxxviii Sextum preceptum exempla Examples of theft . lxxx . A Fo. Clxxx Of sacrylege . lxxxii . A Fo. Clxxxiii Of tythes . lxxxiii . A Fo. Clxxxv Of rapyne . Quere in sexto p̄cepto ꝑ tabulam Of people to moche holdynge and vnmercyfull . lxxxiiii . A Fo. Clxxxvi Of mercy . Quere in sexto p̄cepto per tabulam Of symony . lxxxv . A Fo. Clxxxviii Of vsury . lxxxvi . A Fo. Clxxxxi Of restytucyon . lxxxviii . A Fo. Clxxxxiii Of excōmunycacyon . lxxxix . A. Fo. clxxxxiiii Of maledyccyon . Quere per tabulam . Septimum preceptum exempla . Examples of lechery . lxxxx . A. Fo. clxxxxvi Of defloracyon . lxxxxi . A. Fo. Clxxxxviii Of yll counceyle . lxxxxi . F Fo. CC Of aduoutry . lxxxxii . A Fo. CC Synne in maryage . lxxxxiii . A Fo. CCii Sacrylege as to lechery . lxxxxiii . d. Fo. cciii Of chastyte . lxxxxiiii . A Fo. CCiiii Of sodomye . lxxxxv . A Fo. CCv Octauum preceptum exempla . Of fals wytnesse . lxxxxvi . A Fo. CCvi Of periuryes . lxxxxvii . A Fo. CCvii Of lyers lxxxxviii . A Fo. CCix Of detractours . lxxxxviii . B Fo. CCix Of derysers . lxvii . f. Fo. clx . & .lxx. c. Fo. clxiii Of yll spekers . lxxxxix . A Fo. CCx Of yll herers . lxxxxix . I. L Fo. CCxii Nonum preceptum exempla et decimum . Of yll thoughtes . C. a / b / c. Fo. CCxiii Of good thoughtes . Cii . a / b / c. Fo. CCxvi Penitentia . Examples of penaunce . Quere ꝑ tabulam Eucharistia . Examples of the holy sacrament of the auter . Cii . D Fo. CCxvii Perditio bonorum . Examples that the synners loseth the spyrytuall goodes . Cii . Y Fo. CCxxiii Finis iniquorum est pctm̄ Examples that the mortal synnes ben lynes or bondes . Quere per tabulam . Mors bonorum Examples of the dethe of good and Iust men . Ciii . A / b / c. Fo. CCxxiiii Mors malorum Examples of the dethe of euyll and vniust men . Cv. A Fo. CCxxviii Iudicia dei . Examples of the secrete Iugementes of god . Cvi . A / b / Fo. CCxxvi Iudicium Examples of the Iugement of euery man and woman . Quere per tabulam . Peni inferni . Examples of the horryble paynes that ben in hell . Cvii . A Fo. CCxxx Iesus . Examples that this name Ihesus dooth many goodnesses . Cxii . a / b / c / d Fo. CCxli Natiuitas christi . Examples of the natyuyte of our lorde Ihesu cryst . Cxiii . a / b / c / d Fo. CCxliii Passio christi . Examples of the passyon of our lorde Ihesu cryst . Cxiiii . A / b / c. Fo. CCxliiii Signum crucis . Examples of the sygnes and token of the crosse . Cxvi . A / b / c. Fo. CCxlvii Aqua benedicta Examples of the vertues of the holy water . Cxvii . A / b. Fo. CCxlix Maria. Examples of the moost gloryous vyrgin Marye Cxviii . A / b / c. Fo. CCl Innocentia . Examples of people symples and innocentes . Cxxiii . A / b. Fo. CClvi Virtus Examples of people vertuous . Quere ibi ante per tabulam . Examples that a man sholde do of good dedes in his lyfe without abydynge his parents after his dethe . lxxii . a / b / c / d / e / f. Fo. Clxvii Finis .
The perambule and dyuysyon of this boke .
Here begynneth the perambule and dyuysion of this present boke called the floure of the commaundementes of god .

GOd the fader / the sone / and the holy goost the whiche is one seul god in trynyte whome it wyll lyke to gyue vnto vs , his loue / his grace and his mercy . And the it wolde please him to enlumyne the hertes and the thoughtes of synners the whiche wyllen repent them / correct / and amende . And who so shall studye this boke ( the whiche is named the floure of the commaundementes of god ) / for that it hath ben gadered amonge the bokes as the fayre vyolettes ben gadered amonge the rude and vyle herbes thorow out the feldes : in likewyse as a man may se by auctorytees & holy scryptures alleged & assembled for to knowe that / that god wylleth and commaundeth to th ende for to go in to lyfe eternall . And in lykewyse as the hony flyes gadren the swetenes of the lytell floures for to make the waxe or hony / or in lykewyse as men gadren the creame and the swetenes of the mylke for to haue the fatte and butter for to nourysshe the body . Euen so hath ben gadered the floures and swetnesses of the holy scryptures for to nourysshe spyrytually the soules with vertues and goodes spyrytualles in accomplysshynge the wyll of god for to haue saluacyon / and to escape dampnacyon . This boke treateth pryncypally thre thynges . The fyrst declareth that all the ten commaundementes & all the holy scryptures tenden and hangen to loue god and his neyghboure / and how god defendeth in these two thynges here all synne / and all euyll wordes / thoughtes / & operacyons / and he commaundeth al vertues & goodes espyritualles . The seconde thynge wherof this boke treateth is of the .x. commaundementes / the whiche ben declared one after another by chapitres as they ben here before in the table . The thyrde declareth some thynges moeuynge for to kepe the commaundements of god / and many thynges noysauntes vnto them the which breketh them . Moreouer the condycyons of the pylgryme of paradyse / and of the rewarde eternall of them the whiche well or yll haue accomplysshed these commaundementes . Creatures reasonable studye ye this boke / for it is moche prouffitable vnto all people as wel clerkes as seculyers / and plante ye and rote the commaundementes in your hertes as yf they were wryten in a boke and god shall gyue vnto you paradyse the whiche is a place replenysshed with Ioyes more swete than ony mylke or hony Legitur in libri moysi . Audi israel precepta domini et eain corde quasi in libro scribe / et dabo tibi terram effluentem lac et mel . &c.

B. Here foloweth the fyrst chapytre the whiche treateth in generall that it is commaunded to loue god with all his herte / & his neyghbour as hymselfe . i. c.

YF thou wylt do thy saluacyon benygnely thou shalt obey vnto god & vnto his commaundementes / as here after thou shalt here . God gyueth vnto the two commaundementes so generalles that they comprehende vnder them all that / that thou sholdest do and fle for thy saluacyon . In lykewyse as sayen the holy scryptures in many places . Vn̄ Mathei .xxii. Marci .xii. Luce .x. Et deuteronomii .vi. Diliges dominum deum tuum ex toto corde tuo / et ex tota anima tua / et ex tota mente tua / & ex tota virtute tua / & hoc estmaximum primum mandatum . Secundum autem simile est huic . Diliges proximum tuum sicut teipsum . In hus duobus mandatis vniuersa lex pendet et prophete . That is to say . It is commaunded the that thou loue thy lorde god with all thy herte / with all thy soule / with all thy thought / and with al thy strength / that is to vnderstande more than all thynges / and aboue al thynges This here is the gretest commaundement and the fyrst . For it is of the dyleccyon vnto god the whiche comprehendeth the thre fyrst commaundementes : and the thre vertues theologalles / the whiche ben faythe / hope / and charyte The seconde commaundement is semblable vnto that / for is dylection the whiche gyueth them charge that thou loue thy neyghbour as thy selfe . This dyleccyon comprehendeth vnder it the seuen last commaundementes / all the werkes of mercy / and the foure vertues cardynalles the whiche ben Prudence / attempraunce / Iustyce / and force . In these two commaundements before sayd to loue god and his neyghbour all the lawe hangeth & the prophetes . For to vnderstande ryght shortly all the fayth / all the .x. commaundementes of god / and all the scryptures of the auncyent testament and of the newe / and all that / that the prophetes and sayntes of paradyse hath spoken vnto vs and wryten for the helthe of our soules / it is a thynge certayne that all tendeth and hangeth in the ende and conclusyon for to loue god and his neyghbour as it is sayd . Saynt Poule sayeth ad romanos .xiii. Dilectio ꝓximi malum non operatur / plenitudo legis est dilectio . The dyleccyon of thy neyghbour dooth none yll / the fulfyllynge of the lawe is dyleccyon . And therfore retayne wele in thy mynde these two commaundementes and them accomplysshe from poynt to poynt / in operacyon / in worde / and in thought / & thou shalte do none yll / but thou shalt accomplysshe all goodnes / and thou shalt be saued .

C. The seconde chapytre assygneth .v. reasons wherfore a man shold loue god with all his herte aboue all thynges .

IT is wryten in the .xiiii. chapytre of the gospelles of saynt Iohn that our sauyour & redemptour Ihesus sayd vnto his dysciples Qui habꝪ mandata mea & seruat ea●le est qui diligit me . That is to saye after the exposytoure . He the whiche hathe my commaundements in the ere to here them and in the herte for to thynke them / and in the mouthe for to teche theym / and in the mynde and volunte to kepe theym and to accomplysshe in operacion / he it is whiche loueth me . Many 〈…〉 shold moeue vs to loue god with all our hertes & obey vnto his commaundementes more soner than to all thynges . D. Fyrst it is good reason to loue hym with all our herte for the goodnes infynyte the whiche is in hym and the whiche of hym procedeth / the whiche is so grete that it is innombrable . That is saye that he hath soo many that a manne can finde th ende . Also it is good reason to loue hym / for he hath loued vs more than all the creatures that he hath made and create in this worlde / the whiche he hath all create for to serue vs . Whan god made & create the heuen and the erthe / the sonne and the moone / the sterres / the fyrmament : the elementes / and all the beestes eche of them in his kynde / and all the byrdes euery of them in his gree / he them made for his honour & for to serue vs and to gouerne / and without them wene may lyue . Albeit of all the creatures that he hath create in this worlde hene hath made none vnto his semblaunce and vnto his ymage to be in his company eternally but man and woman and the aungelles . And for as moche as he hath loued vs more than all the operacyons that he hath create and for the goodnes infynytethe whiche is in him as it is sayd it is good reason that we loue hym aboue all thinges with al our thought Example . We rede that the sonne of a ryche man loued in his youthe the vanytees of the worlde . He loued fyrst a dogge moche curyously the whiche deyed . Secondly he loued right moche an hauke that he bare vpon his fyst / & she deyed . Thyrdly he loued a lytel hors the whiche lept and torned honestly the whiche also deyed / & he was moche wrothe and shewed it to his moder saynge . Alas my dog / my hauke / and my hors that I dyde loue so moche ben deed / whome may I more loue that I ne shall lese that loue / & his moder sayd vnto hym . Myn owne dere chylde loue god and thou ne shall lese that loue go in to the chyrche and put the in orayson and praye god that he gyue vnto the his loue and his grace . He was obedyent / and as he perseuered in orayson he herd preche the gospell . Mathei .xix. Qui relinquit domum vel fratres vel sorores aut patrem aut matrem aut vxorem aut filios aut agros propter nomen meum centuplum accipiet et vitam eternam possidebit . He that leueth all his parentes and frendes and all his possessyons for the loue of god / he shall haue an hondred double of retrybucyon & shall possede the lyfe eternall . Than the sone came vnto his moder and sayd that he wolde leue her and go in to relygion for to loue god parfytely / for the sayd gospell that he hadde herd preche / and his modersayd vnto hym . It is that thynge that I desyred / for this worlde ne is but vanyte and ful of decepcyon / loue god therfore parfytely . Than the chylde was relygyous and parfyte in holy lyfe . E. Secondly we shall loue god with all our herte & thought more than all the worlde / and aboue the golde and the syluer and all the goodes the whiche ben in the worlde . That is to say to loue more sooner to lese the godes temporalles of this worlde than to breke one of the commaundementes of god / and the reason is ryght euydent / for a man sholde loue him more that gyueth than the thynge gyuen . God the whiche is full of bounte infynyte vs hath gyuen generally and partyculerly and vnto euery of vs the goodes of grace / of nature / and of fortune that we haue / & all the goodes procedeth of hym / and estudy wel the scryptures in the chapytres the whiche folowen and thou shalt fynde that it is so . Vnde legitur Mathei .xxv. Dominus vocauit seruos suos et tradidit illis bona sua : et vni dedit quinque talenta : alii autem duo : alii vere vnum vnicuique secundum propriam virtutem That is to say that the lorde calleth his seruauntes and gyueth vnto them his goodes / and gyueth fyue talentes vnto one / vnto an other twayne / vnto an other one / vnto euery of them after his vertue . By the lorde is vnderstande god that gyueth vnto his seruauntes / that is that he gyueth vnto euery of vs his goodes vnto the one more than vnto an other after his wyll and after the faculte of euery of them . Et legitur ad Ephesi . iiii . Vnicuique nostrum data est gratia secundum mensuram donationis xpi . Grace is gyuen vnto euery of vs after the measure of the gyft of Ihesu cryst . Et legitur ad roma .xii. Habentes donationes secundum gratiam que data est vobis differentes siue propheticam secundum rationem fidei siue ministerium in ministrando . Et legitur .i. ad Corin. xii . Vuicuique autem datur manifestatio spiritus ad vtilitatem / alii datur sermo sapientie / alii sermo scientie / alii fides alii gratia sanitatum / alii operatio virtutum , &c. Manyfestacyon of spyryte is gyuen vnto euery man vnto his vtylyte / the worde of wysdome is gyuen vnto one / & vnto another the worde of connynge / vnto another faythe / vnto another grace of helthe / and vnto another operacyon of vertue . Et Dauid in psal. Cantabo domino qui bona tribuit michi . I shall synge vnto the lorde the whiche gyueth me of his goodes . Et Iob. i. ca. Si bona suscipimus de manu domini / maia autem quare non suscipiamus . Yf we haue receyued the goodes of the hande of god wherfore may we not in lykewyse take the euylles . And syth that it appereth that god hath gyuen vs all the goodes that we haue . It is good reason that we loue hym more than these goodes and aboue them . That is to saye to those more sooner to lese all the goodes of the worlde than to breke one of the commaundementes o● god and to lose his loue . For it is wryten Ioh. .xiiii. Si quis diligit me sermonem meum seruabit . Siquitur . Qui non dilig● me sermones meos non seruat . That is to say . Who so loueth me kepeth my worde & he that loueth me not kepeth not my wordes . Verba gratia . Yf thou were in turky & that men set before the an . C. busshels of golde on the one syde / & the ydolles on the other and that the kynge of turky sayd vnto the. I shall gyue vnto the all this golde & retayne the to be the fyrst of my palays & do sacryfyce vnto the ydolles / thou sholdest loue god aboue the golde and honoure of the worlde . For it is wryten .i. corin . vi . Neque fornicarii neque ydollis seruentes regnum m●um possidebunt . Also who sholde laye an . C crownes in thy hande for to make a false othe in Iugement or to werke one day of a feest commaunded / or for to sle a man vniustly / thou sholdest loue god & thy neyghbour better than the golde and the syluer / and rather wynne nothynge than to breke his commaundement . It wryten Iob. xv . Manete in dilectione mea si precepta measeruaueritis manebitis in dilectione mea . Dwell ye in my dyleccyon / yf ye haue kept my commaundementes ye shall dwell in my deleccyon . Also yf thou knowest well that meane to stele the treasoure of thy neyghbour or to haue his herytage iniustly / it is defended / take it not vpon payne of dampnacyon and to lose paradyse . Vnde .i. corint . vi . Neque fures neque auari regnum dei possidebunt . Also who soo sholde put fyue hondred crownes in the honde of a woman for to haue her company she sholde refuse them vpon payne of dampnacyon & to lose paradyse . For to make shorte tale better it is to obey god & to lese all the goodes of the worlde than to dampne his soule . For yf ony loue the goodes more than god : & to leue to obey vnto god for to haue the goodes he byndeth hymselfe vnto dampnacyon . Example of a ryche man the whiche loued to moche the worlde & brye fly he fel in to hell and all his goodes . It is wryten in the lyfe of saynt Ambrose that as he yode on a tyme vnto Rome he came to lodge in the towne of tuscie wherin was a ryche man : & whan he sawe so moche of goodes & of seruauntes he axed the sayd man of his estate . The man answered I am happy and glorious in all maners . I habounde in rychesses . I haue grete company of seruauntes / all that euer I desyred is well comen to me / ne there came neuer vnto me aduersyte . Whan saynt Ambrose herde these wordes he was moche abasshed and sayd vnto those that were of his company . Aryse and fle we for god is not in this place / haste you chyldren and make none abydynge lest the vengeaunce comprehende vs / and that they ne wrappe vs in theyr synnes / and whan they were a lytell thens the erthe opened sodaynly and swalowed the sayd ryche man and all his goodes and those thynges whiche vnto him apperteyned sanke into hell in suche maner that there ne abode no thynge apparaunt . Another example how the cursed ryche man the whiche was clothed with purple and lyued delycatyuely is buried in hell . Quere .lxxxiiii. A. Another example of a man the whiche gaue hymselfe vnto the deuyll to th ende that he sholde enryche hym / and the deuyll gaue to hym treasours and baptysed hym in the name of all the deuilles .lx. Another example of a ryche vsurer the whiche loued his godes more than god of whome he demaunded ayde at his dethe .lxxxvi. f. Another example of an vsurer the whiche loued to moche his goodes comaunded his soule vnto the deuyl at his dethe / after that he myght no more possede theym .lxxxvi. g. F. Thyrdly we sholde loue god with all our herte more than our faders & moders & aboue all our chyldren / cosyns / parentes and frendes / and the reason is good . For god is our pryncipal fader celestyall the whiche hath made vs & create vnto his ymage and vnto his symylytude . In lyke wyse as it is wryten Genesis nono . Ad ymaginem quippe dei factus est homo . And of as moche as the soule that he hathe create is more dygne than the body / of as moche more we sholde loue god & obey vnto his commaundement more soner than vnto oure fader carnall . Saynt barnarde sayeth . Ecce domine quia me fecisti debeo me amori tuo totum . Thou lorde by cause thou hast made me & create I ought to gyue all in thy loue . And it is wryten eccle. xxxvii . de Dauid . De omni corde suo laudauit deum et dilexit dominum qui fecit illum . Dauid praysed god withall his herte and loued his lorde the whiche hathe created hym . We requyre god euery daye our fader in sayenge the pater noster . Pater noster qui es in celis . Of good ryght we call hym our fader in as moche as he hath vs made and created / and for as moche as he nouryssheth vs with his goodes that he maketh to growe . For he is a good fader the nouryssheth / and in as moche as we hope to possede his herytage that is paradyse as his propre chyldren . For these thynges here and many other we sholde loue god aboue our parentes . We sholde loue our faders carnalles naturally and by the commaundement of god / but we shold loue god aboue them . Vnde Augusti . Diligendus est genitor / sed preponēdus est creator . Example of saynt Barbara the whiche loued god more than her fader Diascorus the whi wolde haue her ydolatre / she chose more soner to lose the loue of her sayd fader & all her worldly goodes & honoures / & that her body were beten / cut / & put vnto dethe than 〈…〉 as commaundemen● 〈…〉 Accu●. 〈…〉 . I● 〈…〉 man 〈…〉 sy●●●●● mortally and shall go vnto dampnacyon . Vnd●●g●ur in 〈…〉 distin● 〈◊〉 . St●●●m eni●ū●●●s f●● capax precep● de●●●●tur ad ●●●s 〈◊〉 no●●●am et obseruat●onē . I● that ●●ge that a ●●●de is capable of the commaundemente of god it is commaunde● hym that he kepe it . And yf the sayd chyldren were not soo wyse that they myght ●nowe that they offende and that they dyde the sayd theft in obeyenge vnto theyr fader carnall they do not synne mortally but theyr sayd fader shall bere the synne and punycyon . Example that a man sholde loue god more than his chyldren & other parentes . Quere in the examplary of the commaundementes .lxx ●a . Another example in Abraham the whiche loued well his sone Ysaac / but he loued god aboue hym in lykewise as it appered whan god commaunded hym for to do sacryfyce . Quere in the examplary of the commaundementes .li. a 〈…〉 . Another 〈…〉 and 〈…〉 good . And therfore they go vnto dampnacyon .

E. Fourthly we sholde loue goo with 〈…〉 more than our owne bodies and 〈…〉 hym and vnto his commaundmentes more sooner than vnto our own 〈◊〉 The reason is good for that that 〈◊〉 ? 〈◊〉 is full of ●ou●●● infynyte hathe 〈◊〉 ●od vs more than his owne body . For 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●●dured that his body hath be beter crucyfyed and put 〈◊〉 doth for to redem● vs from holle where all we defended sholde haue descended by the synne of Adam or forme fader . Yf thou he wylt beleue that 〈◊〉 it true by symple worde or speche yet stud● the scryptures in the chapyttes the whiche folowen It is wryten .i. pe●tri .i. cap. No●er corruptionibus au●o vel argento redēp●●●●s de vana vestra conuersatione pater●● tradi●ionis sed pre●●o so sanguine ag●●●● macu●an christ . That is to saye . Ye be redemed from your vayne conuersacyon of the tradiccyon paternall not of thynges corruptybles as golde & syluer but by the precyous blode of the lambe Ihesu cryst immaculate . Et legitur .i. petri .iii. Christus semel pro peccaris nostris morruus est ●●stus pro frustus vt nos offerret deo . That is to say , Ihesu Cryst is deed one tyme for our synnes the Iust for the vniust to then de that he offre vs vnto god . Et legitur ad Gallarhas .iii. Christus nos redemit . Ihesu cryst hath redemed vs . Et Barnardus dicit . Ecce domine quia redemisti me d●beo me amori tuo totum et tantum debeo plusquam qu anto tu maior es me pro quo de disti teipsum . My lorde for that / that thou hast redemed me I sholde gyue me all in to thy loue / and I sholde loue the more than my selfe of as moche as thou arte greter than I for whome thou haste gyuen thy selfe . Syth it is so that god hath loued vs more than hymselfe / it is good reason that we loue hym better than our selfe as it is sayd . Example in the appostles the whiche hath loued god more than theyr owne bodyes / for some hath endured for to be flayne / as saynt Barthylmewe / some other to be heeded as saynt Poule / the other crucifyed as saynt Peter / and saynt Andrewe . And for all the paynes that the tyrauntes myght do vnto them theyne lefte the loue and the commaundement of god . Vnde ad ro. viii. Quis separabit nos a charitate christi tribulatio / an angustia / an persecutio / an fames / an nuditas / an periculum / an gladius Saynt Poule sayth what is it that may separe vs frome the loue & charyte of god . Shall it be trybulacyon / anguysshe / persecucyon / or honger . &c. I am certayne that dethe / ne lyfe / ne deuylles / ne sygnouryes ne may departe vs frome the loue of god . And it is wryten .i. ad corint . xvi . how saynt Poule sayeth . Who soo loueth not Ihesu cryste be he cursed . Si quis non amat cristum anathema sit . Also he sayth in an other epystle that god hathe prepayred vnto them grete rewarde the whiche loueth hym . Vnde .ii. ad corin . ii . cap. Quod oculus non vidit nec aures audiuit nec in cor hominis ascendit que preparauit deus diligentibus se . This auctoryte is declared towarde the ende of this treatyse .xlvii. a. Example we rede that the herte of a vyrgyn was cutte in her body for the grete loue that she hadde vnto god . Quere in the examplary at the nombre .lxxv. e. Another example that Susanne loued better to be slayne & dyffamed than to breke the commaundement of god whan the two harlottes dyde say vnto her Of two thynges choyse whiche thou wylt eyther that thou consent that we haue thy company at our pleasure / or that we make the to be stoned and put to dethe . Quere . lxxxxvi . c. Another example wryten in the lyfe of faders of a good yonge man the whiche was bounde all naked in a fayre bedde and there was put vnto hym a fayre woman impudyke all naked for to make him to doo synne with her / but for to resyste vnto the synne and to kepe the loue of god & to obey vnto his commaundement he bote and ete his owne tongue and spette the blode in the vysage of the sayd harlot the whiche fledde of horrour . Example that mary magdaleyne loued moche god / wherfore god pardoned her all her synnes . Vnde Luce .vii. Remittuntur ei peccata multa quoniam diliexit multum . Another example of a duchesse the whiche loued ouer moche her body and lyued voluptuously & she dyde stynke . The dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye that a certayne duke had a wyfe the whiche lyued so tenderly and so dylycatyuely that she dysdeyned to be bayned in comune waters of ryuers and fountaynes / but her seruauntes gadered the dewe of the skye & prepayred vnto to her a bayne . Her meetes and drynkes were so delycyously dressed and made that meruayle it was . Her bedde also smelled odoryferously and swete / and as she lyued so / by the Iugemente of god she was stryken with so grete stynche in her lyuynge dayes that none ne myght abyde the foule ayre of her Al her gentylmen and seruauntes left her excepte one chamberere or mayden onely / that serued her the whiche ne myght passe by her without hauynge the ayre of some spyces well smellynge / & also as in renynge admynystred vnto her / and in suche stynke she deyed . H. Fyfthly we sholde loue god with all our herte / and put our truste and hope in hym more soner & aboue all the kynges / dukes / erles / lordes / & other men of the worlde / and the reason is euydent / for there ne is in all the worlde soo grete a lorde that may defende vs at the dethe from our enmyes & kepe vs from dampnacyon and gyue to vs paradyse / there ne is none alonely but god the whiche is replenisshed with goodnes infynyte . And therfore the psalmyst sayeth . Bonum est confidere in domino quam confidere in homine . Better thynge it is to put confydence in god than too put confydence in man . Iterūp̄s . Bonum est sperare in domino quam sperare in principibus . Better it is to trust in god than to trust in prynces . Example . Saynt barbara the whiche put her loue / her affyaunce and her esperaunce in god / and not vnto the lordes temporall she was comforted at her dethe of god / and the aungelles baren her soule in to paradyse / and her fader Dyascorus the whiche beheeded her was brent with fyre celestyal and the deuylles bare his soule in to hell / his rychesses ne his sygnouryes ayded hym not at nede . So it is better to put confydence in god than in prynces and men in whome is no helthe . Vnde Dauid in psal. Nolite confidere in principibus nec in filiis hominum / in quibus non est salus . And the prophete Iheremye sayth that the man is cursed the whiche putteth his trust in men and putteth his flesshe / his arme / and his herte / and departeth hymselfe from god . Vnde Iheremye .xvii. Maledictus est homo qui confidit in homine / & ponit carnem brachium suum & a domino recedit cor eius . Helyodorus was punysshed of punycyon dyuyne for that / that he obeyed vnto kynge Scelenius more soner than vnto god whan he yode to take the treasours of the chyrche of Ierusalem . Quere .lxxxii. b. Another example how kynge Ezechyas sente to seke counceyle of his sekenes vnto belzabub and he deyed myscheuously / and his messageres were brent with fyre celestyall . Quere .ix. g. For to knowe the deference whan loue is good or ylle / or whan it is mortall synne or venyall thou shalte fynde it in the ix . commaundement . Quere .xlii. c. Example in Moyses the whiche loued god parfytely and obeyed vnto his commaundementes more sooner and aboue the wyll of kynge Pharaon / and therfore god loued hym so moche that he spake vnto hym face to face . In lykewyse as it is wryten in the thre and thyrty chapytre of Exodi .

A. How the commaundement of god comprehendeth vnder it the thre fyrst commaundementes / and the thre vertues theologalles / the whiche ben faythe / hope / and charyte .ii.

IT is wryten in the .xxiiii. chapytre of the gospelles of saynt Iohan that our lorde sayd vnto his dyscyples . Si diligitis me mandata mea seruate . Yf ye loue me kepe my commaundements . Yf thou loue god with all thyn herte aboue all thynges thou shalte beleue in hym / thou shall worshyppe hym and shalte gyue hym honour . the whiche is due vnto him / not vnto ydolles / ne vnto thynges create / for it is vnto the creatour vnto whome suche honour is due . Thus thou shalte accomplysshe the fyrste commaundemente of our lorde the whiche is wryten Exodi viscesimo . Non assumes nomen dei tui in vanum . More ouer yf thou loue thy lorde god aboue al thynges thou shalte sanctyfye / honoure / and kepe the feestes commaunded . And in so doynge thou shalte fulfyll and totally accomplysshe the thyrde commaundement of god the whiche is wryten Exo. xx . Sabbata sanctifices . And therfore the dyleccyon of god comprehendeth the thre fyrst commaundementes the whiche vs ordeyneth wel towarde the blyssed trynyte . The fyrst vs ordeyneth anenst the puissaunce of god the fader the whiche is of the mageste incomprehensyble . The seconde anenst god the sone the whiche is veryte and wysdom souerayne . The thyrde anenst god the holy goost the whiche is bounte and loue infynyte . Yf we ben well ordeyned anenst god the fader / the sone / and the holy goost the whiche is one onely god in trynyte we shall loue hym aboue all thynges / and we shall accomplysshe the thre fyrst commaundementes the whiche tendeth vnto his dyleccyon as it is sayd . Also the dyleccyon of god comprehendeth the thre dyuyne vertues theologalles the whiche ben fayth / hope / and charyte with theyr braunches and dependaunces . They ben sayd dyuynes for that / that they doo ordeyne dyuynely the herte of man anenst god . Saynt Austyn sayth in eucheridon . Fide / spe / et caritate colitur optime deus . God is ryght well honoured by fayth / hope / and charite . Fayth kepeth soueraynly veryte . Hope souerayne hyghnes / & Charyte souerayne loue . And it is sayd charyte of chere / vnyte / and loue in god . We se god but by faythe / and by faythe we beleue in hym and loue hym / & we kepe his fyrst commaundement the whiche is . Vnum credo de . Also we serue god to haue the good to come / and therfore we put our trust in hym / and we abstayne vs to swere by hym vaynly / and so we kepe the seconde commaundement . Ne iures va●a per ipsum . Also by charyte / faythe / and hope we loue / serue / and honour god / and we kepe the thyrde commaundement . Sabbata sanctifices . Also we loue god for thre thinges . The fyrst is for the grete and infynyte goodnes the whiche we haue herde say the whiche is in hym and procedeth of hym / and therto we put faythe . The seconde is for the grete good that we hope to haue of hym after our dethe . The thyrde is for the grete goodnes that he hath done to vs in our creacyon and redempcyon / & that he dooth cotydyally to vs of goodes that he maketh to encrease / & therfore we put our charyte within hym . By these thre thynges we haue faythe / hope / and charyte with god and loue hym with all herte aboue all thynges . The faythe is the foundement of all vertues / for without faythe it is impossyble to please god . Vn̄ paulus ad hebreos .xi. Sine fide impossibile est placere deo . B. Also we ne may be saued by good operacions without hauynge faythe Vnde ad galath . ii . Non iustificatur homo ex operibus legis / nisi per fidem iesu xpi . Et ad gallat. iii. Iustus ex fide viuit . The Iust man lyueth by faythe . Also for to beleue in god after the faythe and by baptym man is saued / and by defaute of faythe & baptym man is dampned . Vn̄ Marci . xvi . Qui crediderit et baptizatus fuerit saluus erit / qui vero non crediderit condempnabitur . How men ought to beleue in god & in the artycles of the faythe it is wryten after in the fyrst commaundement / of faythe cometh obedyence / good desyre / and innocence / relygyon / mundycyte / confyaunce / and chastyte . C. Also the synners ne may be saued without hauynge esperaunce or hope that god vnto them pardoneth theyr synnes after the artycle of the fayth the whiche is . Remissionem peccatorum / and therfore they shold put theyr hope in god . Cain & Iudas ben dampned by defaute of hope . Also we sholde hope that god shal delyuer vs from our enmyes vysybles & inuysybles in lykewyse he dyde our forne faders . Vn̄p̄s In te sperauerunt patres nostri sperauerunt et liberasti eos . Iterūp̄s . Quoniam in me sperant liberabo eum : protegam eum quoniam cognouit nomen meum . He hath trusted in me I shall delyuer hym / for he hath knowen my name . Example whan Iob was tourmented he sayd that yf god wolde sle hym yet wolde he put his truste in hym . Vnde Iob .xiii. Example that Dauyd hadde good hope whan in the name of god he slewe the proude puyssaunt man phylystyen . Quere .lxxviii. Also we shold haue hope that god shall gyue vnto vs beatytude and lyfe eternall . Vnde p̄s. Beate omnes qui sperant in te domine . Esperaunce is a fayre vertue of the Whiche cometh pacyence / moderaunce / contrycyon / confessyon / ioye espyrytuall / and contemplacyon . D. Also without hauynge charyte we ne may be saued / in lykewyse as saynt poule sayth .i. ad Corinthios .xiii. Silīguis hominum loquar & angelorum : caritatem autem non habuero factus sum sicut es sonans aut cimbalum timiens . This mater of charyte is wryten here after .iiii. ca. Of charyte procedeth loue / pyte / grace / peas benygnyte / and debonayrte . Example of charyte . Quere .lxxv. A.

E. Here foloweth the commaundement to loue thy neyghbour .ii.

IT is wryten in the gospel of saynt Iohan that our lorde sayd vnto his dyscyples . I gyue vnto you a commaundement of newe / that is that ye loue other in lykewyse as I haue loued you / all men shall knowe in that thynge that ye be my dyscyples / yf ye haue dyleccyon togyders . Vnde Ioh. .xiii. Mandatum nouum do vobis vt diligatis inuicem sicut dilexi vos / in hoc cognoscent omnes quia discipuli mei estis si dilectionem habueritis ad inuicem . Also the gospel sayth that to loue his neyghbour as hymselfe is more greter thynges than sacryfyces . Vnde Marci .xii. Diligere proximum tanquam seipsum maius est omnibus olocaustimatibus et seruictis . For to haue paradyse and to escape the paynes of hell it is requysyte that thou obey vnto god / the whiche commaundeth the thou loue thy neyghbour . Whan a kynge temporall maketh to proclame ony thynge within his realme his subgectes therto obeyeth of drede to haue domage . And god the whiche is kynge of kynges made to preche throughout al the worlde that we sholde loue eche other vpon payne of dampnacyon and to lese paradyse . It is wryten Iohannis .xv. Hec man do vobis vt diligatis inuicem . Et legitur Mathei .xix. Si vis ad vitam ingredi serua mandata . Yf thou wylt entre in to the lyfe eternall kepe the commaundementes Yf thou drede the furour of a kynge temporall the whiche is transytory / by a more greater reason thou oughtest to drede the furour of god the whiche may sende the in to damnacyon eternal . F. Many thynges ought to moeue vs to loue our neyghboure . The fyrst the whiche is moost pryncypal and fynall is for to obey vnto god / the whiche commaundeth it vs . Whan a good fader gooth out of the towne he commaundeth vnto his chyldren & vnto his seruauntes that they loue eche other . In lykewyse dyde our lorde Ihesus before that he was crucyfyed / and whan he shall come to the Iugement the mater shal be dyscuted of those the whiche haue done yll vnto theyr neyghbours / and shall be sent in to the fyre of hell yf they be founde īpenytents . Vnd Athanasius . Q●●mala egerunt ibunt in ignem eternum . The seconde thynge that shold moue vs to loue our neyghbour is the fraternyte naturall tha● ought to be betwene vs in as moche as we ben descended of one fader and or one moder / that is of Adam and Eue & that naturally the generacyon procedeth the one of the other / so nature moeueth vs to loue eche other . The thyrde thynge is the fraternyte espyrytuall the whiche is betwene vs in as moche as we ben broders & systers crystyens baptyzed of one baptym in one god onely . The .iiii. is in as moche as we ben semblables the one vnto the other / made and create vnto the ymage of god . Vnde . genesis .ix. Ad ymaginem quippe dei factus est homo . Also the dombe beestes loueth theyr semblables . Vnde eccl. asti .xiii. Omne animal diligit simile sibi . Also the byrdes of one selfe semblaunce slyeth / eteth / and kepeth company togyders / as pygeons / sparowes cranes . &c. Vide eccle. xxvii. Volitalia ad sibi similia conueniunt . Syth that these bestes irreasonables loueth eche other by mote stronge reason we shold loue eche other the whiche ben reasonables . Thre thynges pleased vnto the sage Salomon the whiche ben approued before god and man / that is concordaunce betwene bredren & frendes / loue betwene neyghbours / and comentement in mar●age / that is to vnderstande the man and the woman . Vnde eccle. xxv . In tribus beneplacitum est spiritui meoque sunt probata coram deo et hominibus concordia fratrum / amor proximorum / viret mulier sibi consentientes . The .v. thyng the whiche sholde moeue vs for to loue our neyghbour is that we entende to go togyder in to paradyse / & thyder to come there to enioye vs . Vnde scriptura . Proximum diligimus vt cum ipso curramus et cūip̄o ad gloriam ꝑueniamus . Et ambrosius dicit . Sicut sine via nullus peruerut quo tendit ita sine caritate que dicitur via non possimus recte ire . In lykewyse without loue & charyte we ne may goo ryght in to paradyse . Also the aungelles loueth vs & kepeth for to obeye vnto the commaundementes of god / & to th ende that we may come in to paradyse with them / & that we may enioy vs togyders . And therfore we sholde loue eche other & that loue sholde not be in synne in lykewyse as it is wryten .i. ad corin .xiii. Dilectio proximi malum non operatur . The dyleccion of thy neyghbour ne dooth none harme .

G. To loue his neyghbour as hymselfe comprehendeth the seuen werkes of mercy / the .vii. laste commaundementes / & the .iiii. vertues cardynals .ii.

IT is wryten in the .xxii. chapytre of the gospell of saynt Mathewe and in the .xiii chapytre of the epystles of saynt Poule vnto the Romaynes . Diliges proximum tuum sicut teipsum . H. Thou shalt loue thy neyghbour as thy selfe . To loue his neyghbour as hymselfe is vnderstande and expounded in two maners . The fyrst is . All the good that thou woldest the men sholde do to the as well vnto the body as vnto the soule yf thou haddest necestyte ) thou shold do it to thy neyghbour yf he had necessyte Vnde Mathei .vi. Omnia quecumque vultis vt faciant vobis homines & vos facite illis hec est enim lex et prophete . That is to vnderstande . Yf that thou haddest honger and thyrste thou woldest well that men sholde gyue vnto the to drynke and meet to ete . Or yf thou were seke or sore thou woldest well be vysyted . And yf thou haddest not herborowe nor lodgynge as the poore pylgrymes thou woldest well that men sholde harborowe and lodge the. Or yf the thou were a prysoner thou woldest be redemed . And yf thou were naked thou woldest be clothed . Or also yf thou were deed thou wolde be buryed . Do in lykewyse to thy neybour yf he haue necessyte as thou woldest he dyde vnto them accomplysshynge the werkes of mercy the whiche ben corporelles / & wele shall come vnto the. Example of a man the whiche was drouned in the accomplysshynge the werkes of mercy and his soule went vnto heuen before that his body was colde .lv. B. Another example how freres gaue a cluster of grapes and sent it vnto the moost of debilyte & weykenes .lxxv. A. Other example that a man sholde do of good whyles that he lyueth without abydynge vnto his heriteres .lxxii. c. d. e. f. Also yf thou haddest necessyte of counceyle espyrytually or of conforte / or to be chastysed & taught / or that men sholde pardon the thy defautes / or that men praye for the or supporte the in thy perfeccyons . In the thynges before sayd thou woldest haue ayde & socoures in thy necessyte . Do thou in lykewyse to thy neyghboure in his necessyte & thou shalte loue hym as thy selfe / and thou shalte accomplysshe the werkes of mercy as he dyde the whiche drewe agayne his broder the whiche fell into fornycacion . quere .lxxv. f. Also thou shalt accomplysshe the fourth commaundement the whiche is wryten . exodi xx . Honora patrem tuum & matrem tuam . I. The seconde exposycyon to loue thy neyghbour as thy selfe is suche . All the yll that thou woldest that men ne sholde doo vnto the ( as wel vnto body as vnto soule ) thou ne sholdest do it vnto thy neyghbour Vnde thobie .iiii. Quod alio tibi odis fieri vide ne tu aliquando alteri facias . Et Y so do . dicit . Quod non vis pati non facias qd non vis tibi fieri alteri nunquam inferas . That is to vnderstonde . Thou woldest not that men bette the : or slewe the / ne do thou it to thy neyghbour / and thou shalt accomplysshe the .v. commaundement of god / the whiche is wryten Deutero. v. Nonoccides . Example that haynours that is hateful men slewe a man within the chyrche were diuynely punysshed .lxxix. b. Another example of a man the whiche bette his wyfe and she myscouraged herselfe and dyde moche euyll .lx. I. Also thou woldest not that men sholde stele thy goodes / or rauysshe or take it away by pyllage or otherwyse . Yf thou loue thy neyghboure ne take thou not his goodes iniustly / and thou shalt accomplysshe the .vi. commaundement the whiche is wryten Exodi . xx . Non furtum facies . Also thou ne woldest that men sholde commyt lechery in thy wyfe / or with thy doughter Yf thou loue thy neyghbour as thy selfe ne commyt thou it in his wyfe / and thou shalt accomplysshed the .vii. commaundement / the whiche is wryten Exodi . xx . Non mechaberis . Also thou woldest not that men sholde make the to lese thy goodes or herytages / or thy good renommee for false wytnes & reporte / ne do thou it to thy neyghbour & thou shalt accomplysshe the .viii. commaundement the whiche is wryten Deutero. v. Non loquaris contra proximum tuum falsum testimonium . Example how thre persones the whiche forsware them for to impose a false cryme vnto a patryarche were punysshed . lxxxxvi . A. Also thou woldest not that men sholde thynke yll vpon that for to haue thy goodes iniustly / or for to deceyue thy wyfe / ne do thou it vnto thy neyghboure and loue hym as thy selfe / and thou shalt accomplysshe the two last commaundementes . Vnde deutero . v. Non concupisces vxorem proximi tui . &c. Also yf thou loue thy neyghbour thou ne shalte do hym none yll . Quia dilectio proximi malum non operatur . Vt dicitur ad romanos .xiii. Two thynges ben requysyte for to kepe the dylection of thy neyghboure as sayth Ysodore in his boke of dyfference . ScꝪ vt beneficii impensione foueatur et nulla malicia ledetur . That is to say that a man do good vnto his neyghbour yf he haue necessyte / and also that he hurte hym not by ony malyce Do the thynges beforesayd and thou shalt accomplysshe the .vii. last commaundementes of god / and the werkes of mercy the whiche thou shalte fynde after in the nombre .xxiiii. a. b. c.

K. Also for to loue thy neyghbour as thi selfe it behoueth that thou haue prudence / attempraunce / iustyce / and force / they ben foure vertues the whiche ben sayd cardynalles for that / that they teche the man to gouerne hym in hym selfe / and after his neyghbour as the pope gouerneth holy chyrche by the counceyle of his cardynalles / & a man ne may loue his neyghboure without these foure vertues . For prudence kepeth a man that he be not deceyued of his ennemyes by none engyn / and hym counceyleth and ordeyneth that al that / that he dooth and sayth be in the ryght lyne of reason after the ordenaunce of god the whiche all seeth / iugeth / and knoweth . Also prudence counceyleth to wepe the synnes commytted and past / and that a man despyse the prosperytees worldly the whiche ben transytoryous / and that a man sholde coueyte to haue the Ioyes eternalles . Also prudence maketh to ordeyne the thynges presentes for to lyue after god / & maketh to prouyde for the thynges to come / & also to recorde of the thynges past . Vnderstande the worde of a wyse poete the whiche sayeth . Prospice ventura / sic est prudens tua cura Cum quid vis agere / debes primo bn̄ videre An tibi conueniat / liceat simul vtile fiat . Om̄a prudenter / fac finem cerne frequenter Primo metire / que finis possit ante venire A prudent man ought to be wyle or ware to loke about on all partes that he ne be deceyued of his aduersaryes the whiche ben ouer all the worlde . Quia totus mundus in maligno possitus est . It behoueth to loke about that a man be not deceyued by amyte carnall and socyall . Quia iam pater patrem iam filius fellit matrem : iam socius socium : iam amicus decipit amicum . Saynt poule sayeth take hede how ye walke wysely . That is how ye lyue not as dombe foules but as sages & redeme the tyme loste vnprouffytably spent & wasted for the dayes ben ylle / & therfore be ye not imprudente but take ye hede what is the wyll of god . Vnde Paulus ad Ephe. v. Videte quomodo caute ambuletis non quasi insipientes sed vt sapientes redimentis tempus quoniam dies mali sunt prorterea nolite fieri imprudentes sed intellgentes que sit voluntas dei . Attempraunce kepeth a man that he ne be corrupt by ony cursed loue / or for fere / or Ioye / or swetnes . For the man attemprate taketh moderacyon to loue that / that he ought to loue / how he sholde loue / & as moche as he ought to loue . After he dredeth that that he sholde drede / how he sholde drede / and as moche as he ought to drede . Moreouer he taketh no Ioye ne delyte but in the thynge that he ought to haue / as he sholde haue / and as moche as he ought to haue it . And also he ne taketh dolour but that / that he ought to take / as he ought to take / and as moche as he ought to take . The man attemprate ne coueyteth ne yet wyll doo thynge wherof he may repent hym in ony maner ne passeth the lawe without measure / and also he putteth himselfe vnder the yoke of reason and doubteth all the coueytyses of the worlde the whiche ben deuyded in .iii. thynges the whiche are / the couetyses of the desyres of the body / the couetyse of auaryce / and of the synne of pryde . In these .iii. thynges there behoueth to put attempraunce that a man be not deceyued . Of the whiche speketh saynt Iohn in the seconde chapytre of his fyrste canonyque and sayeth . Omne quod est in mundo aut est concupiscentia oculorum aut superbia vite . Force maketh the herte of the man to be lyfte vp on hye aboue the perylles of the worlde & expelleth debylyte of courage and maketh hym stronge to resyste agayne the temptacyons and aduersytees of the worlde / of the body / and of the deuylles . Vnde Augusti . Quod fortitudo est amor facile tollerans propter quod id amatur . Also the vertue of force maketh to dysprayse the felycitees and prosperytees worldely / & not to drede ony aduersytees . Facit prospera mundi despicere et nulla eius aduersa formidare . Iustyce putteth the man in ordre & ryght estate towarde his neyghboure / for it yeldeth vnto euery man that the whiche is his . after the ryght lyne of reason . It wylleth prouffyte vnto all & noyeth vnto no man . Iustyce is sayd of Iust . Iusticia dicitur a iusto . For the Iust man ne wyll do but reason . Euery vertue the whiche is well done in operacyon is sayd Iustyce . Also all ryght and reason is sayd iustyce / but all iustyce is not ryght . For the cursed offycers peruerteth iustyce / somtyme by gyftes / somtyme by drede of lordes or by euyll people / or by loue or by hate . Prudence gyueth counceyle vnto Iustyce for it aydeth it / & attempraunce amodereth it . Saynt Austin sayth that vertue is an equalyte of lyfe soundinge vnto reason . Virtus est quedam equalitas vite vndique consonans rationi . Et iohannes crisostomus dicit qd virtus animiest recte de deo sentire & recte inter homines agere . Et hieromimus dicit . qd sola apud deumli bertas est non seruire peccatis et summa apud deum nobilitas est clarere virtutibus . For to loue god and his neyghbour and for to lyue holyly in lykewyse as men sholde it behoueth to take the maners and condycions of men parfaytes the whiche here foloweth .

Here after foloweth the seuen vertues .

Who so wyll knowe the good in lyuynge The .vii. vertues with theyr braunches also . As ye shall se here after folowynge . In them ben reteyned with many other mo Fides . Who that beleueth is obedyent Chaste / pure / clene / and confyaunt . In desyre good and innocent Ferme in god / not varyaunt Spes . The man esperaunt / is pacyent Hauynge Ioye in contemplacyon . His synnes also / he dooth repent By contrycyon / and confessyon Caritas . The charytable hath pyte Grace / peas / benygnyte Debonayrte / humylyte Pardon / clemence / lyberalyte Prudentia . The prudent loueth god and dredeth Menynge always well and truely . By good counceyle whan hym nedeth And dysposeth all thynge goodly Temperantia . The man attemprate putteth dyscrecyon In mete / and drynke / and clothynge All thynges done by moderacyon Ne yet in speche is he excedynge Iusticia . The Iust man hath equyte Cyrreccyon / with seueryte Lawe / iugement / and veryte Not sweruynge from fydelyte Fortitudo . The man stronge is ferme and suffraunt . Constaunt / pacient in bounte Grete in courage / perseueraunt Prompt and delygent in sayntyte The auctour . Who so these vertues shall lerne & con̄e And them accomplysshe in worde & dede Vnto perfeccyon they shall come And haue heuen for theyr mede .

It wryten in .ix. ethicorum . Virtuosorum beatissima est vita . Et in scdo ethicorum dicitur quod virtus certior est et melior omni arte . Item in eodem capitulo dicitur qd omnis virtus consistit in medio . In oimbus medium est laudabile .

A. It is commaunded that we loue eche other in lykewyse as god hath loued vs iii.

IT is wryten in the .v. chapitre of the gospelles of saynt Iohan that god sayd to his dyscyples . Hoc est preceptum meum vt diligatis inuicem licut dilexi vos . That is to say . My commaundement is that ye loue eche other in lykewise as I haue loued you For to con expounde this dyleccyon a man ought to knowe that god hath loued vs in many maners / wherof we shall tell fyue . B. Fyrst god hathe loued vs ryghtfully before that we loued hym / and not for his prouffyte ne for to haue our goodes / but of his benygnyte for to socoure vs and to saue vs . In lykewise sholde we loue our neyghbours before that they do vs good / and not for to haue theyr goodes / but for to socoure them in folowynge god . Vnde .i. Iohannis .iiii. In hoc apparuit caritas dei non quasi nos dilexerimus eum sed quoniam ipse prior disexi nos / et misit filium suum propiciatorem pro peccatis nostris .

C. Secondly god hath loued vs dyscretely . For he hath loued the persones and the saluacion of soules and hath hated and persecuted the synnes / and repreued those the whiche dyde commytte them . In lykewyse sholde we do . For yf our neyghboure be entached or spotted with ony vyce we sholde hate his synne & reprehende hym dyscretely . Vnde paulus ad galath . vi . Si preoccupatus fuerit homo in aliquo delicto vos qui spirituales estis instruite in spūlenitatis considerans teipsum ne et tu temteris . Example that softe correccyon prouffyteth more vnto euyll persones than sharpe Quere in the examplary .lxxiiii. a. Another example how saynt Iohan softly drewe a thefe from synne . Quere .lxxii. e. Also dyleccyon ought to be without symulacion For who so loueth well chastyseth without fayntyse . Vnde paulus ad ro. xii . Dilectione sine simulatione odientes malum adherentes bono . Thou sholdest loue thy neyghbours in god / and after the vertue of equyte / and not in yll and synne . These the whiche god loueth he chastyseth discretely . Vnde apo. iii. Ego quos amo arguo & castigo dicit dominus . Et pau. ii . ad thymo . iiii . Argue obsecra increpa omni pacientia et doctrina . A questyon . Who soo sholde demaunde yf the loue of theues and pyllars ( were good ) the whiche loueth and susteyneth eche other / or of lechoures the whiche loueth theyr folysshe louers as them selfe . The answere . Suche loue is nothynge worthe / for they loue not god / ne theyr neyghbour / ne theyr selfe . They loue not god in brekynge his commaundementes / ne they loue not theyr neyghbour ne themselfe / for they dampne theym selfe . Vnde psalmist . Qui diligit iniquitatem odit animam suam . He the whiche loueth iniquyte hateth his soule . Et beatus iacobus dicit . Peccatum cum consummatum fuerit generat mortem . Incontynente that synne is consummed & done it engendreth the dethe . That is to vnderstande that it mortyfyeth spyrytually the goodnes of the soule / by the dethe of gylte .

D. Thyrdly god vs hath loued fructuously / not onely in voyce but of worde / & of operacions . In lykewyse we sholde our neyghbour in doynge the operacyon . For yf a poore man the whiche hath hunger & thyrst all to frosen demaunde the almes . It shall not suffyse to say vnto hym . A poore man thou hast hongre and arte frosen god helpe the. Saynt Iames sayeth in the .ii. chapytre of his epystle that fayth without operacyon is deed and nothynge worthe . And saynt Iohan sayeth illud .i. Ioh. iii. Filioli : non diligamus verbo neque lingua sed opere et veritate . Lytell chyldren / sones and doughters / loue not onely by tongue / and by worde / but by operacyon and veryte . The tree the whiche ne hath but leues & bereth no good fruyte is not good but for to brenne . In lykewyse the persone the whiche ne hath but wordes without operacyons is nothynge worthe Our sauyour Ihesus fyrst dyde and after shewed it agayne by worde . Capit ihesus facere et docere . And in lykewyse sholde we do / for it is wryten iacobi .i. Estote factores verbi & non auditores tm̄ fallentes vosmetip̄os . Be ye the doers of the wyll of god & not alonely the herers deceyuynge your selfe . The man that is Iustyfyed by the operacyon of the faythe & not alonely by faythe . Some ben frendes of the mouthe / some of the table / some of the purse / & some of operacyon . The frendes of the mouthe promiseth ynough / but they do nothynge in operacion . A fructibus corum cognoscetis eos . The frendes of the table loueth eche other whyles that barell of drinke & the feest lasteth / & sayeth well one of the other / but whan there is nomore meet nor drynke the loue defayleth & sayen / it is a myscheuous man that hath all eten & wasted Vn̄. eccle. vi Est amicus socius mense & non permanebit in die necessitatis . He is frende and felawe of the table & he abydeth not in the daye of nede . Et eccle. xxxvii . Est amicus solo nomine . He is a frende alonely by name Also the sage speketh of the sayd frendes . Ecclesi . vi . Est enim amicus scdm tempus suum & non in die tribulationis / et est amicus qui conuertit ad inimicitiam / et est amicus qui odium et rixam et conuitia denudabit . The frendes of the purse ben cosyns as to giue or to lende / but hate and the deuyll it is to yelde agayn . The frendes of operacyon fayleth not at nede and ben sory of the euyll of theyr frende and gladde of his welfare . In nede a man shall se what a frende is . Vnd eccle. vi . Amicus si permanserit / fixus / erit tibi quasi coequalis / et in domesticis tuis fiducialiter aget / sequitur amicus fidelis fortis protectio / qui autem īuenit thesaurum / amico fideli nulla est comparatio . A faythfull frende is a grete and a stronge defence / he the whiche fyndeth hym fyndeth a treasour there is noo comparyson vnto a faythfull frende . Also the true frende ought to helpe and remembre his frende at his nede as he sholde do vnto hymselfe . Vnde ligitur nono ethicorum . Amicus se debet habere ad amicum sicut ad semetipsum . God hath vs loued of worde and of operacyon togyders . And in lykewyse sholde we loue our neyghboures .

E. Fourthly god hath vs loued parfytely more than his owne body as before it is sayd . Quere . G. Also ꝓarfyte men putteth theyr bodyes in daunger of dethe for to saue theyr neyghboures / as dyde a man named Sanctulus . Quere .lxxv. c. Another example of two men that had so grete charyte and amyte togyder that the one wolde haue deyed for to saue the other . Quere lxxv . b.

F. Fyfthly god hath loued the saluacion of all his ennemyes the whiche wronged hym / and bette hym without that / that he defended hymselfe nor that he answered Iniury agaynst Iniury he dyde not / but yelded the good agaynst the yl / & he prayed for his enmyes Vnde luce. .xxii. Pater dimitte illis non enim sciunt quid faciunt . Also perfite people sholde loue theyr enmyes in folowynge god / and they shall haue grete rewarde in paradyse . Vn. math. v. & . lu. vi . Diligite inimicos vestros benefacite hus qui oderunt vos et orate ꝓ persequentibus et calumniantibus vos vt sitis filii patris vestri qr benignus est super ingratos & malos . That is to say . Loue your enmyes / do good to them that hateth you / & praye for your persecutours and dyspysers to th end that ye be the sones innytatoures of god your fader .

G. Questyon . How may I loue those the whiche hathe bette me or made me to lose my goodes or my good renowne . The answere . Thou sholdest loue the euyll wyl of thy neyghbour : but for the loue of god thou sholdest loue the persones and theyr saluacyon / and also yf by Iustyce thou makest them to yelde to the thy goodes and to punysshe the synne of thy neyghbour thou of tendest not . For Iustyce is founded after god and vnto god / and Iustyce appertayneth to do punycyon & not vnto ye. Wherfore thou ne sholdest venge the that god ne wrothe hym agaynst the. The grete lordes the whiche wyll not vnderstande for to do right and iustyce departeth it with the swerde / and is suffred of god vnto those the whiche hath good right . Vn. catho Pugna ꝓ patria . The parfite people bereth al aduersytees pacyently & dooth good agaynst yll for the loue of god . Example in saynt Steuen that prayed for his enmyes that god sholde pardon theym the synne that they dyde to stone hym . And to th ende that his prayer were the soner exalted he set him on his knees Vn̄ acti . vii . Positis aunt genibus clamauit voce magna dicens / dne ne statuas illis hoc petm̄ . Example that Dauyd wept the dethe of his enmy Saul the whiche persecuted him Also he wept at the dethe of his frende Ionathas in lyke wyse as it is wryten in the fyrst chapytre of the seconde boke of kynges Also we rede in the .xviii. chapytre of the boke of kynges that Ionathas the sone of Saul loued Dauyd as his owne soule / & on a tyme he dyspoyled hym of his gowne & gaue it vnto Dauyd Also Dauyd loued hym as hymselfe . Also Dauyd wept at the deth of his neyghbour Abner . Vt habetur .ii. regum . iii. Also he wept at the dethe of his sone Absolon that dyde hym warre . Vt habetur .ii. regum .xviii. & .xix. Also Dauyd wolde do none euyll to his enmye Saul whan he myght haue done it / in lyke wyse as is wryten in the xxvi . chapytre of the fyrst boke of kynges . This is an example here that we sholde loue our enmyes for the loue of god . By these thynges aforesayd it apereth how we shold loue our nyghboure .

H. Questyon . Who is my neyghbour .

BY this that god commaundeth to loue his neyghbour a man may demaunde . What is it that is my neyghbour . The answere . That is euery man & woman / for we sholde loue the saluacyon of soules & the wele and vtylyte of all persones / & not the yll . Saynt Austyn sayth . Extende caritatem per totum orbem quia membra christi per orbem iacent . Extende charite ouer al the worlde / that is dyleccion / for the membres of Ihesu cryst lyeth by the worlde . God wyll that those of scotlond / of of fraunce / & of spayne be also well saued as them of Englonde yf they deserue it : for all ben membres of god tendynge to saluacyon . He loueth the lytell as the grete / he then hath create and is theyr gouernour & purueyour . Vn. sapien. vi . Pusillum & magnum fecit dominus equaliter cura est illi de omnibus . And therfore it behoueth to vnderstande that all ben our neyghboures / but for as moche as we ne may do almes ouer all the worlde it suffyseth to do it vnto those the whiche ben amonge vs after our power This mater is gyuen vnto vs by worde . Luce .x. Homo quidem descendebat ab iherusalem in iherico qui incidit in latrones . And the euangelyst sayeth that one of the maysters of the lawe demaunded of Ihesu cryst who was his neyghboure / and he answered vnto hym . A man descended from Iherusalem vnto Iheryco the whiche fel in to the handes of theues the whiche dyspoyled hym and bette hym so moche that he was replenysshed with woundes & left hym as halfe deed / & it befell that a preest passed by and toke none hede . In lykewise a deaken passed that toke no hede . After a Samarytane the whiche passed the countree founde hym and had pyte & anoynted his woundes with wyne and oyle & dyde bynde hym and after that put hym on his mare & bare him in to a stable and gaue two pens vnto the mayster of the stable and prayed hym that he wolde heele hym / and at his retorne he sholde satysfye hym at his wyll After these wordes Ihesus demaunded of the mayster / whiche of them semeth vnto the that hath be moost nere vnto the seke man of the thre the whiche passed by hym . He answered the Samarytan estraunger . And god sayd vnto hym thou hast sayd truely / go and do thou in lykewyse . Saynt Austyn sayth . Omnem hominem oportet intellegi esse proximum quia nemo est cum quo operandum sit male . A man sholde vnderstande as it is sayd that euery man is our neyghbour . For to moralyse vpon this euangelyst a man sholde vnderstande that whan a persone is baptysed he is replenysshed with al vertues and with goodes espyrytuelles as yf he descended from Iherusalem that is paradyse in to Iheryco that is in to the felde of batayle in this worlde the whiche is full of theues those ben synnes the whiche dyspoyleth hym of his good vertues & stryketh hym with many mortall woundes that whiche ledeth hym vnto the dethe of hell / that is pryde : auaryce / slouthe / enuy / glotony / yre / and lechery the whiche stryketh the soules whan they consent vnto them / and by the preest and deaken the whiche passed & toke none hede ben vnderstande those the whiche haue no pyte ne compassyon of the pardycyon of soules / and by the Samarytan myserycordyous ben vnderstande these the whiche remedyeth vnto the helthe & saluacyon of synners as after that Adam hadde synned and was fallen amonge the theues god hadde mercy the whiche hathe so moche done that he hath be heeled by the meryte of his passyon and by the holy sacramentes . And our lorde as the Samarytan made to put wyne and oyle in his woundes . Vinum qui letificat cor hominis . That is by confessyon the whiche clarifyeth the conscyence of synners / and the oyle that is the laste vnccyon the whiche heeleth the sekenesses corporelles and espyrytuelles in lykewise as sayth saynt Iames . And when the Samarytan put the seke man on the mare is Ihesu cryste the whiche bare our synnes on his body at his passyon / and sayd vnto the mayster of the stable that he sholde heele the sayd seke body . That is to vnderstande Ihesus gaue vnto saynt Peter the keyes of the realme of heuen and vnto prelates and pastures vnto whom he sayd Whan I shall come agayne in Iugement I shall pay you your salayres after as ye haue laboured . After the sence morall Ihesus hath be our neyghbour / for he hath heled our gostly sekenesses as the samarytan dyde the corporelles . And those the heleth the synners of theyr synne or socoureth those that haue nede ben sayd neyghbours .

A. Of the vertue of charyte the whiche extendeth in all the commaundementes of god .iiii.

THe mayster of the sentences sayeth in his thyrde boke that charyte is in suche wyse dyffynyed . Caritas est dilectio qua diligitur deus ꝓpter se / et ꝓximus ꝓpter deum . Charyte is dyleccyon by the whiche god is loued for the goodnes infynyte the whiche is in hym / and the neyghbour is loued for the loue of god . All the commaundementes of god tendeth for to loue god & his neyghbour as it is sayd . And charyte is none other thynge but to loue god and his neyghbour . Soo charyte is commaunded by all the .x. commaundements and in euery of them . Yf thou wylt haue of examples of charyte the shalte fynde in th examplary . Quere .lxxv. a. b Charite is so noble a vertue that it is cause & moder of all good vertues / without it for nothynge seche we other vertues . Vn. aug. Caritas est causa & mater oim virtutum q se disit frustra habentur cetera si aunt ad sit habentur omnia . Charyte is cause of vertues / for whan we faste / or whan we do almesse / or whan we do ony good operacion god is the cause & the same good dede is done for the charyte and loue of hym . in obeyenge vnto his commaundementes / to th ende to be vnyed and coniunct with him that is that he dwell with vs & we with hym . Vnde .j. ioh. iiij Deus caritas est : & qui manet in caritate in deo manet : et deus in eo . Et ioh. xv . Qui manet in me et ego in eo / hic fert fructum multum . qr sine me nichil potestas facere . Also whan we loue our neyghbour and that we do him good in his nede god is the cause for it is for his sake / & therfore charyte is cause of vertues . The which charyte is contemned in al the commaundementes of god . Also charyte is moder of vertues / for in lykewyse as chyldren procedeth of the moder & haue theyr nourysshement & and techynge / euen in lykewyse the vertues procedeth of charyte & ben done for the loue of god / wherfore it is sayd the moder of vertues / & in the thynge where charyte lacketh no goostly good is founde / & where it is all goodnes there resteth . Aug. Vbi est caricas quid est qd possit obesse / vbi aunt non est qd est qd possit prodesset . Without charyte we ne may walke after god . Vn̄ amb. Si cut sine via nullus peruenit quo tendit / ita sine caritate q dicitur via non possimus recte ire . Also charyte is the fountayn of vertues . Vnfulgentius ep̄s dicit qd caritas est fons omni vtutūet origo bonorum munimē egregium via q ducit ad celum in caritate qui ambulant nec errare poterit nec timere / ipsa dirigit / ipsa ꝓtegit / ipsa ꝑducit ad regnum eternum . Charyte is the fountayne of all vertues for by it they ben aroused / growe / fructyfy / & encrease . It is the natyuyte of al goodnes & the garnysshynge of noblesse . For by it man is ryche & full of goostly goodes / & lyft vp in noblesse fast by god / it is the way that ledeth vnto heuen & without it we ne may go thider He that walketh by charyte can not go out of the way ne drede . Charyte adresseth / defendeth & ledeth the ryght way . Also charyte is the rote of al vertues . In lykewyse as sayth saynt Austyn the wordes of the appostle .j. ad thy .vj. Sicut radix omni malorum est cupiditas / ita radix omni bonorum est caritas . The rote of the tre be it good or yll extende the humour / her bounte / or malyce by the braunches and boughes / and also maketh them to growe and to multyply after his nature . And in lykewise as couetyse the whiche is rote of all euyll extendeth her malyce in all synnes / in lykewyse charyte the whiche is the rote of all goodnes and vertues extendeth her bounte and valour by al vertues and maketh them to growe / to multeplye / and to bere fayre floures / and good fruytes . For the begynnynge / the cause / & the rote wherfore a persone dooth good dedes as the werkes of mercy . It is by charyte for the loue of god . And yf ony supporte the imperfeccyon and the pouerte of his neyghbour / that is for the loue of god by charyte . Vn ad gal . vi . Alter alterius onera portate et sic ad implebitis legem christi . And yf he counceyle & conforte his neyghboure that is by charyte . Vn̄. i. ad tessallo .v. Consolamini in inuicem et edificate alterutrum . And yf he do iustyce in yeldynge euery man his owne / and yf he kepe veryte without lyenge / & yf he be humble without pride / chaste without lechery / all is doone for the loue of god in obeynge vnto hym . Vn̄ gregorius . Amor dei nunquam estociosus / operatur enim magna si est / si autem operari renuit amor non est . Euery good dede ought to be done in god / & for the loue of hym / for no vertue bereth good fruyte before god yf it be not done vpon the rote of charyte . Vnge grego . Non habet ramus aliquid viriditatis nisi maneat in radice caritatis . Et Iheronimus dicit qd alia inter fructus spiritus debuit habere primatum nisi caritas sine qua cetere virtutes non reputabuntur esse virtutes ex qua nascuntur omnia bona .

B. Charyte is a tre that bereth none yll fruyte / but bereth all fayre floures and all fayre fruytes so that it is moche worthy to be praysed / loued / & haunted . That is to say He the which hath charyte declyneth from all euyll & dooth all good operacyons . Iuxta illud psalmus . Declina a malo & fac bonum . We fynde no peeres in an apple tree ne crabbes or medelers in a plomme tree . for it is a good tree that bereth good fruyte . Vnde mathei .vi. Non potest arbor bona malos fructus facere . Also there is noo thefte / lechery . &c. founde in a good persone Also he the whiche hath charyte is not enuyous of the welthe of his neyghbour . For saynt Poule sayth .i. ad corin . xiii . Caritas non emulatur . Also he the whiche hath the herte enroted in charyte bereth good fruyt Vn̄ luce .vi. Neque enim de spinis colligunt ficus / neque de rubo vindemiant vuam . In a thorne men fynde noo fygges / for it is a bytter tree / in lykewyse as is enuye . The fruyte of a tre of enuy is bytter and euyll . For the enuyous ne dooth but euyll vnto his neyghboures . And the fruyte of the tre of charyte is swete and good / for he the whiche hath charyte ne dooth but good / also he the whiche hath charyte ne speketh none yl wordes / and the enuyous is to the contrary . Vnde mathei .xii. et luce. .vi. Bonus homo de bono thesauro cordis profert bona & malus homo de malo thesauro profert mala . Also in lykewise as men knowe a tre by the fruyte that it bereth / in lykewise dooth a man a persone by his operacyons . Vnde luce. .vi. Vna queque arbor de fructo suo cognoscitur . Et mathei duodecimo . Ex fructu enim arbor cognoscitur . Et mathei septimo . A fructibus eorum cognoscetis eos . A man can not say that a persone is chaste whan he is founde in doynge lechery . Vnde mathei duodecimo . Progenies viperarum quomodo potestis bona loqui cum sitis mali . Also that man or woman the whiche hath charyte enioyeth and delyteth him in all goodnes / in all welthe / in all beaute / and in all good operacyons and in veryte . Vn .i. corinthios decimotercio . Caritas concaudet veritati . Also he enioyeth hym for to to se the goodnes of his neyghboure as humylyte / pacyence / chastyte / deuocyon / sanctyte . &c. Also he is sory and dyspleasaunt of the harme and afflyccyon of his neyghbours after the saynge of the appostle ad ro. xii . Gaudere cum gaudentibus & flere cum flentibus . Also he the whiche hath charyte hath no Ioye in hym selfe that he haue ony synne : or yf he go out of the way Vnde .i. corin . xiii . Caritas non gaudet super iniquitatem . And the enuyous is vnto the contrary . Also he the whiche hath charyte thynketh non yll / for he hath good conscyence . Vnde .i. corin . xiii . Caritas non cogitat malum . He loueth his neyghbour as hymselfe / and he ne wylleth euyll vnto him no more than vnto hymselfe . And therfore he ne dooth detraccyon ne mockery / and the enuyous dooth the contrary . Also charyte ne may do none yll / for in it is nothynge contrary . Vnde .i. corin . xiii . Caritas non agit perperam / idest aliquid peruersum . For it is all good as it is sayd . Non cogitat malum . Non est ambiciosa . He the whiche hathe charyte is not enuyous to haue the good of another / but yeldeth vnto euery man that the whiche is his . Also it hath no drede seruyle ne worldly / for he ne dredeth that yll come vnto him for to sustayne & to kepe veryte and bounte . He is not as the auarycyous that dredeth to lese his goodes & to offende the worlde . Vnde august . Perfecta caritas nec cupiditatem seculi nec timorem Per istas duas ianuas intrat et regnat īimicus . Et legitur .i. ioh. iiii . Timor non est in caritate sed perfecta caritas foras mittit timorem : quia aunt timet non est perfectus in caritate . Also he the whiche hath charite bereth pacyently for the loue of god aduersyte / sykenes / and pouerte . Vnde .i. ad corin . xiii . Caritas non irritatur omnia suffert / omnia substinet paciens benigna est . &c. Charyte is benygne vnto all in generall / for it yelde the good agaynst the euyll . Secundum illud luce. .vi. Diligite inimicos vestros benefacite his qui oderunt vos / benedicite maledicentibus vobis et orate pro calumniantibus vos . Loue your ennemyes / do good vnto those the whiche hateth you / blysse them the whiche doo curse you / praye for those the whiche dyspyseth you . Et legitur ad ro. xii . Benedicite persequentibus vos / bn̄dicite & nolite maledicere . Blysse ye those that persecuteth you / blysse ye and curse ye in no wyse . Also he the whiche hath charyte is not proude for ony good that god vnto hym hath gyuen . Quia caritas non inflatur . The charitatyfe is humble / swete & replenysshed with all good vertues the whiche ben kept by charite . And therfore saynt Poule sayeth illud .i. ad corin . xvi . Vigilate state in fide viriliter agite & confortamini et omnia opera vestra in caritate fiant . Wake you and holde you in the faythe / laboure ye strongely and conforte you / & all your operacyons ben done in charite . Et legitur ad ephe. iii. Caritate radicati & fundati vt possitis comprehendere cum omnibus sanctis que sit latitudo longitudo sublimitas et profundum . Be ye enroted & founded in charyte to th ende that ye may comprehende with all the sayntes what is the longenes or lengthe / or the largenes and brede / or the heyght and the depenes of charyte . The largenes of the tree of charyte is to loue not onely god and our frendes but also our enmyes . Vnde p̄s. Tatum mandatum tuum custodire nimis . The lengthe of charyte is perseueraunce in good operacions vn the laste ende . The hyghnes of charyte is esperaunce to haue remuneracyon in paradyse of good dedes . The perfundyte & depenes is to beleue that the goodes that we haue cometh of god occulte the whiche we ne may se .

C. Without charyte no good espyrituel ne may prouffyte vnto persones . For saynt Poule sayeth .i. ad corinthi . xiii . Si linguis hominum loquar et angelorum caritatem aunt non habuero factus sum velut es sonans aut cymbalum timiens . That is for to vnderstande in englysshe after the exposytour , yf that I sholde speke as wysely as all the men in the worlde and the aungelles of heuen / and that by my tongue I myght conuerte all the nacyons of the Infydeles yf charyte lacke in me I may not be saued . My tongue is as he the whiche stryketh vpon an heere or on a clocke / or as he that beteth the water / this prouffyteth nothynge as vnto the saluacyon . The wordes that saynt Poule speketh of hymself ben vnderstande of euery persone . Sequitur . Et si habuero prophetiam . And yf it were soo that I hadde the gyft of prophecye as Balaam the which sayd . Orietur stella ex iacob . Et si nouerim misteria omnia . And I knewe all the mysteryes and secretes of the newe and of the olde testament / and all the secretes of god as dide Lucyfer . Et si habuero omnem scientiam et fidem . And yf I had all the scyence of the bokes of the worlde / and all the faythe of crystendome . Et si distribuero in cibos pauperum omnes facultates meas And yf I sholde gyue vnto the poore all the goodes that I haue from peny to peny & yf I had an hondred . M. pownde . Et si tradidero corpus meum ita vt ardea . And yf I sholde gyue my body to soo many afflyccyons that it sholde brenne as saynt Laurence that was rosted / and yf I sholde fast breed and water euery day . Caritatem non habuero nichil michi prodest . All these thynges beforesayd sholde nothynge prouffyte as to the saluacyon yf I haue not charyte That is too knowe yf the loue of god or of my neyghbour defayled in me . That is to vnderstande yf I hated my neyghbour in desyrynge the losse of his goodes / as to be stollen or rauysshed / or the euyl of his body as to be bette / slayne / or other yll in brekynge ony of the commaundementes of god . Yf I sholde dye in suche estate without correccion and amendement I shal not be saued / for charyte defayleth in me . Caritas non cogitat malum . Charyte thynketh none yll . For it hathe an holy conscyence . B● these thynges aforesayd it appereth that a● the lawe and the commaundementes of god dependeth of charite / the whiche is to loue god and his neyghbour .

A. How god defendeth in his commaundementes all euyll wordes / thoughtes and operacyons . And there commaundeth all good operacyons .v.

DAuid the prophete sayth in h● psalter . Declina a malo & fabonum . Declyne from euyll 〈◊〉 is fro all euyll wordes / thoug●tes / and operacions & do goo● that is all good operacyons . For god it th● commaundeth . Yf thou wilt knowe vnd●● What commaundements all euyll word● ben defended . the answere . It behoueth 〈◊〉 make dystynccyon yf thy wordes be agayne the dyleccyon of god / or agaynst that of ma● Yf they ben spoken by delyberacyon aye●● the dyleccyon of god a man breketh one o● the thre fyrste commaundementes . For y● suche wordes ben blasphemynge or swer●ge vnprouffytably god them defendeth b● wordes expresse in the seconde commaundemente . Ne iures vana per ipsum . An● yf they ben wordes berynge honour vnt● ydolles god it defendeth in the fyrste commaundement . Non adorabis deos alienos And yf they bere dyshonoure vnto the sanctyfycacyon of festes god them defende● in the .iii. commaundement . Sabbata s●●fices . And yf suche wordes ben ayenst the d●leccōn of thy neyghbour . it behoueth to m●ke dystyncyon of them . Yf they ben of fals● wytnesse or lyenge god them defendeth 〈◊〉 viii . commaundement . Non loq̄ris contra ꝓximituū falsum testimonium . And yf they dysh●nour fader or moder / god defendeth them in 〈◊〉 fourthe commaundemente . Et venerare patres . And yf they ben wordes of thretenynge to bete or to sle his neyghboure god them defendeth in the .v. commaundement . Non sis occisor . And yf they ben of auaryce or pyllerye god them defendeth in the .vi commaundement . And yf they ben lecherous wordes god them defendeth in the .vii. commaundement . In lykewyse god defendeth euyll thoughtes in his commaundementes . For yf they ben agaynst the dyleccyon of god they ben defended in one of the thre fyrst commaundementes / in likewyse as it is sayd of yll wordes . And yf they ben agaynst his neyghour it behoueth to make dystynccion of suche thoughtes . For yf they ben lecherous and that delectacion and delyberacyon be therin of wyll for to accomplysshe the synne / god theym defendeth by wordes expres in the .ix. commaundement Non concupisces vxorem proximi tui . And yf they ben of auaryce / thefte / or couetyse god theym defendeth by wordes expres in the tenth commaundement . Deutero. v. Non concupisces rem proximi tui . And yf suche thoughtes be agaynst the honour of fader and moder god them defendeth in the iiii . commaundement . And yf they wyll bete / slee / or do yll god them defendeth in the v. commaundement . &c. Morouer god defendeth all euyll operacyons in his commaundementes . For in the commaundementes where as he defendeth all euyll thoughtes and wordes / by a greter reason he there defendeth the cursed operacyons / & by wordes expres he them defendeth in four commaundementes . That is to vnderstande in the fyrst . Non adorabis deos alienos . & in the .v. Non sis occisor / & in the .vi. Non furtum faties / & in the .vii. Non mechaberis . B. Also god commaundeth all good operacyons in his commaundementes / & by wordes expres in two commaundementes that is to vnderstande in the thyrde . Sabata setifices / & in the .iiii. Et venerare patres And here a man sholde clerely vnderstande & well note that in all the commaundementes where god defendeth ne to de : ne to say ne to thynke euyll / he commaundeth the opposyte / that is to do / to say / & to thynke good as men may se where he defendeth . Ne worshyp thou no ydoles & straunge goddes . Than I commaundethe that thou worshyp one god onely . Ne sle not thy neyghbour ne hate him ne do hym none yll . Than I commaunde the to loue hym . Ne do no lechery / than be thou chaste . And be thou no thefe : Than be thou lawfull . Ne loue not to moche the goodes of the worlde as doone the auarycyous / & kepe not to moche . Than be thou lyberall / & departe with theym . Be thou no lyer / ne fals wytnes berer . Than be verytable . &c. Ne speke thou none yll wordes in swerynge ne ne lyenge / than brynge thou good wordes & true . Ne thynke thou none yll by auaryce / or lechery / & than thynke wel these good thynges . Also thou sholdest note that where god commaundeth the to do good operacions he the defendeth the contrary / that is to do euyll operacyons . Verbi gratia . Sanctifye and halowe the feestes commaunded Than doo thou no synnes ne operacyons wherby thou shalt dyshonour theym / loue thy faders & thy moders . Than hate them them not / ne do them none yll . Honour them Than dyshonour them not . Socour them Than fayle them not in theyr nede . &c. By these thynges aforesayd thou sholdest vnderstande than whan thou wylt not halowe the festes to go to goddes seruyce / as euen songes / matyns / & masses yf it be feest commaunded or solempnel / or whan thou wylt not go to the holy water / to the sermons / & processyons or whan thou wylt not honour thy faders / or do almesdedes & werkes of mercy to those the whiche haue nede / or whan thou wylte do ne say ne thynke the good that thou sholdest doo . Thou goest agaynst some of the commaundementes of god / and offendest by the synne the whiche is called obmyssy-y t is to leue a good dede vndone by slouthe And therfore thou shalte haue correccyon and punycyon / and god shall demaunde of the accompte at the day of Iugement / as it is wryten . Math. xxv . Esuriui et non dedisti michi manducare . Sitiui et non dedistis michi potum . &c. Ite maledicti in ignem eternum . I haue had honger and thou ne hast gyuen me to ete . I haue had thyrste and thou ne hast gyuen me to drynke / and therfore accursed goo in to the fyre eternall . Those the whiche haue not wylled to do the good operacyons / but vnto the contrary haue done the yll shall be punysshed as thou shalt fynde by the example of Cayn the whiche slewe his broder Abell . Quere .lxxvi. a. Or of those the whiche hath not wylled to brynge forthe good wordes but hath blasphemed and periured shal be also punysshed as thou shalte fynde by example of the sone of a woman of Israell the which was stoned for his blaspheme . Quere .lxii. a. Or of those the whiche haue thoughte yll / as a woman the whiche was dampned for a thought lecherous . Quere an hondred . a. For to abredge those the whiche dysobeyeth vnto god by operacyon / worde / or thought shall be punysshed / in lykewyse as thou mayst se by many examples the whiche be wryten here after in the examplary of the commaundementes of god .

C. Questyon vnder what commaundementes ben defended the .vii. deedly synnes : and where ben commaunded the vertues opposytes and contraryes .vi.

THe prophete Ysaye sayeth in his fyrste chapytre . Quiescite agere peruerse discite benefacere . Cease you rest you to do peruersly and ouerthwartly the synnes and cursednesses / for god them defendeth . Lerne to do well thynges vertuous for god them commaundeth . For to vnderstande well the floure of that thynge that god wylleth & commaundeth / a man sholde know that he defendeth in his commaundementes the seuen sinnes mortalles with all theyr braunches and dependaunces / & there commaundeth the vertues opposytes and contraryes in lykewyse as it shall be declared here afterwarde . And fyrst for to knowe vnder what commaundement is defended euery synne it nedeth to consyder in bryef the intencyon of god in gyuynge the sayd commaundementes / and the intencyon of those the whiche go vnto the contrary . Fyrst yf thou demaunde where is defended pryde thou shalt haue answer generall and after pertyculer . I answere the ge●rally that pryde is defended in all & in euery of the .x. commaundementes of god / for whan thou brekest ony thou commytte● inobedyence / and all inobedyence is not 〈◊〉 out pryde . Also pryde is defended generally in all the .x. commaundementes of god . Ve●ba gracia . Whan thou worshyppest the ydolles / or whan thou swerest vnprouffytably or whan thou brekest the feestes / or ony of the .x. commaundementes thou shewest apertly that thou ne wylt so moche lowe the● & humble the vnder god as to obey vnto the commaundemente that thou brekest / so the arte inobedient and proude togyders / and therfore pryde is defended generally in al the commaundementes . Also all mortal synne and all offence is commytted by the synnes of transgressyon or of obmyssyon And all the synnes of transgressyon or of obmyssyon be not without inobedyence / inobedyence is not without pryde as it is sayd . So euery persone the whiche commytteth ony mortall synne is proude and in lykewyse inobedyent and soo breketh some commaundementes / but specyally pryde the whiche is anenst god is defended in the fyrst commaundement / and that the whiche is anenst his neyghboure is defended in the iiij commaundement . Secondely yf thou demaunde where auaryce is defended / it behoueth to consyder the entencyon & operacyon of the auarycyous / for yf he loue the goodes more than god and aboue hym he ydolatryseth and breketh the fyrst commaundement . And yf he werke on the holy daye by couetyse in doynge suche operacyon he ne sanctyfyeth suche holy day as he ought to do and breketh the thyrde commaundement . And whan he taketh the goodes of another vniustly in ony maner he breketh the syxte commaundement . And whan he ne taketh them in dede but by delyberacyon and consentement of reason them wolde haue he breketh the .x. commaundement Thyrdly of slouthe is behoueth to consider that he the whiche is slouthfull to accomplysshe that / that god commaundeth / or delygent to do that that he defendeth he offendeth in that commaundement where the sayd slouthe or contradyccion is made / as yf he be slouthfull to praye / to serue and to worshyp god after the faythe receyued in baptysme he offendeth ayenst the fyrst commaundement / or yf that sayd slouthe be a●enst god or his sayntes in the dayes of the feest commaunded to sanctyfy the sayd feestes he offendeth agaynst the thyrde commaundement And yf the sayd slouthe were agaynst the dyleccyon commaunded anenst his faders and neyghbours he shold offende agaynst the fourth commaundement . Fourthly the synne of Yre and that of enuye ben defended in the fyfth commaundement / and all theyr braunches and dependences / as shal be declared in that commaundement . Fyfthly of glotony it is to consyder the cause fynall of the excesse / for whan a gredy gloton delyteth and loueth his wombe and body more than god and aboue hym he commytteth ydolatry and breketh the fyrst commaundement as in that shall be declared / and yf he breke the fastes of the solempnytees / or that he excede in drynke or in meet in the feestes commaunded he breketh the thyrde commaundement . Sabbata sanctifices . And at all tymes that he nouryssheth his body strongely in so moche that it moeueth him to commyt lechery he offendeth agaynst the seuenth commaundement / for glotoni and lechery ben systers . Syxtely all the sortes and maners of lechery the whiche ben commytted in operacyon ben defended in the seuenth commaundement / and those of the wyll in the .ix. commaundment . And a man sholde note that in all the commaundementes where god defendeth the sinnes he commaundeth the vertues opposytes & contraryes / as who wolde saye . Be thou not proude / than be thou humble . Be thou not slouthfull / than delygent . Be thou not to moche holdynge ne auarycyous / than that thou be lyberall . Be thou not enuyous / than charytable . Ne yrefull / than pacyent . Ne gloton / than sobre . Ne lecherous / than chaste . So it appereth that god commaundeth the vertues in his commaundementes & defendeth the synnes / the whiche synnes ben too be blamed / and the condycyons of those the whiche commytteth theym that here foloweth .

D. Here after foloweth the .vii. mortall synnes defended in the commaundementes of god . Who so wyll knowe the offenders By the braunches of the seuen synnes I shall reherce them by orders And fyrst with pryde that all yll begynnes Of pryde . The proude man is dysobedyent Ypocryte / and grete in bostynge Apte to euery inconuenyent Contemnynge & also presumynge Of auaryce . The auarycyous is a thefe Full of gyle / and grete defrauder Vsury and symony to hym is lefe Sacrylege is he / and also rauyssher Of slouthe . The slouthfull man is also musynge Ydle / neclygent / gyuynge no force Vayne / tydeous / delytynge inslepynge Sluggysshe / vnlusty / an vnthryfty corce . Of enuye . The enuyous is full of hate A grete detractour and full of yll Dysposed euer to make debate Full of malyce and euyll wyll Of wrathe . The enuyous is a grete thretener Iniuryous and blasphematour Also he is a murderer Dysdaynous / cryer / & full of murmour Of glotony . The gloton deliteth in drynke & fedynge Encombrynge his stomacke with excesse Full seldon sobre / or yet fastynge . Puttynge his body to no dystresse Of lechery . The lecherous is a fornycatour Aduoutrer / and defloratour Sacrylege / and rauysshour Sodomyte and incestour The auctour . Who so wyll do his saluacyon Fle the mortall synnes seuen In auoydynge of dampnacyon Yf he wyll enheryte heuen .

It is wryten ecclesiastici .xxj. Quasi a facie colubri fuge peccata si accesseris ad illa suscipient te dentes leonis dentes illius interficientes animas hominum . Fle the synnes as frome the face of a serpent / yf thou approche vnto them they shall take the with lyons tethe / the whiche ben the tethe of that serpent whiche is synne / the whiche tethe sleeth spyrytuall by dethe of gylt the soule of man . There is not a worse heed than is the heed of a serpent as sayth the sage eccle. xxv . Non est caput nequius super caput colubri . For his tethe / his tongue / & brethe ben venymous / the whiche enuenymeth & maketh the persones to deye . Also for to● speke spyrytually there is nothynge wor● vnto the soule than mortal synne / the company of it is nothynge worth / for it ledeth vnto dampnacyon and perdycyon . Vnde Ezechielis .xviij. Anima que peccauere ipsa morietur . The soule the whiche hathe commytted mortall synne shall deye spyrytually of dethe eternall without extynguysshement yf it be not medycyned by penaunce .

A. Here foloweth the fyrst commaundement of god .vi. ONe onely god thy creatour Thou shalt serue / & in hym beleue And loue hym best with all honour As nere as grace wyll gyue the leue

Vno credo deum . Beleue in one god onely and loue hym ryght parfytely . It is euyll taken to them that hath done vnto the contrary / in lykewyse as we may fynde by examples . Quere .lvij. c. d. e. In this commaundement many thynges ben commaunded and defended .

B. That it is commaunded to beleue in onely god in trynyte & to worshyp him .vi.

IT is wryten deutero .vi. Audi Israel / dominus deus vester deus vnus est . O Israell your lorde god is one god . Et legitur marci xii . Vnus est deus et non alius

preter eum . One god is / and there ne is none other but he . Of necessyte of helthe it is requysyte to all persones for too put theyr faythe & credence in god the creature / and not in ydolles and thynges created . For it is wryten that without faythe it is Impossyble to please god . Vnde ad hebreos vndecimo capitulo . Sine fide impossibile est placere deo . And therfore he commaundeth vs too beleue in one onely god in trynyte . That is to knowe in god the fader al puyssaunt / in lykewyse as sayth saynt Peter . Credo in vnum deum patrem omnipotentem . And in Ihesu cryst his dere sone / in lykewyse as sayth saynt Andrewe . Et in iesum christum filium eius vnicum dominum nostrum . Also in the holy goost in lykewyse as sayth saynt Barthylmewe . Credo in spiritum sanctum . These thre persones been one onely god in one vnyte and symplycyte / and not many goddes / for they ben in one selfe substaunce and nature / in one selfe myght / dyuynyte / and glory . Anathase sayeth . Fides autem catholica hec est / vt vnum deum in trinitate / et trinitatem in vnitate veneremur . The faythe catholyke is that we honour one god in trynyte & the trynyte in vnyte . And it behoueth not to confounde the persones ne to separate the substaunce . Neque confundentes personas neque substantiam separantes For they ben thre persones deuysed and dystyngued the whiche ben in one substaunce and nature / in one vnyte and symplycyte as it is sayd the whiche ben one onely god . And therfore it is here commaunded to beleue in hym to worshyp / honour / and serue hym / and to gyue the dyuyne honour the whiche apperteyneth vnto hym and not to ydolles . Our blyssed sauyour and redemptour Iesus gyueth it clerely by wordes to vnderstande the whiche ben wryten Mathei .iiij. Dominum deum tuum adorabis et illi so soli seruies . Thou shalte worshyp thy lorde god and hym alonely serue . Also it is wryten deuterono .vi. Dominum deum tuum timebis et ipsi soli seruies . Thou shalt drede thy lorde god and hym all onely serue . Examples to worshyp one onely god in trynyte and not many It is wryten in the xviij . chapitre of Genese that as Abraham was at the dore of his tabnacle he lyfte vp his eyen and sawe dyuynely thre aungels in semblaunce of thre persones the whiche denoteth the fader / the sone / and the holy goost / he ranne agaynst them and worshipped them in erthe and sayd . Domine sun ueni gratiam in oculis tuis ne transeas seruum tuum sed afferam pauxillum aque et lauentur pedes vestri . &c. Tres vidit & vnum adorauit . He sawe thre persones and worshypped one onely god in trynyte . Vnto the example of Abraham we shall adoure and worshyppe one onely god in trynyte . Another example wryten in the .xxiiij. chapytre of Exody that our lorde sayd vn-Moyses . Mounte in too the mountayne thou and Aaron / and Madab / and Abyn / and thre score auncyent men of Israell & ye shall worshyp a ferre of . Another example in Exody that the chyldren of Israell vnderstode that god them vesited and regarded the tourmentes that Pharaon dyde vnto theym / than they fell prostrate on the erthe and worshypped hym . Vnde exodi . iii● . Audientes filij israel qd deus eos visitaret et respiceret afflictionem eorum et adorauerunt prom in terram . &c. An other example wryten in the fyrste chapytre of the fyrst boke of kynges that a man named Helcana departed from his cyte on the dayes establysshed too th ende that he sholde worshyp & doo sacryfyce vnto god . Another example wryten in the .ix. chapytre of Neemie that after that the chyldren of Israell came agayne frome the captyuyte of Babylon they separated themselfe from people straungers / and also put them in fastynges / they cladde them in sackes / they put erthe vpon theyr heedes and worshypped theyr lorde god . Another example wryten in the fyrste chapytre of Iob that whan the sayd Iob had herde the wordes of the messengers the whiche came to tell hym that his goodes were lost and his sones slayne / he lyft hym vp and fell prostrate vnto the erthe and worshypped god & sayd . Nudus egressus sum de vtero matris mee / & nudus reuer●ar illuc . Another example wryten in the .vi. chapytre of Danyell the whiche was commaunded of kynge Dayre that none ne sholde demaunde ony thynge of god ne of man by .xxx. dayes / but alonely of the sayd kynge Dayre . And Danyell ne dyde nothynge & bowed his knees thre tymes on a daye and worshypped his lorde god . Another example wryten in the seconde chapytre of the euangelyst saynt Mathewe that whan the kynges that came fro the oryent entred in to the hous & founde the chylde and the vyrgyn Mary his moder they yode on theyr knees & worshypped hym . Another example in the .x chapytre of the gospell of saynt Iohn that a man that had be blynde from his natyuy● was enlumyed of Ihesus and after wo●shypped hym . Another example wryte Mathei .viij. & marci .j. that whan Iesu● descended from the mountayne a mesel● a lepre came to hym and worshypped him and sayd . Domine si vis potest me mundare . My lorde yf thou wylte thou may●● hee le me . Another example wryten M●thei .xxviij. that whan the appostles cam● to our lorde after that he was rysen they wo●shypped hym . Another example write● in the .iiij. chapitre of the gospelles of sayn● Mathewe that our lorde sayd vnto Sathan as he tempted hym . Thou shalt wo●shyppe thy lorde god . Dn̄m deum tuu● adorabis et illi soli seruies . Another example wryten in the .xxij. chapytre of the Apocalyps that after that saynt Iohan ha● seen the reuelacyons of god he fell before fete of the aungell that had shewed theyr to hym to th ende that he myght worshyp hym . And the aungell sayd / kepe the fro● doynge yt. And afterwarde foloweth wo●shyp god . Thou shalt be ryght vnnatura● to dysknowlege thy god the whiche is t●● creatour of the heuen and of the erthe / g●uerneth all the worlde and purueyeth vnto all creatures all thynges as to them be necessarye . Also thou sholdest be ydolat● to giue vnto the ydolles and straunge go●des the honoure the whiche apperteyne● vnto the fourmer and creatoure of vs all The scryptures sayeth that the name 〈◊〉 god is louable from the oryent tyll vnto occydent . Vnde psalmus . Asolis ortu vs● ad occasum laudabile nomen domini . A so thou sholdest be without entendemen● and naturall reason for too thynke that stone or a symulacre hathe puyssaunce f● to gyue the helthe in thy sekenesse or paradyse at the ende of thy lyfe . Also force or p●yssaunce procedeth of the creatour as it is wryten Iohannis .j. Omnia per ipsum fata sunt / et sine ipso factum est nichil . And therfore beleue in one onely god in trinyte and yf thou therin be ferme and stedfast thou shalte be worthy to doo myracles as dyde a preste the whiche entred within the fyre for to approue the faythe and was not brent Quere .lxi. B. Another example how a good man stedfast in god requyred hym that a mountayne myght be remoeued & chaunged frome one place in to another for to conferme the faythe / & his request was herde . Quere .lxj. a. Vnto this purpose it is wryten Mathei .xxj. Amen dico vobis si habueritis fidem et non hesitaueritis et si monti huic dixeritis tolle et iactare te in mare fiet . Certaynly I say you yf it be so that ye haue had faythe without doubtynge / & that haue sayd vnto this mountayne take the away and caste the in to the see / it shal be doone .

C. Secondly it is defended to beleue in ydolles & straunge goddes / in errours / and folysshe credences .vj.

IT is wryten in the auncyent testament that god defendeth al yl operacions / thoughtes / and wordes of infydelyte the whiche these ydolatres speketh / & thynketh agaynst the faythe . Vnde exodi .xx. c. Non habebis deos alienos coram me . Non facies tibi sculpile neque omnem similitudinem que est in celo desuper / et que in terra / nec omnia eorum que sunt in aquis sub terra non adorabis ea neque colles . That is to lay . Thou shalt not haue straunge goddes before me Thou ne shalt make ydoldes ne statues ne symylytudes what so euer it be in the skye on hye as the sonne and the mone that many haue worshypped vnfaythfully / nor in other thynges the whiche ben on the erthe of the thynges the whiche ben in / waters / ne vnder the erthe . Thou ne shalt worshyp those thynges ne gyue vnto theym the dyuyne honour / that is that the whiche is wryten before . One onely god with all thyn herte thou shalte serue / and in hym beleue . Thou shalte loue hym with all thyn herte and also thou shalt honour hym . Maledyccyon cometh on those the whiche wyll not beleue in god / and the whiche maketh ydolles vnto whome they adiust and put theyr faythe . Vnde deuteronomie .xxvij. Maledictus homo qui facit scultilie et conflatile abhominationem domini opus manuum artificium . And it is wryten Leuitici .xix. Nolite conuerti ad ydola nec deos conflatiles facietis vobis : ego dominus deus vester . Conuert you not vnto ydolles / conflatyles and sculptures / that is that ye make no goddes by blowynges and grauynges as dyde the chyldren of Israel whan Moyses yode to fetche the commaundementes in the mountayne / they wende to haue made a god of golde and of syluer & they made a calfe the whiche they worshypped & daunced about . Than Moyses was wrothe of the sayd ydolatryse and of the daunces / & he kest doune the tables wherin was wryten the commaundementes and brake them he made to cease the sayd daunces and called on his party all those the whiche were not there to consentynge vnto whome he sayd that they sholde put vnto dethe al them the whiche hadde ydolatrised and daunced and that the sonne ne shold spare the fader ne other parent / for in so doynge they sholde consacre theyr handes in obeyenge vnto god / and so it was doone . For of the people of god the whiche hadde so ydolatrysed and daunced there were .xxx. thousande slayne / and by the wyl of god as thou shalt fynde . Exodi .xxxij. Vocem cantantium ego audio dicit moyses . Et cum appropinquasset ad castra vidit vitulum & choreas Iratusque valde proiecit de manu tabulas et confregit eas . Questyon . To knowe yf that it be offence to make and worshyp the ymages of the sayntes of paradyse for that before it hath be sayd . Non facies tibi scultile / nec omnem similitudinem que est in celo de super . &c. The answere . We sholde not worshyp the ymages in lyke wise as the thynge that we adoure / for that sholde be ydlatrye / but we worshyp other thynge that the ymage representeth / as so me saynt . The ymage is alonely the token of the thynge that we worshyppe / wherfore we offende not . Many folkes haue broken this commaundement and yet dooth / as ben the ydolatres the whiche worshyppeth and serueth vnto ydolles and gyueth vnto them the dyuine honour / theyr faythe / esperaunce / and loue that they sholde gyue vnto the creatoure . These ydolatres been excommunycate by the sentence of ryght . It appereth also by many examples that they deyed of an euyll dethe / as Egeas the whiche made to crucyfye saynt Andrewe . Quere .lvij. c. And Dyascorus the whiche beheded his doughter saynt barbara .lvij. e Also the prouoste Tarquyn / the kynge of Perse . Cosydore . Quyncyen . Maxymyen . &c. In lykewyse as men shall fynde in the examplary in the fyrst commaundement .lvij. f. Also the Iewes the whiche wold not beleue in our sauyour and redemptour Iesu cryst / and wyll not worshyppe hym / serue hym / and honoure hym / and abydeth the cursed Antechryste transgresseth this commaundement and gooth vnto dampnacyon and perdycion perdurable . Also these sarazyns the whiche worshippeth Mahoumet the whiche was a man false and heretyke the whiche is dampned breketh this commaundement . Also the apostates the whiche leueth theyr crystendome / or relygious theyr relygyon / or other the whiche l●ueth ony thynges that they haue promysed to kepe in crystyanyte breketh this commandement . Example of people the whiche hath ben apostates .lviij. a. b. Also wytches and sorceresses the whiche rideth vpon bromes / worshyppeth the bucke / and haue oyntementes and thynges dyabolykes ben excommunycate of the sentence of right and synneth mortally and the case is reserued vnto the bysshoppes . Example of a Iewe sorcyer the whiche mysse counceyled Theophyle . Quere .lvij. b. Those the whiche vseth wytchcraftes sholde be gretely punysshe Vt habetur extra de sortilegijs . Ex tua● qd si imperfectiones sortilegas faciunt e●si ex celo & sole simplicitate hoc faciunt g●●uissimum peccatum incurtum . Et si sacerdos ex simplicitate hoc fecerit per annum debet segregari ab altaris misterio . Laic●vero si hoc fecerit quadraginta diebus a ●●munione fidelium priuetur et excōicetur Clericus vero officio & beneficio priuari p●test vt pm in decreto .xxvj. Questione .v. with dr . Non licet cristiano gentilium tradi●●nes obseruare vel elementa colore . &c. Al●● Inuocatours of the deuyll of hell and those the whiche of him demaundeth helpe and ayde and wylleth his alyaunce / or the wh●che maketh couenaunt with hym / or tho●● the whiche vnto hym maketh sacryfyce ? honour / and those the whiche maketh hym ymages / or those the whiche of hym demaunde answere of ony questyon / suche people ben excommunycate by sentence of rygh● and offendeth gretely . Also chermours the whiche gyueth helthe and ayde by words incredybles / dyabolykes and folysshe ●●●dences / or dyuynours the whiche demaundeth of the deuyll by reuelacyon of ony thynge secrete / or the trouthe of thynges to combreketh this commaundement . And those the whiche gooth vnto charmours for to be 〈◊〉 led / or vnto dyuyners to haue reuelacyon & leueth god vnto whome suche thynges apperteneth synneth mortally & renyeth theyr faythe / cresme / and baptisme / for they had renounced the deuyll in saynge . Abrenuntio sathane et omnibus pompis eius . And they therto retorne . After the olde lawe the dyuyners were stoned and put to dethe . Vnde legitur leui .xx. Vir siue mulier in quibus phitonicus vl diuinationis fuerit morte moriatur lapidibus obruent es / sanguis eorum sit suꝑillos . Example of charmours the charmeth hogges in tyme of mast that wolues neete them . Quere .lx. a. Example of kynge Ochozyas that sent to seke counceyle of his sekenes at Beezebub / and euyl came vnto hym / and his messengers were brent with fyre of heuen . Quere .lx. b. Raymonde sayth that regulerly all suche dyuynement is defended & cursed of god and of holy chyrche as is ydolatry & infydelyte . Vnto god alonely apperteyneth to knowe the thynges secretes and to come / and suche people laboureth to knowe them and also graunteth the dyuyne thynges whiche apperteyneth vnto god . The prophete Iheremye sayth that a man sholde not here suche sorte of people Vn̄ iheremie . Nolite audire prophetas vestros diuinos & sonniatores & augures maleficos qui dicunt vobis / non seruietis regibabilonis qr mendacium prophetant vt longe faciant vos et pereatis . &c. Also people of folysshe beleue that putteth & adiusteth faythe in crye of byrdes / or in the metynge of beestes or those that holdeth paynyms customes as those the whiche kepeth the dayes egypcyens or the kalendes of Ianuary in the whiche they do make gyftes the one to the other in the begynnynge of the good yere in hauynge many folysshe credences contrary vnto the faythe catholyke / suche thynges ben contrary vnto the helthe of the soules & shold be left . Vn̄ aug. xxvj . q̄re .vij Non obseruetis dies qui dicuntur egyptiaci / aut kalendas Ianuarij in quibus candelle et quedam commessationes / et ad inuicem dona donantur quasi in principio boni anni facti augurio aut reliquas menses et tempora dies ve aut annos aut lune et mensis solisque cursus hora / et qui has quascumque diuinationes aut facta / aut auguria / aut tendit / aut contendit / aut consentit obseruationibus / aut credit / aut ad eorum domum vadit / aut in sua domo introducit vt interroget / sciat se cristianam fidem et baptismum preuaricasse / et paganum et apostatam et dei inimicum / iram dei in eternum incurre re nisi penitentia ecclesia emendatus deo rereconsilietur . Example of a relygyous man and of a woman the whiche put faythe in the songe of a cuckowe / and yll came to them . Quere .lx. c. d. All maner of mysbeleuynge people sholde drede temporall punycyon and eternall dampnacyon . It is wryten deuteronomie .xi. Cauete ne forte decipiatur cor vestrum & recedatis a domino seruiatisque dijs alienis et adoretis eos / iratusque dominus claudat celum et pluuie non descendant / nec terra det germen suum ꝑeatis velociter de terra optima quam dominus daturus est vobis . Beware lest by aduenture your herte be deceyued and that ye ne departe you from the lorde / and that ye serue not vnto straunge goddes / & that ye ne worshyp theym for drede that your lorde be not wrothe / and that he close not the heuens / and that the rayne descende not and the erthe ne gyue his fruyte / and that ye perysshe not hastely from the londe that almighty god sholde gyue vnto you . They the whiche hath broken and froyssed this commaundement sholde not dyspayre them but they ought for to do penaunce & they shall be saued how greuous so euer the synnes ben the whiche they haue commytted Example in Theophyle whiche renyed god and he was saued by penaunce . Quere .lviii. b. Another example of a relygyous the whiche was apostate and harlot & she was saued by penaunce . Quere .cxiiij. a. Also those the whiche desyreth to be saued sholde take the condycion of the pylgrym of paradyse the whiche ben wryten after .xlv. a. b. c. Also people incredibles sholde drede to be sent in to the fyre of hell there to be brent eternally / the whiche is a tourment moost cruell as it is wryten afterwarde . q̄re .xlix. b. Example of a preest prynce of the ydolles the whiche is in the fyre of hell . Quere .lvij. a.

A. Thyrdly all the artycles of the fayth ben here commaunded to beleue in lykewyse as the chyrche beleueth and holdeth .vii.

ANathasius sayth . Quicunque vult saluus esse ante omnia opus est vt teneat catholicam fidem Quam nisi quisque integram inuiolatamque seruauerit absque dubio ineternum peribit . Euery persone the whiche wyll be saued it is requysyte before all thynges that he holde the faythe catholyke / the whiche yf euery one ne kepe hole without doubt he shal perysshe in perdurabylyte . Al good catholykes sholde beleue in one onely god in trynyte as it is sayd before . And who soo beleueth in god stedfastly it behoueth that he beleue in all his operacions / as in the creacyon of heuen and of ertth and in his sanctyfycacyons / as in the holy chyrche . Wherfore the artycles of the faythe ben here commaunded the whiche dothe folowe .

Saynt Peter sayeth . Credo in vnum deum .

Who so wyll beleue stedfastly In the faythe of crystyente Beleue in one god alonely Thre persones in vnyte .

Agayne saynt Peter sayth . Patrem●● potentem . And saynt Andrewe sayeth

Et in iesum christum filium eius vn●●● dominum nostrum . And saynt Barthylmewe sayeth . Credo in spm̄ sanctum Vnum crede deum personis hunc fore t●num . Sunt pater natus neuma sacer deus vnus .

That is in the fader all puyssaunt And in the holy goost also And in Iesus his dere infaunt As crysten men sholde do

Also saynt Andrewe sayth Creatore● celi et terre .

And this onely god in trynyte The heuen the erthe and the see And all other thynges made hath he For the conforte of our humanyte

Saynt Mathewe sayth . Sanctam ecclesiam catholicam .

In holy chyrche also beleue By stedfast faythe and deuocyon As nere as god grace the shall gyue Yf thou entende to haue saluacyon

Agayne saynt Thomas sayth Sctōrum communionem . And saynt Symon . Remissiomem peccatorum .

And beleue that all good crystyens Haue with the sayntes communyon Of all good dedes by the sacramentes And of theyr synnes remyssyon Saynt iude sayth . Carnis resurreccionem And whan the aungell his horne shal blowe All that ben deed shall appere Lye they in erthe neuer so lowe In body and soule enrere

Saynt Mathewe sayth . Vitam eternam

And those the whiche hath lyued wele In to paradyse shall ascende The euyll also grete payne shall fele In hell euer withouten ende

Saynt Iames the more sayth . Qui conceptus est de spiritu sanc to natus ex maria virgine .

Beleue also by grete veryte In Ihesu crystes humanyte Conceyued of the spyryte holy And borne of the vyrgyn Mary

Saynt Iohn sayth . Passus sub pontio pylato crucifixus mortuus et sepultus . And saynt Thomas sayth . Descendit ad in ferna .

After this he suffred gretely On the crosse for vs to deye And than buryed by Ioseph the good Streyght in to the helles he yood

Also saynt Thomas sayth . Vercia die resurrexit a mortuis . And saynt Iames the lesse sayth . Ascendit ad celos sedet ad dexteram dei patris oimpotentis .

On the thyrde day he dyde aryse And in to heuen ye shall vnderstande He reascended in moost goodly wyse And sytteth on his faders ryght hande

Saynt Phylyp sayth . Inde venturus est iudicare viuos et mortuos .

He hath promysed as we rede On domes day to come agayne To Iuge the quycke and the dede Some to blysse and some to payne

Hec est fides catholica quam nisi quisque fideliter firmiterque crediderit / saluus esse non poterit .

Who so his soule thynketh to saue Entendynge here after to come to blysse . Parfyte faythe must he haue In one artycle he may not mysse

THe persone the whiche wyll be saued ought to be stedfast / stable / and immouable in the fayth for it is the foundement vpon the whiche men edifye the other vertues for to multyply them in goodes espyrytuelles and for to mounte in to paradyse . Vnd ad collocenses .i. In fide sitis fundati stabiles et immobiles . Be ye founded in the faythe stable and immouable . Also we rede of a wyse man the whiche edyfyed his house vpon a stedfast stone / and the rayne descended and the windes and the waters strake agaynst it and it fell not / for it was so wel founded . Vnde mathei .vij. Descendit pluuia et venerunt flumina / et flauerunt venti et irruerunt in domum illam et non cecidit / fundamenta enim erant super petram . The raynes descended / that is the tourmentes and aduersitees the whiche descendeth from the heyght of the ayre . By the waters the whiche cometh ben vnderstande the persecucyons of the ryche puyssauntes . And by the wyndes the whiche bloweth ben vnderstande the fauours of the worlde / or the Iniuryes / thretenynges / and vniust languages the whiche stryketh agaynst the hous belongynge to the Iust by dyuers temptacyons . And it fell not frome good purpose by delectacion / consentement ne good operacyon / for it was founded vpon a stone / that is the faythe of god . Saynt Poule sayth in his epystles . In oibus sumentes scutum fidei in quo possitꝭ omnia tela neqissimi ignea extinguere . For to resyst agaynst the temptacyons of the deuyll it behoueth to haue stedfast faythe And a man sholde note the faythe without operacyon is deed & of no value / & as the body is deed whan the soule is departed . Vn̄. Iob ii . Sicut corpus sine anima mortuum est ita & fides sine operibus mortua est . Example of some that hath ben sure in the fayth . q̄re .lxi. a. b B. Moche people gooth to dampnacion & perdycyon for lacke of faythe as lollers & heretykes that holdeth & beleueth some thynge ayenst the artycles of the faythe / & instruteth the symple folke so to beleue / suche people ben excommunycate by sentence of ryght . Vt habetur extra de hereticis . Excommunicamus . And is a case reserued vnto the bysshoppes . Also all those the whiche hath put faythe and credence vnto the sayd heretykes in reputynge them to be good and to haue good faythe / and all those the whiche defendeth theym of dede and of worde ben also excommunycate . Also many heretykes haue ben yll reproued for that that they haue erred agaynst the artycles of the fayth Fyrst Manycheus erred the whiche sayd that there were two goddes / the one good and the other badde / and that the good hadde created the thynges inuysybles and the yll the thynges vysibles . Agaynst this errour saynt Peter sayth . Credo in vnum deum patrem omnipotentem creatorem celi et terre . Secondely Arryanus erred the whiche sayd that Ihesu cryst was a creature created lesse after the dyuynyte than god the fader . Ayenst this errour Anathasius sayth . Filius a patre solo est non factus nec creatus / sed genitus . Equalis patri secundum diuinitatem : minor patre secundum humanitatem . Thyrdly some grekes haue erred the whiche sayd that the holy ghoost was creature and not god . Agaynst this errour was made in the symbole . Qui cum patre et filio simul adoratur et conglorificatur . Fourthly Sabellius erred the whiche put the confusyon of the persones without to dystyngue theym and sayd that the fader was somtyme the sone and somtyme the holy goost . Agaynst this errour Anathasius dooth saye . Alia est enim persona patris alia filii / alia spiritussancti vna est diuinitas . Fyfthly the Iewes and sarazyns erred the whiche beleued not in Ihesu cryst & gooth agaynst the artycles of the faythe . Sextly Iacobyte and Nycolayte erreth / for they beleue otherwyse in the sacrament than ne dooth the holy chyrche Romayne : Seuenthly the Grekes erreth the whiche denyeth that the holy chyrche Romayne ne is the chyefe and the maystresse of al chyrches . Agaynst this errour was put in the symbole . Apostolicam ecclesiam . Many other heretykes haue erred agaynst the faythe the whiche I leue by cause of shortnes . Examples of heretykes . And fyrst example that the deuylles kepte an heretyke from brennynge : but whan the body of Ihesu cryste was brought they ne myght kepe hym .lix. a.

Another example that a cautelous heretyke was brent of a fole .lix. c.

A. Fourthly of the effecte of the .vii. sacramentes the whiche ben comprehended vnder the artycles of the faythe .viij.

IT is wryten that our lorde sayd vnto his dyssyples that they sholde go through out the worlde to preche the gospell that is all holy after our faythe . He the whiche hath beleued in god after the faythe and hath accomplysshed that the whiche is wryten in the gospell and hath ben baptysed shall be saued . And he the whiche hath not beleued shall be condampned . Vn. mar . xvi . Euntes in mundum vniuersum predicate euangelium omni creature . Qui crediderit & baptisatus fuerit saluus erit / qui vero non crediderit condempnabitur . After the lawe catholyke and the holy scryptures we beleue that these synners haue remyssyon and pardon of all theyr synnes by the grace & mercy that god hath gyuen and instytued vnto those the whiche worthely and holyly receyueth the holy sacramentes instytued and ordeyned in his chyrche / the whiche holy sacramentes ben conteyned and hole comprehended vnder these artycles . Credo sanctam ecclesiam catholicam / sanctorum communionem remissionem peccatorum . And they ben seuen the whiche folowen . That is to knowe Baptysme / penaunce / confyrmacion / vnccyon / ordre of prestehode / eucarystie / and maryage . After the scryptures these sacramentes ben Instytued for to hele those that ben seke by the Infeccyon of synne . The chyrche is an apotycary or as the hous of a prudent phesycyen the whiche is furnysshed with all good medycynes agaynst all sekenesses for to gyue helthe . The seke man is the synner / the phesycyen is Ihesu cryst / the mynyster of the medycyne is the preste / the entrayte the lectuary / and apotecareryes is the vertues of the sacramentes . The synner hath many sekenesses / the fyrst that cometh in to this worlde is synne orygynall / agaynst the whiche is the sacrament of baptysme for to hele it . The seconde sekenes is venyall synne agaynst the whiche is instytued the oyle of the last vnccyon . The thyrde sekenes is mortall synne / agaynst the whiche is instytued the sacrament of penaunce . The .iiii. sekenes is debylyte or weykenes of faythe / agaynst the whiche is instytued confyrmacion . The fyfthe sekenes is ygnouraunce of thynges verytables / agaynst the whiche is instytued the sacrament of the ordre of prestehode / for he the whiche receyueth it ought to be a clerke & sage for to instructe . The syxte is the concupyscence carnall of voluptuous people / agaynst the whiche is instytute the sacrament of maryage . The seuenth is affeccyon dysordynate in thynges blynde and defaylynge / agaynst the whiche is the sacramente of eucharystye . or body of our lorde . Also the seuen sacramentes gyueth grete grace vnto synners / for they do bere effecte . By the grete grace that almyghty god hath gyuen within the effecte of the sacrament of baptysme well receyued all gylte is effaced & put awaye . that is orygynall & all synne actuall mortall / and venyall . And this sacrament gyueth grace and also all vertues as wel theologalles as moralles / and yf it ne gyueth them as vnto the vsage / yet it gyueth them as vnto the habyte . Si non dat quantum and vsum ad minus dat quantum ad habitum . Ista est sentencia consilii generalis Vt habetur in constitutionibus domini clementis extra de summa trinitate et fide . ca. c Fidei catholice . Also the effecte of the holy sacrament of baptysme gyueth an affynyte espyrytuall the whiche is so ryght parfytely grete that it letteth maryage / soo that the baptysant and the godfaders and god moders and gosseppes ne may haue in maryage the baptysed . Also baptysme openeth the gates of paradyse and maketh hym to possede / and maketh hym to be perteyner in the passyon of our sauyour and redemtour Ihesu cryst . Quia omnes qui in christo baptizati sunt christum induunt . Vt dicit paulus in suis epistolis . This sacrament of baptysme is requysyte of the necessyte of helthe . For it is wryten Iohannis tercio . Nisi quis renatus fuerit ex aqua & spiritu sancto non potest introire in regnum dei . Who so hath not be goten agayn / or newly borne / regenerate / or wasshed from synne orygynall by water and by the holy goost ne may entre in to the realme of god . Also as sayth the holy euangelyst saynt Marke It is requysyte that we be all baptysed in lykewyse as it hath ben sayd and declared here tofore .

B. The effecte of the sacramente of penaunce well taken in contrycyon / confessyon / satysfaccyon and purpose noo more to retorne vnto synne dooth many goodnesses vnto the soule of euery man and woman contryte for theyr synne . The fyrst is that it wassheth / puryfyeth / and maketh clene the soule from the fylthe of synne . The seconde that it effaceth / adnychylleth / & maketh to put in forgetfulnes all venyall and mortall synnes . The thyrde that vnbyndeth and lowseth the lynes of the deuyll & of synne / and taketh the soule from her vyle seruitude . The fourth goodnes that the sacrament of penaunce dooth is that it maketh the appoyntement of the dyscorde the whiche was betwene god & man by synne . The fyfthe that it maketh man to be the sone of god and of grace that was by syne the sone of yre and of the deuyll by Imytacion . The syxte goodnes that penaunce dooth is that it recouereth and maketh to come agayne the good vertues and operacions the whiche had ben done in thestate of grace the whiche were put in forgetynge and lost by mortall synne . The seuenth goodnes that penaunce dooth is that it maketh a man to be the membre of god and of the chyrche & maketh hym to be pertener and gadred in the good dedes of sayntes / for by mortall synne the man is separate frome god and from his sayntes . The .viij. goodnes that the sacrament of penaunce dooth is that it vnbyndeth and dyschargeth man from dampnacyon and perdycyon . The nynth goodnes is that it openeth paradyse vnto the synner and maketh hym to haue the lyfe eternall and to reygne with god . All synners sholde receyue this sacrament in grete faythe / humylyte / and reuerence / for by the grete grace that is in it all synnes ben pardoned / in lykewyse as sayth holy scryptures in many places . It is wryten Mathei .iij. Facite fructum dignum penitentie . Make ye fruyte dygne of penaunce . Et legitur Ezechielis .xviij. Si autem impius egerit penitenciam ab omnibus peccatis suis que operatus est et custodierit vniuersa precepta mea et fecerit iudicium et iusticiam vita viuet / et non morietur / omnium iniqu●tatum eius quas operatus est non recordabor . That is to say . Yf the synner wyl do penaunce of all his synnes that he hath commytted / and after that he hath kept all my commaundementes / & that he hath doone Iugement and Iustyce whiche is to yelde vnto euery man that the whiche vnto him apperteyneth he shall lyue in lyfe eternall and shall not deye in dampnacyon / nor I shall neuer recorde ne remembre none of the synnes that he hath commytted . And it is wryten Eyechyelis .xxxiij. Nolo mortem impii sed vt conuertatur a via sua & viuat . Sequitur post iusticia iusti non liberabit ei● in quacunque die peccauerit / & impietas imp● non nocebit ei in quacunque die conuersus fuerit ab impietate sua . That is to say . I wyll not the dethe of the euyll synner / bu● that he be conuerted from his cursed way and that he lyue / and it foloweth . The Iust●ce of the iust shall not delyuer hym in o●● daye that he hath synned / and the synne of the wycked man shal not noye hym in on● daye that he conuerteth hym from his euylnes : and therfore the synners ben not to be dyspysed . For suche one shall be this day euyll the whiche peruauenture shall be t●morowe a good penytent and of the nombre of the saued . Example in of the synner publycan the whiche in shorte tyme was Iustyfyed and better than the pharasee whiche dyspysed hym / in lyke wyse as it is wryten in the .xviij. chapytre of the gospeles of saynt Luke . Another example 〈◊〉 the thefe zacheus the whiche at the begynnynge was euyll and in shorte tyme wa● conuerted and a good man in lykewyse as it is wryten in the gospelles of saynt Lu● Also Theophyle . Thais . Mary magdalene in shorte tyme conuerted them / and many other examples semblables shall be fo●de by the table of the examplary in the ty●tre of penaunce . It is wryten in the .xviij. chapytre of the gospelles of saynt Mathewe that yf a man hadde an hondred shepe and that one of them were lackynge / he wolde leue the . lxxxxix . too seche that one / and yf he may fynde hym he wyll enioye more of that shepe than of the other whiche hathe not gone out of the way . Also Ioye shal be made in heuen vpon a synner the whiche hathe done penaunce . Vn̄ Luce .xv. Gaudium erit in celo super vno peccatore penitentiam agent quam super nonaginta nouem iustus qui non indigent penitentiam . Also the publyke synners and the manyfest harlottes the whiche cometh vnto penaunce and reknowlege theyr defautes shal be more sooner saued than the deuout people that Iustyfyeth themselfe and reknowlege not theyr synnes . Vnde . Math xxi . Amen dico vobis quia publicani et meretrices precedent vos in regno dei / venit enim ad vos iohannes in via iusticie et non credidistis ei / publicam autem et meretrices crediderunt ei . &c. By th effect of the sacrament of confyrmacyon well taken the venyall synnes ben pardoned . The holy goost fortyfyeth the persone in the faythe and assureth hym from fere . Grace newly therin is gyuen / and the auncyent therin is augmented . By th effect of the sacrament of vnccyon well taken the venyall synnes ben forgoten / and the mortalles ben pardoned . This sacrament gyueth medycine & helth vnto the body and vnto the soule / & perseueraunce in good operacyons / it multyplyeth and augmenteth grace goten and gyueth grace of newe / also it defendeth from the enemye . Of this sacrament it is wryten Iacobi .v. Infirmatur quis ex vobis inducat presbiteros ecclesie vt orent super eum vnguentes cum oleo sancto & alleuiabir eum dominus a languoribus suis et si in peccatis sit dimittentur ei . Yf ony of you be seke call for the prestes of the chyrche to th ende that they praye ouer hym in anoytinge him with the holy oyle and our lorde shall lyght hym of his langoures / that is of his sekenes And yf he be in synnes they ben forgyuen hym . And the psalmyst in the persone of the synners sayth . Miserere mei domine quoniam infirmus sum sana me domine quoniam conturbata sunt ossa mea . Lorde haue mercy vpon me whiche am dyseased heleme / for all my bones ben troubled . The sacrament of ordre is of purete / clennes / scyence / prudence gyuen vnto preestes for to Instruct the people / for admynystre the sacramentes / to bynde and to vnbynde the synners . The sacrament of eucaristie that is the sacrament of the auter is god in fourme of breed and of wyne the whiche gyueth grace vnto all folke and lyfe eternal in lykewise as it is requysyte . Vnde ioh .vi. Hec est panis de celo descendens / vt si quis ex ipso manducauerit non morietur . Here is the brede descendynge from heuen to th ende that who so eteth of it shall not deye . Iterum legitur in eodem capitulo . Ego sum panis viuus qui de celo descendi / si quis manducauerit ex hoc pane viuet in eternum / & panis quem ego dabo caro mea est pro mundi vita . That is to say . I am the breed of lyfe that am descended from heuen / who so eteth of this breed worthely & in suche wise deyeth shall lyue in pardurabylite / and the breed that I gyue is my flesshe for the lyfe of the worlde . Example that a vyrgin sawe a preest clere / fayre / and shynynge in grete glory as he songe masse . quem . lxxxxiiij a. Another example that a bysshop sawe vpon an ester day some men confessed the whiche were meruaylously whyte / and the other blacke . lxxxxiiij . c. It is a grete thynge to receyue his creatoure in the estate of grace for it is vnto the saluacyon of the soule . And those the whiche receyueth it vnworthely it is to theyr dampnacyon . Vnd. j. ad corin . xi . Qui enim manducat et bibit indigne iudicium sibi manducat et bibit . Example Iudas receyued it vnworthely too his dampnacyon . Another example / two prestes receyued theyr maker vnworthely & they were punysshed dyuynely .xxxvii. E Another example of a preste fornycatoure the whiche deyed sodaynly as he wolde synge masse . lxxxxiii . D. The sacrament of maryage is the coniunccyon of man & woman for to multyply the worlde / for to auoyde synne / and for to loue and prayse god in heuen and in the erthe . Some kepeth theyr maryage and they shall haue in paradyse retrybucyon / and those the whiche breketh it shall haue punycion / in lykewyse as men shall fynde by the scryptures .xxxvi. a. And by examples . lxxxxj . a. b. The sacramentes beforesayd bereth in them grete effecte / for without them these synners ne may be vnbounde of synne nor saued / and therfore we sholde receyue them worthely and holyly . The ben sayd holy also for by theym these synners ben sanctyfied in lyke wyse as we beleue . &c. Example that a curate sholde not tary to adminyster the sacramentes of the chyrche whan his parysshens ben seke and call for them .

C. It is wryten in the ende of the fyrste boke of the dialogue of saynt Gregory that a fader of an housholde was seke nygh vnto the dethe & he sent to fetche the rectour of the parysshe a worshypfull preste named Seuerus the whiche was founde occupyed in cuttynge his vyne . And the messengers sayd to him that theyr mayster prayed him that he wolde come ryght hastely to hym to the ende that he myght pray for hym / that he myght confesse hym / & that he myght do penaunce or he deyed . The whiche preste sayd to the sayd messengers . Go ye before I wyl come after you / & he taryed a whyle or he departed to make an ende of a lytell thynge the whiche was lefte of his operacyon whan he had ended he put hym on the wa● to goo vnto the sayd seke man / and in the way he founde the sayd messengers the wh●che ranne towarde hym : and vnto him say ▪ A preste why haste thou taryed soo longe trauayle the no more for he is departed : whan he herde them say so he was moch sory / and so all wepynge he came to the say● body that was deed and there he fell prostrate vnto the erthe in wepynge and wa●lynge and saynge that he was homycyd● of the sayd deed body . And as he wept th● soule of the sayd deed man came agayne v●to the sayd body . And whan they the wh●che were present sawe that of grete Ioy and admyracyon that they hadde they t●ke them to wepe / the whiche hym demanded where he hadde ben and how he wa● comen agayne . He answered the deuyll● ledde me the whiche were as men ryght ●●deous and blacke from whome yssued o● of theyr mouthe and nosethrylles fyre an flambe soo that myght not endure / and a they ledde me by derke places sodaynly fayre vysyon an aungell as a fayre you● man came agaynst them the whiche led● me vnto whome he sayd . Brynge hym aga●ne for the preest Seuerus hath be wepth our lorde hathe gyuen hym vnto hym 〈◊〉 his teeres . Than the sayd man reuyued ar●se vp sodaynly frome the erthe / confesse hym / dyde penaunce by seuen dayes / a● on the .viii. daye Ioyously he departed o● of this worlde . After this example a pre● sholde neuer deffer too admynyster the s●cramentes of the chyrche to ony person● that theym nedeth . Also a persone sho●● not tary to confesse hym / to corecte / and mende tyll he be nere his dethe / whan is veray aeged / and whan he may no lo●ger prolouge ne delaye . Audi scriptur● Legitur ecclesiastici quinto . Non tardes conuerti ad dominum et ne differas de die in diem subito enim veniet ira illius & in tempore vindicte disꝑdet te . Et eccl. xvij . Non demoreris in errore impiorum ante mortem confiteri . &c. Et ad romanos .xiiij. Abijciamus opera tenebrarum .i. opera peccati . Et ysaie .j. Lauamini mund estote auferte malum cogitatione vestrarum ab oculis meis dicit dn̄s: quiescite agere peruerse discite benefacere . Ecclesi . xvij . Viuus et sanus confiteberis et laudabis dominum / & glorificaberis in miserationibus illius . Et eccl. xviij Ante languorem adhibe medicinam et ante iudicium interroga teipsum / et in conspectu dei inuenies propiciationem .

A. Fyfthly it is commaunded here to loue god aboue all thynges / and defended to loue other thynges more than hym .ix.

IT is wryten in the .xiiij. chapitre of the gospelles of saynt Iohan Si quis diligit me sermonem meum seruabit . etc. Sequitur . Qui non diligit me sermones meos non seruat . Who so loueth me he kepeth my worde : and he the whiche loueth me not kepeth not my wordes . It is a thynge ryght reasonable to loue god the creatour and to obey vnto hym aboue all thynges created in lyke wyse as it is declared before . Quere i. d. e. f. For to vnderstande this dyleccyon saynt Thomas of Aquin gyueth a rule general saynge in this wyse . In the thought of man there is euer some thinge that he loueth soueraynly aboue all thynges / and in it he ordeyneth his lyfe . And that / that he loueth in suche wyse is the last ende and intencion . Yf it be god he is in thestate of grace / and yf he deye in suche wyse he shall be saued . Yf it be a creature he is in thestate of dampnacyon . Saynt Austyn sayth . Peccatum mortale est libido siue amor voluptatis supra deum vel equaliter ei . Mortall synne is lechery or loue of volupte aboue god / or egall vnto hym . Et peccatum veniale est libido siue amor voluptatis citra deum . Venyal synne is lechery or loue of volupte vnder god .

B. Many sortes of people there been that loueth other thynges better than god . Fyrst these auarycyous men the whiche loueth the golde and the syluer and the other goodes of the worlde aboue god / and putteth theyr loue / fyaunce / and hope more in the helpe of goodes than in the ayde of god / they breke this commaundement & synneth mortally . Quia proponunt ceeaturam creaturi . They loue the thynge created aboue the creatour / the whiche is ydolatry . Vnde ad ephe. v. Auaricia est ydolorum seruitus . Vn̄ augustinus dicit . Hoc est homine colitur / quod preceteris diligitur . That thynge is honoured of man the whiche he loueth aboue all thynges . Et psal. di . Simulachra gentium argentum et aurum opera manuum hominum . The ydolles of people is syluer and golde / the operacions of the handes of man . For to wynne an halfpeny the auarycyous swereth and forswereth hymselfe / breketh the feestes and leueth to serue god and to saye his seruyce / for his herte is on the goodes more than on god . And he may not serue vnto god and vnto the deuyll . Vnde mathei quinto capitulo . Nemo potest duobus dominis seruire . &c. Sequitur Non potest deo seruire et mammone .

Example of an auarycyous vsurer the which axed helpe of his golde & syluer whan he sholde dye . Quere .lxxxvi. F. Another example of an auarycyous man the whiche commaunded his soule vnto the deuyll at his gate for that / that it wolde noo lenger abyde with his treasoures & goodes . Quere . lxxxvi . G.

C. Secondely these glotons the whiche loueth theyr wombes more than god and the whiche serueth vnto the preparacyons of meetes for to nouryshe the bely more soner than to do seruyce vnto god in his chyrche / or the whiche obeyeth vnto theyr wombes whan they wyll ete more sooner than vnto god whan he is commaunded to fast and to abstayne hym / they breke this commaundement / and make theyr god of theyr wombes the whiche is a maner of ydolatri wherof speketh saynt Poule ad philippen .iij. Quorum deus venter est & gloria in confusione eorum . Of the whiche glotons the bely is theyr god and glory vnto theyr confusyon / vnto the whiche bely or wombe they make theyr oblacions & sacryfyces . Theyr chyrche is the kechyn where they say theyr matyns & deuiseth of theyr seruyce . Theyr preste is the coke the whiche maketh the sacryfyce for to gyue to the bely the whiche is the god / and the sacryfyce ben the meases of the metes / the awter is the platter / the ensence is the odour of wynes and metes . the laudes of the matyns that ben sayd at the table where the wyles / mockeryes / & detraccyons ben reherced . For to make shorte that / that a persone loueth & honoureth moost is his ydoll or god . Vnde Isodorus . Cuique qd magis colit vel diligit hoc ydolum vel deus est illi . This synne of glotony draweth a man gloton vnto apostasy . Vn̄ ecclesiasti .xix. Vinum et mulieres apostatare faciunt sapientes et arguent sensatos . The wine and lecherous women : bringeth in apostasy the wyse men / and repreueth the wytty . Also it ledeth in to dampnacyon . Vnde paulus and roma. viij . Si enim secundum carnem vixeritis moriemini . Yf ye lyue after the body or the flesshe ye shall dye . that is ye shall be dampned . Example of a woman dampned the whiche vsed her lyfe in glotonyes / dronkenesses / and lecheryes . lxxxxij . A. Another example of 〈◊〉 gloton named Vodo the whiche yode vnt● the tauernes whan he sholde go vnto the chyrche .lxvij. E. The ydolatry of the paynyms is euyll / for they honoure the ydolls and gyueth vnto them the dyuyne honoure the which apperteyneth vnto god . The ydolatrye of the auarycyous is wors / for they loue and worshyp golde & syluer more than god . The ydolatrye of glotons 〈◊〉 yet wors and worst of al the whiche hono●reth theyr wombe and maketh it theyr g●● as it is sayd . Thyrdly the lechours louet● theyr folysshe louer more than god / and obeyth more sooner vnto her than vnto go● that is to say / they loue better to breke the that god commaundeth than to do ayen● the wyll of theyr sayd loue / and by that the dampne theyr soule / and they neyther lo●● god ne themselfe . Vn̄p̄s . Qui diligit in●tatem odit animam suam . He the which loueth inyquyte hateth his soule . Exa●ple by that Sychen loued Dygne the doug●ter of Iacob by loue lecherous he was slane & his fader also . Que. lxxxxi . d. Fourthly those the whiche loueth faders and ●●ders more than god breketh this commaundement and offendeth in it as it sayd be●re . Quere .j. F. Fyfthly those the whiche l●ueth ony persone of an euyll loue as dyd Adam anenst Eue / for drede that theyr anger suche persones dyspryseth to do an to accomplysshe the commaundemente god and dothe the pleasure & desyre of th● sayd persone .

D. Syxtely those the whiche loueth to ryche people and grete lordes / as kynges prynces more than god / and the which obeyeth vnto theym sooner than vnto go● breketh this commaundement in lykewy● as it is sayd before . Que. i. H. Finably th● the whiche for drede of ony persone as se●uauntes towarde theyr maysters leueth to obey vnto god and to do his commaundement for to please the sayd persone breketh this commaundement . Qr preponunt creaturam creaturi . &c. The remedy for those the whiche hath broken this commaundement is that they do penaunce the whiche maketh to put in oblyuyon the synnes commysed in lykewyse as it is declared here before .viii. B. And afterwarde to take the condycyons of the pylgryme of paradyse the whiche ledeth all ryght in to the lyfe eternall in lykewyse as thou shalt fynde here after Quere .xlv. A.

E. Syxtely the pryde the whiche is ayenst the dyleccyon of god is defended in this fyrst commaundement / & that whiche Gayenst the dyleccion of his neyghbour is defended in the fourth / and humylyte is commaunded .ix.

IT is wryten in the .iiij. chapytre of the epystle of saynt Iames the god resysteth agaynst the proude men and women . Deus super bis resistit . For they dysobey vnto his commaundementes and vnto his wyll A man is moche proude whan he gyueth or wyll haue the honour the whiche apperteyneth vnto god / or whan he sayeth that the goodes of nature cometh of hym / as is youthe / beaute . &c. Or the goodes of fortune as golde / syluer . &c. Or the goodes of grace as wytte / reason / memory / engyn / deuocyon . &c. Saynt Poule sayth .i. ad corin . iiij . Quid habes quod non accepisti . What godes hast thou in this worlde that thou ne hast taken theym of another . Whan thou was borne thou brought nothynge with the / & al the goodes that thou hast cometh of god and all the euyll that thou hast procedeth of thy selfe . Also thou arte proude and breketh this commaundement yf thou loue the honoures of the worlde more than god or yf thou take hede more gretely to haue them and to gete them than the loue of god . Or whan dysordonatly thou gloryfyest thy selfe of the dedes that thou doost / or of the goodes that thou hast of god in sayenge that they come of the or by thy merytes / or that there is none but thou that is worthy too haue it . By suche pryde a man becometh appostate . Vn̄ eccle. x. Initium superbie hominis est apostatare a deo . Also a proude man appeteth to haue the honours worldly / the precyous clothynges or ornamentes . He wylleth that euery man prayse hym & honour / bowe vnder hym / call hym lorde / and that he trede other vnderfote / and that he be superyoure . Example how Dauyd slewe the proude Golias . Que. lxxviij . C. Another example how the deuyll drewe the soule from the body of a cursed ryche man with a hoke . Que. c. v. A. Also a proude man wyll not obeye / but wylleth that men obey vnto hym / he wyll not serue but he wyll be serued / he dredeth nothynge and wyll be dredde / he wyll be reputed a good man & holy and yet wyll he not do the operacions . &c. For to knowe a proude persone a man shall wete whan he hath an appetyte dysordonate to haue honour / excellence / dygnyte / noblesse / lordshyppe / domynacyon ouer and aboue the good that god hath hym gyuen and ordeyned / but a man sholde knowe that the noblesse of abyllementes is not defended vnto euery man after his estate . It is the superfluyte of the pryde the whiche may be taken in those abyllementes the whiche is defended . Also a man shall knowe a proude man whan he wyll not put him vnder god and his superyoures in obedyence / drede / seruyce / and reuerence . Pryde hath many cursed braunches the whiche ben / bostynge inobedyence / ypocrysy / contempcyon / pertynacyte / dyscorde / presumpcyon / arrogaunce in pryde / excedynge elacion . &c. The whiche braunches shall not be here declared because of shortenes / but note well that the sinne of pryde noyeth in many maners vnto those the whiche commytteth it . Quere post ad numeum .xliiij. b / c / d / e / f / g. & cete . Example in the byble of some the whiche hath ben proude / and fyrst Adam & Eue commytted pryde in as moche as they appetyted to be semblable vnto god in knowinge the good and the euyll . Eritis sicut du scientes bonum et malum . Alsoo in as moche as they brake the commaundement of god in bytynge the apple . Quere in th examplary liiij . A. Another example of those of Babylon that commytted pryde wyllynge to edyfye a toure to reche vnto heuen / & god resysted agaynst them and chaunged theyr languages . &c. as it is wryten . G. xi . Agar was proude and dyspysed her maystresse / but the aungell of god meked her as it is wryten . Genesis .xvj. Another example that Pharao was proude the whiche wolde not obey vnto god and vnto his seruaunt Moyses / and he was drowned as it is wryten in Exode . Quere .liiij. F. Another example that Chore. Dathan / & Abyron were punysshed for theyr pryde / inobedyence and murmure . Quere in thexampl .liiij. H. Another example that the kynge Anthyogus was proude ouer puyssaunce humayne Quere .lxxxv. D. Another example that a man was so proude that he wolde that all men sholde bowe the knee before hym and he was hanged on a gybet as it wryten / Hester .vij. ca.

F. God alsoo dooth commaunde humylyte in all his commaundementes where he defendeth pryde . Men knoweth a persone humble whan voluntaryly he obeyeth vnto god and vnto his superyours / and that he put hymselfe vnder to serue / to drede / and to honour another . Of humylyte is somwhat spoken in the .iiij. commaundement in the fyrst maner how chyldren sholde honour theyr faders . Quere .xxj. B. Humylyte dooth many good dedes . Primo● maketh to exalte the oraysons of the meke folke . Vnde psalmus . Respexit in orationem humilium et non spreuit precem eorum Secundo it maketh god to abyde with the humble folke . Vnde Ysaie . penultimo . Super quem requiescet spiritus mens nisi super humilem et quietum et trementem sermones meos . Et bernardus . Si maria humilis non esset super eam spiritussanctus non requiesceret . Tertio humylyte delyuereth hym from his enmyes . Vnde psalmus . Humiliatus sum et liberauit me . Iterum psal. In humilitate nostra memor fuit nostri . Quarto humilyte maketh to haue grace . Vnde .j. petri .v. omnis enim inuicem humilitatem insinuate qr dominus superb● resistit humilibus autem dat gratiam . Example in the gloryous vyrgyn Mary . Luce .j. Aue gratia plena . Quinto humylyte lyfteth the persone vnto god / and in gret● goodes espyrytualles . Vn̄ luce .xiiij. & . xvi● & mathei .xxiij. Omnes qui se humiliat e●altabitur . Example of the synner publ●can the whiche humbled hym was lyft v● and Iustyfyed . Luce .xviij. Descendit h● iustificatus ab illo scilicet phariseo . Sext● humylyte maketh to possede paradyse . V● prouerbiorum .xxix. Humilem spiritu sus●piet gloria . Et Iob .xxiij. Qui enim humiliatus fuerit erit in gloria et qui inclinau●rit oculos suos ipse saluabitur . et psal. H●miles spiritu saluabit . Examples of humylyte / & fyrst of a nonne the whiche washed the pottes / wyped the disshes / and d●de all humble thynges . Quere in th examplary .lxj. C. Another example that t● prynce the whiche humbled hym before H●lye and prayed him mekely was not bren● with the fyre celestyall as the other were the whiche spake proudly . Quere in th examplary .lx. G. Another example in the gloryous vyrgyn Mary the whiche made her selfe handmayden vnto god . Luce .j. Ecce ancilla domini . &c. Another example of the humylyte of Ihesu cryst in his natyuyte and in his his his lyfe the whiche wasshed the fete of his dysciples and was humble as it is wryten Math. xi . Discite a me quia mitis sum et humilis corde . &c.

A. Here foloweth the seconde commaundement of god the whiche treateth of swerynges and blaspheminges .x. The name of god thou shalt not swere by Nor yet by his sayntes in vayne For yf thou do so certaynly Thou shalt suffre eternall payne .

This commaundement is wryten Exodi xx . ca. Non assumes nomen dei tui in vanum . Thou shalt not take the name of god in vayne . And it is wryten deuterono . v. ca. Non vsurpabis nomen dei tui frustra qr non erit impunitus qui super re vana nomen eius assumpserit . Thou shalt not vsurpe the name of thy god for nought . For he the whiche hathe taken his name vpon a vayne thynge shall not abyde vnpunysshed Examples of them the whiche hath ben punysshed for theyr swerynge cursedly . Quere in the examplary .xlij. A.B. And it is wryten Leuitici .xix. capitulo . Non per iurabis in nomine meo nec pollues nomen dei tui ego dominus . Thou shalte not forswere the in my name / and thou shalt not soyle the name of thy god by cursed & vyolent wordes . &c. In this commaundement many chapytres ben wryten .

B. And fyrst that god defendeth all swerynges vayne and vnprouffytable vnder this worde / vanum .x.

NEiures vana per ipsum . Swere thou not without nede and in vayne of a thynge wherof thou arte not certayne . For to vnderstande all this commaundement in fewe wordes it behoueth to holde for a rule generall that as many tymes and as ofte as a man dooth make othes / sermentes / and swerynges the whiche ben vayne & vnprouffytable / without necessyte / without cause good and vtylyte so often taketh he the name of god in vayne . Or whan a man maketh lyenge othes / and vowes without trouthe the whiche been euyll or deceytfull / or execrables / and detestables he taketh also the name of god in vayne and breketh this commaundement Or whan a man maketh Iust vowes and accomplyssheth theym not accordynge to his promysse he taketh the name of god in vayne . And for bycause that men do swere in so many of wyse maners that it is meruaylous : and that these generalytees suffyseth not vnto the people of lytell entendement it behoueth here afterwarde to goo more largely to recyte and declare the maners therin to offende . This worde here vanum is sayd in scrypture in thre maners . Vanum aliquando dicitur falsum : aliquando inutile / aliquando peccatum iniustum . Primo this forsayd worde vanum is taken for a false thynge . Thou shalte not take the name of thy god in vayne / that is to knowe berynge recorde in wytnessynge & testyfyenge for a false thynge agaynst thy neyghbour wherof speketh the psalmyst ▪ Vana locuti sunt homines vnusquisque a proximūsuum . These men speketh vayne thynges euery of them vnto his neyghbour whan ony wyl deceyue his neyghbour by ony falsenes / fraude or malyce he maketh serment and othe in callynge god vnto wytnes for to conferme his malyce the whiche is to take the name of god in vayne / so he dooth Iniury vnto god . For forswerynge is none other thynge but to call hym vnto wytnes for to afferme and conferme that that a man swereth / as swore saynt poule Testis est michi deus . And to cal god vnto wytnes for to conferme ony false thynge is a grete iniury doone vnto hym / for in that maner there it is to beleue that god ne knoweth the veryte ne the falsenes of the thynge that a man swereth / soo man apposeth on hym ygnouraunce the whiche is ayenst the holyscrypture . Vnde paulus ad hebreos .iiij. Omnia nuda et apperta sunt ante oculos eius . Al thynges that ben open and and naked ben openly sene before the eyen of god . Et legitur ecclesia . Oculi dni multo plus lucidores super solem circumspicientes omnes vias hominum et ꝓfundum abyssi & hominum corda intuentes in absconditas partes terre . &c. The eyen of our lorde ben moche more clerer than the sonne beholdynge all the wayes of men and the profundyte and depnes of the hertes of men beholdynge in the partyes hyden of the erthe . &c. Also whan in swerynge ony calleth god to wytnes he imposeth on hym that he loueth lesynges / or that he is a lyer the whiche is a thynge that he hateth . Vn̄ psal. Dilexisti iusticiam et odisti iniquitatem . Thou hast loued Iustyce and hast hated synne / also thou hast loued veryte . Vnde psal. Ecce enim veritatem dilexisti . So to impose vnto god that he loueth lesynge / or that he is a lyer is a thynge that moche dysprayseth his bounte and imposeth on hym grete iniury . And therfore a forsworne persone is worthy of punycyon . Secundo / this worde vanum is taken somtyme in the scrypture for a thyge vayne and inutyle . Vnde psal. Dominus scit cogitaciones hominum quonia● vane sunt . Our lorde knoweth the thoughtes of men / for they ben vayne and vnprofytable / as whan a man confermeth a thing vayne & vnprouffytable the whiche is agaynst the thought . God the whiche knoweth the thoughtes as it is wryten prim● regum .xvj. seeth well that man taketh his name in vayne . In the auncyent testame●● it was defended that men sholde not swere false . But Ihesu cryst defendeth in th● newe lawe that men ne swere but in necesyte for a thynge vtyle . And the reason 〈◊〉 suche / for that / that the tongue is the memb● and partye of the man or of the woman● is moost frayle / tendre / and lyght applyege for to swere and to vttre language n●yenge vnto his neyghboure . Et qui iura de minimo de leui cadit . He the whiche s●reth for a lytell thynge falleth lyghtly / an● who soo lyghtly falleth ryseth not agayn whan he wyl . And therfore swere not vanely agaynst thy conscyence in saynge o● thynge and thynkynge another for to deceyue thy neyghbour / and leue the accus●maunce of swerynge by god and his say●tes that punycyon doo not come vpon th● Example of two yonge men the which forswore them and the one of them becam● lepre / and the other seke of the fyre of sayn● Anthony . Que. lxxxxvij . d. Tertio / th● worde vanum is taken somtyme for sin● and for thynge inutyle the whiche is magnyte / or inequalyte or Iniustyce / wher● speketh the psalmyst . Hilij hominum d●gitis vanitatem et queritis mendatium . S●nes of men wherfore loue ye vanyte and ●che lesynges . Those the whiche swereth they shall doo euyll and synne vnto the● neyghbours / as homycyde / robberyes . & for to venge theym they loue vanyte th● is synne / and seketh lesynges and swereth the name of god in vayne . Saynt Austyn assygneth two partyes of Iustyce / that is to declyne from yll & to do good . And those the whiche swereth that they shall do euyll as homycide swereth agaynst the commaundement of god and ayenst Iustyce / so they take the name of god in vayne . In lykewise he the whiche swereth that he shall doo no good / as not to doo almes dedes he gooth agaynst the commaundement of god and agaynst Iustyce / so he taketh the name of god in vayne / and he sholde not accomplysshe suche an othe as it is wryten here after . God commaundeth that all the wordes that men speke of him or of his sayntes be in his dyleccyon / in his honour and reuerence / & that he ne be called but in al veryte bounte loyalte / & vtylyte / or punycyon shall come vpon them the whiche dooth vnto the contrarye . Example that euyll came vnto Chore. Dathan : and Abyron the whiche toke the name of god in vayne in spekynge yll wordes agaynst the commaundement of god / and sanke in to hell all quycke . Quere liiij . H. Another example of a relygyous that spake wordes murmurynge agaynst the dyleccyon / loyalte / & reuerence of god / and euyll came to hym . Quere .liiij. I.

A. The maners of forswerynge by the othe affermynge / and by the othe promettynge .xi.

THe wyse man sayeth . Lete not thy mouthe be accustomed for to swere / many cases ben in that accustomaunce / for who soo often swereth often is forsworne And who so lyeth often / often synneth mortally . The name of god ne be accustomed in thy mouthe as he the whiche sayeth often by god I shall do thus / or by god I shall not do thus . And entremet the not to swere often by the sayntes of paradyse / for yf thou swere by them in vayne thou ne shalt be quyte towarde them / they shal haue mater to accuse the before god . Vnde . ecclesiasti .xxiii. ca. Iurationi non assuescat os tuum multi enim casus sunt in illa / nomīatio vero dei non sit assidua in ore tuo et in nominibus sanctorum non admiscearis : quoniam non eris īmunis ab eis . This is that whiche is wryten before . The name of god nor his sayntes for nought ne in vayne thou shalt not swere by / thou dampnest thy selfe be thou in certayne yf thou in swerynge forswere the. We fynde in scrypture two generall kyndes of periury or forswerynge by the whiche men synne in contempnynge or despysynge wetyngly the dyuyne veryte . The fyrst kynde is by the serment or othe affermynge . The seconde is by the serment or othe promysynge . Nam aliud est iuramentum assertorium vt quando iuratur de presenti vel preterito sic esse vel non esse fuisse vel non fuisse . Aliud est promissorium vt cum iurat aliquis se daturum vel facturum aliquid in tempore futuro . &c.

B. Fyrst a man forswereth hym by the serment or othe affermynge whan he knoweth or beleueth stedfastly that ony thynge is fals / euyll / and dysloyall / and that by delyberacyon he swereth affermatyuely with intencyon to deceyue that it is good / he the whiche in suche wyse swereth synneth mortally and ryght greuously as it is wryten .xxii. q. ij . Homines . Ryght greuously he synneth for he affermeth his lesynge by othe . Quia periurium est mendatium iuramen to firmatum . Et dicitur periurium quasi peruersum iuramentum . Periurement or forswerynge is as to afferme a lesynge by othe . And it is sayd periurynge also as peruers othe . Et scotus in tercio suo . d. xxxix . Quicumque scienter iurat falsum siue iocose : siue seriose peccat mortaliter . Also who so sholde demaunde what it is of the seruaunt the whiche swereth a false thynge vnto his knowlege by the admonycyon of his mayster as yf the sayd mayster hadde cause or quarel agaynst ony man and for to winne that he maketh the seruaunt to forswere him . Raymonde sayth that they ben bothe forsworne and synneth mortally . Dominus quia precepit seruus : quia plus dominum temporalem quam deum vel animam dilexit .xxii. q. v. Qui compulsus . The mayster is forsworne for that he commaunded / & the seruaunt is also for that he loueth his lorde temporall more than god or his soule . In lykewyse yf the fader and moder make theyr chyldren to be forsworne wyttyngly bothe twayne shal be forsworne / yf the sayd chyldren were capables of the commaundementes of god . That is yf they vnderstode wel that they sholde dysobey vnto god / & that they sholde synne . And yf the sayd children were not capables of the commaundementes of god they doo not commyt synne / but the fader and the moder the whiche commaundeth them synneth double / and double penaunce and punycyon vnto them apperteyneth . Alsoo a man may make a questyon to knowe yf he the whiche constreyneth a persone too swere synneth or not . Saynt Austyn sayeth that it behoueth for to make dystynccion yf he knowe or vnderstande yf he sholde be forsworne or not . Yf he knoweth nothynge and he hym constrayne for to haue certyfycacyon of the doubt it is no synne / but it is humayne temptacyon . But yf he knowe well that he shall be forsworne and he hym constreyn to swere . The answere after saynt Austyn and after a doctour named Galazius . Quod talis vincit homicidam . That suche a persone vaynquyssheth and surmounteth an homycyde For an homycyde de sleeth the body . And he the whiche constreyneth a man too swere sleeth the soule of the dethe of gylte . Moreouer it sleeth two soules / that is the soule 〈◊〉 hym that is forsworne / and the soule of h●● the whiche constrayned hym to swere . As it is wryten .xxij. q. v. Ille qui prouocat hominem ad iurationem . Et .xxii. q. v. qui e●git . And that the whiche is sayd that he surmounteth an homycyde is to vnderstande in the domage gyuen . For it is greter domage of the losse of one soule than of bodyes Infynyte Magis damnum est in a●●●sione vnius anime quam corpora infinita .xxxii. q. ij . Si habes . And soo an homycyde synneth not soo greuously .xiij. di. Duo mala Example of a man the whiche constrayned another to forswere hym / and yl cam● vnto him . lxxxxij . g. Also yf a march a●●swere affyrmatyuely vnto ony persone that he shall sell vnto hym his ware at suche 〈◊〉 pryce / and yf he haue Intencyon too gy●● it vnto him for a lesse pryce and swereth 〈◊〉 in lyenge agaynst his thought . Quia motire est contra mentem ire . And afferm●● his lye by delyberacyon he synneth mortaly by as many tymes as he so swereth / ●●rehe an hondred tymes on the daye . And he the whiche byeth yf he swere by god I ne shall gyue more than soo moche for the thynge / or I wyll gyue nomore and yf ye he haue Intencyon to gyue more and the he speke agaynst his thought and swere in in lyenge by delyberacyon he synneth als● mortally by as many tymes as the case happeneth . Also after that the marchaunt hathe sworne affyrmatyuely that he shal sell his ware for so moche yf he bye it / and after that the other withholdeth it and e●presseth hym so moche that he maketh him forsworne they synne bothe two . For in lykewyse as we ne wolde lese paradyse and be dampned we ne sholde desyre that our neyghbour be harmed . Mathei . xxij . D●peccat mortaliter . Also who so sholde ●●ges ꝓximum tuum sicut te ipsum . Thou shalt loue thy neyghbour as thy selfe . Example that two marchauntes sayd vnto theyr curate that they coude not sel without lyenge & swerynge . lxxxxix . K. Also who so sholde demaunde yf they that swereth couertly by wordes deceyuable synneth or not . The mayster of the sentences answereth in tertio libro . d. xxxviij . q. xv . whan ony persone swereth by arte or cautele of wordes not entēdables for to deceyue that god the whiche is wytnesse in the conscyence taketh in suche wyse the othe as he it entendeth or vnderstondeth vnto whome a man swereth by suche wyse he is doubly culpable for he taketh the name of god in vayne / and he deceyueth his neyghbour by cautele the whiche is contra illd thobie .iiij. Quod ab alio tibi odis fieri / vide ne tu aliquando alteri facias . The thynge that thou hatest to be done vnto these that thou ne doo it at ony tyme vnto another . Suche people that in suche wyse forswereth theym abydeth not vnpunysshed as we may se by example of a crysten man the whiche sware cautelously vpon the auter of saynt Nycholas for the syluer that a Iewe had lent to hym . lxxxxvi . a Also what is it of hym that hereth ony swere fals / and is certayne that he shall be forsworne and holdeth his peas ) to vnderstonde yf he synneth or not . Raymonde sayeth that ye / and allegeth illud Leuitici .

Amma que aud●erit vocem iurantis fallum et testis fuerit qd aut ipse vidit aut conscius est nisi indicauerit portabit īiquitatem suam . The soule the whiche hereth the voyce of one swerynge fals and hath be wytnes that he hath seen or that he is culpable he shall bere his synne yf he shewe it not . But that is to vnderstande that he hym sholde reprehende they two beynge al alone without to publysshe it & manyfest vnto all folke / or he it sholde tel secretely to him that is his souerayne for to correcke hym yf the synne be secrete . Quia qui crimen occultum manifestat non est corrector erroris : sed proditor / sicut dicit augustinus .ij. q. j. Si peccauerit . He the whiche manyfesteth the synne secrete or hydde he ne is correctour of the errour but he is a waster or proditor . Also yf he manyfest the periury openly peraduenture he sholde be punisshed corporally or slayne by the Iuge or by the parentes of him ayenst whome he is so forsworne : or peraduenture he the whiche sholde publysshe that sayd case lyghtly might be slayne . So it appereth that he the whiche hereth another to be forsworne sholde holde his peas / and also he ne sholde publisshe it . Also a man forswereth hym by the affermynge whan he swereth of a thynge doubtous / that is to say whan he knoweth not yf it be true or not / or yf suche thynges apperteneth vnto suche one or vnto suche one / and so by delyberacyon swereth affyrmatyuely that it appertaineth vnto suche one he synneth mortally . In suche a case a man sholde speke of credence and not of certayne scyence . But yf by lyghtnes of tongue without delyberacion he swereth / it sholde be venyall synne / so that anone he repent hym and be sory . &c. Also men forswere theym by the serment or othe affermynge whan they beleue that ony suche thinge is true / and that it apperteyneth vnto suche one / and swereth affyrmatyuely for true without intencyon to deceyue / and al be it they ben deceyued for it is fals . I put the case he the whiche so swereth & incontynent after the othe made enquyreth of the dede and repenteth after that he knoweth & apperceyueth the falsenes he synneth but venyally / but yf he were slowe & gyue no force to enquyre of his ygnouraunce how he hath sworne he synneth mortally / as it is wryten .xxij. q. v. qui ꝑiurat . Also a man forswereth hym by othe affermynge whan ony swereth affermatyuely that ony thynge is true and that it apperteyneth vnto suche one / the whiche thynge really is true / but he that swereth beleueth stedfastly that it is false and swereth it for true vpon intencyon to deceyue / in suche maner he sinneth mortally as it is wryten .xxij. q̄. ii . homines Periurium est ergo vel iurando loqui fal sum cum intentione fallendi / vel iurando loqui falsum sine intentione fallendi : vel iurandi loqui verum cum intentione fallendi . Than forswerynge is too speke false in swerynge with intencyon to deceyue / or to speke false in swerynge without intencion to deceyue / or to speke true in swerynge with intencion to deceyue . It is wryten primo regum .xvi. ca. Homo videt ea que parent dominus autem intuetur cor . A man seeth and knoweth the thynges the whiche appereth / but the sauyour and redemptour beholdeth the herte and the thought .

C. Secondly a man forswereth hym by the othe promysynge in many maners . And fyrst whan ony promyseth by othe voluntary that he shall gyue or paye vnto suche a persone suche a thynge at suche a terme / or within suche a terme / yf after that he chaunge his purpose or that he passe the sayd terme by reason dysposed he synneth mortally & is forsworne . But yf he chaunge not his purpose and that before the sayd terme he fall in to pouerte or necessyte in so moche that he hath not wherof to fournisshe and accomplysshe the sayd o the / & that he is dyspleasaunt that he may not accomplysshe it / in suche wyse shall he be of forswerynge excused . Quia necessitas non habet legem . The nedenes hath no lawe . Also whan ony promyseth by othe that he shal paye within suche a terme / and that in swerynge he hath intencyon not for to paye for peraduenture he knoweth wel that he can pay for he hath not wherof / soo he is forsworne . But yf he swere I shall paye yf I may he shall be excused of the periury . Also of reason naturall it is too vnderstonde that as often tymes as a man swereth that he shal do our thynge yf he purpose in that houre that he swereth that he wyll not doo it ne accomplyshe / incontynent that he maketh the say● othe he is periured . Example of a ma● the whiche wolde forswere hym for mone●lent and he lost his speche . lxxxxvij . c. Also it is clerely to vnderstande that those and they the whiche gyueth theyr faythe solempnely in the sacrament of maryage that the● shall do loyalte of body and of goodes th● one vnto the other / Yf in makynge the say● o the / or after that theyr wyll is chaunged & they defayle vnto theyr promesse they be● periured and synneth mortally . Also wha● ony swereth that he shall saye or doo ony thynge dampnable as theft / sacrylege / ●●chery / to bete or slee / or whan he swereth that he ne shall do thynge the whiche is lefull● prouffytable / as not to gyue almes / or n●● to loue his neyghbour / or neuer to pardon hym / or that he shall neuer faste the four tymes that is the ymbringe dayes or such thynges semblables lefull and good . He● those the whiche swereth agaynst chary● synneth mortally and in swerynge and 〈◊〉 accomplysshynge the dede / but yf they repent them and that they accomplisshe no● the operacyon it shall be well done / for suche othes ne sholde be accomplysshed as it is wryten .xxii. q. iiij . Isido . Quod inca●te vouisti non facias impia est promissio● scelere ad impletur . Example that He●de synned to slee saynt Iohan baptyst f●● to accomplysshe his othe .lxxvi. E. Also y● a woman made an othe vnto her lemma● in gyuynge hym her faythe for to lye wit● hym whan he wyll / that sholde be an oth●● full of synne the whiche she sholde not holde . And yf she sholde swere that she shold swere that she sholde not go vnto another she sholde holde that othe / for yf she sholde go vnto another harlot or ribaude she sholde be forsworne and that sholde be wors . Also yf a thefe swere vnto his felawes that he shall departe lawfully the theft done amonge them / yf he departe it lawfully it is an euyll othe and full of synne / and yf he departe it not lawfully it is yet wors . Also yf ony hath sworne that he shall neuer be bysshop or that he shall neuer entre in to relygyon / yf after it befall that it were prouffytable vnto the chyrche that he were bysshop or to entre in to relygyon he sholde not be bounde vnto the fyrst othe . Also I put the case that some be seased and taken of his enmyes or robbers the whiche by grete fere maketh hym to swere or to promyse to paye a thousande pounde the whiche he ne can paye / or to gyue or delyuer a towne or a castell / to knowe yf he be bounde to accomplysshe that sayd serment or othe . Vnto that sayth Raymonde sayth nay / and taketh the wordes of saynt Austyn the whiche sayth qd iuramentum non potest esse vinculum iniquitatis . An othe ne may be the lyne & bonde of iniquyte as it is wryten .xxii. q. iiij . inter cetera . & .xv. q. vi . c. Si sacerdotibus . &c. Et dominus per Ysaiam . Dissolue colligationes impietatis . Vnbynde ensemblementes or gadrynges togyder of cursed impyete that is wyckednesse . Howbeit these doctours make dystynccion betwene the othe promysed and the othe affermed / and sayth that the feere excuseth the othe promysed / and excuseth not the othe affermed . For a persone sholde more soner suffre all euylles than to afferme a false thynge / as it is wryten .xii. q. v. Iuramenti . Some other doctours sayth whan he consenteth hym vnto an othe what drede so euer he haue yf it be an othe the which may be done without mortall synne and without losynge of paradyse he is bounde to accomplisshe the sayd othe . Also a man forswereth him by that othe promysynge whan he swereth that he shal do or say ony thynge lefull the whiche is with solempnyte / albeit that he do indyscretely and without necessyte yet ought he to kepe it / or elles he synneth mortally yf there be none excusacyon the whiche hym excuseth ryght lefully as it is wryten .xxii. q. iiij . Si aliquod . Example that a doctour accomplysshed not a vowe lyke as he had made it lost his syght : lxiii . G. Also a man forswereth hym whan he maketh ony othe that he shall do a thynge lefull the whiche is without solempnyte / as to swere by god I shal go to morowe vnto the chyrche / or I shall faste / or I shall gyue atmesse / or to do ony semblable thynges . Yf suche of propre delyberacyon do vnto the contrary of his promesse whan it is so that he may doo it he is forsworne and sinneth mortally . But yf he hath sworne to gyue almes and sone after he falleth in to pouerte he sholde be excused of periury for the necessyte . Also it behoueth to make dystynccyon of othes quotydyens the whiche they make without solempnyte of thynge lefull by hastynes and lyghtnes of tongue and euyll custome as many done whan they do swere they knowe not yf they haue sworne or not / whan suche othes ben made without delyberacion or dylectacyon / or consentement of reason they venyall synnes .xxv. di. c. Criminis . But whan in swerynge they apperceyue well that they fayle and repenteth them not & take pleasure therin suche othes torneth them in to mortall synnes . Vnde Augustinus .xxii. q. ij . Nequis . Nullum peccatum a deo veniale quod non fiat criminale dum placet & idem si scientes ducit in consuetudinem . No synne is venyell vnto god but that it may be mortall whan it pleaseth hym / and the same yf yf it be done wyllyngly in custome .

D. Foure maners ben founde in scrypture that a synne the whiche of the nature is venyall may be transmuted and chaunged to be mortall . The fyrst is whan the conscyence Iugeth that the othe is cursedly made and repenteth hym not of the sayd yll . Vn̄ scriptura . Quicquid sit contra conscientiam edificat in gehennam . What thynge so euer be that is done agaynst the conscyence edyfyeth in the fyre of hell . The seconde is whan the conscyence delyteth in it & taketh pleasure in the othe euyll made as before is alledged . Nullum pctm̄ a deo veniale . &c. The thyrde is by that / that a man is fallen in delectacyon of venyall synnes he dysposeth him ofte tymes to come vnto mortall synnes / wherof speketh saynt Gregory the whiche sayeth . Vitasti gaudia / vide ne ebruaris arena . He sayth so for that often tymes fro small synnes men come in to grete . In lykewyse as by a lytel sparkle of fyre there ryseth a grete flambe . Wherof the sage speketh in his prouerbes saynge . Qui minima negligit paulatim decidit in maiora . He that dyspreaseth the small thynges falleth in to grete . The fourth whan that venyall synnes ben not repelled comynly procedeth after the synnes mortall . As it appereth in the fyrst mouementes the whiche ben deputed amonge the venyall synnes whan the delectacyon hathe conualescence in soo moche that the consentement also approcheth / so sourdeth incontynent mortall synne . Also the accustomaunce to swere is daungerous for who so swereth often often him for swereth / and who so often lyeth often synneth mortally . Therfore sayth the holy Ysodore Vsus iurandi periurum ducit . The vsage to swere maketh forswerynge . Et legitur hie remie .xiij. Si ethiops mutare pont pellem suam et pardus varietates suas : & vos poteritis benefacere cum didiceritis malum . Yf the ethyopyen that is blacke myght chaunge his skynne / and the leoparde her varyete● that is whyte & blacke / and ye may do well 〈◊〉 lykewyse as ye haue lerned & accustome yll . Also of lytell cornes men may make● grete somme or burden & lade an hors so moche that he ne may bere it . Also of lytel venyall synnes men make grete mortal sines the whiche ladeth & dampneth the pesones . Vn̄ mgr̄ alanus . De minimis granis fit maxima summa cabali / de breuibus m●dis non veniale malum . So it appereth th●● the venyall synnes and the accustomaū● to swere ben to fle as it is sayd before .

E. To the regarde of othes a man sholde vnderstande that some ben more horryble / greter / solempnell / and byndynge the the other . For he the whiche swereth gods well bounde / but he that swereth by god & b● the euangelyst he is yet more bounde / and so of other swerynges whan the solemp●●te groweth the oblygacyon groweth . B●● what is it of one that swereth by god & the othe by the euangelist . Iohn Crysostome say●● that he the whiche swereth by god is mo●● bounde than he that swereth by the euāgely●● agaynst some that beleueth the contrary . S●● ti scripture proptur deum fctē sunt non deu ꝓpter scripturas .xxij. q j. Aliqua . Foles scryptures ben made for god and not go● for the scryptures . Also the doctours sayt● that the one othe and other solempnely m●de the one and the other egally byndeth / ● be it yf the one be solempnely made and other not / that the whiche is solempne● made byndeth more as vnto the chyrche more penaunce vnto hym ought to be 〈◊〉 ioyned the which transgresseth / but as ●●to god they ben egally bounde . extra . qu● dei . vel vo . Yet agayne vnto the contrary the holyer that a thynge is wherby a ma● swereth of soo moche is he more worthye greter payne that soo forswereth him / th●● sayth saynt Austyn . Than more bound xxii . q. i. Mouet te . Yf thou be forsworne repent the / do penaunce the whiche effaceth the syn synnes as it wryten before . quem ante .viij. b Also kepe the from swerynge vaynely and vnprouffytably or thou shalt lose the Ioyes of paradyse the whiche ben grete / quere .lxvij. a Also thou sholdest drede to be sent in to the fyre of hell the whiche is a cruell tourment as it is wryten after . Quem . xlix . b. Examples shal be founde by the table in the ende of th examplary . quere . C. vii . A.

A. The maners to blaspheme god / and that the blasphematours ben ryght cursed and euyll .xij.

IT is wryten eclesiastice .xxiij. ca. Vir multum iurans implebitur iniquitate & non discedet a domo illius plaga . A man moche swerynge as he the whiche blasphemeth god / or the whiche forswereth hym shall be replenysshed with inyquyte and the plage shall not departe from his hous . To blaspheme god is a ryght grete synne & detestable the whiche a man commytteth in many maners . Fyrst in gyuinge vnto god ony thinge that apperteyneth not vnto him as to say that god is a lyer . Secondly whan a man taketh from god that thynge the whi apperteyneth vnto hym / as to say that he is not Iust and good . Thyrdly whan man graunteth or gyueth vnto ony creature that thynge the whiche apperteyneth vnto god the creatour / as to saye suche a man or suche an ydoll is god . Or as dyde the seruauntes of the kynge of Assyryens the whiche graunted vnto theyr kynge that the whiche apperteyned vnto god / for they sayd vnto the kynge Ezechyas . Whiche ben the goddes of all the erthe the whiche haue power to delyuer theyr regyons from the handes of our kynge / there is none . And whiche is the god that may delyuer Iherusalem from his honde . &c. This blaspheme dyspleased so moche vnto god that the aungell of our lorde stroke the people of the army of the sayd kynge & slewe an . C. lxxxv . M. as it is wryten in the .xix. chapytre of the .iiij. boke of kynges . Fourthly whan a man bryngeth forth towarde god contumelous moeuynges to debate or stryfe . Vnde mathei .xii. Hic non ei cit demones / nisi in belzebub principe de moniorū . Et luce .xi. In belzebub principe demoniorum ei cit demonia . Some Iewes sayd that they had founde hym subuerty synge the people / and defendynge to gyue the trybute vnto cesar / and they lyed . Vn̄ luce xxiij . Hunc inuenimus subuertantē gentem nostram et prohibentem tributa dari cesari . Also some wende for to haue sayd Iniury vnto hym that he receyued the synners & that he eate and dranke with them . Vnde luce. .xv. Hic peccatores recipit et manducat & bibit cum illis . Also some sayd that he was good / and other sayd that he was not good but that he seduced the people in yll . Vnde Ioh. .vii. Quidam dicebant bonus est / alu dicebant non / sed seducit turbas . Fyfthly in the swerynge cursedly / execrably / and irreuerently as whan ony cursed crystyens ben angry anenst god / and by that maner of Iniury and of vengeaunce swere by the vertue of god / by the blode / by the guttes / by the lunges / by the herte / by the fete / by the heed / the eyen / the tethe / or ony of his membres . The persone that so swereth by delectacyon & delyberacyon obstynatly yf he be a clerke he ought to be deposed / & yf it be a lay man he ought to be excommunyed as it is wryten .xxij. q. i. Si quis per capillum . We rede that saynt Poule th appostle cursed some blasphemers . Of whom were Hymeneus & Alexander whome he betoke vnto Sathan to th ende that they sholde lerne no more to blaspheme / as it is wryten . thymo .i. ca. Also them the whiche swereth by the fyue woundes of Ihesu cryst / or by his dethe / his passyon / & his blode / suche othes and swerynges ben to fle and to defende / for they often blaspheme / and do irreuerence vnto god and vnto his passion of whome is proceded our helth . Vnde crysostomus super matheum . Omnis salus hominum in christi morte posita est . All the helth of men is put in the dethe of Ihesu cryst . Also to blaspheme god is a synne moche to drede / for it maketh the blasphemers yl in many maners .

B. Fyrst they ben wors than the Iewes for the Iewes crucyfyed our lorde but one tyme / but a crysten man blasphemer crucyfyeth hym and beteth him with his tongue as many tymes as he swereth . Vnde apostolus ad heb. vi . Rursum crucifigentes semet ipsos filium dei . Et aug. dicit super ioh. Flagellatus est christus flagellis iudeorum / flagellatur blasphemijs falsorum christianorum Ihesu cryst was whypped & scorged by the Iewes scorges : and is now sore scorged by the blasphemes of false crystyens . Also saynt Austyn sayth that the blasphemers synneth not lesse than the Iewes the whiche hym crucyfyed . Vnde august . illud mathei .xxii. Blasphemauit . Non minus peccant qui deum blasphemant regnantem in celis quam iudei qui crucifixerunt eum ambulantem in terris . Also in as moche as they sinne of veray malyce and scyence they offende more than the Iewes dyde that crucyfyed hym ygnourauntly . Vnde paulus .i. corint . Si cognouissent nunquam regem glorie crucifixissent Yf the Iewes had knowen hym they had not crucyfied the kinge of glory / albeit that theyr ygnouraunce excuseth them not / for he tolde them many tymes that he was the sone of god and they wolde nothynge beleue . But the crystyens blasphematours the whiche hym knoweth wel and beleueth in hym sinneth more greuously . Vn̄ glosa s●● psal. Grauius peccat contēnens sedenti celo quam qui crucifixerunt ambulantem in te● Et bernardus dicit . Plus peccant qui de blasphemant regnantem in celisquam illi qui pr●prus manibus eum crucifixerunt pergentem terris . Our lorde prayed for the Iewes crucyfyed hym ygnourantly . Vn̄ luce . xxi● Pater dimitte illis non enim sciunt quid fac unt . But he prayed not for the blasphemetours the whiche swereth by hym wyty●●ly of propre malyce / and therfore they sh●● be more tourmented in hell than the Iewe● vn̄ luce .xii. Ille autem seruus qui cogn●uit voluntatem dni sui / & non se prepara●● et non fecit scdm voluntatem eius plagis ve pulabit multis . &c. The seruaunt the which hath knowen the wyll of his mayster an● is not prepayred and hath not doone after his wyll shall be beten of many . Example that the fals crysten men ben more , cru●● brente in hell than the Iewes & paynym●● Quere .lvii. A. Secondly these blasphematours ben wors than dogges / for dogges byteth not theyr mayster the whiche th●● nouryssheth / but the blasphematours byteth theyr mayster with the mouthe the whiche eteth and drynketh the breed and ye●●ne that god vnto them hath gyuen . Vn●● psal. Retribuebant michi mala pro bon●s They rewarde me agayne euyll for good Also the sage sayth . He shall fede and gyu● drynke to the vnkynde / & yet shall he he● bytter thinges . Vnde in libro eccl. Pasce et potabit ingratos & adhuc amara aud●●● Thyrdly these blasphematours ben wo● than all creatures / for euery creature loue● his creatour . Vnd psal. Bestie & vniuer● pecora serpentes et volucres pennate / reg●terre et omnes ppliprincipes & omnes iudiceterre / iuuenes et virgines senes cum iuruor bus laudent nomen dni . Iterum psal. A s● lis ortu vsque ad occasum : laudabile nomen dni And the sayd blasphematours loueth him not / but dyspyse hym / renounce hym / be et hym / & rent him with theyr intoxycate tongues replete with venym mortall Vnde iacob .iij. Ligua inquinatum malum plena mortifero veneno . The euyll tongue without rest is full of venym mortall . All these blasphematours hath affyled theyr tongues as a glayue or swerde / venym of the adder is vnder theyr tongues . Et psal. Exacuerunt vt gladium linguas suas venenum aspidum sub labijs eorum . Also god hath not gyuen speche vnto beestes as vnto man & woman to th ende they prayse hym . Vn̄ Aristoteles dicit . Qd nullum animal naturaliter habm sermonem nisi homo . And for as moche as the sayd blasphematours maketh noyse and irreuerence vnto god of the speche that he vnto them hath gyuen they ben worthy of grete punycyon . Fourthly blaspheme is a language infernall that these blasphematours lerne in this worlde . For the dampned the whiche haue spoken & vttred cursed speche / & hath not wylled to prayse god with theyr tongues shall haue so grete doloure and punycyon that they shall byte and ere theyr sayd tongues of rage and anguysshe / and shall blaspheme god for the vehement and intollerable dolours & woundes that they shall haue . Legitur appoc . xvi . Manducauerunt linguas suas pre dolore et blasphemauerunt deum pre doloribus & vulneribus sius . Also we rede that the deed bodies the whiche gone vnto dampnacyon by synne prayse not god / ne all they the whiche descendeth in to hell for to be there eternally . Vn̄ psal. Non mortui laudabunt te domine neque omnes qui descendunt in infernum / sed nos qui viuimus benedicimus deo . And therfore whyle that we liue we sholde prayse god and leue the blasphemes for drede to descende with the sayd dampned . Also blaspheme is a vyce dyabolyke the whiche maketh the tongue of the blasphematour too speke / lyke as the good & holy goost speketh by the tongue of a good deuoute persone / of whome it is wryten . Math. x. Non enim vos estis qui loquimini sed spiritus patris vestri qui loquitur in vobis . It is not you the whiche speketh / but the speryte of your fader the whiche speketh in you . Also the deuyl speketh by the tongue of the blasphematour And therfore whan a man seeth a persone the whiche blasphemeth god he may say surely that he is not gouerned of the good & holy goost / for it ne techeth but to say well / but that he is gouerned of the cursed spyryte the whiche speketh euyll . Legitur mat . vii . A fructibus corum cognoscetis eos . By theyr fruytes ye shall knowe them . Et legitur luce. .vi. et math. xii . Bonus homo de bono the sauro cordis sui profert bonum / et malus homo profert malum . &c. The good man proferreth good wordes / & the euyll man proferreth cursed wordes . Whan a man seeth smoke and sperkles come out of an hous it is a token that there is fyre in it / also whan a persone proferreth blasphemes it is a token that he is euyll . &c. And for as moche as these blasphematours speketh the language infernall of the dampned the whiche is the language that the deuyl theyr mayster techeth them & maketh them to speke / they goo not in to paradyse with god / but in to hell with the deuyll & with al the dampned Quia legitur Iob .xxxvi. Qd deus non saluat impios . God saueth not the euyll / that is to knowe yf they deye Impenytent and without contrycyon / confessyon / and satysfaccyon . Vnde Luce .xiii. Nisi penitentiam habueritis omnes simul peribitis . Yf ye doo not penaunce ye shall all perysshe . Fyfthly blaspheme is so grete a synne that it is agaynst the goly goost / for it is ayenst his bounte / and therfore it is irremyssyble as vnto the payne . Vn̄ legitur mat . xii . Spūs blasphemie non remittetur in hoc sclo : neque in futuro .i. vix remittetur . The spyryte of blaspheme shall not be pardoned in this worlde ne in the other . Et legitur marci .iij. Qui blasphemauerit in spm̄ setm̄ non habet remissionem in eternum sed reus erit eterni delicti . He the whiche hath blasphemed ayenst the holy goost hath no remyssyon in perdurabylyte . That is to vnderstande that he hath not playne punycyon in this worlde or in the other as vntoo the payne / for his synne is not commytted by fragylyte or biygnouraūce / but by certayne knowlege & malyce / wherby he hathe none excusacyon in his synne / and therfore vnto hym apperteyneth playne punycyon without remyssion / not that one sholde vnderstande that yf the blasphematour wolde repent hym that absolucyon to him sholde be denyed & that he ne may be saued and haue grace and mercy as to the gylte . But a man sholde vnderstande that it shal be with grete payne / for vnto hym apperteyneth playne punycyon & playne penaunce as vnto the payne but yf he haue mercy . So it appereth & note it well that the synnes agaynst the holy goost be not pardoned in this world ne in the other as to the payne as it is sayd / but they may be pardoned as to the gylte / and therfore the blasphematours shold not dyspayre them : but do penaunce & absteyne them fro synne Vnde ezech. xviii . Si autem impius egerit penitenciam vita viuat . &c. Men fynde in wrytynge dyuers sortes of penaunce the whiche apperteyneth vnto blasphematours . Fyrst theyr penaunce ought to be of .vii. yeres in lykewyse as for the other mortall synnes / as it is wryten .xxii. Predicandum . But a man sholde consider the maner of the othe / the qualite of the persone and the other cyrcumstaunces for to gyue vnto hym penaunce / eyther sharper or lyghter & easyer as it is wryten . R. i. De penitentijs et . c. sequenti .v. The othe the whiche is made 〈◊〉 delyberacyon is more to punysshe than 〈◊〉 the whiche is made by hastines . Also the p●naunce of a publyke blasphematour is ●●uen by the bysshoppes / the whiche is suche That he ought to be at the chyrche dore s●me sondayes or solempne feestes bare fo●●bare heded / vngyrded / with a tapre in his hande . &c. Also the penaunce of the blasph●matours after the auncyent lawe was they sholde be put to dethe / as it appere● Leuiti. xxiiij . Of one of the sones of Israe● the whiche had blasphemed god he was ●●ned and slayne by the commaundements god . And it is wryten in the sayd chapyt●● that god commaunded Moyses in shewyne hym what punycyon the blasphematour shal haue / saynge . Loqueris ad filios 〈◊〉 el / homo qui maledixerit deo suo portabit pecatum suum / et qui blasphemauerit nomen dimorte morietur / lapidibus obruet eum omnis mu●tudo ppli Moyses spake vnto the childre of Ysraell saynge . That man the whiche sayeth yll vnto his god shal bere his synne he the whiche hath blasphemed that name our lorde shall deye of dethe / all the multitude of people shall stone hym & sle hym stones . And the gospell sayth . He the which hathe sayd yll vnto his fader or to his m●der shall deye of dethe . Vn̄ math̄ . xv . Qu●mala dixerit patri vel matri morte mo●● Syxtly these blasphematours been dys●sed to speke contumelyous wordes / inu●● and rebuke vnto theyr lorde and mayster And meruayle is it none yf they ben in h●te and lose his loue / his grace and his company . For in lykewyse as god dwelleth 〈◊〉 grace in the conscyence of the good catholyke . Vt habetur .i. ioh .iiii. Qui maneth in●ritate in deo manet : et deus in eo . Vnto the contrary . God departeth hym from the ●●scyence of the blasphematoure the which● is a ryght yll catholyke . Qui non manet 〈◊〉 caritate deus non manet in eo . And also as men say of the good catholycke . Ioh. .xiiii. Si quis diligit me sermonem meum seruabit / & pater meus diligit eum et ad eum ven●amus et mensionem apud eum faciemus . Who so loueth me he shall kepe my worde / & my fader shall loue hym & we shall come vnto hym / and we shall make our dwellynge in hym . Also a man may say of the cursed blasphematour . Apud eum non veniemus & mensionem apud eum faciemus . That is to saye . that the blyssed trynyte shall not come to dwell ne rest by grace in the conscyence of the cursed blasphematour as in the conscyence of the good catholyke . Seuenthly blaspheme chaseth the vertues / letteth the good dedes spyrytuall / and maketh many euyls in the soules of the blasphematours the whiche ben declared afterwarde . Quere .xliiij. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. k. Examples of the blasphematours . Quere in th examplary .lxii. b. c. d. h. i. k.

A. Questyon yf a man commytte synne at euery tyme that he swereth .xiii.

NOn assumes nomen dei tui in vanum . Vpon this commaundement a man may demaunde yf ony may swere without commyttynge synne . The answer A man may swere without sinne whan necessyte is / the whiche is verytable / Iust / lefull / and for good ende / as whan a man swereth for to afferme Innocency whan ony cursed cryme is brought vp / or for to conferme the alyaunces of peas / or for to shewe or persuade vnto the herers that the whiche is vtyle for the helth of theyr soules . To swere for these thynges it is none euyll synne . for it is necessary and lefull . Albeit that the swerynge of it selfe is not good / and neuertheles it is not yll whan it is necessary / & yet it is not to appetyte as is the good . More ouer it is not to fle as an yll thynge whan it is lefull / but he defendeth the appetyte / the dylectacyon / and the accustomaunce to swere vaynely & vnlefully / as a thynge ydle / vayne / and peruers . Saynt Poule the appostle knewe the commaundementes of god / and neuertheles he sware as it is wryten in his epystles . Vestis est michi deus . By that it is to vnderstande that swerynge is lefull & necessary whan by the same a man thynketh vnto that welfare of his neyghbour after the commaundement of god the whiche sayth . Diliges proximum tuum sicut teipsum . And the psalme . Dne quis habitabit in tabernaculo tuo aut quis requiescat in monte sancto tuo . Lorde who shall dwell in thy tabernacle / or who shal rest in holy mountayne . The answer . Qui iurat proximo suo et non decepit eum . He the whiche swereth vnto his neyghbour & deceyueth hym not shal mounte in to heuen . &c. Also the aungell that saynt Iohan sawe standinge on the see as it is wryten in the appocalyps . Teuauit manum suam ad celum & iurauit per viuentem in secula seculorum . He lyft vp his hande & sware by the lyuynge in the worldes . Also our lorde sayth in the gospel Amen / amen / dico vobis . Also we rede that our lorde sware in the olde testament . Iurauit dno et non penitebit eum . & agayne . Iurauit dns vitatem . &c. Our lorde sware true yet he commaunded in the olde lawe . Redde dno iuramenta tua . &c. Yelde thyn othes to our lorde . By these foresayd auctorytees a man may swere without synne at a nede . And for that god sayth in the gospell that our worde sholde be / it is so / it is not so . Math. v. Sit aunt sermo vr̄ est / est / non / non / qd autem his abundantius malo est . The answer that the affyrmacyon or negacyon that is in the hert ought to be in the mouthe / but for that malyce is so growen that they wyll not beleue by symple worde / and therfore god hathe put to prudently . Quod amplius est malo est . That the whiche is more than ynough is yll / not euyll vnto those the whiche swereth for the welfare of theyr neyghbour / but yll vnto those the whiche ne wyll beleue without swerynge / theyr incrudylyte is sometyme of payne and of culpe / and therfore he sayeth not malum . Yll vnto hym the whiche him vseth moche in swerynge . But he sayth a malo / from the euyll of hym the whiche otherwyse beleueth not / that is of his synne ne departeth from hym the whiche is somtyme payne / and somtime payne and gylte / than god defendeth the othe the whiche is yll . He commaundeth to speke well in saynge . Sit sermo vester est / est / non / non . It is soo / it is not so / and he graunteth the swerynge the whiche is necessary . Also whan a man wyl not beleue the trouthe but by swerynge / he the whiche swereth in good and Iust cause synneth not / but he sholde offende yf he sware not . For it sholde befall sometyme that a good man sholde lese his good and Iust cause yf veryte were not approued by good men . And therfore sayth saynt Austin . Quisquis meru cuiuscumque potestatis veritatem ocultatiram dei super se prouocat : quia magis timet hominem quam deum . Yf ony hyde veryte by the drede of puyssaunce he prouoketh the yre of god vpon hym / for he dredeth the men more than god . In suche wyse to swere by necessyte is no synne as it is sayd . Also albeit that god hath defended othes inutyles / neuertheles by especyall he defendeth the swerynges the whiche ben made by the creatures to th ende that man ne do honour vnto creatures the whiche apperteyneth vnto the creatour . Ne honorificentia creatoris transferetur ad creaturas . Or that man beleue not that ony dyuyne thynge be in him wherby reuerence vnto ought to be done . And therfore after that god had said in the gos . ( tild ) . Mat. v. Non iurare omnino . Hastely 〈◊〉 putteth after . Neque per celum qr thronus d● est / neque per terram qr scabellum pedum eius 〈◊〉 . neque per hiero solimam qr ciuitas est reg●magni neque per caput tuum quia non pot●●vnum capillum tuum facere album vel nigri . Swere thou neuer aboue all thynge / neyther by the heuen for it is the throne of g●●ne by the erthe for it is the stole of his fe●ne by Iherusalem for it is the cyte of the gr●te kinge / ne by thy heed for thou can not ma●● one of thy heeres whyte ne blacke . Also 〈◊〉 rede that saynt Iames defended that no● sholde swere . An̄ omnia fr̄es mei nolite ●●●re The glose sayth that he defendeth not syn swerynge / but he defendeth the wyll to ●●re . And therfore he sayd vygylātly ( no●● for the affeccyon & wyll sholde not dra●● vs to swere / but the necessyte & oportum te sholde drawe vs there vnto for the helt● and welfare of our neyghbours . And th● that saynt Iames putteth . Nec per celum / 〈◊〉 per terram / nec per quodcumque aliud iuram●tūiurare vetat . Whan nede is to swere man sholde swere by god in callynge hy● to wytnesse / not by the creatures as it sayd . In lyke wyse as the wyne is not y●● of it selfe . And all be it saynt Poule defedeth men to drynke superfluously / for it cureth dronkenes & lechery . Nolite īe●●ri vino in quo est luxuria . Ad eph. v. Also s●●rynge in superfluyte is defended . All the thynges beforesayd ben expounded & sp●●ken by saynt Austyn / & by Inno. & by m●ny other .xxii. q. i. Non est contra deip̄ceptū . & iiii . sequentibus . Sipctm̄ extra . e. si ep̄s . A● how be it that swerynge is defended / not●●●dynge some ben except wherby a mā●●swere whan nede is / that is by the euangelyst the auter wherupon the body of cryst is concrate . Also by the relykes of sayntes / by 〈◊〉 holy crosse . Also a man may swerein the h●de of the bysshop lyke as it is wryten . x●● q. i. Si aliqua causa . ca. Habemus .

B. What is requysyte for to swere lefully without ony synne .xiij.

THre thinges ben requysyte or that a man swere without commyttynge ony synne . That is to vnderstonde / veryte / iugement / & iustice . Vnde Hieremye .iiij. Iurabis viuit dominus in veritate et in iudicio & in iusticia . Et habetur .xxii. q. i. Et iura bunt . Yf these these thre thynges defayle or ony of theym it is periury / as it is wryten .xxii. q. ii . Animaduertendum . The fyrst thynge the whiche is requysyte or that a man may swere without synne is veryte in the conscyence / that is that a man knowe the thynge stedfastly for to be soo as he it swereth . For who so sholde thynke one thynge and swere another sholde be periured . Or who so sholde beleue that ony thynge were true / and knoweth it not too be all true for certayne : he sholde swere of credence & not of veryte / for that sholde be agaynst that the whiche is sayd ( iurabis viuit dns in veritate ) . The seconde thynge requysyte to swere wel without ony synne is that a man sholde swere by dyscrete delyberacyon / the whiche is in the party of reason / that is that a man sholde dyscerne yf there were ony necessyte to swere or not . For albeit that a thynge be true yet he sholde not swere yf there ne were necessyte . As who so sholde swere by our lady I am in the chyrche . &c. Howbeit that the othe be verytable yet is there synne / for there is noo necessyte to swere yt. Iurabis in iudicio . Whan a man swereth it behoueth that he there haue good Iugement / that is dyscrete delyberacion as it is sayd / to dyscerne and aduyse yf the thynge be requysyte and necessary for to swere / as whan a man warneth or counceyleth to beleue some good thynge the whiche is expedyent and prouffytable vnto some slouthfull and peruers persones the whiche wolde not beleue by simple wordes and speche he may swere in callynge god to wytnesse that in suche wyse he sholde be without offence in swerynge . Iurabis in iudicio . Also whan a man swereth by good dyscrecyon it behoueth to regarde .vi. thynges / that is quando / quale / cui / quomodo / vbi / et de quo . Fyrst it behoueth too regarde ( quando ) in what tyme it is that a man swereth / for in seculer causes nor in other a man ne sholde swere / ne constreyne to swere in the solemne feestes / ne to holde Iurysdyccyon . Secondly ( quale iuramentum ) / what othe it is that a man swereth / for some of theym or one of them ben greter than another & more to drede . Thyrdly ( cui ) : to whome it is that a man swereth / for a persone of the chyrche sholde not be coarted to swere to seculer / ne in court seculer but in some case / for there myght folowe irregalyte / as in case of cryme . Fourthly ( quomodo ) how it is that a man swereth / by what maner / by what delyberacyon / by what constraynte / and by what hastynes / or necessyte . Fyfthly ( vbi ) where it is that a man swereth / in what place / in holy place / or in place not holy / as in the chyrche or chyrche yarde . Syxtly ( de quo ) / of whome / of what thynge it is that a man swereth / of a thynge good or yll / yf it be of an yll thynge a man sholde not swere . The thyrde thynge the whiche is requysyte to swere lefull is to regarde that the thynge wherfore a man swereth be iust lefull & to do good and accomplysshe / for the othe the whiche is not iust sholde not be accomplysshed . And for that offended Herode for the othe that he had made vnto his doughter whan he made saynt Iohan baptyst to be heded . Vn̄ Ysodo . Impia est ꝓmissio q scelere adimpletur . The promys is yll the whiche is accomplysshed by synne / yf the othe haue these thre thynges before sayd a man may swere without synne .

C. That a man sholde accomplysshe the vowes Iustly made . xiij

DAuyd the prophete sayth . Vowe ye lefully by deuocyon . And after that ye haue vowed soo yelde ye and accomplysshe the sayd vowe to your lorde god . Vnde daujd in psalmo . Vouete & reddite dno deo vestro . And note well that after that he hath sayd ( vouete ) there foloweth incontynent reddite ) . In this seconde commaundement god defendeth that a man ne breke the vowes the whiche hath be made Iustly / & lefully by delyberacyon and by Iuste cause . They the whiche accomplyssheth them not and leueth them / and the whiche dooth vnto the contrary of that / that they haue vowed and promysed / or the whiche them dyspyse taketh the name of god in vayne and doth vnto hym irreuerence & vnto his sayntes . And they sholde vnderstande that they been charged and bounde to accomplysshe them / or elles they commyt mortall synne . Ysodorus dicit . Multum deo reus eris si non reddas quid voueris / deo displicent qui vota sua non implent . That is to say . Thou shalt be moche culpable vnto god yf thou yelde not / that is yf thou accomplysshe not that that thou hast vowed . Those the whiche accomplysshe not theyr vowes dyspleaseth vnto god . Example of a woman the whiche vowed chastyte and after wolde be maryed . Quere in thexamplarye of the seconde commaundement .lxiij. E. Also it is better doone not to vowe than not to holde the promysses after that the vowe is made . Vn̄ eccl. v. Multoque melius est non vouere quam post votum promissa non reddere . Et Ysodo . dicit . Melius est enim non ꝓmittere quam fide ꝓmissiōis non soluere . That is to saye . Better is not to promyse than not to pay the faythe of the promesse . Also it is grete Ieopardy to tary to accomplysshe the vowe after it is made yf a man hath tyme & space to accomplysshe it . Vnde deuteron̄ .xxiij. Cum votum voueris dno deo tuo non tardabis reddere : qua requiret illud dns deus tuus et si moratus fueris reputabitur tibi in peccatum . That is to saye thou ne shalte tary to yelde vnto thy lorde god whan thou hast vowed a vowe for thy lorde god shall requyre it of the / & yf thou hast made taryenge to accomplysshe it vnto the it shall be reputed in synne . And it is wryten ecclesiastes .v. Si quid deo vouisti ne moreris reddere displicet enim īfidelis et stulta promisso . Yf thou haste vowed ony thynge vnto god ne tary thou to yelde promesse / vnfaythfull and folysshe promesse him dyspleaseth . Example that it is a grete peryll to deffer to accomplysshe his vowe . Quere in the examplary .lxiij. H. Many other examples of vowes there shall be founde & cete . Also a man sholde note that those the whiche accomplyssheth theyr vowe ben in the loue & grace of god . For they sheweth them selfe loyall and faythfull in there ꝓmysses / & god vnto them accordeth in there prayers and oraisons . Example that Anne vowed vnto god that yf he wolde sende her a sone that she sholde gyue him vnto the seruyce of god all his lyfe / she conceyued Samuell the whiche was a prophete & accomplysshed her vowe as it is wryten .i. regum .i. ca. Another example that the kynge Aza accomplysshed the vowe that he made of his fader & bare hym to goddes hous : as it is wryten .ii. paral .xv. Another example that after that the chyldren of Ysrael had vyctory of Holofernes they yede to worshyp god in Iherusalem / & al they kept theyr vowes & promesses / as it is writen . Iudith .xvi. ca.

D. What thynge is a vowe how is it dyffynyed . Vowe is concepcyon of the best purpose of delyberacion of stedfast courage to god or vnto his sayntes with entencyon hym to oblege . Vnde secundum magistrum in quarto di .xxxviii. & tho . et alios theologos . Qd votum est conceptio spontanea melioris propositi animi deliberatione deo vel sanctis eius firmita cum intentione se obligandi . And it is to be noted that many thynges ben requysyte vnto lefull vowe & accomplysshed the whiche ben touched in the sayd dyffynicion . Fyrst it is requysyte concepcyon of some made in the entendement by the holy goost . Secondly it is requysyte that the vowe be not yll . And therfore the dyffynycyon sayth ( melioris ) . Yll and synne desordoneth vs towarde god . Vnde legitur . Qd votum non est vinculum iniquitatis . Vowe is not the lyen and bonde of inyquyte . And therfore it is wryten . Dissolue vinculum iniquitatis . Vnbynde or louse the lyen of inyquyte . Et legitur .xxxij. q .iiij. Ysodo . In malis promissis rescinde fidem / in turpi voto mutu decretum / quod incaute vouisti non facias / impia est promissio que scelere adimpletur . In cursed wordes rescyndeth the fayth chaunge thy wyll in that vowe the whiche is foule and euyll / do not the thynge the whiche thou hast vowed vnwysely . The promysse is euyll the whiche is doone & accomplysshed by synne . Example wryten in the .xxiij. chapytre of the dedes of the appostles that .xl. Iewes vowed that they sholde neyther eete ne drynke tyll they hadde slayne saynt Poule / theyr vowe was euyl and in synne / and they myght not accomplysshe it . &c. Thyrdly it is requysyte that he there haue concepcyon fre in as moche as the dyffynycyon sayeth ( spontanea ) / that is that euery man may vowe the thynges the whiche ben in his lyberte and in his ryght and not otherwyse / and therfore seruauntes / chyldren / relygyous prisoners . &c. in some thynges may not vowe . Quia non sunt sui iuris . Fourthly it is requisyte that he there haue delyberacyon and therfore the dyffynycyon sayth / animi deliberatione ) vnto the dyfference of those the whiche voweth sodaynly without delyberacyon and consentement of reason . Fyfthly vowe ought to be made vnto god or to his sayntes and not vnto men for many thynges the whiche abydeth bycause of shortenes . Syxtely with entencyon to bynde hym for loue bereth oblygacyon to do some thynge or to loue it . &c.

E. Vowe the whiche is lefully made of ryght ought too be accomplysshed as it is sayd / but in .ix. maners a man is not bounde to accomplysshe his vowe . The fyrst is whan ony hath vowed vnder condycycyon as to say . I shall do suche a thynge yf suche one haue his helthe / or yf he lyue not or yf he deye not of suche a sekenes / whan the condycyon hathe none effecte a man is not bounde to accomplysshe the sayd vowe . The seconde is whan it hath be made sodaynly and without delyberacyon . The thyrde is the vowe of them the whiche hath lost theyr wytte / or the whiche ben furyous . The fourthe is whan by infyrmyte / pouerte / or other lefull lettynge a man may accomplysshe the sayd vowe . The fyfth is whan a man voweth by yre / or other passion so grete that they leue true delyberacyon . The .vi. whan it sholde be to the hurt of ony grete good or comyn welfare . The vij . is whan the vower is subgect to another as yonge people / a mayde vnder .xiij. yere / a man chylde vnder .xv. yeres / a relygious a wedded woman / a seruaunt yf the vowe sholde be lettynge of the seruyce that he oweth whan the souerayns beforesayd ben not so content / or gaynsayeth there vnto the subgectes ben not bounde to theyr vowes

of saynt Iohan in the floode of Iourdayn Nono / on the sondaye our lorde made his fyrst myracle to chaunge the water in to wyne at the weddynge . &c. Decimo / on the sondaye our lorde Ihesu cryst fedde fyue thousande men with fyue loues of breed / and with two fysshes . Vndecimo / on the sondaye our lorde Ihesu was honoured with palmes the whiche is the sonday before Eester daye . Duodecimo / on the sondaye the redemptoure of the worlde rose frome dethe to lyfe . Terciodecimo / on the sonday the holy goost descended vpon the appostles the daye of penthecost or whyt-sonday . Quartodecimo / the clerkes presupposeth that god shall holde his Iugement on the sonday / but for certayne no persone knoweth ony thynge but all myghty god onely . By these thynges beforesayd it appereth that the sonday is establysshed for to be kepte / sanctyfyed / honoured / and laudably feested amonge all the pryncypall festes . Vnde secundumius canonicum . Constat diem dominicum inter summas et precipuas festiuitates contineri . & dicitur in decreto . In dominica die nichil est agendum nisi soli deo vocandum . de consecratione distinctione . tercie . Ieiunia . Noo thynge is to be doone on the sonday / but to be besyed towarde god / hym for to honoure and his gloryous sayntes . And by this the whiche is before wryten . Sabbata sanctifes ) . A man sholde vnderstande that in the auncyent testament men kepte and sanctifyed the saterdaye . But for the mysteryes beforesayd the whiche hathe ben doone on the sondaye / and to th ende that we do not as the Iewes dooth the whiche kepeth the sa-saterday we shall kepe and solempnyse the solempnyte the daye of the sondaye . Examples of dyuers people the whiche hathe wrought on the sonday . And fyrst of a man the whiche wrought on the sonday and his handes claue vnto the wood . Quere in the examplary .lxiiij. C. Another example of a man the whiche ledde haye on the sonday and he was thretened dyuinely to be brent Quere in th examplary .lxiiij. D. Another example of two women the whiche baked on the saterday after the sonne goynge doune / & one of them became drye / and the pele of the ouen cloue to the handes of the other . Quere .lxiiij. G. Another example of a mowyer the whiche left werke on the saterdaye / & his felawes wolde not do soo : and he founde some golde . Quere in the examplary .liiij. M. Secondly it is good reason to sanctyfy the festes of god and of the gloryous vyrgyn Mary for the mysteries of theyr solempnytees the whiche sholde be longe for to declare by the whiche our redempcyon hathe ben made . Thyrdly mayster Wyllyam of Anserre techeth .vi. reasons in the somme of the offyce wherfore it was establysshed that we make solempnyte of the sayntes of paradyse . The fyrst is for the honoure of the dyuyne mageste / for whan we doo honour vnto sayntes we honoure god in his sayntes / and we saye that he is meruaylous in theym . He the whiche dooth honour vnto sayntes he honoureth specyally hym the whiche theym hath sanctyfyed . The seconde for to haue ayde in our humayne fragylyte / for we ben so frayle vnto synne that by our selfe we may not haue helthe / and for as moche as we haue nede of the helpe & prayers of sayntes we do them honour in theyr feestes to th ende that we may deserue theyr helpe . The thyrde is for the encreasynge of our suerte / for by the honoure that is doone vnto sayntes in theyr solempnytees our hope & suerte is encreased soo that the mortall men semblable to vs may be in suche wyse reysed in so grete honoure by theyr merytes / it is certayne that soo it it may be of vs / for the power of god is not lessed . The fourthe is for the example of our folowynge / for whan the feestes of the sayntes is recorded euery yere we been called to folowe them / so that by th example of them we dysprayse the thynges erthly and desyre the celestyalles . The fyfth is for that that the aungelles and sayntes of paradyse haue Ioye and exaltacyon whan we the whiche ben synners conuert vs vnto god . Vnde luce. .xv. Gaudium erit in celo super vno peccatore penitentiam agente . &c. And therfore it is reason syth that they make feest of vs in heuen that we make feest of them in erthe . The syxte is for the procuracyon of our honour / for whan we honour the sayntes we procure our honour / theyr solempnyte is our dygnyte / whan we honoure our broder we honour our selfe . Charyte maketh all thynge to be comyn / and our thynges ben celestyalles / erthly / and pardurables .

C. Questyon / who so sholde demaunde at what houre a man sholde begynne to celebre the feestes . The answer / regulerly men saye that from the one euensonge vnto the other euensonge the chyrche maketh solempnyte . It is wryten extra de ferus & de consecratione distinctione .i. capitulo . Missas . Omnes dies dominicos a vespera in vesperam cum omni veneratione decreuimus obseruari . We haue decrete to kepe in al honour all the dayes of the sondayes from the one euensonge vnto the other euensonge . For to cease on them for to doo ony werke and for to make holy the feestes a man sholde consyder the qualyte / and the quantyte of the feest / what the custome is of the regyon / and of the place where a man is . And after the gretenes of the feest and custome of the place a man sholde more sooner begyn / and the more late for to make an ende In lykewyse as sayth the scrypture in many places . Vnde quamuis scriptum sit a vespera in vesperam celebrabitis sabbata vestra verumtamen initium festorum & finis iuxta eorum qualitatem et regionum consuetudines seruari debent / & sicut magnitudo eorum exigit prios incipere / et tardius terminati extra . e . quoniam . This scrypture repreueth the foly of some symple men the whiche reputeth not to be synne to labour and worke late on the saterday at nyght / and weneth that it is synne to worke erly on the monday in the mornynge . Of this mater thou shalt finde many examples in the examplary .

D. Questyon / who so sholde demaunde wherfore is it that men make holy / and honoure some feestes more solempnely in some countrees than they of other countrees done / or that some feestes in some bysshop ryches ben kept of whome no mencyon is made in other countrees . Vnto that it behoueth to answere that a man ought for to do after the custome of the regyon where as he is . For it is wryten extra de ferrijs Qd in festis celebrandis vel non / vel quis dicatur esse festiuus vel non consuetudo regionis debet obseruare . Dicendum est etiam cum hieronymo qd vnaqueque prouincia abundat in suo sensu . distinctione .lxxvii. Vtinam in omni tempore ieiunare possemus . Et augustinus interroganti . Respon. Ambrosius . Cum romam venio ieiuno sabbato / cum mediolanum sum non ieiunio sabbato / sic et tu quamcunque forte ecclesiam veneris eius mora serua si cuiquam non vis esse in scandalum nec quemquam tibi . One and euery prynce haboundeth in his beynge . And therfore yf thou come to Rome and that they faste there on the saterdaye faste thou also in lyke wyse as they doone . And yf they haue in custome to kepe or sanctyfy ony feest kepe it with them . And yf thou aryue in ony chyrche kepe theyr customes the whiche ben not agaynst god / or elles they shall sclaunder the.

A. How in syxe maners men sanctyfye the feestes commaunded / the whiche maners shall be put by psalmes / and some ben necessaryes for the sanctyfycacyon of those feestes / and the other ben cerymonyalles for the augmentacion of god and of vertues .xv.

FYrst men sanctyfy the feestes commaunded by abstynence / and to cease to do operacions erthly and seculers / as to goo to the plough . Exodi vicesimo Non facies omne opus in eo . And it is to th ende that we cease and refrayne the auaryce and couetyse of the worlde / and for to take hede and entende vnto the vtylyte & prouffyte of the soules . Yf on the workinge dayes we take hede for the labour of the bodyes god wyll that on the holy dayes commaunded we entende vnto the vtylyte of the soules . At the begynnynge of the worlde god created spyrytuall thynges as aungelles / and corporall thynges as the beestes and the byrdes / and of these two thynges togyder he made man / that is of a thynge spyrytuall as the soule / and of a thynge corporall as the body . In lykewyse we haue nede of two refeccyons . That is of the refeccyon of the body the whiche we do gete on the werkynge dayes / and of the refeccyon of the soule the whiche we seche on the holy dayes . How be it that euery daye we ought for to gyue refeccyon vnto the soule . For it is wryten in the gospelles how that a man lyueth not onely by etynge of breed for to mayntene the body / but in euery worde the whiche procedeth frome the mouthe of god / wherby the soule is refeccyoned . Vnde Mathei . iiii . capitulo . Non in solo pane viuit homo / sed in omni verbo quod procedit ab ore dei . And therfore god hath ordeyned werkynge dayes to laboure on all holy to nourysshe the body . And also commaundeth to cease of operacyons worldly on the holy dayes for to sanctyfy them and for to nouryssh the soule as before is sayd . Deuteronomie .v. Obserua diem sabbati vt sanctifices deum / sex diebus operaberis et facies omnia opera tua / septimus dies non facies in eo quicquam operis . &c.

B. A questyon to vnderstande yf a man may worke on the holy daye without commyttynge mortal synne . The answer . We fynde in wrytynge that in foure maners some may do worke on the holy daye without commyttynge mortall synne . Prima est propter operis vel laboris modicitatem Secunda est propter temporis necessitatem . Tercia propter cordis pietatem . Quarta est propter publicam vtilitatem . The fyrst is whan a man dooth so lytell thynge that the rest of the thought ne may be letted towarde god / that is anenst the sanctyfycacyon of the solempnyte it be not dymynysshed or lessed / as to hewe a logge the whiche is in the courte for to dresse the dyner and not to lose the seruyce . But who that sholde do soo grete operacyon that the rest the whiche is commaunded in the sayd feest . Sabbati sanctifices were pertourbed and letted sholde do mortall synne / in lykewyse as sayeth the glose vpon this worde the whiche is . Exodi xxxi . Qui polluerit sabbatum . Glosa . Turbando quietem anime morte moriatur / scilicet anime & corporis . Ex quo patet qd solum ille labor qui turbat quietem & spiritus libertatem causat peccatum mortale . The seconde is for the necessyte of labour the whiche is in way of perdycion in suche maner that a man ne may deferre it / or prouyde for the impetuosyte of the rayne tyme of August / or for the grete colde in the tyme of wynter . &c. Whan a man presupposeth of the perdycyon of the sayd labour the necessyte may be soo grete that a man sholde be excused of mortall synne . Quia necessitas non habet legem / si malum sequitur potestea de . con. distinc . i. Sicut etiam patet extra de consuetudine . ca. iiii . A sure thynge it sholde be to doo by th example of his curate or prelate of the chirche . For it is wryten prouerbiorum .xi. & .xxiiij. Qd salus erit vbi sunt multa consilia . Helthe shal be where as ben many counceyles or counceylers . To the whiche thynge a man sholde vnderstande that the chyrche may dyspence in these thynges here by one reason the whiche is that the chyrche ne vseth alonely of the puyssaunce humayne also as the reason supposeth / but also of the puyssaunce dyuyne . And therfore the chyrche dyspenceth by that puyssaunce in the commaundement dyuyne that god hath gyuen . Of the whiche thynge it appereth that who soo dyspyseth the puyssaunce of the chyrche or the keyes of the chyrche he dyspyseth the puyssaunce of god . Vnde luce. .x. Qui vos audit me audit / et qui vos spernit me spernit . He the whiche hereth you hereth me / and he the whiche dysprayseth you dysprayseth me . The thyrde is for pyte / for in some feestes determyned the chyrche promytteth without mortall synne that men laboure for the loue of god to helpe vnto the poore people / but so that it be the after masse and without hope of retrybucyon . &c. The fourth is for to thynke and to ayde on the necessyte of the comyn welthe / as after the masse to helpe or repayre a brydge / or an euyll passage / or a chyrche dystroyed / and semblable thynges / so that a man doo it without coueryse of lucre or wynnynge . Also it is well for to be noted that it is extra de ferijs / that al be it that the sondaye and many feestes that ben vnder ben commaunded for to be kepte How be it whan the herynges also enclyne them towarde the landes in the season that they ought to be fysshed a man may fysshe for theym on the sondayes and other holy dayes for the necessyte of the comyn welth So that they of that thynge that they take they dystribute and gyue vnto the poore chyrches and other good places by & ouer the dysme .

C. How a man sholde take hede to here the seruyce and predycacyons on the festes commaunded .xv.

SEcondly for to sanctyfy the festes a man sholde go by deuocion vnto the chyrche to here the seruyce the whiche therin is done . As masse / matyns / & euensonge . &c. And for to here to deuyse of the feestes / of the fastynges and commaunde mentes the whiche there ben made . Also for to here the predycacyons and wordes of saluacyon / of the whiche procedeth all benedyccyon as it is wryten Luce .xi. Beati qui audiuut verbum dei / et custodiunt illud . Blyssed be they the whiche hereth the worde of god and kepeth it . In lykewyse as it is declared more largely in the fyfth condycyon that the pylgryme of paradyse sholde haue .xlv. F. Many sortes of peope there be the whiche sanctyfyeth not the feestes for that they take no hede to here the dyuyne seruyce the whiche is done in the chyrche / and the predycacyons . Some there ben the occupieth them in the mondanytees & pleasaunces temporalles whan they sholde take hede to the seruyce of the chyrche / suche people doth breke this commaundement . Example of a ryche man the whiche fled the seruyce and the predycacyons / & lepte on hors backe and yede vnto the mondanitees whan men ronge to masse on the holy dayes commaunded / and the deuyll toke hym and bare hym away Quere in th examplary .lxv. A. Also some wyl not cease them of worldly operacions the whiche werketh whan they sholde take hede vnto the seruice / suche people synneth mortally . Example how that a woman was dyuynely punysshed for that that she cercled and closed her felde on the daye of saynt Iohan baptyst whan the other were at masse . Quere lxiiij . B. Also some there ben the whiche taketh hede to drynke and to ete durynge the masses and the seruyces of the chyrche / & suche people sanctyfye not the feest commaunded but yf they haue excusacyon lefull Example that euyll came vnto a smyth the whiche toke hede to ete and to drynke whan the other people besyed them vnto the seruyce of the chyrche .. Quere in the examplary .lxvii. C. Another example of a man the whiche went to playe and to drynke at the tauerne with his felawes whan he sholde haue be at the seruyce of the chyrche / & at laste he was dampned . Quere .lxvii. D. Another example that euyll came vnto a man named Vado the whiche went vnto the tauernes to drynke and to ete whan he sholde goo vnto the chyrche / & after his dethe he had a foule drynk . Quere in thex . lxvii . E. Also some there ben the whiche taketh hede to play on the feestes commaunded whan they sholde be at the seruyce / suche people offendeth gretely . For they sanctyfy not the feestes and dysobeyeth vnto god . And also many tymes they commytte many synnes in playenge / the whiche ben operacyons / not of sanctyfycacyon / but of dampnacyon . Example that the heed of a sweter was founde that that was before was behynde / and the cattes cryed vpon his graue . Quere in thexamplarye .lxiii. C. Other examples there ben wryten in th examplary of the seconde commaundement of people vnto whome there came euyll in playenge and blasphemyng . &c. Also some there be the whiche slepeth in theyr beddes or in the chyrche whan the dyuyne seruyce and predycacions ben in doynge on the feestes commaunded / suche people sanctyfyeth not the feestes . For the commaundement of god sayth . Thou ought for to dyspose the to serue god all the sondayes & the feestes . Example how the deuyll gaue hote pytche vnto a monke for to drynke as he slept in doynge the seruyce of the chyrche . Quere in th examplary .lxvi. C. Another example how the deuyl smote a monke with the knotte of a strawe as he slept in the seruyce tyme .lxvi. b. Other examples of these maters ben wryten in the examplary of the thyrde commaundement . Also some gone not to here the seruyce and predycacyons by slouthe / neclygence / and indeuocyon / & suche people sanctyfyeth not well the feestes . The realme of heuen is not promysed vnto iedeous / neglygent / and slouthful persones / but vnto theym the whiche wy●●eth to take hede vpon commaundementes of god / and the whiche them accomplyssheth vertuously . Vnde scriptura . Non enim te pidis & negligentibus promittitur regnum celorum / sed in mandaris domini vigilantibus atque strennue operantibus . Also note well in especyall of the heedes of an hous the whiche leseth the masse on the sondaye or on a feest solempnell by slouthe without excusacyon leful .. Yf reason were dysposed to it suche slouthe sholde be mortall synne / and breketh this commaundement / wherof it is wryten de consecratione distinctione .i. capitu . Missas . And yf a persone that is chyefe of an hous were thre dayes without goynge vnto his masse perochial of his chyrche and yf he hadde not excusacyon lefull he sholde be excomunycate in lykewyas he putteth in a decretall . And they the whiche kepeth the hous and the chyldren that they perysshe not whyle the other ben at the masse on the sonday and feest solemnell / yf they ben excused in seruynge god the daye of the sayd solempne feest . The answer is suche / that yf they haue excusacyon not for to be at the chyrche corporally for to serue god / where yf they ben not they ben excused so that they serue god within the hous in saynge the good thynges that they can For the commaundement of god speketh vnto euery man and woman . And to serue god thou sholdest dyspose the euery sondaye and the other holy dayes commaunded in what place soo euer it be . Example of a mayden seruaunt the whiche desyred for to goo vnto the masse and vnto the prechynge and her maystresse wolde not suffre her but our lorde appered vnto her vnto whome he shewed her helthe . Quere in the examplary . lxxxxix . B.

D. And they the whiche ben enoyed to do well / and dyspyseth to saye well and to here it . As they the whiche leueth the congregacyon of the chyrche / the seruyce / the masse / and the sermon without lefull excusacion for to go vnto the vanytees / as daunces / playes / tolyes / and dysportes / they oughte for to be excommunyed / as it is wryten De consecratione distictione .i. capitu . Qui die solempni pretermisse ecclesie conuentu ad spectacula vadit excommunicetur . &c. Of the whiche thynge it foloweth that they synne mortally / for excommunycacyon sholde not be gyuen but for mortal synne Quia excommunicatio non nisi pro mortali culpa infligi debet . Vt habetur .xi. questio .iii. capi. Nemo episcoporum . Those the whiche ben of the party of god with good wyll they here his seruyce / and his worde / and the opposytes it dyspyseth . Vnde iohannis .x. Oues mee vocem meam audiunt & ego cognosco eos / et cognosco me mee / et ego vitam eternam do eis et non peribunt in eternum / et non rapiet eas quisquam de manu mea . My shepe those ben the good persones herynge my voyce / and I knowe them and myn knowe me / and I vnto theym shall gyue the lyfe eternall / and they shall not perysshe / and none shall take them fro my hande . Example that it hath wel taken vnto many for herynge the worde of god . Quere .lv. A. B. C. And it foloweth after . Alias oues habeo qui non sunt ex hoc ouili . &c. Other shepe I haue the whiche ben not of this flocke / those ben the cursed persones the whiche haue not wylled to here the worde of god . And it is wryten in an other gospell that on the day of Iugement god shall put his shepe on the ryght hande Vnde Mathei .xxv. Oues suas statuet a dextris / hedos autem et sinistris . And he shall put the kyddes or gotes on the lyfte hande the whiche haue dyspysed his worde he theym hathe compared vnto a kydde or gote the whiche is a beest stynkynge / foule and vnclene / wherof the company is nothynge worthe . Also they ben compared to an ape the whiche sleeth the chyrche and loueth gladly the tauerne / for to go vnto the chyrche he halteth / and towarde the tauerne he renneth . Also he loueth better a quarte of wyne than a potell of holy water . Also these people the whiche ben enoyed to do well resembleth vnto the deuyll in thre propryetees . Primo the deuyll wyll neuer doo no good dede . Secundo he wyll neuer here no good . Tercio he perturbeth and letteth them the whiche wolde do ony good dede . Example how the deuyll ennemye vnto mankinde gaue in charge to a woman foure thynges / of the the whiche the one was that she sholde trouble and lette those the whiche were in deuocyon and prayers in the chyrche / the seconde was that she sholde not confesse her . &c. Quere in thexam .lxv. F In lykewyse dooth these cursed people the whiche ben slouthful to serue our lorde god on the holy dayes and to do good the whiche gooth frome the masse and wyll here noo good thynge and brynge other in to vanytees and out of the chyrche / the whiche is a token of euyll . Quia sicut signum euidentissimum electorum est audire verbum dei ita signum euidentissimum reproborum est nole audire . &c. And also it is a token ryght euydent of the chosen to here the worde of god . In lykewyse it is a token ryght euydent of the reproued to haue no wyl to here it . Example of a monke that the deuyll drewe oute of the chyrche whan the other waked in prayer . Quere in the examplary .lxv. g. The good seruauntes of god hereth with good wyl his seruyce / his worde / and his commaundementes : and taketh the condycyon of the pylgryme of paradyse . Quere post .xlv. A. B. And god theym shall rewarde in the Ioyes of paradyse in lykewyse as it is wryten after .lvii. A. The cursed seruauntes the whiche wyll not go to here the seruyce and to sanctyfy the feestes in lykewyse as it vnto theym is commaunded sholde drede to be sent vnto the fyre of hell the whiche is a tourment ryght cruel . Quere .xlix. B.

A. How a man sholde take hede to serue god and his sayntes on the feestes commaunded .xvi.

THyrdly for to sanctyfye the feestes a man shold serue god and his sayntes with herte / with mouthe / & operacyon . Saynt Poule sayth in the .xvi. chapytre of the seconde epystle to the corynthyens . In oimbus exhibeamus nosmetipsos sicut dei ministros . Shewe we our selfe in all thynges as the mynysters of god . Et alibi seruire deo regnare est . To serue god it is too reygne with hym . Euery good crysten man sholde enforce him to serue god on the holy dayes after his scyence and faculte / & sholde put hym in deuocyon and orayson for to gyue praysynges vnto god & vnto his sayntes / as Dauyd the whiche sayd . Semper laus eius more meo . The clerkes sholde synge with hert / with mouthe / and operacyon for to serue god . Vnde ecclesiast . xxxix . In omni corde et ore collaudate et benedicite nomen domini . Prayse ye and blysse ye the name of our lorde in all your hert & mouth Also a man sholde serue humbly and reuerently vnto the preest in thynges the whiche vnto hym ben necessaryes / as to gyue him the water / to torne the boke / to bere the paxe to lyght and to put out the candell . &c. Dauyd sayth . Seruite domino in timore & exultate ei cum trimore . Serue ye vnto god & vnto his vycars in drede . To serue god in drede is the begynnynge of wysdome . Vnde prouerbiorum .i. Initium sapientie timor domini . Also the good and diligent seruauntes haue euermore the aduauntage / and of good as wel in this worlde as in the other / and they ben beloued of god and of grete lordes before the slouthfull . Wherof speketh the wyse man . Prouerbiorum .xxii Vidisti virum velocem coram regibus stabit / nec erit coram ignobiles . Et prouerbio rum .xxi. Cogitationes robusti sunt semper in abundancia / omnis autem piger in egestate est . The thoughtes of a man boystous and coueytous ben euer in habundaunce of goodes / and all slouthfull people ben in nede and in pouerte . All the good seruauntes shall be in paradyse with god moche honoured and praysed . Vnde in euangelium . Si quis michi ministrauerit honorificabit eum pater meus qui est in celis .

Item euangilium . Volo pater vt vbi ego sum illic sit et minister meus . Ihesu cryst sayeth I wyll fader where as I am that my mynister be / that is that his seruauntes be with hym parteners in his realme and his glorye . Of the seruauntes the whiche ben good and faythfull / and of those the whiche ben euyll and vnfaythfull is somwhat spoken in the chapytre of Sacrylege . Quere .xxx. C. Also god called the good persones swetely his seruauntes . Vnde Mathei .xi. Venite me ad omnes qui laboratis et onerati estis et ego reficiam vos . Also god vnto them shall gyue a grete rewarde . Vn̄ mat . xxv . Euge serue bone et fidelis / quia super pauca fuisti fidelis / supra multa te constituam intra in gauduim domini tui . Good seruaunt and faythful enioye the / for that thou hast ben faythfull vpon a lytell thynge I shall ordeyne the vpon a grete thynge / entre in to the Ioye of thy lorde . For to make shorte euery persone sholde enforce hym to serue and honour god and his sayntes eche after as his scyence and faculte is . And also sholde take hede vnto the vtylyte of theyr frendes and they shall haue grete rewarde in the realme of paradyse . Of the whiche is wryten towarde the ende of this presente treatyse .xlvii. A.

B. How a man sholde besy hym in prayer on the feestes commaunded .xvi.

FOurthly for to sanctyfye the feestes or holy dayes we sholde pray to god in orayson and saye all the good thynges that we can more besyly than on the werkynge dayes . Saynt Austyn sayth qd oratio est oranti presidium aduersario incendium / angelis solacium / deo gratum sacrificium . Orayson or prayer is defence vnto hym that prayeth agaynst all euyll / vnto the deuyll aduersarye . Ioye and solace vnto aungelles . sacryfyce vnto god moche agreable . That orayson kepeth a persone from all euyll it appered by th example of a woman the whiche wolde haue hanged her selfe by dyspayre / and as she apparayled the corde in herynge a bell rynge vnto the sacrynge she went on her knees in orayson & incontynent the temptacyon ceased and she was delyuered . Also on the feestes commaunded we sholde thynke on the euylles that we haue done on the werkyng dayes / and we sholde repent vs and hertely crye god mercy / and put our selfe in orayson for to requyre of hym myserycorde . &c. Wherfore is it that god wyll that we requyre hym orayson . For foure thynges pryncypally . Fyrst to th ende that we reknowlege hym to be our god / lorde / and mayster / creatoure / & benefactour / the whiche for vs hath made and created all thynges . Vnde . iohannis .i. appoc . Adorate eum qui fecit celum & terram mare et omnia que in eis sunt . Et psal. Quoniam deus magnus dominus et rex magnus super omnes deos . It is good reason that a persone worshyp and pray vnto his god / lorde / and benefactour in reknowlegynge the good that he vnto vs hath done . Secondly god wyll that we hym requyre in orayson to th ende that we repute vs to be his seruauntes & obedyentes vnto him It is reason that a seruaunt obey vnto his mayster / serue / honour / & pray him . For as moche as Lucyfer wolde not be as a seruaunt in praynge god but enpryded him of the good that his god vnto hym had gyuen in so moche that he wolde haue sytten by him & haue ben semblable vnto hym . Vn̄ ysaie xiiij . Sedebo in monte testamenti in lateribus aquilonis ascendam super altitudinem nubium similis ero altissimo . And for that he wolde not pray god / ne reknowlege to obey vnto him but wolde shewe hymselfe as mayster / so he lost all the good that he had and is now the foulest deuyll in helle . And therfore we sholde praye vnto god and confounde the synne of pryde in vs / in shewynge vs to be his seruauntes obedyent vnto him . Thyrdly our lorde wyll that we requyre hym in orayson in knowlegynge our poore fraylte as of our selfe we may nothynge doo / and that all cometh and procedeth of god . Vnde iohannis primo . Omnia per ipsum facta sunt et sine ipso factum est nichil . Item Iohannis .xv. Sine me nichil potestis facere . For to vnderstande well whan we requyre one of the sayntes of paradyse that we may haue helthe of our sekenesse / it is not the saynt of hym selfe that heleth vs / but it is god / and the saynt that ye doo requyre prayeth vnto god for you / and god heleth you in exaltynge the request and intercessyon of the sayd saynt . In lykewyse all the good puyssaunce that all the sayntes of paradyse haue god it vnto theym hathe gyuen . And therfore we sholde praye god in orayson in reknowlegynge our fragylyte that of our selfe we may nothynge doo / and that all procedeth of hym . Fourthely god wyll that we hym requyre in orayson for too doo hym honoure . For orayson is a sacryfyce the whiche is moche agreable vnto god . Also the encense the whiche is put within the fyre casteth a good odour and a smoke the whiche mounteth on heyght vnto god . In lyke maner orayson enbrased vpon the coles of deuocyon casteth a smoke and a swete odoure the whiche mounteth vp before god / the whiche vnto hym is moche agreable . And therfore sayeth the psalmyst . Dirigatur domine oratio mea sicut incensum in conspectu tuo . We rede thobie duodecimo . That Thobye was moche deuout the whiche occupyed hym selfe to do the werkes of mercy . And on a tyme the aungell of god appered vnto hym vnto whome he sayd . Whan thou prayest god in orayson with teeres / and whan thou buryest the deed bodyes I present thyn orayson before god . Also we rede . Actuum decimo / how Cornelius was on a tyme about the houre of noone in orayson the whiche made his request vnto god . And incontynent an aungell of god in lykenes of a fayre yonge man clothed in whyte appered vnto him vnto whome he sayd . Thyn orayson is exalted / and thyn almesdedes ben remembred before god . We ought for to serue god in orayson for to doo hym honoure and sacryfyce the whiche vnto him is agreabled / and vnto vs vtyle and prouffytable . Also as a noble man sholde do honour vnto the kynge on his knees the whiche is called homage / in reknowlegynge that he holdeth his sygnourye of hym / and that he is seruaunt obeyssaunte vnto hym . In lykewyse we ought to do to god in orayson . Or in lykewyse as the seruaunt is bounde for to serue his mayster / in semblable maner ben we bounde vnto god the whiche is our mayster . Or in lykewyse as euery man sholde bere and pay his rente and his trybute vnto the lorde of whome he holdeth . In lyke maner sholde we doo honour vnto god of our bodyes and of our goodes vnto our power .

C. A questyon / how sholde a man make orayson vnto god for to haue that the whiche is necessary . Answer . Hym behoueth to say his pater noster / for he requireth of god that all euylles and synnes ben put awaye and that he haue vnto body and vnto soule al goodes temporalles and spyrytualles the whiche ben necessaryes and vtyles / Our lorde made the pater noster and sayd vnto his dyscyples that they sholde saye it whan they wolde pray vnto almighty god In lykewyse as it is wryten in the gospelles Mathey sexto / et Luce vndecimo .

Here after foloweth the orayson domynycall or pater noster the whiche our lorde taught to his dyscyples / and the requestes and fruytfull petycyons conteyned in the same .

Our fader that art in heuen sanctified be thy name thy kingdom come to vs / thy wyl be done in erth as in heuen / our dayly brede gyue vs to day & forgyue vs our dette as we forgyue our detts . & lede vs not in to temptacion . but delyuer vs from euyl . amen

PAter noster qui es in celis . Our fader celestyall almyghty . Lorde / god / and creatour Syttynge in heuen potencyally Exalte me thy seruytour Sanctificetur nomen tuum . Thy name be euer sanctyfyed In our fayth catholyke . Aboue all praysed and gloryfyed Without errour dyabolyke Adueniat regnum tuum More ouer lorde we the requyre That we may come and haue saluacyon Vnto thy kyngdome and empyre In the ende and conclusyon Fiat voluntas tua sicut in celo & in terra Thy wyll be also done Of vs in erthe truely As is of thy sayntes echone In heuen ryght Ioyously Panem nostrum cotidianūda nobis hodie . Gyue vs lorde our dayly fode Of soule and of body eke Amende vs all and make vs gode In spyryte also to be meke Et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut . etc. Pardon vs lorde our synnes & trespāces . As we forgyue our offences and dettes Louse vs also out of the deuylles laces And kepe vs from fallynge in his nettes Et ne nos inducas in temptationem And suffre vs lorde not to be ledde In euyll thoughtes and temptacyon Wakynge / ne slepynge lyenge in bedde By the deuylles persuacyon . Sed libera nos a malo . Delyuer vs from all yll Of body and soule also Gyue vs grace yf it be thy wyll To ouercome our mortall fo . Amen . Amen / amen for charyte Graunt vs lorde our petycyon Thy blyssed face for to se And of thy goodheed the fruycyon Explicit .
The requestes that a man maketh vnto god in saynge the pater noster .

THe petycyon of Sanctificetur nomen tuum taketh away pryde and putteth in vs the vertue of humylyte / and requyreth the gyft of drede / and the beatytude of the gospell . Beati pauperes spum . And the rewarde foloweth . Quoniam ipso rum est regnum celorum . The petycyon of Adueniat regnum tuum taketh away enuy / and putteth in vs the vertue of charyte / & it requyreth the gyft of pyte / and the beatytude of the gospell . Beati mites . And the rewarde foloweth . Quoniam ipsi possidebunt terram . The petycyon of Fiat voluntas tua sicut in celo & in terra taketh away yre and putteth in vs the vertue of pacyence / and requyreth the gyfte of scyence / and the beatytude of the gospell . Beati pacifici . And the rewarde foloweth . Quoniam filij dei vocabuntur . The petycyon of Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie taketh away slouthe / and putteth in vs the vertue of dylygence / & requyreth the gyft of strength and the beatytude of the gospel Beati qui esuriunt et sitiunt iusticiam . And the rewarde foloweth . Quoniam ipsi saturabuntur . The petycyon of Et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris taketh away auaryce / and putteth in vs the vertue of largesse / & requireth the gyft of counceyle / and the beatytude of the gospell . Beati misericordes And the rewarde foloweth . Quoniam ipsi misericordiam consequentur . The petycyon of Et ne nos inducas in temptationem taketh awaye glotony / and putteth in vs the vertue of abstynence / and requyreth the gyft of entendement / and the beatytude of the gospell . Beati mundo corde . And the rewarde foloweth . Quoniam ipsi deum videbunt . The petycyon of sed libera nos a malo taketh away lechery / and putteth in vs the vertue of chastyte / and requyreth the gyft of sapyence / and the beatytude of the gospell . Beati qui lugent . And the rewarde foloweth . Quoniam ipsi conselabūtur .

A. How a man sholde yelde graces and thankes vnto god of the good & welthe the whiche he vnto vs hath doone with out beynge vnkynde .xvii.

FYfthly for to sanctyfy the feestes we sholde goo vnto the chyrche on the sayd dayes of the feestes for to yelde thankes & praysynges vnto god for the grete goodnesses that he vnto hath done the whiche ben soo many and grete that it is soo Impossyble as vntoo vs that we ne may yelde nor gyue theym agayne in ony thynge that we may doo . And euery man ought for too vnderstande that god vnto hym hath doone more good and benefayte than he is worthy / ne than he hathe deserued . Saynt Barnarde sayeth . Agamus fratres gratias factori nostro / benefactori nostro / redemptori nostro . My broder yelde we graces vnto hym the whiche hathe made vs / that is vnto god our fader celestyall Vnde mathei . xxiii . Vnus est pater vester qui est in celis . The whiche hath created our soules of nothynge vnto his symytude . Vnde gene. Ad ymaginem quippe dei factus est homo . And the psalmyst . Ipse fecit nos & non ipse nos . Yelde we graces vnto our benefactour that is vnto god the whiche maketh the cornes and the fruytes to growe and to come / & all that wherof we lyue . Vnde iohan .i. Omni per ipsum facta sunt / et sine ipso factum est nichil . Yelde we graces vnto our redemptour / that is vnto the sone of god the whiche is borne of the vyrgyn Mary the whiche hathe suffred dethe and passyon for too redeme vs from hell where we sholde haue descended Vnde ad gal .ii. Dilexit me tradidit semet ipsum pro me nesim ingratus de gratie . God hath gyuen the thy body with all thy membres . He gyueth the thyn eyen to see / thyn eeres to here / thy fete to go . &c. Yf thou haddest not syght ne herynge thou sholde not knowe what good it is to here and too se . And yf he gyue the lyght thou sholde thanke hym all thy lyfe / he the graunteth now syght and heringe and al thy membres for nothinge without thy merytes . Moreouer he gyueth the nourysshement / vestement hous / felde / cornes / oxen / kyen / shepe / and bestyall . Vnde paulus in epistola and co. Quid habes quod non accepisti . What goode hast thou of thyn owne that thou ne hast fyrst taken of another : whan thou was borne thou brought nothynge with the / the goodes cometh not of the / thou reknowlegest not the goodes here / and soo thou thankest not god . Saynt Austyn sayth in the boke de ciuitate dei . Quisquis beneficia dei non vidit cecus est / nec laudat ingratus est / quisquis in laudando reluctatur insanus est . He the whiche seeth not the benefaytes that god vnto hym hath doone he is blynde / and yf he prayse not god he is vnkynde / and the whiche is worse he is not hole . He is seke the whiche impugneth god with his gyftes / & vseth of those gyftes agaynst the honoure of god and agaynst his propre helthe / that is to vnderstande whan he maketh folysshe lokes with his eyen / whan he bryngeth forth cursed wordes with his mouthe / and so of other membres / or whan he mysuseth the goodes / that is to vnderstande whan he taketh clothes proude and pompous / whan he eteth excessyuely / whan he drynketh vnto dronkenesse / and so of other . And as oft tymes as ony abuseth in suche wyse the gyftes of god after true Iustyce / he sholde be put from that gyft / that is to vnderstande from the syght or the herynge . &c. And it is all for his vnkyndenes . Vnde Bernardus super canti . Ingratitudo inimica est anime / exmanictio meritorium virtutum dispersio / benefactorum perditio . Suche a man the whiche is so vnkynde is indygne and vnworthy to take many gyftes of god . Vnde bernardus . Non est dignus dandis qui non agit gratias de datis . That man is not worthy to haue thynges gyuen vnto hym the whiche yeldeth no thankes of the thynges gyuen / a man may knowe it in hym selfe . Yf thou haddest done good vnto a persone by thre or foure tymes / and that at euery tyme he were to the vnkynde thou wolde cease to do ony more good vnto him . What shalt thou than say of god the whiche hath doone good vnto the more than a thousande tymes / and thou vnto hast be euermore vnkynde without reknowlegynge the good that he to the hath done . Example that the .ix. lazers that our lorde heled were vnkynde for they went not to yelde hym thankes after that they had helth . He had heled x. but there was but one the whiche reknoweleged the good that he vnto hym hadde doone / the whiche retorned hym to yelde thankes . Vnde . luce .xvii. Nonne decem mundati sunt / et nouem vbi sunt / non est inuentus qui reddiret et daret gloriam dei / nisi hic alienigena . Another example how the man vnto whome the lorde pardoned ten thousande talentes was vnkynde for he ne wolde pardon the small debte / and for his vnkyndenes he was betaken to the hangman and put in prysone . Quere .xxvii. H. Another example contrary of a knyght the whiche pardoned hym that had slayne his fader / and god pardoned hym all his synnes . Quere .xxvii. I. The scryptures vs warneth to yelde graces and praysynges vnto god for to fle vnkyndenes . Vn̄ pau. i. ad thessal . v. In omnibus gratias agite . Yelde thankes vnto god in all the thynges that ye doo . Et ad colloscenses .iij. Omne quod cumque facitis in verbo aut in opere omnia in nomine dni nostri iesu christi facite gratias agentes deo et patri perip̄m . In euery thynge what so euer ye do in worde or in operacyon / do all thynges in the name of our lorde Ihesu cryst in yeldynge thankes vnto god . &c. Et legitur .i. ad corin .x. Siue manducatis / siue aliquid aliud facitis omnia in gloriam dei facite . Do ye all thynges in the glory of god yf ye ete or yf ye drynke / or yf ye doo ony other thynge . All the aungelles & sayntes of heuen loueth god / and yeldeth hym graces of his benefaytes / and so sholde we do . Vnde apo. vii . Vide hostium appertum in celo / dicit btūs iohannes ecce turba magna quam dinumerare vt nemo poterat . &c. Saynt Iohan sayth in the apocalypse that he sawe the dore open in heuen / and soo grete turbes of holy persones that no man myght nombre them / and they cryed with hye voyce . Salute vnto our lorde god the whiche sytteth vpon the throne / benedyccion / clerenes / and sapyence and accion of graces / honoure / vertue / and force vnto our lorde god in secula seculorum . Amen Also all the creatures gyueth prayse vnto the creatoure . That is to vnderstande the beestes and the serpentes / the byrdes the kinges / the prynces / the Iuges / the vyrgyns / the auncyent with the yonge prayseth the name of our lorde / for his onely name is exalted . Vnde psal. Bestie et vniuersa pecora : serpentes et volucres pennate . Reges terre et omnes populi : principes et omnes iudices terre . Iuuenes et virgines senes cum innioribus laudent nomen dn̄i: quia exalta tum est nomen eius solius . Iterum psalmus . A solis ortu vsque ad occasum laudabile nomen domini .

B. Example of a good chylde the which yelded graces and praysynges vnto god in all aduersytees that came to hym . We fynde by wrytynge that a chylde was soo perfyte that he sayd deo gracias in all thinges . And it be befell soo that after that his fader and his moder were departed men of warre came vnto his hous / the whiche tasted of a tonne of eygre sydre / the whiche a none they brake & shedde the sayd sydre / & whan the chyld sawe that he sayd . I yelde graces vnto god I dranke eygresydre / & now I shall well drynke good water . After that the men of armes brake his house and warmed them with the tymbre . And whan the forsayd chylde sawe that he sayd Deo gracias . I yelde graces vnto god . I was wonte in fore tymes to be lodged in this grete house : and now I shall make me a lytell lodge and therin I shal abyde . And the sayd men of warre yode in to his gardyn and brake and pulled vp al the herbes as cooles / lekes / borage / onyons / ꝑcely / letuse . &c. Than the chylde sayd agayne deo gracias / ye haue broken the lekes and other herbes I yelde graces vnto god / it me behoueth to take wylde leues of the feldes / & to go & frye them with a lytell pot of butter that ye haue left in suche a corner . And whan the men of warre sawe that they hadde done soo moche harme vnto the sayd chyldren sayd vnto themselfe / we ben ryght cursed the whiche haue doone so moche harme to this chylde the whiche is not wrothe ne neuer euyll worde vnto vs he hath sayd / and vnto vs dooth the best that he may in doynge good agaynst euyll . For to make shorte they repented them and conuerted theym vnto good by his example .

E. To wake in contemplacyon and to do the werkes of mercy at the feestes commaunded .xvii.

SYxtely to kepe the feestes gardables or that ben to be kept a man sholde employe the tyme wakynge in operacyons spyrytualles / as to occupye hymselfe in the lyfe contemplatyue the whiche belongeth vnto the dyseccyon of god / that is to serue / to honoure / and to worshyp hym as it is sayd . And to thynke on thynges celestyalles and spyrytualles to mounte on heyght with god and his sayntes / and to reygne with theym eternally in the Ioyes of paradysethe whiche ben so grete that they ben infynyte and inenarrables . This lyfe contemplatyue vnto vs is gyuen in fygure of the blyssed Mawdeleyne the whiche sette her oft at the foote of our sauyour & redemptour Ihesus and herde his worde as it is wryten . Luce .xi. Sedens secus pedes domini audiebat verba illius . Another example of the contemplacion of two relygyouses the whiche were fro crystmas tyll mydsomer spekynge of god without enoyenge theym / & they wende to haue ben there but two houres . Quere . lxxxxiiii . b. And after that the soule hath taken her refeccyon and the body his nourysshement it is good after dyner on the sayd dayes of the feestes to take hede also to the dyleccyon of his neyghbours indygentes and nedy / as to gyue almesse to vesyte the seke / to counceyle them that lacke counceyle / to conforte them that ben heuy / sorowfull & seke / and also to doo all other werkes of mercy . This lyfe actyue is gyuen vnto vs by fygure in Mary marthe hostesse of our blyssed sauyour and redemptour Ihesu cryst the whiche prepared him his meet and toke hede vnto the werkes of mercy the whiche is the lyfe actyue Also by this Marthe is vnderstande the deuocyon by the whiche we ben accompanyed by charyte with our neyghboure . And by Mary magdaleyne is vnderstande the intencyon relygyous of the thought . The lyfe actyue gyueth the breed corporell vnto him the whiche hath hongre / and doctryne vnto the ygnouraunt and vnlerned . It correcketh the synner errant / and calleth agayne the proude man vnto humylyte . Also it mynystreth vnto euery one that the whiche is vnto hym expedyent . The lyfe contemplatyue reteyneth the charyte of god and of his neyghbour / but it resteth it of the accyon withoutforth / & at the onely desyre of the conductour to Ioyne soo vnto hym . And all hertes erthly fouled and put vnder fote is embraced to se the face of the creatour and desyreth to medle / that is to be with the cytezyns of the hye regyon enioyenge them in the beholdynge of god of the incorrupcyon eternall . The lyfe actyue vnto the perturbacions of the worlde . The lyfe contemplatyue the whiche extendeth to god is moost sure . And therfore our lorde sayd to Martha . Illud luce. .x. Martha martha solicita es et turbaris erga plurima : maria optimam partem elegit que non auferetur ab ea .

D. How the reuerence and sanctyfycacion of al holy thynges is brought in this thyrde commaundement .xvii.

SAynt Ysodore sayth in his boke . Secundum dignitatem redde cuique honorem . Yelde honour vnto euery man after his dygnyte . Many thynges ben holy wherunto we owe honoure / for theyr sanctyfycacyon is conteyned vnder this commaundement . Sabbata sanctifices . Of that whiche holy thynges we shall tell foure . ✿ Fyrst the tyme of the dayes of the feestes commaunded sholde be sanctyfyed in lykewise as is before declared . Secondly a man sholde bere honour and reuerence vnto the holy places / as vnto the chyrches . Vn̄ psal. Domum tuam decet sanctitudo . And of good ryght a man sholde honour the chyrches / for they ben the places the whiche ben blyssed / the holy seruyce is doone therin / the body of our sauyour is therin consecrate / the whiche there resteth nyght and daye in the custode . Also in the chyrche we ben baptysed / confessed / purged / and made clene of al our synnes . Also we ben thyder borne after that we ben dysceased and deed . It is the hous of orayson in the whiche we make our prayers and oraysons / and there ben made the good predycacyons . Also the chyrche is the saufgarde of the crymynalles and for banysshed people . It is the place wherto they renne the whiche them kepeth frome dethe / from euyll and punycyon . Also in the chyrche & in the chyrcheyarde ben the holy bodyes of our faders / and moders / and frendes departed and deed . And for these thynges here with that / that god it wyl the holy places ought to be honoured . Example of hatefull men the whiche slewe a man in the chyrche were punysshed dyuynely . Quere .lxxix. B. Another example how heliodorus was punysshed dyuynely in the chyrche as he toke the treasours .lxxxii. B. Many other examples ben wryten in the thyrde commaundement of the examplary how euyll came vnto them the whiche haue not borne honour vnto the holy places / as vnto the chyrche and chyrcheyarde / and how people accursed sholde not be buryed there lxii . G. Our blyssed sauyoure and redemer Ihesu cryst shewed ryght clerely that he wolde that the chyrche be honoured and reuerenced whan he put out the sellers and byers the whiche there made theyr marchaundyses and seculer occupacyons / he shewed that it dyspleased hym / for he dyde make a whyppe with the whiche he chased theym out rygorously / theym and theyr oxen and kyen / and marchaundyse / and kest & ouer threwe theyr stalles vnto the erthe / and vnto theym he sayd . My house shall be called the house of prayer / & ye haue made it a pyt or denne of theues . Vnde mathei .i. Domus mea domus orationis vocabitur / vos autem fecistis illam speluncam latronum . Syth that our lorde sayd that they made a denne vnto theues / it foloweth well the theues were there within . Also a man may say that those the whiche there maketh suche marchaundyse and negocyacyons seculers ben theues / or the whiche is wors they ben sacryleges / in as moche as they soyle and hurte the place sanctyfyed and holy / the whiche is a dependence the whiche procedeth of sacrylege . Sacrum ledens : sacrum violans et deturpans . This thynge here was the moost gretest rygoure that euer our lorde shewed in this worlde / wherfore it behouth to say that it is grete synne and that there a man sholde not speke of taxes of processe of detraccyon / of lawes and exaccyons / nor of ony thyng seculer . Agayne many persones the whiche dooth the contrary / and the whiche gooth vnto the chyrche on the dayes of the sayd holy feestes for to speke and to treate of suche thy●ges more than for to praye vnto almyghty god . The blyssed saynt Austyn them repreueth the whiche sayth . In oratorie nemo aliqid agat nisi ad quod factum est vnde & nomen accepit . No man ne dooth ony thynge in the oratory but that thynge wherunto it is made / wherof it bereth his name . The oratory is not made to do ne say the seculer thynges beforesayd / but it is made to praye vnto god / and for to do and to say thynges salutaryes / the whiche ben of sanctyfycacyon . The collectours of taxes and sergeauntes or other the whiche ben charged to puruey vnto the thynges seculers sholde go in to place prophane not halowed out of the chyrche and chyrcheyarde / and there to prouoke and to bringe those with whome they haue besynes whan they haue longe maters seculers to treate / for euyte synne and offence of the holy place . For in spekyng of suche maters there aryseth somtime noyses and cursed wordes in aggreuaunt the synne for bycause of the holy place / and it in lesse synne in vnhalowed grounde than in holy grounde . Also the gospell sayth that whan two or thre persones ben assembled in the name of god for too speke good wordes that god is in the myddle of theym . Vnde mathe. .xviii. Vbi sunt duo vel tres congregatim nomine meo ibi sum in medio eorum . Also a man may say that whan two or thre persones been assembled at the chyrche for to speke there euyll wordes that the deuyll is in the myddle of them / the whiche wryteth that / that they speke . Example how saynt Bryce sawe the deuyll the whiche wrote the euyll wordes that was spoken in the chyrche . Quere .lxv. E. Of this mater it is wryten in the decrete . Nemo debet in loco orationis intendere fabulis ociosus . distinctione .xxv. Qui in aliud . No man ought to take hede vnto ydle fables in the place of orayson . Et poeta dicit . Ve vobis gentes in templo vana loquentes . Demone scribuntur / que in templo vana loquntur . Maledyccyon vnto you people spekynge vayne thynges in the temple / the vayne thynges the whiche ben spoken in the chirche ben wryten by the deuyll / and those the whiche talketh of vayne thynges fableth with the deuyl . Vnde poeta . In templo fari / diccum demone fabulari . Also after the ryght wrytynge men put out of the chyrche people excommunyed the whiche ben not buryed tyll that they ben assoyled and reabled . Also people the whiche ben homycydes and manquellers of themself ne ben buryed in holy grounde / for that / that is appereth that they ben dampned . Also men fynde in scrypture many examples how the deuylles haue vnburyed many cursed people out of the chyrche and chyrcheyarde . Quere in the examplary .lxix. B. By these thynges aboue sayd it appereth that euery man and woman sholde bere honoure and reuerence vnto the holy places . Thyrdly a man sholde gyue honour and worshyppe vnto the bones and relykes of the sayntes of paradyse . For sith that god commaundeth that theyr feestes be sanctyfyed honoured and kept for theyr holy and deuoutenes that they haue ledde in this presente lyfe / it foloweth that he wyll that theyr bodyes the whiche haue done the good operacyons for his loue be honoured . The whiche bodyes shall be at the dredeful daye of Iugement assembled and come agayne with theyr soules / and shal lyue eternally in the Ioyes of paradyse with almyghty god . Legitur ecclesias .xliiij. Corpora sanctorum in pace sepulta sunt / et viuent nomina eorum in generatione & generationem . Fourthly the sanctyfycacyon of the seuen holy sacramentes is brought in this thyrde commaundement / for we sholde bere vnto them honoure and reuerence for that they ben holy . And for as moche that the synners by theym ben purged and made clene of the stynkynge ordure and fylth of synne and ben sanctyfyed and of the nombre of sayntes of paradyse . In lykewyse as the tyme and places ben sanctyfyed / also sholde the seuen sacramentes the whiche vnto vs been ryght necessaryes for our helthe . Of these sacramentes is spoken in the fyrste commaundemente of god . Quere .viij. B. And therfore it suffyseth of that the whiche is spoken vnto people of good entendement and reason .

A. The maners how men breke the feestes commaunded .xviii.

IT is writen Exodi .xxxi. ca. Qui polluerit sabbatum morte moriatur . Qui fecerit in eo opus petibit anima illius de medio populi sui . Who polluteth or soyleth the sondaye / the feest commaunded shall deye of dethe . The soule of hym the whiche theron hath wrought shall perysshe . The feestes ben euyll kept in many maners of the which we shall saye thre generalles . The fyrste is for to do theron operacyons worldly / manually / and by hande . And this also is deuised in many braunches after the dyuers sortes of people the whiche on the dayes of the feestes there done many operacions . Fyrst for to goo vnto the plough / or to mowe / or to sowe / or to make grete werkes . Also the mysterys of the persones the whiche dooth the operacyons is defended as it is sayd . exodi .xx. Non facies in eo opus . The feestes kepe and honour / be theron deuout and labour not . Euyll cometh vnto them the whiche on them werketh . Example of carle the whiche yode vnto the plough on the day of the feest commaunded / and the wood claue vnto his hande / & two yeres after was heled .lxiiij. F. Another example of a woman the whiche wrought on the day of saynt Iohan baptyst and she was punysshed dyuynely Quere in the exampl . lxiiij . B. Secondly men breke the feest to cary on it / & to bere burdens in cartes / or vpon horses / for the commaundemente of god sayeth . From labour thou sholdest rest the / thy selfe / thy housholde / and thy bestes . Vnde the remie .xvii. capitulo . Nolite pondera portare in die sabbati et nolite eicere de domibus vestris in die sabbati et omne opus non facietis in eo dicit dominus . Example of one of the chyldren of Ysraell the whiche was slayne and stoned by the commaundement of god and of Moyses for that / that he gadred and bare wood on the day of the feest Quere in the examplary .lxiiij. A. A questyon / yf those the whiche bereth cornes vnto theyr lordes on the dayes of the feestes offenden . A doctoure answereth that they ben not excused yf other necessyte ne cause and constrayne them therunto . And more ouer the lordes the whiche them commaundeth or gyueth occasyon that to do ben parteyners of theyr synnes . And sayeth afterwarde that they the whiche bereth lyuynges or vytayles ferre in to the countree or marchaundyses and may not do otherwyse without grete domage or hurt / suche people ben excused as he beleueth / so that they be fyrst at the masse and at the seruice . And semblable thynge it is of pylgrymes and vyagers . Example of a man the whiche bare wheet in to his graunge or barne vpon the daye of the feest / and the sayd graunge & wheet were brent . Quere in the examplary .lxiiij. E. Thyrdly forgers or smyths the whiche shoeth hors on the feest commaunded by couetyse of wynnynge breketh the commaundement of god . And yf it be for to thynke on the necessyte of pylgrymes or vyagers they ben excused . Fourthly men breke the feeste commaunded for to make theron marchaundyses by auaryce and coueytyse of gayne without goynge to here masse and the seruyce the chyrche for to serue god and to sanctyfy the feestes as done many marchauntes the whiche ben more wakynge and erlyer rysen on the sayd festes for too renne vnto fayres and markettes than they ne done on the workynge dayes Suche people the whiche ne thynketh but on the goodes temporall and leueth the godes spyrytuell sanctyfyeth not ne kepeth the feest commaunded / by the whiche they synne mortally / and gone vnto dampnacyon . But those the whiche after the masse and after the seruyce bereth vytayles or other thynges necessaries for to sell / and the other the whiche gooth thyder for to bye theyr prouysyon of vytayles or other thynges necessaryes may be excused . Quia necessitas non habet legem / nisi malum inde sequeretur . de con. di .i. Sicut . Necessite hath no lawe / yf euyl sholde folowe after . Example of the byble how it is offence to doo marchaundyse on the holy day / for the marchauntes were reproued in Iherusalem . Quere in th examplary .lxiii. N. Fyfthly the feestes ben broken for to holde on them pledynges / assyses and Iurysdyccions . Vnde legitur in decre . In festis diebus a iudicijs et placitis est abstinendum .xv. q. iiij . Placita . And the glose sayth vpon this that on the day of the feest men may treate of peas . And it is wryten . Extra de ferijs et de con. di . iii. Rogationes / in primo passu dicitur . Quod omnes dies dominici sunt seruandi : & omnibus festiuis diebus cessandum est ab opere seruile neque placitum fieri ad mortam vel penam sanguinis . &c. Syxtely the feestes ben broken for to do operacyons on the vygylles of the the sayd feestes / as those the whiche werke the saterdaye at nyght . Suche people sanctyfyeth not wel the feestes / as thou mayst se by many examples in the examplary . Also all sortes of people of what vacacyon that they ben also sholde cease to do worldly operacyons the dayes of the feestes for to restreyne auarice / for to take hede vnto theyr sanctyfycacyon / and also for to obeye vnto god And it semeth that those the whiche them breketh haue loste the mynde of them / and therfore techyngly it is wryten . Memento vt diem sabbati sanctifices . Remembre the. &c. All beestes appetiteth the rest after theyr labour . Also after that all thynges vegetables haue borne floure and fruyte and laboured in somer they rest them in wynter . Also after that god had laboured to compose and make the worlde he rested hym on the seuenth daye . But the auarycyous forgeteth the reste / they laboure .vi. dayes for to nouryssh etheyr bodyes / and they labour the seuenth day for the dampnacyon of theyr soules / & so remembreth of it . Also many people dare not werke on the holy daye for the sclaunder & language of people : but yf they haue in some places to werke / or with some persones to speke / or yf they wyll borowe corne or syluer . &c. Or they wyll fynde to to wynne in marchaundyse / to sell or to bye or yf they wyll fynde meanes for to aduauntage them . Suche people putteth theyr terme on the daye of the feest for to take hede vnto suche thynges / & they leue or lose theyr masses / euensonges / and the seruyce of the chyrche / they sanctyfye nor the feestes / but breketh it . Also those the whiche dooth vnto the contrary of that thynge that god then commaundeth that is the whiche dooth operacyons on the sayd feestes by reason dysposed synneth mortally / and putteth theym from paradyse as a man may se by many examples wryten in th examplary . Quere .lxiiij. A. B. C. Also these logycyens it preueth by reasons in forme and argumentes thus . All they the whiche on the sondayes or feestes commaunded go to the plough . &c to werke dysobey this . Sabbata setīfices / omne opus . &c. The synne mortally and by consequence they put them fro paradyse . For it is wryten Mathei .xix. Si vis ad vitam ingredi serua mandata . Et psal. dicit . Tu mandasti mandata tua custodiri nimis . Vel sic . All mortall synne putteth a man or a woman from paradyse . For it is wryten Ezechiel . xviij . Anima que peccauerit ipsa morietur . And they the whiche done the grete werkes on the feestes commaunded synneth mortally / for they dysobeye vnto god / than they put themselfe from paradyse . The solucyon is suche . True it is that al mortall synne / and al inobedyence putteth frome paradyse those the whiche in suche wyse it trespasseth without penaunce . For it is wryten luce. .xiij. Nisi penitenciam egeritis omnes simul peribitis . But those the whiche dooth penaunce in theyr lyfe & the whiche ceaseth them of synne in obeyenge vnto god . Iuxta illd ysaie . Lauamini mund estote auferte malum cogitationum vestrarum ab oculis meis quiescite agere peruerse discite bn̄facere . They shall haue grace and mercy and theyr synnes shall be put in forgetfulnes . Vnde ezechie .xviij. Si autem impius egerit penitentiam ab omnibus peccatis suis . &c. Vita viuet et non morietur omnium iniquitatum eius non recordabor &c. The seconde maner how men breketh the feestes / is for to dyspyse to go vnto the seruyce and to here it / and the predycacions also as not to put hym in deuocion / and as not takynge hede vnto the helthe of his soule as is before declared . The thyrde maner generall how men breke the feestes is for to commytte the mortall synnes / as dronkennesses / glotonyes / blasphemynges / lesynges / iniuryes / noyses / stryues / murdres and so of other mortall synnes . That is to saye that at euery tyme that a man commytteth mortall synne on the feest commaunded . It is not in suche wyse sanctyfyed / but vnto the contrary to dyshonour by that whiche it is broken . Also the feestes ben often tymes broken by daunces vnduely doone / as by pryde / vanyte / or concupyscence carnall / or in the tyme of the seruyce of the chyrche / or in a place not conuenable / as the chyrche or the chyrcheyarde / or with persones sclaundred / or whan a persone hath not oportunyte to daunce / or whan a man maketh dyshonest sygnes / as to kysse / to wringe the fyngers / to trede vpon the fote . &c. Example of this mater of a mayden the whiche was rauysshed in the daunce and after vyoled & hanged herselfe . Que. lviii . F. Another example how the deuyll wolde haue borne away a mayde the whiche daunced on the sonday . Quere .lxviij. C. Syth that god defendeth on the feest to do none operacyon vtyle as vnto the body as to go vnto the ploughe it foloweth well by a more stronger reason that he defendeth operacyon euyll & vnprouffytable as to do lechery . Yf that ony went vnto the plough on the sondaye he sholde be reputed yll / by more stronger reason he the whiche dooth lechery / for the plough is a good operacyon of it selfe / the whiche lechery is not : & therfore men breke the feest for to commyt on it deedly synne . They that them haue offended lete them be repentaunt in suche wise to haue offended god that is full of all goodnes / & for fere to be sent to the fyre of hell whiche a cruell tourment as shall be declared here after .

A How those that breke the feestes ben punysshed ofttimes in this-worlde / & they apperceyue not fro whens suche punycyon procedeth . xix

THe prophete Ysaye sayth in the xvii . chapytre of his boke . Vniuersa mala venerunt super te propter mltitudinē malificiorum tuorum . All euyls shall come on the for the multytude of thyn euyll dedes . Yf thou breke ony of the sondayes or of the feestes commaunded for to doo ony operacyons the whiche taketh away the sanctyfycacyons / or yf thou dysobey vnto ony of the commaundementes of god / or yf thou commytte ony mortall synne / be thou all in certayne that thou arte bounde vnto payne and punycyon be it in this worlde or in the other . For the psalmyst sayth . Iniusti punientur et alibi dicitur quia nullum malum remanebit impunitum . The vniust shall be punysshed . Also all euyll shall be punysshed . And often tymes god punyssheth in this worlde those the whiche breketh the feestes commaunded by the same selfe operacyons that they do make on the dayes of the festes but they perceyue not wherof the sayd punycyon cometh . Vnde Ysaie . xlvii.c . Veni et super te malum et nescies ortum eius et irruet super te calamitas quam non poteris expirare / veniet super te repente miseria quam nescies . &c. Euyll shall come vpon the / and thou shalte not can tell wherof it shall procede / and pouerte shall fal vpon the the whiche thou mayst not auoyde : and mysery that thou knowest not shall hastely come vpon the. &c. For to vnderstande this mater it behoueth to pertycularyse vpon the cases the whiche happeneth . There ben some labourers the whiche gooth vnto the ploughe on the dayes of the feestes commaunded for aduaunce them and to enryche in habundaunce of cornes / and it dryeth somtyme / whan August cometh theyr cornes ben full of drake / of deruell / and of myldewede / of stynkynge corne or of other infeccyons . Who so sholde demaunde of the sayd labourers wherof such mysfortune or punycion cometh / for theyr feldes hath ben well composted / well sowen with good sede / harowed and done in good season and fayre wether . The prophete Yasaie before alleged gyueth the answer in saynge . Vniuersa mala venerunt super te . &c. vtsu . The sayd punycyon ꝓcedeth to you by aduenture . Nescio / deus scit . I can not tel / god knoweth for that / that ye made your sayd cornes on the feestes commaunded . &c. Example of a punycyon the whiche came vpon the cornes of flyes the whiche deuoured them / & in one of the wynges of the sayd flyes there was wryten ( ira ) / and in the other wynge was wryten ( dei ) . That is to say the Yre of god the whiche was vpon the people for theyr synnes .lxiiij. K. Vel sic . Thou labourer thou hast in august good cornes in thy felde / and doost grete dylygence the day of saynt sauyour / or of saynt Laurence for to repe them / bynde / and cary in to thy barne or peraduenture thou tythest euyll the sayd corne . &c. And for to punysshe the of thy syn god suffreth that ydle people as souldyers and hunters come vpon thy grounde and deuour and wast thy breed and thy cornes with theyr houndes and horses . &c. Or god shall sende baylyfs / sheryfs / or comyssaryes that whiche shall arest / take / or sell thy corne the whiche shal be gyuen for nought / be it for taxes / debtes / fortune or losse / and after thou shalte haue honger or indygence . Thou haste the eyen of thy soule blynded . Legitur in libro sapientie . Malicia eorum excecauit eos . For thou consyderest not that god the punyssheth for that thou werkest and labourest to repe the sayd corne on the daye of the feest commaunded . Vel sic . Or after that the sayd corne shall be rype / reped / bounde / and engraūged the fyre shall take within it / and enbrase it with flambe and smoke tyll it be all brente and consumed in to asshes . Veniet super te maium et nescies ortum eius . vt supra . Example of a man the whiche caryed his corne on the daye of the feest / and the fyre brente all vp . Quere in the examplarye .lxiiij. E. Vel sic Or peraduenture a●●●r that thou hast laboured on the feest there shall come soo grete drought that thy sayd corne ne may growe / or soo grete waters that it shall be drouned / or suche tempest of hayle & weder that it shall be shrōken and wasted / & thou shalte not apperceyue wherfore it shall procede vnto the as it is sayd . These thynges here ben wryten in many places in scryptures . Vnde deutero . xi . Cauete ne forte decipiatur cor vestrum et recedatis a dno ira tusque dominus claudat celum et pluuie non descendant / nec terra det germen suum . &c. Beware lest peraduenture your herte be deceyued : and that ye ne departe you from god / & that he wrothe hym not ayenst you that he ne close the heuen and that the raynes ne descende / and that the erthe ne gyue the bryngynge forthe of fruyte . Et leui . xxvi Si non feceritis omnia mandata mea & si spreueritis leges meas vesitabo vos velociter in egestate et ardore frustra feretis sementem que ab hostibus deuorabitur ponam faciem meam contra vos . &c. Yf ye haue not done all my commaundements / and yf ye haue dyspysed my lawes I shall vesyte you hastely in pouerte and brennynge / ye shall bere for nought your corne and your sede the whiche shall be deuoured of ennemyes / I shall set my face ayenst you . &c. Thou marchaunt the whiche sanctyfyest not the feestes after the commaundement of god ( sabbata sanctifices ) he shall permette that an euyl thefe or a knaue shall by thy marchaundyse the whiche shall deceyue and begyle the and also shall not paye the well / or thou shalte lenne it hym vnto credence / and peraduenture shall cost the in processe and debate the value of the debt / where god the wolde haue sent a good marchaunt the whiche sholde bye well and paye well / but he wyll not do that vnto the / but he wyll do it vnto him the whiche hath sanctyfyed the feestes . Also he the whiche wyll bye marchaundyse & leue the sanctyfycacyon of the feest for to renne thyder is often tymes begyled and deceyued by fraude and falshede . For yf he bye oxen / kyen / shepe / or hors they shall be peraduenture seke or deye of moreyne . &c. by the whiche he shall lese all suche thyng & he shall not apperceyue that it vnto hym procedeth for the euyll sanctyfycacion of the feest . Veniet super te malum & nescies ortum eius . vt supra . Example in the byble how the sellers on the feest daye were reproued and made cease . Quere .lxiiii. n. Also crafty people and werkers with theyr armes the whiche lyueth by the payne of theyr werkes oft tymes breketh the feestes for to gete or wynne a thynge of nought / as an halfpeny or a ferdynge . And also god vnto them sendeth some sekenes / for the whiche they muse and may do nothynge after in more than xv . dayes . and putteth that / that they haue in medycynes . Suche people apperceyue not that god them punyssheth for brekynge of the sayd feestes / and how that god suffreth men of warre to pylle them for theyr synnes / ete theyr hennes / & theyr bacon . &c For one peny that they wynne on the sayd feest they lese mo than .xx. Also the punycion of this worlde is nothinge in regarde of that of hell the whiche is eternall / in the whiche euery man shall be punysshed after his deseruynge . Vnde psalmista . Tu reddis vnicuique iuxta opera sua . Thou shalt yelde vnto euery persone after his operacyons . Example of two cordweners / the one that whiche kept the feest and yode to the seruyce of the chyrche habounded in goodes / and the other ceased not to werke and was pore . Quere in the examplarye / and many other examples . &c.

B. Of slouthe that god defendeth .xix.

THe wyse man sayeth in his prouerbes . O ye slouthfull people go vnto the ampte or pysmyre and consyder his wayes and lerne wysdome / the whiche ampte prepareth his meet in somer / & assembleth in heruest that that he wyll eate in wynter . How be it that he ne hath leder / ne commaunder / ne prynce . Vnde prouerbiorum .vi. Vade ad formicam o piger & considera vias eius : et disce sapientiam que cum non habeat ducem / nec preceptorem : nec principem parat in estate cibum sibi / et congregat in misse quod comedat . &c. That is to vnderstande Labour ye in somer / that is do good operacyons whyles that thou arte lyuynge / and that thou hast the tyme / the place / and the oportunyte / and assemble in the fayre vertues to th ende that in wynter that is after thy dethe thou haue to eete / that is to be refeccyoned in the glory of god . Vnde psalmista . Saciabor cum apparuerit gloria tua . The prophete Ysaie sayth that the seruauntes of god the whiche haue well laboured in this worlde shall haue to drynke and to ete . That is they shall be refeccyoned with the glory of god / and the cursed slouthfull persones shall haue hongre & thyrste . Vnde Ysaie .lxv. Ecce serui mei comedent et vos esurietis / ecce serui mei bibent et vos sitietis . &c. Also the dampned shall crye . Illud Iheremie .viii. capitu . Transsijt messis sinita est estas et nos saluati non sumus . The heruestis past somer is ended and wene ben saued . Man reasonable it is defended the bi this commaundement that thou be not slouthfull to go vnto the seruyce of the chyrche / and to sanctyfy and kepe the festes in lykewyse as they ben commaunded Yf thou hast ben heuy to sanctyfy them / or to do the good espyrytual the whiche is dyuyne what good dede so euer it be vnto the whiche thou were holden of necessyte / that is to vnderstande yf by consentynge of reason thy body hath domynacyon and lorde shyppe of thy soule in suche maner that it hath in hate and in dyspleasaunce the dyuyne goodes / and that he hath eschewed & left to do it and to accomplysshe it in suche wyse as it was commaunded . It is here agaynst charyte and mortall synne . Quia accidia secundum sanctum thomam est tristicia de spirituali bono in quantum est diuinum ad quod quis de necessitate tenetur Slouthe is to haue trystesse of spyrytuall goodnes in as moche as it is dyuyne whervnto some is holden of necessyte . To tary / to withdrawe or to fle the goynge to euensonge / masse / matyns / predycacyons / processyons and all other seruyces . Yf he sancyfy not well and honour god and his sayntes in theyr solempnitees . And by this ben reproued the slouthfull late comers / neglygentes / people not carynge / forgetefull / ydle / weyke in spyryte / soft / tendre / ennoyfull / sluggardes / and dyffaylers / in so moche that they ne wyll obey to serue god & his sayntes after the commaundement the whiche vnto theym is gyuen . Example how that god reproued the ydle people the whiche ne dyde no good operacyon . Vnde mathei .xx. Quid hic statis tota die ociosi : ite in vineam meam . Also those the whiche ben ydle and slouthfull to go vnto seruyce of the solempnytees ben to be reproued as these beforesayd . Legitur luc .xii. Ille seruus qui cognouit voluntatem dni sui / et non se preparauit : et non facit scdm voluntatem eius vapulabit mltis . That seruaunt that knoweth the wyl of his mayster or lorde & prepareth not hymselfe / ne dooth after his wyll shall be moche beten . Also they shall be sent in to the fyre of hell . Wherof it is wryten luce. iii et math. vii . Omnis arbor que non facit fructum bonum excidetur & in ignem mittetur . That is to saye . Euery tree / that is euery persone the whiche ne maketh good fruyte that is good operacyons shall be cut and sente into the fyre of hell / wherof it is spoken after Quere .xlix. b. A tree the whiche bereth no fruyte ne dooth but occupye the erthe wherin it is / and therfore men cutteth it & brenneth it . In lykewyse shall the slouthfull be the whiche dooth noo good dede shall be taken out of this worlde and sent vnto the fyre of hel / in the whiche they shall be constreyned to abyde eternally / and so to holde them wyl they or not without euer to haue ayde ne socoures .

C. Example of a relygyous that wolde doo no goodnesses . It is wryten in the dyalogue of saynt Gregory of a frere the whiche came vnto a relygyon more by necessyte than by wyl vnto whome it was grefe whan men spake vnto hym of his helthe / he ne wolde do ne here the good / and to all goodnes flouthfull he was to do it . Whan he was seke and at the dethe all his brethren came thyder / and as he laboured at the laste ende he cryed and sayd vnto his bredren . Departe you / go you hens for I am gyuen to a dragon for to deuour me / that whiche ne may englout me for your presence / my heed is now plunged in his mouthe / gyue hym place to swalowe me / and that he tourment me no more / and that he do that thynge that he sholde do . Yf I be gyuen vnto hym for to be deuoured / wherfore shall I suffre to tary for you . Than the bredren vnto hym sayd . Broder what thinge is that / that thou spekest / make the token of the crosse . He answered I wolde make it but I may not for the scales of this dragon . Than his sayd brethren fell flatte vnto the erthe in orayson and wepynge for the ayde and delyueraunce of hym / & by theyr prayers he was delyuered . He thanked them and correcked hymselfe / for he was no more slouthful but prompte and dylygent vnto all goodnesse / and after ended well his dayes / and yf he had not correcked hymselfe he had be dampned and put from paradyse . Another example of a man that whiche was dampned for that he wolde do no good dede .

D. We fynde by wrytynge how a holy man beynge in deuocyon herde by the permyssyon dyuine the voyce of a soule the whiche cryed horrybly alas / alas / alas / and that sayd holy man hym demaunded what he was / he answered I am a soule dampned and he agayne demaunded / what hast thou doone wherfore thou arte dampned . He answered for that / that I was slouthfull to doo good operacions / sayd not the good that I knewe / nor I yode not vnto the chyrche in time and place / and & dyde not the good that I was holden to doo / and therfore I am dampned . By this example men sholde vnderstande that it suffyseth not to declyne frome euyll for to be saued / but with that it behoueth to doo good dedes . Vnde psalmista . Declina a malo et fac bonum . The sayd man was not dampned for the theftes / ne fornycacyons . &c. but for that that he loste the tyme of grace without doynge of good dedes / and without confessyng him & after his dethe he myght neuer confesse hym ne do good operacyons / for he hadde loste the tyme of grace / and also he was not in the place where he myght doo it . Nichil preciosus tempore / sed heu hodie nichil vilius . Another example of a preest the whiche taryed too mynyster the sacramentes vnto his parysshen the whiche departed & deyed . This example is wryten here before in the fyrst commaundement / quere .viii. c Dylygence is agaynst the synne of slouthe for good seruauntes sholde be prompt and dylygent to serue god and his sayntes in lykewyse as it is declared here before .xvi. A and they shall be praysed / and shall haue grete rewarde in lykewyse as it is wryten in the chapytre of sacrylege . Quere in the .vi commaundement .xxx. C.

A. Here foloweth the fourth commaundement of god the whiche treateth that we sholde loue our faders .xx. Faders and moders thou shalt honour And them socoure in necessyte To helpe thy neyghbour in euery houre Be thou dylygent in all equyte

THis commaundement is wryten / Exo. xx . ca. Math. xix . & Marc. vii . Honora patrem tuum et matrem tuam . Honour thy fader and thy moder or euyll shall come vnto the / in lykewyse as it is comen vnto many . Quere in thexam .lxx. b , d. And it is wryten . Math. xxii . Et adroma . xiii . Diliges proximum tuum sicut teipsum Thou shalt loue thy neyghbour as thy self . in lykewyse as it is wryten here before . quere .ii. f. g. h. For to declare this commaundement it behoueth to se and knowe many thynges . And fyrst .

B. Whiche ben the faders that we sholde honour .xx.

VEnerare patris . Honour thi faders . Foure pryncypall faders there ben vnto whom honour is due . That is to vnderstande . Our fader creatour / he the whiche hath engendred vs / the fader spyrytuall / and the fader temporal . The fader fyrst that we sholde honour is god the creatour that we require euery day in our orayson domynycall . Pater noster qui. &c He is sayd our fader for he hath created our soule vnto his lykenesse . Also he loueth vs as a good fader dooth his chyldren / & nouryssheth vs with his godes that he maketh to growe . He is the fader the whiche nouryssheth / he purueyeth vs to that the whiche is necessary . Moreouer he wylleth that we haue herytage and possession in his realme that is paradyse / and therfore we sholde loue hym fylyally / that is to say chyldely / for we ben his chyldren in lykewyse as sayeth the holy scrypture . Vnde dd in psal. Dns dixit ad me filius meus es tu . Et paulus dicit ad thessal .v. Omnes enim vos filii lucis estis et filii dei non simus noctis neque tene brarum . Et ad roma .viii. Quicumque enim spum dei aguntur hi sunt filij dei . Et. i. ioh. iii. ca. Videte qualem caritatem dedit nobis pater vt filij dei nominemur et simus . &c. Et math. xxii . Simile est regnum celorum hoī regi qui fecit nuptias filio suo . &c. God so moche loueth his chyldren that obeyeth vnto hym / and vnto them gyueth so moche goodes in paradyse that they ben decored as goddes . Vnde legitur in biblia . Ego dixi dii estis et filij excel si omnes . The seconde faders that we sholde honour ben the fader and moder that vs hath engendred / borne loued / gyuen souke / nourisshed / and socoured / or they ben those the whiche hathe not engendred vs but haue the charge to nourysshe vs / to clothe and to hose & sho vs / & to puruey temporally & spyrytually / wherfore men say in comyn language / he is a fader that nourissheth . Vnto these faders here we ne may yelde the good that they vnto vs haue done / wherof speketh the phylosophre in ( nono ethicorum ) where he sayeth . Magistris dominis et parentibus non potest reddi equiualens . After that thou were borne thy fader and moder haue borne that tenderly betwene bothe theyr armes / for thou was feble without ony strength for to helpe thy selfe . Whan thou cryed and that thou vnto theym dyde harme and anoye they supported thyn vnwysenesse and shrewednesse / and voluntaryly pardoned the. Whan thou befyled the in thyn owne ordure and sylthe they made the clene and serued vnto thy necessyte . Whan thou hadde honger they gaue the souke / and the good morcelle● out of theyr owne mouthes for to nourysshe and fede the. They haue taken moche payne and trauayle / and thought for the as well by nyght as by day / and haue put themselfe in grete daunger for too gete the goodes and herytages . &c. For to make shorte thou canst not restore to them the good the whiche they haue vnto the done . And therfore sayth the sage . Ecclesiastice . vii . Honora patrem tuum et gemitum matris tue non obliuiscaris memento qm nisi per ipsos non fuisses . That is to saye . Honour thy fader and forgete not the waylynge of thy moder / remembre that thou haddest not ben yf they ne had ben . Example of the doughter the whiche forgate not her moder in necessyte / and nourisshed her in a toure with the mylke of her brestes Quere in the exampl .lxxi. C. By this present commaundement god wylleth and commaundeth vnto chyldren that they do in lykewyse vnto theyr faders and moders with herte and mynde / and with operacyon whan tyme and place it shal requyre / as the sayd faders vnto them hath done at the begynnynge of theyr chyldehode as before is declared . Example how the two sones of Noe Sem and Iaphet mocked not theyr fader as dyde Cham / and they ben praysed . Quere in th examplary .lxx. C. Another example of sone the whiche wolde not shote at his fader as his bredren dide . Quere .lxxi. A. By the whiche a man sholde vnderstande that a good chylde loueth his fader and may not endure that a man vnto hym do ony euyll / neyther at dethe nor at lyfe . Another example of the sone of Abraham . Quere .li. A. The thyrde been our faders espyrytualles or goostly the whiche haue the puyssaunce of god to regenerate and to reforme oure soules spyrytually by the admynystracyon of the holy sacramentes of the holy baptysme and penaunce . &c The whiche vnto vs ben necessaryes and prouffytables as it is wryten in the before in the fyrst commaundement . Quere .viii. a. b. Of the whiche the pope is heed and souerayne fader of all crysten people / the whiche hath the puyssaunce that god gaue vnto saynt Peter . The whiche is wryten . mathei . xvi . Tibi dabo claues regni celorum et quodcumque ligaueris super terram erit ligatum et in celis / et quodcumque solueris super terram erit solutum et in celis . After our holy fader the pope our spyrytuall faders bēvycares the whiche haue prelacion and puyssaunce vnder god and vnder hym / euery of them in pertyculer in the countree lymytted where his sayd prelacyon extendeth and not in other countrees . As euery bysshop is the fader spyrytuall vnto theym of his bysshopryche / euery curate vnto his parysshens . &c. As men say / here is my fader of confession / or goostly fader / or god fader &c. Also euery mayster of the scole is a fader of doctryne vnto his scolers . And euery precher of them vnto whom he precheth for to do thinges salutaryes . Wherof saynt Poule maketh compte the whiche sayeth . Illud . i. ad . corinth . v. Ego per euangelium genui vos . Vnto euery of these faders here we sholde bere honour and reuerence after his dygnyte / as sayth saynt Ysodore Secundum dignitatem redde cuique honorem . And vnto theym we ought to obey in that / that we haue promysed in baptysme . Also in that / that god and the chyrche vs commaundeth and in thynges the whiche ben after god / for the helthe and salute of our soules touchynge good maners / and to fle & eschewe synne . The fourth faders the whiche we sholde honoure / ben the myghty prynces-lordes chyeftaynes and maysters the which haue domynacyon and puyssaunce seculer vpon other . As a kynge in his realme is fader / heed / and mayster of them of his sayd realme as vnto the secularyte / and he and hye offycers haue the gouernement as vnto the Iustyce seculer . Also euery duke and lorde in his duchy and sygnourye . Also euery man the whiche is mayster of his hous is the fader of the housholde of those of his sayd hous / as well chyldren as seruauntes and is called in scrypture ( pater familias ) fader of the housholde . Wherof we rede in the auncyent testament that the seruauntes of a lorde named Naaman sayd vnto theyr mayster . Fader yf the prophete hath tolde the grete thynge certes thou sholdest do it . Vnde .iiij. regum . v. Pater si rem grandem dixisset tibi propheta : certe facere debueras . He murmured agaynst the prophete He liscus . &c. Vnto these faders seculers here euery man sholde bere honour and reuerence by this commaundement whan the tyme the place / and the oportunyte it gyueth / & after the dygnyte of euery man . Vnde .i. petri . ii . Omnes honorate fraternitatem diligite deum timete / regem honorificate . That is to say / honour all folke / loue fraternite / drede god / honour the kynge . And it behoueth them to obey vnto thynges the whiche toucheth the gouernement of theyr realme or sygnourye in god and after hym for the helthe of soules / and not otherwyse . Legitur mathei . xxii . Reddite que sunt cesaris cesari / et que sunt dei deo . Yelde vnto cesar the thynges the whiche ben due vnto cesar and yelde vnto god that the whiche apperteyneth vnto him . That is to vnderstande that men sholde yelde vnto the temporall lorde suche honour and the thynge the whiche vnto hym apperteyneth . And for to yelde vnto god the dute & magnyfycence the whiche belongeth vnto his soueraynte . And saynt Peter sayth . Be ye subgectes vnto all humayne creatures for the loue of god or vnto the kynge also as vnto the superlatyfe the whiche is aboue the other / or vnto the dukes as sent of the kynge vnto the vengeaunce of the euyl / and vnto the praysynge and laudacyon of the good . Vnde .i. petri . ii . Subiecti estote omni humane creature propter deum / sine regi quasi precelenti : siue ducibus tanquam ab eo missis ad vindictam malefactorum / laudem vero bonorum . And how be it that oure lorde commaundeth that a man honour / serue / and loue his faders it behoueth for to vnderstande as it is sayd that god is the souerayne fader . Vnde mathei . xxiii . Vnus est pater vester qui est in celis . Vnto god apperteyne the souerayne honour / for what persone that honoureth / prayseth / loueth / serueth / or putteth his hope or truste in persones / as in prynces more than in god he offendeth in lykewyse as it is declared before in the fyrst commaundemente . Quere .i. H. Moreouer the scryptures sayth that the auncyente people ben our faders in aege . Vnde paul .i. ad thimo . v. Seniorem ne in crepaueris : sed obsecra vt patrem . Thou shalte not blaspheme the auncient / but prayse him also as fader . And it is wryten . Leuiti. xix . Coram cano capite surge et honora personam senis / et time dominum deum tuum . That is to say . Aryse thou before the balde heed / and honour the auncyent persone / & drede thy lorde god . The auncyent hathe seen passed / and can / and knoweth / wherfore a man vnto hym sholde bere honoure and reuerence . And whan the yonge presumeth to speke / to knowe / or to do ony thynge before the auncyent men they ben proude presumptuous / and ought gretely to be reproued . Also it is wryten . Ecclesiastice .xxxii. In medio magnatorum loqui non presumas / et vbi sunt senes non multa loquaris . Glosa . Si vis interrogatus fueris habeat caput tuum responsum / et multis esto quasi inscius et auditacens simul et loquens / et pro reuerentia accedet tibi bona gratia . That is to say . Presume not to speke amonge the grete / and where the auncientes ben speke but lytell . Yf thou be questyoned two tymes than answere . And be thou in many thynges as not knowynge and herken in scylence . And sometyme speke / and good grace shall come to the for to do reuerence . Also this worde here ( pater ) the whiche is here of the masculyne gendre is taken in .iiii. maners after Grecisme . Est pater hic cura / pater est alius genitura . Est pater etate / pater ille vocatur honore . Ad summum regem facit illa creatio patrem . The fyrst after Grecisme is he the whiche hath the cure to baptyse / to confesse / and to admynyster the sacraments . The seconde fader is he the whiche hath engendred . The thyrde fader is the auncient of aege the whiche is called the fader of honoure . The .iiii. fader the whiche ought to be the fyrst is the creatour souerayne kynge . Of these faders before sayd many examples shall be founde in the fourth commaundement of the examplary . Quere ad numerum .lxxi. A. B. C.

A. The maners how these chyldren sholde loue theyr faders . xxi

HOnora patrem tuum et matrem tuam . Honour thy fader and thy moder . After the commaundemente of god a man shold bere reuerence vnto his faders in many maners / of the whiche we shall tell .vii.

B. Fyrst a man sholde do honoure vnto his faders whan he passeth before theym / or that he speketh vnto theym / or that he bowe the knee / and vncouer and bowe his heed in humylyte / drede / and loue . This maner of doynge is comune in all honest persones & moche praysed . For it is wryten luce. .xiiii. & mathei .xxiii. Omnis qui se humiliat exaltabitur . All men the whiche humbleth them and boweth downe shal be exalted . The more that a tree is charged with fruite / or an ere with corne / the more they bowe downe and enclyne towarde the erth Also a persone the more that he is replenisshed with vertues and with grace / the more gretely he humbleth hym . Vnde iacobi iiii . ca. Deus superbis resistit / humilibus autem dat gratiam . God resisteth vnto the proude people / and to the humble he gyueth grace . Also the persone the whiche boweth doune and humbleth hym more lowe than he ne sholde he offendeth not as to passe in at a dore . And yf he rayse hymselfe hygher than he sholde he hurteth hym selfe and offendeth . Our lorde had humylyte in al maners . That is to vnderstande in his natyuyte / and whan he wasshed the fete of his dyscyples / and whan he put hymselfe vnder saynt Iohan for to be baptysed . &c. Vnde mathei .xi. Discite a me quia mitis sum et humilis corde . Lerne of me / that is take ye example of me for I am soft and humble of herte . Yf our lorde hath so moche bowed doune and humylyed hym vnder his dyscyples as to wasshe to theyr fete / by a more greter reason we sholde humble vs and bowe vnder our fader and moder . Also it is wryten that euery man drede his fader and moder . Vnde leuitice .xix. Vnusquisque patrem suum et matrem suam t●meat . And whan that ony ne humbleth him and boweth doune before his faders whan tyme and place it requyreth it is pryde and gooth agaynst thiq commaundement . Secondly a man dooth honoure and pleasure vnto his faders whan that a man speketh vnto theym swete wordes / good and curteys / symple and amyable vnto god and vnto them . Wherof speketh the sage Ecclesiastice .xx. capitul . Sapiens in verbis amabilem se facit . And the sage maketh hym amyable in wordes . Et legitur ecclesia .vi. Verbum dulce multiplicat amicos / et inimicos mitigat . That is to say / swere wordes multyplyeth frendes / and asswageth or lesseth the enemyes . And the phylosophre sayth in the .ix. boke of ethyques . The amyte of the good folke shall be encreased by the good languages . Et legitur prouerbiorum xxv . Lingua mollis confringet duriciam cordis . The soft tongue breketh the hardnes of the herte Et legitur prouerbiorum . xv . Responsio mollis trangit iram : sermoduris suscitat furorem . Soft answer breketh yre / and harde wordes reyseth furour Yf thou speke swete wordes vnto thy parentes they ne may be wrothe agaynst the and also thou doost vnto theym honoure . Example how Ysaac the sone of Abraham spake swete wordes vnto his fader whan he wolde haue made sacryfyce of him and slayne hym . Quere .li. A. Vnto the contrary yf thou blame them or speke rigorously thou doost vnto them dyshonour . Also to curse them therof foloweth terryble punycyon . Wherof it is wryten . Marci . vii . Honora patrem tuum et matrem tuam / et qui maledixerit patri aut matri morte moriatur . Honoure thy fader and thy moder and he that hath cursed his fader shal deye of dethe / and his lyght shall be put out in the myddle of derkenesses . Vnde prouerbiorum .xx. Qui maledixerit patri suo vl matri sue extinguetur lumen eius in medus tenebris . We rede genesis .ix. capitul . that one of the sones of Noe named Cham mocked his fader as he laye and slepte vncouered / and therfore his sone was cursed and is reproued euyll / he and all the lygnage of hym . &c. Example how .x. chyldren trembled by punycyon dyuyne for that they hadde offended theyr moder . Quere in thexampl .lxxiii. E. Another example of a chylde that the deuyll bare away . Quere in th examplary .lxx. G.

B. Thyrdly men do vnto theym pleasure and honour whan men loue them naturally in sekynge and desyrynge theyr helth and prosperyte corporall & spyrytuall . Valerian sayeth . Quod prima lex nature est amare parentes . The fyrst lawe of nature is to loue his kynnesmen & parentes . And god commaundeth illud . Mathei .xxii. Diliges proximum tuum sicut te ipsum . Thou shalt loue thy neyghbour as thy selfe . The moost nerest neyghbour that thou hast is thy fader and thy moder / for thou arte proceded and comen of them . Loue them than as thy selfe in god / and after hym and not otherwyse . Example of a doughter that nourysshed her moder in a pryson with the mylke of her brestes / and by her charyte & loue her moder was delyuered the whiche sholde haue deyed . Basilius dicit / parentes nostros vt propria viscera diligamus si accedere nos ad seruitutem christi non prohibuerint / si autem prohibuerint ne sepulchra illorum a nobis debentur aspici . Loue we our parentes as our owne bowelles yf they defende vs not approche vnto the seruytude of Ihesu cryst / and yf they defende it vs we sholde not beholde theyr sepultures . Our lorde Ihesus loued so moche his moder that he forgate her not at the houre of his dethe & recommaunded her vnto saynt Iohan the euangelyst . Vnde ioh. xix . Dixit discipulo / ecce mater tua . &c. And in dede the contrary whan a chylde hateth his fader or his moder in requyrynge that they haue an euyll dethe or aduersyte for to haue theyr goodes / honours / and herytages they ben ryght vnnatural / peruers / & euyl wors than a beest . Quia legitur ecclesiastice .xiii. Quod omne animal diliget sibi simile . Eueri beest loueth his semblable . And of those the whiche theym tourmenteth it is wryten in this maner . Prouerbio .xxviii Qui subtrahit aliquid a patre suo vel a matre et dicit hoc non est peccatum particeps homicide est . And of those the whiche them beteth it is wryten : Exodi .xxi. Qui percusserit patrem suum aut matrem suam morte moriatur . He the whiche smyteth his fader or his moder shall deye of dethe . Example of two sones the whiche slewe theyr fader . Quere .lxxii. D. Another example of a sone the whiche dyshonoured his moder / & his chyldren deyed shortly .lxx. E

E. Fourthly men do honour vnto theyr parentes whan that wyllyngly and benygnely they submyt them in theyr subieccyon and seruyce to socour them in theyr nedes and necessytees corporalles and spyrytualles / wherof speketh saynt Peter .i. petri . ii . Serui subiecti estote in omni tempore dominis / non tantum bonis & modestis sed etiam discolis hec est enim gratia . Be ye subgectes that ben seruauntes vnto your lordes and maysters in all drede / and not alonely vnto the good and moderate / but vnto the euyll . And the sage sayth . Ecclesiastice .iii. Qui timet deum honorat parentes / et quasi dominus seruiret his qui se genuerunt . &c. And here those that ben proude sholde well vnderstande that theyr fader and moder theym serued swetely after that they were borne / wherfore the chyldren sholde humble them to serue them and honour theym . Also god theym commaundeth it . We rede that the good holy man Thobye taught his sone that he sholde do seruyce vnto hym / not alonely in his lyfe / but with that whan he sholde be deed / and vnto him sayd . Illud thobie .iiij. Cum acceperit deus animam meam corpus meum sepeli / et honorem prebebis matri tue omnibus diebus tuis . Whan god hath taken my soule bury my body / and thou shalt gyue honour vnto thy moder al thy lyfe . Also we rede that our sauyour and redemptour Ihesu cryst humbled hymselfe and put hym vnder Ioseph / and vnto his glorious moder the blyssed vyrgyn Mary / as it is wryten . Luce .ii Erat subditus illis . Thou chylde wherfore seruest thou not thy fader and moder / & wherfore shalt thou not be in theyr subgeccyon . Arte thou greter mayster than god the whiche put hymselfe vnder his parentes and frendes . Those the whiche ne wyll serue and appetyteth that men them serue or those the whiche ne wyll be in subgeccyen but appetyteth that other be subgectes vnto theym ben proude and inobedyentes vnto god theyr creatour / wherfore it can not be well with them . Example how a woman was blynde for that she fayled to goo to serue in the place where the body of saynt Martyn rested in lykewyse as she had vowed . Quere .lxiii. H. Another example of a man the whiche serued & dyde humble thynges & fledde vayne glory .lxi. c.

F. Fyfthly a man dooth honoure to his faders whan that a man obeyeth vnto them in thynges vtyles and lefull after god and good maners / and it is ryght straytly commaunded to obey vnto fader and moder in the thynge famylyer prouffytable vnto the body or vnto the soule . Wherof saynt Poule speketh Ad ephesi .vi. Filii obedite parentibus vestris in domino / hoc enim iustum est / sequitur patres nolite ad iracundiam prouocare filios vestros . Faders prouoke ye not vnto yre your chyldren that they ne ben stryken of lytell courage . Sed educate illos in disciplina et correctione domum . But lede ye them in dyscyplyne and in the correccyon of god . Also in eodem capitulo ad ephesi .vi. Serui obedite dominis carnalibus cum timore et tremore et in simplicitate cordis vestri sicut christo non ad oculum seruientes quasi hominibus placentes sed vt serui christi facientes voluntatem dei . sequitur . & vos domini eadem facite illis remittentes minas scientes quia illorum et vester dominus est in celis et personarum acceptio non est apud deum . That is to saye Ye that ben seruauntes obey vnto your lordes carnalles with drede and fere and in the symplenes of your hertes in lykewyse as vnto Ihesu cryst / not as seruauntes with the eye also as pleasynge vnto men / but also as the seruauntes of Ihesu cryst in doynge the wyll of god . And ye lordes do ye vnto them in lykewyse forgyuynge al thretenynges in knowlegynge that your god & theyrs is in the heuens / and accepcyon of persones is not anenst god . Et legitur ad collos .iii. Serui obedite per omnia dominis carnalibus non adoculum seruientes / qua si hominibus placentes sed in simplicitate cordis timentes dominum . A questyon that is to vnderstande yf a man shold obey vnto his fader in all thynges . The answer is that naye . A man sholde not obey vnto them in thynges the whiche ben agaynst god as sayd the holy appostles whan they were reproued for that / that they kept not the commaundementes of the prynces of the paynyms . They answered to suche reproues . Illud actuum .v. Obedire oportet magis deo quam hominibus . It behoueth to obey vnto god more than vnto men . In some thynges a man sholde accomplysshe & obey vnto his faders . Vnto the prelate a man sholde obey in as moche as the ryght of his prelacyon therto extendeth . The fader carnall hath prelacyon vpon his chyldren as in conseruacyon and kepynge of the hous . The fader of the housholde is in his hous as the kynge in his realme . The subgectes of the kynge oweth vnto hym obedience in thynges the whiche apperteyneth vnto the gouernement of the realme . Also in lykewyse the sones and the seruauntes of the housholde ben holden to obey vnto the fader of the hous in thynges the whiche apperteyneth vnto the dyspences and costes of the housholde . The fader oweth vnto his chylde correccyon and techynge / and the chyldren therto sholde obey humbly . As in other thynges the whiche sholde be agaynst god they sholde not obey . And whan they vnto them dysobey in suche case they ne do vnto them none irreuerence : how be it that the appostle sayth . Ad colloscenses .iii. capi. Obedite parentibus vestris per omnia / hoc est enim placitum domino . This worde here ( omnia ) intelligitur ad que se ius prelationis extendit et non aliter . &c. That is to vnderstande that a man sholde obey vnto his parentes in all thynges where as the ryght of theyr prelacyon extendeth / and not otherwyse . For yf they commaunded ony thynge the whiche were agaynst god or good maners a man sholde not obey as it is sayd . God wylleth and ordeyneth that we lyue in this presente worlde vnder obedyence / and we sholde clerely vnderstande it . For as soone as he hadde created and fourmed Adam he gaue hym commaundement the whiche he trespassed and transgressed and therfore he was punisshed / as it is wryten . Genesis .ii. & .iii. Also we rede in the boke of Moyses that yf a chylde had be stoborne and inobedyent vnto his fader and moder that his sayd fader and moder sholde lede hym vnto the auncyent men of the cyte and that they wytnessed and tolde vnto them the synnes of theyr sayd chylde and that he wolde not be corrected by them ne by theyr admonycyon here foloweth the punycyon of the sayd chylde so inobedyent as it is wryten . Deuter .xxi. Tapidibus eum obruit pplus ciuitatis & morietur vt auferatur malum de medio populi vestri / et vniuersus israel audiens pertimescat . Lete the people of the cyte caste stones at hym and lete hym be slayne to th ende that the euyl be taken awaye from the myddes of the people and that all the people of Ysraell that shall here it be in drede . Also we rede that Absalon the ione of Dauyd made warre and persecuted his sayd fader and by punycion dyuyne he was hanged by the heere of his heed and had his herte perced with four speres and was slayne . Also relygyous people oughte to obey vnto theyr prelates after the vowe that they haue made to kepe relygyon touchynge the rule and constytucyons of theyr monasterye / where yf they go vnto the contrary they sholde be greuously punysshed . In thinges the whiche ben not after god and good maners they sholde not obey . Saynt Poule sayth ad hebreos vltimo capitul . Obedite prepositis vestris vt subiacete eis / ipsi enim peruigilant quasi ratione pro animabus vestris reddituri / vt cum gaudio hoc faciunt et non gementes . Obey ye vnto your prouostes / that is vnto prelates and be ye vnder them . Certaynly they wake also as too yelde reason for your soules / to th ende that they do that with Ioye and not in waylynges . Also saynt Poule sayth / yf there be ony that wyll not obey vnto our worde by the epystole marke ye hym and accompany ye not with hym / to th ende that he be confounded Vnde .ii. ad thesall . iii. Si quis non obedierit verbo vestro per epistolam hunc notate / & non cōmisciamini cum eo vt confundatur . Also whan these prelates sheweth the helthe of soules as good doctryne a man sholde here them and lerne the good that they saye / in lykewyse as yf god it commaunded from heuen . Vnde luce decimo . Qui vos audit me audit / et qui vos spernit me spernit . He the whiche hereth you hereth me / and he the whiche dyspreyseth you dispreyseth me sayeth our lorde god . Also our lorde sayeth that a man sholde doo that the whiche the prelates ypocrites commaundeth / and not to do theyr cursed synnes and operacyons Vnd mathei . xxiii . Super cathedram moi si sederunt scribe et pharisei omnia quecumque dixerunt vobis seruate et facite / secundum autem opera eorum nolite racere / dicunt enim et non faciunt . Obedyence is the ladder for to ascende in to heuen / and it is requysyte of necessyte of helthe . In lykewyse as it is wryten in the begynnynge of the examplary where the examples of obedyence ben wryten . Quere .li. A.

G. Syxtely a man dooth honoure vnto his parentes and fader whan a man helpeth them by operacyon of body and of godes in theyr necessyte after theyr abylyte and puyssaunce . Also it is wryten primo to hannes tercio . Filioli mei non diligamus verbo neque lingua / sed opere et veritate . My chyldren loue we not by worde ne by tongue / but in wecke and in trouthe . Doo vnto thy fader and vnto thy moder in semblable maner as the haue doone vnto the in thyn infancy and chyldhode as it is sayd before . Quere before in this sayd commaundement .xx. B. And saynt Ambrose recounteth in his boke exameron in the fyfth chapytre that the byrdes the whiche ben called storkes putteth theyr parentes as fader & moder whan they ben fallen in aege into a nest and in dede theym nouryssheth and kepeth duely and dylygently there / and yf ony of the sayd olde foules haue loste theyr feders by aege or otherwyse / fauourably & kyndely they couer theym and fayle them not vnto the tyme that they be deed . In the the same maner by greter reason naturally and of the commaundement of almyghty god we sholde helpe / socour / and conforte our faders and moders & other parentes Be ye not as the enfantes of serpentes the whiche byteth and renteth the wombe of theyr moders / and sleeth them . Example of a sone the whiche defaylled vnto fader and vnto moder / and he bare a tode thre yeres in his vysage . Que. lxx . B. Another example of two doughters the whiche put out theyr fader in his age . lxxiii .

H Seuenthly men dothe honoure vnto theyr faders whan they then supporte in age feblenes / in sekenes / and haue no wytte / and yf they excede somwhat to pardonne them . Wherof speketh saint poule ad gal . vi . Alter alterius onera portate : et sic ad implebitis legem christi . Bere ye the burdens or dedes one of another . And so shall ye accomplysshe the lawe of Ihesu cryste Et legitur eccle. tertio . ca. Fili suscipe senectam patris tui et non contristes eum in vita illius : et si defecerit sen●us veniam da illi . Sone receyue the auncyente of thy fader / and be not wrothe with hym in his lyfe / and yf his wytte defayle pardon hym / Et legitur ad ephe. iiii . Estote autem inuicem benigni : misericordes donantes inuicem sicut er deus in christo donauit vobis . Be ye togyders benygne mercyful gyuynge togyders in lyke wyse as god hath gyuen vnto you in Ihesu chryste . Examples how a man sholde bere honoure vnto his fader and moder and fyrste . Example how the wyse salamon honoured hys moder . It is wryten in the seconde chapytre of the thyrde boke of kynges howe the kynge Salamon sawe one tyme his moder Barsabe come vnto hym / and he rose vp and came to mete her and worshipped her / and set hym vpon his throne / and made his moder to sytte on his ryght syde by hym / in doynge her honoure in lyke wyse as a good childe sholde do vnto his moder Agayne tho children the whiche setteth fader and moder whan they ne may nothinge more do / not at the hye ende in doynge them honoure / but at the corner of the ch●neye . And yf there be a boone it is gyuen vnto the fayre fader the whiche hathe no mo tethe . Another example wryten in the fourth chapitre of the boke of thobie / how the auncyente thobye sayd vnto his sone / Whan god hathe taken my soule bery my body / and bere honour vnto thy moder all the dayes of thy lyfe . And in lyke wyse sholde good chyldren do . Another example . It is wryten that whan the vyrgyn Marye departed Ihesus forgate her not / and theder made to come and be borne all the appostles . And he hymselfe came theder for to do her honoure and seruyce . &c. And also set her on his ryghte hande in paradyse in doynge her honoure . Wherof speketh the psalmyst the whiche sayeth . Astitit regina a dextris tuis in vestitu deaurato circumdata varietate . Another example of a man the whiche was fell and harde vnto his auncyente and his sone hym repreued and of good ryght . For a man sholde bere honoure vnto his faders by commaundement of god . Quere .lxxi. F.

I The thynges mouyng for to honour theyr faders . Ca. xxi .

IT is wryten ecclesia . tertio . Sicut qui thesaueim at / ita qui honorificat patrem suum . In lykewyse as is he the whiche wexeth ryche In lyke wyse is he the whiche honoureth his fader & his moder with due reuerence . Many thynges there is the whiche sholde cause and stere the persones of this worlde to honoure theyr faders & moders / of the whiche we shall tell . iiii . The fyrst is to haue honoure & preyse as wele before god as the worlde and for to fle dyshonour . For the wyse Salamon sayth in the ecclesiastes . Gloria enim hominis ex honore patris sui et dedecus filij pater sine honore . The glory of the man is of the honoure of his fader / and vnto the dyshonoure of the sone whan the fader is without honour / yf the fader haue honour or dyshonour in lykewyse hath the sone / and the good or the euyll of the fader redoundeth vpon the sone It was none honoure vnto Absolon for to make warre agaynst his fader Dauyd . Also euyll came vnto hym . Quere .lxx. A. The seconde thynge the whiche moeueth vs to honour our faders is to th ende to haue benedyccyon or blyssynge . Wherof speketh the sage . Ecclesiastic . iii. Honora patrem tuum et subueniet tibi benedictio a deo / & benedictio illius in nouissimo manet That is to say / honour thy fader that benedyccyon come vpon the from god . And the benedyccyon of hym abydeth in the last ende . Example in Ysaac the sone of Abraham the whiche had benedyccyon . Quere .li. A. The two sones of Noe Sem and Iaphet the whiche honoured theyr fader had benedyccyon . As it is wryten . Genesis . ix . c Benedictus dominus deus sem sit chanaan seruus eius / dilatet deus iaphet et habitet in tabernaculis sem: sitque chanaan seruus eius . The thirde is of drede to haue maledyccyon / for it dooth dyscende vpon the chyldren the whiche wyll not honour theyr faders . Wherof it is wryten . Deuteronomie . xxvii . Maledictus qui non honorat patrem suum et matrem suam / et dicet omnis populus . Amen . He the whiche honoureth not his fader and moder shall be accursed / and all the people shall saye . Amen . Example of Cham the sone of Noe the which mocked his fader / and called his two bredren Sem and Iaphet for to mocke hym also / for that that his naturall thynges were vncouered and he had maledyccyon in his lygnage . Quere in th examplary .lxx. C Another example of chyldren the whiche hadde the maledyccyon of theyr moder . Quere in the example .lxxiii. E. Another example of a fader and of a sone the which cursed eche other in helle . Quere .lxxi. G. Another example of a chylde that the deuyll bare away . Quere .lxx. G. The fourth is to th ende to lyue the more longely / and of drede to shorten the lyfe and to deye cursedly . Wherof it is wryten . Exodi . xx . et ad ephesios . vi . Honora patrem tuum et matrem tuam vt sis longeuus super terram quam dominus deus tuus dabit tibi . Et deuterono . v. Honora patrem tuum et matrem tuam sicut precepit tibi dominus deus tuus vt longo viuas tempore et bene sit tibi . Et eccclesiastic . iii. Qui honorat patrem suum et matrem suam vita viuet longiore . For as moche as Asolon honoured not his fader he abreged his lyfe . Quere in thexamplari . lxx . A. Many other examples shal be founde in th examplary of the commaundementes of god . As of a man whose berde grewe longe after that he was hanged . Quere .lxxi. E.

A. The thynges that a fader oweth vnto his chylde . xxii .

IT is wryten prouerbiorum vice simoseptimo capitulo . Diligenter agnosce vultum pecoris tui : tuosque greges considera / non ei habebis iugiter potestatem . &c. Knowe thou dylygently the face / the maners / and condycyons of thy people / and consyder the defautes of thy subgectes / for thou shalte not haue euermore puyssaunce vpon theym . A good fader oweth duely vnto the chylde foure thynges / the whiche ben nourysshynge correccyon / techynge & good examples shewynge .

B. Fyrst the fader sholde nourysshe his chylde / for god hym commaundeth to loue his neyghbour as hym selfe / and the nerest neyghbour that a man may haue is his chylde the whiche he sholde loue and it puruey after his puyssaunce or elles he shold be vnnaturall and inobedyent vnto god . Example of a good moder the whiche loued naturally her chylde and myght not endure that he were slayne ne that he hadde euyll . Quere . lxxiii . D. The byrdes nouryssheth theyr yonge ones / and theym purueyth tyll that they may purchase for theym selfe / as the henne her chekyns / and the other euery of them in theyr degree . In lykewyse sholde the fader do vnto his chyldren / for yf they defayle to gyue them drynke and meet in theyr necessytees / or yf he lete theym deye of honger / of colde / of pouerte / or of other thynge by defaute of kepynge / he sholde be deputed mankyller / as it is declared in the fyfth commaundement where as is spoken the maners of manslaughter . Quere post .xxiiii. D.

C. Secondly the fader oweth vnto his chylde correccyon / for yf he se that he be inobedyent and rebell agaynst god and good maners / or that he habandon hym to commytte synnes and cursednesses he him sholde reproue and correcke and punysshe wysely and dyscretely in takynge example at god our fader celestyall the whiche loueth the persones and reproueth the vyces . This thynge is declared before in the fyrst commaundement . Quere .iii. C. Also take example at the fader spyrytual the whiche reproueth and correcketh the vyces and synners in predycacyon and confessyon / and in gyuynge penaunce for punycion after the counceyle of the appostle .i. ad thessal .v. c. Corripite inquietos / consolamini pusillanimes suscipite infirmos / pacientes estote ad omnes . Correcke ye them the whiche haue no rest / comforte ye them the whiche haue lytel courage / receyue ye the seke be ye pacyent vnto all . And a man sholde well note that correccyon is one of the werkes of mercy that god commaunded . And somtyme he defendeth that men bete not . Quere .xxv. B. Also correccyon is one of the partes of Iustyce that the Iust sholde euer haue in theym and do it vnto other . Iustus dicitur a iusticia . The Iust is sayd of Iustyce . Thou fader thou sholdest desyre the helthe of thy chylde / and he shall not be saued yf he ne be correked of his synnes . The sage sayth . Illud . prouerbiorum . xxiiii . Noli subtrahere a puero disciplinam si enim percusseris eum virga non morietur . Tu virga percuties cum et animam eius de inferne liberabis . Kepe the from withdrawynge dyscyplyne from thy chylde / yf thou stryke hym with the rodde he shal not deye . Thou shalt stryke hym with the rodde and thou shalte delyuer his soule from hell . And saynt Poule sayth . ad titum .ii. Loquere et exhortare & argue cum omni imperio . Speke and exhorte and reproue with al sygnoury . Example of two relygyous of the whiche the abbot corrected one incontynent that he fayled / and the other he spared . Whan they were departed and deed he that was corrected yede into the Ioyes of paradyse / and the other vnto the paynes of purgatory . Quere in th examplary .lxxiiii. C. Also thou fader yf thou loue thy chylde yf he be in synne thou sholdest threten hym / and thou sholdest afferme vnto hym that he shal be beten yf he correcke not hym selfe . Vnde ecclesiastice . xxx . Qui diligit filium assiduat illa stagella . Also it is wryten in the sayd chapytre Curua ceruicem filii tui iniuuētute et rende latera eius dum infans est ne forte induret & non credat tibi et erit tibi dolor anime . Bowe doune the heed of thy chylde in youthe & smyte his sydes whyles that he is a chylde that he waxe not harde vnto the / and that he beleue the not whan he shall be grete . The wande boweth and wryeth whan it is yonge / and whan it is olde a man may not twyne it / no more may men the chyldren Wherfore they must be plyed and daunted in youthe . Example by the good correccion that was doone vnto a yonge chylde he yode in to paradyse incontynent that he was deed / as it is wryten in th examplary .lxxiiii b. Also the fader that loueth that his chylde be wyse / prudent / and fulfylled with good maners hym beteth and chastyseth / for the rodde gyueth wysdome . Vnde prouer. xxix Virga atque correctio tribuit sapientiam . Alibi legitur . Sepe facit pueros aspera virga bonos . A sharpe rodde maketh often tymes good chyldren . And mayster Alayne sayth . Currere cogit equum sub milite calcar actum . Et puerum studio virga vacare suo . That is to say . The sharpe sporre constreyneth the horse to renne vnder that knyght And the rodde constreyneth the chylde for to take hede vnto his studye . And it is wryten prouer. xxii . Stulticia colligata est in corde pueri / et virga discipline fugabit eum . Foly is in the hert of the chylde / and the rodde of dyscypline chaseth it away . Example of a monke that the deuyll drewe out of the chyrche and ledde him vnto vanytees whan the other waked in orayson / but incontynent that saynt Benet had beten hym and chastysed the deuyl fledde / & after the sayd monke was deuoute . Quere .lxv. G. Also whan the fader is not curyous of the saluacyon of his chylde and to correcke him of his synnes and defautes it is a token that he loueth hym not . Vnde prouerbiorum .xv. Qui abijcit disciplinam despicit animam suam . He that putteth away dyscyplyne dyspreyseth the saluacyon of his soule . Also yf by defaute of correccion the chylde commytteth synnes the fader is deputed an homycyde spyrytuall of the soule of his chylde of deth of gylte as sayth saynt Gregory / and in lykewise as it is wryten distin. xliii . Pastor qui non corrigit ouem occidit . The herdman the whiche dooth not correcke his shepe : that is his subgect / sleeth hym spyrytually . Example of a chylde blasphematour of the aege of .v. yeres that the fader ne corrected & the deuylles slewe hym in his fader lappe , Quere in the examplary .lxii. B. Also in the hous where defaute of correccion is the chyldren and the seruauntes behaue them yll / for euery of them wyll be mayster / and betwene them aryseth noyses / and dyuysyons by the defaute of the superlatyfe . Vnde seneca . Iudex qui dubitat vlcisci multos improbos facit . The Iuge the whiche douteth or draweth backe to venge or to punysshe the malefactour dooth many cursednesses And here sholde be noted by the fader of the housholde that he shall yelde accompte before god of all his chyldren / seruauntes / and subgectes the whiche ben remaynynge in his house / yf he teche theym not / correcke / and thynke on theyr helthe . In lykewyse as wrote saynt Austyn vnto an erle his frende . Vnde augustinus . Que somi frater omnibus tibi subiectis in domo tua a maiore vsque minimum amorem et dulcedinem regni celestis amaritudinem & timorem gehenne annuncies et de eorum salute sollicitus ac vigil existas / quia pro omnibus tibi subiectis qui in domo tua sunt rationem reddes . Example of Hely the whiche corrected not well his chyldren of theyr synnes and therfore he is blamed in scrypture and in doubt of perdycyon . Quere in th examplary .lxx. F. Some chyldren ben wyse the whiche loueth the fader that them correcketh / and the other ben foles proude and inobedyent the whiche wyll not be corrected ne reproued / and they ben wrothe whan men them correct . Vnde scriptura . Corripe sapientem et amabat te / stultus si corripitur irascitur . Example of a woman dampned the whiche dyspraysed those that reproued her of her synnes and defautes . Quere in the examplary .lxxj. H. The wyse man sayeth in his prouerbes . Qui diligit disciplinam diligit scientiam / qui autem odit increpationes insipiens est . That is to saye . He the whiche loueth dyscyplyne loueth scyence / and he the whiche hateth blames is a fole . Also the wyse man sayth in the xxviii . chapytre of his prouerbes / that he the whiche correcteth ony man shall fynde grace and loue towarde hym more sooner than he the whiche hym deceyueth by flaterynges . Also the fader and the moder the whiche correcteth not theyr children in yongthe shall fynde them in aege rebell / stoborne / proude and inobedyent / and also shall confounde fader and moder in language or otherwyse . Vnde prouerbiorum . xix . Puer qui dimittitur voluntati sue confundit matrem suam . Et seneca dicit . Qui nutrit puerum suum in inuentute nimis dilicate indubitanter in senectute ipsum inueniet contumacem et superbum . Example of a chylde the whiche bote of the nose of his fader at the galowes as men wolde haue hanged hym . And for as moche as they that were present blamed he answered . I haue well doone / for yf my fader had corrected me in my yongth I hadde not ben hanged now . Quere in th examplary .lxxi. D. Also the wyse man sayth that he the whiche nouryssheth his seruaunte dylycatyuely in yongthe shall apperceyue hym afterwarde stoborne and boystous . Vnde prouerbiorum .xxix. Qui dilicate a puericia nutrit seruum suum .i. corpus vel seruum postea sentieteū contumacem . Example it is wryten in the byble that Helye suffred his sones to lyue dylycatyuely / and he apperceyued afterwarde that they were synners . Moreouer euyll came vnto them for they were slayne in batayle . Quere in th examplary .lxx. G. Other examples shall be founde in the fourthe commaundement of th examplary . Quere .lxx. G.

D. Thyrdly the fader oweth vnto the chylde techynge / for he ought to instructe hym in the faythe / in scyences / and good maners . Also he shold lerne hym the commaundementes of god . Vnde ecclesiasti . vii . Si filij tibi sint erudi illos / et curua illos a puericia illorum . Yf thou haue chyldren teche them / and bowe them doune in theyr infancy and chyldehode . Et legitur prouerbiorum xxix . Erudi filium tuum & refrigerabit te et dabit delicias anime tue . Teche thy chylde and he shall refresshe and gyue dayntyes vnto thy soule . Et legitur ecclesiastice . xxx . Qui docet filium suum laudabitur in illo et in medio domesticorum in illo laudabitur . He the whiche techeth his sone shall be praysed in him of his housholde and shal saye this is a good chylde / also he hathe a good fader and patron . Yf thou lerne him scyence and good maners thou shalte be Ioyous in this worlde and in the other / And to the contrary yf thou lerne hym nothynge thou shalt be sorowfull and dolent therfore . Example of a sone the whiche cursed his fader in helle for that that he hadde taught hym nothynge but euyll . And of an other sone the whiche was saued and praysed and blyssed his fader for the good that he had hym lerned . Quere .lxxi. G. Another example how Cathon gaue good instruccyon vnto his sone . Also Thobye taughte his chyldren that they sholde obey vnto hym . The poete sayeth . Disce puer dum tempus habes euo iuuenili . Ne doleas si pauca scias etate seuili . Chylde lerne whyles that thou hast tyme in the aege of yongthe that thou repent the not in aege whan thou shalte conne but lytell thynge . &c. Also the faders spyrytualles as prelates / curates / and prechers sholde instructe theyr subgectes . Vnde .ii. ad Thymotheum .iiij. Predica verbum / iusta oportune / importune argue / obsecra / increpa in omni patientia et doctrina / erit enim tempus cum sanam doctrinam non sustinebunt / sed ad sua desideria conceruabunt sibi magistros prurientes auribus et a veritate quidem auditum auertent ad fabulas autem conuertentur . That is to saye . Preche vnto synners and maynteyne thou it opportunatly / unportunately repreue / pray / blame in all pacyence and doctryne / the tyme shall come that they ne shall sustayne / that is they ne wyll haue holsome doctryne . They shall assemble prechours and maysters for to tell theym pleasaunt thynges for to here / they shall take away the herynge whan a man shall speke of the trouthe / and they shall approche to here fables / toyes / and mockeryes . It is a grete thynge vnto a fader curate or precher to shewe the worde of god & to conuert a synner / and to put hym from the errour of his way / for he saueth his soule and couereth the multytude of his synnes . Vnde iacobi . v. Scire debet quoniam qui conuerti facerit percatorem ab errore vie sue / saluabit animam eius a morte / et cooperit multitudinem peccatorum . Examples of many the whiche haue ben saued for theyr worde of god . Quere in th examplary . And vnto the contrary it is a grete daunger vnto curates and superlatiues to lete the soules of theyr subgectes be loste by defaute of theyr shewynge of good doctyne / for they ben deputed as homycydes of theyr soules . Vnde Ezechielis .iii. Si non annunciaueritis impio neque locutus fueris vt auertatur a via sua impia / et ipse impius in iniquitate sua morietur sanguinem aute● eius de manu tua requiram . &c. Et legitur prouerb̄ . xi . Vbi non est gubernator populus curruet . The people falleth where as is no gouernour / that is of capytayne or of mayster . Also the curates the whiche precheth not ne correcteth theyr parysshens shall answere before god of all theyr synes Vnde iohannes chrisostomus dicit . Vnusquisque enim christianus pro suo peccatored det rationem / sacerdos autem non tantum pro suis sed et pro omnium subditorum peccatis . Also they ben called dombe dogges the whiche can not barke ne baye / that is they can not preche ne shewe the worde of god . Vnde Ysaie .lvi. Canes muti non valatrare videntes vana dormientes et amantes somnia . &c. Example that he that precheth the worde of god shall haue grete rewarde in paradise / and that many curates gooth vnto dampnacyon for that they gouerne them euyll . Quere .lxvi. g.

E. Fourthly the fader shold shewe good example vnto his chyldren . Saynt Poule sayth . Ad titum .ii. capi. Inomnibus teipsum prebe exemplum bonorum operum / in doctrina / in integritate / in grauitate verbum sanum irreprehensibile vt is qui ex aduerso est vereatur nichil habens malum dicere de nobis . Gyue thyselfe example of good operacyons in all thynges / in doctryne / in integryte / in grauyte / thy worde be hole with out reprofe to th ende that he the whiche is vnto the contrarye haue shame / and haue not ony euyll thynge to saye of vs . A man sholde note that the fader is deputed homicyde of his chylde spyrytually of dethe of gylte whan he dooth operacyons of synnes before hym / and that by his example he habandon hym vnto euyll and syntull werkes . The blyssed man saynt gregory sayth in his pastoryall . Scire debent prelati qd tot mortibus sunt digni / quot perditionis exempla ad subditos transmittunt . Et legitur mathei . xviii . Ve homini per quem scandalum venit . Wo vnto that man by whom sclaunder cometh . Example of a man & of his chylde the whiche cursed eche other in helle / and sayd by the I am dampned . &c. Quere in the examplary .lxxi. G. Also in this fourthe commaundemente a man sholde vnderstande that god there commaundeth that a man loue his neyghbour as hym selfe . This dyleccyon is declared largely in the begynnynge of this presente boke . Quere .ii. e. f. g.

A. Here foloweth the werkes of mercy the whiche ben here commaunded to accomplysshe anenst our faders and neyghbours indygentes and nedy . xxii . Who so with god wyl make his accorde Whan he shall come vnto the Iugement The werkes of mercy commaundeth our lord The to accomplysshe vnto the Indygent .

SAynt Poule sayeth in his epystle that he wryteth .i. ad Thymotheum .iiij. capi. Pietas ab omnia vtilis est promissionem habens vite : que nunc est et future . Pyte is prouffytable in al thynges hauynge promesse of the lyfe the whiche now is and of that for to come . Also these scryptures sayeth . Yf thou wylt be in the loue & in the grace of god / and that thy case be well borne vnto the Iugement partyculer and generall the whiche shall be doone of the it behoueth that thou be mercyfull to gyue & to lende vnto the poore indygent . That is to vnderstande . Yf ony of thy bredren crysten men be comen to pouerte thou shalte not harden thyn herte ne withdrawe thyn hande / but thou shalte labour and gyue vnto hym the lone in the thynge the whiche thou seest that he hath necessyte . Vnde deuteronomie .xv. Si vnus de fratribus tuis ad paupertatem venerit non obdurabis cortuum nec contrahes manuum sed apecies eam pauperi et dabis mutuum quo eum in digeri prospexeris . And yf thou do vnto him ony almesse and charyte thou shalte haue way and ouerture for to come surely before god . For the gate of paradyse shal be opened vnto hym the whiche hath doone mercy and almesse / in lykewyse as men open the gates and make waye vnto him the whiche bryngeth a fayre present or gyft vnto a lorde / and yf he brynge nothynge men shytte the gates ayenst hym . Vnde ecclesiastice . xvi . Omnis misericordia faciet vnicuique locum secundum meritum operum suorum et secundum intellectum peregrinationis illius . All almesdedes and good operacyons that the Iust hath doone shall appere vpon hym before al at the Iugement . Vnde Ezechielis .xviii. Iusticia iusti erit super eum . The Iustyce of the Iust shall be vpon hym And the sage sayeth that in the ende of the man his operacyons shall be made open . Vnde eccle. xi . In fine hominis denudatio operum illius . Et legitur Ysaie .xxix. Erit vobis visio omnium sicut verba libri signati . The vysyon of all thynges shall be vnto you in lykewyse as the wordes of the boke wryten / & god shall call with hym the good people the whiche bereth vpon theym the werkes of mercy that they haue accomplysshed / the whiche he shall put on his ryght hande / and shall lede them with hym into paradyse . And the euyll shall be put on the lyfte hande and sent vnto the fyre of helle . It is wryten prouerbiorum .xxi. Qui obturat aurem suam ad clamorem pauperis clamabit ipse et non exaudietur . He the whiche stoppeth his eeres vnto the clamours of the poore / he shall crye and he shall not be herde . Item sequitur prouerbiorum . xxi . Qui sequitur iusticiam et misericordiam inueniet vitam et gloriam . Alibi vincit cuncta dare / da si vis superare . Per dare regnare poteris / celosque valere .

B. To gyue breed and drynke . Vnto the poore loke that thou gyue . Bothe breed and drynke in tyme of nede Yf thou so do / veryly beleue Thou shalte be saued / be out of drede

GOd wyll that thou breke and gyue thy breed vnto the poore / not the breed the whiche is moulde / infecte / or corrupt / ne breed the whiche is comen of thefte or of pyllery / but of breed the whiche is thyne / & of that the whiche thou etest . Vnde Ysaie . lviii . Frange esurienti panem tuum . Et legitur prouerbiorum . xxii . Qui pronus est ad misericordiam benedicetur de panibus enim suis dedit pauperi . He the whiche is enclyned vnto mercy shall be blyssed / of his breed he hath gyuen vnto the poore . Et legitur prouerbiorum . xxviii . Qui dat pauperi non indigebit / qui dispicit deprecantem sustinebit penuriam . He the whiche gyueth vnto the poore shall haue no nede / he that dysprayseth the besecher shall sustayne pouerte . Et legitur prouerbiorum . xi . Qui abscondat frumenta maledicetur in populis He the whiche hydeth his whete in tyme of famyne shall be cursed amonge the people And note wel that it is vnto the poore and indygent people that thou sholdest gyue and not vnto the ryche . Vnde Luce. xiiii . Cum facis conuiuium voca pauperes debiles claudos . &c. et non diuites ne faciat tibi retributio . &c. Example by this how saynt Eustace was an almesman / god wolde not that he were dampned / and hym conuerted . Quere .xliii. b. Another example how that a barly lofe prouffyted moche vnto a ryche man the whiche keste it vnto a poore man by furoure . Quem . xliii . c. Another example that the cursed Dyues brenneth and broyleth in the fyre of helle / for he hadde no pyte of the poore lazare . Quere .lxxxiiij. A. Another example of a ryche man mercyfull . Quere in the examplary . lxxxiiij . C. And of duke Durande .lxxxiiij. b Also god wyll that thou gyue drynke vnto poore folke that ben thyrsty / and thou shalte haue rewarde in paradyse / and yf thou ne gyue but one dysshe with colde water . Vnde mathei . x. Quicunque potum diderit vini ex minimis istis calicem aque frigide tantum in nomine discipuli . Amen dico vobis non perdet mercidem suam Example of a man mercyfull the whiche was drowned as he wende to take the water for to gyue it vnto a poore man / and he yede in to paradyse or his body was colde . Quere in the examplary .lv. B.

C. To lodge and to clothe . The poore people that lodgynge wante In to thy house receyue them gladly Yf they of clothes haue verey scante Prouyde that nedeth as semeth the sadly .

GOd wyll that the poore pylgrymes and people passynge by the way the whiche haue not where to lye ne to lodge / that thou gader them and brynge theym in to thy hous . Vnde Ysaie .lviii. Egenos vagosque induc in domum tuam . Et paulus ad hebreos . xiii . Hospitalitatem nolite obliuisci . Example by that / that Abraham kepte hospytalyte / and that he lodged the aungelles / he had a sone the whiche had benedyccyon . Genesis . xviii . Sara sterilis erat conceptret et peperit Ysaac . Sara the wyfe of Abraham was barayne and auncyent the whiche conceyued and chylded ysaac . Quere . li. A. Another example . Saynt Gregory sheweth in his omelye of the monday in Ester weke that there was a fader of an housholde the whiche serued by grete study vnto hospytalyte with them of his hous / & he receyued euery day at his table the pylgrymes / and on a day thyder came many pylgrymes the whiche he receyued / amonge the whiche there was one whom he wolde haue wasshed as he was accustomed to serue them in humylyte / and as he ne dyde but take the lauer he ne wyst where the sayd pylgryme became whome he wolde haue serued . And as he meruayled hym of the dede in that nyght god vnto hym sayd by vysyon . Thou haste receyued me these other dayes in my membres and yesterday thou receyued me in my propre persone . Vnto this purpose it is wryten Mathei . xxv . how god shall say at the Iugement . Quod vni ex minimis meis fecistis michi fecistꝭ . That that ye haue done for the loue of me vnto one of my leest ye haue done it vnto myselfe . And god wyll that yf thou fynde ony naked persone frosen for colde that thou couer him / and yf thou be of power that thou gyue hym a vestyment . Vnde ysaie .lxviii. Cum videris nudum operi eum . Et legitur luce . iii. Qui habet duas tunicas det vnam non habenti . Example saynt Gregory sheweth in his fyrst boke of his dyalogue that saynt Bonyface was so mercyfull that from his chyldehode he gaue oftentymes vnto the poore his gowne and his sherte . And on a tyme in the absence of his moder whan there was a derthe he gaue and dystrybuted vnto the poore people all the cornes of the garners . And for as moche as the sayd moder was wrothe he prayed vnto god / and the sayd garners were replenysshed with cornes . Another example how saynt Martyn gaue the halfe of his mantell vnto a poore man . And the nyght folowynge he sawe god amonge the aungelles couered with the sayd mantell the whiche sayd in this wyse . Martinus ad huc cathecuminus hac me veste contexit . Martyn yet cathecumyn that is not baptysed but in wyll to be hath couered me in this vestement .

D. Of the seke and prysoners . The seke and poore thou shalte vysyte And with good herte also them ayde The prysoners eke as is requysyte That lye in chaynes shrewdly arayde

AFter the scryptures thou ne sholdest be slouthefull / ne take for thynge in grefe too vysyte the seke . For as to ayde and conforte them a man is confermed in the dyleccyon of god and of his neyghbour Vnde ecclesiastice . vii . Non te pigeat visitare infirmum ex hijs enim in dilectione firmaberis . Example of a Samaritan the whiche vysyted and made to heele a man the whiche was in the handes of theues . Quere in the fyrst commaundement .iii. H God shall say at the Iugement . I haue be seke and in pryson and thou haste vysyted me .

E. Example how saynt Gregory sheweth in the omelye of this gospell . Videns ciuitatem fleuit super illam . There was a worshypfull man a monke named Martyr the whiche by grace of vysytacyon parted from his monastery in the whiche preceded a fader spyrytual . And as he yede his way he founde a mesyll or lepre in the way the whiche was so deformed and replenysshed with woundes and sores of the sekenes elephantyne as he myght be / he wolde go in to his hospytall / but he ne myght soo moche do / he was so wery / and intended to go the way of the sayd Martyr monke . And the man of god hadde pyte and compassyon of the sayd wery mesyll and thought to helpe and socoure hym in his nede / he toke his owne mantell and spredde it on the erthe and wrapped the sayd lepre in it and lyfte hym vpon his sholders and bare hym . and whan he approched nygh to the gates of the sayd monastery the fader spyrytuall of the sayd monastery began to crye with an hygh voyce vnto his seruauntes . Renne ye renne ye and open the gates of the chyrche for broder Martyr is comen the which bereth god on his sholdres . And whan he aryued at the gate he the whiche he hadde thought to be a lepre lepte frome his backe in the fourme of our sauyour and redemptour Ihesu cryst the whiche was god and man mounted in to heuen before the sayd frere Martyr in saynge . Martyr thou hast hadde no shame of me vpon the erthe / and I shall haue no shame in heuen of the. And whan the holy man was entred in to the chirche the fader of the monastery hym demaunded sayenge . Broder Martyr where is he that thou barest ryght now . He answered Yf I had knowen hym I sholde haue holden hym by the fete . Than Martyr tolde the case / and sayd that as he bare hym he felte no weyght . &c.

F. Another example how saynt Elyzabeth serued a mesyll foure dayes . Men fynde in wrytynge that in an hospytall the whiche saynt Elyzabeth hadde do to be made there came a mesyll or lepre so foule / horryble and lothely to beholde that the chamberers and seruauntes of the sayd hospytall had horrour and ne wolde mynyster & serue hym of suche necessytes as were requysyte . And whan saynt Elyzabeth sawe that he was in suche wyse dyspised of other she came vnto hym for to mynyster his necessytees in all humylyte and dylygence . She wasshed his heed / bathed him / and bare hym vpon her sholdres / and made hym to rest in her lappe / and she dyde hym this seruyce foure dayes . and than the sayd seke man departed . The fyfth day as saynt Elyzabeth was makinge her deuout oraysons our sauyour Ihesu cryst appered vnto her and sayd . I am Ihesu cryst the sone of the vyrgyn Mary / vnto whome thou hast mynystred at suche dayes . And for as moche as thou haste purueyed me in fourme of a lepre thou shall haue with me eternall lyfe and Ioye . &c.

G. Another example of a seke body the whiche was vysyted of an aungell . It is wryten in the lyfe of the faders that an ancyent man solytary was seke by the space of thyrty dayes the whiche hadde neuer a persone that hym vysyted / nor the whiche vnto hym dyde ony seruyce in his sekenesse the whiche he bare paciently . And after the sayd .xxx. dayes god vnto hym sent an aungell the whiche vnto hym admynystred by seuen dayes his necessytees / for no persone hym vysyted . And after that some freres remembred theym of the sayd man the wh●● sayd togyders . Suche one our broder cometh no more forthe lete vs god vysyte him lest peraduenture he be seke / and they arose incontynent and wente towarde hym . And whan they came to knocke at the dore the aungell of god departed from hym / and the sayd seke man began to crye with an hye voyce in the sayd hous . Go hens bredren / goo hens / and in wepynge they yode and toke the dore of the hokes and entred vnto him / and than they demaunded hym wherfore he hadde in suche wyse cryed / & he vnto them answered . For I haue laboured by .xxx. dayes in sekenesse and noo maner of persone hath vysyted me / and here these seuen dayes god hath sent an aungell the whiche hath minystred vnto me my necessytees / and whan ye were comen vnto the dore he departed fro me . And whan he hadde sayd these wordes he deyed / and all they praysed our lorde god . &c. Another example how many freres gaue a clustre of grapes vnto the moost weykest . Quere in the examplarye .lxxv. A. Another example of a curate the whiche vysyted a ryche man at his dethe / and wolde not vesyte a poore woman wydowe the whiche deyed .cv. A. Another example of a curate the whiche taryed to longe or wente to mynyster the sacramentes to his parysshen the whiche deyed . Quere before .viii. C. Another example how two men became lepres for that / that they hadde horroure and dyspysed lepres . Quere in the examplarye . lxxxiiij . E.

H. To bury the deed . The deed bodyes that lye aboue the grounde Hauyng not wherof in erthe to be brought To bury them all crysten men ben bounde Specyally those that of themselve haue nought

IN scriptures we rede that the good man Thobye left his dyner and ranne for to haue the bodyes of them that hadde ben slayne and by nyght entered & buryed them agaynst the wyll of the kynge / for he fered and loued more god than the kynge . &c. Also we rede . Eccclesiastice .xliii. Corpora sanctorum in pace sepulta sunt / et viuent nomina eorum in eternum . That is to say . The bodyes of those that ben holy ben buryed in peas / and the names of them lyueth in perdurabylyte .

I. To counceyle and to conforte . Confort them that ben confortlesse And counceyle them that no counceyle haue Of suche good dedes thou do not cesse Yf thou thynke thy soule to saue .

A Grete werke of mercy it is as too gyue good counceyle vnto those the whiche haue synned folyed / or gone out of the way or the whiche haue many doubtes and dyffycultees . The wyse man sayeth that helthe shall be in the thynge where as ben many counceyles . Vnde prouerbiorum .xi. & .xxiiii. Salus erit vbi sunt multa consilia . A man sholde take the counceyle of god and of the good men and not of the euyl . Vnde thobie quarto . Consilium semper a sapientie perquire . The euyll people ne counceyleth but euyll and synne / & therfore take not theyr counceyle . Vnde ecclesiastice .xxxvii. A consiliario malo serua animam tuam . Example / euyll came vnto Theophyle to take the counceyle of a sorcyer / for he made hym to renounce vnto god and vnto the vyrgyn Mary . Quere .lviii. b Also euyll came vnto Amon the whiche defloured and had to do flesshely with his syster Thamar by the counceyle of Ionadab for he was slayne after . Quere in th examplary . lxxxxi . C. Another example how euyll came vnto the kynge Ochozyas for sendynge too seke counceyle at the deuyll / for he deyed myscheuously / and his messengers were brente with the fyre celestyall . Quere in th examplary ad numerum .lx. g An other example also how by the cursed counceyle of Balaam .xxiii. thousande men of the chyldren of Ysraell were brente for commyttynge fornycacyon . Quere in th examplary ad numerum . lxxxx . d. Also it is a grete relygyous werke as too conforte those the whiche ben seke and in trybulacyon . Vnde iacobi . i. Religio munda et immaculata apud deum et patrem hec est visitare pupillos et viduas in tribulatione eorum . Example in god the whiche conforted the thre chyldren the whiche were in the fornayse . Quere .lviii. B. Also god conforted Susanne in her trybulacyon . Quere in the examplary . lxxxxvi . Also it is wryten in the fyrste chapytre of Thobye that the sayd Thobye yede by al those of his knowlege for to conforte them . And he gaue mete vnto theym that hadde honger and clothed them that were naked / and those that were frosen of colde . &c.

K. To chastyse and to teche Chastyse those ryght wysely That thou hast in gouernaunce & kepinge With soft wordes also swetely Teche all those of symple vnderstandinge

THe mater of chastysement & techynge is wryten here before . Quere .xxii. C. D.

L. To pardon and to praye Of charyte and pyte pardon all those That the hath offended in worde & dede For his loue that deyed and arose Pray for thyn ennemyes quycke and dede

HOw those the whiche hateth sholde pardon and pacyfye to gyders the Iniuryes and offences doone and spoken yf that they wyll that almyghty god pardon theym theyr synnes . Quere hanc materiam . xx . G. Example in eodem loco . Also it is an holy thynge and saluable as to pray for them that ben deed the whiche haue honger and thyrste to se god / the whiche ben seke in the pryson of purgatory / naked and vnpurueyed of all goodes . Vnde ii . Machabeorum . xii . Sancta et salubris est cogitacio pro defunctis exorare / vt ea peccatis soluantur . Also grete rewarde foloweth to praye for the quycke the whiche hath necessyte . Vnde mathei . v. et luce . vi . Orate pro persecutoribus et calumnianti antibus vos / et erit merces vestra multa et eritis filij altissimi . &c.

M. To supporte . Thou sholdest sagely the symple supporte And helpe to ease them of theyr charges The folysshe folke aduyse and exhorte Than eche wyll prayse thy bountees larges

AFter the lawe of god thou sholdest supporte and helpe thin auncyent faders and the imperfeccyon and pouerte of thy neyghbours / in lykewyse as it is wryten here before . Quere .xxi. H.

Thus leueth to speke of the werkes of mercy . It is a thynge ryght accordynge And moche it pleaseth god almyghty Vnto the soule also grete helpynge To excercyse the werkes of mercy

AFter the holy euangelyst god shall say to the good at the day of Iugement . Come ye blyssed of my fader / and possede you the eternall realme the whiche vnto you is apparayled and made redy from the begynnynge of the worlde . I haue had honger and thyrst / and ye haue gyuen me to ete and to drynke . I haue ben seke and in pryson / and ye haue vysyted me . Vnde mathei . xxv . Venite benedicti patris mei possidete paratum vobis regnum a constitutione mund. Esuriui et dedistis michi man ducare / situi et dedistis michi potum . & cetur . This sentence conteyneth .vi. clauses . The fyrst is vnderstande by this worde ( venite the whiche denoteth a Ioyous callynge in an assocyacyon amyable . The seconde clause is vnderstande by this worde ( benedicti ) the whiche denoteth dyuyne benedyccyon . That is that the good shall receyue the benedyccyon of god / and they shall be of the nombre of the blyssed sayntes of paradyse . The thyrde clause is vnderstande by these two wordes ( patris mei ) the whiche denoteth dyleccyon paternall / that is that they shall haue the dyleccyon and benedyccyon of god the fader as of god the sone . The fourthe is vnderstande by ( possidite ) the whiche denoteth that the good shall be put in possessyon and saysme of the Ioyes and of the good dedes that they haue deserued . The fyfth is vnderstande by ( paratum vobis regnum ) the whiche is the assygnacion of the place and of the herytage the whiche is apparaylled vnto the good the whiche vnto them shall be denounced and gyuen at the daye of Iugement . The syxte clause is vnderstande by ( constitutione mundi ) that is predestynacyon the whiche is that god were predestynate to be saued . By the whiche the sayd Ioyes of paradyse vnto them were made redy . And vnto the contrary the yll people the whiche haue not wylled to excercyse mercy / as the cursed Dyues : and to do good operacyons shall haue this sentence vpon theym the whiche our lorde shal cast at the dredefull daye of Iugement . Discedite a me maledicti in ignem eternum qui paratus est diabolo et angelis eius . Esuriui et non dedistis michi manducare . &c. Vt legitur mathei . xxv . That the pryde the whiche is agaynst the dyleccyon of his faders and neyghboures is here defended / & humylyte is here commaunded : Quere ante .ix. E. F.

Here leueth of the .iiij. commaundement .
A. Here foloweth the fyfthe commaundement of god the whiche defendeth homycyde vniust . xxiiij . God the defendeth to beet and to kyll Yre / hastynes / and wrathe intyerly All malyce / rancour / and euyll wyll Punysshed shall be full bytterly

THis commaundemente is wryten . Deuteronomie . v. ca. Non occides . Thou shalte not kyll ne slee . Alibi dicitur . Non sis occisor . By the of wyll ne of dede be none homycyde / or euyll shall come vnto the in lykewyse as it hathe doone vnto many . Quere in th examplary .lxxvi. A. B. C. For to vnderstande ryght shortly this commaundement in generall / a man sholde vnderstande that god in it defendeth all man slaughter vniust of wyll and of dede as vnto the body and as vnto the soule / and all yre / furour / vengeaunce / stryfe / enuy / and hate . And therein commaundeth for to loue his neyghbour by charyte / and to doo hym no harme agaynst ryght and Iustyce . In lyke wyse as shall be founde here after by the chapytres .

B. And fyrst that god defendeth dethe corporall and spyrytuall . xxiiij .

NOn sis occisor . Ne slee not the soule of thy selfe ne of thy neyghboure for too greue hym by swerde . And slee not thy soule ne that of thy neyghboure by mortall synne . In this commaundement two sortes of dethes been defended . The one is corporall and the other is spyrytuall . A man sleeth the soule spyrytually of the dethe of gylte by mortall synne / the whiche is a dysobeysaunce so venymous / full of infeccyon and of sekenes mortall that it mortyfyeth and quencheth charyte and the vertues and separeth god / his loue : & his grace the whiche gyueth lyfe vnto the soule . Vnde augustinus . Sicut corpus moritur recedente anima a qua est eius vita / ita anima recedente a deo a quo est eius vita mortua est . That is to vnderstande . In lykewyse as the body deyeth whan the soule departeth / in semblable maner the soule is deed of deeth of gylte whan god is departed by synne . For god is the lyfe the whiche maketh the soule to lyue . Vnde . Ioh. xiiij . Ego sum via veritas et vita . And a man sholde not vnderstande that the soule defayled is deed and quenched / for it is immortall . But a man sholde vnderstande that the soule is deed spyrytually of the dethe of gylte as it is sayd / and deputed for to descende in to the tourmentes infernalles of hell with all the deuyls / the whiche is the seconde dethe / where as the dampned hath dethe without dyenge / and lyfe without lyuynge . Saynt Bernarde sayeth . Non viuit qui superbia inflatur / qui luxuria sordidatur / qui ceteris peccatis inficitur / quoniam non est hoc viuere / sed vitam confundere et appropinquare vsque ad portas mortis . That is too saye . He the whiche is blowen with pryde the whiche is soyled by lechery / and the whiche is infecte by other synnes he lyueth not For it is no lyfe to lyue so . It is to confounde his lyfe and to approche vnto the gates of dethe . Et paulus dicit .i. ad thymotheum v. Vidua que in delici●s est viuens / mortua est . Glosa . Quia si viuat natura / mortua est culpa / vel si viuat mundo mortua est deo . The wydowe the whiche is lyuynge in delytes of synnes is deed spyrytually for all be it that the nature lyueth she is deed by gylte . Or yf she lyue to the worlde she is deed vnto god . Et legitur appocalipsis . iii. Scio opera tua qui nomen habes qd viuas et mortuus es . &c. The begynnynge of corporall dethe and spyrytuall procedeth by the synne of our fyrst fader Adam the whiche brake the commaundemente of almyghty god . Our lorde hym defended that he sholde not ete of the fruyte and vnto him sayd In what houre that thou etest of it thou shalte deye . That is for to vnderstonde of double dethe / for thou shalte be mortall as vnto the body to deye one daye the whiche shall come / and also thou shalte deye spyrytually of dethe of culpe or gylte / for grace and vertues shall departe theym from the And the deuyll came after the whiche is the grete murderer and enuyous hangeman of the soule and insacyable ennemye of humayne creatures the whiche counceyled & prouoked vnto our fyrst moder Eue that she sholde ete of the fruyte . And he tempted her fyrste for that the woman is more frayle and apte to conuerte than the man by fayre language and flateryes . And she answered / god hathe sayd vnto vs that in what houre that we ete of it we shall deye . no the deuyll sayd vnto her . It is not so ye shall not deye . God hathe sayd soo for that that he knoweth that in what houre that ye ete of this sayd fruyte your cyen shall be opened and ye shall be as goddes knowynge the good and the euyll . So Eue consented her vnto the deuyll and dyde ete of the apple / and made Adam to ete agaynst the commaundement of god / and anone they were bounde vnto the dethe corporall and spyrytuall . God had created theyr soules fayre / & clere / shynynge in innocency / full of charyte / of vertues / and of spyrytual godes / and hadd put them in a place delectable that is paradyse terrestre / and they were immortalles / but after that they hadde synned they were bounde vnto dethe as it is sayd and were adnychyllate / and theyr spyrytuall goodes forgoten . Quia legitur ezechielis . xxxiii . In quacunque die peccauerit iustus omnes iusticies eius obliuioni tradentur . Before synne the soule was fayre / but after it was vyle and foule and pryued from grace and frome vertues and taken out of paradyse terrestre and put in this present worlde the whiche is the londe of labour and of mysery / and deputed to descende in to the regyon infernall that is hell . &c. Who so sholde well consyder th●s example he sholde kepe hym from commyttyng of mortall synnes the whiche mortefyeth the lyfe of the soule and his spyrytuall goodes as it is sayd . A man sholde note here that all the good operacyons that a man dooth in mortall synne ben deed & of none effecte for they ben doone without grace and charyte . Quere post .xlv. B. And therfore he the whiche commytteth mortall synne is culpable of a grete cryme worthy of punycion to slee in suche wyse his soule and his vertues by the dethe of gylte . Example how filius prodigus was deed of dethe of gylte by synne whan his fader sayd vnto his auncyent sone . Illud Luce. xv . Gaudere oportebat quia frater tuus hic mortuus fuerat et reuixit / perierat et iuuentus est . Another example of a thefe the whiche saynt Iohan conuerted whan he hym demaunded of the bysshop the whiche sholde haue kepte hym . He answered . Parer mortuus est deo . That is to say . Fader he is deed vnto god of dethe of gylte / he is prynce of the theues . Another example how Susan̄e sayd that dethe was in her yf she commytted the lechery that the two auncyent men wolde haue hadde her commyt . Vnde Damelis . xiii . Si enim hoc egero mors michi est . si autem non egero non effugiam manus vestras sed melius est absque opere incidere in manus vestras quam peccare in conspectu domini . For a good cause Susanne wolde not commytte synne / for incontynent that it is consummed and doone it engendreth the dethe / as sayth saynt Iames in his epystle . Peccatum cum consummatum fuerit generat mortem . And the soule the whiche hath synned shall deye of dethe . Vnde ezechielis . xviii . Anima que peccauerit ipsa morietur . For too vnderstande well the scriptures god defendeth the dethe corporall / and dethe spyrytuall as it is sayd . It is a thynge clere syth that god defendeth that thou sle not the body / by a more greter reason he defendeth that thou slee not the soule spyrytually . For it is nothynge as of the body the whiche is transytoryous as to the regarde of the soule the whiche is perdurable and eternall . &c.

C. The maners how a man commytteth homycyde . xxiiii .

NOn occides . Thou shalte not slee . Homycyde is commytted corporally and spyrytually in many maners . Fyrst a man commytteth homicide spiritually by euyll thoughtes whan a man consenteth hym by delyberacyon to do ony mortall synne . In lykewyse as it is wryten indepenitentie distinctione .l. c. Siquis voluntarie . Yf by delyberacyon thou desyrest the dethe of ony of thy kynnesmen and frendes for to haue theyr goodes and herytages . Or yf thou haue hate with ony of thy neyghbours in desyryng to bete hym or to kyll hym / or to do hym ony euyll in his persone or in his goodes or herytages thou arte deputed homycyde of thy soule spyrytually . Vnde .i. iohannis .iiii. Qui odit fratrem suum homicida est . &c. This mater shall be declared hereafter in the chapytre of the synne of hate . Quere post .xxvii. c. And in the two laste commaundementes of god . Secondly a man commytteth homycyde spyrytually whan a man gyueth so euyl example vnto his subgectes that they habandon them to synne as it is declared here before in the fourth commaundemente Quere .xxii. E. Or whan the subgectes go vnto perdycyon by defaute of correccyon . Quere .xx. C. Or by defaute to shewe and to teche the worde of god . Quere .xxii. D. Versus . Exemplum / mens / lingua / manus / substractio victus . Corporis ac anime dici possunt homicide . Thyrdly a man commytteth homycyde spyrytually by the tongue whan a man maketh lesynges for to noye his neyghboure . Vnde sapientie .i. Os quod mentitur occidit animam . Also whan a man blasphemeth or whan a man swereth vaynely agaynst the dyleccyon of god a man sleeth the soule of the dethe of gylte . The wyse man sayth that the dethe and the lyfe ben in the handes of the tongue Vnde prouerbiorum .xviii. Morset vita sunt in manibus lingue . Examples how the deuylles dyde slee the chylde of a ryche man in blasphemynge god . Quere in the examplary ad numerum .lxii. B. Also a man dooth homycyde by the tongue whan a man accuseth falsely ony persone for too make hym to deye / as the Iewes whan they accused falsely the Iust lambe that is our sauyour and redemptour Ihesu cryst vnto Pylate the Iuge crymynall by lesynges & after cryed as vnreasonable beestes . Crucifige / crucifige eum . They were homycydes and culpables of his dethe . And Pylate the whiche hym Iuged and condamned wrongfully / they commytted homycyde how be it that they stroke not the nayles . Another example how Iudas that whiche solde our lorde for .xxx. pence sayng . Quid vultis michi dare . &c. was homycyde / traytre / and thefe too delyuer his mayster / and euyll came vnto hym for he lost the dygnyte to be an appostle and another was elect and put in his place / as it is wryten in the dedes of the appostles . Hiat habitacio erus deserta / et episcopatum eius accipiat alter Also he was accursed of god / and he hadde ben better neuer to haue ben borne . Vnde mathei .xxvi. Ve homini illi per quem filius hominis tradetur / melius esset illi si natus non fuisset homo ille . And at the last he hanged hymselfe and is dampned . Also a man dooth homycyde by the tonge whan a man commaundeth vniustly for to do homycyde . In lykewyse as it is wryten distinctione .i. Si quis viduam . Et de peniten . disti . i. capitul . Periculose . Example in Herode the whiche commaunded that saynt Iohan baptyst sholde be beheeded / he was homycide albeit that he gaue not the stroke Other examples there ben of them that hath commytted semblable homycydes as of Egeas the whiche made saynt Andrew to be crucyfyed . And Tarquyn made Thymothee to be slayne . And Hyrace that whiche made to kyll saynt Mathew . And Quyncyen saynt Agathe . And Neron saynt Peter & Poule . They were homycydes of them how be it that they ne deden the operacyons . Quere ista exempla .lvii. f. g. h. i. Also they the whiche counsaylleth or commaundeth to excercyse warres the whiche be not iuste after god / or the whiche that to do ben moued / by auaryce or vengeaunce more than for the loue of Iustyce ben homycydes and culpables of the murdres the whiche therof comen . Also those the whiche counsaylleth to do ony homycyde breketh thys commaundement / as it is wryten . di . i. cap. Si quis viduam & de pe. di . i. c. hominum . & ca. Omnis iniquitas . These baudes the whiche counsaylleth to do lechery / or these yll knaues thefte ben homycydes of the soules spyrytuelly . &c. Also those the whiche susteyneth the quarell of warre vniuste putteth themself in daunger . Quia agentes et conscientes pare pena punientur . That is to vnderstonde those the whiche maketh warre / the whiche it susteyneth / & the whiche also consenteth shall be punysshed of semblable payne . &c. Fourthly a man dothe homycyde by the hande and by cursed operacyon . Yf it be wyll dysposed vniustly that is a greate synne moche enorme and reserued vnto the bysshop or vnto the pope after the persone slayne . Vt habetur . di l. ca. Si quis voluntarie . It is that the whiche is spoken before . Crysten / man / & crysten woman to hate / to bete / & to kylle vnto the is defended entyerly . Yf thou holde rancoure thou shalt be punysshed bytterly This synne bydeth vnto grete punycyon Example howe the aungell shewed vnto tongdalus in helle a valee replenysshed with coles of fyre in the whiche were put these homycydes . Quere .lxxvii. g. Another example how leueresse made saynt beatryce to be slayne . And the deuyll posseded her and slewe her .lxxvii. a. Another example how iesabell made Naboth to be slayne / & she was slayne & the houndes eate her .lxxvi. b. They shall be sent vnto the fyre of helle the whiche is a torment ryght cruell . Quere .xlix. b. Also whan by charnalite or other cursed gouernement a man is cause that the fruyte of a woman perysshe before the baptysme or after / he is homycyde & case reuersed . Also empoysonners / and enuenimers / or women the whiche drynketh herbes for to make the fruyte of them to deye suche people ben homycydes & transgressours of this commaundement . Also a man homycyde by the hande / and of that it behoueth to make dystyncyon . Whan the iuge maketh ony persone to deye for his demerytes by ryght iustyce . And that he and the hangman done execusyon for to punysshe alonely the synner by iustyce / the iuge ne synneth in commaundynge it / ne the hang man in doynge execusyon / but it maye be merytorye for the conseruacyon of the comune welth / and of the thynge publyke / as approueth saynt poule in a pystle where he sayth ad romanos .xiii. Omnis anima potestatibus / sublimoribus subdita sit Sequitur si malum feceris time non enīline causa portat gladium minister dei . vindex est in iram ei qui malum agit . That is to vnderstonde . Euery soule is subiecte to the haulte puyssaunces . Certes the mynyster of god bereth no swerde without cause he is venger in ire vnto hym the whiche dothe yll . And yf the iuge or the hangman make the synner to deye / not vpon entencyon to accomplysshe iustyce / but vpon entencyon dysordynate to shedde the bloode humayne of the crysten people and creatures of god / or by vengeaunce or cursydnes / they ben deputed homycydes for the entencion was corrupte and enfecte with malyce and cruelte / all be it that the synner hadde well and iustely deserued it . In lyke wyse as it is wryten in the droit . Also whan a man sleeth by necessyte it behoueth to make dystyncyon of the necessyte / yf it may be auoyded or naye / as here ben people the whiche wyll slee me vniustely / it behoueth that I slee them / or that they slee me . Yf that I may escape so that they slee me not / nor I them I sholde auoyde For yf I go to slee them and that I may escape I sholde be homycyde & transgressoure of this commaundemente . But yf I may not auoyde but that I muste go thorowe them and that I do homycyde without hate ne wyll to slee . I shall not be deputed homycyde ne transgressour of this commaundement . How be it good thynge it is to make conscience to be comen vnto suche necessyte . Bonarum enim mencion est timere culpam vbi culpa non est . Vt habetur in decreto extra de homicidio . Interfe cisti . Also whan a man sleeth by case of fortune it behoueth to make dystyncyon whan the fortune happeneth yf a man do operacyon lefull or not lefull . Yf it were operacyon lefull as to cut a tree / or that he caste the sheuys from the carte . &c. And that he take hede to beholde aboute and to crye hye and clere / and the houre . In suche wyse the yf there were persone and that he myght wele auoyde ne sholde be deputed homycyde . Vt probatur . di . l. ca. Sepe cotingit : et extra de homicidio capitu . Quidam . But yf he dyde operacyon vnlefull as to caste stones where as the people haue of custome to passe . &c. he sholde be homycide and transgressour of this commaundement . Also yf a man laye to slee ony in iuste batayl he is not deputed homycyde as it is wryten . xxiii . q. Quid culpatur .

D Fyfthly a man dothe homycyde for to withdrawe the lyuynge of ony persone as whan faders & moders ne gyueth noo meate vnto theyr lytell chyldren / or that the moder gyueth them no souke / whan a byrde ne bereth meate vnto her lytell byrdes they deye . In lyke wyse faders & moders ben homycydes . Also whan the syege is before a towne it behoueth to make dystyncyon yf the warre be iuste or not / yf they be iuste for to famysshe theim & to make them deye for hongre yf they yelde not the place I trow to punysshe them it is no homycyde / how be it that the thynge is daungerous For many bereth punycyon the whiche haue nothynge to do . And yf the warre be not iuste / it is homycyde to make them dye of hongre Also whan rauisshers taketh awaye the substaunce of the poore people vniustely they take awaye theyr lyfe / & therfore they ben deputed homycydes . Vnde eccle. xxxiiii . Panis egentium vita pauperis est qui defrauldat illum homo sanguinis est : qui aufert in sudore panem quasi qui occidit proximum suum . That is to vnderstonde / the brede of the hongrye and nedy is the lyfe of the poore / he the whiche taketh it from hym or begyleth is a man of blode he the whiche taketh awaye in swete the brede is also as he the whiche sleeth his neyghbour . But people of armes the whiche gothe agaynst theyr aduersaryes in iuste warre for to defende the countree and the comune welthe the whiche haue no wages maye take of lyuynges curteysly without exces ne to greue the poore it is suffred of the kynge / and the lawe suffreth it for the grete necessyte of the comune welth . Necessytas non habet legem : si malum inde sequeretur postea . Vt habetur de consecradi .i. Sicut etiam patet extra de consuetudine . ca. iiii . But those the whiche haue wages and taketh vniustely the goodes of an other by force openly without mocyon of warre breketh the commaundement of god the whiche is wryten exodi . xx . Non furtum facies . et deutero . v. Non concupisces rem proximi tui . Also god commaundeth that thou loue thy neyghbour as thy self . and that thou do vnto him none yll no more than thou woldest that he dyde vnto the Vn̄ thob . iiii . Quod ab alio odis tibi fieri vide ne tu aliquando alteri facias . Also after the scrypture pyllerye is more greate synne than the theft . For he that steleth taketh secretely with drede . And he the whiche pylleth taketh apertely before all gredely and without drede . vnto bothe twayn it behoueth to make restytucyon . Quia non dimittitur peccatum nisi restituatur ablatum . xiiii . q. vi . ca. Sires . Example howe a knyght was beten of the deuylles for that that he toke awaye the cowe of a woman wedowe . Quere .c. ix . e. Another example of a rauyssher in paynes for that / that he toke the gote of a woman wedowe . Quere . c. ix . f. Another example how one monyer sawe in helle a rauyssher in paynes . quere . c. x. a. Also those the whiche haue haboundaunce of goodes and by auaryce letteth theyr pore neyghbours to deye for hongre be it by scarsete / syknes / or other necessyte ben deputed homycydes & transgressours of this commaundement . Vt habetur . de . pe. di . lxxxvi . ca. Pasce fame morientem et si non pauisti occidisti . Example how the cursed diues was dampned and sent in to the fyre of helle / for he had no pite of the pure lazar the whiche coueyted to haue of the crōmys the whiche fel from the table . Quere lxxxiiii . c. Another example .lxxxiiii. b.

How homycyde is a synne the whiche asketh vengeaunce of god . ca. xxv

NOn scis occisor . Be thou noo murderer . It is greate horrour & cruelte to commytte homycyde / to vndo that that god hathe made to his owne semblaunce to murdre and slee his semblable and brother crystyen . Amonge other synnes it is a vyce the whiche demaundeth of god vengeaunce that homycide . We haue by example in Cayn after that he hadde slayn his broder abell god came vnto him & him demaunded where his brother abel was / he answerde am I the keper of my broder . And god sayd vnto hym . Here is the voyce of the blode of thy broder Abell the whiche cryeth vnto me from the erth and demaundeth vengeaunce . vn̄ge . iiii . Ecce vox sanguinis fratris tui abel clamat ad me de terra . This mater shall be declared in the examples where he speketh of the homycyde of Cayn . Quere .lxxvi. a. Also after that the cursed massacre herodes had slayne the innocentes / the voyce of the said innocentes cryed for vengeaunce vnto god as it is wryten in the legende . Sub altare audiui voce ociosorum clamatiu et dicencium vindica sanguinem nostrum deus noster . And god theym answerde . Abyde ye yet a lytell whyle tyll vnto the tyme that the nombre of your brederne be accomplysshed . Expectate ad huc modicum tēpuis donec impleatur numerus fratrum vestrorum . Than the syn of homycyde demaundeth vengeaunce / & in the ende the innocentes were venged / And the sayd herodes deyed myscheuously In lyke wyse as it is wryten in the examplayre . Que. lxxvi . d. Euery persone be he kyng / prynce or labourer sholde fere to do homycyde vniust . For incontynent that it is commytted / the sayd persone is bounde vnto payne and punycion in suche wyse that he ne may escape but that he haue punycyon in this worlde or in the other . The sayd kynge herodes whiche slewe the innocentes was punysshed by lytell wormes that slewe and ete hym . &c. Also Pylate the whiche made wrongfully our lorde Ihesus to dye / he slewe himself with his owne knife And the iewes by whome he was slayne / god was venged / for some deyed by famyne / the other by swerde / and all deyed myscheuously . By the whiche it appereth that by the synne of hate and homycyde there foloweth punycion and vengeaunce . And therfore sayd god vnto saynt peter whan that he cutte of malcus ere in his passyon . Illud mat . xxvi . Conuerte gladium īlocum suum : omnes qui acceperint gladium gladio peribunt . Who soo sleeth with the swerde shall deye of a swerde . That is to saye of the swerde corporelly or spyrytuelly yf he ne do grete penaunce . Item legitur gene. ix . Sanguinem enim animarum vetrarū requiram de manu hominis / de manu viri / & de manu fratris eius requiram animam hominis . Quicumque affuderit humanum sanguinem fundetur sanguinis illius . Certaynly I shall demaunde of the hande of man the blode of our soules . That is to vnderstonde how god shall demaunde of the hande of the murderer the blode of his broder crystyen that he hath slayne . It is so grete synne that by the ryght of Iustyce the sayd murderer ought to be slayne & therfore of good ryght god sayeth / what so euer persone hathe shedde the blode humayn of the man his blode shall be shedde Et legitur apoca . xiii . Qui gladio occiderit oportet eum in gladio occidi . &c.

B Whan it is lefull to bete / and whan it is defended . Ca. xxv .

DAuyd the prophete sayth in the psalter . Irascumini et nolite peccare . Wrathe ye or be ye wrothe agayne your synnes / & agayne those of your neyghbours and chyldren & kepe you from syne That is to trouble your entendement by passyon of ire to the ende that thou ne do correccyon vniuste . Nolite peccare / that is to saye yf there come the a sodayne ire / ne gyue thy consentement to do vengeaunce without the boundes of iustyce . Ne strike thou not / ne murdre thy neyghbour vniustely / god it defendeth and soo commaundeth the to loue hym / & that thou ne hate hym . It is that thynge the whiche is spoken in the begynnynge of this commaundement . Crysten man or crysten woman / to hate / bete / or kylle to the is defended entyerly / yf thou wylte holde rancour thou shalt be punysshed bytterly . To bete his neyghboure is somtyme commaunded of god and somtyme defended . God commaundeth that a man bete by charyte and fayre correccyon the chyldren synners mobedyentes vnto god and vnto good maners . It is a grete werke of mercy to saue a soule / to correcte an yll persone the whiche gothe vnto dampnacyon / more grete than to gyue grete almes . The sage sayeth sapien. i. Probata virtus corripit insipientes . That is to say the vertues prouued correcteth the fooles vnlerned / vnwyse / and synners . Those the whiche haue subgectes in theyr correccion them sholde correcte and instructe in good maners . And yf they ben rebelles inobedyent and synners they sholde bete them / punysshe and correcte saigely and dyscretely by loue and charyte without hate ne vengeaunce . This matere is declared in the fourth commaundement . Quere . xxii . c. Example how saynt benet bette a monke by fayre correccyon . Quere . lxv . g. In another maner god defendeth by this commaundement that a man ne bete nor murdre vniustely his neyghbour by ire / furoure / courage moued / & by cursed wyll . In the auncyent testament the chylde that bette his fader / or his moder by yll wyl / was put to dethe . Vn̄. exodi . xxi . Qui percusserit patrem suum & matrem suam morte moriatur . Also in the same chapytre it is wryten . Qui ꝑcus serit hominem volens eum occidere morte moriatur Also whan ony bete a persone yf he deyed he was slayne . exodi . xxi . Si mors fuerit subsecuta reddet Eccliam pro anima . And yf he put out the eye of his neighbour / men sholde a put out his eye . And yf he had broken his neyghbours tothe / men sholde a plucked out one of his / yf he had cutte an hande / his hande sholde a be cutte / or fote for fote / or brennynge for brennynge wounde for wounde . &c. Vn̄. ex . xxi . Beddet oculum pro oculo / dentem ꝓdente / manum ꝓ manu / pedem ꝓ pede / &c. whan ony bete his neighboure agayne the commaundement of god It is a thyng reasonable that he be beten Vn̄. psal. Scdm̄ opera manuum eorumtribue illis . God commaundeth vnto euery person that he ne do vnto another more than he wolde another dyde vnto hym / and none ne wolde be beten ergo . &c. It is wryten thobie . iiii . Quod ab alio tibi odis fieri vide ne tu aliquando alterifacias . The syn of betyng is more grete in some persones than in some other / for to bete a clerke or a preest / it is a case reserued to the pope / to bete fader or moder is case reserued vnto the bysshop . Also to bete his parentes of eche degree by yll / the nerer they be the gretter is the synne . Also those the whiche bete theyr wyues and chyldren / or the scolemayster his clerkes by ire & furour & not by correccyon offendeth this commaundement / & yf they doo it by fayre correccyon / it is the werke of charyte . Also those the whiche defende them in betynge and kyllynge more by ire than to defende them iustely offendeth agaynst this commaundement . Example how a knyght was gretely tormented in purgatorye for that that he fyled the chirche yerde / & hurt one within it . Que .lxxvii. f Another example of a man the whiche ●●te and tormented his wyfe soo often that she renyed the fayth / slewe her chylde / & consented vnto the wyll & temptacyon of the deuyll . lx.i .

A How god defendeth all ire vniuste a yenst his neyghbour . xxvi .

SAynt Iames sayth in his epystyl l. Be euery man swyfte to here / late to speke / and late vnto ire . Certaynly the ire of the man ne dothe the iustice of god Vn̄. iacobi . i.c. Si aunt omnis homo velox ad audiendum / tardus autem ad loquendum / & tardus ad iram . Ia enim viri iustitiam dei operatur . Ire furoure / noyse / hate / dyuysyons they commytte & reyse amonge neighbours brederne and frendes for many thynges . The fyrste is to gayne or to haue to godes or herytages the one of the other . The seconde is for the losse of the goodes or herytages the whiche is done for the one or for the other . The thyrde is for the dimynucyon of the renommee of ony / & iniuryes spoken betwene theym . The fourth is whan ony smyteth or sleeth ony of theym The .v. is whan ony ymaginacion true or false that ony hurte hym in ony thynge or yf that his persone be dyspysed or ful lytel praysed . For to vnderstonde shortly : ire spryngeth vp whan ony hathe dommage of another in his body / or hathe renommed him or in his goodes or herytages . And suche ire is somtyme kepte and enclosed in the herte without apperynge it without forth somtyme it is shewed in worde / and somtyme in operacyon . The fyrst is yll . The seconde is wors . The thyrde is worste of al.

B The fyrste ire the whiche is in herte maketh a man sorye / dyspleasaunt agayne his neyghboure in awaytynge the opportunyte whan he may be auenged on hym and to do hym dyspleasure & dommage . Yf it be by delyberacyon / delectacyon & consentement of reason there foloweth dampnacyon & puttynge from paradyse . Vn̄. ma. v.c. Omnis qui irascitur fratri suo reus erit iudicio . Euery man the whiche is wrothe with his broder shall be culpable of iugement & shall be cyted vnto the iugement of god / & it behoueth wyll he or not that he there appere after his dethe . Where he shall be demaunded how he hathe kepte this commaundement the whiche is to loue his neighbour as hymselfe . What may he answer whan he hathe hated hym and desyred his yll & wolde do vengeaunce . Euery persone the whiche is in suche estate yf he dye in suche wyse he is sente vnto dampnacyon . The prophete sayth qd in tempora vindicte disperdet te deus . Example of a woman dampned the whiche kepte her ire in her herte without wyll to pardon . lxxviii.d .

C The seconde ire the whiche is shewed by sygne or token is whan ony man hath the harte so full of yre & wrathe agayn his neyghboure that he sheweth the sayd ire without forth by ony wayes / or by ony tokens or maners . Of whome speketh the euangelyst of him the whiche sayth racha the whiche is an interieccyon shewynge ire and indygnacyon without beynge interpretee / or as he the whiche enclyneth his eyes hauynge no wyll to beholde hym / or the whiche maketh clene his mouthe & make the spyttynge / or the whiche ne wyl speke in metynge one with another / or the whiche gothe by another waye for drede to mete hym that he hateth & semblable thynges / Yf thou therin hast offended by reason disposed in wyllynge hym yll thou arte culpable of counsayl dygne of punycion . Vn̄. ma. v. . Qui dixerit fratri suo racha : reus erit consilio . The counsayll of the blyssed trinite is that in suche mesure and manere of ire as thou hast had ayenst thy neyghbour that thou shalte fynde it and haue it in suche maner ayenst god / the vyrgyn marye & the sayntes of paradise . Vn̄ super illud lu. vi . Eadem mensura qua mensi fueritis remecitur vobis vbidicit basilius : q̄ mensura vnus quisque peccat : aut bene agit eadēp̄mīa : aut penam sumet . God shall shewe the his ire in suche wyse that thou shalte neuer se hym ioyously by ioyous face / & that he shall neuer haue mercy on the / & shall neuer delyuer the from paynes & tormentes yf thou departe or deye in suche ire . And prayers & oraysons that men done for the shall neuer serue the of nothynge . Wherof it is wryten hie . vii . Tu noli orare ꝓ populo hoc nec assumas laudem & or̄em et non obsistas michi quia non exaudiam te . God sayd vnto saynt Hiereme / pray thou not for this people for I shall not gracyously here the. The token of ire of the virgyn marye & of the sayntes of paradyse is that they shal neuer make prayers ne suffrages for a man dampned . Example of cursed dyues the whiche demaunded a droppe of water / he was not herde . The token of ire of the aungels shall be that they shall seuer & departe the good frome the yll / & shall sende them in to the chemyne of the fyre . In the whiche they shal wepe & grynde theyr tethe of rage and of anguysshe / & they shal be put from glorye . vn̄ math. xiii . Exibunt angeli et seperabunt malos de medio iustorum & mittent eos in caminum ignis : ibierit fletus et stridor dentium And the prophete Ysaye sayeth . Tollatur impius ne videat gloriam dei .

D The thyrde ire the whiche is shewed in worde is whan ony hathe the herte so furyous heuy & angry ayenst his neyghbour that he ne can holde it within but that it muste nedely forth in wordes / sygnyfyenge iniuryes / blames / shames / noyses : reproches / as to saye that thou arte a thefe / pyller / or murdrer &c / or a lyer / to dyspyte / to menace / as to saye I shall bete the / or I shal sle or I shall do suche a thynge and suche / suche people ben culpables of the fyre of hell as sayth the gospell math. v. Qui dixerit fratri suo fatue : reus erit gehenne ignis . This matere shall be declared in the .viii. commaundement of god .

E The fourth ire is shewed in yll operacyons / for the furoure and ire the whiche is in the herte oftymes maketh vengeaunces by the hande leyed and of dede / as to bete to slee / to murdre beestes / or people / or to dommage by proces / iuges / sergentes / men of lawe / offycers / men of war / or by other false thinges iniuste / yll / & vnlawfull . Suche vengences and operacyons ben defended in this .v. commaundement & ben right yll . For they put from paradyse & maketh to haue dampnacyon . legitur math. v. Dictum est antiquis non occides : qui enim occiderit reus erit iuditio . &c. You haue in your law Slee thou not thy neyghbour / he the whiche hathe slayne shall be culpable of iugemente . That is to be iuged vnto semblable payne that whiche is dethe corporell . But I tel you euery persone that is wrothe or angry in his herte agaynst his brother in wyllynge hym yll vniustely by delyberacyon / he is culpable of iugement / that is to be accused before god vnto dampnacyon & perdicion . And that the god sayth after / qui dixerit racha / that is whan the hatered appereth without forth as it is sayd that the synne is the more grete / & to saye / fatue / it is yet more grete synne and to do the operacion It is the synne vnto the whiche apperteyneth more grete punycyon and dampnacyon . Example of diascorus the whiche by grete ire & furoure bete iniustely saynt barbara / and after beheded her / & he was brente with the fyre celestyall . Que. lvii . e. Many other examples ben wryten in the fyrste commaundement of the exemplayre of prynces & tyrauntes the whiche haue made to slee and martyr the crystyeus by grete ires and furours . And they shall deye of yll dethe . lvii.d . f. And after the scryptures all men and women shall yelde accompte at the daye of iugement of one and euery of them and of all the yll operacyons that they haue done in this worlde yf they dye impenytentes without contrycion / confessyon & satysfaccion vnto god & vnto their neyghbour after the offense done . Yf thou wylte not byleue that it be true by symple worde than put to fayth vnto the wytnes of the holy scrypture that whiche varyeth not Vn̄. athanasius in psal. Quicumque dicit qd ad aduentum christi omnes homines reddituri sunt de factis ꝓpriis / rationem & qui bona egerunt ibunt in vitam eternam : qui vero mala in ignem eternum . At the comynge of Ihesu cryst al men shal yelde reason of theyr owne dedes / and those the whiche haue wele done and wrought shall goo in to the ioye eternall . And those the whiche haue yll done shall go in to the fyre eternell . Et paul .ii. ad . co. v. Omnes enim nos manifestari oportet ante tribunal christi vt referat vnusquisque propria opera corporis prout gessit siue bonum siue malum . It behoueth vs al to appere before the charyte of Ihesu crist where euery man shall reporte his owne operacyons of the body as he them hathe dode ben they good or yll . Et. hie . xxv . Reddam eis secundum opera corum & secundum facta manuum suarum . I shall yelde vnto them sayth god after theyr werkes / and after the dedes of theyr handes . Also they shall goo in to the place that they haue deserued after theyr operacyons and werkes / the whiche they shall bere with them . Et psal. Secundum opera manuum eorum tribue illis redde retributionem eorum ipsis et cetera . Et apo. xiiii . Opera enim illorum sequuntur illos . Thou irous or wrathful man the whiche haste had thy thoughtes yll to auenge the on thy neyghbour / or the whiche haste wronged / and menaced / or beten / or slayn yf thou wylte be saued repente the and take the condycyons of the pylgrym of paradyse the whiche ben wryten here after q̄re xlv . a. Also obey vnto god and vnto his commaundementes to th ende that thou possede the Ioyes of paradyse the whiche ben grete in lyke wyse as they shal be declared here after .xlvii. a. Also leue ire / furour / repente the and obeye vnto god of drede / to be sente in to the fyre of helle the whiche is a torment ryghte cruell in lyke wyse as it is declared afterwarde . Quere . xlix . b. Vn̄ legitur apoca . xxi . De homicidis / fornicatoribus / beneficis / ydolatris / & oimbus men dacibus / pars illorum erit in stagno ardenti igne et sulphure quod est mors secunda In the sayd chapytre he speketh of homycydes / fornycatours / enuenymours / ydolatryes / and also lyars / the whiche deye impenytentes / the place and the partie of those shall be in a ponde of fyre brynninge in helle the whiche is the seconde dethe where the dampned shall be and shall haue dethe without deyenge and without endynge and default withoute defayllynge . Example of a man dampned the whiche spake of the fyre wherin the dampned ben . Quere . lvii . a.

F How god defendeth ire agayne hymselfe . Ca. xxvi .

NOn contristabit iustum quicquid acciderit ei . prouer. xii . c. What fortune / losse of godes aduersyte / pouerte / that cometh vnto a Iuste man / he sholde not be wrothe / for the good persone bereth pacyently all aduersytees for the loue of god as dyde the good man iob / a man is wrothe ayen hymself in many maners . wherof one is ryghte yll and worste of al whan by ire a man faileth to dyspayre / & that man is homycyde of hymself . For therof foloweth dampnacion and perdycyon for the brekynge of the commaundement of god Non sis occisor . By thyselfe of wyll ne of dede be thou no homycyde / ne in thyselfe ne in thy neyghbour . Those the whiche be ire ben homycydes of themselfe sholde be put from the prayers oraysons and from sepulture ecclesiastycall / and sholde be buryed in grounde vnhalowed yf the ende of them appere without ony repentaunce the whiche may be so grete that as vnto god / that suche homycyde shall be in the waye of saluacyon / but suche thynge is vnknowen as vnto vs . Also a man is wrothe agaynst hymselfe whan a man accomplyssheth not his wyll / or whan that he leseth or wynneth ony thinge by his folye / or whan a man leseth or geteth ony good / or whan a man falleth in to ony inconuenyente by deffaulte of takynghede to hymselfe . For these thynges here and for many other a man is wrothe somtyme so outrageously that a man stryketh hymselfe / or his wyfe his chyldren / and seruauntes / and that a man breketh pottes and pannes in doinge many ylles . And oftymes a man falleth in to sykenes the whiche greue the body / the whiche taketh hede to gete of goodes also well spyrytuell as corporell / and the whiche dampneth the soules of them the whiche ben obstynate and perseuerynge vnto the dethe without penaunce . By this Ire that persone is all troubled . ●n̄ . dauid in psal. Turbatus est in ira ocuius meus anima mea & venter meus . Et socrates dicit qd iracundis cum aliis irasci desierit sibi irascitur . &c After the cause wherfore ony is wrothe & the yll the whiche foloweth and he it appetyteth to auenge hym and to do yll / the syn of ire is more grete or more lytell the whiche is knowen as vnto god the whiche shall do the iugement and the punycyon .

G Of ire the whiche is agayne god . xxvi

ITem inferre caue cum quo gracia tibi iuncta est . Chaton sayth vnto his chylde / kepe the from bryngynge in of stryfe or noyse / with god / thy frende / or thy neyghboure with whome grace is ioyned vnto the A man wratheth hym ayenst god for many thynges / pryncypally for the flagellacions / aduersytees / fortunes / sykenesses / & mortalytees / losses / punycyons / famyne / warre & yll tyme . &c. that he sendeth . For these thynges here a man murmureth ayenste god in blasphemynge hym yllynge him / dyspytynge / renyenge him & his saintes . And yf a man may venge hym / men do venge them the whiche is a haulte folye to haue wyll to resyste / or to go ayenst the wyll of god the whiche sleeth or maketh lyuely / the whiche maketh to go in to paradyse or in to helle . Vn̄. psal. Dns mortificat et viuificat deducit ad inferos & reducit / dns pauperem faciat et ditat humiliat et subleuat . Also it is folye to be in wyll to resyste ayenst god the creatoure the whiche is the iuge that punyssheth all malefactours . Vnde deutero . xxxii . Reddam vltionem hostibus meis et his qui oderunt me retribuam / inebriabo sagittas meas sanguine / et gladius meus deuorabit carnes &c. Thou sholdest not be wroth ayenst god / for he sendeth of aduersytees and flagellacions for fyue consyderacyons . The fyrste is vnto the synners to th ende that they confesse them / amende and purge theym from synne / and it is a token of loue . For god wylleth not that they ben dampned / Vnde appo . iii. Ego quos amo arguo et castigo Et alibi : ad hoc tendunt mala que vobis infero vt reconsiliam me vobis dicit dn̄s: ego cogito cogitationes pacis & non afflictionis . Example in saynt eustace vnto whom god sente of tribulacyons for to conuerte hym & saue him . &c. The seconde is vnto synners obstynate in synne to the ende that they begynne theyr helle in this worlde as herodes the whiche was eaten with hande wormes & other wormes . &c. The thyrde is to the good & iuste . For god them sendeth of trybulacyons to th ende that they enpryde them not of the good dedes that they done / and for to kepe theyr vertues as god dyde vnto saynt poule . Vnde ii . ad corin . xii . Ne magnitudo reuelationum extollat me / datus est michi stimulus carnis mee angelus sathane . vt me collaphizet . &c. The fourth consyderacion wherfore god sendeth of tribulacyons vnto the good is vnto the greate acumulacyon of vertues and to th ende that they ben the more gloryous in paradyse . For the more the sayntes haue endured pacyently grete tormentes . And the more they haue ben vertuous & gloryous as iob . Quamuis multas tribulationes habuit tamen sanctior effectus est . The .v. is to th ende that the name of god be louede and gloryfyed / as of a man the whiche was borne blynde / and after was lyghtened & god was praysed / And of the lazar the whiche was araysed after that he had be thre dayes in the erth buryed . &c.

H Of the vengeaunce that god defendeth . Ca. xxvi .

THe sage sayeth that he the whiche wyll venge hym on his neyghbour he shall fynde vengeaunce of god . And also as he kepeth his hate for to venge hym whan he hathe oppertunyte . In lyke wyse shall god do to auenge hym on hym for his synnes . Vn̄. eccle. xxviii . Qui vindicari vult a dno inueniet vindictam / et peccata illius seruans seruabit . Whan ony persone is offended / hurte / or exceded in ony maner he ne sholde venge hym of that hymselfe for many thynges . Fyrste for god hathe with holden and reserued to hym and vnto his vycayres to do Iustyce / iugement & vengeaunce . vn̄ ad roma . xii . Michi vindictam et ego retribuam in tempore dicit dns. Et deutero . xxxii . Mea est vltio et ego retribuam eis in tempore . The vengeaunce & I shall rewarde them in tyme . & eccle. xii . Altissimus odio habet peccatores et impiis reddet vindictam . Also whan ony is venged of hymselfe he taketh the offyce of god / as yf he were god & iuge . Also he him maketh iuge and partye in his owne cause the whiche is agayne ryght and reason Nullus debet een iudex in sua propria causa : regula iuris . Also iustice ought to be done by counsayll . ꝓ . xi . et . xxiiii . Salus erit vbi multa sunt consilia . Helth shall be where many counsaylles ben . Also it ought to be done by greate and meure delyberacyon / and all in peas withouten hast . The whiche thynge ne dothe he the whiche hym auengeth / incontynent / but where a persone hathe offended god he punyssheth him not ne his offycers / they abyden the tyme and the place to punysshe and to do Iustyce . Legitur luce. xviii . Deus autem non faciet vindictam electorum suorum clamancium ad se die ac nocte : sed pacienciam habebit in illis . Example how a man curyal that whiche synned vpon ester euen at night was not punysshed of god / incontynent that he wende to be / but god abode to punisshe hym . viii . dayes after . quere lxxx . b. Another example how the iewes ne weren in contynent punysshed that they hadde made our lorde Ihesu cryste to be crucefyed / but god taryed a grete whyle after & lefte them saynt Iamys for to conuerte them and for to abyde that they myght doo penaunce . And whan god had sene theyr obstynacyon and that they hadde slayne the said saynt Iames he suffred that they were punysshed of Vaspasyen in this worlde In lyke wyse as it is wryten in the .v. commaundement of the examplayre . whan the innocentes were byheded by herodes and that they cryed vnto god for vengeaunce Vindica sanguinem nostrum deus noster . He ne venged theym incontynente : ne herodes was not sodaȳli punisshed / but god them answerde that they sholde abyde . Expectate donec impleatur numerus fractum vestrorum . Also how be it that god sawe & knewe the synne of the sodomytes before that he them punysshed he sayd illud genesis . xviii . Descendam et videbo vterum clamorem qui venit ad me opere compleuerint : an non est ita vt sciam . I shall descende and shall se yf they haue accomplysshed in operacyon the clamour the whiche is come vnto me / where yf it be not soo that I may knowe it . And sente two aungels in semblaunce of men the whiche lodged nere vnto Loth. &c. In gyuynge example vnto the Iuges that they ne sholden doo punycyon without grete delyberacyon & informacyon . And he the whiche vengeth hym of hymselfe hathe no counsayll / of delyberacyon / ne auctoryte so to do / wherfore he offendeth gretely . But yf he so do amende the yll the whiche vnto hym is done by / iustyce he offendeth not . For iustyce sholde be done and founded in good and after hym / How be it that the yll offycers them peruerten in many maneres . The greate lordes the whiche ne wyllen obey vnto iustyce it departen with the swerde . And is suffred of them / the whiche haue good right Vnde catho . Pugna pro patria . Fyghte for to defende the countree . Also whan ony is offended & he him vengeth in his wrath he ne vseth of the Iustyce of god . Vnder iacobi .i. Ira enim viri iusticiam dei : non operatur . Et catho . Ira impedit animum ne possit cernere verum . Ire letteth the courage that it may not dyscerne true with the false / and Dauyd sayth . Myn eye is troubled with Ire . Vnde psalmista . Turbatus est in ira a furore oculus meus . A man sholde note that the vengeaunce the whiche is done by ire is iniuste and yll in four maneres . The fyrste is whan ony punyssheth / or woide punysshe hym the whiche hathe not deserued it . The seconde is whan he hym bryngeth or wolde brynge to gretter payne than he hathe deserued . The .iii is whan he infere / or wolde inferer asmoche of payne egally as he hathe deserued / but not after the ordre of iustyce as whan he wyll punysshe ony of hymselfe without callyng iustyce & superyores / vnto whom it apperteyneth for to do it . The fourth is whan ony bryngeth in or wolde brynge in ony iuste / and after the ordre of iustice but not by good & iuste entencyon / & for good ende . The entencyon of hym that whiche punissheth sholde other for the welth & saluacyon of him the whiche hathe deserued punycyon / to the ende that he correcte hym / or by the conseruacyon of the iustice comune / to th ende that all other correcte theym by his example / or for to do honoure vnto god in punysshynge the offence that a man hathe done to breke his commaundemente . He than the whiche vengeth hym / or appetyteth to venge hym by hate / rancour / or to the ende that he beholden & called a good iusticier / in sechinge the preyse of the worlde / or to the ende that he haue moneye / or for ony other cursed ende / he sholde vnderstonde that he synneth mortally / & after saint Thomas . Ire is mortall synne whan ony bryngeth in or wyll do ony vengeaunce vnto another after the maneres beforsayd / or after some of them / for it is agayne iustyce and charyte . Also he the whiche vengeth / hym dysobeyeth vnto god after the scryptures the whiche sayth in many places and passages / that a man ne yelde the yll for the yll . Vnde paulus .i. thessal . quinto Videte ne quis malum pro malo alicui reddat : sed semper quod bonum est sectamini inuicem : et in omnes . Take hede that none ne yelde vnto ony yll for yll / but that ye folowe euermore togyders that the whiche is good . Et legitur ad roma .xii. Noli te prudentes tieri aput vosmet ipsos nuilli malum ꝓ malo reddentes . Be ye not prudentes ayenst yourselfe ne yeldynge yll for yll vnto ony . Sequitur . Non vos deffendētes carissimi : sed date locum ire . Ryght de re frendes defende you not but gyue place vnto ire . Item ad roma . xii . Benedicte ꝑ sequentibus vos : benedicite et nolite male dicere . Blysse ye those the whiche persecuteth you / blysse them and curse them not / Example . We rede that our lord appered hym vnto a woman in trybulacyon vnto whome he sayd / kepe thre thynges & thou shalte be saued / holde thy peas in malediccyons / be pacyent in trybulacions / & yelde not the yll for the yll . Quere . lxxxix . b. Another example how the blyssed and holy saynt Machayre was pacyente and suffred whan he was wronged and beten cruelly and impyteously for a woman the whiche hadde accused him and put vpon him falsly and wrongfully that she hadde conceyued a chylde of his sede and of none other Quere . lxxxx . a. It is a greate perfeccyon as to bere pacyently aduersyte and to doo the good agayne the yll . And therfore god sayth / yf ony stryke the on the ryght cheke gyue vnto hym the other . And he the whiche stryueth with the in iugement and take awaye thy robe and gowne / leue it him and the mauntell . Vnde mat . v. Si quis te percusserit in dexteram maxillam tuam prebe ei et alteram : et ei qui vult tecum in iuditio contendere et tinicam tuam tollere dimitte ei et palium vt dictum est . Those that whiche be not of suche perfeccyon maketh them to amende the yl done by iustyce . Al so thou shalt not seche vengeaunce . And thou shalte not be remembred of the iniurye of thy cytezeyns . In lyke wyse as it is wryten . Leuitici . xix . Non queras altionem . nec memor eris iniurie ciuium tuorum . Et legitur eccle. x. Omnis iniurie proximine memineris et nichil agas in operibus iniurie . Thou shalt not remembre the of the iniurie of thy neyghbour / and do nothyng in the operacions of iniurye . And Chaton sayth . Litis preterite noli maledicta referre . Compte not ne reken the cursed thynges of stryfes paste . Et prouerbiorum .xx. Ne dicas reddam malum pro malo sed expecta dominum et liberabit te . Also god wyl not that a man venge hymselfe . In lyke wyse as it appereth clerely in the gospell / of saynt Marke whan the samarytayns wolde not receyue him / and saynt Iamis and saynt Iohan sayd vnto hym . Wylte thou that we saye that the fyre dyscende frome heuen and that it consume them . Our lorde blamed and repreued them of that thynge / vnto whom he sayd . luce. ix . Nescitis cuius spiritus estis : filius hominis non venit animas perdere sed saluare . Know ye not of whose esperyte ye be / the sone of a man is not come for to lese the soules / but to saue them Example how a boye or knaue was dampned for hate & wolde be venged . Quere . lxix . a.

I Also Ire and vengeaunce dyspleaseth vnto god . For he the whiche vengeth hym by ire brenneth his temple . That is the conscyence of the man the whiche is the place and the house wherin god resteth . vnde psal. Incenderunt igni sanctuarium tuum in terra : polluerunt tabernaculum nominis tui . That is to saye these wrathful people hathe brente by the fyre of ire thy holy place / where as they haue soyled the tabernacle of thy name in the erthe / and saynt poule sayth ad corinth . iii. ca. Descitis quia templum dei estis et spiritus dei habitat in vobis . And there foloweth a thinge moche to drede . Si quis autem templum dei violauerit : desperdet illum deus . Certaynly yf ony hathe fyled the temple of god / god shall dystroye hym . Iterum in eodem . ca. Templum dei sctum est qd estis vos . The temple of god is holy / the whiche ye be . Whan an hostyller is angrye or wrothe the hostes that he hathe lodged in his hous be not at their ease herbeged / god is not in the man angry or wrothe . Vnde super illud ad ephe. iiii . Nolite contristari spiritum dei sanctum vnde grego . Dum ira animum pulsat spiritusancto habitationem turbat . Trouble thou not the holy spyryte of god / whan ire stryketh the courage of the man it troubleth the habytacion of the holy ghost . And therfore god wyll not enhabyte / nor abyde by grace with a mamirous / furyous / motyf hasty / but he wyll enhabyte and abyde in people humble and peasyble the whiche fereth his wordes . As it is wryten Ysaye penul . ca. Super quem requiescet spiritus meus nisi super humilem et quietum & trementem sermones meos . In the place where god enhabyteth is not but peas as dauyd sayth . In pace factus est locus eius . And he loueth people peasible / and persecuteth people furyous . &c. Example how those the whiche wrathe them ayenst god & ayenst his saintes ben deed myscheuously as ege as / Tarquyn / Dacien / Valeryen . &c. lvii . c.f.h.

K A questyon whan it is that ire is gode or whan it is venyell synne or mortall . Capitulo . xxvi .

DEsine ab ira et derelinque furorem / noli emulari vt maligneris dicit psal. That is to saye cesse the of ire & leue furoure / ne haue thou none enuye vpon another that thou become not a curste . Men fynde in scrypture that ire is somtyme good and leful / and somtyme it is meane and veniel synne / and somtyme ryght yll and mortall synne . Ire is good whan it is agayne his owne synnes / or agayne those of his neyghbour without passyon of his troblement . For a man oughte to haue dyspleasaunce to haue offended god by synne or to se hym offended . And that dule or sorowe that is taken for the sayd synnes ben called in scrypture contrycyon / & the duyll or the ire the whiche is agayne the synnes of another is named zelus iustitie . God and his sayntes haue vsed of this ire agayne the synners wherof Moyses spake vnto the chyldren of Israell / illud deutero . xi . Cauete ne forte decipiatur cor vestrum & recedatis a dno . Sequitur iratusque dominus claudat celum . &c. Also god wrathed him without passyon of trouble again Dauyd for that that he made to nombre hys people / as it is wryten .ii. regum .xxiiii. & for his synne he made mortalyte in his sayd people . Also he was wrothe agayne dauyd whan he commytted auoutrye / and for asmoche that god loued hym he wolde correcke hym . For a good fader the whiche loueth his chylde hym threteneth and punissheth whan he offendeth . Saynt pou●e sayeth ad hebre . xii . Ei●i mi non n●gligere disciplinam dn̄i: neque fatigeris dumm a● eo argueris : quem enim d●●git dns ca●●igat : flagellat autem omnem ●●●tum quem recipit sequitur . Quis fi●ius quem non corripit pater quod si extra disciplinam estis cuius particepes facti estis : ergo omnes adulteri et non filii dei . Also whan Moyses spake vnto pharaon and he wolde not here it he was wrothe exodi . xi . Exiuit a pharao ne iratus nimis . Also Moyses commaunded vnto the chyldren of Israhell that they ne sholde kepe the manna tyll vnto the mornynge . And they were dysobedientes . and Moyses was wrothe . exodi . xvi . Iratus est moises contra eos . Also whan Moyses came to seche the commaundementes / he founde the calfe and the daunce & he was wrothe as it is wryten exodi . xxxi . Iratus est valde . Also god wrathed hym agayne the iewes the whiche made theyr marchaundyses in the temple . And he chaled theym oute and theyr oxen and kyen / and made a whyppe &c. as it is wryten ma. xxi . And therfore maye a man be wrothe withoute synne agayne the trespassours . It is the werke of mercy as it is declared before . / Quere ad numerum .xxii. c. & .xxv. b. Men make a question . That is to vnderstonde whether it be lefull for to speke ony foule thynge bycause of correccion . The answer is made after saynt Thomas scdā scdem . q. lxxii . In lyke wyse as it is leful to bete ony persone or to endōmage in worldly godes bycause of dyscyplyne . In lyke wyse may ony man speke worde cōuysyous vnto him that he correcteth whan he hym sholde correcte . And in this manere our lorde called his dyscyples fooles / as it is wryten luce vltimo . Ostulti et tardi corde ad credendum et apo. ad gal . ii . O insensanti galathe How be it in lyke wyse as saynt Austyn sayeth . Obiurgacyons and wordes conuensieuses be not to speke yf ther be not necessyte . And not to th ende that they serue vnto vs / but vnto our lorde . In spekynge suche wordes a man sholde haue ryght grete dyscrecyon & attempraunce / for he may speke suche wyce that he sholde dyshonoure the persone . And that hymselfe sholde synne mortally as the scrypture saith the whiche shall abyde bycause of shortnes . ✿ Ire is venyall synne whan it is sodayne without delyberacyon of reason . And whan ony sourdeth sodaynly in ire & that forthe with by reason he repenteth hym / resystethe and putteth out suche ire without wil to venge hym he ne synneth but venyally Vnde cassiodorius dicit qd venialis ira est que non couritur ad effectum . Also the scripture sayth that whan ony feleth hym hurte there sourdeth sodaynly a mouynge of courage impetuous that whiche appetyteth vengeaunce is ire for as moche as he suffreth . Vnde super illud mathei . v. Omnis qui irascitur fratri suo . dicit glosa . Ira est vehemens motus animi ad nocendum . : / Ire is a mouing hugely of courage to noy or hurte / and this ire yf it be soo moche sodayne in ony maner that it cometh before ony delyberacyon of reason . And al mouynge of wyll / it is sayd the fyrst mouynge the whiche is not in our puyssaunce to resyst And therfore it is no synne / but it may be the payne of synne . And whan reason apperceyueth ire and it appetiteth with vengeaunce and therin taketh ony pleasure / Also he ne resysteth at the fyrst / how be it he ne gyueth ful consentynge ne delyberacyon for to venge hym / it is venyell synne Also whan ony wratheth hym sodaynly / And that in lytell thynge he vengeth him How be it that he hym sholde venge wele in greate thynge yf he wolde / but he wyll not doo it . Than suche ire and commocyon may alonely be venyell synne by the lytylnes of vengeaunce as to drawe a chylde by the herys and semblable thynges . Also whan ony wratheth hymselfe of a naturall mocyon / and that he is impacyent / how be it ne in dede ne in worde ne in maner what so it be for this sayd ire he wolde not venge hym ne put his ire in effecte / this Ire maye be venyell synne . Also some wrathe them sodaynly & anone repenteth theym & demaundeth pardon . And in some men it is longe or the fyre of ire be lyghtenyd in them and lately it is quenched / for seldome they repente them and demaunde pardon . Those here ben worse than those before spoken . Vnde . au . Melior est enim qui quauis ira sepe temptetur / tum festinat qd sibiremittat ille cui fecisse iniuriam agnoscit quam qui tardius irascitur et ad veniam petendam tardius inclinatur . And of this selfe matere speke the holy doctoure saynt Iherome vpon the pystyll of saynt poule . ad titum / and saith . Neque vero qui aliquando irascitur iracundus est / sed ille dicitur iracundus qui crebo hoc passione superatur . Ire is mortall synne whan a man desyreth to do yll and for to commyt and do vengeaunce vnto his neyghboure by delyberacyon and consentynge of reason . And suche or semblable ire the whiche is synne in somtyme in the herte alonely without ony more / and somtyme it appereth also in a man withouteforth / eyther by tokens or by wordes / and somtyme in werkes and operacyon . In lyke wyse as it is declared here before more alonge in this sayd booke . Quere . xxvi . b. d. e.

L Of the remedyes agaynst the syn of ire . Ca. xxvi .

DEnuntiamus autem vobis fratres vt subtrahatis vos ad omni fratre ambulante inordinate . ad thessal . iii. ca. Saynt poule sayth in his epystyl . Brederne we denounce vnto you that ye withdraw and take awaye from euery broder that whiche lyueth & walketh dysordynately . Four remedyes ben founde in scrypture as agaȳthe ire of his neyghbour . The fyrst is how a man sholde speke swete wordes vnto peple the whiche ben treful / troubled or wratheful / for to cole them and appease them from theyr ire / in lyke wyse as sayth the sage . Also the experyence techeth it vs . Vn̄. prouer. xxv . Lingua moliis cōtringit duritiam cordis . et ꝓuer . xv . Respontso mollis frangit iram sermo durus suscitat furorem . That is to saye a softe answer breketh ire / a harde worde moueth furoure / answer peasybly in swetnes . Vn̄. eccle. iiii Responde pacitice in man suetudine . & eccl. vi . Verbum dulce multiplicat amicos . and maketh softe the enemyes . Also the sage man maketh him amyable in wordes . vn̄ eccle. xx . Sapiens is vbis am abtlē se facit . The seconde remedye agayne ire is the a man sholde holde his peas agayne hym the whiche is wrothe / that whiche menaceth or wrongeth . And him behoueth not to yelde iniurye agayne iniurye for to defende hym . In lyke wyse as sayeth saynt Poule ad romanos .xii. Non vos deffēdētes carissimi : sed date locum ire . Example of a relygyous the whiche demaunded of a holy fader what he sholde doo for that / that he had no peas with the other . The good fader answered hym . In omnibus si tacueris requiem habebis . Thou shalt haue rest and peas in all thynges and agayn al persones the whiche sayeth the yll yf thou holde thy peas . Whan a man holdeth hys peas agayne a man that is wrothe he appeaseth hym lytell and lytell . And the fyre of his ire he is quenched . Verbi gratia . Also whan a man taketh the wodde from the fyre the whiche is matere it quencheth lytell & lytell . Whan a man holdeth his peas agayne a man ireful / and that in his fyre of ire a man putteth no matere for to encrease the fyre / he quencheth it . And yf there be in companye an irefull man detractoure by whom noyse is moued / hym behoueth to departe and after peas shall be there . Vnde prouerbiorum .xxvi. Cum defecerit lingua extinguetur ignis / susurrectione subtracto conquiescunt iurgia . & eccl viii . Non litiges cum homine līguato & ne strues in ignem illius ligna . And Chaton sayeth vnto his chylde . Contra verbosos no noli contendere verbis . Lis minimis verbis interdum maxima crsccit . Stryue thou not in wordes agayne these tangelers saynge yll . Greate ire / noyse / and stryfe they make somtyme by lytell wordes . Dauyd the prophete vsed of this remedye . For whan a synner spake agayne hym / he kepte his mouthe from yll spekinge . Vn̄. psal. Posui ori meo custodiam / cum consisteret peccator aduersum me . Another example how a chamberer or mayden seruaunt in a house was pacyent whan her maystres cursed her and tormented her by strokes / and god appered vnto her . Quere . lxxxxix b. Another example of the pacyence of a good chylde the whiche praysed our lordes Ihesu cryste in many tormentes that he suffred / the whiche were done vnto him by men of warre . Quere : xvii . b. Also for to put scylence vnto a man lygycyous and debatefull / ire is appeased & peas cometh in the company . Vnde prouerbiorum .xxvi Qui imponit stulto silentium / rigas mitigat . Also it is a grete goodnes as of peas . And it is more worthe than meate as to eate a mouthefull of brede in peas than to haue wynes and meates in warre and dyuysyon . Vnde prouerbiorum .xvii. Melior est bucela sicca cum gaudio : quam domus plena diuiciis cum iurgio . And therfore men sholde seche the meanes to appease the people irous . Example how that a knight abstayned hym for to speke for to flee cursed wordes / and to the ende that he offended not ayenst god . The thyrde remedye agayne ire is to fle the company / famyly arite / amytee / and felawshyp of all people Irous / noysefull / furyous / & wrathful Fyrst a man sholde fle the suroure and ire of an Emperour / a kynge / or of a myghty prynce or lorde / for he is ryght terryble and furyous whan that he is wrothe / or hathe ony body in indygnacyon . Vnde prouerbiorum .xx. Sicut tremitus leonis ita et ira regis : et sicut ros super herbam ita ethyleritas eius . Also it behoueth to kepe hym to speke vnto him wordes that ben noyfull and wrongfull . For they trouble somtyme those that ben sages . Vnde . ecclesiastisis . vii . Calumia conturbat sapientem : et perdet robur cordis illius . Also it behoueth to kepe hym to take stryfe agaynst an Emperoure / a kynge / or another grete lorde / for the dethe therto belongeth and apperteyneth . Vnde prouerbiorum .xvi. Indignatio regis inimicus est mortis : et vir sapiens placabit cum . Et ecclesiastisis .iiii. Noli resistere contra faciem potentis ne coueris contra ictum fluuit . : / Resyste thou not agaynste the face of a puyssaunt kynge / or lorde that he make that not for to be casten in to the water for to be drowned . Et ecclesiastisis .viii. Non litiges cum homine potente / ne / forte / insidas in manu illius . Also a man sholde flee the companye and famylyerte of men and women irous / furyous / and noysefull : for a man is not surely nere them nor aboute them . And theyr famylyarte is worthe nothynge . Vnde prouerbiorum .xxii. Noli amicus esse homini iracundo : neque ambules cum viro furioso ne forte discas semitas eius : et sumas sclandalum anime tue Also it is more worthe to haue the hate of the ylle than there company . For a man there lerneth non ylle / and no good therof ꝓcedeth . vnde ysidorus . Melius est enum malorum odium quam cōsortium . Et psal. Cum sancto sanctus eris & cum ꝑuerso ꝑuerteris . & Ecclesiastisis .xxii. Cum stulto non multum loquaris : et cum insensato non abieris : serua te ab illo vt molestiam non habeas et non coinquineris in peccato illius deflete ab illo et inuenies requiem et non accidiaberis in stulticia illus . Et ecclesiastisis .vii. Discede ab iuiquo et deficient mala abste . Go awaye or departe thou from an yll persone . And illys shall defayll in the. And saynt poule sayth . Wyll thou not to commune with the operacions infructucuses of derkenesses / but repreue them . Vnde ad ephesios quinto . Noli cōmunycare operibus infructuosis tenebrarum magis autem redarguite . Also in lyke wyse a man sholde fle and eschewe the company of a woman irous / furous / and debatefull . For she is ryghte malycyous & yll / iniuryous without kepynge of ony secrete what so euer a man can do vnto her All confusyon / dystruccion / and irreuerence cometh and procedeth of her . vnde ecclesia . Non est caput nequius super caput colubri . et non est ira super iram mulieris . Sequitur mulieris ira irreuerentia et confusio magna . Et prouerbiorum .xxi. Melius est habitare in terra deserta / quam cum muliere rixoza et iracunda . Example of a woman the whiche was angry and wrothe one tyme sharpely agayne her husbande / the whiche woman ne coude kepe his secrete . And in her furour and ire sayd vnto hym . Thou wenest to haue thre chyldren of me / & thou ne hast but one onely . Quere .lxxi. a. The fourth remedye agayne the ire or hate of his neyghboure is to doo hym the good agayne the ylle / as to gyue hym to eate and to drynke whan he hathe hongre or thurst or other thynge in his necessyte . And in so doynge thou shalt quenche the fyre of ire / and thou shalt embrace in hym the coles of charyte / and he shal be in thy loue / more ouer god shall gyue the retrybucyon . Vnde ad romanos .xii. & prouerbiorum .xxv. Si esurierit inimicus tuus ciba illum / si scicierit da eibibere / hoc enim faciens carbones ignis congregabis super caput eius et dominus reddet tibi . / And god sayth in the gospel loue your enemyes / doo ye good by operacyon vnto them the whiche haue hated you . Blysse ye with mouthe those that curse you / and pray for your persecutoures the whiche wrongeth you and dyspyseth you . And your reward shall be greate in heuen . Vnde mathei . v. et luce. .vi. Diligite inimicos vestros benefacite his qui oderunt vos benedicite maledicentibus vobis / et orate pro persecut●ribus et calunniantibus vos et erit merces vestra multa in celo . A man sholde note here that the vertue of pacyence is agayne the synne of ire / and therfore in all aduersytees / iniuryes / sekenesses / and fortunes It is the very and souerayne remedy as to bere pacyently .

A Of hate the whiche god defendeth . Ca. xxvii .

IT is wryten leui. xix . Non oderis fratrem tuum in corde . God made to tel vnto the chyldren of Israhell by his seruaunt Moyses . Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy herte . That is to vnderstonde by enuye in thynkynge yll vpon him / or in desyrynge the losse of his goodes / or herytages / or the yll and dyshonoure of his body / or the dampnacyon of his soule . It is wryten in the same chapytre leuitici . xix . Non facies calunniam proximo tuo : nec vi opprimes eum . Thou ne shalte do noo dyspyte vnto thy neyghbour / and thou ne shalte chase hym by force . Syth that god the commaundeth that thou loue thy neyghboure as thyselfe it foloweth wele that he the defendeth that thou hate him not / and that thou do vnto hym none yll / no more than thou woldest a man dyde vnto the / loue thy neyghbour / than thou hatest him not . It is wryten zach. viii . Vnusquisque malum contra amicum suum ne cogitetis in cordibus vestris : et iuramentum men dax ne diligatis omnia sunt que odi / dicit dominus . Euery of you or none of you ye thynke none yl agayne your frende in your hertes / and loue ye not the othe of a lyar / god hateth these thynges . Euery man the whiche dysobeyeth vnto god synneth mortally . And euery man that whiche hateth his neyghbour dysobeyeth vnto god / than he sinneth mortally by the consequent he putteth hymself from paradyse and byndeth hym vnto dampnacyon .

B The synne of hate is to drede and to fle for many thynges wherof we shall tell fyue . The fyrste is that for to hate his neyghbour in desyrynge his yll a man dysobeyeth vnto god the whiche is so greate synne / venim / and syknes vnto the soule that it chaseth from the hater charite and these other vertues & letteth all his godes spyrytuall that it ne maye vnto hym proffyte as by symylytude sayenge that sekenes corporell chaseth the helthe of the body . And letteth to drynke and to ete / And other good that it ne maye vnto hym profyte . And also as sykenes is contrary vnto helthe and that thou ne mayst be hole / and seke togyders . In lyke manere hate is contrarye vnto dyleccyon . And enuye vnto charyte the whiche ne maye be togyders . For the logycyans sayeth that two thynges the whiche ben contraryes & opposytes the one vnto the other ne maye be ne abyde togyders but that the one chaseth the other . Vnde duo opposita nunquam possunt simul esse in eodem subiecto . Yt thou hate than thy neyghbour thou louest hym not . Yf thou hast enuye or wrathe agaynst thy neyghboure or euen crysten thou arte oute of charyte . And yf thou be out of the loue and of the charyte of thy neyghboure Thou arte oute of the loue and of the grace of god / thou ne louest neyther god nor thy neyghboure . Vnde .i. iohannis .iiii. Si quis dixerit quoniam diligo deum et tratrem suum oderit mendax est . That is to vnderstonde yf ony wyll saye that he loueth god & hateth his euen crysten he is a false lyar . Iterum in eodem capitulo . Qui non diligit fratrem suum quem videt : deum quem non videt quomodo potest diligere He the whiche loueth not his broder euen cristen that he seeth / how may he loue god the whiche he seeth not / bene may do it . for to gyue you in knowlege & to vnderstonde clerely / yf thou hate thy neyghboure & euen crysten / thou louest not our lorde ihesu cryst / and thou arte clene oute of grace and charyte / and thy vertues and thy godes spyrytualles ben departed frome the. Quia virtutes cum viciis remanere vel parmanere non possunt . Then noo good spyrytuell resteth in the. And by the consequent thou ne mayst be in suche wyse saued / but dampned with all the deuylles of helle . Also saynt Ambrose sayeth . Qui caritatem non habet amyttit omne bonum quod habet . He the whiche hathe no charyte leseth all his spyrytuell goodes . And he the whiche hateth his neyghboure hathe no charyte . For charyte is to loue god and his neyghbour / and it behoueth that there be the one loue and the other / or charyte is loste . For vnto the dystruccyon of all one diffynycyon or proposycyon it suffyseth that the one partye be false / thus sayeth the logyciens . Ad destructionem totius diffinitiōis vel prepositionis sufficit vna pars esse falsa . And mayster Nycole de lyre sayeth that by an yll cyrcumstaunce all the dede is yll . Malum consistit in singulis defectibus : ita quam vna circunstantia mala : facit totum actum mala . And the holy and blessyd saynt poule sayeth . Illud .i. ad corinth . xiii . Si linguis hominum loquar et angelorum : caritatem autem non habuero factus sum velut es sonans aut cymbalum tinniens . This auctoryte is expounded in the ende of the chapytre of charyte Quere .iiii. c. Example how a woman auoutres was dampned for the kepynge of hate withoute beynge in wyll to pardon . lxxviii . d. Another example how that a woman aduoutres was dampned the whiche trusted in the almesdedes that she had gyuen . Quere . lxxxxii . d. It is wryten ezechie .xxxiiii. that the iustice of the iuste and his almesdedes and good operacyons ne shall delyuer hym in ony houre that he hathe synned . Also it is wryten in the said chapytre as here after ensueth . Iustus non poterit viuere in iustitia sua in quacumque die peccauerit . The iuste ne maye lyue in his Iustice in ony daye that he synneth mortally / as to hate his neyghboure and euen crysten be it man or woman . Al maner of goodes spyrytual and temporal groweth there as is peas / concorde / and perfyte loue / and they lesse and dymynysshe where as is dyscorde / malyce / wrathe / Ire and enuye . Vnde ambrosius . Parue res concordia crescunt : magne vero res discordia dilabuntur . Also euery royalme the whiche is deuyded shall be desolate . Vnde mathei . xii . Omne regnum in se ipsum diuisum desolabitur et domus supra domum cadet .

C The seconde cause wherfore hate is to drede / is for that / that it is soo greate a glayue and swerde and offence that it sleeth spyrytuelly of dethe of gylte the soules of haynours or hatefull people the whiche hateth theyr neyghbours and euen cristen by enuye or malyce desyrynge theyr vnfortune and losse bothe in theyr bodyes and goodes vniustelye .i. vnde iohannis tertio Oninis qui odit fratrem suum homicida est : et scitis quoniam omnis homicida non habet vitam eternam in se manentem . ✿ That is as moche for to saye . Euery man the whiche hateth his neyghboure in hys herte is a man kyller and knowe ye that euery homycyde hathe not eternall lyfe abydynge in hym . For by his hate he departeth froo god / his loue / and his grace / the whiche is the lyfe of his soule . In lyke wyse as it is declared in the commaundement of homycyde and murdre . Also by hate and cursed malyce a man sleeth his soule spyrytuelly / in lyke wyse as a man maye se by symylitude that a stroke with a swer defieeth a man corporelly . For hate rancouce and enuye and all mortall synnes / is by symylytude as a swerde cuttynge of dothe sy●es the whiche stryketh the soule for to dampne it . And yf that remedye be not had therin in this worlde by penaunce there is no helthe after the dethe . Vnde eccle. xxi . Quasi rumphea bis acuta omnis iniquitas plage illius non est sanitas Also the synnes be to flee as frome the face of a serpent . For they slee spyrytuelly the soules of men . Vnde ecclesi . xxi . Quasi a facie colubrifuge peccata si accesseris ad illa suscipient te dentes illius dentes leonis interficientes animas hominum . Note wele that a man sholde not vnderstonde that the soules ben deed / slayne / & that they defaylleth aboue al by synne / for they ben mortelles / but a man sholde vnderstonde that they ben deed spyrytuelly / of dethe of gylte / and dyscendeth in to the dethe eternel / the whiche is dethe without deyenge as it is sayd before . For to auoyde the sayd dethe it behoueth to loue oure lorde Ihesu cryst and his neyghbours / & to flee hate . Saynt Austyn sayeth . Vita mea dilectio est et mors odium . My lyfe is dileccyon / and my dethe is hate . Et legitur . de . peni . di . i. Omnis qui non diligit : manet in morte . Euery man the whiche loueth not dwelleth in dethe . Et poeta dicit . Si quis odit fratrem suum censetur ob hoc homicida . He is iuged for homycyde . &c. Example how a boye was dampned for hate and that he wolde be venged Quere .lxxix. a. Another example how the deuyll slewe a man for the kepynge of hate and wolde not pardon hym .lxxix. c.

D The thyrde thynge wherfore the sinne of hate is for to be dredde is for that / that it blyndeth the soule of the haynoure / that is to put oute the inwarde eyes of his vnderstondyng . Vnde . i.x.ii . Qui diligit fratrem suum in lumine manet : qui autem odit fratrem suum in tenebris est et in tenebris ambulat : et nescit quo eat quoniam obcecauerunt oculos cius . That is to saye in oure maternall tonge of Englysshe to you the whiche vnderstondeth not the laten . He the whiche loueth affectuously his euen crysten broder he dwelleth in lyghte And he the whiche hateth hym is in derkenes and walketh in derkenes . And he ne knoweth where he gothe . For derkenes hathe put oute his eyes . His entendemente is made derke / his lyght is lenyne / that is charyte the whiche gyueth lyght and shyneth is put oute / charyte is adnychylate & loste . Also in lyke wyse as the eyes of the body of a persone wexeth dymme and derke for to beholde sharpely the beaumes of the sonne . In lyke wyse the eyes of the soule ben put oute and made derke for to se the welth of theyr neyghbour . Vnde gregorius Mens inuidi tam de alieno bono affligitur quam de radio solis excecatur . By the grete lyght is vnderstonde here the haboundaunce of the good operacyons of thy neyghboure / by the whiche good operacyons the enuyous haynoure is blynded of duyl that he hathe to se them . Also thou hateful thy soule is in derkenes . In lykewyse as a man may se by symylytude that the body of a blynde man is in derkenesse whan his eyes ben put oute . Thou seyth not the ylle that is in the ne that that thou hast for thy synne . And therfore thou mayst saye . Iliud psal. Comprehenderunt me iniqiatates me et non potui vt viderem . Vnder stonde wele whan a blynde man hath lost his conductoure & leder he ne seeth whan he falleth in a dytche or in ony daunger / no more dothe the hatefull whan he hathe lost his conductoure and leder the whiche is god / his lanterne is put out / that is charyte as it is said . And therfore he seeth not ne vnderstondeth the inconuenyents wherin he falleth and tombleth . Vnde prouer. iiii . Via imptorum tenebrosa nesciunt vbi corruunt . Et psal. Via impiorum tenebre et lubricum . Et eccle. xxi . Via peccantium complantata lapidibus / et infinem illorum inferi et tenebre pene Also these hateful and enuyous ne maye see the goodnes of theyr neyghboure . For theyr malyce & syn blyndeth theyr eyes . Vnde legitur in libro sapientie . Eccecauit illos malitia illorum Also these hatefull the whiche deyeth impenipente / they shall be sente into the lande of myserye & of derkenes . iob . x. Verram miserie et tenebrarum &c. As it was of hym the whiche entred at the weddynges withoute beynge clothed of the vestement nupcyall or weddynge garmente / that is of charyte . Vnde mathei . xxii . Amice quomodo huc intrasti non habens vestem nuptialem : ligatis manibus et pedibus eius proiicite eum in tenebras exteriores . / Bynde ye hym handes and fete / not with cordes but with the dyuyne iustyce / & cast hym in to derkenesse / that is in to hell . &c. Example . It is wryten in the .xi. chapytre of exode / that the kynge pharaon and his people hadde the .xi. plage of derkenes thycke by punycyon / & the chyldren of Israhell had lyght . &c.

E The fourth thynge wherfore hate is to drede / it is for that / that it putteth frome paradyse . Quia deus non saluat impios vt dicitur iob . xxxvi . of this mater . Quere xliiii . b. c. d. e. f. g.

F The fyfte is for that that it byndeth vnto punycyon and dampnacyon : Quia iniusti punientur : et semen impiorum peribit . vt dicit psal. Examples of people hatefull . Quere . lxxix . a. b. c.

G How hatefull people sholde pardon / and pacyfye togyders the iniuryes and offences done and spoken yf they wyll that god them pardon theyr synnes . Capitulo . xxvii .

IT is wryten mathei . v. ca. Vade reconsiliari fratri tuo . Thou hatefull man go to reconsile the with thy broder . The moost souerayne remedye that the hatefull sholde doo for to be in the loue and in the grace of god / and for to haue paradyse whan he shall departe out of this worlde is that he sholde put awaye his hate & to go to pacyfye hym with his neyghbour And to pardon and forgyue him benygnely his trespasse . For it is the ryghte waye for to make his peas with god / and for to haue saluacyon . Saynt Gregorye sayeth that by the loue that we haue in god the loue of our neighbour is engendred . And by the loue that we haue vnto our neighbour the loue of our neyghboure is noury●shed Vnde gregorius in moralibus . Per amorem dei amor proximi gignitur / et per amorem proximi dei amor nutritur . It is the moost greate thynge and moost pleasaunt vnto god to loue his neyghboure as hymselfe / as all the sacrefyces and oblacyons that we maye doo vnto hym . Vnde marci . xii . Diligere deum ex toto corde & proximum tanquam seipsum / maius est omnibus olocaustimatibus & sacrifiis . And therfore the holy euangelyst sayth that yf thou do oblacyon vnto god at the alter & that thou recorde or remembre the that thy broder or thy neyghboure hathe ony hate or thynge ayenst the leue thy gyfte before the alter go fyrste to pacyfye the with thy sayd broder / and afterwarde come offre thy gyfte . Vnde mathei . v. Si offers munus tuum ad altare et ibi recordatis fueris quoniam frater tuus habet aliquid aduersum te : relinque ibi munus ante altare / et vade prius reconsiliari fratri tuo . The glose and the expositours sayeth vppon thys paas there . Si frater tuus habet aliquid aduersum te . For that that thou hast him offended and wronged or hurte . That is that thou sholdest leue thy gyfte for to go pacyfye the with hym . And yf he hathe offended the he sholde come to the / thou ne sholdest go vnto hym / but thou art to pardon hym In lyke as thou woldest that god pardonned the thy synnes . And whan thou ne wylte pardon hym he shall goo agayne the / & god ne shall pardone the thy synnes as thou shalte here herafter . Saynt peter demaundeth of oure lorde / yf my broder synne in me seuen tymes wylte thou that I pardon hym tyll vnto the seuenth . And oure lorde hym answered . I saye not alonely tyll vnto the seuenth tyme / but I saye vnto the yf he repente hym / and that he demaunde the pardon / that thou hym pardon tyl vnto foure hondred . lxxxx . tymes . Vnde mat xviii . Non dico tibi vsque septies sed vsque septuagesies septies . Et luce . xvii . Si septies in die peccauerit inte frafer tuus et septies in die conuersus fuerit ad te dicens penitet me dimitte illi . Yf thy brother hathe synned in the by seuen tymes in a day and that he be conuerted vnto the seuen tymes in a daye sayenge I repente me / pardon hym . Our lorde Ihesu crystis soo pypeous / mercyfull / and so full of charyte / that all those the whiche hym hathe offended / yf they wyll repent them / amende / and demaunde grace and pardon in doynge penaunce that he pardonneth all benygnely and with good herte . Vnde Ezechie . xviii . Si autem impius egerit penitentiam . &c Vita viuet & non mortetur : ominum iniquitatum eius non recordabor . He gaue pardon and forgyuenes vnto Longis the whiche perced his syde with a spere / and is sauyd in the realme of paradyse with al the blessed seyntes . He gaue pardon also vnto the good thefe Dysmas the whiche hanged on his ryght syde on good fryday . And yf he be so mercyfull to gyue pardon He wylleth also that in lyke wyse we doo vnto them the whiche vs hathe offended / And yf we so do we shall be his chyldren / imitatours regynynge and parteyners in his realme / and we shall pardon our synnes yf men vs requireth . Vnde mathei . vi Si dimiseritis hominibus peccata eorum dimittet et vobis pater vester celestis peccata vestra . That is to saye / yf ye haue lefte or forgiuen vnto men theyr synnes / your fader celestyall shall forgyue you your sinnes . Et legitur ecclesias . xxviii . Belinque proximo tuo nocenti te : et tunc deprecanti tibi peccata soluentur . And yf thou wylte not pardon vnto thy neyghbour his offences that he hathe done vnto the and yf he the requyre / god shall not pardon the offences that thou vnto hym haste done . Vnde mathei . vi . Si non dimiseritis hominibus peccata eorum : nec pater vester dimittet vobis peccata vestra . Et augustinus dicit qd vnusquisque talem indulgentiam accepturus est a dno qualem ipse dederit proximo . Euery man and woman shal haue suche indulgence of god as he hathe gyuen vnto his neyghboure . Also yf god pardon the many synnes in confessyon and that thou be so vnkynde that thou wylt not pardon vnto thy neyghbour / god shall redemaunde and axe the that / that he vnto the hathe pardonned for thyn vnkyndnes / thou sholde be mercyfull vnto another as thou wolde that a man sholde be vnto the.

H Example in the euangelyst . mathei . xviii . of hym the whiche owed vnto his lorde . x. M. talentz the whiche had not therwith to paye it / he asked mercy of the lorde and he quyted hym and gaue hym al his dette And incontynent that seruaunt made to put in captyuyte a seruaunt of his the whiche ought hym but an hondred pens / and for ony prayer that he coude make / he ne wolde haue mercy ne pardon hym his det And whan the lorde herde it / the whiche had pardonned hym the grete det he was ryght wrothe and angrye of the vnkyndenes and of the hardnes of the sayd seruaunt that he ne pardonned the lytell dette / and incontynent made hym for to come before hym and sayd vnto hym . Illud mathei xviii . Serue nequam omne debitum dimisi tibi : quoniam rogasti me / nonne oportuit & tu misereri conserui sicut & ego tui misertus sum . Cursed seruaunt I hadde for gyuen the all thy dette / for thou hast prayed me / was it not conuenyent vnto the that thou haddest mercy on thy seruaunt in lykewyse as I haue had mercy of the. The sayd lorde made to take hym / and to put hym in pryson / and hym demaunded al that that he hadde hym pardonned . And in lyke wyse shall god do vnto them the which ne wyllen pardon vnto theyr neyghbours as sayeth the sayd euangelyst . Vpon this mater there are many oppynyons . For so me sayeth that as before is wryten / that god shall redemaunde the synnes that he had pardonned for the vnkyndenes . The other sayeth that it behoueth not to vnderstonde that in the sayd worde there is totale symylytude . For that that god hathe one tyme pardonned / bene shal redemaunde it ne yet punysshe it more . Quia non punit deus bis inidipsum : et quia deus est pronior ad miserandum quam ad puniendum ita quia est imitabilis . And it sholde seme that he were muable yf he demaunded that / that he before hadde pardonned and forgyuen vnto the wretchyd synner in thys worlde / as dyd the beforsayd lorde of whome is made mencyon in the sayd euangelyst . But there is symylytude in that that where the forsayd lorde reproued his seruaunt of vnkyndenes done vnto the other man and punysshed and put hym in pryson . In lykewyse shal god vnto those that ben vnkynde the whiche ne wyll pardon theyr euen crysten as the sayd seruaunte dyde / and vnto them shall saye . Serue ne quam . &c. And them shal sende in to the pryson of helle / there for to remayne for euermore in payne and dystresse / not for theyr synnes that before he had pardonned / but for theyr vnkyndnes to theyr euen cristen Also some saye that the sayd vnkyndnes is so grete synne and greuous that it may not be lyke in grauyte vnto the synnes pardonned or forgyuen before . And therfore the haynoures and hatefull people sholde pardon or they shall be punysshed eternally without ony remyssyon . Also he the whiche ne wyll pardon / prayeth vnto god that he ne pardonne hym his synnes whan he sayeth his pater noster in saynge dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris . That is to saye Pardon vs our synnes in like wyse as we them pardon vnto them the whiche hath vs offended . Men fynde that the emperoure Theodosyen helde vnto greate bounte whan a man hym requyred and prayed faythfully that he wolde pardon him and forgyue hym . And the more that he was wrothe and angrye / the more sooner he pardonned . In lyke wyse sholde we do by charyte . &c. And in as moche as the sayd gospell of saynt mathieu sayeth illud mathei v. Relinque ibi munus tuum ante altare . Leue thy gyfte before the alter / that is to vnderstonde that god refuse not thy gyfte And so ne wylleth that thou it brynge agayn for thou sholdest gyue it / but he wylleth that thou defferre and that thou it offre in charyte without the whiche it is not meritorious tyll that thou haste taken awaye thy hate . Quia sanctus thomas dicit . Nullus homo potest mereri nisi mediante gratia . No man ne maye do thynge merytoryous but onely by the meane of grace . And in as moche as he sayeth vade / not alonely with fete / but with that in humble courage for to bowe the doune and to humble the to demaunde pardon and forgyuenes And to pacyfye the with thy sayd broder / And afterwarde come for to offre thy sayd gyfte / and it shall be vnto god agreable and vnto the good and merytoryous / vtyle and prouffytable . The maner to reconsyle hym with oure lorde Ihesu cryst and with his neyghboure after that as sayeth mayster Iohan crysostome vpon the said euangelyst . Si offers munus tuum . &c. Si cogitatu offendisti cogitatu reconsiliare / si verbis / verbis / sifactis / factis . &c Yf thou hast hated thy neyghbour alonely in thyn herte withoute spekynge ne doynge yll / take awaye thy hate / pardon him with thyn herte without vengeaunce and reconsyle the with god and with thyselfe / without spekynge vnto hym / and yf thou haue offended by wordes / also reconsyle the by wordes . And yf thou haue offended by dede reconsyle the by dede / for so sholdest thou do .

I Epample . It is wryten in some places and reherced in the booke of the dyscyple how a knyghte slewe the fader of another knight / the whiche wolde venge him of the dethe of his fader / but he ne myght fynde the sayd homycyde vnarmed & vnpuruayed for to kyll hym . And one tyme on the good frydaye that god was crucyfyed the sayd knight yode barfote vnarmed for to requyre pardon of the other knyght the whiche knyghte also soone as he sawe hym he drewe out his swerde for to haue taken vengeaunce on hym / and came towarde hym . Than the other knyghte fell prostrate at his fete & sayd vnto him . I beseche you and requyre you for the loue of hym the whiche on this day hathe ben crucyfyed for vs on the mount of caluary that ye pardon me that that I haue offended agayn you to haue slayne your fader . And that knyghte toke hym vp and pardonned hym al for the loue of our sauyoure Ihesus . And in token of pardon and reconsylyacyon he hym embraced & kyssed . And whan it came to the offrynge that the sayd knyghte yode to kysse the crosse as he was accustomed than Ihesus on the crosse embraced the sayd knyght with his armes and kyst hym before all the people / and a voyce was herde of all that was there . Thou the whiche hast pardonned on this daye hym the whiche hathe slayne thy fader for the loue of me . And I pardon the this daye al thy synnes . And in that knyghte was accomplysshed that the whiche is wryten . Luce. vi . dimitte et dimittimini . Forgyue & men shall forgyue you / pardon & men shall pardon you . And those that ben obstynate the whiche wyll not pardon as it is sayd shall haue no pardon what soo euer confessyon that they make . Vnde ysodorus de summo bono . Erustra deum sibi ꝓpitiari querit qui cito in proximo placari negligit . He the whiche dysprayseth to pacyfye with his neyghboure / for nothynge secheth he to endebonayre god in hym . Example of a man that the deuyll slewe for kepyng of hate and ne wolde pardon . lxxix . c. Another example of a woman dampned for the kepynge of her ire without beynge in wyll to pardon . lxxviii . d. Another example how the deuyl wende to lette saynt Thybault to concorde the barons of the companye the which were in diuysyōn . Another example . cxii . l

K How enuye and all her braunches & dependences ben defended by this commaundement . Ca. xxviii

SAynt Austyn sayth quam inuidia est dolor aliene felicitatis . Ennye the whiche god defendeth is to haue doloure / heuynes & bytternes to se that his neighboure aboundeth in temporell goodes / or spyrytuell . Also he reioyseth hym to se the yll / the dommage / the ruyne / dampnacyon / and perdycyon of his neyghboure is enuy that god defendeth . Vnde prouerbi . xxiiii . Cum ceciderit inimicus tuus ne gaudeas / et in ruina eius ne exaltet cor tuum . Thou shalte not enioye the whan thyne enemye shall be fallen . And thyn herte shall not exalte in his ruyne . Et legitur prouer. xviii . Qui in ruina letatur alterius : non erit impunitus . He the whiche enioyeth hym in the ruyne of another shall not abyde vnponysshed . Enuye is a cursed tree / his rote is he uynes / his stroke is malyce / his braunches ben rancoure & hate / his floures ben palenes / and lenenes / the fruyte is worthe nothynge / it is but bytternes . wherfore the tre is not good but to brenne in the fyre of hel Vnde ma. vii . Omnis arbor q non facit fructum bonum excidetur / et in ignem mittetur . Euery tree / that is euery persone the whiche ne dothe good fruyte / that is good operacyons shal be cutte / that is taken from this worlde and sente in to the fyre of helle Also by enuye for to noye his neyghboure the enuyous sayeth of hym many yll wordes by detraccyon / susurracyon / and mockerye for to put hym from his good renome / and to menysshe his good . This mater is declared in the .viii. commaundement Also by enuy many proces / noyses / hates iniuryes / warres / bataylles / and occysyons ben done / the whiche to haue dampnacyon and perdycyon . Also by enuye of the deuyl dethe dampnacyon and perdycyon ben comen in to this worlde . And those the whiche ben enuyous foloweth the sayd deuyll and shall go with hym in to hell in perdycyon yf they deye impenytentes . Vnde sapientie . ii . Inuidia diaboli mors intrauit in orbem terrarum / mittatur autem illum qui sunt ex patre illius . Also by enuy Cayn slewe his broder Abell / as it is wryten in the examplary . Quere . lxxvi . Also by enuy Ioseph was solde of his owne bredren the whiche sayd vnto theyr fader that they hadde founde his gowne all blody & that he was deed . And theyr sayd fader sayd illud genesis . xxxvii . Hera pessima deuorauit filium meum ioseph . A cursed beest hathe deuoured my sone ioseph / that is enuye . &c. Charyte the whiche is agayne the synne of enuye is here commaunded / the whiche is the moder and the cause of all vertues in lyke wyse as it is declared before . Quere iiii . a.

A. Of the vertue of pacyence the whiche is agayne the synne of yre . Ca. xxviii .

IT is wryten prouerbiorum . xii . Non contristabit iustum quidquid acciderit ei . The sage sayth that the iuste wratheth hym not by passyon of ire ne of troblement for payne ne aduersyte that to hym cometh / For he bereth all pacyently for the loue of god . Pacience in aduersyte is a vertue / by the whiche the bounte of the man is proued in lyke wyse as men shall here hereafter / And it is to be noted that pacyence in trybulacyon maketh the man pacyent to ha●●●any goodes spyrytuelles . Fyrst pa●●●nce in trybulacyon enlumyneth the en●endement of the man and it maketh for to knowe hymselfe . Vnde ysaie . xxviii . Tantummodo sola vexatio dabit intellectum auditui . Secondly pacyence in tribulacyon maketh the man sage and gouerneth by grete prudence / and he the whiche is impacyent lyfteth vp hymselfe and sheweth his folye . Vnde prouerbiorum . xiiii Qui paciens est multa gubernatur prudentia / qui autem impaciens est exaltat iustitiam suam . Et legitur prouerbiorum xix . Doctrina viri per pacientiam eius noscitur . The doctryne of the man is knowen by his wysdome . Example howe the sone of Abraham Ysaac susteyned pacyentely whan his sayd fader wolde a made sacryfyce of hym . Quere in the exemplayre li. a. Thyrdly pacyence in aduersyte kepeth the vertues and the spyrytuell goodes of the soule as the coffre and the purse kepeth the moneye and the treasoure of the man . Vnde . lii . xxi . In pacientia vestra possidebitis animas vestras . Example how Dauid was moche pacyent agayne the warres & tormentes that Saul dyde vnto hym and wolde not slee hym / where he myght wele haue done it many tymes yf he hadde wolde as it is wryten .i. regum xxiiii . Also whan he cutte one parte of his mauntell and whan he founde hym a slepe . Vt habetur .i. regum . xxvi . And yf the theuys breketh the coffre lyghtly they take the treasoure . Also yf a man be broken in trybulacyon by impacyence lyghtly the deuyll taketh and deceyueth the soule . Legitur ecclesiastici . xxi . Cor fatui quasi / vas confractum et omnem sapientiam non tenebit . Fourthly pacyence in trybulacyon and swete wordes in answer appeseth the ire of his enemyes . Vnde prouerbiorum xv . Vir iracundus prouocat rixas qui autem paciens est mitigat suscitatas . In eodem capitulo . Responsio mollis frangit iram : sermo durus suscitat furorem . Et ecclesiastici . vi . Verbum dulce multiplicat a micos : et inimicos mittigat . Swete wordes multiplieth frendes / and maketh soft the enemyes . Example in Ihesu cryste the whiche neuer profered yll worde agaynste them the whiche wronged hym / persecuted and put vnto dethe / but bare all pacyently . Fyftely pacyence in trybulacyon maketh god to enhabyte with the pacient Vnde psal. Iuxta est dominus his qui tribulato sunt corde . Iterum psalmi . Cum ipso sum in tribulatione . Example in the lyfe of faders how as these deuylles in the gyse of beestes bette and tormented saint Anthony / god theym chased and hym ayded in his trybulacyon . Than saynt Anthony sayd vnto god / wher were thou my lorde Ihesus / wherfore ne haddest thou comen at the begynnynge . And god said vnto hym . Anthony I was here / but I abode thy stryfe to se how thou woldest resyst And for as moche as thou haste wel resysted in pacyence . I shal make to be renommed of the thorowe oute all the worlde . ✿ Syxtely pacyence in trybulacyon maketh man vyctoryous and knyghte before the kynge celestyall dygne of more greate rewarde and prayse than he the whiche hathe vaynquysshed his enemyes / breketh the batayll and wynneth the iourneye . Vnde prouerbiorum . xvi . Melior est paciens viro forti & qui dominatur animo suo expugnatore vrbum . Example how iob was pacyent whan he loste his goodes and his chyldren and he wrathed hym not but blessyd god . Vnde iob . i. Dominus dedit dominus abstulit : sicut domino placuit ita factum est sit nomen domini benedictum Another example how the thre chyldren were pacyente in the furneys and therin blyssed god / as it is wryten danielis . iii. And they ben dygne of prayse and of rewarde eternell . It is wryten in the thyrde chapytre of the appocalypse . He the which hathe vaynquished shal be clothed in whyte clothes / and I shall not put out his name of the booke of lyfe . And I shall confesse his name before my fader and before his aungelles . Also it is wryten . He the whiche hathe vaynquysshed in this wretchyd valeye of myserye I shall gyue vnto him in my kyngdome of heuen that he shall be with me in my throne . And it is wryten in the seconde chapytre of the appocalypse . Be faythfull and true tyll vnto the dethe and I shall gyue the the crowne of lyfe / He the whiche hathe vaynquysshed shall not be hurte of the seconde dethe . And it is wryten in the fyrst chapytre of the epystles of saint Iamys . Blissed be that man the whiche suffreth temptacyon / for whan he hathe be approued he shall take the crowne of lyfe that god hathe promysed vnto those the whiche loueth hym . And yf it be so that the persone be vaynquysshed by tribulacyon he leseth the rewarde and the glorye of the good knyght pacyent . Vnde prouerbiorum . xix . Qui impatiens est sustinebit damnum . He the whiche is impacyent shal susteyne dommage and hurte . ✿ Seuenthly the man pacyente the whiche is amonge his enemyes wronged and tormented deserueth to haue a crowne of glorye as the martyrs . And the man or woman the whiche is impacyent in trybulacyon leseth the crowne the whiche was reteyned for hym or her yf they hadde well foughten agaynst the temptacyon of the deuyll . Vnde . ii . ad thimoteum . ii . Qui certat in agone non coronabitur : nisi qui legi time certauerit . Eyghtely the man the whiche bereth and taketh pacyently the sekenesses and trybulacyons here byneth in this wretched valeye of mysery for his owne synnes and trangressyons after confessyon it shall serue hym of penaunce and of medecynes for to purge him and make hym clene of his iniquytes and trespasses The wyse man sayeth in the ecclesiastice . Altissimus de terra creauit medicinam : et vir prudens non abhorrebit illi . Also the vertues ben better and parfayte in sekenes whan the man it bereth paciently . vnde .ii. ad corin . xii . Virtus in infirmitate perficitur . And those the whiche endureth the dethe wylfully for theyr owne synnes / and defautes after confession . Whan they ben seke in theyr beddes or whan they ben hanged and made to deye as the good the fethe whiche was put to dethe whan that our lorde suffred his passyon . It is ryghte grete penaunce moche merytoryous whan it is borne pacyently . And therfore god sayd of good ryght vnto the sayd thefe . thou shalte this daye be with me in paradyse . / Hodie mecum eris in paradiso . Vnde apo. xiiii . Beati mortui qui in domino moriuntur . Blessyd be those that ben deed the whiche deyeth in our lorde / theyr dethe is moche precyous before god . Vnde psal. Preciosa est inconspectu domini mors sanctorum eius . And vnto the contrari the dethe of synners impacyent is ryght yll . Eccles. xli . O mors quam amara est memoria tua homini iniusto . Nynethly pacyence in trybulacyon maketh to god in to paradyse . / Vnde actuum . xiiii . Per multas tribulationes oportet nos intrare in regnum dei Also of those the whiche haue had of tribulacyons in this worlde it is wryten in the apocalypse that saynt Iohan sawe one tyme soo grete a hepe of people that a man ne myght nombre them the whiche praysed god . And he demaunded of one of the auncyentes what these people were that were there . Vnde apo. vii . Niqui amitti sunt stolis et albis qui sunt : et vnde venerunt . R. Hi sunt qui venerunt de tribulatione magna et lauauerunt stolas suas & dealbauerunt eas in sanguine agni ideo sunt ante thronum dei : et seruiunt ei in templo eius : et qui sedet in throno eius habitat super illos . Withoute pacyence none ne cometh vnto perfeccyon / none ne hathe vyctorye / for who so leseth pacience he is vaynquished / & yf he haue pacyence he is gloryous . The cuppe of golde suffreth many strokes and of fyre before that he come vnto the kynges table . And the chalyce before that it be lyfte vp and set on the auiter for to synge masse . Many greate strokes suffreth the tonne before that the wyne be put therin . Moche is the robe of scarlet de foylled before that it be worne . And vnto this may a man fynde as many of examples as there are of craftes within London . In lyke maner before that thou goo before god thou oughtest to be well puryfyed and made clene from synne . And to be precyous as the golde / harde as the yron it behoueth to haue pacyence in trybulacyon / that is the yate wherby the iuste persones entreth in to paradyse . Hec porta domini iusti intrabunt in eam . vt dicit psalmista .

B Also pacyence in trybulacyon makethe a man to haue syxe vtylytees after . vi propretees that the fyre hathe . Primo the fyre shyneth and gyueth lyght / too dothe trybulacyon as sayeth Ysaye . xxviii . Tantummodo sola vexatio dabit intellectum auditui . Secundo . The fyre brenneth the wodde and the thynges combustibles soo dothe tribulacyons the delectacyons of the body and of the worlde . Tertio . The fyre maketh softe the lede / the yron and the thynges harde . In lyke wyse trybulacyon and losse of goodes maketh sort hertes / and maketh them to cease and to holde rygoure . Quarto . The fyre purgeth and maketh clene the ruste of the yron and of metall . In lyke wyse trybulacyon purgeth the man from the ordure & fylth of synne / and hym maketh to confesse and to requyre god . Mala q nos hic premiunt ad deum nos ire compellunt . Quinto . the fyre prouueth the golde in the furneyse for to vnderstonde yf it be good / pure / & clene In lyke wyse god sendeth of trybulacyons vnto man to the ende that he be prouued manyfestly yf he be good or yll for to haue trybulacyon in good or yll / how be it that god hym knoweth wele . Vnde psal. Probasti nos deus igne nos examinasti sicut examinatur argentum . Iterum psal. Domine probasti cor meum & vesitasti nocte igne me examinasti . Et legitur eccle. xxvii Vasa figuli ꝓbat fornax & homines multos temptatio tribulationis . Also for to knowe that that is within a persone him behoueth to speke some iniurye that prycketh hym / and his courage shall appyere without forth . Vnde hugo de sancto victore . Qualis vnusquisque aput se lateat : illa ta iniuria probat . Sexto . The hete of the fyre goeth vpwarde . In lyke wyse tribulacyons maketh the persones to take hede vnto god to th ende that they possede paradyse / vnto the whiche we maye go cum illo qui est benedictus in secula . Amen .

A Here foloweth the syxte commaundement of god / the whiche treate of thefte and auarice . Capitulo . xxix . Nothynge of other mennes thou shalte take By thefte / extorcyon / ne gyle A full strayte accompte must thou make Lyue thou longe or lytell whyle

IN the olde testament is wryten this commaundement deuteroum . v. ca. & leui. xix . Non facies furtum . Thou shalte do no theft in manere what soo it be / or yll shall come vnto the yf thou deye without correccyon and amendement / in lyke wyse as thou shalt fynde by many examples Quere . lxxx . a.b. This worde here theft to take it generally comprehendeth vnder it all auaryce / the whiche is defended by this commaundement and all sacryleges / all pylleryes / symonyes / vsuryes / treasons / trecheryes / fraudes / begylynges / decepcyons / and all other cautelles / braunches & dependauntes that a man may recompte by the whiche the esperyte dyabolyke may brynge in mynde vnto the auarycyous of what estate that he be to take & to drawe vnto hym the goodes of another vniustly And here is commaunded the vertue of iustyce as well dystrybutyue as coniunctyue the whiche vs adresseth to yelde vnto euery man that that vnto hym apperteyneth Vnde math. xxii . c . Reddite que sunt cesaris cesari : & que sunt dei deo . And for as moche as couetyse is the rote of all yll . In lyke wyse as sayeth saynt pouie . i. ad this motheum . vi . Radix omnium malorum est cupiditas . And how that rote extendeth her sauour and humour in all the personnes of the worlde . For frome the leste tyll vnto the moost grete all estudyeth & taketh hede vnto auaryce & dothe trycherye / frande and decepcyon the one vnto the other . In lyke wyse as sayeth the prophete Hieremy . vi . A minore quippevsque maiorem omnes auaritie student & a propheta vsque ad sacerdotem cuncti faciunt doiū . Wherfore it foloweth that this commaundement is oftymes broken & that thefte & auaryce bryngeth many to dampnacyon / as it is delared here after by chapytres . B. And fyrst .

Of theft that god defendeth . xxix .

NOn furtum facies . Thou shalte do not theft / the whiche is commytted whan a man taketh the goodes of another vniustly / fraudelently / and secretely agaynst the wyll of the mayster vnto whome they belonge / and without ryght and reason . Many sortes of theues reygneth in the worlde in lykewyse as the experyence techeth it vs . There ben some the whiche ben couered the whiche steleth secretely the goodes of another vniustly / the whiche breketh this commaundement / and ben hanged whan they ben knowen . The good man Thobie feered this synne . For on a tyme his wyfe brought a kydde in to his hous / Whan the good blynde man herde it crye he sayd . Beware that it be not comen of theft for it behoueth vs not to ete / ne to touche ony thynge that is comen of theft / yelde it agayne vnto the owner . Vn̄ thobie . ii . Non licet nobis aut edere de furto aliqui dant contigere . &c. Some there ben the whiche ben pryue and of those there been two sortes For the one dooth the grete theftes / as the balyfs / sheryfs / and receyuers / the whiche steleth the amendes and fynes and many other thynges frome theyr lordes . The other dooth the lytell theftes as the chyldren and seruauntes of an hous the whiche steleth the breed / the meet / the wyne / bere / or ale / and the capons / and hennes . &c. The theues companyons ben they the whiche ben parteyners vnto the thefte in partynge it / or the whiche haue of gyftes / or the whiche theym byeth / or the whiche counceyleth that it be doone / or the whiche theym commaundeth to do it / or those the whiche defendeth the theues / or those the whiche then lodgeth and receleth / or the whiche ben present whan they ben doone / it seeth / vnderstandeth / and knoweth / and accuseth them not ne repreueth / nor them correcketh vnto theyr power . Qui tacet consentire videtur . et in decre . Agentes / pacientes / consentientes / pari pena pumentur . xvii . q. iiii . Omnes . As moche is he worthe that holdeth as he that fleyeth . Also those the whiche haue not accomplisshed the testamentes & the bequestes of those that ben deed withholdynge the goodes ben theues / and shal haue punycyon yf they deye impenytentes without correccyon and restytucyon . Example how the deuylles bare awaye the soule of a man the whiche hadde withholden the horse of a deed knyght / the whiche had gyuen it vnto the poore people . Quere in the examplary . lxxx . C.

C. A questyon . For to vnderstande yf a man commyt theft in takynge of a lytelll thynge as of a grete thynge . The answere is / ye . For thefte is taken where a man taketh vniustly the thynge of ony persone be it grete or lytell . And in thefte god taketh hede vnto the herte of the thefe and not vnto the thynge that he taketh . Vnde primi regum . xvi . capitulo . Homo videt eaque parent dominus autem intuetur cor . Et indecre . Hurtum est iniusta ablatio rei quamtum cunque parua sit . xiiij . q. vi . ca. vltimo Quia in furtu non quod ablatum : sed meus furentis attenditur . xiiij . q. vi . capitu . vltimo . And this is to be vnderstande whan the thought is suche that he wolde take also with good wyll a grete thinge yf he myght / or as of that lytell thynge taken the lorde entendeth to be greued . And saynt Thomas secunda secunde questione . lxvi . Yf ony take a lytell thynge theuysshely / and that he vnto whome apperteyneth the sayd thynge ne repute that a man do vnto him noysaunce / and also that he the whiche taketh presumeth that that thynge the whiche he taketh is not agaynst the wyll of the lorde or owner vnto whome it apperteyneth and belongeth / & whan that it is in suche manere commytted he is excused of thefte . Otherwyse it is mortall synne / for it is agayne the dyleccyon of his neyghboure vnto whome a man dothe nuysaunce . Also saynt Thomas sayeth that in suche lytell thynges yf ony haue courage to stele or to do nuysaunce vnto his neyghbour that he synneth mortally . And therfore lytell thefte is to drede as grete / for yf ony do vnto his wyttynge dommage with his beestes in the medowes or labours of his neyghbours / or yf he take the fruytes of trees / as appylles / peris benes / pesen / or hunters the whiche dothe dommage in the cornes with theyr houndes &c. suche people ne sholde be assoylled yf that they ne wyll make restytucyon of the dommages that they haue done . Vnde dicitur in decre . Inferens damnum proximo non est absoluaundus : nisi prius damno secundum arbitrium lesi restituo . xiiii . q. vi . competimus . It is that that before is wryten Nothynge of other mennes thou shalt take by thefte ne by deceyte / yf thou haste thou muste yelde it or thou shalte neuer se god in the face . The synne of thefte noyeth vnto the soule of the thefe in many maneres Fyrste thefte putteth the soule vnto pouerte of goodes spyrytuelles / for it chaseth & maketh to put in forgetefulnes his vertues & good operacyons lately goten . Quere ad numerum . lxiiii . b. Secundo . Theft letteth to gete of vertues and goodes spyrytuelles in as many of maners as a man wyll gete . Quere post . xliiii . c. Example how that a seruaunt ne myght receyue his creatour of the hande of saynt Thomas / tyll that he had confessed that he had stolen of fygges from his mayster . Quere in the examplayr foure score & one . b. Tertio The thefte dyffameth the theues in thys worlde whan they ben knowen and hanged . Quere post ad numerum . xliiii . d. ✿ Example of a thefe the whiche was arrested dyuynely with his thefte vpon the graue of a deed body . Quere in the exemplayre . lxxx . b. Quarto . The thefte blynde the the soule of the thefe in suche manere that he seeth not the good that he leseth / and the lyne and bonde in the whiche he putteth hym . Quere ibi post ad numerum . xliiii . e. etiam . Quere . xxvii . d. Quinto . The syn of thefte is a place by the whiche the thefe is taken by iustyce and hanged on the galowes . Or it is a place by the whiche the grete hangman the deuyll hangeth the thefe on the gybet of helle / & kepeth hym frome rysynge and mountynge in to paradyse / in lyke wyse as it is declared here after . : / Quere ad numerum . xliiii . f. Example how a monke sawe by permyssyon dyuyne of ryche men hanged in the fyre of hell Quere in the examplayre . lxxxiiii . d. Another example how that a thefe vsurer was tormented in helle / oute of whome proceded a drye tree on the whiche was hanged those of his lygnage the whiche hadde not wylled to resyste whan they lyued in this worlde . Quere . lxxxvi . a. Another example how foure men of a lygnage were damned and hanged one after another for that / that they dyde possede falsely an herytage Quere . lxxxi . g. For that that a lytell byrde taketh a lytell grayne of corne fast by the grynne / he is happed by the necke and put vnto dethe and perdycyon . Also for a lytel of another mannes goodes that a thefe taketh he is gretely in dommage / for the fraccyon / and brekynge of the commaundement of our lorde Ihesu cryste is the corde the offence the halter / wherby he is taken by the hangman the deuyll for to hange & strangle hym as it is sayd before . And for a lytell thynge the whiche endommageth another he endommageth hymselfe gretely . For he leseth his goodes / his body & his soule &c. Sexto . Thefte sleeth the soule of the thefe spyrytually of dethe of gylt In lyke wyse as it is declared in the begynnynge of the synne of homycyde . Quere . xxiiii . b. and in the chapytre of hatred . Quere . xxvii . Septimo . By thefte the theuys be cursed and excommuned euery sonday in the chirche vnyuersall / the whiche is a thynge moche to drede in lyke wyse as it is declared herafter . Quere . xlviii . b.

Octauo . The theuys sholde drede the iugement partyculer and generall the whiche shall be done of them in the courte souerayne before our lorde Ihesu cryst . In the whiche iugement there shall be many accusatours . Example of a chylde the whiche was accused of the deuyl before god for that that he hadde stolen an halfpeny from his cosyne germayne and had punycyon . Quere in the exemplayre . lxxx . d. ✿

Also these theuys sholde / and also ben bounde to restytucyon yf they wyll be saued what confessyon soo euer they make . In lykewyse as it is wryten in droit . xiiii q. vi . c. Sires . Non dimittitur peccatum nisi restituatur ablatum . De restitutio . ✿ Quere ibi post . xxxiiii . b. c. d. e. f. Example of a chylde the whiche was tormented in the paynes of purgatorye for that that he had not restored the moneye that he had borowed . Quere . lxxxviii . b. Other examples in eodem loco . Nono . These theues sholde drede to lese the Ioyes of paradyse . Quere . xliiii . i.xlvii . a. vnde . i. ad corin . vi . Neque fures neque auari regum dei possidebunt . Decimo . These theuys sholde drede punycyon and dampnacyon eternel Quia iniusti punientur . Quere post . xliiii k. Example of the punycyon of a thefe named achar . Quere . lxxx . a. Another example of a carle the whiche was punysshed of the deuyll for that that he had vnclosed his neyghbours hedge of a lytell of the hedgynge . Quere . lxxxi . a. Those the whiche haue offended god by thefte do penaunce and restytucyon / and take the condycyons of the pylgryme of paradyse the whiche ben wryten towarde the ende of the boke and they shall be sauyd . Example of a thefe zecheus the whiche repented him and made restytucyon and he is saued . ✿ Another example of the prynce of theuys that saynt Iohan conuerted / he was saued by penaunce . lxxiiii . e.

A Of sacrylege that god defendeth . capitulo . xxx .

AFter these maysters . Sacrilege is in suche wyse dyffyned . Sacrilegium est sacre rei violatio et eiusdem vsurpatio . Sacrylege is vyolacyon of holly thynge and vsurpacyon of the same thynge . Et dicitur sacrilegium quasi sacrum ledens vel violans vel depurpans . And it is said sacrylege also as hurtyng holy thynge / or vyllynge / or deturpynge . Sacrylege is commytted somtyme by reason of the persone / somtyme by reason of the place / and somtyme by reason of the thynge . It is commytte by reason of the persone whan that ony beteth a clerke or a persone relygyous . xvii . q. Quisquis . And it is a case reserued vnto the pope after the manere as the dede is commytte . By the reason of the place as whan the chircheyarde or the chirche be violed / deturped / broken or brente / or suche other semblables . Suche people ben excommunyed and cursed of sentence de droit ipso facto . By the reason of the thynge as whan that it is consecrate & deputed vnto holly vsage of the chyrche / and that it be vsurped / rauysshed / taken / or whan of that thynge a man abuseth or vseth vnlefully . This laste membre is dyuysed in thre partyes . For sacrylege is commytted whan a man steleth or rauyssheth the holy thynge within holy place / or whan a man taketh the thynge not holy in holy place / or the holy thynge in place not halowed . In lyke wyse as it is wryten . xliii . q. iii. Quisquis . Sacrylege is a grete synne moche comune . for many ne maketh charge for to take the goodes of the chirche / as rentes / reuenues / oblacyons / dysmes / or other goodes the whiche hathe ben offred and gyuen vnto god and vnto his chirche or vnto ony saynt . &c. Acurate hathe noo power to absoyle of sacrylege / for it is a case reserued vnto the bisshop . &c. For to speke of those the whiche handeleth the money of the chirche / a man sholde vnderstonde that yf the receyuours or tresorers of the goodes of the chirche hathe ben vnfaythful in theyr charges and commyssyons / that is to vnderstonde yf they haue comptes the whiche be not good verytables / & loyalles or yf they haue compted more hye thanne they sholde in iourneys put and dyspens . They ben theues and yet wors than sacrileges to defraude and to pylle the chirche Yet shal they compte one tyme before god in iugement where they shall haue the payment after theyr desert . Vnde . psal. Tu reddes vnicuique iuxta opera sua . God is theyr partye and Iuge with whome they haue to do . And therfore yf they haue offended in ony maner make in suche wyse theyr appoyntement by penaunce and satysfaccyon or they shall haue dampnacyon . / It is wryten marci . x. Ne fraudem feceris . A persone the whiche fraudeth the chirche fraudeth fyrste of all his owne propre soule / and he shall fynde no prouffyte / but dommage in the ende of the causes . Vnde ꝓuerbiorum . xii . Non inueniet fraudulentus lucrum . The begyler ne shall fynde of gayne vnto his soule . Also the sage sayeth that in lyke wyse as he the whiche stryketh with a spere or arowe for to slee another / hym noyeth moche / so dothe also he the whiche fraudulously noyeth vnto his frende . Vnde prouerbiorum .xxvi. Sicut noxius est qui mittit lanceas et sagittas in mortem / ita vir qui fraudulenter / nocet amico suo . Our frende that is god & his chirche and he the whiche fraudeth the chirch of god noyeth hym moche / & therfore god shall punysshe hym . Vnde psal. Vultus domini super facientes mala / vt perdat de terra memoria eorum . The vysage of god loketh vpon them the whiche done yll to the ende that he lese from the erthe theyr memorye . Also these vniust shall be punysshed and the sede of the cursed shall perysshe . Vnde psal. Iniusti punientur / et semen impiorum peribit . Also some people ben infydeles vnto the chirche the whiche byeth the brede from the moder of god / or the appelles from the chircheyarde / or other thynges the whiche haue be gyuen or the whiche apperteyneth vnto god or vnto his sayntes / & afterwarde ne wyl paye them without beynge cyted or adiourned or so longe dyffereth to yelde it that the chirche hathe necessyte . Suche people knoweth that it is greate offence and that they ben bounde to grete satysfaccion / for they goo agayne the wyll of god . mathei . xxii . Reddite que sunt cesaris cesari : et que sunt dei deo . Some men maketh no conscyence / and sayth that they ben of those the whiche hathe gyuen the sayd brede vnto the moder of god / or that the appelles of the chirchyarde vnto them apperteyneth . Vnto that I answer them that they haue nothynge therin / and that incontynent that they haue made ony gyfte or ony oblacion vnton god / vnto the vyrgyn marye / or vnto the sayntes of paradyse / they haue noo more nothynge in the gyfte that they haue made the seygneurye and domynacyon that they hadde therin is gone vnto god / or vnto his sayntes / they ne maye do more nor dyspose afterwarde vnto theyr plesure but that they haue offended . And soo it sholde not retorne vnto the vsage seculers after the rule of ryght the whiche sayeth . Quod semel dedicatum est deo amplius ad humanos vsus reduci non debet .

B. Also some tresorers ben infydeles & dysloyall vnto the chirche the whiche taketh the goodes of it and gothe & aydeth vnto theyr occupacyons seculers as they sholde do of theyr owne . And also they ne demaunde lycence ecclesyastyce . A man sholde saye vnto suche people that they open theyr vnderstondynges and knowe that they offende in many maners . Fyrst they defraude th entencyon of those the whiche haue gyuen or founded the goodes . Secundo they retarye the spyrytuell good / for parauenture the chirche hathe had therof nede . Tertio yf they them steleth frome the chirche they shall be sacryleges . Quarto they go agayne the droit wryten & agayn the wyll of god . The thynge the whiche is gyuen or dedicate vnto god / or vnto hys sayntes ne sholde retorne vnto the secularytees vsayges / so a man sholde not abuse it / it sholde incontynent and without taryenge go in the vsage of the sayd chirche or of the seruauntes of god in lyke wyse as it hathe be establysshed . And yf the people of the chirche betake vnto ferme muable theyr dysmes and reuenues vnto the seculers it is none abuse / it is suffred / to th ende to put theym vnto prouffyte and for to make them the better in valure . Also to the ende that the people of the chirche maye the more better take hede vnto prayer / studye and contemplacyon . Thou tresorer answere me . Haste thou puyssaunce withoute leue to take the goodes of thy neyghbour & for to ayde the in thy necessyte : vel sic . hast thou puyssaunce to take them eyther vnto thyselfe or vnto another without the wyl of them vnto whome they apperteyne / thou sholdest answere me that naye . And also I sygnyfye the that thou haste no power to take the goodes of the chirche / thou haste but the handes as seruaunt to put vnto the prouffyte of the chirche . And the seruaunt of a temporall lorde hathe no power to go take the moneye of his mayster and to ayde him in his necessyte / or to lende it at his pleasure / no more hast thou the goodes of the chirche / and therfore in so doyng thou offendest god . Also thou tresorer whan thy neyghboure hathe gyuen of his godes vnto the virgin marie or vnto saint peter thou ne sholdest take them or put them to the buyldynge of saynt poule . For thou sholdest defraude the entencyon of thy sayd neyghboure the whiche is to gyue or to founde Also thou takest awaye from the vyrgyn marye that thynge that apperteyneth vnto her . Also thou ne accomplysshest iustyce the whiche is to yelde vnto euery man the good that apperteyneth vnto hym . Also saynt poule is content of the good that he hathe and that god hym hathe gyuen / the whiche wyll not that thou take awaye from another his good for to brynge it vnto him & therfore in doyng suche thyng thou sholdest go agaynste god and of his iustyce / & sholdest be vnfaythfull vnto thy neyghboure & vnto the vyrgyn marye to defraude them Men saye in commune langayge that the thynge the whiche is gyuen vnto saynt peter ne sholde be gyuen vnto saynt poule . &c. C. . Vnto a man vnfaythfull a man ne sholde betake the godes of the chirche to kepe / to receyue / to dystrybute / ne offyce / cause to iuge / to appoynt / to plede / to kepe & to demene . For in hym dare not a man truste . The psal. sayeth . Deleantur de libro viuentium et cum iustis non scribantur &c. The people vnfaythful shal not be wryten in the boke amonges them that be gode / for they ne do the operacyons . The gode and faythfull seruauntes ben praysed of god and of the worlde / and them sholde a man loue as hymselfe . And the vnfaythfull ben dyffamed and put oute . Audi scripturas . legitur prouer. xxviii . Vir fidelis multum laudabitur . Et in eccle. Si est tibi seruus fidelis sit tibi quasi anima tua . / Yf thou haue a faythfull seruaunt take him vnto the as dere as thy soule . Also a faythfull frende is grete defence / he the whiche fyndeth hym hathe founde a treasour / no comparyson is there vnto a feythfull frende . Vnde eccle. vi . Amicus fidelis fortis protectio : qui inuenit eum inuenit thesaurum amico fideli nulla est comparatio . God shall rewarde wele his seruauntes the whiche ben faythfull . Audi scripturas . legitur apoca . Esto fidelis vsque ad mortem & dabo tibi coronam vite . Be thou faythful tyl vnto the dethe / and I shall gyue the / the crowne of lyfe . Also god sayd vnto Abraham the whiche was faythfull . Illud genesis .xv. Merces tua magna mecum nimis . Thy rewarde is ryght grete with me Also god sayd vnto Moyses that he was ryght faythfull . Illud deutero . viii . Rerum omnium perfrueris abundantia . Also he said vnto his appostylles . Illud mathei . v. Gaudete et exaltate ●m̄ merces vr̄a copiosa est in celis . Et luce . vi . Ecce enim merces vr̄a : multa est in celo . Enioye ye & lyfte vp your hertes for your rewarde is haboundaunt in the heuens . God shal not saye so vnto the vnfaythful people / but he shall shyt the yates of paradyse vnto them And shall say vnto them that he knoweth them not . Nescio vos vn̄ sitis descedittame . By these thynges beforsayd ben vnderstonde that euery tresorer sholde wele examyne his conscyence yf he haue taken ony thynge / borne awaye / nor lende as it is sayd ne done thynge that is dysloyall in his sayd commyssyon / for it is a charge moche to drede as to handle the moneye of the chirche vnto those the whiche done theyr deuoyr . For they ben bounde vnto restitucyon and vnto grete penaunce yf they wyll be saued / in lyke wyse as thou shalt fynde in the chapytre of restytucyon . Also those the whiche taketh vniustely the good of the chirche sholde drede maledyccyon and excommunycacyon . For euery persone that hathe the maledyccyon of god and of the chirche is gretely acurst . And those the whiche taketh the goodes of the chirche vniustely haue theyr maledyccyon / than is he moche accursed . Also those the whiche haue the maledyccyon of god and of the chirche ben pryued from masses / prayers and oraysons of the chirche . And those the whiche taketh the goodes as theuys sacryleges haue the maledyccyon of the chirche / Than they ben put from the said prayers and benefaytes of the chirche . And by the consequente they ben acursed . Also these dysloyalles sholde drede to lese paradyse Whan that a seruaunt robbeth his mayster he putteth hym out of his hous & from his office & seruyce . In lyke wyse shal god vnto those that taketh his godes as it is said Example in iudas that whiche was put from paradyse / & from the nombre of the appostles & seruauntes of god . Vnde ps. E●tant dies pauci & episcopat si eius accipiat alter His dayes were abredged & how another toke his dygnyte & his offyce / he was appostle & purseberer / he murmured of the precyous oyle that Maudeleyne shedde vpon our lorde / & sayd that it hadde ben wele solde for thre hondred pens . And he sayd those wordes bycause he was a thefe / sacrylege and accursed . Also those that taketh the goodes of the chirche vniustely drede punycyon and dampnacyon . And yf they wyl not byleue it by symple worde or by these scriptures / yet put to fayth in the examples that foloweth . Fyrst . Example how Heliodorus was terrybly punysshed of punycyon dyuyne in takynge the tresours of the chirche of Iherusalem as thou shalt fynde in the exemplayre .lxxxii. b Another example of theuys sacryleges the whiche were punysshed bycause they had stolen the crosse & the goodes of the chirche .lxxxii. d Another example in iulyen the apostat the whiche persecuted the chirche & he was slayne myraculously .lviii. a. Another example how relygyous people sholde drede the syn of thefte and sacrylege for gyuynge the godes of the chirche to theyr parentes . lxxxii f.g. Another example how that an erle and many of his lygnage were dampned bycause he posseded an herytage vniustly the whiche had be taken awaye from the chirche .lxxxii. a. Another example howe the frere of doyen of Coleyn was dombe and arested dyuynely / for that that he denyed the money of the chirche the whiche hadde be lente hym / and he ne wolde yelde it agayne . lxxxii . c.

A. The examplayre & theleccyon of those that wele or yll paye theyr dysmes . xxxi

IT is wryten deuteronomii .xiiii. ca. Decimam partem seperabis de cuntis fructibus tuis qui nascuntur in terra ꝑ amos singulos decimam frumenti tui et vini et olei & primogenita de apmētis et ouibus tuis : vt discas timere dnm deum tuum in omni tempore . Thou shalt depart the tenth partye of all thy fruytes that ben borne in the erthe euery yere . The tenth of thy whete and of thy wyne / and of thin oyle . The fyrste borne of thy beestes and of thy shepe to th ende that thou lerne to drede thy lorde god in al tymes . The dysmes shold be payed vnto god and vnto his seruauntes of ryght . And therfore those the whiche haue stolen or the whiche haue nothynge payed of dysmes of goodes that god vnto them hathe made to growe vpon the erthe or the whiche hathe witholden ony partye or the whiche hathe payed and gyuen of the worste / or payed with yll wyll / or suffred to lese the sayd dysmes without puttynge them vnto prouffyte / & sauete / or dyffer to longe to paye them . This is here a grete synne moche to drede / for it is agayne the wyll of god the whiche commaundeth to paye the dysmes cerymonyally in lyke wyse as thou shalte here hereafter by scryptures . And fyrst thou shalte knowe that god is the creatoure the whiche maketh to growe & to come thy cornes / thy laboures thy fruytes / thy bestyall and all thy godes that the erthe bereth . And also thou sholdest knowe that god hathe witholden & reteyned for hymselfe the tenth partye of al those fruytes and goodes growynge in the sayd erthe . Yf thou wylte not byleue it by symple worde / let hym go study the scryptures in the chapytres the whiche shal be hereafter alledged . And fyrst it is wryten deutero . xii . Decimas et primitias manuum vestrarum & vota atque deuorta primogenita bonum et ouium reddere precipit dominus . That is to saye . Oure lorde hathe commaunded to yelde the dysmes & fyrst fruytes / the labours of your handes & your vowes & gyftes / the fyrst borne of kyen & of shepe . And it is writen deuto . xviii Ab his qui offerunt victimas siue bouem siue ouen īmolauerint dabunt sacerdoti p̄micias frumenti vini : et olei & lauarum partem ex duium tonsione : ipsum enim elegit dominus deus tuus de cuntis tribubus tuis vt stet et ministret nomini dei tui . &c. Of those the whiche offreth sacryfyces or the whiche haue sacryfyced oxe or shepe they shall gyue vnto the preestes the fyrst fruyte of whete / wyne / and of oyle / and the parte of the wolles of the clepynge of sheryng of the shepe . Thy lorde god hathe chosen that preest of all thy lygnees to the ende that he it holde of the and admynystre in the name of our lorde . Also our lorde sent vnto the chyldren of Israhell whan they sholde offre in deserte the wordes the whiche ben wryten leuitici . xxiiii . Cum ingressi fueritis terram quam ego dabo vobis et messueritis sagetes feretis manipulosspi carum messis vestre ad sacerdotem . &c. Whan ye shall be entred in to the lande that I shall gyue you / ye shall bere youre handes full of the erys of your corne vnto the preest . &c. Et legitur leuitici . xxvii . Omnis decime terre siue de fructibus siue de pomis arborum dni sunt : et illi sanctificantur . Al the dysmes of the erthe / be it of cornes / or fruytes / or of apples of the trees / they ben of our lordes and they ben sanctyfyed vnto hym . Et legitur numerum . xviii . Vniuersas frugum primicias quas gignit humus domino deportantur . The vniuerselles fyrst fruytes and cornes the whiche the erthe engendreth be borne vnto god / Yf thou wylte vnderstonde what it is to saye primicias . Catholycon sayth that primicia primicie dicitur a primis pluraliter he primicie prumiciarum . vulgo dicitur qd primicie sunt proprie que primo de fructibus percipiuntur : vel que deo offeruntur . Primicie they ben the newe the fyrst fruytes and cornes that the erthe bereth . Also primicia est prima pars frigum dno offerenda . And it is wryten in the .vii. chapytre of the epystylles saynt poule vnto the hebrewes how the preestes the sones of leui takynge the commaundemente hadde to receyue the dysmes of the people after the lawe . Example of this matere of a lorde the whiche withelde the tennethe of the godes that he gaue vnto his seruaunt . Quere . lxxxiiii . a. Augustinus dicit decime et debito requiruntur et qui eas dare noluerit res alienas inuadit . That is to saye that the dysmes ben demaunded of ryght . For they ben due / and he the whiche ne hathe wylled to gyue them he witholdeth thynges straunge the whiche apperteyneth not vnto hym . And god sayeth in the gospell / mathei . xxii . Reddite que sunt cesarus cesari et que sunt dei deo . Syth that it is so founde in the scryptures that god hath withholden for hymselfe the tenth partye of the fruytes and cornes the whiche cometh from yere to yere vpon the erthe as it is sayd / & that he wylleth and commaundeth cerymonyally that in suche wyse it be done . Those that dysmeth yll vnderstonde they that they commytte synne and that it is vnkyndenes vnto them for to mysknowe theyr benefactour . Also those that yll dysmeth that may wele they shall answer at iugement partyculere / or generall the whiche shall be made of theym before god in the courte celestyall . For god shall be there iuge and partye . Also they shall haue so many of accusatours the whiche shall accuse them of theyr synnes that they shall see / & knowe themselfe that they ben culpables Also those the whiche payeth vnto the .xi. or vnto the .xiii. or vnto the .xxx. sholde vnderstonde that it is no dysme . It is an yll custome the whiche hathe be begonne of couetous people / auarycyous and vnkynde the whiche dysknoweth the good that god vnto them hathe gyuen . Those the which foloweth suche custome sholde drede that couetyse and auaryce ne put oute theyr inwarde eyes . Wherof it is wryten in the boke of sapyence . Malitia eorum eccecauit eos . Theyr malyce that is theyr synne hathe blynded them that they maye not see theyr yll . It is greate peryll and daunger for the soule to folowe the custome & wyll of people auarycyous . For they goo vnto dampnacyon yf that they deye impenitentes &c.

B. The condycyons to paye wele the dysmes . Many condycyons sholde those haue the whiche wyll paye wele the dysmes of the whiche we shal tell foure . The fyrst is that a man sholde paye entyerly / again those the whiche paye nothinge in rekenynge fyue or syxe sheuys of corne & begyleth god of the halfe shefe / or agayne those the whiche paye nothynge of the newe fruytz eten in somer / as peres / plōmes / benes / & pesen . & c.. It is writen eccle. xxxv . Bono animo redde gloriam deo et minuas primicias manuum tuarum . Yelde glorye vnto god by courage and mynysshe not the fyrst fruyte of the labours of thy handes . The seconde is that a man sholde paye ioyousli without heuynes ne without hauing grutche therin agayne those vnto whome it semeth that they lese that that they gyue to the dysme / as yf they sholde caste it downe the water they offendeth gretely . Audi scrypturas . eccle. xxxv . In omni dato hylarem fac vultum tuum et in exultatione sanctifica decimas tuas . Make thy vysage ioyous in euery gyfte / & sanctyfye thy dysmes in exultacyon . Et legitur . ii . ad co. ix . Hilarem enim datorem diligit deus . / That is to saye that god loueth the gyuer ioyous . & ysodorus sayeth . Qui cum tristitia largitur remuneratiōis non percipit fructum . He the whiche gyueth & enlargeth with heuines ne apperceyueth the fruyte of remuneracyon . Also a man ne sholde let lese the dysmes nor the thynge that apperteyneth to god . For it is wryten exo. xiii . Pru●●● 〈◊〉 trugū tre tue deteres in domum dei tui . 〈◊〉 fyrste cornes & fruytes of the erthe y● 〈◊〉 bere them in to the house of thy lorde 〈◊〉 The thyrde condycyon that a man she 〈◊〉 haue for to paye wele his dysmes is that a man sholde paye of the best and not o● the worste / or that the whiche falleth vnto the tenth agayne those the whiche gyuen the corne eten troden or full of drake / or agayn those the whiche taketh for themselfe the good appelles and gyueth the yll / they offende gretely . Audi scripturas . Legitur numeri . xviii . Omnia que aftertis ex decimis & in donaria separabitis optima : et electa erunt . All those thynges the whiche ye offre in dismes and in gyftes ye shal depart the beste and they shall be chose & agreables vnto god . et legitur leui . xxvii . Quicqid decimum venerit sanctificabitur dno non elegitur bonum nec malum nec altero commutabitur . Si quis mutauerit quod mutatum est et ꝓ quo mutatum est sanctifica domino . Hec precepit dns moysi . What thynge so euer it be that cometh the tenth shall be sanctyfyed vnto the lorde / the good nor the yll be not chosen & it shal not be chaunged in to another . Yf ony chaunge it the thynge the whiche is chaunged / and wherfore it is chaunged / santefye it vnto our lorde Our lorde hathe commaunded these thynges here vnto moyse . Et legitur eccle. xxxv . Noli afferre munera praua non enim suscipi et illa deus . Offre thou not yll gyftes god ne shall take them . Et legitur iuce .xi. Ve vobis phariseis qui decimatis mentam & rutam et oen olus preteritis iuditium et caritatem dei . Woo be to you pharysyens the whiche dysme the lytell & yll herbes & trespasse the charyte of god . The fourth condycyon is that a man sholde paye without taryenge / nor to drawe backe tyll that a man be somoned / cyted or warned . It is offence to tary to gyue vnto god that whiche apperteyneth vnto hym / or lende vnto hymselfe his dysmes tyll vnto another yere without spekyng vnto the curate . It is wryten exodi . xxii . Decimas tuas & p̄mitias non tardabis of terre . Thou sholdest not tary to offre thy dysmes / & thy fyrst cornes & fruyte . C. . We haue example in Cayn & Abell of those that wele or yll paye theyr dysmes . From the begynnynge of the worlde god commaunded vnto oure forne faders that they sholde paye the tenth of theyr fruytes . And for as moche as they had not vnto whom to pay it god commaunded that they sholde brenne it & that they sholde make smoke the whiche sholde mounte in to heuen for to do vnto god honoure & sacryfyce by obedyence / & in reknowlegynge that the sayd goodes cometh of god . Cayn & Abel that were Adams sones made it . But Abels was good for he dysmed we le / and there his smoke mounted in to the heuen and pleased god . Cayn was wycked & dysmed ylle / wherfore his smoke yede downewarde towarde the erth & it pleased not to god . Also his lande fructefyed not wele in fruytes & labours and bare thystylles / drake / and darnell / & thornes . &c. And for asmoche as Abell was gode and obedyent & loued of god / & that his lande fructefyed wele and that al goodes came vnto hym / cayn had enuye vpon him and slewe hym & was accursed . Vnde ge. iiii . Respexit dns ad abelle et ad munera eius : ad cayn autem et ad munera eius non respexit . Sequitur . Nunc maledictus eris super terram cum operatus fueris eam non dabit fructus suos : vagus et ꝓfugus eris super terram . God loked vpon Abell and vpon his gyftes / for he made them we le / And he loked not vpon Cayn / nor vpon his goodes / for he gaue of the worste / and god sayd vnto hym . Thou shalte be nowe accursed aboue the erthe whan thou shalt laboure it ne shall gyue her fruyte . Also ye be cursed in dysmes and fyrste cornes and fruytes . For ye haue frauded me of my parte that I haue witholden for myselfe Vnde . michee . iii. In dicimis & primitus vos maledicti estis . &c. Glosa . Quia fran dastis me parte mea . The gyftes of god for to paye wele the dysmes . Those the whiche paye wele the dysmes haue pryncypally .iiii. gyftes of god . The fyrst haboundaunce of fruytes / laboures and worldly goodes as sayeth the scryptures in many places . Vnde malachie .iii. Inferet omnem decimam in horeum meum : et sit cibus in domo mea : & probate me super hoc dicit dns si non aparuero vobis catharactas celi et effundero vobis benedictionem vsque ad abundantiam : et increpabo pro vobis deuorantem . Glosa . Vermen vel virium aeris sequitur : et non corrumpet fructum terre vestre nec erit sterilis vinea in agro dicit dominus . That is to saye bere al dysme into my garnier & that that is to ete in my house / & prouue me of this thynge sayeth god Yf I open not to you the thynges of heuen and yf I shedde not benedyccyon tyl vnto haboundaunce . And I shal blame for you the deuourynge worme and vice of the ayre And he shal not corrupte the fruyte of your lande . And the vyne shall not be barayne in the felde sayeth our lorde . Example of a lorde the whiche payed wele his dysmes & his vyne bare of fruyte two tymes in one yere quere in the exemplayre .lxxxiii. b. Et legitur leuitici .xxvi. Dabo vobis pluuias temporibus suis : et terra gignet getmen suum / et pomis arbores / replebuntur . et cetera . I shall gyue you of raynes in theyr tymes and whan they haue nede sayeth our lorde Ihesu cryste . And I shall make the erthe for to fructefye and engendre his buddes and his floures . And also the trees shall be replenysshed with apples . &c Et legitur deuterono .xi. Dabit pluuias terre vestre temporinam et serotinam vel colligatis frumentum et vinum et oleum fenum ex agris ad pascenda iumenta / et vt ipsi comedatis et saturenimi . Moyses sayd vnto the chyldren of Israhell . &c. God shall gyue raynes couenables in tyme vnto your lande / to th ende that ye gadre whete wyne & oyle / haye from the feldes to pasture with your marys / & to the ende that ye ete and be fedde . Et legitur prouerbiorum .iii. Honora dnm de tua substantia & de primiciis omnium frugum tuarum da pauberi implebuntur horea tua saturitate et vino torcularia redundabunt . That is to saye . Honoure god of thy substaunce & of the newes of all thy cornes and fruytes / gyue vnto the poore and thy graynes shal be fylled of haboundaunce / & the pressers shall redounde of wyne .

E. Example in iob that whiche was true / obedyente / pacyent / and beloued of god / for he dysmed right faythfully . Also after that he had be prouued god sent vnto him haboundaunce of al goodes . It is wryten iob . xlii . that he posseded .xiiii. thousande shepe . syx thousande camellys / two thousan couple of oxen / & a thousande of asses . &c. Also Ioachin & saynt Anne that payed well theyr dysmes & departed theyr goodes in thre partyes / habounded in goodes as it is wryten in the legende of saynt Anne . and vnto the contrary . Those that paye yll theyr dysmes ben punysshed by maledyccyon of famyne and pouerte / as it is sayd of cayn Legitur deutero . xii . Cauete ne forte de cipiatur cor vestrum & recedatis a dno . &c. Sequitur iratusque dns claudat celum et pluuie non descendant : nec tra det germen̄ suum : pereatisque velocit de tra optima . &c. Beware leste parauenture your herte be dysteyned / & that ye departe not from god & that he be not wrothe & close the heuen / & that the raynes dyscende not / & that the erth ne gyue his sede / and that ye perysshe not hastely from the lande ryght good & beste & for the defaute to dysme wele & to obeye vnto god . The seconde good that those haue the whiche we le paye theyr dysmes / is helthe of body / wherof speketh saynt Austyn saynge . Si decimam bene dederis non solum abondātiā fructuum : sed etiam sanitatem corporis consequeris . Yf thou haue wele payed thy dysme thou shalte not alonely haue haboundaunce of fruytes / but with that helth of body . Also whan thou haste done an almesdede / helth the more sooner shall come to the. Vnde ysaie . lviii . Cum feceris elunosinā sanitas tua citius orietur . And vnto the contrary those that yll dysmeth god vnto them sendeth sekenesse / as of the goute / of the heed / of the stomacke / of the axes . &c. The thyrde gyfte that those haue that paye wele theyr dysmes / is that god vnto them pardonneth theyr synnes after true confessyon . Legitur prouer. x. Vniuersa delicta operuit caritas . Charyte couereth all synnes . Et legitur .i. petri . iiii . Anteoīa inutuā in vobismeipsis caritatem continuam habentes quia caritas cooperit multitudinem peccatorum . The .iiii. gyfte is to possede the realme of paradyse & the grete godes and ioyes that there ben . Of these two last gyftes speketh saynt Austyn & sayeth . Qui primum desiderat habere aut peccatorum indulgentiam ꝓmereri decimam et de nouem partibus clam dare studeat pauperibus : qui vero non dat punitur in oppositis . He the whiche desyreth to haue rewarde or to deserue to haue pardon of his synnes paye hys dysme and studye to gyue vnto the poore of the nynthe partyes of thy goodes that with hym abydeth . And those that gyue not as it is sayd / god punyssheth them by the opposyte . That those whiche wyl not pay well theyr dysmes haue not haboundaunce of goods / helthe of body / ne remyssyon of theyr synnes . And also they ne shall possede paradyse yf they deye impenytentes after the remedye that vnto it apperteyneth . Many examples of those the whiche paye wele theyr dysmes shall be founde in the exemplayre Quere . lxxxiii . a.

A. Of vsurye the whiche god defendethe . Ca. xxxii .

IT is wryten in the .xxv. chapitre of the boke of leuytes . Pecuniam tuam non dabis ad vsuram / & frugum suꝑhabūdantiā non exiges ego do minus vester . Our lorde made tel to the chyldren of Israhel by his seruaunt Moyses . Thou shalt not gyue thy money vnto vsurye / & thou shalt not axe superhaboundaunce of cornes . &c. For to vnderstonde wele the mater of vsurye / a man shold knowe that vsurye is somtyme manyfest & somtyme hydde / wrapped / dyuers contractz that is defended by this commaundement For god wyll not that a man sell the tyme that he hathe gyuen in communalte . That is to saye the whan a man lendeth ony thynge god defendeth that he take ought ouer for dylacyon of tyme . For in suche manere a man selleth the tyme / wherfore he is an vsurer . For without labourynge they wyll haue prouffyte / whiche is agayne the wyll of god as he sayed by his prophete Dauyd . Labores manuum tuarum quia manducabis . Thou shalte laboure with thy handes / for thou shalt ete . Syth it is true that god defendeth vsurye the scrypture speketh in many places . Fyrste it is wryten deute .xxiii. Non feueraberis fratri tuo ad vsuram pecuniam ne fruges nec quamlibet aliam rem Thou shalte not lende vnto thy broder money to vsurye / ne of cornes / ne of ony other thynge . And it foloweth in the sayd chapytre . / Fratri aunt tuo absque vsura id quod indiget commodabis vt benedicat tibi dns deus tuus in omni tempore . &c. Thou shalte lende vnto thy broder without vsurye that thynge wherof he hathe nede / to th ende that thy lorde god blysse the in all tymes . God wyll that men lende eche other by charyte / & not for hope of ony gayne or retrybucyon . Vsury manyfest is whan a man lendeth corne / wyne / golde or syluer pryncypally for to haue ony prouffyte exprest by the partyes or alonely in hope . Canon dicit . qd vsura est vbi amplius requiritur quam datur quicqid illius sit : sed si non recipit & spem habeat recipiendi vsura est . The droit canon sayeth . Vsurye is whan a man demaundeth more than a man ne gyueth what thynge soo euer it be / & yf he receyue no more . And that he hath hope to receyue it is vsury . For god regardeth the thought that is reputed for the dede Whan ony hathe lente corne / wyne / or sydre / the lender hathe no more seygnourye of that thynge lende . The said lender gyueth the lone or prest after the commaundement of god . Mutuum date . And yf the sayd lender receyue gyft he therof hathe the gayn not of hymselfe but of the dettour / the sayd lender ne selleth nothynge vnto the dettour the whiche is his / but yf he sholde take gyfte he sholde sell the tyme the whiche apperteyneth vnto god . And whan ony selleth the thynge the whiche apperteyneth not vnto hym / he ne sholde haue the gayne . In lyke wyse he ne sholde sell the tyme / for the sholde be vsurye . The vsurer wyl haue gayn in slepynge & wakynge without ony laboure that whiche is agayne the worde of god wryten . Gene. iii. ca. In sudore vultus tui vesceris pane tuo . In the swete & labour of thy vysage thou shalte gete thy brede . / Whan ony lendeth his hors / or oxe for to do ony labourage lefull he may take pryce For it is his thynge the whiche ne gothe vnto the seygnourye of the lender as of moneye lende . Vbi est mutuum ibi est dnm . vn̄ mutuum dicitur de meo tuum .

B. The kyndes of vsurye hydde that god defendeth . ca. xxxii .

IT is wryten luce. vi . Mutuum date nichil inde sperantes . God commaundeth that a man gyue the prest withoute hauynge hope to haue ony thynge ouer the thynge lende . Vsurye hydde the whiche otherwhyles is sayd wrapped in seuen kyndes . The fyrst is done in receyuynge gage / or in makynge herandes . The seconde in sellynge and in byenge . The thyrde is made in lendynge . The fourthe for to be meane to lende . The .v. by assocyacyon . The .vi is vnder maner of pain The .vii. for to take seruyce without pryce / or for to make to lende vnto another & in takyng gratuyte . As vnto the fyrst kynde the whiche is done in receyuynge gayge / or in makyng erandes a man sholde vnderstonde that it is dyuysed in .v. maners . The first is whan by the lone a man receyueth ony gayge for assuraunce the whiche of it selfe bereth ony fruyte or prouffyte / as who sholde take a gardin in morte gayge . A man ne sholde take the fruytes or prouffytes of the sayd gage but in rebatynge vpon the pryncypall some lende / or it sholde be vsurye / & it behoueth to make restytucyon . Moyses sayth in deute . Non accipies loco pignoris inferiorem et superiorem molan . Thou shalt not take in s●ede of gayge neyther the vpper grindyng s●one nor the vnder . A man demaundeth what it is of communytes of ony cytees the whiche betaketh money vnto vsury . The answer . All those cytezynes ben vsureres of whose auctoryte & counsayle the sayd prest is made . Vnde raymondus dicit . Omnes illiciues quorum auctorytate & consilio fit : vsuraii sunt . And in that maner yf a communyte sholde receyue ony gage / as cyte castell or towne / & that they ne compte the fruytes ouer the pryncypall pryce . All those here ben vsurers . ar. vii . q. i. Sicut vir . & . xxiiii q. iii. Sihabes . Vnderstonde this matere & of one persone / & of many . For all those the whiche taketh the fruytes & leueed of the sayd castell or towne without rebatynge vpon the prxncypall pryce ben vsurers as it is sayd . The seconde maner is whan the lender receyueth gayge that he vseth / or maketh serue without ony thynge dyscomptynge of the pryncypall / as lynnen clothe vestementes . Vnde amos propheta .ii. ca. Super vestimentis pigneratis accubuerunt . &c. They ben couched vpon the vestimentes engayged . The thyrde is as the lender taketh bestyall in gayge / & maketh them more to dyspende and ete than they ne sholde in suche case . The fourth is whan the vsurer maketh erandes & messages / & at euery erande or message he hathe a rewarde & lyueth by it . The .v. is as the vsurer renneth & that he ne wyll gyue dylacyon tyll that a man vnto hym hathe gyuen ony thinge . Of suche people a man maye saye . Illud psalmiste . Deuorant plebem mean sicut escam panis . They deuoure my people as the mete of brede .

C. The seconde kynde of vsurye hydde the whiche is made in sellynge or byenge is dyuysed in foure manere . The fyrste is whan ony selleth his marchaundyse vnto credence for moche more than it is worthe for asmoche as he gyueth terme of payment / he that dothe so is an vsurer . vt pꝪ extra de vsu . c. Consuluit . The seconde is whan a man byethe the thynges that yet groweth / as the corne in grasse / the appelles or vynes in floure moche lesse than they be worthe . For as moche as a man auaunceth the payment / or that a man them take in payenge hymselfe by suche condycyon that they shal haue suche case whan it may happen theyr catell safe / in this maner a man selleth the tyme that is not to be solde / & therin is vsurye . extra de vsu : consuluit . But who so sholde by them of so meane a price that a man sholde be vncertayne whether they sholde be more worthe or lesse . For to put a waye the peryl of the vsurye it is better to do and to saye in this wyse . I wyll not in no maner what so it be sell my corne / nor myne appylles nowe : but I purpose to sel them on suche a daye / & yf thou wylte gyue me the pryce that they ben worthe at the sayd daye or more / or lesse thou shalt haue them / and I shall kepe them for the. And yf thou auaunce money nowe the pryse shall be as they shall be worthe at the sayd day as whan the apples are to be gadred and the corne after Auguste . The thyrde is whan a man byeth ony ware to be delyuered at suche a terme moche lesse than they ben worthe at the sayd terme for asmoche as a man auaunceth the moneye / here is vsurye . The .iiii. is whan ony ryche man is requyred to lende or to engage vnto the poore people the whiche ben in necessyte / the wyll not sell in perpetuyte theyr rentes or herytages yf they may fynde a lender / or an engayger . And the sayd ryche man in suche wyse knoweth it / but he hathe the herte in the practyse / & wylleth that his fynaunce vnto hym be prouffyte & encreasynge / but for to fle the name to be an open vsurer he loueth better to make the contracte vnder the forme of sale & byenge as of the preste / or of other pryse to th ende that his sayd fynaunce vnto hym do prouffyte / yf in this manere he by of the sayd indygens rente or herytage to requyte agayne that these other call vnto grace . That is to vnderstonde by suche condycyon that as many tymes and as often that within certayn terme / as of .vii. or .x. yeres / or vnto hym or vnto his heyres he shall yelde the some gyuen with the arrerages / the sayd herytages or rentes shall come agayne vnto the sayd sellers / or vnto theyr heyres / here is vsurye hydde the whiche is as syluer lende contrary vnto charite / & here behoueth restitucion of al that that a man taketh ouer the fyrste some gyuen . Suche people the whiche wyll encrease theyr rychesses / and fle contractes of wynnynge and of lone / in hydynge theyr vsurye by forme of sellynge & byenge / defrauldeth the entencion of the lawe of charyte & of iustyce vnto theyr power / & deceyueth theyr soule by the synne of suche vsurye hydde . The whiche synne they wolden vnto them to be lefull withoute reproche or without oblygacyon to make restytucyon the whiche thyng may not be done . But who so sholde bye the sayd herytakes the iuste pryce that they ben worthe in good entencyon without hauynge the entencyon corrupte as it is sayd of the ryche the whiche taketh hede vnto the practyse he may do it without vsurye / how be it that there is tyme to requyre it . Quicqid agant homines : intentio indicat omnes . The vsure is wrapped in the thought that god seeth & knoweth . The whiche shall make in dycacyon . Legitur primi regum .xvi. Hom enim videt ea que parant : dns autem intuetur cor . Also it is to be noted that whan in ony contracte hathe defaulte of iustyce & of goode equyte in suche wise that one of the partyes is endommaged / he that dothe the dommage is bounde in dede of conscyence to quyte the contracte or to supplye the defaute of iustyce but specyally whan the partye it requyreth & is of necessyte .

D. The thyrde kynde of vsurye hydde the whiche is done in lendynge is dyuysed in many maneres The fyrst is whan the vsurer lendeth vpon intencyon to haue ony gyfte / gratuyte / or seruyce ouer the thynge lende / how be it that in lendynge it were not spoken . And yf he thought not to haue some prouffyte / he ne wolde lende nothynge . Here is vsurye as vnto god for the entencyon corrupte that our sauyoure defendeth . luce. vi . Mutuum date nichil inde sperantes . Et deutero .xv. Si vnus de fratribus tuis ad paupertatem venerit non obdurabis cor tuum nec contrahes manum . sed aperies eam pauperi & dabis mutuum quo eum indigeri ꝓspexeris . Whan that ony lendeth moneye vnder hope to receyue ony thyng & that it be soo that he ne wolde lende nothynge yf he ne thought not to haue prouffyte / that that he receyueth afterwarde is vsurye / how be it that he axe it not . And is holden to make restytucyon . The seconde is whan the vsurer lendeth olde corne sydre / or wyne whan it is at a vyle pryce / to the ende that it be yelded vnto hym in the tyme that it shall be more dere / better or renewed & not for the necessyte of him that boroweth / but vpon entencyon to gayne it is vsurye . ext. de . v●u . ca. Nauiganti . E.

E. For to knowe many cas in generalyte it is to be noted that whan a man gyueth money or other thyng vnto ony indygent in .v. maners . The fyrste is lyberally / & without ony gayne of hope temporell / here is charyte . The seconde is to th ende that the marchaunte of the sayd moneye vnder condycyon of losse and of gayne as wele of the pryncypall some as of gayne / & that may be lefull . The thyrde in suche condycyon that the some lende shall be euermore certayne and sure as vnto the lender / but the gayne shall be vnder doubt of losse / or of gayne / & here is vsurye . The scrypture gyueth a rule generall & sayth the thynge the a man taketh ouer the pryncypal is vsurye . vt pꝪ. xiiii . q. iii. Plerique . The fourth by suche condycyon that the lender auenture the some lende in perylles / and fortunes vpon hym / but the borower shall be bounden in ony some vnto the lender / here is v●urye / & yf he loste an . C. M. crounes for to haue in certayne a lytell blanc . extra de vsuris . ca. nauiganti . The .v. in puttynge gayne and catell incertayne / as to lende an hondred crownes for to receyue at the ende of the yere an hondreth and ten / here is vsurye manyfest . Yf ony man hathe lende lyberally & without hope to haue retrybucyon temporell / & the borower wolde vnto hym gyue ony thynge lyberally he may take it without peryll of vsurye For in suche case he is no more restraynte as not to dare take gyfte after the preste as before . Yf a man had promysed to yeld the some lende at a certayne daye / & by the defaute of the whiche promesse the lender is endommaged / for he sholde paye his rente or his taxe . &c. he maye ouer the sayd some lende take iustely his losse without v●urye . Also some vsurers there ben the whiche for the prest taketh euermore some thynge or putteth more ouer & aboue the thynge lende . And for as moche as the borower ne maye furnysshe at euery terme the sayd lender maketh hym to compte two or .iii. tymes / & taketh decretm awaye some thinge as euery tyme that he compteth / & makethe often of vsurye the pryncypall dette . / By the whiche they ben reputed vyllains and cruell vsurers .

F The .iiii. kinde of vsurye hyd is whan ony receyueth ony gyfte for to be the meane to make ought be lende vnto the indigent G The .v. is made in assocyacyon of bestyall the whiche may be good or yl dyuersly The whiche they make in many of maneres / but it behoueth to take for a rule generall the whiche is sothe that as often that by the condycyons of the contracte the one of the partyes abydeth subiecte vnto the losse and aduentures / & the other is sure nothynge to lese / it is vsurye / as a man may saye that he the whiche betaketh hys beestes / that is by suche condicyon that they shal be immortelz . That is yf they dye the fermer shall put as many of other / or shal paye the some that they ben worthe whan they were vnto hym betaken / yf they encrease the betaker wyll parte / & yf they decrease he wyll nothynge lese / the whiche is vsurye . Also whan one of the partyes of the ferme is notably assured / & the other euydently greued / the contracte is dampnable / but lytell excesse in losse or in gayne is not in all agayne iustyce ne peryll of damnacyon . A questyon for to vnderstonde yf it be v●urye yf a man receyue an . C. shepe to kepe for one yere / & for the fruytes & kepynge of the same he sholde haue twenty shelinges or more after that that the gyuer & he couenaunted togyders by suche condycyon that in the ende of the terme the gardyen hym sholde restore as many of shepe and so many good with the wo●les . To assoyll this questyon after the counsayle of good experyment a man sholde consyder yf it be tyme of moreyne yf the shepe ben seke / or yf the pasture ben sekely & that it appere greate peryll and losse vpon the gardyen & not vpon the gyuer / here is vsurye / but yf the sayd pasture & the shepe were hole without tyme of moreyne ne of peryll and that a man gyue pryse reasonable & that the sayd gardyen maye wele yelde that the sayd gyuer demaundeth / therin sholde be no vsurye . A more sure thynge it sholde be to marchaunde alonely for the fruytes paynes & kepynge of the sayd shepe . And that the perylles of prouffytes were vpon the gyuer and not vpon the gardyen .

H. The syxte spyce or kynde of vsurye hydde is whan a man lendeth vnto a terme spoken to yelde the thynge lende vpon payne to paye as moche of auauntage / here may be vsurye after some cyrcumstaunces / but somtyme he may wele do it iustely for to punysshe the neglygence of some as is beforsayd .

I. The .vii. kynde of vsurye hydde is whan the vsurer wyll nothynge take ouer the pryce gyuen / but for the sayd prest put in besynes .ii. or .iii. days of the borower in his felde / or whan he ne wyll lende by hys hande / but maketh to lende his seruauntes or another his frende and kepeth the gratuyte . For to be shorte in this mater the malyce of worldly people auaricious is right grete / for they fynde so many of cautelles in betakynge theyr vsury vnder the shadow of pyte & in makynge passementes of oblygacions of bargayns of contractes that a man ne maye escrye nor determyne the hydynge of theyr vsurye / but euery man sholde vnderstonde that god commaundeth that a man do charyte vnto his neighbour & that a man lende hym . And more ouer he defendeth that for the preste a man ne sell the tyme as it is beforsayd . Those the whiche it selleth or the whiche haue solde it remedye vnto theyr conscyences yf they wyl wele deye surely / & to be assured to go in to paradyse . For whan they shall be in iugemente before god theyr cautelles no● malyce there shall make nothynge . And theyr vsuryes wrapped and hydde vnder the shadowe of pyte shall be vnfolded and manyfest . Quia nichil occultum est : quod non reueletur . And our lorde Ihesu cryste shall iuge them and condampne them after the trouthe of the thynge / in beholdynge what thoughtes these vsureres hadde .

Also god seeth and knoweth yf ony man hathe solde the tyme in hydynge his vsurye / & yf he hathe taken bounte & prouffyte ouer the thynge lende without takynge therin payne ne laboure for the dylacyon of the tyme termyned . And for as moche that suche iugement is doubtous and that dampnacyon is to be dredde it is beter to make restytucyon & penaunce for to haue assurance of saluacyon . T'ene certum et dimitte incertum . Holde the thynge certayn & leue that the whiche is not certayne Dauyd maketh a questyon in the psalter sainge . Dns quis habitabit in tabernaculo tuo aut quis requiescet in monte scton tuo . Sequitur Qui iurat ꝓoximo suo et non decipit : qui pecuniam suam non dedit ad vsuram et muneta super innocenten non accepit . That is to saye Lorde who shall enhabite or dwell in thy tabernacle / or who shall reste in thy holly mountayne . The answer . That shal be he the whiche swereth vnto his neyghboure / and deceyueth hym not . He the whiche hathe not gyuen his goodes vnto vsurye / & the whiche hathe not taken gyftes of the innocentes he shal mount in to paradyse . &c Examples of vsurye . And fyrst of an vsurer that wolde not make restytucyon for the amonycyon and warnynge of his preste / the whiche sayd that he wolde proue yf he myght be saued without restytucyon . and so myscheuously he deyed .lxxxvii. e. Another example how an vsurer the whiche wolde not restore cryed at his dethe that he brent and broyled .lxxxvi. h.

K Of vsury manyfest & notable . xxxii .

IT is wryten math. xvi . Quid ꝑdest hoī si mundum vniuersum lucretur aīe vero sue detrimētum patiatur what dothe it prouffyte vnto a thefe vsurer to assemble & wynne all the worlde / & that at his dethe his soule be sent vnto the tormentes of hell . Vsurye open and notoryous is moche detestable / the whiche a man sholde fle for many thynges : of the whiche I shall tell foure . / The fyrst is for that that these vsurers be cursed by sentence of ryght / ipso facto . The seconde is for that that they ben pryued from the holy communyon / for vnto the vsurers a man sholde denye the sacrament of the aulter as wele in the dethe as in the lyfe / yf they haue not true repentaunce and yf they wyl not make restytucyon . Example of an vsurer the whiche wolde not restore Quere .lxxxvii. a. The thyrde is for that that theyr oblygacyon is not agreable vnto god / & it ought not to be receyued . The iiii . is for that that they sholde be pryued from sepulture ecclesiastyke . Vt habetur extra devsuris . c. quia in oimbus . Example of an vsurer the whiche wolde not restore that was borne by an asse vnto the gybet or galowes & there was buryed . Quere . lxxxvii a. Many other examples of vsurers ben wryten in the exemplayre of the commaundementes . Quere . lxxxvi . a. b. c. d. An open vsurer & knowen the whiche sholde come at the necessyte of dethe ne sholde be assoylled / yf he dyde not that were in hym to restore playnly tyll vnto the last peny all the vsurryes wherin he maye be reproued and redeuable . And there vnto he sholde dyspose mouables and herytages / ne also it shold not suffyse to ordeyne that after his dethe they were restored . But it behoueth that forthwith the partye endommaged be contented / or in his absence the ordynayre / or the chapelayne representynge the partye endommaged / otherwyse the testamente that he maketh is of no valoure / ne the absolucyon that he receyueth . And yf he deye so he sholde be pryuate from the holy grounde / for he that sholde bury hym sholde be cursed . extra de sepulturis eos libro .vii. Also the herytiers the whiche hym shall succede in mouables & herytages shall be in lyke wyse bounde to restore the dommages vpon payne of dampnacyon . Example how iiii . men of one lygnage were hanged in hel the one after another / bycause that they dyde possede fasly an herytage withoute beynge in wyll to restore it .lxxxi. g. Another example how that another Erle and many of his lygnage were dampned and put in to helle in tormente vpon a laddre / bycause they dyde possede an herytage vniustely withoute beynge in wyll to restore it .lxxxii. a. Another example how that an abbot sente agayne the moneye gyuen and bequethed from his monasteri / bicause that it was comen of vsurye / and yll begoten .lxxxviii. f.

A. Of symony that god defendeth .

AFter the maysters symonye is in suche wyse dyffynyed . Simonia est studiosa voluntas emendi vel veldendi spūale vel annexum spūali . A man committeth symonye for to selle / or to by a spyrytuall thynge or a thynge that is annexed vnto the spyrytualyte by paccyon or gyfte / of promesse / seruyce / prayers / supplicacyons vndue / or by ony other thynge temporell . God and nature gaynsayeth that a thynge spyrytuell maye be compared / or bought by thynge corporell & temporell of what pryse & dygnyte that it be / as it shall be declared here after . This synne is named somonye / for asmoche as in the tyme of the appostles the fals & dysloyall symon magus offred a grete some of moneye vnto the appostles wenynge by that to gete the grace that he sawe in them / & vnderstode that yf he myght haue that geace that he wolde selle it vnto other / & sholde recouer moche of fynaunces . But in fygure of all those that selleth or byeth thynges spyrytuelles he & his moneye was cursed by the mouthe of saynt peter / & bycause that he was the fyrste in the newe testament that wolde by thynge spyrytuell / thys espyce or kynde of thefte is named symonye in all holy chirche bycause of the cursed symon fygured of all the dampned symonyacques . For to sell or to bye a thyng spyrytuall a man sholde vnderstonde euery paccyon or contracte the whiche is not made symply & purely for the loue of god / but is made pryncypally by gyftes / prayers / seruyces / & for ony other thynge temporel Also for to sell or to bye thynges spyrytuel it is here to vnderstonde the grace of the holy ghost / & the vertues that ben in the soule the spyryte of prophecye / office of predycacyon / or to do the offyce dyuyne in the chirche and to admynystre the holy sacramentes . By thynges annexed vnto the spyrytualyte is to be vnderstonde sepultures / dismes / chalices / corporaces : to welies / anbes / and other vesselles / or vestementes halowed the whiche may be solde or chaunged vnto other chirches not the more dete for as moche as it is halowed other wyse it sholde be symonye . Also cures / predendes / chanonryes / chapelles / right of patrōnayge in it selfe symply consydered ryght to receyue dysmes / oblacyons bycause of benefyce of the chirche / auctoryte or office to serue a cure or other predende of the chirche / al these thynges haue annexacyon vnto holy ordres & they ne may be boughtne solde after the forme beforsayd but that ther be symonye whiche is a cryme capytall after the droitm & compared vnto heresye . vt habetur . i. can . q. i. Qui studet . Et thomas . iii. iiii . By the whiche cryme all holy ordeynaunce of the chirche is peruerted and shall be from yll vnto wors approchynge the grete and excessyue trybulacyon of the chirch Thou shalte fynde many examples of symonye in the .vi. commaundement of the exemplayre .lxxxv. a. b. c. Quere . per tabulam .

B. Of the maners of symonye that god defendeth . Ca. xxxiii .

IT is wryten actuum .viii. ca. Pecunia tua tecūsit in perditionem Saynt peter said vnto Symon magus . Thy moneye be with the in perdycyon . These wordes here may be taken & also vnderstonde vpon all symonyacques as it is before sayd . but a man sholde vnderstonde that the synne of symonye is chaunged in to many maners after the dyuersyte of the people the whiche entermell them vnduely in thynges in spyrytuell thynges / as hereafter so me in partyculer shall be declared .

C. Fyrst a man the whiche receyueth the holy ordres or the whiche entreth in ony benefyce of the chirche in gyuynge or in promettynge by hymselfe or by other / golde or syluer or ony other thynge is suspende by right wryten Extra de symonia . tanta & . i. can . i. q. Reperiuntur . And yf in suche estate he mysbehaue hym vnto the mysteres dyuynes he is irreguliere & may not be assoylled yf he ne resyne the benefyce / or yf he haue not dyspensacyon of the pope . It is wryten iohannis .x. Quit non intrat ꝑ hostium in ouile ouium sed ascendit aliunde : ille fur est & latro : qui autem intrat ꝑ hostium . i. xpm : pastore est ouium . That is to vnderstonde / he whiche entreth not by the dore / that is by Ihesu cryst in to the folde of shepe / that is in the chirche ecclesiastical for to gouerne the people but entreth by another place than by the doey ᵗ is Ihesu cryst he is a these secrete or a watcher of the waye .

D Secondly a clerke that maketh paccyon with a man of the chirche or other for to haue his tytle in promysynge that he shall neuer demaunde nothynge for asmoche as vnto hym suffyceth that it maye passe / he is pryued from the ordres that he receyueth in suche maner that none there maye dyspence hym but the pope after the droite . Extra de simonia per tuas .

E. Thyrdly two persones benefycyed the whiche couuenāteth togyder vnder suche forme ( permute we benefyces ) but for as moche as your benefyce is better than myne I shall gyue you suche a some of mony This is here symonye . How be it that the one may make pensyon vnto the other without symonye . And yf they make the sayd permutacyon symply without ony thynge demaundynge the one of the other / but they make gyftes or promesses vnto the patron for to graunt his good wyl therunto it is also symonye . And yf they saye to eche other in this wyse for asmoche as we may not permytte togyder without the consent of the bysshop labour we bothe to gete his consente Suche paccyon ne sholde be symonyacall yf it were made symply withoute gyfte / and that the sayd consentement were not goten by maner of symonye . Also to renounce vnto ony benefyce by suche condycyon / & paccyon made that it shall be gyuen vnto suche a personne it is symonye / whan the renouncyacyon is not made vnto a persone that is worthy to haue it / & simply and purely for the loue of god . Legitur ioh. x. Ego sum ostium ouium per me si quis introierit saluabitur et pascua inueniet . / Oure lorde Ihesus sayeth . I am the dore of the shepe cote yf ony there entre by me he shall be saued and he shall fynde pasture there within . Symonye is commytted and done somtyme as wele of the persone that gyueth the benefyce as of hym the whiche receyueth it / somtyme of the one alonely / somtyme ne by the one ne by the other / as yf for example some gyueth vnto the famylyers of the bysshop ony thynge for to moeue hym to gyue ony benefyces . He the whiche knoweth nothynge of that gyft nesemblably the bysshop by the meane albeit of the whiche gyft sholde be made donnayson of the benefyce . Suche donayson sholde be made symonyall / but alonely he the whiche hath made the donayson vnto the famylyers of the bysshop shal be in mortal synne / and symonyer as vnto that . And he that is benefyced by suche maner vnknowen sholde be bounde whan it sholde come vnto his knowlege to renounce vnto the sayd benefyce and to the other goodes presentes of the same / but he is not bounde to restore the goodes dyspended durynge the tyme of the poore conscyence . For to knowe clerely whan a man commytteth symonye in permyttinge of benefyces / or whan ony renounceth vnto his benefyce / or whan ony gyueth a benefyce / or whan ony receyueth it . It behoueth to se and to consyder the condycyons / the maners / and the causes / and yf there ne be gyftes / ne promesses / ne prayers of lordes or of frendes . &c. Moreouer it behoueth pryncypally to regarde the fynall ende to the whiche a man hath entencyon for to come . For yf the condycyons & the fyne be made purely for the loue of god he is wele entred in the benefyce by the dore . And yf a man entre otherwyse in benefyce than by god / symonye is to be dredde For he is not entred by the dore .

F. Also for to knowe that it is grete syn to sell a benefyce a man maye it clerely se in the example of hieroboam kynge / the whiche solde the bysshopryches & dygnytes . And therfore god was wrothe agayn hym in so moche that he was degraded & vnclothed hym and his lygne / as it is w●●ten in tertio regum .xiii. Quicunque vo●bat implebat manum hieroboam et fiebat sacerdos excelsorum . &c. Quere . lxxxv . c.

G. Also men rede in secundo machabeorum .iiii. how the kynge Anthyochus solde vnto Iason the dygnyte to be souerayne preest ( that is bysshop ) and yll came vnto hym . The prophete Ysaye sayeth in his .v. chapytre . Ve qui iustificatis impium ꝓmuneribus et iustitiam iusti aufertis ab eo . Cursed be you the whiche iustyfye the yll by gyftes / and take awaye the iustyce of the iuste . Those the whiche entreth in to benefyces vnduely by the force and puyssaunce of prynces or greate lordes / or by menaces / murmures / or by theyr prayers and supplycacyon / and not by the dore the whiche is Ihesu cryst ben theues . For for the drede puyssaunce or fauoure of the sayd lordes the good ryght is corrupte / the good ben expelled / and the vnworthy beneficed and yll cometh vnto them . We haue an example in primo machabeorum .vii. how cursed Alchymus was constitute souerayne bysshop of the kynge demetrius . The whiche dyde many of ylles . Also the sayd Alchimus deyed cursedly / as it is wryten .i. machabeorum .ix. ca. This example is wryten after . Quere . lxxxv . h. Also some entreth in to benefyce vnduely by flateryes / glosynges and decepcyons . And for asmoche as they entre not by the dore / that is by Ihesu cryste they ben theuys . Also these bysshoppes and prelates the whiche payeth theyr seruauntes of theyr salayres & seruyces by gyuynge vnto them some benefyce or prebende / chapel or dygnyte wher it is so that the cause be for the payment / and not for the loue of god it is symonye . But it is wryten in droit canon / that whan a bysshop consydereth the prudence of his clerke / the dygnyte of his seruyce / the stremyte / holynes / and bōunte of hym / and that he be of grete meryte . For the goodnes that he seeth & knoweth in hym he sholde benefyce hym in that chirche and it is no symonye / but it is wele done . For in the courtes of prelates a man sholde prouue the clerkes . Also to ordeyne charyte a man sholde gyue fyrste vnto his famylyeres as vnto straungers yf they ben egally good .

H The people laye the whiche gyueth or prometteth or maketh prayers & supplicacyons indue for to benefyce theyr kynnesmen / seruauntes or other theyr frendes / ben symonyackes and sholde be accursed / after that that saint Thomas sayeth and raymonde . Si quis auaritia ductus amore seruitio vel precibus episcopalem vel sacerdotalem acceperit dignitatem : et in vita non relinquerit eumque in asperam penitentiam mors non inuenerit ineternum peribit . i. q. i. ca. Si quis . Yf ony hathe taken the dygnyte epyscopale or sacerdotale lede by auaryce / by loue / seruyce or prayers / and he ne hathe lefte it in his lyfe / and at the dethe ne hathe founde it in sharpe penaunce he shal paye in pardurablete . In gyuyng a benefyce vnto one the whiche is of his blode / albeit there be no symonye for that / that there is no sale / yet is there synne the whiche is commyt in thre maners / or for asmoche that he loueth tenderly his flesshe / or for that that he coueyteth to gyue a thyng vndue vnto his kynnesman / or for asmoche as he vylependeth the thynge spyrytuell in gyuynge it vnto one indigne . And it semeth that he sholde haue therin symony yf he hadde the regarde how his cosyn hathe the prouffyte temporal for the spyrytuall / in as moche as cosyn / for he sholde receyue a thyng the whiche ne sholde be due vnto hym . It is not the lesse symonye for to haue the regarde that his kynnesman hathe the prouffite temporall but as yf hymselve had it . Whan a man gyueth a benefyce a man sholde beholde whether the persone vnto whome the gyfte is made be worthy it . And that it be gyuen symplye and purely for the loue of god . We rede math. x. How our lorde sayd . Gratias date / the whiche is expounded in two maners . Or whan a man there putteth no cause of sale / or whan a man hathe no regarde in gyuynge but alonly god / or only grace . And therfore he the whiche gyueth vnto his kinnesman ne gyueth in suche wyse / albeit that god hathe sayd / gratis date . Also who soo wyll gyue vnto his kynnesman withoute symonye / it behoueth that the persone be worthy it . And that the gyfte be made for the loue of god purely / as it is sayd . Vt intret per ostium : id est christum in ouile ouium . Our lorde Ihesu cryste gaue the dygnyte and gouernement of the chirche vnto saynt peter and not vnto saynt Iohan nor vnto his other parentes / in gyuynge vs example that in lyke wyse shold we do Also whan the appostles chose Mathyas and Ioseph the iuste / to the ende that one of them two were apostle in the place of iudas . Sors cecidit super mathiaz . For Ioseth was of the parente of Ihesus . Legitur in secundo libro regum . qd infidelis est episcopus qui nepotulo suo confert prelationem cum sciat enim inabillem et sciat totum pondus prelii versum super prelatum . That is to saye . The bisshoppe is vnfaithfull the whiche bryngeth vnto prelacyon / or dygnyte his lytell neuewe whan it is so that he knoweth that he is feble to fyghte and that he knoweth that all the countre and the ruyne of the batayll tourneth on the prelates . Example that a man ne sholde constytute ony by prayers charnelles . / Quere . lxxxv . f. Also god gyueth vs example clerely that we ne sholde lyfte vp our parentes in dygnyte spyrytuel yf they be not worthy it . Legitur mathei . xx . that whan the wyfe of zebede aunt of Ihesus hym prayed that her two chyldren / saynt Iames & saynt Iohan cosyns of our lorde that he sholde make them sytte the one on his ryght hande and the other on his lefte hande . The answer was . Nescitis quid petatis . They were vnworthy to be set nere by hym . And therfore god said vnto her ye wote not what ye demaunde . Marye ye may wele endure passyon as I. But to sette you on my ryght hande it is not vnto me to gyue it you : sed quibus paratum est a patre meo . That is vnto them the whiche ben dygne .

I. Fourthly those the whiche make paccyon to gyue certayne some for to be receyued in a monastery suche wyse rented that it is suffycyent to susteyne & to puruaye as wele those that there ben nowe as those that they shal receyue they ben symonyacques And in lyke wyse those the whiche maketh the sayd recepcyon / or therto gyue counsayl consentement / and there nys custome vnto the contrary the whiche maye excuse the synne .

K. Fyfthly the people of the chirche sholde admynystre the sacramentes / and the sepultures without makynge paccyon ne exaccyon of money / otherwyse there is symonye . But after that they haue done theyr deuoyre the laye people them sholde contente after the customes auncyentes or otherwyse a man may make them to come before the bysshop after the droitz . Extra de symonia ad apostolicam . The sacramentes of the chirche ne sholde be solde / for that sholde be symonye . Oure lorde it shewed clerely vnto his apostles whan he said vnto them Illud math. x. Infirmos curate mortuos suscitate : leprosos : mundate : demones : eiicite : gratis accepistis : gratis date . The gospell sayth . Hele ye the seke / arayse ye the deed / he le ye the lepres chase awaye the deuylles / ye haue taken for nothynge gyue you it for nothynge . Also it is wryten . Administre ye takynge nothynge for it the Eucharistie that is the sacrament of the aulter vnto the people / confesse ye takynge nothynge / baptyse ye takynge nothynge / gyue you vnto all folke for nothynge after the appostle . Vn̄ augustinus dicit . Gratis eucharistiam plebi ministrate : gratis : confitemini : gratis baptisate secundum apostolum : cuntis gratis date .

L. Whan ony preest selleth or marchaūdeth the masses or that he synge masse for moneye and that the cause fynall of the dylectacyon be to th ende that he haue the sayd moneye / it is symonye / and synneth mortally . Vnde augustinus . Qui precise vnam missam vel plures pro pecuniis celebrat dānationem sibi eternam preperat . He that syngeth a masse / or many for moneye he prepareth vnto hymself eternell dampnacyon . And it is here to be noted that the thynges temporelles ne sholde neuer be the ende of thynges spyrytuelles / but there ben causes wele mouynge . Vn̄ hec est falsa : The preest is holden to gyue the thynges spyrytuelles to th ende that he haue the thinges temporelles . Sed hec est vera . The layeman is holden to gyue the thinges temporelles for the thynges spyrytuelles / not in byenge them / for they sholde not be solde as it is sayd in lyke wyse as a man selleth the flesshe vpon the stalle . The grace of god the whiche is in the sacrament is inapprecyable and it falleth not vnder ony pryce / For man hathe not thynge wherof he it may bye / but for asmoche as the seruauntes of god ne may laboure in thynges spyrytuelles without hauynge theyr lyuynge & sustentacyon / god wyll that a man vnto them gyue some thyng for to lyue it him they haue done theyr deuoyre . Vnde pau. i. corinth. ix . Qui altario deseruiunt cum altario participant ita et dns ordinauit hiis qui euangelium anunciant de euangelio viuere . They the whiche on the alter dysseruen shall be parteyners of the aulter / in suche wyse that god hathe ordeyned vnto theym the whiche shewe the gospell / to lyue of the gospell / not that they shall selle it / for that sholde be symonye as it is sayd

M. Syxtely marke wele that no man laye ne sholde presume to do the offyce of preestes the whiche ben in holy ordres / where yf they do yll shall come vnto theym as dyde vnto the kynge ozyas . For after that he had coueyted and presumed to doo the offyce and that he had taken the ensencer & encensed and menaced the preestes for the that they gaynsayed hym leperye hym toke in the vysage within the house of god / &c. as it is wryten .ii. paralipo .xxvi. Quere . lxxxv . g.

N. Seuenthly a man ne sholde sell the yeftes of grace / ne the vertues the whiche ben in the soule / ne scyence / where that sholde be symonye . Augustinus dicit . Spectat ad offirium vestre dignitatis gratie petentibus dona dare gratis : sed si vnquam fidei munera vendatis incoursores giezi leprāvos sciatis . It belongeth vnto the offyce of your dygnyte to gyue gyftes for nothynge vnto the demaundauntes of grace / but yf ye sell in ony wyse the gyftes of fayth knowlege you than vnto the lepre of Gyezy . In lykewyse as sayeth saynt austyn vnto the mynystres of the chirche . Giezie was the dyscyple of Helyseus / the whiche toke a grete gyfte of the ryche man Naaman for that that his mayster had heled hym of his leprye : And therfore the sayd prophete Helysyus sayd vnto giezi . Lepram naaman adherat tibi et semini tuo . The leprye of Naaman shall be broughte vnto the and vnto thy sede . In lyke wyse was it done as it is wryten in quarto regum .v. ca. For he hadde receyued gyft of the grace of the holy ghost . Quere post .lxxxv. b.

O. A questyon to vnderstonde yf an aduocate may sell the scyence of the iuste cause that he demeneth . The answere . He ne sholde selle the scyence / but he may selle the grete laboure and trauayll of his body that he taketh to studye to plede and to defende the iuste cause . For god sayeth in the gospell that the werkman is worthy of his mete and of his hyre . Mathei . x. Dignus est enim operarius cibo suo . Et luce . x. Dignus est enim operarius mercede sua . But yf the sayd aduocate solde the scyence by maner of sale / or that he hadde in his thought the entencyon to selle it he sholde be symonyacke before god . It is wryten prouerbiorum .xxiii. Veritatem eme et noli vendere sapientiam et doctrinam et intelligenciam . &c. Be ye true and sell not wysdom doctryne and intellygence . Also the scyence solde noyeth as it is sayd . and yf it be gyuen it groweth and also multeplyeth . / And yf it be hydde it serueth of nothynge / Vnde scientia que data est crescit : crescere nescit si taceatur . Et legitur ecclesi . xx . Sapientia absconsa est et thesaurus inuisus : que vtilitas in vtrisque . Sequitur Melior est qui celat insapientiam suam / quam homo qui abscondit sapientiam suam . Sapyence hydde is a treasoure where a man seeth not what prouffyte is in the one & in the other . Better is he the whiche hydeth his vnwysdome than the man the whiche hydeth his sapyence . Et legitur eccle. iiii . Non abscondas sapientiam tuam in decore eius : in lingua enim agnoscitur sapientia : et sensus et scientia et doctrina in verbo sensati . Thou shalte not hyde thy wysdome in his honour / certaynly wysedome is knowen in the tongue / & the wyt and the scyence and the doctryne in the eloquence and worde of wysdome . An aduocate ought be verytably & to susteyne veryte . Also he ought to kepe and defende the iuste cause that it perysshe not . And afterwarde he maye take gyfte for the trauayl of his body as it is sayd without to excede the boundes of reason as many done the whiche demaunde and take salayres and gyftes outrageously / more than they ne sholde / and that they ne haue deserued to haue . And therfore they sholde drede damnacyon / for they ne ben iuste and accomplysshe not iustyce in themselve to be in wyll to haue that thynge that they haue not wonne and the whiche ne apperteyneth vnto them Also they sholde drede yf they haue hated and broken Iustice / iugement / the good cause and the good ryght to receyue yertes . For they synne mortally and renne in maladyccyon . Vnde ysaie .v. Vequi iusiti●icatis impium pro muneribus : et iustitiam iusti aufertis abeo . Also they sholde drede yf they haue no wyll to lede / to counsayle to kepe the causes of the poores / as they done those of the ryche / for that that they haue no goodes to gyue vnto theym . It is wryten eccle. In iudicando esto pupulis / misericors vt pater et eris in velut altissimi fi●ius obediens et miserebitur tui . In iugement be thou mercyfull vnto the orphelyns in lyke wyse as a fader and thou shalt be obedyent . And also as the sone of the ryght hye god / and he shall haue mercy on the. Also yf these aduocates haue made the ylle causes good by theyr cautelles / malyces and subtyltees / and maketh to lese the good ryght they synne and ben vniuste and corrupters of iustyce . And yf they haue nourysshed / defended and susteyned of certayne scyence to be good . It is grete synne withoute doubte for to susteyne dysloyalte / yll and iniustyce . And in soo doynge the aduocate yeldeth hyms●●● culpable / and bryngeth hymself in with malefactoure . By the whiche he is dyg●● of punycyon and synneth mortally . Vnde paulus ad roma . i Non solum qui fac●● peccata : sed qui consentiunt facientibus d●gnisunt morte . Not alonely those the whiche do the synnes / but those the whiche also consenteth vnto the doers / ben worth● of dethe . Those synneth mortally / how be it that a man ne sholde vnderstonde that the sayd aduocates commytteth symonye . &c Example how the deuyl bare awaye in body and in soule a cursed coueytous these aduocate . Quere .lxxxi. e. Another examble of an aduocate insacyable the whiche ledde a cause vnto a man the whiche ne dyde brynge vnto hym moneye vnto his appetyte and he wronged hym and toke the proces and brake of the lectres / and trode vpon it by dyspite in saynge . Vyllayn there is thy processe the whiche ne broughte●● me but this . The good man in wepyng● excused hym by pouerte . But to be shor●● anone after the aduocate deyed myscheuously . Also the mayster of a scole ne sholde sell the scyence but the labour that he taketh of his body . And in lyke wyse of other semblables . Quia omnis operarius dignus est mercede iua : vt dictum est . Also the prechers ne sholde selle the scyence that they speke in prechynge for the cause fynall to haue the gayne temporall / or in lyke wyse for to haue fauoure humayne or for vaynglorye / and not for charyte and reconsylyacyon of the poore synners / commyt●● symonye . But for as moche as they haue hadde payne corporall for to studye / to preche and to walke they may take that that men and women vnto them gyue for the sustentacyon of theyr lyuynge . Quia de● ordinauit his qui euangelium anuncta● de euangelio viuere . Vt dicitur .i. corinth . Et augu . dicit . Non debimus euangelizare vt vt uamus : sed viuere vt euangelizemus . We sholde not preche the gospell to th ende that we lyuen / but to lyue to th ende that we preche . Also we sholde preche to th ende that the rewarde of predicacyon be not the mete the whiche is appetyted & desyred / but the thynge necessarye the whiche foloweth / that is sustentacion vnto the temporalytes the whiche is requysyte vnto a precher . Item augu . Euangelizare debemus vt non sit merces predicationis cibus qui appetitur : sed necessarium quod sequitur id est substantatio in temporalibus que necessaria est predicatori . Also those clerkes that letteth to preche / to shewe / to reprehende / & to correcte the vyces for ony fauours / or for false loue / or for drede / or for ony other thynge mutyle / and also holde theyr peas to se and to here the yll . The prophete ysaye them calleth dogges not wyllynge to barke / that is to preche . Vnde ysaie . lvi . Caues muti non valentes letrare . Sequitur Omnes in viam suam declinauerunt vnusquisque ad auaritiam suam a sūmovsque ad nouissimum &c. A dogge the whiche bayeth not for to susteyne his mayster is not good vnto him no more is a precher vnto god the whiche is dombe to susteyne veryte . And therfore he is called dogge . Et legitur ihere .iiii. Sapientes sunt vt faciant mala / bene autem facere nescierunt . They ben wyse to do yll but not to do good . Example in the gospel of hym the whiche hydde the talent he was called an yll seruaunt and a slouthfull / & was commaunded that men sholde take awaye from hym the talente . Vnde math. xxv . Auferte ab ille talentum . And for asmoche as the haboundaunce of the derkenes of synne hathe ouerclouded the veryte of the commaundementes of god in the more parte of the crysten people lyuynge at this daye . Noo man ne sholde suffyse to wryte in partyculer the cautellous decepcyon of this condampned synne of symonye . But these thynges spoken here shortly iustifieth vnto people of good conscyence to make them enquyre more playnly after the occasyons & dyuers maneres the whiche vnto theym maye in this thynge come vpon or happen . &c. More ouer people symony acques sholde drede maledyccyon & excommunycacyon . Also they sholde drede irregularyte the whiche shall not be declared bycause of shortenes . Also they sholde drede to be founde in the iugement before god Also they sholde drede to lese the ioyes of paradyse . Also they sholde drede punycyon and dampnacyon . Example of a man dampned the whiche had many benefyces . &c. Quere .lxxxv. e. Another example how fewe of curates ben saued . Quere . lvi . g. Also they sholde drede to be sente for to abyde in the fyre of helle perpetually . Those the whiche hathe offended by symonye / renne they vnto penaunce & they shall haue grace and mercye . &c. Also doo they of almesdedes for that is a good remedye .

A. Of restytucyon that god commaundeth . Ca. xxxiiii .

IT is wryten in the .xxii. chapitre of the gospelles of saynt matheu Reddite q sunt cesaris cesari : et que sunt dei deo . Yelde those thynges the whiche ben of cesar / the whiche ye haue taken vniustely / yelde them vnto cesar / that is to vnderstonde to the lorde temporall / vnto whome they apperteyn & the thynges the appertayne to god / yelde them vnto hym . To make restytucyon it is necessary for to come vnto paradyse . & for to knowe clerely the mater of restitucyon we shall ordeyne it in fyue questyons . Prima wherfore a man ought to make restytucyon . Secunda what he is that oughte to make restytucyon . Tertia vnto whome a man sholde make restitucyon . Quarta what thynge a man sholde restore . Quinta / whan a man sholde make restytucyon as vnto the fyrste questyon the whiche is .

B. Wherfore a man sholde make restitucyon . Ca. xxxiiii .

MAn reasonable knowe thou that it is requysyte to make restytucyon . For asmoche as it is so that to take from another agayne reason and iustyce it is mortall synne . In lyke wyse to haue a stedfaste wyll to witholde frome another whan a man it maye and ought to restore it is mortall synne / ne a man may not be assoylled by ony auctoryte durynge suche ordynaunce of wyl . It is wryten in droit . xiiii . q. vi . c. Sires . Non dimittitur pectatum nisi restituatur ablatum . The syn is not forgyuen yf the thynge taken awaye be not restored . And saynt Thomas sayeth scdā scde . q. lxii . ar. viii . Who so euer letteth another vniustly in the vsage of the thynge the whiche vnto hym apperteyneth / he trespasseth the commaundement of charyte / & is holden to restitucion . Quilibet tenetur ad restitutionem cuilibet rei subtracte . Euery man is holden vnto restitucyon . Et in decre . Infereus damnum ꝓoxīo non est absoluandus nisi damno prius scdm̄ arbitrium lesi restituto . He that bringeth in dommage to his neighbour ne sholde not be assoylled yf the dommage were not restored to him . Que. xiii . q. vi . c. Comperimus . And saynt thomas scdā scdem . ii . q. dicit . qd falsus testis peccat mortalitur : & tenetur ad restitutionem danni qd alius incurrit . I fals wytnes sinneth mortally / & is holden vnto restitution . In lyke wyse as thou mayst se in many examples wryten in the .vi. commaundement of thexemplayre q̄. lxxxviii . a b. c. d.

C. The seconde question demaunded .

WHat is he that ought to restore . The answer . It is he that in cause by one or many of maners the whiche foloweth wher ony is put from his thynge That is to knowe eyther by commaundement expres / or by counsayll gyuen / or by faute vycyous for to gyue it / or by consentement / or by adulacion . For to defende or to susteyne / the endōmages / or by hydynde or reteynynge in his kepynge the thyng of another / or the whiche gyueth effors / ayde / or refuge vnto the wrong doers / or wyl not saye the trouthe in iugemente / or in other place wherby restytucyon might be made or the whiche ne gyueth vnto the endōmages / ayde / counsayle or defence that apperteyneth to his offyce . All these maner of people ben called generally / fauourables / parteners / or consenters . And whan suche maner of fauoure or of contennement is suche that it is the cause of the dommage soo happened / euery of the aforsayd is holden vnto restytucyon / notwithstandynge that he hathe receyued but certayne party or all holly ony thynge . But whan they ben many in cause of dommage yf one restore all holly as he is bounde he dyschargeth al the other anen●● the partye endommaged / but euery of the parteners vnto him is bounden ꝓrata / that is to vnderstonde in the some the whiche vnto hym apperteyneth / where otherwyse he shall not be dyscharged .

D. The thyrde questyon demaunded .

WHat thynge sholde a man restore . The answer . The propre thinge yl witholden or his valour vnto the gre of the partye . And with that the fruytes of the same / yf it be a thynge the whiche of it selfe dereth fruyte . But costes myses & dyspence made for to estyme the said fruytes sholde be fyrste rebated and compted vnto the sayd restituant . Also a man sholde make satysfaccyon playnly vnto the partye endommaged of the dommages & lettynges / bycause of his thynge ylle witholden . For ryght reason it requyreth .

E. The .iiii. question demaunded . xxxiiii .

VNto whome a man sholde make restytucyon . The answer . Vnto hym the whiche is endommaged yf he be present / or vnto his ꝓpre heyre yf he be deed or yf he were so ferre of that the dyspence sholde be more grete for to go towarde him or in many places thanne the restytucyon sholde amount / or that a man hathe not the knowlege of them vnto whome restytucyon sholde be made . Than a man shold gyue vnto the poore for the spryrytuell we le of hym or of those vnto whom may apperteyne the sayd restytucyon . For as sayeth saynt thomas . These poore ben very heyres in suche case . Vn̄ tho . in . iiii . senten . Qn̄ incertus est dns rerum ablatarum tunc pauperes sūtillarū heredes . Some hathe wylled to say that suche restytucyon sholde be made by the dysposycyon of the bisshoppes diocesains but reuerence kepte it is not founde by wordes expres in ony droit wryten . And therfore in lyke wyse as sayeth the scot whan dyuyne lawe or lawe of the chirche ne bindeth vs to do ony thynge determynetly / a man sholde folowe naturell reason the whiche is in this matere presente vs telleth that by his good & dyscrete confessour or other man of reason or by hymselfe a man make the sayd restytucyon anenst the poores The scrypture sayeth that the droit posytyf in place there where it dyffreth not as in droit natural . Ibienī ius positiuum locum hm vbi nichil differt quamtum ad ius naturale vnum sic vel aliter fiat . Thomas scdā scen . q lx. articulo primo ad primum .

F The .v. questyon demaunded . xxxiiii .

WHan a man sholde make restytucyon vnto onye . The answere . / It sholde be made incontynent & withoute ony taryenge as vnto the wyll . For in lyke wyse as he the whiche is in sin mortall sholde repent hym incontynent / and to purpose to make confessyon whan place and tyme . In lyke wyse he the whiche taketh frome another sholde haue a wyll prest that as soone as he may goodly he it shall restore entyerlye . A man may dyffer by some tyme the execucyon for to restore that is to vnderstonde that he vnto whome he ought to make restytucyon wyll we le / or sholde wyll by ryght & iuste reason that restitucyon were dyfferred for a more grete good . As for example . Yf a man of armes hathe dystressed a marchaunt of the some of a thousande crownes / or gyueth commaundement / ayde / fauour / counsayll / or comforte that to do after the forme before declared . The whiche fynaunce he ne may restore yf he ne sell hors & harneys . Wherby he shall be vnprouffytable vnto the seruyce of the kynge for the wele of the realme in suche case or semblables . The marchaunt sholde more sooner be in wyll that the sayd man of armes dyfferre for a tyme restytucyon to be made vnto hym than that he sholde yelde the man vnprouffytable so For as men say and it is very true by the defaute of a nayle a man leseth a sho / by a sho an hors / by a hors a man / by a man a batayll / by a batayll a realme . And for as moche as the marchaunt wyl not content hym but that restytucyon be vnto hym redely made / yet it shall not folowe that the other were not absoylled / and in the estate of grace by the dyspleasaunce of his synne & good purpose to restore in tyme & place

G. By these thynges before spoken of restytucyon a man may wele knowe that lordes and offycers the whiche knowe to haue seruauntes & subgectes the whiche pylleth the small people / whome men dare not to make them restore for drede of the sayd lordes & offycers / yet they ben bounde to restore . Saynt Austyn sayth . Whan Iustyce is exclused and taken awaye grete lordes ben excessyue pyllers . Remota iustitia quid sunt magna regna nisi magna latrocinia . vn̄ dicit augustinus in quarto libro de ciuitate dei . Those the whiche haue founde ony goodes apperteynynge vnto another also sholde curyouslye enquyre vnto whome they may apperteyn / and yf they ne may fynde hym / they may retayn suche thinge for a tyme and longe ynough with suche conscience that alwayes whan that they knowe vnto whome it apperteyneth they it shal restore . Those the whiche by thynges that haue ben stolen / rauysshed / or elles taken awaye where vnto the seller hathe no ryght synneth mortally / yf they haue not entencyon to bye them for to restore them vnto whome they apperteyne / And notwithstondinge that they haue suffycyently gyuen the valoure also they ben bounde to restore them vnto them to whome suche thynges apperteyneth . Those the whiche by hontynge or haukynge endommage the cornes the vynes & other labourages / or that theyr dogges straūgle a shepe geese or other besty all be holden vnto restytucyon yf the grefe be not soo lyght that it sholde seme very semblable how the labourers it bereth gracyously . He the whiche malycyously hurteth another in his body wherby he leseth his iourneyes or is mutyle of ony of his membres he is holden to paye the barbers / and also to saue harmeles of iniurye & of the iourneys . And he the whiche sholde put to dethe ony man whiche hathe to nourysshe or to susteyn fader or moder / & chyldren ouer the penaunce sacramentall sholde be bounde to puruay al these beforsayd yf it vnto hym be possyble And for asmoche as suche restytucyon is ryght harde to estyme it sholde be expedyent for the saluacyon of the soule of suche homycyde to bere pacyently & wyllyngly in iustyce the payne of tallyon that sholde be to endure dethe / or to go to dyspose his lyfe for hym that he hathe slayne / & for the lawe of Ihesu cryste . The scot reproueth them the whiche absoylleth somtyme more lyghtly an homycyde than they ne sholde hym the whiche malycyously hathe slain his neyghbours dogge . He the whiche malycyously letteth ony to come vnto benefyce / or offyce / or other good he is holden to restore not egally as moche grete good as is the good in suche wyse letted / but after the estymacyon of some of good conscyence or by hymselfe . Foure cas foloweth without gyuynge diffynyte . The fyrste is of them that reysen in theyr herytages of newe douuehouses / or warennes / vnto the grete preiudise of his neyghbours . The seconde case is of theym the whiche wynneth grete fynaunces in playes defended as of cardes / dyse / & other playes of fortune . The thyrde is of the woman maryed the whiche conceyueth lygnee of another than of her husbande . The fourth is of them the whiche by the vyce of detraccyon taketh awaye the good renomme of theyr brother crystyen . Legitur prouerbiorum . xxiiii . Cum detractaribus non commiscearis : quoniam repente consurget perditio eorum vbi glosa dicit hoc vitio fore totum humanum genus damnatur . These befor sayd maye in theyr conscyences by goode counsayll other than by the shortnes of this present treatyse the whiche ne may bere the explycacyon than sholde be necessary in the dyffyculte of suche case and of other the whiche may come vpon . Of the whiche is not here made mencyon . Examples of restitucyon . And fyrste of a man named Fredrycus tormented in purgatorie for that that he hadde not restored tho thinges yll begoten .lxxxviii. a. Another example of a chylde in purgatorye by defaute to restore money borowed .lxxxviii. b. Other examples of restytucyon in the .vi. commaundement of the exemplayre . Quere par tabulam .lxxxviii. c. d. e.

A. Here foloweth the .vii. commaundement of god the whiche treateth of lecherye that a man commytteth in operacyon . Kepe the from lecherye & thoughtes yll Mysuse not thy body with wife ne mayde In this good mynde be thou euer styll Be she neuer so nycely arayde

IN the auncient testament is writen this commaundemente . exodi . xx . ca. And in the newe . math: v. et luce : xviii . Non mechaberis . Thou ne shalte do aduoutrye / or rybaudrye where yf thou do yll shall come vnto the yf thou deye withoute correccyon & amendement . In lyke wyse as thou shalt fynde here after by many examples . Quere . lxxxxii . a. b. All lecherye that a man commytteth in operacyon is defended by this commaundement . That is to vnderstonde fornycacyon / aduoutrye / defloracyon / incest / sodomye . And al these other braunches and maners the whiche shameles people commytten . Wherof speketh ysydore the whiche sayeth . Nulla libidine poluaris si ne maculeris . Thou shalte not be polluted or soylled by ony lecherye . Et paulus dicit ad roma . xiii . Non incubilibus & impudiciis non in contentione et emulatione : sed induamini dominum nostrum thesum christum et carnis curam ne feceritis in desideriis . Not in beddes & shamefull thynges / not in stryfe & in enuye / but clothe ye oure lorde Ihesu cryst and make ye not the desyres of the flesshe .

B. Of fornycacyon that god defendeth ca. xxxv .

SAynt poule saith in the .vi. chapitre of his fyrste pystyl vnto the corinthiens . Fugite fornicationem . Fle fornycacyon / for god it defendeth . Fornycacyon generally taken comprehendeth all these lecheryes that a man commytteth in operacyon / & that the whiche is taken here in partyculer is whan those that commyt lecherye ne be in maryage / of affynyte / of gossiprede / or vnder other lyne & enhabyteth vnlefully / It is grete mortall synne to knowe the concubynes & the sclaundre that therof procedeth It is a more greate synne to go vnto wedowes / & they lese theyr honoure / and the syn is right grete & infame to goo to those that ben commune / for they ben foule vyle & stynkynge whiche receyue all people / & some are maryed whiche is aduoutrye . &c The stewys or brodelhouse of the sayd communes ben taken from the lawes cyuyles in some communytes for to eschewe & auoyde a more grete yll . But it is not to be vnderstonde that god ne punyssheth the syn by eternell dampnacyon . Vn̄ psal. Perdedisti omnes qui fornicator abs te . Thou haste loste from the al those the whiche do fornycacyon . And a man sholde wele knowe that the man the whiche hathe company carnell of a woman is of affinite of all the consanguynes that is of all the parentes of the woman in that degree of affynite the whiche apperteyneth vnto the sayd woman in consanguynyte For the systers of the sayd woman ben his systers / & the germayns his germayns / and so of other degrees . And a lyke thynge is it of the woman in regarde of the parentes of the man with whome she hathe commytted lecherye And yf that afterwarde the one or the other abandone theym with ony of the sayd parentes and affynes vnder the .v. degre he sholde commytte inceste the whiche is a case reserued vnto the bysshop . Legitur .i. corin . vi . Qui adheret meretricivnū corpus efficitur . Sequitur erunt duo in carne vna He the whiche draweth vnto a strompet is made one body / two shall be in one flesshe .

C. This fornycacyon is to fle for many thynges . The fyrste is for that that those that commytte it go agayn the commaundement of god / wherof speketh the scryptures . Vn̄. pau. i. co. vi . Fugite fornicationem . sequitur . Qui autem fornicatur in corpus suum peccat . Fle fornication . He that commytteth fornycacyon / synneth in his body . And agayne he sayth in the .v. chapitre of the ephesyens . Fornycacyon ne none immundycyte or auaryce be named in you / in lykewyse as it apperteyneth vnto sayntes . Et le. i. co. vii . Propter fornicationem euitādē vnusque vxorem suam habeat & vnāquamque suum virum . That is to saye euery man hathe his wyfe for to fle fornycacyon / & euery woman hathe her husbande . Also fornycacyon dyspleaseth vnto god for those the whiche it commytteth fyleth his temple / that is the conscyens of persones the whiche is the place that he hathe chose for him to rest in . Vn̄. i. ad co. iii. Templum dei estis & spiritus dni habitat in vobis . That is to say ye be the temple of god / & the spyryte of our lorde habyteth in you . & sequitur . Si quis aunt templum dei violauerit disperdet illum deus . Empti estis p̄cio magno : glorificate portate deum in corpore suo . Yf ony hathe fyled the temple of god / god shall destroye hym / ye be bought by a greate pryce / gloryfye ye & bere ye god in your bodyes .

D. Secondly fornycacyon is to flee for that that it displeaseth vnto the aungelles of paradyse wherof we rede . Example in the lyfe of the faders of an aungell that as he walked with a man by the wyll of god whan they met a lecherous man wele clothed / the sayd aungell stopped his nose / & he stopped it not afterwarde whan they met a grete carayne so stynkynge that a man ne myghte approche vnto it . And yelded the cause and sayd that for the lecherye of the sayd yonge man he had stopped his nose . For lechery is more stynkynge before god than all other infeccyons . Also lecherye dyspleaseth moche vnto the aungel the whiche hathe the commyssyon of god to kepe vs & to counsayll as in his presence the horrour & abhomynacyon of synne is done in forsakynge his counsayll & admonycyon . Legitur in psal. Angelis suis deus mandauit de te vt custodiant te in oimbus viis tuis . God hathe sente his aungelles vnto the that they kepe the in all thy wayes . And therfore whan the iugement shall come of the sayd lecherous man the sayd aungell shall wytnes agayne hym that he wolde not obey vnto him

E. Thyrdly fornycacyon is to flee for that that it pleaseth vnto the deuyll . For lecherye is so stronge a lyne by the whiche the deuyll holdeth these harlottes that with grete payn may they escape / wherof it is writen osee .v. Non dabunt cogitationes suas : vt reuertantur ad dnm deum suum : quia spiritus fornicationum in medio eorum est . These lecherous people ne sholde gyue theyr thoughtes that they retornen vnto theyr lorde god / for the spyrytes of fornicacyon ben in the myddle of them . Also a man bestyall apperceyueth not the thynges the whiche ben of god . Vn̄ legitur . i. co. ii . qd aīalis hom non percipit ea que sunt spiritus dei . Example of hym that excused him to goo to the souper whan he was boden . Vn̄ luce .xiiii. Vxorem duci et ideo non possum venire . The lechery then holdeth so strongli & byndeth that they ne maye thynke on god ne leue that synne / as afterwarde more playnly shall be declared . Quere .xliiii. f. Also lechery pleaseth vnto the deuyl / for by it he wynneth two persones at a tyme the whiche thynge he dothe not of other synnes : it is a stroke the whiche is worthe two as the hazardours he wynneth the man and the woman by the sayd synne .

F. Fourthly fornycacyon is to flee for that that it noyeth in many of maneres vnto those that it commytteth . Fyrste they lese the Ioyes of paradyse as sayeth the scriptures . Vn̄. pau. i. co. vi . Nolita errare : quia neque fornicarii neque ydolis seruientes : neque adulteri : neque moles : neque masculorum concubitores . &c. regnum dei possidebunt . Erre ye not for the fornycatours / ne the seruauntes vnto ydoles / ne these aduoultres / ne those the whiche committeth the synne of sodomye with masles . &c. ne shall possede the realme of god . And he sayeth .v. ca. ad gal . That the operacyons of the flesshe ben manyfest the whiche ben fornycacyon / vnclennes / vnchastyte / & lecherye / & it foloweth / those that do so shall not haue paradyse and he sayeth ad ephe. v. Scitote intelligentes qm omnis fornicator : aut immundus : aut auarus quodem ydolorum seruitus non habet hereditatem in regno christi . That is to say vnderstonde you that euery fornycatoure / or vnclene / or auarycyous the whiche is seruytude of ydoles hathe not of herytage in the realme of Ihesu cryste . Also these fornycatoures leseth god and the company of aungelles / and all the sayntes of heuen / and of all the thynges celestyall / & spyrytuall / they lese theyr good renome theyr vertues & good operacyons / yf they deye impenytentes they lese the ioye / the he le & the helthe of the soule . Also by lecherye they feble theyr bodyes / engendre sekenes / corrupte the theyr blode / shorteth theyr lyfe / they lesse theyr rychesses & theyr temporell godes they chase awaye sapyence / scyence / & the gyftes of the holy ghost / they assocyate with deuylles with all maledyccyon / & with the dampned of perdicyon / they put theyr soules in grete myserye & dystresse / they bynde theyr soules to dethe of dampnacyon eternell / & to be in the fyre & in the paynes of helle without ony remyssyon / yf they in suche wyse deye without contrycyon confessyon & satysfaccyon . Vn̄ ysodorus . Ad penas tartari hominem libido perducit . Lecherye brynge a man vnto the paynes of helle . Example . It is wryten in the seconde boke of kynges that Abner knew the concubynes of his fader Hysboreth & within a lytell tyme after bothe twayne were slayne . Also the prodygal man of whome it is wryten luce. .xv. Who soo dyspendeth and vseth his substaunce in lyuinge lecherously yeueth example that lecherye dymynyssheth the rychesse and the godes of the meschaunt fornycatoure / for it is gyuen vnto harlottes and nouryture / And he lyueth delycyously whyle he hathe wherof . Also the fornycatour maketh gyftes vnto promoters / offycyalles / deanes / & payeth a grete amendes & loseth to gayne for the occasyons of his lechery . &c.

A. Of aduoutrye that god defendeth . Capitulo . xxxvi .

NOn adulterabis . Thou shalt not commyt of rybauldyse . Aduoutrye is commytted whan the one of the partyes / or bothe twayne ben in the lyne of maryage / & they commytte lecherye with another than with theyr partye / and it is said aduoutre quasi ad alterius thorum tendere . vn̄ marci . x. & math. xix . Quicumque dimiserit vxorem suam : & aliam duxerit adulterium committit super eam . Et si vxor dimiserit virum suum : & alii nupserit mechatur . It is to knowe that men fynde by wrytynge that seuen mortall synnes maye folowe in brekynge his maryage . The fyrst synne is fraccyon of the commaundement of god in two places . / That is coueyte not the wyfe of thy neighboure . exodi . xx . Non concupisces vxorem proximi tui . And do thou not the synne in operacyon mathei . v. Non machaberis . The seconde synne is pariurye / for those that breketh theyr maryage transgresseth the fayth that they haue receyued in baptysme & promysed vnto theyr party solemply in the face of the chirche before theyr preest & frendes / the whiche is a grete synne as to breke the crysten fayth . For it is wryten ad hebreos .xi. Quod sine fide impossibile est placere deo . It is impossyble to please god without faith . & the faith of a person is nothynge worthe without doynge the operacyons as it is wryten iacobi .ii. Sicut enim corpus sine spum mortuum est : ita & fides sine operibus mortua est in semetipsa . In lyke wyse as the body is deed whan it hathe no spyrite . In lyke wyse the fayth is deed without operacyons . Those that breketh the fayth gyuen in maryage ne byleue wele in god / by fayth operant wherfore they shall be condampned in to helle yf they deye impenytentes The thyrde is lyenge & infydelyte / for those that breketh theyr maryage shewe them to be lyers & infydeles to breke the loyalte of the body and of the goodes that they haue promysed to kepe the one with the other the whiche is a greate synne moche to be blamed . For it is writen .iiii. ethicorum ꝙoē mendatium prauum ēet fugiēdū & sequitur . Verax est laudandus / mendax vero vituperandus Euery lye or lesynge is yll & to be fledde / & it foloweth that the true man is to be praysed & the lyer to be shamed . Et legitur ꝓ .xxviii. Vir fidelis multum laudabitur . The man that kepeth loyalte on his party shall be moche lauded and praysed before god & the worlde / & shall haue retrybucyon in lyke wyse as it is wryten math. xxvi. Euge serue bone et fidelis quia super pauca ●uisti fidelis supra multa te constituam itra in gaudium dīu tui . O good & faythfull seruaunt enioye the for thou haste ben faythfull of a lytell thinge . I shall ordeyne the aboue a grete thinge / entre in to the ioye of thy lorde And vnto the contrary the persone a lyer & infydele shall be dyffamed before god & the worlde as we rede de villece . luce .xvi. Qui di● famatus est apud dnm suum quasi dissipasset bona ipsius . And there foloweth damnacyon vnto those whiche deye impenitentes . The .iiii. synne is thefte the whiche is whan ony man dothe vnto his neyghboure theuysshely / fraude / nuysaunce / treson / & decepcyon secretely & hydyngely agayne his wyll and it is done in suche wyse also whan ony is gyltye on his partye hydyngly and taketh possessyon & saysyne of the body and of the flesshe the whiche vnto hym is vnyed by the sacrament of maryage / & the whiche vnto hym is gyuen & graunted of god and of the chirche / wherof it is wryten . gen . ii . & math. xix . Proptur hoc relinquet homo patrem et matre & adherebit vxori sue & erunt duo in carne vna . That is to vnderstonde a man shall leue fader and moder for maryage / & to drawe hym to his wyfe / and they shall be two in one flesshe / also they be not two / but one flesshe . The thyng that god hathe comoincte man shall not departe it . Vnde . marci . x. Itaque iam non sunt duo : sed vna caro quos deus conuinxit homo non separet . Et legitur primo . corinth . vii . Mulier non habet potestatem sui corporis sed vir : similiter virnō habet potestatem sui corporis sed mulier The woman hathe no power of her body / but the man . In lykewyse the man hathe no puyssaunce of his body / but the woman For yf the one or the other be prycked / or tempted of the flesshe they sholde obeye the one vnto the other for to fle synne . &c. Sith that the people maryed ne ben but one self flesshe as it is said and that the one is not mayster of his body / but it is the puysaunce of the other . It behoueth to saye that auoutrye is a grete synne whan the harlot steleth from hym fraudelently the thyng the whiche vnto hym apperteyneth agayne the commaundement of god . Vnde leui . xix . Non facies furtum . Thou ne shalt do of theft ne of fraude vnto thy neyghbour . vn̄ mar . x. Ne fraudem feceris ꝓximo tuo . Also it is grete synne vnto the harlot to do vnto his neyghbour that thynge that he ne wolde vnto hymselfe to be done . Vn̄ ysodorus Quod non vis pati non facias : Saynt poule sayth : qd fures & latrones : regnum dei non possidebunt . That is to saye that conuert theuys & watches of wayes shall not possede the realme of god yf they deye impenytentes . &c. The .v. synne is sacrylege the whiche is commytte whan that a man hurteth soylleth or violateth the holy thynges / or whan a man theym steleth . In lyke wyse dothe the harlot the whiche hurteth / soylleth or vyolateth maryage the whiche is a holy thynge whan he commytteth the stenche & fylth of lecherye in good and lawfull maryage . Who so putteth vnder the fete of hogges the sacrament of the aulter / the corporaces or ony holy thynge to th ende that they were soylled & hurte moche he sholde synne Legitur math. vii . Nolite sanctum dare canibus : neque mittatis margaritas ante porcos . : ne forte conculcent eas pedibus suis . Ne gyue you not holy thynges vnto dogges / & put ye not margaretes before the tete of the hogges that they ne soylle theym with theyr fete . In lyke wyse is it to hurte and to soyle the holy sacrament of maryage in the stynche of lecherye the whiche is more foule than donge ne dyrte . Vn̄ legitur eccle. ix . qd omnis mulier q est fornicatoria q̄si stercus in via ab oimbus pretereūtibus conculcabitur . Euery woman the whiche is a fornycatoure shall be soylled in lyke wyse as a torde in the waye . Maryage is an estate of greate auctoryte the whiche sholde be treated and maynteyned holyly / for god it establysshed in paradyse terrestre in the estate of innocence before that man had euer synned . And therfore a man it sholde holyly kepe for the reason of god the whiche it establysshed & of the place where it was establysshed . And after it is an estate of grete dygnyte . For god wolde be borne of a woman maryed / that was of the blyssed vyrgyn Marye . &c. The .vi. synne the whiche also may folowe is incest the whiche is a man to knowe his kynneswoman / or a woman her kynnesman carnally as done these dogges . For yf the harlot engendre a doughter on the wyfe of his neyghbour it is possyble that one of his sones marye with the doughter the whiche is hys owne syster ygnorantly / for he knoweth nothynge / or parauenture hathe her company as with a harlot wenynge that she were nothynge to him / so sholde it be inceste the whiche is the synne of a dogge or hounde . The vii . synne is dysherytynge of theyr owne heyres whan lygnee foloweth . For whan the harlot engendreth a chylde on the wyf of his neyghbour / the sayd chylde shal possede the herytage wherin he hathe nothynge / & the true heyres shall be dysheryted & put out . The poore man fraulded the whiche weneth to gete for his chyldren is spended & wasted . For aduoutrers shall possede his goodes & herytages the whiche is so grete a case harde it is to fynde therin remedye & it to counsayll wele that the moost sage clerkes therin ben excessyuely letted . For all maladyccyon / dyffame / dampnacion / & perdicion foloweth as wele vnto harlottes / rybauldes men & women the whiche haue commytted the synne as vnto the chyldren aduoultres the whiche be seased of the sayd goodes and herytages wherin they haue nothynge / so nothynge wyll they do for that / that theyr moder was in lyen of maryage whan they were begoten & born It is wryten eccle. xxiii . Mulier omnis relinquens vitum suum & statuens hereditatem ex alieno matrimonio in lege altissimi īcredebilis fuit virum suum derelīquit in adulterio fornicata est et ex alio viro filios statuit sibi . Non tradent filii eius radices / et rami eius non dabunt fructum derelīquēt in maledictum memoriam eius & dedecus illius non delebitur . That is to say . Euery woman leuynge her husbande & establysshynge the herytage of a straunge maryage hathe be incredyble in the lawe of god / she hathe left her husbande / she hathe commyt fornycacyon in aduoultre / and she hathe taken a sone of another husbande , her sones ne shal take rote & the bow●s ne shall gyue of fruyte . They shal leue the memorye of her in malediccyon & the dyshonour of her shal not be es●aced . Et l● . ꝓ vi . Qui aunt adultur ēꝓdet Eccliam suam turpuu dine & ignominiam congregat sibi / & opprebrium illius non delebitur . That is to say / he that is a rybaulde shal lese his soule / his good fame & his reproche shall not be done awaye yf he deye impenytente . Also he that commytteth aduoutre hathe maledyccyon in lyke wyse as it is wryten deute . xxvii . Maledictus q dormit cum vxore proximi sui : & dicit omnis populus amen . Note wele that the synne of aduoutre noyeth in .ix. maners vnto those that it commytteth . Que. p. ad nu. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. k.

B. Examples we rede tertu regum . xi . how salamon was a moche harlot & loued women straunge the whiche vnto hym were defended of god . And therfore his realme was deuyded after his dethe in two partyes / & his sone had moche trouble for him .

C. Also men fynde in wrytynge in the auncyent testamente of an aduouterer a moche harlot named iudas / not he the whiche solde our lorde Ihesus / the whiche as he yode to commyt the sayd aduoutre in the presence of his wyfe / the erthe opend vnder hym and he felle in to depnes all clothed . Another example of a woman maried the whiche vsed her lyfe in lecheryes & glotonyes / & therfore was she dampned .xiii. a. Another example of a burge is aduoutrer / and of another woman maryed / the whiche were dampned for theyr lecheryes lxxxxi . b. Many other examples of aduoutrye shall be founde in the exemplayre and by the table the whiche is all alonge . The punycyon of those the whiche dydde breke theyr maryage and wedlocke in the auncyent and olde testamente was that they were stoned & put vnto deth incontynent the whiche sholde be a thynge ryght cruell yf it sholde be vsed as nowe a dayes . For many sholde be punysshed the whiche ben a lyue . Legitur . leui . xx . & deutero . xxii . Si me chatus quis fuerit cum vxore alterius et adulte rium ꝓpetrauerit cum coniuge ꝓximi sui morte morientur & mechus & adultera . Those and they that haue broken theyr maryages by lecherye sholde haue contrycyon & make confession sacramentally & do penaunce & they shall haue grace & mercye . Example of a woman aduoultres that was saued by makynge confessyon sacramental . Que. lxxxxii . b Another example how dauid the prophete that commytted auoutrye with the wyfe of vrie was sauid by repentaunce . He reknowleged his defaute & sayd peccaui . In lykewyse as it is wryten in the .xii. cha. of the boke of kynges . &c.

Of thynges meritoryous & of offences lecherous that a man commytteth with his owne wyfe . Ca. xxxvi .

SAynt poule sayeth in his epystylles . Satagitevt ꝓ bona opera certam faciatis vocationem vestram . Procure ye that ye make your vocacyon certayne by gode operacyons . Maryage is certayne vocacyon whan it is kepte holyly / clenly / and honestly . And it is dampnacyon whan peple the whiche ben knytte & vnyed in maryage ne kepeth the honeste & the chastyte the whiche apperteyneth vnto the sayd holy sacrament . The dede of maryage may be merytoryous in .iii. maners . Fyrst whan the pryncypall cause of that is for to conceyue lygnee . Secondly whan it is for to yelde the deuoyre of the sacrament the one with the other . Thyrdly whan it is by good dyscrecyon to eschewe synne in hymselfe or in other . In this laste manere yf they therin haue no meryte yet may he do it without synne . Some tyme the dede of maryage is alonely venyel synne as whan ouer the thre maners beforsayd a man secheth the pleasaunce of his sensualyte / how be it in suche conscyence that the man ne wyll excede the termes of honeste of maryage . somtyme there is mortall synne & many maners . A metrifiour sayeth . Quimque modis peccatin vxorem maritus : abutens . Tempore : mente : loco / conditione / modo . The husbande abusynge hym with his wyfe synneth in fyue maners . That is to vnderstonde by tyme / by mynde / by place / by condycyon bi the maner . Bi this worde here tempore is to vnderstonde that in the tyme that his wyf is seke / feble / and weyke / a man sholde absteyne from the operacyon of maryage / & the woman sholde excuse her / for it sholde be grete synne in lykewyse as it is wryten leui. xx . Also it is to absteyne him in the tyme of fastynges for to take awaye the pleasures of the body / & for to gete anenst god more grace & vertues . Also in the tyme of the feestes solempnelles for to santyfye & honoure the sayd feestes the better Also in tyme that the woman is layed in chyldbedde or redy to chylde . This worde mente denoteth that whan the thought & concupyscence is carnall & lecherous / that it is out of the boundes of maryage / that is that the man sholde accede also wyllyngly & promptly vnto a harlot yf he holde her as he dothe his wyfe / the synne is grete for the thought is ylle in all maneres where it is out of mariage . This worde loco denotethe whan a man knoweth his party in place holy / as in the chirche / or chircheyarde / it is synne for the holynes of the place . Also conditione / for to knowe it by condycyon of vnhoneste as openly before the people : or by condycyon vnlefull . It is a grete offence . Also this worde / modo / denoteth that a man ne sholde knowe his party in other maner than nature it techeth : for it is grete synne . vn̄. au . Vsus qui est contra naturam execrabiliter fit in meritrice : sed execrabilius fit in vxore .xxx. q. v. adulteri . The vsage that is agayne nature is done execrablye in the harlot / but it is done more execrably in his owne wife .

E. Examples men rede in thobye .vi. of the wyfe vnto lytel thobye that was meruaylous fayre & maryed vnto .vii. husbandes successyuely . The whiche the deuyll strangled all seuen the fyrst nyght that they were layde togyder / for that that the sayd husbandes acceded with her / not vnder the entencyon of the honeste of maryage / but for to accomplysshe the voluptuolyte of their bodyes as they vse somwhyle to doo with a harlot . The lytell Thobye dyde not so by the counsayll of the aungell raphaell / and therfore the deuyll slewe hym not . vn̄ tho . vi . Illa mulier tradita est septēviris & mortui sunt : sed et hoc odiui quia demon occidit illos . &c. F. Another example saynt Gregorye sheweth in the fyrste boke of the dyalogue that a woman in Catane of newe maryed was conuayed with other women to goo vnto the dedycacyon of the chirche of saynt Sebastian / & the nyght that she sholde go in the mornynge she was pricked with the flesshe that she ne myght holde her from her husbande . And in the mornynge she hadde more greate shame of men than of god & yode theder . And anone as she was entred in to the oratorye where the relyques of saynt Sebastyan were / the deuyll toke her & began to tourmente her before all that there were . Than the preest of the chirche toke the couerture from the alter & couerde her / & anone the deuyll assaylled the preest / & than the frendes of that woman sayd vnto the enchauntours that they sholde enchaunt the deuyll by theyr enchauntementes / but anone as they enchaunted by the iugement of god a legion of enemyes .vi. M.vi . C.lxvi deuylles entred in to the woman & tormented her asprely . And an holy man named Fortunate heled her by his prayers .

G. Another example saint gregorye telleth in his dialogue how a woman lefully was knowen of her owne husbande at saterdaye at nyght / & whan she accompanyed with the other at the processyon of the sondaye the deuyll entred in to her & tourmented her strongly before all the people . By this example it is to note that in holy tymes a man sholde absteyne hym somtyme from thynges lefull . Also a man sholde vnderstonde that maryage is one of the .vii holy sacramentes / & for as moche as it is holy he sholde drawe hym honestly & holyly / & accede on his partye in good entencyon . Those & they the whiche done the contrary sholde drede to lese paradyse and the rewarde that the good shall haue the whiche haue kepte the sayncete of the sayd sacrament . Also they sholde drede punycyon & dampnacyon / for all mortell synne byndeth vnto dampnacyon .

H. Example of a man maryed moche deuoute / by the voluptuosyte of his flessh yode vnto his wyfe in other manere than nature ne techeth hym / & therfore he was dampned in the ende of his dayes . As it was after shewed by vysyon vnto his sone relygyous by his prayers and by the holy lyfe that he was of .

I. Another example that men fynde in wrytyng of a man maried that vsed his wyf dyshonestly as the sodomytes / & moche dyspleased vnto his wyfe . & one tyme agayn her wyl commyt in her the synne of sodomy and incontynent after that he arose from his bedde to goo in to the chambres in the whiche his bowelles fell from hym & dyscended by the foundement with grete torment than he began to crye / the people came & of the doloure that he felte he tolde hys sayd synne / & that god hym venged & punysshed / & my scheuously he deyed . Another example of a man that knewe his wyfe on ester euen . Que. lxxxxiii . a. Another example how the chyldren of a man and of a woman ne myght haue baptysme for the synne that they commytted in maryage / Que. lxxxxiii . b. Those that haue offended in theyr maryages make they true confession & they shal haue mercye . Que. viii.c.

A. Of defloracion that god defendeth . xxxvii

NOn mechaberis . kepe the from doynge lecherye in ony wyse what soo it be / he that dothe the werke of nature out of maryage deceyueth hymselfe . A man commytteth defloracyon whan one of the partyes or bothe twayne ben vyrgins & they commyt lecherye out of mariage . In the auncyent testament she the whiche suffred that she were deflored was brent . vn̄ le. xxi . Puella si depreheusa fuerit in stupro et violauerit nomen patris sui : flammis exuretur . For that that sychem deflored dine the doughter of iacob / he & his fader with them of his house were slayne as it is wryten ge. xxxiiii . He that defloreth a vyrgyne vnto her dothe dommage inaprecyable / so that ther nys golde ne syluer ne ony thinge temporel of what valoure so euer it be that may be compared vnto the valoure of one soule contynent as a vyrgyn mayden . Of whome it is wryten eccl. xxvi . Omnis ponderatio sclm cuiuslibet rei tp̄oralis cuiuscumque sit ponderis & valoris : non e digna aīe continenti . Saynt ierome sayth that vnto these vyrgyns is promysed fruite a. C. tymes / & whan they be one tyme corrupte or brused they shal neuer recouer the sayd fruyte ne theyr vyrgynyte / no more than a man may repayre a lampe broken in peces how be it it is to be vnderstonde but that they maye be saued in doynge of penaunce / but they shall neuer be of the nombre of vyrgyns in paradyse ▪ they shal be of the nombre of those that haue done penaōce . Vnto wedowes that haue wele kepte chastyte is promysed fruyte threscore tymes . This sayeth saynt Iherome And vnto women maryed fruyte thyrtye tymes & euery one shall haue after theyr deserte . Also the harlot the whiche corrupteth a vyrgyn is cause of all the payllardises & ylles that the sayd vyrgyn doth euer after / as he the whiche maketh a breche in the corne wele closed is cause that the said bestes entren in to the sayd corne & there done of dommage / & for to satyffye of the said ylle the said harlot sholde close the breche vnto his power / that is to withdrawe the sayd woman from synne . And after the droitm he her sholde marye with his goodes / or to take her in mariage yf she be not maried : or he sholde entre in to a monastery for to do penaunce perpetuell . Examples how ylle is comen vnto many the whiche haue dyspoylled vyrgyns of theyr maydenhede . Fyrste how a knyghte was dampned for that / that he hadde deflored a vyrgyn . Quere . lxxxxi b. Another example how a vyrgin was rauysshed in the daunce and fyled & after henge herselfe . Que. lxviii . f. Many other examples ben wryten in the examplayre / Quere . lxxxxi . a. b. c.

B. Of inceste that god defendeth . xxxvii .

NOn mechaberis . Fle al synne of lecherye & loue clene lyfe and pure / A man commytteth inceste whan the parties the whiche accomplysshen lecherye ben of lygnage / or of affynyte or vnder from the fyfte degre / or whan there is betwene them gossiprede by the meane of the sacrament of baptysme or of confyrmacyon . After the auncyent lawe those the whiche commytted this synne were put vnto deth . vn̄ leui. xx . Qui dormierit cum nouerca sua cum muru sua vterque moriatur / quia scelus operati sunt sanguis eorum sit super eos . He the whiche hathe slepte with his stepmoder / or with his syster in lawe / the one / the other shall deye / for they haue done synne / theyr blode be vpon them . Also he the whiche hathe taken his syster the doughter of his fader or the doughter of his moder ben they slayne before the people vn̄ in dicto . ca. Qui acceperit sororem suam filiam patris sui vel filiam matris sue . &c. Occidatur in conspectu populi sui . For this synne Ammon the sone of dauyd was slayne by the commaundement of his broder Absalon / for he had deflored theyr syster Thamar as it is wryten ii . regum . xiii . Also all malediccyon dyscendeth vpon them the whiche commytte thys synne as it is wryten deutero .xxviii. Maledictus qui dormit cum vxore patris sui et cum sorore sua filia patris sui vel matris sue et dicit omnis populus amen . That man is accursed the whiche slepeth with the wyfe of his fader / & with his syster the doughter of his moder . And all the people shall saye amen so be it . Also punycyon and dampnacyon foloweth vnto them the whiche knowe theyr gossyppes men or women or god sones / or god doughters as we rede in the dyalogue of saint Gregorye that for the lecherye of a curyal the whiche corrupte a fayre doughter that he had holden on the fonte of baptysme he deyed sodaynly in the chirche before the people . Que. post ad numerum . lxxxx . b. Another example of a woman dampned and terrybly tourmented the whiche had commytte lecherye with one of her kynnesmen . Quere . lxxx● a. Yf thou haue offended in this vyce goo vnto penaunce . Quere .viii. b.

B. Of sacrylege as vnto lecherye that god defendeth . Ca. xxxvii .

SAynt Bernarde sayeth . Tangere qui gaudens meretricem qualiter audes . Palmis pollutis : regem palpare salutis . Thou man of the chirche the whiche enioyest the to touche an harlot / how darest thou touche the kynge of helthe with thy handes soylled . Thou arte sacryleged the whiche soyllyst the holy sacramente of ordres that thou haste receyued . Sacrylege is commytte in many maners / but that which toucheth the synne of lecherye / is whan a man hurteth / soylleth / or vyolateth the holy thynges / as those the whiche ben in holy ordres halowed vnto god / preest religious man or woman / & they commytteth the sinne of the flesshe . Suche people synneth greuously they ben to punysshe . Example how a preest fornycatour deyed sodaynly in syn as he wolde haue songe masse . lxxxxiii d. Another example of the punycyon & dampnacyon of a nonne the whiche commytted lecherye .lxxxiii. f.

Of thynges the whiche greueth the synne of the flesshe . in people of the chirche . xxxvii

SAynt Iherome saith . In maiori gradu : maior sīe dubio pena Of asmoche more as lecherye is commytte in grete degre of a persone / vnto hym there apperteyneth the more grete payne & punycyon . Many thynges aggreueth the synne of the flesshe in theym of the chirche . The fyrste thynge is that they breke the vowe of chastyce that they promysed vnto god in receyuynge the holy ordres . Whan ony them receyueth he renounceth vnto mariage / & vnto all copulacyon of woman . And yf euer after he go therto he is a breker of his auowe the whiche is a grete case . The psalmyst sayeth . Couete et reddite dno deo vestro . Vowe ye & yelde ye vnto oure lorde god . It is greate synne vnto lay people to commytte lecherye oute of maryage / for they go agaynst the lawe & commaundement of god / but the synne is more grete vnto the people of the chirche the whiche breketh theyr vowe & the commaundement of god . The seconde thynge the whiche aggreueth the synne vnto the people of the chirche / is whan dyrectly and wyttynge they go agayne the wyll of god & agayne the scyence and the good that they knowe . Theyr sinne is greter than that of symple people the whiche ne knowe ne yet vnderstonde the scryptures and synneth by ygnoraunce Saynt gregorye sayeth . Melius est viam veritatis n●n cognoscere : quam eam cognitam non seruare . It is better thynge not to knowe the waye of trouthe / than not to kepe it after that it is knowen . And saynt peter sayeth . Melius erat illis non cognoscere viam iustitie quam post aguitionem retrorsum conuerti / It were better vnto those synners not to knowe the waye of Iustyce than to conuerte them vnto the contrarye after the knowlege . And iaco . iii. Scienti bonum facere & non facienti peccatum est illi . Synne it is to hym knowynge to doo wele and not doynge it The thyrde thynge the whiche agreueth the synne in people of the chirche is for that / that they ben the example of all derkenes derysyon / sclaundre / and synne . And they sholde be the lyght / the lanterne / and the example of all chastyte / bounte & holynes & vertues after that the whiche is writen mar . v. Vos estis lux mund. Sequi●ui . S● luceat lux vestra coram hominibus vt videant opera vestra bona et glorificent patrem vestrum qui est in celis . You be the lyght of the worlde / your lyght shyneth in suche wyse / before men that they se your good operacyons and that they gloryfye your fader the whiche is in heuen . And saynt augu . saith Quicqid vident laici vobis displicere dicunt procul dubio sibi non licere . Quicqid vos in opere vident ad implere : credunt esse licitum et culpa carere . What thynge that this laye people se dysplease vnto you / they se without doubte that it is not lefull vnto them and ony thynge that they se you to accomplysshe in operacyon they byleue to be lefull & without gylte . Whan the candyll or the lyght of a house is put out it is occasyon that all those of the sayd house ben in derkenesse . Also whan the curates / chapelayns / clerkes / & people of the chirche ben harlottes the whi●●e sholde be the lyghte of chastyte / of purenes / of clennes as it is sayd / it is the occasyon that lytell people ben yll and harlottes . And by this the synne is the more greuous vnto pleople of the chirche the whiche ben the example of sclaundre and of synne / wherof foloweth maladyccion . Vnde mathei . viii . Ve mundo a scandalis . Sequitur . Ve homini per quem scandalum venit . Maledyccyon vnto the worlde for these sclaundres . Maledyccion vnto hym by whome sclaundre cometh . / Whan a preest is lecherous by hym there procedeth grete sclaundre the whiche is a thynge that pleaseth vnto the deuyll and dyspleaseth moche vnto our lorde . Example how the deuyll charged a woman for to commytte lecherye with preestes for the greate yll the whiche therof dothe procede Quere .lxvi. f. Also the wounde or hurt is wors more vyllayne & apparant whan it is within the eye than in another membre / so is the synne of lecherye in people of the chirche than in the laye people . Ihero . dicit . qd clericus aut honestior est ceteris aut alus fabula . The clerke eyther he is more honeste than these other / or he is the tale vnto other / that is the example wors than the other . The fourth thynge the whiche agreueth the synne is for that that the people of the chirche ben mynysters of god and of his housholde deputed vnto his seruyce & lyue of his godes & haue the grete wages : benefyces & reuenues . Whan the housholde seruaunt of the kynge of grete lorde gouerneth dyshonestly and dysobeyeth vnto his mayster he is more to blame & to punysshe than is another straunger / for that that he lyueth vnder hym & hathe grete salayre / in like wyse is it of the people of the chirche . Vn̄ psal. Verba dni . Si inimicus meus maledisset mihi : sustinuissem vtique . and for asmoche as the worde of god is dyspysed of his owne housholde seruauntes he is the more yll content . &c. Also whan fornycacyon is done in the chirche the syn is more greate than yf it were done in other place . For the chirche is blyste & deputed vnto the seruyce of god . Also lecherye is more grete synne in people of the chirche the whiche ben blyste in receyuynge the holy ordres & deputed vnto seruyce of god than in symple people . Au. Plus peccat clericus multerem concupiscendo quam carnalitur laycus ipsam attingendo . The clerke synneth more in couueytynge the woman than the laye man in touchynge her carnally . Also the barkynge of dogges is nuysyble vnto the oxe . the wayllynge of hogges pleaseth more to god than these lecherous clerkes . Au. Plus placet deolatratus canum / mugitus bouum / gemitus porcorum / quam vox clericorum luxuriantium . Also these ryche people haue in hate & abhomynacion theyr seruauntes whan they ben foule & vyllayns / & loueth the pure & clene . In lyke wyse god hathe in hate his seruaunt foule / stynkynge / & soylled by lecherye . Le. eccle. xii . qd altissimus odio habet pctōres . The ryght greate / that is god the whiche hath in hate the synners . Also the synner & his synne be in hate vnto god . vn̄. sapien. xiiii . Odio sunt deo impius & impietas eius . The .v. thynge the whiche agreueth the synne is the dygnyte of the offyce wherin ben ordeyned these preestes the whiche is soylled in commyttynge lecherye . The preestes ben so dygne that they excercyse the office of aungelles / wherof it is wryten ma. ii . Labia enim sacerdotis custodiunt sciētiam & legem requirent ex ore eius quia angelus dium excercituum est . The lyppes of the preest kepeth science & these other requyreth the law of his mouthe / for he is an aungell / that is to vnderstonde messenger of our lorde of the offyce of compaygnyes . The offyce and the excercyse that these aungelles haue the whiche kepeth vs to admynystre vnto vs & to counsayll to lyue after the scyence and the lawe and the commaundementes of god / & vnto preestes is betaken this offyce . And therfore they sholde lyue chastely or theyr synne shall be ryght greuous . Also the preestes haue more grete dygnyte than the aungelles in as moche as they haue the offyce to consecrate the body of Ihesus the whiche the aungelles haue not . For they haue not receyued the ordres . And for asmoche as these preestes haue soo greate dygnyte they sholde be full of grete valour & bounte more than the laye people / or theyr synne shall be more greate . Also a pyece of golde is more worthe & more dygne than a pece of lede or metall / so is the preest for his dygnyte / than a seculer / wherby his synne is more grete whan he offendeth ayenst god Also no man ne here the masse of a preest the whiche he knoweth vndoutfully to haue concubyne . Vn̄ lucius dicit . qd nullus audiat missam sacerdotis quem scit idubitantur cōcubinam habere . Also these preestes / curates & prelates ben vycayres & lieutenauntes of god the whiche haue puyssaunce in many case to absoyle & to vnbynde the synnes frome theyr subgectes . And yf ony be defayllynge and inobedyentes for to bynde them & to excommunycate as it is wryten mat . xvi . Quodcumque ligaueris super terram erit ligatum et in celis & quodcumque solueris su per terram erit solutum et in celis . et iho . xx . Quorum remiseritis pctā remittuntur eis : & quorum retinueritis retenta sunt . whan a lieutenaunt gouerneth hym ylle in his commyssyon in dysobeynge vnto his mayster hys synne is more grete than yf he had not the offyce . These prestes haue the offyce beforsayd the whiche the aungelles haue not / wherby theyr synne is the more greuous yf they gouerne them ylle . Example how two of the preestes of the auncyent lawe couueyted vnshamefully & prayed Susanne of dyshonour / & bycause she resysted agayne them they thought to haue made her deye but they themselfe were slayne / theyr syn was grete for they were preestes auncyentes & iuges . Que. lxxxxvi . c. The .vi. thyng the aggreueth the syn is whan these prestes lodge & put to reste theyr god & maker after the celebracyon in theyr bodyes the which is vyle / & stynkinge / & in dede yf he be polluted by lecherye . Vn̄. i. corin . xi . Quicumque manducauerit panem vel biberit calicem dni indigne reus erit corporis & sanguinis dni sequitur . Qui enim manducat & bibit indigne iudi cium sibi manducat & bibit . A man sholde say that it sholde be greate synne to put the body & the blode of Ihesus in a chalyce soule in dede / & by a more stronge reason in the body lecherous . Augu. Melius est spūalia penitus emiti : quam impure tractari . It is better vtterly to leue in all thynges spyrytuelies than to entreate them foulely .

E Example how two prestes lecherous were punysshed . It is wryten in the promtuarye of the dyscyple that Guyslaume recyteth how a preest lecherous & soule by sin receyued the body of Ihesu cryste in hys mouthe also as euery daye / & the vengeaunce of god came vpon hym . His mouth his lyppes torned towarde the nose and the chynne & his tonguestanke soo strongly the with payne his frendes myght endure him And he recyteth agayne of another preest the whiche was in suche wyse in wales . vnto whome it happened that as his handes were vpon the aulter they were brent tyll vnto the elbowes by punycyon dyuyne . Peple of the chirche ben the seruauntes of god & of his housholde . And therfore they sholde be holy / chaste / pure / & clene in folowynge theyr mayster . Vn̄. leui . xx . Sanctifica mini et estote sancti / quia ego sanctus sum dicit dominus / et leui . xxi . Sancti erunt deo suo et non poluent nomen eius . The people of holy chirche ben holy vnto theyr god / & the name of hym they ne soyllen . Example how a vyrgyn sawe a preest / chast / clere / & fayre in singynge masse . Que. lxxxxiiii a. Another example how a bisshop was so chaste / pure / & clene that he sawe on ester daye some men confeste the whiche were blacke / & the other whyte . Quere . lxxxxiii c. The vertue of chastyte is agreable vnto god and vnto men . And therfore we it sholde kepe curyously . Mayster hugues sayeth . Qui perdit puditiam perdit animam suam / perdit deum / perdit seipsum . He the whiche leseth chastyteleseth his soule / leseth hymselfe .

F. Example for to kepe chastyte / and for to flee the stynkynge synne of lecherye the whiche is cause of soo many euylles / It is wryten in the lyfe of faders that a relygyous wrapped his handes in his mauntell of drede to touche his moder whan he passed with her ouer a water And she axed hym wherfore he was so wrapped / he answerd that the body of a woman is fyre / & at that houre that I touched that it came to my remembraunce of other women / wherfore yf we wyll kepe chastyte it behoueth to fle the loke / the company / and the touchynge of the woman . The pope innocent layeth that these clerkes ne abyden with these women but with those the whiche ben auncyent without voluptuosyte carnall . And saynt Augustyn sayeth in the rule of chanoynes whan ye be in the chirche where these women ben kepe togyder youre chastyte . Qn̄ estis in ecclesia vbi et feminini sunt iuicē puditiam vestram custodite . &c. Those the whiche haue offended god by lechery done they penaunce and they shall be saued . Example how a relygyous apostate and lecherous hadde mercy by penaunce . Quere . xlviii . e.

G. Of the synne agayne nature and of sodomye that god defendeth .

THe mayster of sentences sayth in his fourth boke . Peius est enim cum matre quam cum aliena vxore dormire : sed omni horum pessimum qd contra naturāsit . It is wors to slepe with his moder than with another woman / but worste of all aboue all these other is that the whiche is done agayn nature . The synne agayne nature is commyt in many maners / the whiche synne is soo horryble & detestable that men dare not wryte ne preche that that the scriptures telleth & for cause / for many therin maye offende . But in confessyon it sholde be declared by the synner yf the synner wyll saue his soule yf he be fallen in to suche synne by atouchynge vpon hymselfe / or with bestes / or in other maners agayne the ordonnaunce that god & nature hathe put in suche case . Those that comyt this synne after the faith sholde be put vnto dethe . vn̄ leui. xx . Qui dormierit cum masculo coitu feminco vterque operatus est nefas morte moriatur sit sanguis eorum super eos sequitur . Qui cum tumēto et peccore coierit morte moriatur : pecus quoque occidite . &c. Also they haue maledyccyon as it is wryten deutero . xxvii . Maledictus qui dormit cum omni iumento et dicet omnis populus amen . Sodomye was loste for this synne the whiche dyspleaseth vnto god that he made to fall .v. cytes . That is to vnderstonde Sodome / go more / segor / boym / & oleale . And all this was for theyr cursed synnes / as it is wryten in gene. xix . Thou shalt fynde this example wryten at length in the exemplayre . quere . lxxxv . a. Another example of the warre & slaughter that was made vpon the sodomites of Beniamin for the lechery that they cōmytten with the wyfe of leuite . Que. lxxxxv . b. Another example of a man that vsed his wyfe sodomytly . lxxxxv . c. Many other examples ben wryten in the exemplayre . lxxxxv . d.e.f.

A. Of the vertue of chastyte the whiche is agayne the synne of lecherye . Ca. xxxviii .

IT is wryten luce. xii . Sint lumbi vestri precincti & lucerne ardentes in manibus vestris . &c. Let your rayns be gyrde with the gyrdyl of chastyte & the lyghtes brenne in your handes by good operacyons . God wyll that al persones men & women lyue chastely . chastyte maketh the soule fayre / whyte / pure & clene / & loued of god . And of the soule chaste & vyrgyn is wryten . can . ii . Sicut lilium in t spinas : sic amica mea inter filias . The lely is a fayre floure the whiche hathe .vi. leuys whyte the whiche sygnyfyeth the chastyte of the body / and hathe syxe granes with in gylte the whiche sygnyfyeth the chastyte and clennesse of the thought . Of this chastyte and vyrgynyte speketh the sayge sapientie . iiii . O quam pulcra est casta generatio cum caritate : immortalis enim est memoria illius : cm̄ apud deum nota est & apud homines And this worde here is to be noted the whiche sayeth cum caritate . For the tooles vyrgyns the whiche haue not of oyle in theyr lampes the whiche sygnyfyed charyte were strongly closed / & they entred not with the spouse with the vyrgyns sage in charite . Vn̄ math. xxv . Clausa est ianua . Also the estate of vyrgynyte is fayre / whyte pure / and clene without ony spotte . Vnto the whiche estate a man maye saye that there apperteyneth a whyte robe . Of this estate it is wryten howe saynt Iohan lawe a grete hepe of people chastes and vyrgyns the whiche songe melodyously a newe longe / and vnto hym it was sayd illud apocalipsis . xiiii . Hi sunt qui cum mulieribus non sunt coinquitati virgines enim ●unt . Hi sequuntur agnum quocunque ierit . sequitur . Si ne macu●a sunt ante thronum dei . A whyte robe is more clene than another / the whiche ought to be kepte from soyllynge . For the spotte therin is more foule than in another robe . In lyke wyse chastyte vyrgynyte ought to be kepte from the soyllerye of lecherye . Of the beaute of vyrgynyte is wryten can . ii . T'ota pulchra is amica mea : et macula non est in te . Example is the blyssed vyrgyn marye the whiche is the example of virginite and of all chastyte the whiche was all fayre without ony spotte for neuer origynal synne / venyel / ne mortell ne entred in to her . Also chastyte is a treasour inaprecyable . Wherof it is wryten ecclesa . xxvi . Omnis ponderatio scꝪ cuilibet rei : temporalis cuiuscunque sit ponderis & valoris non est digna anime continenti . There is neyther golde ne syluer ne precyous stone ne other thynge corporell / of what valour and pryce so euer it be / that is to be compared vnto onesoule chaste & contynente as a vyrgyn & mayden . Example men rede in the legende of saynt bernarde that there was a fayre man the whiche came to lodge in an ynne / and in the nyght he began to crye / a these theues these theues / for his hostesse came to hym in the nyght for to haue had his company / & thre tymes in suche wyse he cryed / wherfore the people rose vp whiche founde no theues . And in the mornynge his dyscyples hym demaunded the cause of his crye . He them answerde that his hostesse wolde haue stolen from hym his precyous treasour of vyrgynyte . Of this treasour of chastite that a man sholde loue it is wryten math. xiii Simile est regnum celorum thesauro abicondito in agro . Thesaurum in agro est castitas in corde . &c. A treasour the whiche is hydde in a poore place / as the body the whiche is frayll to synne ought be kepte the theues stele it not . A loule contynent as a vyrgyn ought wele to be kepte it eme ylle thoughtes / or she shall lese her sayd treasoure . Quia augusimus dicit . Nichil prodest virginitas corporis vbi operatur corruptio mentis . Also to lyue chastely and to kepe vyrgynyte in our corruptyble bodyes the whiche of it selfe is lecherous is not a lyfe erthely nor terryenne / but it is a lyfe angelike . Vnde therono . In seimone de assumptione beate marie ait sic . Bene angelus ad virginem mittitur : quia angelis semper est cognata virginitas profecto ait . Incarne preter carnem viuere non est terrena vita : sed angelica . Wherfore you vyrgyns / and men and women the whiche loueth chastyte beware of exces of metes & drynkes for that prouoketh lecheryes . / And for asmoche as those and they the whiche kepeth vyrgynyte and chastyte ledeth a lyfe angelyke / they shall be semblables vnto aungelles . Vn̄ math. xxii . In resurrectione non nubent neque nubentur : sed erunt sicut angeli dei in celo . Also these aungelles kepeth the vyrgyns and the people chaste by grete curyosyte . In lyke wyse as saynt Cecyle sayd vnto valeryan . Vnde legitur in legenda cecile . Angelum dei habeo amatorem qui nimio zelo custodit corpus meum &c. Also the soule chaste & vyrgyn the which hathe stedfast fayth in god is the espouse of Ihesu cryste : wherof it is wryten .ii. ad . co. xi . Despondi enim vos vni viro virginem castam exhibere christo . Et legitur can . iiii . Veni de libano sponsa mea veni coronaberis . Et in vna antiphona . Veni sponsa christi accipe coronam quam tibi dns preparauit ineternum . The espouse of Ihesu cryste shall be crowned in paradyse for the resystence that she had made agayne her body lecherous & agayne her other aduersaryes Example we rede in the legende of saint Cecile that an aungell bare two crownes of fayre floures we le smellynge . And the sayd aungell put one vpon the heed of saint Cecyle . And the other vpon the heed of her husbande Valeryan . Vn̄ legitur . qd valetianus inuenit iuxta Thuan angelum dni stantem flāmeo aspectu radiētem coronas duas portantem in manibus coruscantes rosis et liliis albescentes quique vnam dedit cecilie / et alter Turrian valeriano dicens . Has coronas numquam marcescētes : nunquam aspectus suiflorem amittentes nunquam odoris sui suauitatem minuētes de paradiso dei : vobis allatas mundo corde & corpore cusiodite q ab alio vide ii non poterunt nisi ab eis quibus castitas placuerit sicut vobis ꝓbata est placuisse . Vnto the floure of virginite ben appropried the wordes of the sayge . eccle. xxiiii . Flores mei fructus honoris & honestatis . That is to saye my floures bereth fruyte of honoure and of honeste . Many floures ther ben the whiche bereth truyte of honoure and of honeste as the lylly / the rose / the vyolet the gyllofre . These floures here haue in them foure thynges . The fyrste is beaute in beholding them . The seconde is good odour in smellynge theym . The thyrde is that they worshyp the persone the whiche bereth them The .iiii. is that they ben good to make medecynes & water . &c. In lyke maner a persone vyrgyn and chaste hathe these four propryetes here . Fyrste his soule is fayre / & so is the body oftymes . Sicut le. ge. xxiiii . Rebecca fuisse puella decora nimis vgoque pulcherima & incognita viro. Another example the saynt Barbara was fayre of faith of body / & of soule . Pulchra facie : sed pulchrior fide . For she vowed and kepte virginite & refused to be maried . And her fader dyde make for her a toure for to hyde her beaute . O nimiam pulchritudinem fecit la pidcam in qua genitor iilam subliuius collocaret . &c. Secondly the persone the whiche kepeth vyrgynyte and chastyte hathe the odoure of good renommee and before god and the worlde as the vyrgyn maryed & these other vyrgyns . &c. And vnto the contrary lechery maketh to haue yll renommee vnto those and them that vse it / & vnto theyr lygnee . Thyrdly vyrgynyte and chastyte worshyppeth and honoureth the vyrgyns / and the place where they ben entred / and where theyr ymage is / is worshypped and honoured . Fourthly vyrginyte and chastyte is of valcure / for the vyrgyns do myracles and many good dedes Lecherye is vnto the contrarye of the .iiii. thynges beforsayd / for she is not to be compared vnto the vyle carcas and flesshe roten the whiche leseth foure thynges / that is for to vnderstonde / beaute corporell / sauour good & swete odour / & good renome . Chastyte is a fayre vertue the whiche oughte to be gretely appetyted for the goodnesse the whiche therof procedeth . Vn̄ magister hugo de sancto victore dicit . Magna est pudicitie virtus nam hominem a terreno subleuat / angelis sociat deo coniungit / et de terreno celestem de carnali spiritualem facit . Chastyte is a grete vertue celestyall and spyrytuall / it lyfteth vp the man from erthly thynges and felawshyppeth hym with the aungelles / and conioyneth hym with god from erthly and maketh hym celestyall / & fro carnall espyrytual . A questyon / who so sholde demaunde what vyrgynyte is / & what rewarde vnto it apperteyneth . The answere . Vyrgynyte is to haue thought to kepe perpetuall chastyte in his body corruptyble . And of the rewarde saynt Iherom sayth that vnto the vyrgyns is promysed fruyte and hondred tymes . Vnto wydowes lx . And vnto the maryed men and women xxx . For to be a vyrgyn and to haue the rewarde that therunto apperteyneth it behoueth to kepe two thynges the whiche ben chastyte of body and of thought . And a man sholde note here many thynges . Fyrst that whan a persone hath commytted one only tyme lechery by delyberacyon and by operacyon he loseth the rewarde of vyrgynyte Howbeit that a man sholde not vnderstonde but that he may be saued by penaunce . And whan the thought of a vyrgyn is corrupte and not the body yf she be repayred by penaunce with purpose for to kepe her she loseth not the rewarde the whiche apperteyneth vnto vyrgyns . And whan ony persones maryeth them and that they doo the operacions of maryage in lykewyse as god and the chyrche hath ordeyned / in suche case they doo theyr saluacyon / but they haue not the rewarde the whiche apperteyneth vnto vyrgins . And of those and them the whiche haue theyr bodyes entyer without corrupcyon / and the whiche ne ben maryed but haue theyr wylles stedfast to mary them / they ben not worthy too haue the rewarde the whiche aperteyneth vnto vyrgyns . Vnde hiero . Nichil prodest habere virginem si mentem quis nupserat . Et augustinus in libro virginitate sic ait . Felici or michi videtur esse mulier nupta quam virgo nuptura habet enim illa quam ista cupit . The vyrgyns haue the moost gretest rewarde in paradyse / and of good ryght . For theyr bodyes haue not ben soyled ne corrupt by lechery / and also they haue opteyned the better party / that is to please and to serue god and not vnto the body and vnto the worlde . Vnde hieronimus . Bona est castitas coniugalis / melior est vidualis / sed optimus virginalis . Et paulus .i. corinth . vii . Qui sine vxore est sollicitus que domini sunt quomo do placeat deo . &c. sequitur . Mulier innupta et virgo cogitat que domini sunt / vt sit sancta corpore & spiritu . Qui cum vxore est sollicitus est que sunt mundi quomodo placeat vxori & diuisus est . Alibi . Dico autem non nuptis et viduis bonum esse illis si perman serint sic quod si se non continent nubent / melius est enim nubere quam viri . And yf a vyrgyn be corrupt by force she loseth not the rewarde of chastyte by suche wyse that afterwarde she be not vnto the sayd dede agreable / and that she humble her towarde god . Quia peccatum est actio voluntaria / & non est peccatum nisi voluntarium . Et legitur primi regum .xvi. Homo enim videt ea q parent deus autem intuetur cor . Example in saynt Luce the whiche lyed not / for the holy goost was in her / sayd vnto the tyraunt Si inuitam me violare feceris castitas michi duplicabitur ad coronam . Et leo ●●●a dicit . Virgines dei q oppressione barbarica integritatem carnis perdiderunt pudoris laudabilioris erunt si se incontaminatis non audeant comparare virginibus . &c.

B. The vyrgyns sholde drede many thynges for feere to lose paradyse and theyr rewarde . The fyrste thynge that they sholde drede is pryde espyrytuall and vayneglory Vnde Augustinus in libro de virginitate sic ait . Non solum predicanda est virginitas vt ametur verum et mouenda est ne īfletur . The seconde is slouthe / tedyousnes and ydlenes wherby the deuyll hath entrynge for to tempt and deceyue . Whan the persone is occupyed the deuyll hathe none entrynge / that is too vnderstande folysshely to beholde / to here / to speke / to touche / and to goo in to euyll companyes . &c. Who soo wyll kepe chastyte ought to haue good closure that cursed beestes and the venym of lechery entre not in to the gardyn of theyr conscience . Vnde can . iiii Ortus conclusus soror mea sponsa / ortus conclusus fons signatus . Whan a gardin is well closed therin entreth no beestes . &c. The vyrgyns kepe clennesse of herte and of conscyence to th ende that they haue beatytude . Vnd mathei . v. Beati mundo corde quoniam ipsi deo videbunt . And yf theyr sayd hert be soyled by lechery they ne do nothynge . Vnde augustinus . Nichil prodest virginitas corporis vbi operatur corruptio mentis vt dictum est . Example how Iudyth kepte wel her fyue wyttes of nature / for after that her husbande was dede she made her secretes and her bedde in the heyght of her hous for to euyte and fle companyes of people / and lyued solytaryly with her maydens without beynge in wyll to mary . She kepte chastely her wydowhede . Vnde iudith vltimo . Erat iudith virtuti castitas adiuncto / ita vt non cogno sceret virum omnibus diebus vite sue ex quo defunctus est manasses vir eius . & cetera . The fourth thynge that these vyrgins sholde drede is to moche grete nourysshement / for the good wyne and the delycyous meetes draweth them vnto lechery And therfore these vyrgyns sholde fle drynkynge of wyne in lykewyse as venym . Vnde Hieronimus . Virga ipsa vinum fugiat vt venenum . Example in Loth the whiche defloured his owne doughters whan that he was dronke / and he apperceyued it not in his dronkennes . The fyfthe is imperseueraunce / for it suffyseth not too kepe vyrgyte in somtimes / but it behoueth to perseuer Vnde mathei . x. & .xxiiij. Qui perseuerauerit vsque in finem hic saluus erit .

C. Examples of vyrgynyte . And first a man may say by fygure and symylytude that the soule the whiche is vyrgyn / chaste pure / and clene without synne is loued of Ihesu cryst and shall be crowned in paradise yf he perseuer in bounte . As Hester was beloued of kynge Assuerus / of whome it is wryten in the byble . Quod hester erat pulchra nimis facieque decora & omnium oculis gratiosa / hec enim dicta est ad cubiculum regis et adamauit eam rex super omnes mulieres et posuit dyadema regis in capite eius . Another example how saynt Agnes vyrgyn and martyr was moche loued of Ihesu crist . Also she reputed her to be his espouse whan she refused the sone of the prouo● in maryage / her frende / and his rychesses vnto whome she sayd that she was preuented vnto another louer better than he of kynde and of dygnyte the whiche vnto her offred better ournementes than he ne dyde . And that was Ihesu cryst the whiche promysed her paradyse and the rewarde of vyrgynyte . Vnde legitur in legenda eius . Discede a me fomes peccati nutrimentum facinoris pabulum mortis quia iam ab alio amatore preuenta sum qui satis michi meliora ornamenta offerens fidei sue anulo s●●barrauit me / longe te melior et genere et dignitate posuit signum in faciem meam vt nullum preter eum amatorem admittam . &c Another example that saynt Luce was so chaste of body of thought with the ayde of the holy goost that noo strength of man ne myght lede her vnto the stewes or bordelhous . The holy goost her fastened and helde so strongely that noo men ne myght moeue her from thens where she was rested / the whiche was stedfaste as a mountayne . And in lykewyse these women sholde be so ferme and stedfast in good purpose to kepe chastyte that noo men ne myght drawe theym for to commytte lechery . &c. Another example how saynt Iustyne kepte her chastyte and resysted agaynst the deuyll & agaynst Cypryan the whiche her tempted to commyte lechery in lykewyse as it is wryten in her legende . Another example how thre fayre vyrgyns systers were kepte of god in suche maner that the prouost of Rome ne myght defloure them / & as he wende to dyspoyle them in his kechyn he dyde his synne in the pottes & caudrons . Quere in the examplarye . lxxxxi . E. Other examples how saynt Margaret and saynt Peronell kepte theyr vyrginyte and resysted soo well that they ben worthy to haue the rewarde eternal / to the whiche we may go . Amen .

A. Of dronkenes and glotony that god defendeth . xxxix .

IT is wryten eccle. xxi . Amaritudo anime vinum multum potatum . Wyne dronke to excesse is bytter vnto the soule / and also also it is contrary vnto chastyte For whan the wombe is replete lyghtly it is moeued vnto lechery . Vnde hieronimus . Venter mero repletus de facili spumat libidinem . And saynt Poule sayth ad ephesios .v. Nolite inebriari vino in quo est luxuria . Be ye not dronke by wyne / wherin is lechery . That is to wete that the wyne heteth & moeueth the body to comytte lechery / & the man that so delyteth is not wyse . Vnd prouerb . xx . Luxuriosa res vinum et timultuosa ebrietas : quicumque hus delectatur non erit sapiens . The synne of glotony is defended whan a man breketh the fastynges commaunded in obeyenge vnto the wombe that wyll ete whan god commaundeth to faste or whan men ete ony thynges defended as Adam that ete of the apple agaynst the commaundement of god / or as those the which eteth flesshe on the frydayes or saterdayes or butter in lente whan it is defended in the bysshopryche / or whan some glotons loueth theyr wombes more than god or egally vnto him the whiche is ydolatry / as it is declared in the fyrst commaundement . Que. ix . c . Or whan men take the houre as to ete on the sondayes & festes before masse or before that they haue serued god / or whan a man secheth vnto superfluyte and is to moche lycorous or gredy of good wynes / & of fatre & delycatyue meetes / or prepayreth theym ouer deyntely . To suche sauour & delectacion vnto superfluyte there is synne / but yf ony haue honger and that he eteth and also delyteth in the meet it is noo synne / for it is a thynge naturall that behoueth vnto al bestes Yf ony also prepayre the meet in suche maner & intencyon that he may ete it after the complexyon and faculte of hym / for otherwyse he ne may ete it / he it also may do without synne . Vnde au . Vtantur diuites consuetudine īfirmitatis sue : sed doleant se aliter non posse melius enim facerent si aliter possent . Also those the whiche hath vowed not to ete egges on the fryday / or flesshe on the wednesday synneth as vnto the fraccyon of the vowe : and as vnto glotony . Also the excesse of meet & drynke is defended that is to vnderstande whan a man eteth too moche of breed and of meet that nature be greued / or that a man vomet / or whan a man taketh so moche of drynke that a man becometh dronke and that the entendement be troubled / or to excede in drynke and mete togyders . A doctour named de vrimaria sayth . Quicumque inebriatur vel excedit mensuram in commedendo vel bibendo et hoc facit preposito & intentione / talis peccat mortaliter tociens quotiens / sed si sit ignoranter et siue preposito vel si causa euenerit aut ex fragilitate sumentis tunc peccat venialiter . That is to saye . What soeuer man that maketh hymselfe dronke or excedeth the measure in etinge or drynkynge and dooth it with intency on and purpose synneth mortally by as many oftymes as it happeneth . And yf he do it ygnourantly and without purpose disposed or yf it happen by fraylte he synneth venyally . And nother doctour named hermannum beleueth that whan ony taketh so moche of drynke and meet vnto superfluyte & from than forthe that it greue nature be it by vometynge or not / and that of it that whiche he hath superfluyte and haboundaunce many poore people had ben susteyned the whiche peraduenture hadde therof necessyte / he beleueth that it is mortall synne . Qr contra caritatem ꝓximi . This synne is called surfyt the whiche is whan men eteth of the meet eschauffed & warme before that it be baked / soden / or rosted ynough / the whiche dooth euyll / or to ete so moche mete that it ne may bake in the dygestyon naturall the whiche causethe corporal infyrmytees and spyrytualles / and maketh men surfytous to deye as sayth the sage . Vnde eccle. xxxvii . Propter crapulam multi obierunt qui autem abstinens est aduciet vitam . And the gospell sayth that these persones sholde kepe theyr hertes that they be not greued in surfytes and dronkennes . Vnde luce. xxi . Attendite autem vobis ne forte grauenter corda vestra in crapula et ebrietate . Et psal. dicit . Tanquam potens crapulatus a vino . A man surfyteth also by ouermoche drynke / whan he taketh so moche that his herte is drouned . Also the excesse of drynke wasteth the mynde / breketh the wytte and the thought / confoundeth the entendement it moueth vnto lecherye / it noyeth too speke well and implyeth the wordes / corrupteth the blode / derketh the syght / perturbeth the vaynes / taketh the strength from the synewes / maketh the eeres deef / troubleth the guttes / subuerteth the person / moysteth the brayne / letteth the slepe / weyketh all the membres / shorteth the lyfe / letteth prayer / the vertue and all good operacyons . Vnde legitur eccle. xxxi . Vinum multum potatum irrationem et iram et ruinas multas facit ebrietas animositas imprudentis offensio minorans virtutem et faciens vulnera . &c Also the sage Salamon sayth that the Ioy of the body and of the soule is whan a man drynketh of wyne moderately without excesse / sobre drynkynge is helthe of the body and of the soule . Vnde eccle. xxxi . Exultacio amime et corporis vinum modere potatum / sanitas corporis et anime sobrius potus . And saynt Poule sayth that these dronken people shall not possede the realme of paradyse yf they deye impenytentes . Vnde .i. ad Corinth . vi . Neque fures / neꝙ auari / neque ebriosi / regnum dei possidebunt . And of hym the whiche constreyneth ony to drynke to excesse saynt Augustyn sayeth . Qui alium cogit vt plus bibat quam opus sit vt bibendo inebriet / melius esset illi vt carnem suam cum gladio vulneraret quam animam eius per ebrietatem occideret . that is to say that he the whiche constreyneth ony to drynke more than he shold to th ende that in drynkinge he be dronken / better it were for him that he made a wounde in his body with a swerde than he sholde sle his soule by drokennesse . Note well that the synne of dronkennesse noyeth and harmeth in many maners vnto them the whiche it commytteth Quere ad numerum .xliiii. b. c.d.e.f.g.h.i.k Examples how mani ben come vnto an euyll conclusyon by glotony . Fyrst how grete euyll came vnto Adam for bytynge of the apple . &c. Quere in the examplarye . liiii . A. Another example wryten in the .xii. chapytres of Iudyth the whiche with wyne made Holofernes dronke / and in his dronkennes smote of his heed . Another example how punycyon dyuyne / sekenes / and dethe came vnto the cursed kynge Balthasar in a grete dyner that he had made vnto the grete lordes of his courte in lykewyse as it is wryten . Danielis .v. ca. Another example how Amon the sone of Dauyd the whiche dyspoyled his syster Thamar was slayne at a grete dyner by his broder Absalon / in lykewyse as it is wryten in the .xiii. chapytre of the seconde boke of kynges . Another example how the sones of Iob & his doughters were slayne at a grete dyner of theyr oldest broder / in lykewyse as it is wryten in the .xvi. chapytre of the sayd Iob. Another example how the prynces of the Phelystyns feested togiders and made a grete dyner / and Sampson the stronge pulled downe the hous vpon them / and there were thre thousande persones slayne in lykewyse as it is wryten in the .xvi. chapytre of the boke of Iuges . Another example how saynt Iohan baptyst was beheeded and his heed was borne vnto kyng Herode as he was makynge a grete dyner in lykewyse as it is wryten in the .xiiii. chapytre of the gospelles of saynt Mathewe . Another example of filius prodegus that wasted his substaunce in glotonyes and lecheryes / in lykewyse as it is wryten in the xv . chapytre of the gospels of saynt Luke . Another example of a pylgryme the whiche solde his goune for to drynke wyne / & euyll came vnto him . Quere in th examplary . lxxxxiii . G. Another example that yll came vnto a man named Vodo the which yode to ete and drynke at the tauerne whan he sholde haue gone vnto the chyrche . Quere in th examplary .lxvii. E. Many other examples of glotons shall be founde in the thyrde commaundement of th examplary . Quere ꝑ tabulam .lxvii. a.b.c.d.e.

B. Of fastynge and abstinence that god commaundeth . xxxix .

IT is wryten . Gen. iii. ca. De ligno scientie boni et mali / ne comedas . Incontynent that Adam was fourmed god him defended that he sholde not ete of the fruyte of the tree of scyence bothe good & euyll . He dysobeyed vnto the sayd commaundement and euyll came vnto hym / in lykewyse as it is wryten in the examplary . Quere liiii . a. Also god wyll that we fast and do abstynence in some dayes that the chyrche determyneth vs . Fastynge is instytued for the helthe of our soules / in lykewyse as sayeth the scryptures . Vnde hiero . Ieiunio et oratione sanande sunt passiones corporis et pestes mentis . The passions of the body / and the pestelence of the thought ben heled by fastynge and prayer . And Ysodorus sayeth Abstinentia enim carnem superat / luxuriam refrenat / et alia vicia calcat . Abstynence surmounteth the flesshe / refreyneth lechery / and fouleth the other vyces . A man may not well ouercome the temptacions but by fastynges & abstynences . Vnde . Ysidorus . Non potes temptationes vincere nisi ieiunus insisteris . Also fastyng lyfteth our thought vp vnto god in deuocyon and contemplacyon / and also augmenteth the vertues & the rewarde eternall / in lykewyse as sayth the preface of lenten . Qui corporali ieiunio vicia comprimis / mentem eleuas / vtutē largiaris & premia . &c. Also abstynence & fastyng ben moche prouffytable in lykewyse as it appereth by many storyes of the byble . It is writen in the .xiii. chapytre of the boke of Iuges how the aungell of god appered vnto the wyfe of Manne brehaigne vnto whome he commaunded that she ne sholde drynke wyne ne sydre and that she sholde not eete ony vnclene thynge and that she sholde haue a sone / and so it was done . And she conceyued Sampson the stronge . Another hystory is wryten in the .xx. chapytre of the boke of Iuges that after that the chyldren of Ysrael had fasted and wept they fought with the sones of Beniamyn and they had victory . Another hystory how the prophete Helye dyde grete abstynences whan he demaunded of a woman wydowe a lytell of water to drynke & a shyuer of breed / the sayd wydowe gaue it hym / and her mele or floure multyplyed / as it is wryten in the .xxii. chapytre of the thyrde boke of kynges . And it it wryten in the .xix. chapytre of the sayd boke how the aungel of god brought vnto him breed and water after that he had moche fasted and trauayled . Another history wryten in the .xxi. chapytre of the .iii. boke of kynges that after that kynge Achab had made Naboth to be slayne he was manassed and thretened and knowleged his defaute / he cutte his vestementes / ware the hayre / fasted / and slepte vpon a sacke / and god attempred his payne and sentence . &c. Another hystory wryten in the thyrde chapytre of the prophete Ionas that whan those of the cite of Nynyue herde that theyr cyte sholde be subuerted & that they sholde be punysshed for theyr synnes / they fasted al grete and lytell / and they clothed them with sackes / & chaunged theyr cursed wayes / and god had pyte on them / and dyde not vnto theym the euyll that he wolde haue done vnto them . &c. Another hystory wryten in the fourthe boke of Iudyth that after that the chyldren of Ysraell had herde the terryble puyssaunce of Holofernes they fasted and prayed god & they had vyctory . Another hystory wryten in the fourthe chapytre of Hester how before that Hester made request vnto the kynge for some people the whiche sholde be slayne she sayd vnto a man Mardocheus that he sholde go vnto the sayd people to make theym pray for her / and that by thre dayes they ne sholde ete ne drynke / and that she and her seruauntes sholde fast / & so it was accomplyshed and her request vnto her was graunted . &c. Another hystory wryten in the fyrst chapyter of danyell how danyell and his company Ananias / azarias / & mysaell also abstened them to ete of metes of the kynge and to drynke of the wyne / and god gaue vnto the thre chyldren scyence in all bokes / and vnto danyell he gaue entendement of visions & of dremes &c. Another example wryten in the thyrde chapytre of the gospelles of saynt Mathewe how the mete of saynt Iohan baptyst was greshoppes and wylde hony / and he neyther dranke wine ne sydre / and was so full of grete abstynences & holynes that it is wryten of him . Internatos mulierum non surrexit maior iohanne baptista . A question / who soo demaundeth what fastyng dayes the chyrche commaundeth to faste / and what people ben bounde to faste them . The answere . The chyrche commaundeth fastynge vnto all those and them the whiche may do it by helthe of theyr bodyes / the fourtymes of the yere / that is the ymbre dayes / and the vygylles of the feestes the whiche foloweth . That is to vnderstande / the vygyll of crystmas / of whytsontyde saynt Iohan baptyst / saynt Laurence / the assumpcion of our lady / the vygyll of saynt Peter & saynt poule / saynt Andrew / saynt Symon & saynt Iude / saynt Mathew / & the day of saynt Marke / but it yf come vpon the sonday the fastyng and processyon shal be on the monday after . Also the custome is now to fast all the vygylles of the feestes of our lady / and in many places the thre dayes of the crosse . &c. Also the quarantyne of the lenten is of commaundement of the chyrche to faste / in lykewyse as sayeth these doctours . Alijs diebus ieiunare remedium at premium est / in quadragesima non ieiuna re peccatum est alio tempore qui ieiunat accipiet indulgentiam / in quadragesima qui potest et non ieiunat sentiet penam . A questyon / A man may demaunde in what aege a persone is bounde to faste the lenten . Saynt Thomas answereth . ii.ii . q. xlvii . Et dicit quandiu aliquis stat in statu augmenti non tenetur ad omnia ieiunia / scilicet ad finem tercij septennij . i.xxi . yeres . And after the sayd saynt Thomas sayth / it is conuenable that euery persone vnder the sayd aege of .xxi. yeres excercyse hym to fast the moost that he may doo / as he of xiiii . yeres sholde faste more than he of .x. yeres . And howbeit that a man ne may fast all / yet he sholde enforce hym to do euery of them after his puyssaunce . We rede in the .xxiiij. chapytre of Exodi how Moyses fasted .xl. dayes whan he receyued the lawe and the commaundements of god . Also we rede in the thyrde boke of kynges in the .xix chapytre how the prophete Helye fasted .xl. dayes & .xl. nyghtes whan the aungel brought hym meet . &c. Also we rede in the .iiij. chapytre of the gospelles of saynt Mathew that our blyssed sauyour & redemptoure Ihesu cryst fasted .xl dayes . Vnde mathei . iiij . Et cum ieiunasset quadraginta diebus et quadraginta noctibus postea esurijt . &c. Also the sayd lenten sholde be fasted / and it is of the commaundement of the chyrche vnto them that haue aege and that may do it .

C. Many persones ben holly excused / as women with chylde for her fruyte / & also nouryces yf they may not fast they sholde do after theyr power with the nuryture of the chylde . A questyon of women that ben stronge and may well faste it / but theyr husbondes defendeth it them . The answere is / scdm innocen . vbi dicit . Licet dimittere debeant mulieres vota voluntarie suscepta ꝓpter habitationem virorum / non tamen ieiunia ab ecclesia precepta . Also the seke / & the weyke ben excused . A questyon of pylgrymes & people sore labouryng . The answer after saynt Thomas . Yf the pylgrymage or labour may be deferred or taken awaye without inconuenyent fastynges sholde not be broken . And yf it be necessyte to walke & to do the grete Iourneyes or to labour moche & that they ne may do it with fastyng they ben not boūdede to faste . In suche thinges it sholde be surer to haue recours to be dispenced of the prelate . And a man sholde not vnderstande in comyn prouerbe how all the labourers ben excused to faste it . For yf ony be ryche and hath suffycyent nourysshynge & wherwith to kepe the fastyng day he ought to labour the lasse to th ende that he may faste & satysfye vnto the commaundement of the chyrche . But yf he be poore & that necessyte constreyne hym to laboure strongly for that he ne may haue his necessytees for his wyfe & chyldren yf he dyde not the sayd grete labour he synneth not mortally yf he ete on the fastynge daye sygnauntly so that he haue his coura-and wyll that he wolde obey gladly vnto the commaundement of the chyrche yf he might haue the sayd necessytees . Also it is to vnderstande that fastynge is so greuous and so harde vnto some persones that scantely and with grete payne they may faste one daye in the weke in lenten for theyr laboures and trauayles that they aledge . Vnto those a man sholde answere that they shall haue the more & greter meryte in paradyse for the grete laboure that they take to faste / & that god shal rewarde vnto euery persone the fastynges and the laboures after the operacyons that they do . Vnde psal. Retribu et vnicuique scdm opera sua . And yf he wyll not fast do almesdedes or oraysons or good operacyons in recompence and in shewynge token that he wolde obeye gladly yf he myght . Questyon of poore beggers yf they ben holden to faste . The answer after Thomas . ii.ii . q. cxlvii . where he sayth that yf they may haue as moche of almesse togyder as shal suffyce vnto them to ete at dyner / they shall not be excused of fastynge . And yf they may not soo moche assemble for to suffyce them on that day to fede they ben not bounde to fast / or whan they ben weyke for the pouerte therof procedynge they ben excused . Example of fastynge Quere in the examplarye .cv. C

A. The eyght commaundement of god defendeth all wordes the whiche ben agaynst the dyleccyon of thy neyghbour . xl . False wytnesse loke thou none bere Ne yet lye in ony wyse Drede thou also to speke or swere Agaynst thy neyghbour by myn aduyse

THis commaundement is wryten in the auncyent testament . Deutero. v. ca. et exodi . xx . Non loq̄ris contra proximum tuum falsum testimonium . Thou shalte not speke ne bere false wytnesse ayenst thy neyghbour . And it wryten . Leuiti. xix . ca. Non mentiamini nec decepit vnusquisque proximum suum . Ye shall not lye and neyther of you shall deceyue his neyghbour . And it is wryten in the newe testament . Mathei . xix . ca. et luce . xviii . Non falsum testimonium dices . Thou shalt not say false in wytnessynge but that thou be punysshed as many haue ben in lykewyse as thou mayst se by examples . Quere . lxxxxvii . a.b. In this commaundement god defendeth generally all fals & euyll languages in al the maners that a man may brynge theym forthe with the tongue the whiche ben agaynst the dyleccyon of thy neyghbour / in lykewyse as it shall be declared in particuler herafter / & vs commaundeth the vertue of veryte . For syth that he defendeth in suche wyse al lesynges & euyl languages it foloweth well that he vs commaundeth that we bringe forthe good and verytable wordes . &c.

B. Of false wytnessynge that god defendeth . xl .

NOn falsum testimonium dices . thou not say fals in witnessynge . He that maketh fals reporte in iugement of certayne conscyence for to noye vnto neyghboure synneth ryght greuously in thre maners . Primo / in as moche as he forswereth hym & falseth his fayth that he taketh vpon the font of baptysme & that he renounceth god that is ful of veryte / & leueth his feaute & the othe that he had made vnto him for to drawe him vnto the deuyll the fader of lyenge and the hande that he lyfteth vp in forsweringe him apperteyneth vnto the deuyll / & whan he blysseth and crosseth hym it is with the deuilles hande . Scdo in as moche as he is the cause wherby the ryght Iustyce is fyled & corrupt wherby falleth grete inconuenyent . Tercio / in as moche as he is a lyer / false / & corrupter of veryte . Those the whiche forswereth them wytyngly in iugement ben infamed as it is wryten in ryght . extra . q̄relā . Et. v● q.i. Infames . Also they ne sholde neuer be take in wytnes . extra de testi . Sicut . e. vii . q.i. Quicunque . They deceyue thre persones that is the Iuge / the innocent / and themselfe . They deceyue euyll the Iuge / wors the Innocent / and worst of al themselfe . They deceyue the Iuge by that / that he beleueth that they saye veryte / and he maketh false Iugement agaynst ryght Iustyce the whiche is to yelde vnto euery man that thynge the whiche is his . They deceyue yet wors the Innocent / for by the false witnessynge somtyme the Innocent leseth his herytage / somtyme his goodes / his good renounce / or sometyme is slayne and put vnto dethe . They deceyue worst of all themselfe / for they do dampne theyr soules / and they bynde them to make restytucyon of al the losses and domages in the whiche the sayd Innocent renneth by the sayd false wytnessynge . In lykewyse as a thefe or harlot the whiche taketh & withdraweth the goodes of his neyghbour is holden to make restytucyon . In lyke maner a false wytnesse the whiche withdraweth the goodes of his neyghboure by false wytnessynge is holden to restytucyon as it is wryten in many places in the decrete . Tenetur autem falsis testis ad restitutionem omni que per suum falsum testimonium proximus eius amisit . extra de elec . significati . vlter. med. & .xxviii. di. de syracusa ne . extra de of . orde . ad reprimendam . & .ii. q. c. presbiter . & non sane / et non res aliena . & .ii. q. notum . & ar. iii. q. ix . nichilominus . Somtyme a false wytnesse or a false accusatoure is homycyde or thefe . He is homycide of his neyghbour innocent whan that he deyeth by his false accusynge or witnessynge / as the Iewes the whiche made Iesu cryst to deye And yf he deye not he taketh from hym & steleth his good renoune / & is holden to make restytucyon / or elles he ne may be saued nor he sholde not be absoyled . Qr non dimittitur pctm̄ nisi restituatur ablatum . xiii . q. vii ca. Sires . The synne is not pardoned yf the thynge taken awaye withdrawen / stolen / or alyened be not restored . The good renoune of a persone is better than an hepe of golde . Vnde prouerb . Melius est nomen bonum quam diuitie multe super aurum et argentum gratia bona . A good name is better than moche rychesse / good grace is aboue golde and syluer . Yf a man make restytucyon of golde and of syluer / by more greter reason a man sholde make restytucyon of the good renoune the whiche is more precyous than golde or syluer . Also they the whiche make false wytnessynge and lesynge wytingly in Iugement in cause of cryme for to noye vnto theyr neyghbours synneth mortally and breketh this commaundemente . For they subuert the trouthe of the Iugement the whiche is vnto the dethe of gylte of all communyte present . Of the whiche thynge it appereth yf the Iuge speke false thynge wytyngly in vttrynge false sentence or wytnessynge it in reportynge vnto the procuroure or aduocate in folowynge and defendinge false cause they transgresse this commaundement / and ben bounden towarde hym that suffreth the iniury . Also the false accusatoure or wytnesse is a thefe whan he maketh to lose the goodes or the herytage of his neybour vniustly by false wytnessynge & is holden to restytucion as it is sayd . For his neyghbour had not lost the thynge yf he hadde ben by reportinge falsely . Whan a wytnesse is called to reporte of a thynge he shold say for the one & other the good & pure trouthe that he knoweth of it / without puttynge ony wyle or lesynge .iii. q. xi . hortamur . & .iiii. q. iiii . nullus . & .xiiii. q. v. Non sane . Et legitur deuter . v. Non declinabitis neque ad dextram nequam ad sinistrāsed ꝑ viam quam precepit dns deus vr̄am bulabitis vt viuatis et bn̄ sit vobis . Ye shall not declyne on the ryght honde ne on the lyft hande / but ye shall walke by the waye that your lorde god you hath commaunded to th ende that ye lyue and that it be well with you . Et prouer. xii . Qui qd nouit loqitur iuder est iusticie / qui autem mentitur testis est fraudulentus . He the whiche speketh that / that he hath knowen is iuge of Iustyce Certaynly he the whiche lyeth is a fraudulent wytnesse . Also a wytnesse shold not receyue money to bere wytnesse of ony thyng For in lykewyse as the sentence ne sholde be solde no more sholde wytnesse . Howbeit the wytnesse may receyue the dyspence of him that bryngeth hym / as it is wryten .iiii. q. Venturis . And yf the wytnesse take money for to bere wytnesse of ony thynge Raymonde sayth that fouly and cursedly he taketh it / & that by his aduyse he sholde make restytucyon . And of those the whiche seeth to lese the thynge of theyr neyghbour by defaute of probacyon & say nothynge for fere to haue the hate of one of the partyes they synne mortally . Vnde au . Quisquis metu cuiusque optantis veritatem occultat / iram dei super se prouocat qr magis timet hominēquam deum / & post pauca vterque reus est . Et qui veritatem occultat et qui ꝓfert mendacium qr ille ꝓdesse non vult / et iste nocere desiderat .xii. q. iii. Quisquis . That is to vnderstonde yf ony hyde the trouthe by drede of ony puyssaunce he prouoketh the yre of god vpon hym / for he dredeth man more than god / & it foloweth the one and the other is calpable . And he that hydeth the trouthe and that bryngeth forthe lesinges . for he the whiche holdeth his peas ne wyll prouffyte / and the lyer desyreth to noye . In suche a case a persone preuyleged as a preste shold be constrayned for to bere wytnesse .xiiii. q. ii . quamquam . But it is to vnderstonde yf the cause be suche wherin it is lefull to a preste to bere wytnesse / for it shall not be lefull vnto hym in cause of blode as homycide . Ouer this case been .vi. cases wherin a preste or a clerke may swere as a laye persone / that is for the ryght of the faythe for obedyence / for peas / for the domynacy on of the chirche whan ony is vnbounde of sentence of excommunycacyon / & whan that an enfamed ought to be purged / these here ben taken . extra de eccle. significa . vlt med. xviii . di . Syracusane . Legitur in .ii. ethi . qd in obscuris apertis testimonijs oportet vn In thynges derke it behoueth to vse by wytnessynge appert . Thou shalt not bere false wytnesse agaynst none in Iugement . Many false wytnesses reygneth now in the worlde the whiche forswereth them for lesse than a pot with ale / and lendeth the conscyence the one vnto the other / and suche shall not abyde vnpunysshed without satysfaccyon vnto god & vnto theyr neyghbour . Vn̄ prouerb . xix . Testis falsus non erit impunitus & qui loquitur mendatia non effugiet . et al. testis ꝑibit . A false wytnesse that speketh lesynges shall not escape / & he ne may flee but that he haue punycion / also a wytnesse lyer shal perysshe yf he deye impenytent . And yf so be that he demaunde penaunce / after the canons for periury manyfest the whiche is so lempnysed a man hym sholde enioyne .vii. yeres of penaunce yf he swere fermely .xxii q. v. Si quis se periurauerit . Examples of false wytnesses & periuryes . And fyrst of a crysten man that forsware hym on the auter of saynt Nycolas . Que. lxxxxvi . A. Another example of a frere of doyen of Coleyne that forsware him for money borowed . lxxxxii.c Another example of wytnessynge how two olde men wytnessed agaynst Susan̄e Quere . lxxxxvi . C. Many other examples of false wytnesses ben wryten in the examplary . Que. lxxxxvii . a.b. Also of .ii. that made false wytnesse agaynst saynt Stephen for to stone hym / and how they theymselfe fyrste dyde caste stones at him / in lykewyse as it is wryten . Actuum .vi. Also of two the whiche made false wytnessynge agaynst Ihesu cryst for to crucyfye hym . Mathei . xxvi . Et psal. Insurrexerunt in me testes iniqui et mentita est iniquitas sibi . Euyll wytnesses hath rysen agaynst me / and the iniquite is lyengly vpon them . And for that / that they were cursed lyers and false wytnesses they were punysshed in the vengeaunce the whiche Vaspasyan made . &c.

C. Of cursed language that god defendeth . xl .

DAuyd the prophete sayth in the psalter . Prohibe linguam tuam a malo et labia tua ne loquantur dolum . Defende thy tongue from euyll saynge / and thy lyppes that they ne speke trechery / fraude / ne fallace . It is that thynge the whiche is before wryten . Ne bere thou noo false wytnesse and lye not in no wyse . Ne mysse say thou by thy language ony creature in noo maner . In this eyght commaundemente god there defendeth all false reportes / all lesynges / all murmures vniustly made / & treasons brought forth for to deceyue other Also all detraccyons the whiche ben made in publysshynge the secrete synnes of his neyghbour / or shewynge them by encreasynge or Imposynge vpon hym false crymes / or in denyenge that he dooth good operacyons / or in demynysshynge his good renowne / or by chaungynge the good in to euyll for to noye and harme hym . Suche detractours the whiche taketh awaye the good renowne of theyr neyghbour taketh from hym lyfe honourable / and therfore they ben false wytnesses and homycydes . Vnd bern̄ . Durior est lingua detrahētis quam lancea q ꝑforauit corpus xpi in cruce pendentis . The tonge of the detractour is harder than the spere that perced the body of cryst hangynge on the crosse . Et legitur hiere . ix . Sagitta vulneratis lingua eorum dolum locutum est . The arowe makynge a wounde is the tongue of them that speketh yll . Et legitur sa. i. A detractione percite lingue qm sermo obscurus in vacuum non ibit . Spare ye / cease ye of detraction of the tonge / for a derke worde shall not go in vayne . Et legitur prouer. xiii . Qui detrahit alicui ipse se in futurum obligat . He that maketh detraccyon of ony persone he byndeth hym in tyme to come / that is vnto punycyon . Example how a detractour had cruell Iugement before god for the holy persones that he had detracted rose ayenst him and demaunded of the Iuge vengeaunce / and he was damned . Quere . lxxxxvii . D. Also god defendeth all flateryes as here after shall be declared . Also he defendeth susurracyon the whiche is whan ony putteth dyuysyon bytwene bredren / kynnesmen / & neyghbours / or for to demynyssh secretely the good of another . Vnde eccl. xxviii . Susurro & bilīguts maledictus multos enim turbauit pacem habentes . Example how a woman commytted this synne the whiche put dyuysyon in a good maryage . Que. lxxxxix . e. Also god defendeth all defames / iniuryes / & mokeryes . Example how a boucher was dyuynely punysshed for that that he mocked the holy asshes .lxvii. F. Also god defendeth all ydle wordes & noyenges / & all bostynges / praysynges / & shamefull songes / and all euyll counceyle / and to make shorte all wordes that ben agaynst the dyleccyon of god & his neyghbour . And of the sayd wordes him behoueth to yelde accompte before god at the day of dome / & to haue punycyon yf they be not effaced or raced out by penaunce / as that holy scryptures wytnesseth in many places . The fyrste wytnesse is the gospell that sayth . Illud mat . xx . Amen dico vobis omne verbum ociosum qd locuti fuerint homines reddent rationem de eo in die iudicij ex verbis enim tuis iustificaberis et ex verbis tuis condēnaberis . that is to say . Certaynly I tell you that euery ydle worde the which these men haue spoken they sholde yelde reason at the daye of Iugement / thou shalte be Iustyfyed or condampned by thy wordes . Also the deuyll wryteth all euyll wordes that thou spekest for to accuse the at the daye of Iugement . Example how saynt Bryce sawe the deuyll the whiche wrote the euyll wordes that was sayd in the chyrche . Quere . lxv . E. Another example how a man reuyued sayd that incontynent that his soule parted from the body he was presented in Iugement / vnto whome all the synnes that he hadde done / spoken and thought appered clerely in lykewyse as they had ben present / so that there ne abode that leest thought but that it appered clerely in lykewyse as it hadde ben thought . Quere . C.viii. D. And syth that it is so after the gospel that a man shall yelde accompte of lytell ydle wordes by a more stronger reason a man shall of grete and euyll noysom wordes . The seconde wytues is the sage the whiche sayth Illud sapientie .i. Qui loquitur iniqua non potest latere nec preteriet illum corripiens iudicium . He the whiche speketh an euyll thynge he ne may hyde it / & the Iugement correctynge shall not passe from hym / that is to saye / he shall not scape but that he be corrected . Et prouerbiorum .xxii. Qui seminat iniquitatem metet mala . He the whiche soweth inyquyte gadereth euylles . Et legitur prouerbi . xxv . Que viderunt oculi ne preferas in iurgio cito ne posteo emendare non possis cum deshonestaueris amicum tuum . The thynges that thyn eyes haue sene brynge theym not forthe anone in stryfe to th ende that thou ne mayst after amende whan thou hast dyshonoured thy frende . The thyrde wytnesse is saynt Iames . Vnde legitur iacobi . iii. Lingua inqietum malum plena mortifero veneno ex ipso ore ꝓcedit benedictio et maledictio . The tongue is euyll without rest full of mortall venim / from the whiche mouthe procedeth benedyccyon and maledyccyon . Also saynt Iames sayeth . Yf ony we ne to be relygyous and refrayneth not his tongue but deceyueth his herte it is vayne relygyon . Lete euery man be hasty to here / slowe to speke / and late vnto yre . The yre of man dooth no Iustyce . Example of a wrathfull woman the whiche cursed her mayden . Quere . lxxxxix . B. Another example of a relygyous the whiche murmured ayenst god and he was punysshed dyuynely . Quere . liiii . I. The fourth wytnesse is the phalmyst the whiche sayth . Vir religiosus non dirigetur in terra / virum iniustum malacapient in interitu . The man Iangler shall not be adressed in the londe of the lyuynge or lyuers / euylles shal take the man vniust in the dethe . Iterum psalmus . Dilexisti omnia verba precipitationis lingua dolosa propterea deus destruet te in finem / euelle● te et emigrabit te de tabernaculo tuo et radicem tuam de terra viuentium . Thou hast loued alway wordes of precypytacyon / & therfore god shall dystroye the in the ende / He shall areche the and drawe the from thy tabernacle / and thy rote from the erthe of those that ben lyuynge . Example how a relygyous man sayd at his dethe that all those the whiche had troubled and supposed agaynst hym had enforced them to slee hym . Quere . lxxxxix . A. Thou man or woman obeye vnto the commaundemente of god the whiche the defendeth here all euyll wordes to th ende that thou be of the nombre of the saued / and thou shalte possede the Ioyes of paradyse the whiche ben promysed vnto the obedyentes in lykewyse as it is wryten in the ende of this boke . Quere . xlvii . A. Also kepe the from the bryngynge forthe of euyll wordes / of drede to be sent vnto the fyre of hell the whiche is a tourment moche cruell for theym the whiche thyder shall be sent / in lykewyse as it is declared in the ende of this boke . Que. xlix . b Example of a woman the whiche had the vpper parte of her body brente in the chyrche after her dethe for her cursed language . Quere in the examplarye . lxxxxix . F.

A. Of lyenge that god defendeth .

IT is wryten leuitici . xix . Non mentiemini nec decipiet vnusquisque proximum suum . Ye shall not lye / ne none of you shall deceyue your neyghbour . The wyse Salamon requyred of god two thinges before that he deyed the which ben that vanyte and lyenge wordes were ferre frome hym . Vnde prouerb . xxx . Vanitatem et verba mendacia longe fac a me . It behoueth to se what lyenge is . Saynt Austyn sayth . Mendacium est falsa significatio vocis cum intentione fallendi . Lyenge is a false sygnyfycacyon of voyce with intencyon to deceyue . In this dystynccyon there ben two thynges . That is to vnderstande a false thynge and to tell a lye . Dicere falsum est aliqid esse quod non est ita non distinccio vtrum intendat dicere verum vel falsum . To say a false thynge is to say some thynge to be so the whiche is not / as whan a man speketh it without regardynge the intencyon to speke true or false . Et mentiri est contra mentem iri . To lye is to go agaynst the thought after thethymologisement of the worde . Is qui mentitur contra id quod animo sentit loquitur voluntate fallendi . He the whiche lyeth speketh agaynst that / that he hath in his courage with intencyon to deceyue . In lykewyse in the dyffynycyon of lyenge is comprysed to speke a false thynge / and to tell a lesynge / & therfore there is dyfference betwene lyenge & saynge a false thynge . For euery persone that lyeth speketh not a false thinge . Sometyme he sayth trouth albeit that he wene to speke a false thinge / & vnto the contrary euery persone the speketh a false thynge lyeth not . For he weneth sometyme to saye all bet it that he say false . So euery persone the whiche lyeth deceyueth euermore by wyll / albeit that he be deceyued in the trouthe of the dede / & therfore he the whiche lyeth sinneth alway . For the tongue culpable ne maketh / but the thought culpable / as it is wryten .xxii. q. ii . Homines He that speketh a false thynge synneth not alwaye mortally . Somtyme he speketh a false thynge with intencyon to deceyue the whiche is mortall synne . And in lyenge he speketh somtyme a false thynge that he weneth to be true / & whan after his saynge he enquyreth dilygently of the dede / & repenteth him whan he hath apperceyued his falsenes it is but venyall synne / as it is wryten .xxii. q. ii . Homines . For to haue examples of lyers it behoueth to take them the whiche been periured / for they ben lyers and periurers toder . Example how a deuyll lyed vnto a noble man and put hym in errour for to deceyueth hym at his dethe .lx. B. Another example how two marchauntes tolde vnto theyr curate that they ne coude sel ony thynge without lyenge . Quere . lxxxxix .

B. For to knowe the maners of lyenge a man sholde vnderstande the saynt Austyn assygneth .viii. kyndes . The fyrst kynde of lyeng is whan a man maketh a lye ayenst the fayth / or agaynst the doctryne of holy relygyon / as who sholde say that Ihesus is not borne of the vyrgyn Mary / or that he hath not suffred dethe and passyon for to redeme vs &c. To speke suche wordes by reason disposed it is mortall synne & case reserued / & it is the chefe of all lyenges . The seconde kynde of lyenge that is after the gretest synne / is whan a man maketh a lye for to hurt or hynder ony persone vniustly so that suche lyenge ne ꝓuffyteth vnto no creature / but noyeth vnto some / as too saye euyll of his neyghbour by detraccyon in forgynge false lesynges for to take frome hym his goodes / and his good renoune as it sholde be too accuse hym or wytnesse agaynst hym vniustly of theft or of ony cryme . Those the whiche in suche wyse lyeth synneth mortally & ryght gretely / and may be deputed homycydes / or theues after the lye or lesynge as it is sayd before . The thyrde kynde after moost gretest synne / is whan a man maketh a lye for to ayde vnto some and to noye vnto another in cause of money / goodes or herytages as to wytnes vniustly with ony for to make another too lese his money / suche lesynge is mortall synne . The fourth kynde is whan a man maketh a lye by delyberaci for to deceyue ony persone in lechery or auaryce / it is also mortall synne . The fyfth is made by couetyse for to please vnto ony persone by flatery / and this flatery is made in thre maners . The fyrst is grauntynge vnto ony persone some goodnes that he hath not / as to say thou art wyse / thou art fayre thou arte myghty / and that he were not so The seconde is in approuynge the euyll that some cursed persone hath done / as yf he hath beten / or pylled his neyghbour . &c. to say that he hath well done and to prayse hym of the sayd euyll / these two flateryes here ben .ii. mortal synnes / but the last is wors & more grete synne than the fyrst .xxii. q. ii . Primum . xlvi . di . sunt non nulli . And the prophete ysaie saythin . v. ca. Ve qui dicitis malum bonum et bonum malum / ponentes tenebras in lucem et lucem in tenebras / ponentes amarum in dulce et dulce in amarum . Maledyccion or wo be vnto you the whiche say the yll to be good and the good to be yl / puttynge derkenes to be lyght and lyght to be derkenes / puttynge soure to be swete and swete to be soure / suche flaterers ben called fals wytnesses . The thyrde flatery is to prayse ony persone to hyghly of ony good dede for to please him / this last flatery is venyall synne The syxte kynde of lyenge is whan the lesynge or lye noyeth not vnto ony and profyteth vnto some for to auoyde the losse of his money / as yf a pyller wolde take away thy money or that of thy neyghbours and he demaundeth the where it is / and that thou sayest I knowe not . The seuenth kynde of lyenge is whan the lye noyeth vnto none and prouffyteth vnto some for to auoyde that he ne be slayne / as yf a murderer wolde s●e vniustly a persone hydde in thy hous / and demaundeth the where he sholde be / and the answerest I wote not where he is . The eyght kynde of lyenge is whan the lye hyndreth not vnto ony and prouffyteth vnto some for to kepe him from velany corporall as yf an harlot demaunded a vyrgyn for to corrupte her lyeth vnto her and sayth that he wolde mary her . &c. The fyue fyrst kyndes of lyenge the whiche noyeth vnto his neyghbour ben mortall synnes as it is sayd & as it is wryten .xxii. q. ii . Primum ne quis . The thre last the whiche noyeth not but aydeth vnto some ben venyall synnes after al the doctours in persone imparfayte / but vnto persones parfayt as cloysterers / relygyous there are dyuers opynyons / for the one sayth that it sholde be venyall synne & the other mortall / howbeit that there is no venyall synne but that it may torne in to mortall whan it pleaseth / and that a man it dooth of custome in lykewyse as it is wryten before in the seconde commaundement . There is doubt made what he sholde answere the whiche hathe a persone hydde in his hous whome a man secheth to slee / yf he shewe hym he sholde drede of the cryme of homycyde leest by hym he were slayne in shewynge hym . Also he sholde drede the synne of them the whiche pursueth for the slee hym . Also he sholde drede yf he the whiche a man wolde sle were in mortall synne that yf he deyed impenytent and that he were dampned . Vnto that saynt Austin sayth that how be it that he that lyeth dooth good vnto an other / neuertheles he dooth his owne propre domage / and in no maner he ne sholde lye for to redeme the lyfe of another in especyall the persone perfayte . For it is sayd that none ne shal be brought vnto helthe sempyternall by lyenge / but he sholde holde his pease to th ende that in suche wyse he ne lese ne lye / ne sle his soule for to saue the body of an other . Vnde augustinus dicit / quod nullo modo debeat quis mentiri et maxime ꝓ vita alterius redimenda ait enim et sempiter nam salutem nullus est ducendus opitulā te mendatio . Idem augustinus . Ne quis arbitretur perfectum et specialem pro ista temporali vita morte cuius sua vel alterius non occidatur anima debere mentiri / sed taceat vt sic neque perdat / neque mentiatur / neque ocadat animam suam pro corpore alterius . xxii . q. ii . Primum ne quis . Item Ysidorus diat . Omne genus mendatu summopere fuge nec casu / nec studio loquaris falsum / nec qualibet fallacia vitam alterius deffendas xxii . q. ii . Omne . Fle by souerayne werke al kyndes of lyenge and speke not false / ne by case / ne by studye / and defende not the lyfe of another by ony fallace . Item au . Periculosissime admittitur hec compensatio vt nos faciamus aliquod malum ne alius grauius malum fauat disti . xxiiij . q. ait & ita dicunt siplicitur plurimi doctores . This compensacyon is taken ryght perillously that we make ony yl the other ne do more greuous euyll . Some other doctours sayth that in suche case men sholde lye but Raymond sayth that sauynge better Iugement than his that he beleueth that they sholde say nothynge as sayth saynt Austyn / or to transferre his worde in hym questyonynge of other maters or to answere some worde equyuocall sygnyfyenge two thynges . We rede the Abraham descended ones in Egypt with his wyfe & fered that Pharaon ne slewe hym for her / & for this he sayd to his wyfe / say that thou arte my syster & not my wyfe / & he sayd true / but it was equyuokely for his wyfe was his syster for she was doughter of his broder / thus men ought to answere equyuokely without lyenge . Also another dystynccyon is made magystrally of lyenge of the wordes of saynt Austin playner and shorter the whiche ben deuysed in thre maners . The fyrst lyenge is aydynge seruyable & pyteous the whiche compryseth the .iii. laste kyndes of the dystynccyon beforsayd . The seconde is pleasaunt & ioyous that is the lyenge of flaterers . The thyrde is noyenge & full of cursednes the whiche compryseth the kyndes of the dystynccyon beforesayd . And in all these thre maners there is synne For euery lye is eyther mortall synne or venyall . Vn̄ au . Oen mendatium est pctm̄ . xii . q. ii . Micht non absurde . I say than that the lesynges aydynges ben synnes / the pleasaunt lyes been greter synnes the whiche ben of bourdes / flateryes / & scoffes / to speke & to flater there is synne without doubt / and the noyenge lyes ben ryght grete mortall synnes whan a man them speketh wytyngly / & vnto thynkynge for to domage another . Vnto this last lesynge all these falsenesses / trecheryes / & fallaces that a man dooth thorowe the worlde for to deceyue another in to domage eyther in soule or in body / or in goodes or in renoune / or in ony thynge what so euer it be / for euery time that a man lyeth for to noye another as it is sayd vnto his wytynge it is mortal synne xxii . q. ii . Primum ne quis . Of this lyenge speketh the psal. Perdes om̄s qui loquuntur men dacium . Et sa. i. Os quod mentitur occidit Eccliam The mouthe that lyeth sleeth the soule of deth of gylte . Al ye falseth a man as a man falseth the seale of a kynge or the popes bull / & for as moche that suche a man bereth false lettres he shal be Iuged as felon or as falsary at the daye of Iugement . Vn̄ au . Non artificioso mendatio nec simplici vbo oportet quamquam decipere qr licet mentitur quis occidit Eccliam suam . It behoueth not to deceyue ony persone by lyenge artyfycyall ne by symple worde . For how be it that ony lye he sleeth his soule as it is sayd . Also the lyer is as a false coyner that maketh money fals & nought . Also he is amonge the true people as the fals peny amonge the good . One good peny is better than .x tals / also dooth a true man than .x. lyers & fals . With grete payne wyll a man take a fals peny wytyngly / but wyll say it is noumt it is fals & coper . And he careth not of hym selfe yf he be a lyer or fals / wherby it appereth that he prayseth more a fals peny than him selfe whiche is grete foly . Also lyenge is as venym mortal / for fro the tyme that it is in the mouthe it enuenymeth & enfecteth all the persone Vn̄ psal. Accuerūt linguas suas sicut serpentes venenum aspidum sub labiis eorum . They haue whetted theyr tongues as these serpentes the sharpe venym of the adder mortal is vnder theyr lyppes . Et iacobi .iii. Lingua inquietum malum plena mortifero veneno . This lesynge was the venym that the serpent of hell had in his mouthe whan he deceyued Eue And therfore men say that lyenge gyueth occasyon that the serpent hath venym in his mouthe . And those the whiche lyeth hath the tongue enuenymed of the serpent of hell that tolde vnto Eue the contrary of that god vnto her had sayd in lyenge . And therby they resemble to the deuyl that is theyr fader by imytacyon . Vn̄ ioh .viii. Vos ex patre dyabolo estis et desideria ptis vti vultis face ille homicida erat ab untio et in vitate non stetit qr non est vitas in eo cum loquitur mendatium ex proprus loquitur qr mendax est & pr̄ eius . You be of the parte of your fader the deuyl / & ye wyll do the desyres of your fader / he was homycyde from the begynnynge & he holdeth him not in veryte / for veryte is not in him whan he speketh a lye he sayth it of hymselfe / for he is a lyer & also his fader . The deuyl is fader of lyers / for the fyrst inuentour of lyenge was the deuyll / & also he forged lyes and taught them to his dyscyples .

C. How a man shold fle lyes & loue trouthe xli .

IT is wryten ad eph̄ . iiii . Deponentes mendacium loquimini vitatem vnusquisque cum ꝓximo suo . Take away lyenge / speke truely euery man with his neyghbour . And saynt Peter sayth in the seconde cha. of his fyrst epystle . Put away all malyce / all trechery / symulacyons / enuyes / and all detraccyons as reasonable chyldren newly engendred . &c And it is wryten ad col. iii. Nolite mētiu īuicem . Lye ye not togyders but speke ye true We sholde loue veryte & fle lyenge for many thynges . Fyrst in folowynge our fader celestyall . It is wryten ꝓuer . vi . how god hateth .vii. thynges wherof lyenge is one / that is to vnderstande / the eyen lyft vp in pryde / the lyenge tongue / the handes shedynge blode that noyeth not the herte ymagenynge yll thoughtes / the fete redy to renne in to ylle the brynger forth of lyes / the fals wytnesse & he the soweth dyscorde betwene his bredren . Also god loueth veryte as sayeth Dauyd . Vn̄ psal. Ecce enim veritatem delixisti . Alsoo god is veryce that deceyueth not ne lyeth . Vn̄ ioh. xiiij . Ego sum via vitas et vita . And by that we sholde hate to lye & loue veryte in folowynge our lorde . Vn̄ ma. viii . Veritatem & pacem diligite . Loue ye trouth & peas : a good chylde sholde loue the good maners of his fader / than yf we ben the chyldren of god we ben also verytables & not lyers . It is wryten zacha. viii . Loqinum vitatem vnusquisque cum ꝓximo suo sequitur iuramētum mendar ne deligatis . Secondly we sholde fle lyenge and loue veryte / for lyenge dyffameth the persones yf theyr lesynges ben dyscouered Vn̄ eccle. xx . Opprobrium nequam in hoīe mendacium et in ore in disciplinatorum assidue erit . Lyenge is an euyll rebuke to a man / & it shall be accustomed in the mouche of them not dysciplyned / & verite maketh to haue good renoune before god & the worlde . Vn̄. iiii . ●hi . Verax est laudandus / mendax vero vituperandus . That is to say . The veritable is to prayse / & the lyer is to be shamed or hated Whan a persone is verytable that for one ne other / for cousyn / kinnesman / ne frende ne swerueth on the one syde ne on the other / but sayeth the pure veryte he is to prayse & to loue & holy thynge habyteth in him . Vn̄. i. ethi . Ambobus existantibus amicis sctm̄ est prehonorare veritatem . Saynt Iames sayth in his canons . Si quis in vbo non offendit his ꝑfectus est . Who so offendeth not in worde he is perfyte . Et legitur eccle. xxxvii . An̄ omnia opera verbum verax p̄cedat / an̄oēm actum consilium stabile . Thyrdly we sholde fle lyenge & loue veryte / for lyenge putteth man fro paradyse & departeth him from god / & veryte ledeth man in to paradyse . Vn̄ sap . vi . Concupiscentia id est amor sapientie & vitas ducit hominem ad regnum ꝑpetuum . Fourthly we sholde fle lyenge & loue verite / for lyenge maketh to haue perdycyon & dampnacyon . Vn̄ psal. Perdes omnes qui loquuntur mendacium . Thou shalt lese all those the whiche speketh lesynges yf they deye Impenytentes / & veryte delyuereth from euyll & dampnacyon . Vn̄ io. viii . Si manseritis in sermone meo vere discipuli mei eritis et cognoscetis veritatem et veritas liberabit vos . Yf ye be abydynge in my worde ye shall verely be my dyscyples and ye shall knowe veryte / and veryte shall delyuer you / in lykewyse shall god the whiche is veryte the whiche shall preserue you from dampnacyon & shall lede you in to his glorye / wherunto we may all go . Amen .

A. The .ix. commaundement of god defendeth all lecherous thoughtes & commaundeth clennesse of he●te .. xlii . Man beware that thou ne desyre Thy neyghbours wyfe / dought ne mayde In auoydynge eternall fyre God to offende be thou afrayde

THis commaundement is wryten in the auncient testament . Deutero. v. ca. Non concupisces vxorem ꝓxum cui . That is to saye . thou shalt not coueyte thy neyghbours wyfe for to do synne . In this commaundement god defendeth all euyll thoughtes disordonate of the synne of lechery and commaundeth chastyte of thought . For as nothynge serueth the chastyte of the body where the thought is corrupt . Vn̄ au . Nichil ꝓdest vginitas corporis vbi oꝑatur corruptio mentis . God defendeth in the seuenth commaundement the operacion of lechery and in that he defendeth the wyll the whiche cometh of the thought . These two lecheryes here ben to fle . Dauyd it required of god Vnd psal. Vre renes meos & cor meum . Brenne my raynes & my hert that they ne commytte lechery . For to haue the herte blyssed / pure / & clene after the gospell . math v. Beati mundo corde qm ipsei deum videbunt . It behoueth to shytte well the gates of the wyttes or nature that the lecherous enemy mortal entre not / & that he soyle not the sayd herte by euyl thoughtes . Mayster Hugues de saynt victor sayth that lechery cometh in to the herte in .vi. maners . Somtyme by syght / somtyme by herynge / or by touchynge / or by thought / or by worde / or by operacyon / by suche thynges lechery is chauffed & nourysshed / the soule is departed fro god / & chaftyte is fledde from the maners / and lechery is excercysed in his wyttes . And a man sholde note that incontynent that the dylectacyon of lechery cometh vnto the herte by syght or herynge / or by kyssynge . &c. sodaynly than resyst by pynchynge thy flesshe / or byte thy tongue / pull thyn eere / thynke on the tourmentes of hell . &c. And by suche resystynges a man shall kepe his herte from soylynge & geteth a crowne . In lykewyse as thou shalt fynde by the examplary of the .ix. commaundement . Quere . C.ii. A.

B. The concupyscences of the flesshe how lechery is commyt in thought . xlii .

NOn concupisces vxorem ꝓximi tui . Thou shalt not coueyt thi neyghbours wyfe . A man sholde vnderstande the concupyscence carnall is lechery without operacyon / & it is sayd in .iii. maners . The first is without synne . The seconde is with synne venyall . The thyrde is with mortall synne . The fyrst moeuynges of concupyscence carnall the whiche ben sodaynes within the bondes of nature & of the sensualyte the whiche dependeth not vpon the wyll ben not synne / for they ben in the puyssaunce of nature humayne . But more sooner is mater to purchase vertues vnto whome therin wel resysteth by the meane & grace dyuyne / as vnto the foule thought without dylectacyon / & that it come agaynst his wyll / that is noo synne yf reason therto consent not . Vn̄ greg . super ezech̄ . Quantumcumque īmūda sit cogitatio mentem non polluit si ratio non consentit . Et au . dicit quam pctm̄ est actio voluntaria / nullum enim pctm̄ nisi volūtariū . It behoueth somtyme to be holde these women to speke to them / to touche & to thynke on theym / but after as the thought is ordynate or dysordynate / there is synne or there is none . As it is of necessyte to ete & drynke / but after the ordonaunce or dysordonaunce it may be well done or yl done . Vnde aug. in libro de nuptiis et concupiscētus dicit . Concupiscentia non est pctm̄ qn̄ ad illicita opera non consentitur . Concupyscence is no synne whan the wyll ne consenteth vnto the operacyons vnlefull . Than those the whiche lyueth chastely sholde not trouble them whan there cometh yll thoughtes vnto them / for the deuyll tempteth more the good than the badde . Bernar. dicit . Non enim contristari debemus si in temptationibus inciderimus / sed si in temptationibus superatifuerimus . We sholde not be wrothe yf we been fallen in to temptacyons / but yf we therin haue ben ouercome . Whan temptacyons cometh a man sholde strongely resyst & fyght agaynst them for to haue rewarde & meryte . Vn̄ bernar . Quotiens resistis totiens coronaberis / nam quotiens resistimus totiens ●yabolū superamus angelos letificamus deum honoramus . By as oftentymes as thou resystest as many tymes shalt thou be crouned / & as oftentymes as we resyst so many tymes we surmount the deuyll / we reioyce that aungels & we honour god . The seconde concupyscence of the flesshe is whan the moeuynges cometh of the dylectacyon vnto thynge vnlefull without propre wyll ne reason dysposed to accomplysshe the operacyon / he is venyall synne . Also whan an euyll thought cometh vnto ony man with the dylectacyon all times without playne consentement of reason than is it venyall synne . The deuyll begynneth to shewe the temptacyon / & yf a man consent not therto but resysteth incontynent it is no synne . And yf dylectacyon come after the temptacyon it is venyal synne . And vnderstande wel that yf the consentement of reason be not there / for yf it were there it were of the kynde of mortall synne . The thyrde concupyscence of the flesshe is whan that delectacyon of euyll is abyden & that reason & the propre wyll ben dysposed it to accomplysshe here is mortall synne / albeit that afterwarde a man ne may come to do the operacyon / for the wyll is reputed for the dede . In lykewyse is it of all other synnes mortalles whan the wyll is dysposed the synne is as who sayth done . And a man sholde here vnderstande that it behoueth that all men and women the whiche sholde entre in to the realme of paradyse haue in theyr purpose that yf they lyued eternally they ne wolde synne mortally in ony maner what so euer it be . Than of necessyte of helth it behoueth that all those & they that wyll haue saluacyon sholde haue in theyr thought that they ne wyll commytte lechery in ony maner but in good & lawfull maryage . Yf thou wylt not beleue of symple worde study the scryptures that telleth it in many places . Vn̄ au . dicit qd voluntas reputatur ꝓ facto . The wyll is reputed for the dede . Iterum dicit . Consensus in opus pctī mortalis est pctm̄ mortale & consensus in opus pctī venialis est pctm̄ veniale . Consentement in operacyon of synne mortal is mortal synne / & consentement in werke of synne venyall is venyall synne . Et greg . dicit . Qui consentit pctōet non arguit dignus est morte . He that consenteth to synne & stryueth not to resist vnto the contrary is worthy to deye . And it is wryten in the gospell that our sauyour Ihesus sayd vnto the auncyentes . Do ye none aduoutry / & I say vnto you that euery man that hath seen a woman in desyrynge to knowe her he hath commytted synne in her in his herte . Vn̄ math. v. Dictum antiquis Non mechaberis / ego aunt dico vobis qr omnis qui viderit mulierem ad concupiscēdū eam me chatus est in corde suo . God sheweth here that the wyll is reputed for the dede / vnto the dyfference of them the whiche weneth not to synne yf they accomplysshe the operacyon . It is wryten .i. regum . xvi . Non enim videt ea q patent / dns aunt intuetur cor . The man seeth those thynge the whiche appereth / & our lorde beholdeth the herte & the wyl . Et pau. ad ro. i Non solum qui faciunt peccata sed qui consentiunt facientibus digni sunt morte . After that saynt Poule hadde named many synnes he sayd / not alonly they the whiche doo the synne / but also they the whiche consenteth to do them ben worthy of dethe . Example how a woman was dampned for the consentynge of wyll to commytte lechery . Quere c.a. Another example of a monke the whiche lost the breed celestyal for hauynge euyl lecherous thoughtes . Quere . C.i. A.

C. For to vnderstande clerely the dyfference of mortall synne & venyall it behoueth to take the wordes of saynt Austin the whiche ben wryten in his boke of the cyte of god the whiche sayth . Whan a man loueth a persone is behoueth that the sayd loue be good or euyll . It is good whan it is for the loue of god / & therin is vertue And also suche loue is necessary as whan the sone loueth the fader . &c. it is natural / the whiche is not louable ne vytuperable . Also suche loue is voluptuous & lybydynous / it behoueth to make dystynccyon / for yf the dylectacyon and wyll be aboue the loue of god / or egally vnto hym / as to say . I loue better suche operacyon of lechery than to obeye vnto god the whiche it defendeth / or of as moche as he endeuereth hym to do it / albeit he do it not here is mortall synne in two maners . And yf the loue be vnder god / that is to say that a man loueth better to obey vnto god than to do it / it is venyall synne . Vnde augustinus . Peccatum veniale est libido siue amor voluptas citra deum / mortale vero est libido siue amor voluptatis . supra deum vel equaliter ei . Mortall synne is lechery or loue of volupte aboue almyghty god or egally vnto hym .

D. The euylles and domnges that the euyll thoughtes do . xlii .

EVyl thoughtes ben to fle for many thynges . Fyrst for that they separate the persones from god . Vn̄ sapi. i. Peruerse enim cogitatōnes seperant a deo . Secondly for that they make to haue maledyccyon . Vn̄michee ii . Ve qui cogitatis īutile & oꝑamini malūm cubilibus vr̄is . Maledyccion vnto you the whiche thynke thynges inutyle / & do yl in your couches . Et ec . iii. Ve duplici corde & labus sceleratis & manibus malefatientibus & pctōri terram egrediēti duabus viis . Maledyccyon vnto men of double herte / and vnto the lyppes of women synners / & vnto the handes doynge euyll / & vnto the synner entrynge in to the erth by two wayes Thyrdly yl thoughtes ben to fle for that they chase awaye the vertues & goodes spyrytualles of the soule and letteth all good espyrytuall that it ne may profyte . As a man may saye by symylytude that sekenes corporall chaseth away the helth & the welthe of the body / & to let to ete & drynke / & all goodnes that it ne may prouffyte . &c. in lykewyse as it is declared afterwarde . Que ad numerum .xliiii. b. c. d. e. f. g. &c. Fourthely euyl thoughtes ben to fle for that they sle spyrytually the soules of dethe of gylte / for they separate god / his loue / & his grace the whiche is the lyfe of the soule as it is declared in the commaundement of homycyde . quere . xxiiii . b. Fyfthly euyll thoughtes ben to fle for that they blynde the eyen withinforth of the soule & of the entendement & maketh the soule derke & putteth it in derkenes / as it is declared afterwarde . Quere . xliiii . Syxtly yl thoughtes ben to fle for that they ben publysshed & shewed at the day of Iugement before all the worlde / as it is wryten . Math. x. et lu. xii . Nichil aunt oꝑtum est qd non reueletur neque abscōditum qd non sciatur & in palam veniat . There is nothynge so strongly couered but that it shal be shewed / ne hyd but that it be knowen & sene openly before all . Also it behoueth to yelde accompte at the day of Iugement before god of all euyll thoughtes . Vn̄ sapi. i. In cogitationibus impu īcogitatio erit . Interrogacyon or questyon shall be made of the thoughtes of the synner . Et sap̄ . iii. Impuaūt scdm q cogitauerunt correctionem habebunt qui neglexerant iustum & a dno recesserunt . The yll shall haue correccyon after the thynges that they haue thought . Example that it behoueth to yelde accompt at the Iugement of yl thoughtes . Quere . cviii . D. Seuenthly yll thoughtes been to fle for drede to lese the Ioyes of paradyse & beatytude eternall / the whiche Ioyes ben promysed vnto those that haue pure hertes / & clere fro synne . Vn̄ mat . v. Bti mundo corde qm ipsei deum videbunt . of this mater . Que. xliiii . & .xlvii. a. Eyghtly yl thoughtes byndeth vnto punycyon & dampnacyon eternall within the fyre of hell the whiche is a tourment moche cruell in lykewyse as it is declared hereafter . que . xlvii . b. Vn̄ eccle. iii. Cor grauabitur in doloribus . The euyll herte shall be greued in dolours . By these thynges beforesayd it appereth the a man breketh the commaundement of god by thought lecherous / agaynst the whiche a man sholde resyst for to go in to paradyse . Vnto the whiche almyghty god vs conduyte the whiche is reygnynge and benedictus in secula seculorum . Amen .

A. The tenthe commaundement of god the whiche defendeth all euyll thoughtes of theft / coueytyse / and auaryce the whiche ben agaynst the dyleccyon of his neyghboure . xliii . Coueyte thou not in ony thynge Thy neyghbours good ne herytage Lete not thy herte in it haue lykynge Lest thou be dampned for suche outrage .

THis commaundement is wryten in the olde testament . Deut. v. ca. Et ●ro . xx . Non cōcupistes rem ꝓximi tui / non domum nec agrum / nec seruum / nec ancillam / nec vniuersa q illis sunt . That is to say . Thou shalt not coueyt thy neyghbours thyng / his hous his felde / ne the seruaunt / ne the mayden / ne ony thynge that vnto hym belongeth . In this commaundement god defendeth al couetyse within forthe / that is to wyte the wyl dysposed to haue the goodes of another vniustly agaynst the wyll of hym to whome they belonge . Also god wyll that euery man content hym with the good that he hath / or that to him shal come after ryght / reason / & Iustyce / but a man sholde vnderstande that the fyrst mouinges coueytynge the goodes of another that been within the bondes of the sensualite / that preuenteth all holly before the delyberacyon of reason they ne ben dampnables / but al wyll dysposed & consentement of reason beynge in wyl to haue them vniustly it is mortall synne & fraccyon of this commaundement . Non concupisces rem ꝓximi tui . Some coueyteth the thynge of another in .iii. maners . The first some there ben the it coueyteth / but for that / that they knowe well that they can not haue it they ne pursue it . And yf they wyst wel that they sholde haue it they sholde put it in effecte / suche synneth mortally . Secondly some other coueyte the thinge & enforce them in effect to haue it / albeit that they ne may haue it yet synnen they mortally & more greuously than the fyrst . Thyrdly some other there ben to whome it suffyseth not to coueyte the thynge / but by fals enforcynge done so moche that they possede it / & suche synneth more greuously than these beforesayd . They ben as those theues & rauysshers after that they haue coueyted comen to effe●● to take it . It is wryten of these maners here beforsayd .i. ad thym̄ .vi. Qui voluit diuites fieri incidunt in tēptationem et laqueum dyaboli & desideria mlta īutila & nociua q mergunt homines in īteritū & ꝑditionē . Saynt Poule sayth that they the whiche wyll be ryche falleth in to temptacyons & in to the deuyls gynnes in many desyres vnprouffytables & noyenges whiche plongeth these men in dethe & perdycyon . Another exposycyon vpon these sayd wordes . Non concupisces rem ꝓximi tui . Thou shalte not coueyte the thynge of thy neyghbour for to possede it vniustly . It is agaynst ryght / Iustyce / & reason / & for to ordeyne it or too vse it vnto an yll ende / as those that appetyteth goode for to lede grete pompes & estate in vaynglory / or for to vse lechery / or to haue dylycatyfe metes / as the cursed Dyues that was dayly serued delycyously & rychely / or as the clerkes that appetyteth the benefyces & dygnytees / not for to dystrybute the goodes to the poore as they sholde . Qr bona eccliarum sunt bona pauperum . But for to lyue fatly and pompously in suꝑfluytees & synnes . &c. vlsic . Thou shalt not coueyte to haue the thynge of thy neyghbour vniustly for to withholde it as these auarycyous that kepe & assemble without gyuynge & dystrybutinge . Morouer a man sholde vnderstande ryght clerely that as many tymes as ony is disposed in his thought to go agaynst ony of the commaundements of god he synneth mortally & is a breker of this commaundement ayenst the whiche he wyll go / albeit that he ne come to do the operacyon . Verbi gratia . Yf thou in thy herte hate thy neyghbour in desyringe his dethe or his domage thou brekest that .v. commaundement . Vn̄. i. ioh. iii. Qui odit fr̄rum suum homicida est . Also yf thou be wrothe in thy herte ayenst thy neybour in desyringe to venge the vniustly by delyberacyon thou brekest the .v. commaundement & synnest mortally . Vn̄ math. v. Omnis qui irascetur fr̄i suo scilicet in corde reus erit iudicom . This mater is suffyciently declared in yep̄cedent commaundement & in the thynges beforesayd where it speketh that the wyll is reputed for the dede . Here is the ende of the ten commaundementes of god the a man shold kepe for to come vnto the glory celestyall / vnto the whiche we may go cum illo qui est benedictus in scla sclorum . Amen .

B. How those the whiche haue broken the commaundements of god & the whiche ben in mortall synne ne sholde not with drawe to do alwayes good dedes / howbeit that they sholde be dampned . xliii .

SAynt poule sayth in his epystle ad heb. iiij . ca. Omnia nuda et apperta sunt ante oculos dei . All thynges the whiche ben naked & hydde ben before the eyen of god . He seeth & knoweth our thoughtes & operacyons / and shal yelde vnto euery man that / that he hath deserued . Vnde psal. Tu reddes vnicuique iuxta opera sua . Et alibi scribitur . Nullum malum remanebit impunitum et nullum bonum irremuneratum . That is to say . that none euyll shall abyde vnpunysshed / & no good dede but that it shall be rewarded / be it in this worlde or in the other And therfore the persone that is in deedly synne sholde not withdrawe to do wel . Vn̄ versus Non amittuntur / q pro dno tribuuntur . Omnia que fiunt / in mortali bona pro sunt . Nam mund bona dant demonijs arma refrenāt . Mentes ūlustrant / etiam tormenta minorant . Ad maiora bona / dant vsum facienda Non tamen eternam / possunt acquirere vitam Vel sic . Versus . Condita peccato mortall dant bona terre . Augmentant vitam minuunt tormenta gehenne . These metres or verses beforesayd hathe ben made & taken vpon the scrypture the whiche sayth that they the whiche do good dedes in mortall synne been rewarded in .v. maners / albeit that yf they deye impenytentes they shal not be saued . The fyrst reumneracyō that they shal haue the whiche done good dedes that god shall sende them the sooner erthly goodes in this worlde / & greter haboundaunce than yf they ne dyde good dedes . The seconde remuneracion is that by doynge of dedes they refrayne / withdrawen / & tary the assautes of the deuyll that is to say that the deuyll hath not so grete puyssaunce & force vpon theym the whiche dooth or sayth good as yf they ne so dide ne sayd / & also is withdrawen . Example how an holy man sawe by the suffraunce of god at a grete dyner how the deuylles drewe a backe whan those the whiche dyned spake of god & good wordes / & the aungelles drewe them nere . And whan they spake of detraccyon & of euyll the deuyls came agayne . &c. Quere in th examplary . lxxxxix . H. The thyrde remuneracyon is that the good dedes that they doo shyneth vnto them / & enlumyneth theyr entendementes to reknowlege theyr defautes / and to se the good that they lose / and the euyl that they gete . Also theyr entendementes ben not enlumyned whan they doo no good dedes as whan they doo . The fourth remuneracion is that yf these persones the whiche do good dedes in mortall synne were dampned in hell they ne sholde be soo greuously punysshed and tourmented as yf they ne had done noo good dede / for the good dedes dooth quenche the synnes as the water the fyre . Vnde ecclesi . iii. Ignem ardentem extinguit aqua & elemosma resistit peccatis . Example of a man deed the whiche fell in goynge ouer a bryd● for whome there was grete stryfe for his al mesdedes & euyll dedes the whiche he had commytted in lykewyse as it is wryten in the examplary . C.x. C. A man sholde note here the more that a persone dooth of euyl in this worlde the more cruelly shall he be tormented in hell . Quere in th examplary .xlix. c. And the more that he hath done of good dedes and the lesse of euyll he shall endure & fele the lesse doloure yf it were soo that he were dampned / and therfore a man sholde neuer drawe backe to do euermore good dedes . The fyfth remuneracion that those haue the whiche done good dedes in mortall synne is that god theym sendeth the more sooner grace to correcte them and amende them and to come vnto saluacyon than yf they ne dyde ony good dedes / in lykewyse as a man shall fynde by many examples . Fyrst example by Cornelyus the whiche was paynym / and for that that he gaue almesses he sawe an aungell the whiche sayd vnto hym that he shold go vnto saynt Peter the whiche sholde tell hym what he sholde do . Vnde actuum . v. ca. Corneli mitte et excersi symonem qui cognoīatur petrus / hic dicet tibi quid te oporteat facere . And he dyde soo and was conuerted vnto the faythe of our lorde Ihesu cryst . Another example is wryten in the legende of saynt Syluester how the cause of the helthe and saluacyon of the emperour Constantyne was for that he had pyte on the chyldren that men wolde haue slayne to th entent that he were bathed in theyr blode for to haue remedi ayenst his lepreheed . The sayd emperoure wolde not that the sayd chyldren were slayne for hym & made to delyuer them agayne vnto theyr moders the whiche wept / & morouer made to gyue vnto them gyftes . And the nyght folowynge he sawe saynt Peter the whiche sayd vnto hym that he sholde call the pope Syluester and that by hym he sholde be conuerted / baptysed & heled of his lepry and meselry . And in lykewyse was it done as it appereth in the sayd legende . Another example . It is wryten in the legende of saynt Eustace how the cause of his conuercyon was for the almesdedes that he dyde . The begynnynge of the lyfe of saynt Eustace was that he was an ydolatre and synner / but he was a grete gyuer of almesse & full of pyte & of mercy / and for the good dedes that he dyde god wolde not that he were dampned / but gaue him grace to conuert hym / to correcte and to amende / & appered vnto hym the whiche sholde be to longe to tell / and for an ende & conclusyon he is holy and saued . &c.

C. Another example . It is wryten in the legende of saynt Iohan thalmosyner of the conuersyon of the riche man chaunger and exposytour named Peter / the whiche in the begynnynge of his lyfe was ryght cruel vnto poore people and chased them out of his hous with grete yre and Indygnacyon . And on a time the poore men complayned them togyders that neuer in theyr lyfe they myght not haue so moche as one onely almesdede of hym . The one of them sayd . What wyll ye gyue and I this daye may gete ony almesse of hym . Than they made couenaunt with him / & he yode vnto the hous for to demaunde almesse . And whan the sayd ryche man came & sawe the sayd poore man before his gate he coude fynde no stones to cast at hym / so as one of his seruauntes passed by the whiche bare barly loues to his hous he toke one of those loues and smote the sayd poore man by grete wodenes . Than the pore man toke vp the lofe and so ranne vnto his neyghbours vnto whome he shewed the almesse that he hadde goten of his hande . And two dayes after the sayd ryche man was seke to the dethe & sawe in vysyon that he was in Iugement & blacke men put his ylles in balaunce / & on the other parte of the sayd balaunce some other clad in whyte / & the one of them sayd . We haue but one barly lofe that he gaue vnto god by constraynt two dayes passed . And whan they had put the sayd brede within the sayd balaunce it semed vnto hym that the balaunces were egalles / than they sayd vnto the sayd ryche man . Multyplye this barly lofe or these blacke men shall take the and than he awoke & sayd . Alas yf one barlylofe that I kest by wodenes hath so moche auayled me / how moche auayleth the almesdedes the whiche ben giuen lyberally . &c. For to make short the sayd ryche man conuerted hym & was a ryght grete gyuer of almesses after and a veray good man . Another example of another ryche man the whiche serued the deuyll about .xl. yeres / and for goynge to here a predycacion he conuerted hym and was saued As it is wryten in the examplary . Quere . lvi . K. Another example by that that a man dyspayred had serued saynt Domynycke / he appered vnto hym / conforted hym / and put hym in the waye of saluacyon / as it is wryten in the Legende of the sayd saynt . Another example of a man that was sentencyed & Iuged vnto dampnacyon / and was delyuered at the request of the vyrgin Marye / as it is wryten in her myracles . Another example of a fayre mayden pompeously arayed and cladde vpon a sondaye after that she was wery of daunsynge the deuyll wolde haue taken and borne her away in body and in soule / and she began to crye for helpe of the vyrgyn Mary / for her moder had lerned her to serue her / and she was delyuered from the deuyll / as it is wry in th examplary . Quere . lxviii . c. d. A questyon . What deference is there betwene the good dedes the whiche ben done in deedly synne / and those the whiche ben done in the estate of grace . The answere . There is grete deference / for the one is ryght lyuely & merytoryous for to haue the rewarde eternall in paradyse . It is that the whiche is done in thestate of grace without synne . The other the whiche is doone in mortall synne is a good dede / deed and without rewarde eternall / for it is done without grace & charyte . Also synne is a venym so mortall vnto the soule that it mortyfyeth all goodnes spyrytuall / and departeth god his loue and his grace / wherby the synner loseth his rewarde eternal . But the good dedes that he dooth in mortal synne serueth him / for there ben the .v. retrybucions beforesayd . For to vnderstande well this mater the persones the whiche shall be saued at the day of Iugement shall haue meryte and rewarde eternall that they haue done in the worlde in thestate of grace . And yf they had commytted ony mortall synnes & after doo penaunce all those good dedes that they haue done in thestate of grace in precedinge the sayd synnes come agayne vnto theym in theyr good valour by the penaunce . And of those good dedes the whiche ben comen agayne in conualescence ben saued and they shall haue rewarde eternalle in paradyse . And not of those the whiche they haue doone in mortall synne / for that / that whan they were done they were deed by synne as it is sayd / & by that the meryte eternall is lost . Vnde sanctus thomas . Nullus pont mereri nisi mediante gratia vt dictum est . quere .xlv. b. Vn̄ versus . Illa remiscūt que mortificata fuerunt . Viuere non possunt q mortua nata sunt That is to say that those good dedes reuyueth in god conualescence by penaunce / the whiche haue ben mortyfyed by synne . But those good dedes the whiche were done in synne may not lyue / that is reuerte in conualescence after penaunce to haue rewarde eternall . It foloweth than that the good dede that is done in the estate of grace is better than the other deed . And therfore those the whiche dyfferreth to confesse them in lentē or in other tymes ben to be reprehended to do a good dede in synne . Also a man sholde vnderstande that noo good dede is loste / but the one good dede is moche better than another . &c.

A The thynge mouynge for to kepe the commaundementes of god . Ca. xliiii . Those that lerne ne wyll . The commaundementes & lawe to kepe And in euery poynt them fulfyll In hell shall lye ryght depe

IN that aege that an enfant is capable of the commaundements of god he is holden to lerne theym / for that that he sholde kepe hym that he breke them not vpon the payne of dampnacyon . Vn̄ legitur in secundo libro sententiarum . distī . xvii . Statim enim cum quis fit capax precpti dei tenetur ad eius noticiam et obseruantiam . Et dauid dicit in psal. Tu mandasti mandata tua custodiri nimis . Thou haste commaunde moche to kepe thy commaundementes . Whan that ony temporell kynge maketh to bane proclayme / or shewe ony commaundement thorowoute his realme his subgectes moue them to obeye vnto him of drede to renne in paynes and dommages that they may haue for theyr inobedyence . Also many thynges sholde moue vs to kepe the commaundements that the kynge of heuen and of erthe hath made to proclayme / and to crye ouer all the worlde . The fyrste thynge the whiche sholde moue vs to kepe the commaundementes of god is for the grete goodnes in fynyte that is in hym / that is to saye that there is soo moche of goodnes in god that it is innumerable . For a man ne can fynde the ende soo moche there is of goodnes in hym . Of this matere is somwhat spoken in the ende of this treatyse / and howe the sayntes of heuen beholde aboue them the fayre myrrour the whiche is god . quere . xlvii . a. Example .xlvii. b. c The seconde thynge esmouynge to kepe the commaundementes of god is for to obeye to his wyll / he is our fader celestyall the whiche hathe create our soules as it is sayd before . Also it is he that whiche nouryssheth vs with his godes that he maketh to growe / and it is he the whiche hathe agayne vs bought vs by his precyous blode / and the whiche wyll that we possede his herytage in paradyse as his dere chyldren . It is good reason that the chyldren obeye vnto the fader / and by that that we ben the chyldren of god we sholde obeye vnto his commaundementes . The thyrde thynge the whiche moueth vs to kepe the commaundementes of god is to the ende to be in his loue and in his grace / for he loueth those the whiche kepe them in lyke wyse as it is wryten iohannes .xv. Si precepta mea seruaueritis manebit is in dilectione mea . Yf ye haue kepte my commaundementes ye shall dwelle in my loue & dyleccion . Iterum in codem capitulo . Vos amici mei estis si feceritis que precipio vobis / Ye be my frendes yf ye doo that thynge the I commaunde you . Example by that / that abraham was obedient vnto god / he was so parfytely in his loue that he had his benediccion . Quere .lxi. a. Another example by that that saynt Mor was obedyent he dyde many myracles amonge the whiche he ranne one tyme vpon the water withoute synkynge or ylle hauynge . Que. lii . c. Another example by the obedyence of a relygyous / god loued so moche that a drye belet blocke that he arroused with water bare floure and fruyte . Quere in the exemplayre .lii. e. God sayd in the gospell / yf ye loue me kepe my commaundementes . He the whiche loueth me not / kepeth not my commaundementes . vnde iohannis .xiiii. Si diligitis me mandato mea seruate . Sequitur Qui non diligit me sermones meos non seruat . Ony lorde or kynge ne maye loue his seruaunt whan he dysobeyeth vnto his commaundementes / no more doth god / how maye he loue ydolatres blasphematoures chyldren vnnaturall / inobedientes / murdrers / theuys / payllars / and false witnesses / whan they dysobeye vnto his wyll & breke his commaundementes he ne may loue them . Beholde what hate and inconuenient that there came vnto adam for a bit of an apple that he dyde agayne the commaundemente of god . Quere .liiii. a. Also beholde how chore / dathan / and abyron / were punysshed for the inobedyence and murmure that they made agayne god & Moyses . Quere .liiii. God ne may loue him the whiche dysobeyeth vnto his commaundementes . But he loueth hym the whiche obeyeth vnto hym . We rede how god demaunded of saynt peter yf he loued hym / Petre amas me . He answered thou knowest that I loue the. Tu sis quia amo te . And by that that saynt peter loued god / & obeyed vnto hym / our lorde Ihesu cryste sayd vnto hym in this maner of wyse . pasce agnos meos : pasce oues mea . I shall gyue the keyes of the reame of heuen vnto the / and that that thou byndest in erthe shall be bounde in heuen &c. For that that he was obedyente vnto oure lorde Ihesu cryste / god gaue vnto hym the gouernement of the chirche and the keyes of paradyse . Also we sholde kepe the commaundementes of god to the ende that it wolde please hym to abyde with vs / for to kepe vs and saue vs . Vnde iohannis .xiiii. Si quis diligit me sermonem meum seruabit et pater meus diliget cum et ad cum veniemus et mansionem apud cum faciemus . That is to saye / who so loueth me kepeth my wordes and my fader shall loue hym sayeth Ihesus / and vnto hym we shall come and we shal make with hym our dwellynge / and it is wryten . iohannis .xv. Manete in me et ego in vobis . Dwel ye in me and I shall dwelle in you . Et legitur . ioh. iiii . Deus caritas est : et qui manet in carytate in deo manet : et deus in eo . God is charyte and loue / and who so dwelleth in charyte / he dwelleth in god and god in him We rede that our lorde sayd vnto the appostles that they sholde goo to preche and to conuerte the infydeles . And that they ne sholde thinke what they sholde answer vnto the tyrauntes / and that it sholde be gyuen vnto them that that they shold answer of the holy ghost the whiche abodem them as sayeth the gospell . Dabitur enim vobis in tīla hora quid loquamini . Non enim vos estis quiloquimini : sed spiritus patris vestri qui loquitur in vobis . So it appered that god abode in theym . And who so dothe agayne the wyll of god he ne abydeth in hym . &c. The fourth thynge that sholde moue vs to kepe the commaundementes of god / is to th ende that the good dedes that we done be vnto hym agreable / and vnto vs vtyle and prouffytable / For yf we dysobeye vnto hym our operacyons pleaseth hym nothynge . Thre thynges ben requysyte before that we may do thynge the whiche is vnto god agreable / The fyrst is the good dedes that we do be done genere bonorum . That is that it procede of a good kynde or stocke as to gyue almesdedes of his owne laboure withoute doynge it of thefte or pyllery . The seconde is : quod sit ad laudem dei non ad vanam gloriam . That is that it be done vnto the preyse of god / & not vnto vayne glorye . The thyrde thynge is that a man be in the estate of grace . For the good dedes that a man dothe in synne is not merytoryous vnto the eternyte vnto the persone the whiche dothe it . Also it is not aggreable vnto god : how be it that a man shold not drawe backe to doo euermore of good dedes as it is declared before . Quere .xliii. b. The pope pius sayeth de consecratione distinc .v. Nichil prodest ieiunare & orare et alia religionis opera agere nisi mens ab iniquitate reuocatur . It prouffyteth nothynge as vnto saluacyon to faste / and to praye / and to do other good dedes of relygyon yf the thoughte be not called agayne from synne / that yf a man cease hym not to commytte mortall synne . &c. And saynt poule sayeth .i. corinth . xiii . Si linquis hominum loquar & angelorum . &c. Caritatem autem non habuero nulis michi ꝓdest vt dictum est ante : quere .iiii. ca. After the scryptures it behoueth to do the good dede in estate of grace / in doynge the pylgrymage of the worlde as it is sayd in the fyrst condycyon of the pylgryme of paradyse . Quere ibi post . The .v. thynge that sholde moue vs to kepe the commaundements of god it is to th ende that it wolde please hym to here & to vnderstonde oure requestes / prayers and oraisons / & that he them graunte vnto vs and exalte whan we requyre hym . Vnde . ioh. xv . Si manseritis in me et verba mea in vobis manserint : quodcunque volueritis petetis & fiet vobis That is to say yf ye abyde or dwell in me that is in my loue . and that my wordes be abydynge in you / that ben my commaundementes / ye shall demaunde what so euer thynge that ye wyll and it shal be done to you . Et legitur mathei . xxi . & marci . xi . Omnia quecunque peneritis in oratione credentes accipietis . God sayeth you byleuynge in me by fayth operant / take ye in orayson all thynges what so euer ye demaunde / & the psal. sayeth . Occuli domini super iustos & aures eius ad preces corum . The eyen of god ben vpon the iuste / and his eres vnto the prayers of them . Et legitur luce . xi . Petite et dabitur vobis : querite et inuenietis : pulsate et aperietur vobis &c. Example how at the prayer of a man a mounayne was remeued from one place vnto another . Quere .xli. a. Another example how a good preest catholique entred within the fyre to conferme the faith / and was not brente . Quere .lxi. b. And in dede contrary the orayson of hym the whiche wyll not kepe the commaundementes of god ne shall be exalted / and ne shall gete graunt anenste god of that that he demaundeth . Vnde augu . Qui preceptis auertitur qd in oratione postulat non meretur : nec impetrat ab illo bonum quod poscit : cuius legi non obedit . Example . The request of the cursed diues was not graunted him whan he demaunded a droppe of water & that the lazar sholde go vnto his brederne . &c. Quere .lxxxiiii. a. The syxte thynge mouynge vs to kepe the commaundements of god is to th ende to haue the grete benediccyons that god prometteth vnto those the whiche here with good wyll and kepe his commaundementes the whiche ben wryten after . Quere .xlv. f. The .vii. to the ende to haue grete rewarde in paradyse / wherof it is spoken afterwarde . Quere .xlvii. a. The .viii. is to haue drede of the maledyccyon and excommunycacyons the which ben caste vpon the synners inobedyentes vnto god & vnto the chirche . Quere .xlviii b. The .ix. of drede to haue punycyon as pharaon the whiche had the harte so harde and was so obstynate in yll that he wolde not obeye vnto god and vnto his seruaunt Moyses . And therfore god sent vnto hym many punycyons and in the ende he was drowned diuinely he and his people . Quere in the exemplayre .liiii. f. Also these dys obeysantes sholde drede to be sente in to the fyre of helle the whiche is a torment moche cruell in lyke wyse as it is wryten in the ende of the treatyse . Quere .xlix. b.

B. How many thynges ben nuysaūtes vnto those the whiche ben inobedyentes & breketh the commaundementes of god / the whiche ben wryten herafter by psalmes . Capitulo . xliiii

QVi in vno mandato peccauerit multa bona perdet . Ecclesiastisis .ix. ca. Who so hathe synned mortally in one commaundement shall lose many of good dedes / That is to vnderstonde that the transgressyon of euery commaundement that a man commytteth in synnynge mortally by dylectacyon and delyberacyon noyeth vnto the soule in many maners that whiche shall be herafter declared and put by psalmes / Fyrste the fraccyon or brekynge of ony commaundement putteth the soule of the breker vnto pouerte of spyrytuall goodes . for it chaseth and maketh to be forgoten hys vertues and good operacyons lately goten and the whiche rested in hym . Saynt ysydore sayeth . Per vnum enim peccatum multe iustitie pereunt . That is to saye that by one synne many of iustyces peryssheth and saynt poule sayeth ad galatas quinto Modicum fermentitotam massam corrumpit . In lyke wyse as a lytell of leuayn or soure dough corrupteth a grete dele of paste / euen so the brekynge of the commaundement corrupteth a greate hepe of fayre vertues . Example how the aungell sayd to a vyrgyn chast deuoute / a gyuer of almes and charytable that she ne myght be in suche wyse saued yf she were not pacyente / for the sinne of ire abode in her . Que. lxxxxix b. circa finem . Another example of a monke the whiche was so moche replenysshed with vertues that god sente vnto hym euery daye celestyall brede . And after that he hadde commytted synne he loste the sayd brede . Quere in the exemplayre ad numerum .ci. a. Another example how the sone of a ryche man the whiche serued god in fastynges and oraysons and in doynge operacyons was in th ende dampned for that that he kepte ire in his herte / & for that he wolde be venged . Quere .lxxix. a. Holde thou for certayne that the dysobeysaunce that a man commytteth in synne mortall is an infeccyon & sekenes mortall the whiche taketh awaye chaseth and anientith & maketh to be forgoten the vertues and the goodes spyrytuelles that ony man hathe before goten and the whiche resteth in him For the scrypture sayeth that these vertues ne maye dwell with the vyces . Virtutes cum vitiis remanere non possunt . And these logicyens sayeth two thynges opposytes and contraryes the one vnto the other ne maye enhabyte ne dwelle togyders in one selfe subiect but that the one chaseth a waye the other . Duo opposita nunquam possunt esse in eodem subiecto . The synnes & the vertues ben contrary the one vnto the other / than they may not dwell togyders . Yf I be than in mortall synne / my synne chaseth away the goodes spyrytuelles frome & maketh it to be forgoten before god whyles that it regneth in me / for I ne maye be hole and seke togyders / good and ylle / gouerned of god and of the deuyl / of good spyryte and of ylle . In lyke manere I ne may be in grace and in synne / for they ben thynges contraryes that whan the one ruleth it chaseth and putteth awaye the other what so euer it be . Vnde bernardus . Sicut ignis et aqua simul esse non possunt / sic spirituales et carnelis delitie non se compatiuntur ad inuicem . In lyke wyse as the water quencheth the fyre / or bytternes chaseth awaye swetnes and all thynges delycyous / or the traycle the venyme / or the derkenesse the lyght / or the hete the colde / In lyke wyse mortal synne chaseth away the vertues and the goodes spyrytuell of the soule . Example also as the water departeth it from the pot the whiche is perced or holed . In lyke wyse dothe good operacyons from men by mortal synne . Quere . cii.x . Also mortall synne is by symylytude as infeccyon and venym mortell / for in lyke wyse as venym corrupteth the helth and the goodes of the body / in lyke wyse synne corrupteth the helthe & goodes spyrytuelles of the soule . And in lyke wyse as those that whiche ben inuenymed ben in daunger of dethe yf they ne go to seche of tryacle / so ben they in mortall synne yf they ne goo vnto penaunce . Quere .viii. a whiche is the tryacle and the remedye agayne sin Augustinus dicit . Omne seminarium voluptatum venemim puta . Et luce .xiii. Nisi penitentiam egeritis omnes simul ꝑibitis . Also mortall synne is a rotennesse the whiche corrupteth the beaute of the soule the ende of vertues / the odour of good renomme and the sauoure of glorye . And in lyke wyse as rotennesse gothe vnto nought and leseth all beaute and bounte of an apple so dothe mortall synne of the soule . vnde iob . xiii . Qui quasi putredo consumendus sum : et quasi vestimentum quod comeditur a tinea . Example how an erle was dampned for an herytage ylle witholden albe it that he hadde done of good operacyons . Quere .lxxxii. a. Another example how a woman the whiche fasted & excercysed her in oraysons and good operacyons was dampned for the kepynge of Ire without beynge in wyl to pardon . Quere lxviii . d. Also a man may say by symylytude that mortall synne noyeth vnto the soule / in lyke wyse as epedyme or pestylence : or other sekenes mortall noyeth vnto the body . For in lyke wyse as the sekenes corporall taketh awaye the helthe and al the goodes of the body . In lyke maner the dy●●beysaunce the whiche is ●●●hin mortall synne is so grete a sekenes vnto the ●●u●e that it taketh away and chaseth● vertues and good spyrytuelles the whiche rest●th in her . Vnde ezechielis .xxxiii. Inqua●turque die peccaue●it iustus omnes iustitie ●ius obliuioni tradentur . In what houre that the iuste hathe synned all his iustices ben forgoten . Also whan one membre is seke / all the body feleth it and playneth . Cum patitur vnum membrum compatiuntur omnia membra . Also whan a man commytteth one mortall synne in brekynge one of the commaundementes of god a man dampneth the body and the soule / he leseth god / he leseth paradyse and all good spyrytuell / the whiche ben forgoten as vnto saluacyon . Vnde iacobi .ii. ca. Quicunque totam legem obseruauerit offendat autem in vno factus est omnium reus . Qui enim dicit non mechaberis dicit & non occides quod si non mechaberis occidas autem factus es trangressor legis . Example how a woman a grete gyuer of almes the whiche wende to be saued in doynge the almesdedes that she dyde & in the ende was dampned by mortall synne not confeste . Quere . lxxxxii . d. Also one ylle or synne that a man commytteth maketh all the persone to be culpable and dygne of punycyon . And also as one cyrcumstaunce ylle maketh all the dede to be yll / in lyke wyse one synne bryngeth vnto nought all vertues & good spyrytuell . Vn̄ magister nicholaus de lyra dicit super illud ad galla . Modicum fermenti totam massam corrumpit . Malum enim consistit ex singulis defectibus ita qd in congregatione fidelium vnus peruersus in fide corrumpit alios per suam malitiam . E alibi . Vnica sola pecus inficit omne pecus . Whan that a towne is taken with assault those the whiche taketh it putteth vnto dethe and chaseth awaye those the whiche it possedeth . In lyke wyse done the synnes & deuylles whan they haue possessyon of a persone / and that they rulen / they slee the dethe of gylte and chaseth awaye the vertues . Vnde ad roma .vi. Qui mortuus est peccato mortuus est semel . He the whiche is deed by synne / is one tyme deed / that is to vnderstonde of dethe of gylte / for grace and vertues ben departed from him . &c. Also whan the iewes / sarazyns / or paynyms haue the dominacion of crysten men they slee them and take from them theyr goodes / in lyke wyse done the synnes and deuylles whan they haue domynacion vpon a persone to speke spyrytually . &c. Example how the body the whiche is a fole maketh the soule to lese all her spyrytual goodes and putteth her in dampnacyon and perdycyon . quere .lxvi. a. For to reherse in partyculer vpon the synne of lecherye . A man sholde vnderstonde that in commyttynge lecherye a man breketh the commaundemente of god / and also a man synneth mortally / and suche sinne maketh the vertues and good operacyons goten before to be forgoten . In lyke wyse as a man may saye by symylytude / as yf they were brente / broyled / loste & brought vnto noughte . For in lyke wyse as the fyre of the worlde brenneth / consumeth and putteth in to asshes and vnto nothynge these wordes & these other materes combustybles that a man gyueth vnto it . In lyke maner that body the whiche is chauffed to do the operacyon of lecherye that god defendeth brenneth and bryngeth vnto nought the good operacyons and vertues of the soule / yf the sayd fyre be not put out by penaunce . Of the whiche it is wryten iob . xxx . Crimen luxurie fax est et iniquitas maxima ignis est deuorans vsque ad perditionem et omnia eradicans gemmina virtutum . Whan a house is enbraced strongly with fyre / yf the sayd fyre be not quenched by water i● brenneth and consumeth all the goodes & materes combustybles tyll vnto the erthe and vnto the stones / in lyke maner the fyre and embracement of lecherye brenneth and dystroyeth all the goodes spyrytuelles of the soule of the lecherous man / or woman / in suche wyse that the germe and engendrement of vertues ben taken awaye and enrached / and it is vnderstonde by the wordes before spoken . Eradicans omnia gemmina virtutum gemmen geminis id est germen : vel genero generas . Also the blyssed and holy man saynt Ierome saith Gladius igneus est species mulieris . The glayue of fyre is the beaute corporall of a woman . Vnde ecclesiastici .ix. Concupiscentia carnis quasi ignis exardescet et sequitur . Colloquium mulieris quasi ignis exardescet . The whiche is for to saye / who so wyll kepe hym from brennynge / drawe he a ferre from the fyre / that is from company of harlottes . For as the fyre brenneth those the whiche toucheth it / in lyke wyse to touche or to handle a woman harlot or enclyned to synne / and to take pleasure in her face and langayge / a man brenneth & dystroyeth hymselfe . And yf parauen●ure some there ben that therwith ben touched the more ferther lette them drawe backe / from the company of euyll women . For a bronde that one tyme hathe ben brente the more lyghtely taketh it fyre yf it be not with drawen ferre backe from the fyre . A man ne maye be better exyled & dystroyed than by fortune of fyre . Nor the good spyrytuel of the man and of the woman to be loste / as by the embracemente of lecherye . For mayster Hugues of saynt vyctor sayeth . / Qui perdit puditiam : perdit animam suam : perdit deum : et perdit seipsum . He the whiche leseth chastyte leseth his soule / he leseth god and hymselfe / he is as he the whiche brenneth hymselfe vnto his wyttynge his house and his goodes within it . Vnde scryptura . Qui peccatum committit quasi qui ignem in propria domo ponit . And the moo of synnes that he commytteth he is he the whiche putteth as many of fagotes and byllettes of wodde in his house for to brenne it that is for to brenne his soule in helle . Example of the doughter of a kynge the whiche was a ryght grete gyuer of almesse / and also moche deuoute towarde god in her prayers and oraysons that was dampned bycause that she conceyued a chyld and deyed impenytent without confessyon Quere . lxxxxiii . h. Another example of a woman the whiche was a greate gyuer of almesse that was dampned for the delyberacyon of wyll to commytte and doo lecherye . Quere .c. a. Also he the whiche synneth mortally as he the whiche hateth his broder euen crysten / or his neyghboure in desyrynge the ylle of his body / or the losse of his temporel goodes / he quencheth and bryngeth vnto nought charite and the other vertues and good operacyons the whiche resteth in his soule . In lyke wyse as it is declared and shewed in the synne of hate Quere ante .xxvii. b. And how be it that mortall synne adnychyllateth in suche wyse the vertues and maketh so many of ylles yet sholde not a man drawe backe nor cease to doo euer more of good dedes yf it so were that a man sholde be dampned as it is declared before . Quere ad numerum xliii . b.

C. Secondly inobedience the whiche is mortall synne letteth and kepeth for to gete vertues and goodes spyrytuelles / the whiche ben merytoryous vnto the 〈◊〉 Capitulo . x●●ii●●

PEccatum meum contra me est semper . Dicit dauid in psal. Miserere . After that the kynge Dauyd had commytted mortall synne / he sayd that his synne was euermore agayne hym . Also thou man reasonable knowe thou and holde thou for certayne that yf thou be in ony synne mortall thy synne shall be euer more agayne the and noyeth vnto the soule in al maners and sortes that a man can tell it the. For yf thou wylte gete paradyse and to possede the ioyes the whiche there ben thy synne shall kepe the from goynge theder ony synne mortall what so euer it be . And yf thou wylte not haue of payne / ne punycyon temporall / or dampnacyon eternell / thy synne shall make the to haue in this worlde punycyon . And yf thou haue not by penaunce / correccyon and amendement / thou shalte haue dampnacyon eternall and shalt be constrayned to be in the fyre and tormentes of helle wylte thou or not . And yf thou haue goten of vertues that tyme that thou commytte in wyll or dede ony mortall synne / incontynent withoute ony delaye as thou haste commytted it / it bryngeth to noughte all the good dedes that thou hast done before / as it is specifyed aboue . And yf it soo be that thou wylte purchase here in this valeye of myserye of vertues and of goodes spyrytuelles / thy synne shall kepe the in al the sortes and maners that thou woldest gete as thou shalte here herafter soo that thou synner mayste saye with dauyd the prophete . Peccatum meum contra me est semper . Synne is sayd mortall bicause it mortefieth good dedes acquired And also it sleeth the meryte & the rewarde eternell of the good dedes that a man wolde gete . And therfore a man may saye by symylytude that mortall synne is a sekenes spyrytuel vnto the soule the whiche letteth all his goode dedes as the sekenes corporell letteth all the goodes of the body Verbi gratia . Yf a seke body drynke or ete also the sekenes letteth / that thynge that he taketh that it ne gothe vnto the nouryture of the body . Also the synne letteth the taste / the appetite / the sauoure and the odoure and taketh awaye the strengthe / the beaute and courage of the body . Also it letteth to saye his matynes / his seruyce / to go vnto the chirche / to laboure / and to werke . In lyke wyse dothe the sekenes and infeccyon of mortall synne to speke spyrytually . For yf mortall synne regne in a persone it taketh awaye the taste / the appetyte / the sauour / and the odoure of glorye / & draweth backe the wyll for to do good dedes . Also it taketh awaye all strengthe / & deuocyon to do good operacyons / and kepeth that they ne prouffyte vnto meryte & vnto the nourysshynge of the soule in lyke wyse as sayeth these scryptures . Vnde papius dicit de consecratione . v. Nichil prodest ieiunare scꝪ quantum ad meruum et orare et alia religionis opera argere : nisi mens ab iniquitate reuodetur . That is to saye that it prouffyteth nothynge to faste as vnto merite and rewarde eternel / and to praye vnto god and to doo other operacyons of relygyon / yf the thought be not taken awaye and called incontinent with out ony delaye from synne / and saynt poule sayeth in his epystyll . i. ad corinth . xiii . Si linguis hominum loquar et angelorum &c. et si distribuero in cibos pauperum omnes facultates meas . &c. Caritatem autem non habuero nichil michi prodest quantum ad salutem . This same auctoryte is expounded and declared before all alonge . Quere ad numerum . Et sanctus thomas dicit . Nulius homo potest mereri nisi median te gratia . There is no man the whiche may do a thynge merytoryous but by the meane of grace beynge withoute mortall synne . Example how the fastynges / oraysons and good operacyons that a woman dyde prouffyted her nothynge as vnto saluacyon for the synne of hate and rancoure that she had within her herte . Quere . lxxviii . d. Also another example how that these almesdedes and good operacyons that the doughter of a kynge dyde vnto poore folke prouffyted her nothyng as vnto saluacyon for the mortall synne that she commytted and dyde . Quere . lxxxxiii . h. For to knowe clerely how mortall in letteth to gete of good dedes vnto the soule in many maners / it behoueth in partyculer to goo vppon the good dedes that a man wolde haue . Fyrste mortall synne and the deuyll letteth to gete scyence / and sapyence dyuyne / for the deuyl letteth his scolers in worldly connynge vayne and diabolyke of tables and try●les and mockeryes . And yf ony scoler beynge in mortall synne studye dyuyne scyence that that entreth at one ere gothe agayne cute at the other . Vnde sapientie . i. ca. In animam maliuolam non introibit sapientia : ne chabitabit in corpore subdito peccatis . Example also how the water renneth from the pot that is perced / in lyke wyse dothe the vertues of the man . Quere . cii . x . Also the wyse salamon sayeth in his prouerbes that he the whiche delyteth him in wyne the whiche is a lecherous thynge / and dronkenes ne shall be wyse . prouerbiorum . xx . luxurio sares vinum et tumultuosa ebrietas cuicunque his delectatur non erit sapiens . Secondly mortall synne & the deuyll yf they haue lordshyp and domynacyon of a persone they drawe backe the deuocyon of fastynge and sayeth . Thou arte tendre and of fele complexion thou ne mayst laboure studye / walke / and faste ? or doo suche operacyon . And yf the persone yonge be in mortall synne it letteth and kepeth that it be not merytoryous vnto hym in dede . How men fynde by example in the byble that synne letted that the fastynge of the people was not agreable vnto god wherof it is wryten ysaye . lviii . Quare ieiunauimus et non aspexisti humiliauimus animas nostras & nescisti . &c. Sequitur . Ecce ad lites et contentiones ieiunatis & percutitis pugno impie : Wherfore haue we fasted and thou haste not regarded vs / we haue humbled our soules and thou haste nothynge knowen vs . And the answer vnto them was gyuen . You doo your fastynges in hates / stryfes / contencyons / synnes / and ylles / & therfore your betynges and tormentes be as nothynge . For god wyll that the good dede be done in the estate of grace . Example how a religyous was dampned for his glotonye / for he ete in secrete whan men wende that he had fasted . Quere ad numerum . cv . e. Thyrdly mortall synne letteth penaunce and confessyon / for he putteth before the persone shame and horroure to commytte suche synne / or drede to haue grete penaunce / or fere to lese his good renomme . And yf the persone hathe done penaunce he bryngeth agayne the dylectacyons of synne for to waste the said penaunce . Vnde augustinus dicit . qd inanis est penitentia quam sequens culpa cōmacuiat nichilque prosunt lamenta si replicantur peccata . That is to vnderstonde that penaunce is vayne / that is it shall not saue the persone whan synne is commytted after and the wayllynges and the wepynges ne prouffyte ne thynge as vnto the saluacyon yf the synnes be agayne recommenced / and he the whiche wepeth his synnes & leueth theym not he submytteth hymself vnto more grete payne . Vnde grego . Qui peccata plangit nec tamen deserit pene grauiori se subiicit . And how be it that penaunce done in synne is not meritoryous as sayeth the scot yet sholde not a man leue to do it / for it maye be satysfactoyre . Examples how by the shame to haue commytte mortall syn many persones hathe lefte to confesse them and to do penaunce wherby they ben gone vnto dampnacyon and perdycyon . quere ad numerum . lxxxxiii . h. & . c. a. Fourthly mortall synne letteth and kepeth to do almesdede to lesse his brede / his syluer / and his good for to betake vnto suche truande and maketh to dyspyse and to rebuke the poores . Also synne letteth the rewarde the meryte eternel of almesdede and it anientyth and bryngeth vnto nought . Vnde ysidorus dicit . Nulla scelera elemosinis posse redemisi in peccatis quisque permani erit . No synnes ne maye be agayne bought by almesdede yf he the whiche gyueth it be in synne . And no pardon of trespas is giuen whan mercy procedeth / so that the synnes cometh after . Vnde ysidorus . Nulla est delicti venia qn̄ sic precedit misericordia vt eam sequantur peccata . Example of a woman a gyuer of almesse dampned for the delyberacyon of wyll to commytte lecherye . Quere . c. a. Fyftely mortall synne letteth that orayson is not agreable vnto god & merytoryous vnto hym the whiche dothe it . Vnde ioh. ix . Scimus quia peccatores deus non exaudit . We knowe that god hereth not gracyously ne exalteth the synners . Et psal. dicit . Iniquitatem si aspexi in corde meo non exaudiet dominus . Yf that I beholde synne in my herte and kepe it styll in my mynde / our lorde Ihesu cryst shall not gracyously here me / nor accepte my prayer . Et legitur prouerbiorum . xxviii . Qui declinat aurem suam ne audiat legem : oratio eius erit execrabilis . He the whiche declyneth his ere to th ende that he noye the lawe his oraison is execrable and in fructuous . &c. Whan a chylde dysobeyieth the fader and that he demaunde a newe robe / or shoes / they ne be gyuen vnto hym ne accorded by his dysobedyence . Also god ne graunteth vnto vs that thynge that we hym demaunde for the synnes and ylles / that we do agaynst his commaundemente . This mater is approued by many examples . Fyrste how the orayson of an hermyte ne prouffyted vnto him for that thynge that he made it fore . For he delyted in his synnes without resistynge there vnto . quere . c. e. Another example semblable how orayson is not exalted by synne . c. d.

D. Thyrdly inobedyence the whiche is mortall synne noyeth / for it dyffameth the persone the whiche it commytteth . ca. xliiii .

PEccator transgrediens mandata dni incidit in promissionem nequam . Ecclesi . xxix . The synner trespassynge or offendynge the commaundements of god shall falle in to ylle promyssyon in dyffame and reproche as by maner to say thou art a blasphematour / a thefe / an harlot / murdrer / false wytnes / infamed / digne of punycyon / and it is wryten . eccle. vi . Improperium & contumiliam malus he redit abit et omnis peccator inuidus et vilinguis . That is to saye . The yll man shal haue in herytage reproche and noyse and euery synner enuyous / & he the whiche hathe two tongues the whiche sayeth le pro. & le contra . Mortall synne is so grete vyce the whiche so moche noyeth vnto the persones the whiche it commytteth that it taketh from them theyr good renome as wele in this worlde as in the other . We rede luce xvi . De villico qui diffamatus est apud dnm suum quasi dissipasset bona ipsius . / There was a man the whiche was dyffamed anenst his lorde for he dispended and wasted his goodes . Whan a persone dysobeyeth vnto god in synnynge mortally / he wasteth and dystroyeth the good vertues and goodes spyrytuell of his soule / or whan he purchaseth of worldly godes vniustely / or whan he putteth them forth prodygally in cursed langayges / or whan he ne dysposeth the goodes vnto the poores / as he sholde / he is dyffamed anenste god his lorde the whiche hym shal rebuke at the daye of iugemente & shall saye vnto hym illud mat . xxv . Ite maledicti in ignem eternum : esuriui et non dedistis michi manducare . &c. I haue had hongre and ye haue not gyuen me to eate . &c. Many synnes regneth the whiche dyffameth the persones the whiche them commytteth in like wyse as the experyence techeth it vs . A man knoweth openly that the synne of lechery is a dyshonour before the people in the countree where it is commytted / and infame vnto those the whiche doo it and reproche vnto the lygnee the whiche of it procedeth Example the synne of the sodomytes dyffamed them before god and the worlde ineternum and dyshonoureth theyr londe & countree . Also it is a reproche vnto theyr lignee and vnto all those the whiche folowe them in commyttynge theyr synne . legi . eccl xli . Cum semīe nostrorum assiduitas opprobrii erit . That is to say . With the sede of synners accustomaunce of reproche shal be . It is a thynge manyfeste that whan a mayden breketh her virginite / or a wyfe her mariage they dommage theyr chyldren whiche bereth the rebukes of theyr synnes and crymes / And those chyldren ben pryued of goodes and heritages of bothe the fader and also of the moder / and frome holy ordres / and frome all dygnyte yf he be not dyspensed with of our holy fader the pope . &c. Also the synne of thefte dyffameth moche the theuys / whan they ben hanged and strangled for theyr theftes . Soo dothe pariurynge whan it maketh to pylle and to infame the pariurers . Soo dothe murdre the whiche maketh the homycyde to be beheded . In lyke wyse sorcerye / heresye / and the synne agayne nature the whiche maketh to brenne these sorcyeres / heretykes and sodomites For to be shorte many other synnes there ben these yll knaues to beten thorowe out the stretes / or to cut theyr eres / or to be enprysonned / to clyme / or to preche / wherby they ben noted / dyshonoured / and dyffamed . Example how filius prodigus was dyffamed for his glotonnye and lecherye / as it is wryten in the gospelles of saynt luke in the .xv. chapitre . Another example of a sone the whiche hadde in his foreheed a tode .xiiii. yere ouer all the countree of fraunce by punycyon dyuyne for that that he defaylled vnto his fader and moder . Quere lxx . b. Another example in the proude amam the whiche wolde be honoured and that al men sholde bowe them before hym and to be worshipped / and he was soo dyffamed that he was hanged as it is wryten in the thyrde booke of Hester . Mortell synne noyeth moche whan it taketh awaye the good renommee of the persone the whiche is better and more precyous than golde or syluer / as it is writen prouer. xx . ca. Melius est nomen bonum quam diuitie multe : super aurum et argentum gratia bona . Et legitur eccle. vii . Melius est nomen bonum : quam preciosa vnguenta . Et augustinus dicit Crudelis est qui famam suam negligit . He is ryght cruell the whiche dysprayseth his good renommee . And whan a man by prayseth his good renommee / it is a token that he is fallen in to the profoundyte of synnes And that he is posseded of the deuyll / the whiche hym holdeth in his bandes / for it is wryten prouerbiorum . xviii . Impius cum in profundo peccatorum venerit contemnit : sed sequitur enim ignominia & opprobrium . Also it shal be grete dyshonour vnto the synners at the iugemente whan all the synnes shall be sene and knowen apertly in them and vpon theym of all the worlde as yf they were paynted and wryten vpon theyr bodyes . It is wryten luce viii . Non enim est occultum quod non manyfestetur : nec absconditum quod non cognoscatur et in palam veniat . That is for to saye that at the iugemente there hathe not ben synne done so hydyngly or secretely but that it shall be shewed and knowen and that it shall come in aperte before all A man shall knowe appertly the synnes of one and of other as a man knoweth in a greate hepe of people that suche one is clothed in graye / or in blacke / or in whyte / For these synners shall bere vpon theym theyr confusyon and theyr synnes . as it is wryten ezechielis . xliiii . Peccatores portabunt confusionem suam et scelera sua q fecerunt . Et ezechiel . xviii . Iustitia iusti erit super eum : et impietas impii super eum erit . et cetera .

E. Fourthly inobedyence the whiche is mortall synne noyeth . For it aueugleth and derketh the inwarde eyes of the soule . ca. xliiii .

QVi odit fratrem suum in tenebris est et in tenebris ambulat & nescit quo eat quoniam tenebre obce cauerunt oculos eius . vt dicitur ioh. i. c. He the whiche synneth mortally by dylectacyon and delyberacyon as he the whiche hathe his broder or neighboure not wyllynge to socoure hym in his necessyte / or in desyrynge his ylle / his ruyne / his dyffame / the losse of his goodes or herytages / or the ylle of his body / or the dampnacyon of his soule agayne that the whiche is wryten ad ro. xiii . Dilige proximum tuum sicut teipsum . That synner or hater is in derkenesse and walketh in derkenes and knoweth not wheder he gothe . For the derkenes hathe put oute his eyen within forth of his soule . The reason is so abused and made derke by hate or other mortall synne that the synner is bestyall withoute dyscernynge the good that he leseth and the yll the whiche is in hym / & the whiche shal come vnto hym yf he perseuer in suche estate . vn̄ dauid in psal. Homo cum in honore esset non intellexit comparatus est iumentis insipientibus et similis factus est illis . By mortall synne the soule is blynded and reason made derke as a beest the whiche ne dyscerneth betwene the good and the ylle the whiche a man ledeth to sle and he perceyueth it not . Example the sage salamon sayeth in the .vii. chapitre of his prouerbes that he sawe by the wyndowe of hys house a yongman walkynge by a waye / & whan he came vnto a tornynge backe there was a woman acurned and appareylled with the habyte of a strompet for to take the soules the whiche came to her / and she began to laugh and to flater with hym and spake vnto him ydell wordes & kissed hym and handeled hym / and incontynent reason was so ouercome and the soule auengled of the sayd yonge man that salamon hathe wryten in the sayd chapytre . Et ecce iuuenis statim sequitur eam : quasi bos ductus ad victimam : et quasi agnus lasciuiens & ignorans & nescit qd ad vincula stultus trahitur velut si auis festinet ad laqueum . And therfore mortall synne is to flee the whiche putteth out his eyen within forthe of the soule as it is sayd / and abuseth the entendement and maketh hym to be bestiall . Vnd dauid in psal. Nolite fieri sicut equus & mulus quibus non est intellectus Also mortall synne is so grete a sekenesse fylthynes and infeccyon vnto the soule that it taketh from her all beaute / whytenes & bounte / ioye / and lyght / & maketh it blacke derke / hydeuse / and dymme . vn̄ au . Vna sunt deteriora omni malo scꝪ anima in peccato perseuerans q nigrior est corno : dyaboli qui eam rapiunt et locus in quo ducitur . Saynt Austyn sayeth that thre thynges ben wors than al yll / that is to vnderstonde the soule perseueraunt in synne the whiche is more blacke than the rauyn / the deuylles the whiche it rauyssheth / and that place the whiche is hell where vnto she is led Example by symylytude . In lyke wyse as Lucyfer became blacke / derke / and vyllayn / and abhomynable and loste all beaute incontynent that he had commytte synne euen so cometh it vnto the soule by synne in dysobeynge vnto god . For she leseth her lyght / that ben her vertues and good operacyons the whiche gyue lyght vnto man and is in derkenes as he that is blynde the whiche hathe loste his eyen his clarte and the ioye of this worlde . And yf the blynde man leseth his conductoure he falleth and tombleth in inconuenyence / as in water / dytche / or myre / and yf he be soylled yet seeth he nothynge . In lyke wyse the soule that whiche is in mortall synne she hathe her inwarde eyen put out / made dymme in derkenes she seeth not where she gothe / nor she seeth the good that she loseth / ne the yll wherin she falleth / she hath lost her conductour the whiche is god / and also she seeth not how she is soyled / albeit that the body lyue in the worlde . Vn̄ psal. Cōprehēderūt me iniqitate mee & non potui vt viderem . Also these synners as theues / robbers . &c. the whiche ben in suche wyse blynded leueth to do theyr operacyon by nyght in derkenes pryuely as beestes & byrdes that goo by nyght for drede that they ne be rebuked and sharped as it is wryten . Ioh. iii. ca. Dilexerunt homines magis tenebras quam lucem erant enim eorum mala opera . &c. And therfore god shal punysshe them in hell by derkenes in the lande of mysery / of the whiche it is wryten . Iob ● . ca. Verram miserie et tn̄brarū vbi vmbra mortis et nullus ordo sed sempiternus horror inhabitans . The remedy for to gyue syght vnto blynde synners is pryde . Vn̄ paul . ad ro. xiiij . Abuciamus opera tenebrarum & ●●nduamur arma lucis . Put we out by confessyon the operacyons of derkenes those ben of synnes / and be we clothed with the armours of lyght they ben vertues of good dedes and in suche wyse perseuer we vnto the dethe to th ende that we ben in the nombre of the saued the whiche ben the chyldren of lyght / of whome speketh saynt Poule in his epystle ad Ephesios . Eratis aliquando tenebre nunc aunt lux in dno vt filij lucis ambulante . This mater is largely aleged and declared in the synne of hatred . Quere ante . xxviii . D.

F. Fyfthly inobedyence that is mortal synne noyeth / for it is that / that holdeth the soules of the persone that it commytteth . xliiii .

INiquitates capiunt īpium et funibus peccatorum suorum vnusquisque constringitur vt habetur ꝓuer . v. c. That is to say . These īiquytees taketh the cursed synner & euery of them is constrayned & bounde by the cordes of his synnes . And saynt Austin the whiche was more than .xx. yere in his yonge aege without beynge in wyll to be baptysed sayth in his cōfessyonary that he was bounde / not with straunge yron / but with the yren of his one wyll that is harder than yren . Vn̄ au . Ligatus eram non ferro alieno / sed ferrea mea voluntate . And Dauyd that commytted aduoutry & homycyde sayth in the psalter Hunes pctōrum circumplexi sunt me . The cordes of my synnes hath beset me or compassed about / holdeth me & byndeth me . After the scryptures mortall synne is by symylytude as a lyen / a shakle / or an halter wherby the deuyll holdeth the man & woman in his seruytude / in his thraldome / & in his captyuyte / or to dysobey vnto god it is a lyen wherby the grete hongman the deuyll hangeth the synners on the gybet of helle / or it is a lyen wherby these synners ben bounde in the fyre & tourmentes of hell without hauynge power to ayde hym selfe / to euade / or escape in ony maner . The synne holdeth the man & woman in the seruytude of the deuyll . In lykewyse as the oxe is bounde by the hornes with the lyen / or the byrdes taken with snares & grennes and put vnto dethe and perdycyon / or as these yrens or fetres holdeth the prysoners in pryson and captyuyte . We fynde in wrytynge that suche puyssaunce as a man hath in his ꝓpre beest / suche puyssaunce hath the deuyll in the synner whan he is in mortall synne . Qualem potestatem habet hom in pecore ꝓprio / talem hm dyabolus in peccatore . Whan the deuyll hath tempted the man / surmounted : & beten doune by mortall synne the deuyll is mayster of the sayd synner & holdeth hym in his hondes by the rope of synne / & the synner is obedyent vnto him as a seruaunt vnto his mayster . Vn̄ ii . petri . ii . ca. Aquo enim suꝑantis est eius seruus est . That is to say . Of hym of whome thou shalt be surmounted thou shalt be his seruytour . Yf thou be surmounted of the deuyll by mortall synne than thou shalte serue hym . Et legitur . i. ioh. iii. ca. Qui facit petm̄ ex dyabolo est qm dyabolus ab initio peccat / He that dooth synne is of the party of the deuyll . &c. Et legitur ioh. viii . ca. Omnis qui facit pctm̄ seruus est peccati . He that dooth synne is seruaunt vnto synne / so as a seruant / a page / or a mayden do not theyr wylles but the wylles of theyr mayster / who soo putteth hym in seruyce leueth his frewyll and fredome . Example how the deuyll gaue in charge to a woman four thinges after that he had surmounted her / the whiche was obedient to the deuyll tyll vnto the dethe . &c. Quere lxv . F. A colte the whiche was neuer ryden for to be ouercome & put vnder a sadle shal serue wyll he or not . Also yf the deuyl vaynquysshe the by his temptacions and that thou be fallen in mortall synne thou shalt obeye hym and serue hym . That is to vnderstande whan he shall say vnto the / serue me . where thou hast the company of suche a woman The lecherous shall obey vnto his power / & shall do as the seruaunt vnto the mayster Vn̄ paul . in epi. ad ro. Nescitis qm cui exhibuistis vos seruos ad obediendum serui estis eius cui obedistis siue peccati in mortem siue obeditionis ad iusticiam . Whan oni man of warre is beten doune / vaynquysshed / & ouercome his mayster taketh from him his harneys and all the goodes the whiche ben vpon hym / after he putteth hym in lokkes and feters . More ouer he his obedyent and seruaunt of his mayster / so that he ne mayne dare go in to place what so it be but by the leue of his mayster . At the last he is put to raunsom and he must nedes paye it before that he may escape . In lykewyse is it in this purpose whan ony man is vaynquysshed & surmounted of the deuyll by mortall synne Fyrst he loseth his vertues and godes espy rytualles of his soule as it is sayd here before . Eccle. ix . Qui in vno peccato peccau●●● multa bona perdet . Secondly he is put in yrons and bondes & holden in pryson of the deuyll / & seruaunt and obedyent vnto him without goynge in place what so it be but by his commaundemente / but vnderstande well how . Whan a beest is drawen he gooth noo ferder than the length of his draught / no more dooth he the whiche is in the bondes of the deuyll . But note well that the deuyll alyeneth the in thy draught for to goo vnto fornycacyon / or for to do theft / or for to pleed falsely / or to bere fals wytnesse / 〈◊〉 or to haunte tauernes / or to werke on the feestes / or for to do homycyde / stryue / deu●syon / & all euylles and synnes / or for to goe vnto the chyrche / not for to pray to god / but for to speke there euyll wordes / and to pertourbe and trouble the deuocyons of other And yf the deuyll se that there be predycation or feruent orayson he shall drawe out of the chyrche his seruaunt & prysoner . Example of one of the monkes of the ordre of saynt Benet that the deuyll drewe out of the chyrche whan the other prayed . Que. lxv . g. Another example how the deuylles helde a man bounde in a chayne & led hym with grete Ioy . Quere . C. ii . z. Another example how a man beynge in mortall synne is lo bounde that he ne may do ony good operacyon that is merytoryous to hym . Quere . C. ii . & . And here sholde a man note that in lykewyse as the hangman ledeth the thefe by the corde / and by the corde he him ledeth vnto the galowes / in lykewyse dooth the deuyll the whiche is hangeman of soules by synne holdeth vs and ledeth vs vnto the galous of hell / and vnto the paynes and tourmentes as the boucher ledeth the oxe by the hornes with a corde for to kyl him . Example of auaryous vsurers hanged in helle . Quere in the examplarye . lxxxvi . A. Other examples of people hanged in hell . Quere . lxxxi . g. & . lxxxxiiii . d. Moreouer a man sholde knowe that the deuyll hath throughout the worlde so many coltrappes / instrumentes and baytes for to take the soules in his gynnes / snares / and strynges as there ben delectable thynges thorowout the worlde by the whiche men commytte mortall synnes . That is to vnderstande that as many as there ben delectable goodes throughout the worlde that man taketh or coueyteth to take vniustly by theft or pyllery . &c. The deuyll hath in the worlde as many instrumentes caltroppes & snares for to take & lede the soules in cordes & bondes / and euery thefte or mortal synne that a man commytteth ben as many of snares as it is sayd . Or a man may say that as many of beautes as men & women haue throughout the worlde so many instrumentes & slynges hath the deuyl for to take the soules . Example how the deuyl sayd vnto a fayre doughter pompeously arayed the whiche daunsed on the sondaye-Thou arte our armes & our doughter for to take soules . &c. Quere . lxviii . c. Vnto purpose of this mater the sage sayth in the .ix. chapytre of the ecclesyastes . Inueni mulierem morte amariorem que laqueus venatorum est / sagena cor eius vincula sunt manus eius / qui placet deo fugiet eam qui peccator est capietur ab ea . That is to say . I haue founde a woman more bytter than the dethe the whiche is the threde & lease of hunters / the herte of her is the nette / her handes ben the bondes / who so wyl please god fle her / and he that is a synner shall be taken of her . ✿ Another example how saynt Anthony sawe the worlde replenysshed with snares and halters of the deuyl . Quere in th examplary . C. ii . Q. And whan ony man commytteth mortall synne he is caught / he is bounde and fallen in to the deuylles trappe / as the wylde beest the whiche is taken in the bukstall / or the fysshe in the lepe or nette . Vnde psal. Cadent in reciaculo eius peccatores . Et Iob xviii . Tenebitur planta eius laqueo . And whan a man is fallen by synne in to the lynes of the deuyll he shal not escape whan he wolde of hymselfe without the ayde of god and of the sacramentes . Vnde grego . Qui dedes in rethe mittit non cum voluerit exit . The fysshe hath power of hymself to entre within the nette / but whan he is within he may not gete out by hym selfe no more dooth the synner from synne . Hym behoueth to be assoyled & vnbounde of the preste . and of the prelates of the chyrche the whiche haue the power . Vnde math̄ . xvi . Quodcumque solueris super terram erit solutum et in celis . And a man maketh orayson vnto god to vnbynde hym from synne forsakynge them . Absolue q̄s domine animam famuli tui ab omni vinculo peccatorum . For to be shorte the soule is vnbounde from sinne by true repentaunce / confessyon / and satysfaccyon . Example how saynt Bernarde the holy man sawe a synner the whiche had a chayne about his necke the whiche hadde mo than an hondred lynkes / and at euery teere that he wept he brake a lynke the whiche fell downe Quere in th examplary . lv . a And after that the soule is vnbounde from synne it is free and mery as a lytyll byrde the whiche is escaped from the pytfalles & nettes of the fouler . Vnde psamista . Anima nostra sicut passer erepta est de laqueo venantium / laqueus contritus est et nos liberati sumus .

G. Syxtely Inobedyence noyeth for it sleeth the soule spyrytually of the dethe of gylte . xliii .

QVi odit fratrum suum homicida est Primo Iohannis . iii. capitu . He the whiche synneth mortally is he the whiche hath his broder or his neyghbour in desyrynge the euyll of his body or of his goodes he synneth mortally and sleeth spyritually his owne soule of dethe of gylte . For he separateth god the whiche is the lyfe of the soule / and mortifyeth grace and the vertues and the good esperytuall of hym / in lykewyse as it is declared in the fyfthe commaundement . Non sis occisor . And also in the synne of hatred . Quere . xxvii . C.

H. Seuenthly inobedyence noyeth / for it maketh to curse and to excommunicate the persones the whiche dysobey vnto the commaundementes of god . xliiii .

VE vobis viri impii : qui dereliqistis legem dei altissimi / & si mortui fueritis in maledictione erit pars vestra . Ecclesiastice . xli . That is to say . O ye men ryght cursed the whiche haue left the ryght hygh god / maledyccion be vnto you / & that shall haue ben deed your partye shall be maledyccion . &c. This mater shal be declared here after . Quere . xlviii . B.

I. Eyghtly inobedience noyeth / for it pryueth from paradyse . xliiii .

SI vis ad vitam ingredi serua mandara . Mathei . xix . Yf thou wylte entre in to the lyfe eternall kepe thou the commaundements of god . Yf thou breke one or many by de●ectacyon and delyberacyon & that thou in suche wyse deye impenytent thou shalt be put from paradyse / from the vysyon of god / from the swete amyte & felawshyp of aungels / from all sayntes / & from all heuenly thinges & spyrytualles from on hye as shall be herde here after by scryptures / reasons / lettynges / & examples . Fyrst god hathe made to crye and to proclayme all about the worlde that all his commaundementes to kepe vpon payne to be put from paradise . Vn̄ psal. Tu mandasti mandata tua custoditi nimis . And that the thynges the whiche procedeth from his mouthe shal be accomplysshed without that there lacke ony thynge / without tryfle or mockery . Vn̄ psal. Que ꝓcedūt de labus meis non faciam irrita . Whan a kynge temporall maketh too proclayme or to shewe his sayenge or commaundement echone therto obeyeth for drede of payne and domage . And god the whiche is kynge of heuen & of erthe commaundeth that that thou kepe his commaundementes in lykewyse as sayth the scryptures . Vn̄ leuiti . xix . xx . & . xxv . Custodite omnia precepta mea et vniuersa iudicia mea & facite ea / ego dominus qui sctītico vos . Et legitur deuturono . xiii . Dn̄m deum vr̄m sequiminiet ipsum timete / et mandata illius custodite / & audite vocem eius ipsi seruietis et ipsei adherebitꝭ . Iterum deu . v● Custodi precepta dni dei tui / vt vn sit tibi et tiliis tuis post te . Kepe the commaundementes of thy lorde god to th ende that thou be well to the and to thy chyldren after the. Yf a seruaunt dysobey vnto his mayster and that he be of cursed gouernaunce he putteth hym oute of his hous . In lykewyse dooth god / he putteth from paradyse them the whi dysobeyeth his commaundementes . Also a kynge temporall for banyssheth frome his realme them the whiche dysobeyeth vnto his commaundements / so dooth god from the realme of paradyse . Also for the cryme and synne of some man he is hanged and loseth his lyfe / his goodes & herytages that been confysked at the prynces wyll . Also by synne man is pryued fro paradyse . Example that in Cayn that slewe his broder Abellis pryued fro heuen for he brake gods commaundement . Non sis occisor . lxxvi . a. After writynge synnes mortelles and all inobedyences done ayenst god putteth man & woman fro paradyse . Or legitur iob . xxxvi . Deus non soluat implos . Et legitur ysaie . xxvi . Tolatur impius ne videat gloriam dei . Et psal. Non habitabit iuxta te malignus neque permanebat iniusti ann oculos tuos . Thou art in mortall synne & vnobedyent vnto god I put the case than it foloweth that thou shalte be put from paradyse yf thou deye in suche wyse Impenitent . Also those the whiche renneth in the indygnacyon & in the hatred of god for theyr cursed lyfe shall be put from paradyse yf that they deye without makynge appoyntemet Man and woman renneth in his hate and Indygnacyon by inobedyence and mortal synne as sayth the scryptures . Vn̄ psal. Odisti omnes qui operantur iniquitatem . Et eccle. xii . Altissimus odio habet peccatores . Et sapien. xiiii . Odio sunt deo impius et impietas eius . Than it foloweth wel that man & woman shall be put from paradyse yf they remedy not vnto theyr case before theyr dethe . Also paradyse is a place pure and clene and therin entreth nothynge that is soyled by synne . As it is wryten appocali . xxi . Non intrabit in regnum celorum aliquid coinquina tum & faciens abhominationem et mendatium Thou arte soyled and spotted with sinne I put the case for thou hast commytted it . Than shalte thou not go in to paradyse . The solucyon of all the layd argument is suche / that it is true that all mortall synnes that man commytteth putteth hym from paradyse yf he wyll not do penaunce / in lykewyse as it is writen . Luce. xiii . Nisi penitentiam egeritis omnes simul peribitis . But yf he repent hym / correcke / and amende whyles that he lyueth in this worlde and that he do penaunce he shall be saued and shall go in to paradyse . As it is wryten . ysaie . lv . Derelinquat impius viam suam & vir iniquis cogitationes suas et reuertatur ad dominum et miserebitur eius . &c. Example after that Adam and Eue had biten of the apple and broken the commaundement of god they were put out of paradyse terrestre and pryued from paradyse celestyal / they and theyr lygnage tyll vnto the tyme that the sone of god agayn bought by his passyon the sayd Adam the whiche dyde penaunce / and all those the whiche had well lyued . Of the inobedyence of Adam quere . liiii . A. Fyue thynges letteth to mounte in to paradyse . The fyrst is for that / that a man is in the Indygnacyon of god by mortall synne . The seconde is for that that the synne mortall is a lyne the whiche holdeth the persone that it commytteth as it is sayd here before . The thyrde is for that that mortal synne maketh the soule seke & deed of the dethe of gylte as it is sayd / and a persone seke may not clymbe hye ne go at his pleasure . &c. The fourth thinge the whiche letteth to mounte in to paradyse is for that that the mortall synne is a heuy burden the whiche greueth the soule and it kepeth and holdeth from hye mountynge . Vnde dauid in psal. Iniquitates mee super gresse sunt caput meum et sicut ouis graue grauate sunt super me . Example of a man in purgatory the whiche had an helmet that weyed vpon hym more than a mountayne . Quere . lxxvii . F. Another example how sinne is heuy or weyghty as he the whiche putteth of wood in his burden whan he myght not lyft it vp . Quere . C. ii . Y. Another example how a scoler dampned had a cope the whiche weyed more than a toure vpon hym . Quere . C. viii . A. The .v. thyng the whiche letteth man to mount in to paradyse is for that / that the place is so hye & that it is so grete a way in goynge vpwarde that it is impossyble to euery persone thyder to mow come ne may mounte of his propre vertue without that god hath gyuen hym the puyssaunce . Quia omnis per ipsum facta sunt et sine ipso factum est nichil / vt dicitur iohan .i. The aungelles & sayntes of paradyse mounte & descende in one onely moment . In momento in ictu oculi . Not of theyr propre vertue / but of the puyssaunce that god vnto them hath gyuen . There ne is but god that hath puyssaunce thyder to mounte of his propre vertue thus sayth saynt Iohan. Nemo ascendit in celum scilicet propria vtute nili qui descendit de celo filius hois qui est in celo . Also betwene this & paradyse there ben many heuens after scryptures . There is celum aereum ethereum / olimpium / igneum / sidereum / christallinum / et empireum . And eche of these heuens are in meruaylous heyght / and the place of paradyse is the hyghest heuen where god abydeth & where the aungelles ben / & all the sayntes holy men & holy women . And in to that place no persone gooth but by god as it is sayd . And god shall not suffre the synners thyder to come the whiche ben dysobedyent vnto hym thus sayeth the poete . Serua mandata / li tu vis regna beata . Qui non obedit / celesti sede carebit . Also betwene this and paradyse there is an heuen the whiche is of fyre / & people boted with hey ne these synners ne can thyder passe ne mounte of themselve . For one can not mount in to a chambre without some meane as on a stayre or laddre . &c. Wherfore they shall be pryued from paradyse yf they obey not vnto god . Vn̄ math̄ . xix . Si vis ad vitam in gredi serua mandata . Examples Iudas was priued from paradyse albeit that he was the dyscyple of our lorde / & the cause wherfore was for his synnes . He was a thefe & traytre vnto his mayster / he was fayntyfe and deceptyfe / for for the coueytyse of .xxx. pens he toke and delyuered Ihesus vnto his ennemyes for to put hym vnto dethe that whiche was Innocent good and Iust / and therfore he had maledyccion and he dyspayred and hanged hymselfe & was put from his dygnyte / offyce / and from the company of god / from the sayntes of paradyse / & from the Ioyes the whiche there ben / & another was put in his place / as it is wryten in the dedes of the appostles . Fiat habitacio illius deserta et episcopatum eius accipiet ali. Also by the cursed synnes of cursed Dyues he hath ben pryued from paradyse & is buryed in hell / and there is tourmented within the fyre for euermore . Quere . lxxx . A. Also Iulyan the appostate is pryued from paradyse . Quere . lvui . Also Egeas . Diascorus Symon magus ben pryued from paradyse Quere . lvii . c. d. e. Also for to fynde of examples how mortall synne is pryued from paradyse it behoueth shortly to vnderstande that the cause wherfore all persones ben put from the realme of paradyse is for commyttynge mortall synne . Take hede in all the examples of this present boke & thou shalt fynde that it is true . Also in the nombre . lxxxx . c wherfore a woman tourmented with a tode & lytel serpentes was dampned and priued from paradyse / and thou shalte fynde that it was for her synnes . Also loke in the nombre . C. a. wherfore a woman was damned and terrybly tourmented and pryued from paradyse / and thou shalte fynde that it was for a cursed thought of lecherye . The prophete Dauyd made a questyon in demaundynge . What shal he be that shall mounte on hye in paradyse . Vn̄ legitur in psalmo . Quis ascendit in montem dni / aut quis stabit in loco sancto eius . And incontynente he yelded he answered & sayd . It shall be he that whiche dooth the good operacyons as the werkes of mercy / and he the whiche dooth none euyll operacyons with his two handes as to werke on the feestes commaunded . He also that dooth no thettes / homycydes . &c. Innocens manibus . And sayth after . Et mundo corde . He that hath the herte pure & clene without thynkynge ony yll thoughtes agaynst the loue of god & of his neyghbour / the whiche in no wyse wyll breke the commaundementes of god / the whiche ne wyll none euyl vnto his neyghbour / & that is not Ioyous of his domage the whiche ne wyll but all good / he shall mounte in too paradyse . And it foloweth after of hym that vttreth no yll wordes agaynst the helthe of his soule ne for to deceyue his neyghbour by fraude trechery / ne in lyenge ne swerynge . Qui non accepit in vano Eccliam suam nec iurauit in dolo ꝓximo suo . That man shall mount in to paradyse & shal haue the benedyccion of god & his grace and mercy . Hic accepiet bn̄dictionē a dno et mīam a deo salutari suo Example how our blyssed sauyour Ihesucryst and the prophetes were at the dethe of an holy fader the whiche they ledde in to paradyse . Quere . C. iii. a. Another example how god and his aungelles came to fetche the soule of a holy fader at his dethe . Quere . C. iii. b. Many other examples ben wryten in the sayd chapytre of people the whiche ben gone in to paradyse by that that they haue obeyed vnto god & accomplisshed his commaundementes . Quere . C. iii. & . C. iiii . a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. For to fle swyftly as the aungelles in to paradyse & to haue the benedyccyon & glory of god is behoueth to haue the handes / the herte / & the mouthe hole / inuocantes / pure / & clene from all synnes without that the handes be seke or vndone by cursed operacyons / the herte from euyll thoughtes / the mouthe enuenymed from foule wordes . A byrde or an hawke the whiche hath the becke / the herte / & the wynges hole / pure & clene is ryght nymble for to fle . In lykewyse a man that hath the mouthe clene without bryngynge forthe cursed wordes / that herte without thynkynge yll thoughtes / the handes without doynge yll operacyons is ryght nymble to fle in to paradyse . Of this selfe questyon speketh the prophete Dauyd in a place where he sayth . Dne quis habitabit in tabnaculo tuo aut quis reqiescat in monte scton tuo . The answere is suche that it shall be he the whiche hath so well lyued or wel purged & made clene his synnes by penaunce in this worlde that his soule shal not be soyled by synne whan he shall deye . Qui ingreditur sine macula . And sayth afterwarde / et operatur iusticiam . That is whan the dethe shall come to take hym he shall be founde doynge the operacyon of Iustyce / that is not wyllynge to haue ony thynge of other mennes & to yelde vnto euery man that that is his Also he that speketh veryte in his herte / he that hath not done decepcion in his tongue . Qui loquitur veritatem in corde suo / qui non egit dolum in lingua sua . Also he that hath not done yl vnto his neyghbour / and hath not taken reproche towarde his neyghbours Nec fecit ꝓximo suo malum et opprobrium non accepit aduersos ꝓximos suos . Also he the whiche swereth vnto his neyghbour and deceyueth hym not / he the whiche hath not gyuen his money vnto vsury / and hath not taken gyftes vpon the Innocent . Quiturat ꝓximo suo et non decipit / qui pecuniam suam non dedit ad vsuram et munera suꝑinnocētem non accepit . Qui facit hec non mouebitur ineturnū He that shall be founde doynge the thynges beforesayd whan the dethe shal come to take hym shall not be dampned / but shal mounte in to heuen . Example of a charytable man that yode vnto heuen at his dethe or that his body was colde . Quere . lv. B. Another example of a relygyous the whiche yode in to paradyse incontynent that he was deed . Quere . lxiii . A. Another example . Quere . C. iiii . G. For to go all ryght in to the lyfe eternall without goynge ony thynge out of the way it behoueth to haue the condycions of the pylgryme of paradyse the whiche foloweth here after .xlv. A. Those the whiche do the contrary ben the pylgryms of hell and they shall not go into the lyfe eternall How may a man mounte in to paradyse the whiche hath commytted mortall synne in operacyons / in thoughtes / and wordes The answere is suche that he shall not thyder mounte for the contempnynge / & dyspraysynge and dysobedyence that he maketh / that he sayeth / and thynketh anenst god / or for the offence / the inyquyte / & cursednes that reygneth in hym for his synnes . For mortall synne is a sekenesse / a venym / a poyson / & an infeccyon soo grete that it dystroyeth the strengthe / the vertue / & the goodes of the soule the whiche ne holdeth him from clymbynge / but more sooner vylaynsly to faile . Example of a byrde the whiche hath the bec / the herte / the wynges seke he forceth not to fle / but more sooner to fall . In lykewyse the man the whiche hath the herte seke and vndone by yll thoughtes / the mouthe enuenymed of yll wordes / the handes scabbed / croked / & vndone by yll operacions he ne is able to fle in to paradise . Saynt Poule sayth that they the whiche do the operacions of the body the whiche ben of synne shal not mounte in to paradyse . Vn̄ ad gal . v. Manifesta sunt opera carnis q sunt fornicatio / immundicia / impudicitia / luxuria / ydolorum seruus / veneficia / iimicitie / contentiones / emulationes / ire / rixe / dissentionis / secte / īuidie : homicidia / ebrietates / commessationes / & his similia qm qui talia agunt regnum celorum non consequentur . Also saynt Poule sayth . i. ad co. vi . Nolite errare ' qr neque fornicaru / neque ydolis seruientis / neque adulteri / neque molles / neque masculorum concubitores / neque fures / neque auari / neque ebriosi / neque maledici / neque rapaces regnum dei possidebunt . Example of a woman that vsed her lyfe in lecheryes / glotonyes & pleasaunces carnall that was dampned / & her husbande was saued that lyued so brely & well . Quere . lxxxxii . A. Another example that the body of a fole pryued his soule from paradyse . Quere . xlvi . A. Also we appetyte to be well heryted / & well lodged in a fayre hous / and by mortall synne who so deyeth impenytentes leseth the fayre herytage of paradyse and the fayre lodgynges the whiche there been . He is a fole that shytteth his hous so strongly that he may noo more entre therin / or who so selleth or gyueth his herytage for nothinge . In lykewyse dooth he the whiche commytteth mortall synne / he hym closeth or shytteth from paradyse / & yf he sell it and gyue it for nothynge / that is for synne . And there is no persone in all the worlde soo euyll but that ryght gladly he wolde haue paradyse / ne the whiche wolde lese his parte . And for certayne they the whiche commytteth mortall synne & yf in suche wise they deye they lese it as it is sayd before . Quia deus non saluat impios . Vt legitur Iob. xxxvi . Et etiam legitur ysaie . xxvi . Tollatur impius ne videat gloriam dei . Also we appetyte to be fayre / clere / shyninge wel clothed be sene & aorned . Also we desyre to haue rychesses and honours / also helthe agylyte & all other thynges delectables / & by mortall synne all is lost vnto theym the whiche deye Impenytentes as it is sayd before . &c.

K. Nynthly inobedyence the whiche is mortall synne noyeth / for it byndeth vnto payne & punycyon . xliiii .

Iniusti punitur vt dicit dauid in psal. The vniuste shall be punysshed . Euery persone the whiche wyl not haue payne & punycyon lete hym kepe hym from dysobeynge vnto god / vnto the chyrche / and vnto his superyours in commyttynge mortall synne . For from the tyme that ony man hath commytted mortall synne he is soo bounde vnto payne and punycyon that he may neuer escape but that he haue punycyon corporal the whiche is transitory in this worlde / or punycyon & dampnacyon eternall in the other worlde . For it is wryten . Nullum malum remanebit impunitum . That is to saye / that none euyll shall abyde vnpunysshed . And it is wryten in the gospell that god shall lese the yll euylly . Vn̄ math. xxi . Malos male perdet . Iterum dd dicit . Tu reddes vnicuique iuxta opera sua . Example how god made to rayne fyre and sulfre vpon them of Sodom for to punysshe them for theyr synnes . Quere . lxxxxv . a. Another example how Pharaon & his people had many punicyons for that they ne wolde obeye vnto god . Quere . liiii . F. Another example of the punycyon of Chore. liiii . H. Whan ony hath commytted blaspheme / homycide / theft / fornycacyon / or ony mortall synne / he is bounde body and soule to receyue payne & punycyon before god for his synnes . And as yf he were bounde before the notaryes to pay ony somme of money / so that he shal neuer escape without hauynge punycyon as it is sayd Dauyd the prophete sayth in the psalter the wordes of god . Si iusticias meas ꝓphana uerint ipit et mandata mea non custodierint visitabo in virga iniquitate eorum . That is to say . Yf the cursed inobedyentes haue taken in scorne my Iustyces and take no hede to my commaundementes / I shall vysyte in a rodde the inyquytees of them in strykynge theyr synnes . Also a man sholde vnderstande after the scryptures that god punyssheth the synners for theyr Inobedyences & cursednesses . Quicqid patimur peccata nostra meruerunt . And yet they apperceyue not from whens procedeth suche punycyon / as it is declared before where is treated that they the whiche breketh the festes oen punysshed . Quere ad numerum . xix . A. Also god punyssheth the synnes in this worlde by famyne / warre / & mortalyte . By famyne for he maketh the cornes to fayle / apples / vynes & other fruytes and laboures / by frost / myst / heet / ayre corrupt . &c. Vnde deutero . xi . Cauete ne forte decipiatur corvestrum et recedatis a domino et mandata eius / iracusque dns claudat celum & pluuio non descendant / nec terra det germen suum pere atisque velocitur . &c. Example how the sonnes of Iacob were punysshed by famyne / for that they solde theyr broder Ioseph and made theyr fader to beleue that a beest had deuoured hym / & that beest was enuy . Vn̄ gene . xxxvii . Fera pissima deuorauit filium meum ioseph dicit iacob . &c. Another example wryten in the thyrde boke of kynges how grete drynesse & famyne came vnto the people for the ydolatryes & synnes the which reygned in the tyme of the cursed kyng Achab and of his wyfe Iesabell that made to sle the good man Naboth / and it was at the prayer of the prophete Helye . Vn̄ iacobi . v. Multum valet deprecatio iusti assiduo / helyas erat homo passibilis similis nobis / et oratione orauit vt non pluerit super terram / & non pluit annos tres et menses sex / et rursum orauit et celum dedit pluuiam et terra dedit frutum suum . Secondly god punyssheth the synners inobedyentes by mortalyte / as he dyde vnto the people of Rome the whiche people after Eester went to play / to be dronke to excercyse lecheryes / synnes / & euylles in suche maner that god wrothed hym agaynst the sayd people / & made to come grete waters & grete multytude of serpentes & snakes the whiche deyed and enfected the ayre After there was so grete mortalyte that innumerable people deyed / & many deyed in yanynge sodaynly . After that saynt Gregory was pope that institued the ꝓcessyon & fast on saynt Markes day . Another examp●e of the punycyon of some that retorned after ester to theyr ylles & synnes . Cu. t. Also of them that brake goddes commaundements . lxiiii . k Another example wryten in the last chapytre of the seconde boke of kynges how after that Dauyd had vyctory of his ennemyes he made to nombre his people by vayne glory god sent vnto hym the prophete Gad that sayd vnto hym that he sholde chose of thre ylle thynges one whiche he wold / that is to haue . vii yeres famyne & honger in his lande / or .iii. monthes so stronge warre that he sholde fle before his aduersaries that sholde persecute him / or thre dayes of mortalytee in his people . Than Dauyd sayd . I am anguysshed & harde beten on all sydes . He toke mortalyte that was so grete that in . iii dayes there dyed of his people .lxx. M. men by sekenes of pestelence . And Dauyd sayd vnto god . Ego sum qui peccaui ego iiqui egi . Isti qui oues sunt quid fecer̄t / vertatur obsecro manus tuas contra me & contra domum mean . Another example wryten in the boke of Moyses how the chyldren of Israell had punycyon by mortalyte for theyr murmure . &c. Thyrdly god dooth punysshe the inobedyent sinners by warre as we haue by example how by the proude answere that kynge Roboam gaue vnto the people of Israell they raysed another kynge & the sayd Roboam hadde warre all his lyfe . Que. lxxxxix . m. Another example wryten in the .xix. chapytre of the boke of Iuges that mo than .lx. M men were slayne in batayle of the people of Beniamyn for to punysshe them of the sinne of lechery that they commytted in the wyfe of Leuyte . que . lxxx●● . b For to be shorte god punyssheth the inobebyent sinners in many maners / for they been bounde to punycyon by synne as it is sayd Example wryten in the thyrde boke of Ionas how god sent vnto the people of Nynyue that they sholde be dystroyed / they & theyr cyte within xl . dayes for theyr synnes . Adhuc xl . dies et nyniue subuertetur . &c. They dyde penaunce & god had mercy on theym . The punycyon of synners is sometyme temporall & transytorye . And somtyme it is eternall . The punycyon temporall is somtyme voluntary / as that the whiche is done by penaunce the whiche is merytoryous . Somtyme it is done by constraynte as the theues the whiche ben punysshed & hanged ayenst theyr wyll / this punycyon & payne is not merytoryous . Vn̄ legitur . qd omnis actus meritorius oportet qd sit voluntate imperatus . But yf a thefe bere with good wyll the dethe & suche payne for his owne synnes as that good thefe that was put to dethe whan our lorde deyed / suche payne & dethe sholde serue for penaunce / the whiche is greter than to fast . &c. The good thefe sayd . Illud luce. xxii . Nam digna tactis recipimus mortem / hic aunt nichil malifecit / and for that : that god knewe and sawe his faythe / his contrycyon & the dethe that he bare so wyllyngly for his synnes of good ryghte he sayd vnto him . Hodie mecum ens in paradiso . &c. Of the punycyon eternall that the synners Inobedyentes shall haue it is wryten herafter . Quere ad numerum xlix . a. Examples shall be wryten towarde the ende of the boke . Quere in penis inferni .

A. The condycyons that the pylgryme of paradyse sholde haue touchynge that a man sholde apply his .v. wyttes of nature vpon the commaundementes of god / as a good pylgryme dooth on his way .xlv.

IT is wryten in the .xix. cha. of saynt mathew how a man axed of cryst what good dedes he sholde do to gete eternall lyfe . And he answered . Yf thou wylt entre in to eternal lyfe kepe the commaundements . Si vis ad vitam ingredi serua mandata . For the obseruacion the commaundements is the ryght way without goynge by in ony wyse . thou arte here lyuynge as a pylgrym that tendeth to go to heuen or in to hell / for thy lyfe is but a pylgrymage of lytel durynge . And therfore yf thou wylt go to se god / the vyrgyn Mary / the aungelles & holy places of paradyse / & to haue herytage in that contree there & not in helle / employe thy fyue wyttes of nature vpon the commaundementes of god / & take the condycyons of the good pylgryme . It is wryten . eccl. xxix . Pone the saurum tuum īpreceptis altissimi / et ꝓderit tibi magis quam aurum . Put thy treasour in the commaundementes of god / & it shall prouffyte the more than golde . Also folowe the lyfe of god / his maners & condycyons . He appered vnto two of his dyscyples in semblaunce of a pylgrime . Vn̄ luce . xxiiij . T'u solus ꝑegrinus es in inthrlm et non cognouisti ea q facta sunt in ea his diebus . &c. He descended from paradyse for to accomplysshe the pylgrymage of the worlde / he was borne of the vyrgyn Mary & lyued in the state of grace without ony synne xxxii . yeres and an halfe / & at his dethe his pylgrymage was accomplisshed / and after retorned in to paradyse his contree . He shewed vnto vs by example & by worde how we sholde lyue in this worlde . Cepit dns facere et docere . to th ende that we be pylgrymes of paradyse / & that we goo to dwell with hym in his glory : A good pylgryme sholde haue many condycions for to make his pylgrymage of the whiche we shall tell . viii .

B. Fyrst a good pylgryme sholde confesse hym & put hym in thestate of grace & soo to do his sayd pylgrymage . Also in doynge the pylgrymage of this worlde we sholde confesse vs oft tymes / & we sholde lyue in thestate of grace to th ende that the good dedes that we do be vnto god agreable & to vs proufytable . For mortall synne is an infeccyon & sekenes vnto the soule so yll that it letteth all spyrytual good dedes that it vnto him ne may profyte as a man seeth by symilytude how bodily sekenes letteth to labour / to walke . &c. & that meet & drynke in noo wyse can profyte vnto the body / so that a man seke corporally & spyritually ne may do his pylgrymage tyll he haue helthe / that is to be well confest & that he haue charite without the whiche no good dede ne may prouffyte / as is declared in the chapytre of charyte . que . iiii . c. & in the fourth thynge that moeueth to kepe the commaundementes of god . que . xliiii . a. Vn̄ aug. in libro de natura & gratia . Nullum opus quantumcumque de se bonum summo opifici est acceptum / nisi agatur in gratia . No werke how good so euer it be of it selfe it is not agreable vnto the souerayne werker yf it be not done in grace . And saynt Thomas sayth . Nullus hom pont mereri nisi mediante gratia . No man may deserue to haue rewarde eternall but by the meryte of grace And howbeit that good werkes done in sinne ben not merytoryous vnto eternyte yet a man sholde not lette to do them as it is declared here before . Of this mater example of a pylgryme that lyued in this worlde in the state of grace after the commaundementes of god / and he was conforted of aungelles of paradyse the whiche bare his soule in to heuen . And of an ypocrite that pleased to the worlde & dyde synnes secretely / the deuyll drewe his soule from h●s body with an hoke & bare it in to hell . For he was pylgrym . Quere in thexam . C. iiii . C. Another example of a wydowe that was conforted & vysyted at her dethe of the vyrgyn Mary . And of a ryche man that was vesyted of deuylles in lykenes of blacke cattes . &c. Quere . C. v. A.

C. Secondly the good pilgryme sholde take clothynges the whiche ne may greue him in his vyage . And sholde take away frome hym al weyght or heuynes of burden / & al thynge that myght lette hym to walke well . Also in doynge the pylgrymage of this worlde a man sholde not take vestyments / gyrdylles shoes . &c. full of pompes / fro whens doth procede pryde and elacion the whiche letteth to goo in to the realme of paradyse as sayth saynt Poule in his epy . ad thi . Non in tortis crinibus aut auro / margaritis / vl vesta preciosa . Et psal. Nōhītabit in medio domus mee qui facit suꝑbiū . He that commytteth pryde shall not enhabyte in the myddle of my hous . Example how a woman pompeously arayed & clothed was enuyroned and set about with deuylles / & she bare many vpon her tayle . Quere . lxv . D. Another example how the cursed dyues clothed in purple was the pylgryme of hell / & there is buryed . Quere in th examplary . lxxxiiii . A. Another example how saynt Iohan baptyst that was clothed with sharpe vestements is in paradyse for he was a pylgryme . &c. And a man sholde vnderstande that the noblesse of habyllementes is not defended vnto euery man after his estate . But the superfluyte & pryde is defended the whiche may be taken in those habyllements . Also theues the whiche ben charged of the godes of theyr neyghbours ne may well walke ne mounte into paradyse . Vn̄. pau. i. ad corin . vi . Neque fures / neque auari regnum dei possidebunt . Example in Achar the whiche was a thefe & therfore he was stoned & all his goodes brent by the commaundement of god . Quere . lxxx . a. Another example how the thefe zacheus was a pylgryme of paradyse and is saued / for he dyscharged hym & restored the theftes that he had done . Vnd luce . xix . zacheus dixit ad iesum / ecce dimidium bonorum meorum dne do pauperibus / & si quid aliquem defraudaui reddo quadruplum . &c. Also glotons / dronkerdes / the whiche eateth & drinketh vnto excesse walketh not into paradyse / but falleth in to hell . Saynt Poule sayeth . i. ad corin . vi . Ebriosi regnum dei non possidebunt . Example of a pilgrym that solde his gowne for to drynke wyne . Quere . xci●i . G Another example how a frere was a pylgryme of hell for that he wont hym to drynke & ete whan the other occupyed they mat the seruyce of the chyrche / at his dethe he sawe hell open / & the tourmentes . &c. Quere lxvii . C. A man that is to moche fed may not wel walke / nor he mounteth not in to paradyse . Also these mortall synnes ben burdens moche heuy the whiche greueth the soule & kepeth it from mountynge in to paradyse Men knoweth by experyence how a heuy burden greueth the body / in lykewyse dooth synne the soule . Vn̄ da. Iniquitates me suꝑgressūt caput meum & sicut ouus graue grauate sunt super me . Put awaye the synnes the whiche ben in the for to walke well . The pylgryme of paradyse sholde put from aboue hym all thynges the whiche letteth to do the commaundementes of god the whiche ben the way of the sayd paradyse as it is sayd / to th ende that he may well prouffyte . Whan a man cutteth the superflue of the vyne / or the burgeons of the tree they encrease / growe & fructyfye the better . In lykewyse dooth a man spyrytuall for to put from aboue him all vestementes & araye replete of pryde & of vanyte . &c.

D. Thyrdly the good pylgryme sholde oft tymes with his mouthe demaunde the way for drede to go out of it . Also the pylgryme of paradyse sholde demaunde and lerne the commaundementes of god and the salutary thynges / as dyde a man the whiche demaunded of our lorde Ihesu crist . Good mayster what good dedes shall I do to th ende that I haue eternall lyfe . And he answered . Yf thou wylte entre in to lyfe eternall kepe the commaundementes . &c. as it is sayd before . Also Dauyd the prophete axed of god that he wolde teche hym his Iustyfycacyons to the ende that he hym selfe were Iustyfyed . Vnde psal. Doce me iustificatiōes tuas . Thou arte not so grete a lorde as Dauyd / for he was kynge of Israell . Thou arte not soo wyse ne so lerned ne so holy as he / & he demaunded for to be instructe for to haue saluacion & therfore demaunde the commaundementes . And I tell the for certayne the way for to fle ryght in to paradyse is obedyence the whiche is the ladder for to mount thyder and the ten commaundementes ben the pynnes of steppes as it is declared in the begynnynge of th examplary where it speketh of the obedyence of Abraham . Quem . li. a Also euery persone that cometh to the aege of dyscrecyon sholde holde / kepe / & accomplysshe the commaundementes of god vpon payne of eternall dampnacyon . And therfore euery man & woman shold lerne them for drede to breke them . Vn̄ ligitur in scdo libro sentenci . di . xvii . Statim enim cum quis sit capax precpti dei tenetur ad noticiam et obseruātiā . The poete sayth . Serua mandata / si tu vis regna beata . Qui non obedit : celesti cede care bit , Kepe the commaundementes yf thou wylte haue the blyssed realmes . He that obeyeth not shal not haue a syege celestyall in paradyse Example how the deuyll slewe a chylde of .v. yere olde in his faders lappe for that that he was a blasphematour . Quere in th examplary . lxii B. Yf the fader had correcked his chylde / & also yf he had taught hym the commaundementes of god the deuylles had not slayne hym . And therfore a man sholde demaunde and lerne . Whan a pylgryme wyl not demaunde ne lerne his way he ofte tymes swerueth & gooth out of the way . Also good pylgrymes sholde speke of god & of good wordes in makinge theyr vyage / and god abideth & is amonge them as it is wryten . Mathei . xviii . Vbi duo vel tres congregati sunt in nomine meo : ibi sum in medio eorum . Example how god appered vnto Cleophas & vnto saynt Marke in spekynge of him as they yode vnto Emaus . As it is wryten . Lu. xxiiii . Another example how god was in the myddes of two relygious at crystmas in spekynge of his natyuyte . lxxxxiiii . b And to the contrary whan the pylgrymes of hell speketh detraccyons / mockes / & ylles the deuyll theyr mayster is by them that shall lede them in to hel that is theyr cyte & countree to dwell in . Example how a detractour was sent thyder & had cruell Iugement Quere . lxxxxviii . Also the gospell of saynt Mathew taketh the way for to go in to paradyse & sayth . Illud . math̄ . vii . Intrate ꝑ angustiam portam qr lata portat et sp̄osa via emque ducit ad ꝑditionē / et multi sunt qui intrat per eam : quam angusta porta et arcta via est q ducit ad vitam et pauci sunt qui inueniunt eam . That is to say . Entre ye by the strayte gate for the large gate & spacyous is that that ledeth vnto perdycyon / & many there ben the whiche entreth by yt. The anguysshous gate & strayte way is that that ledeth vnto lyfe . And fewe people entreth by yt. For to vnderstande well this strayte gate / it is to lede a lyfe of austeryte & hardnes in fastynges / abstynences / sobrenes / chastyte / & penaunce . And the large way is to lyue in all voluptuousnes / carnalytees / lecheryes / glotonies / daunses . &c. Example of a fole & a wyse man whiche toke the way in to hell . lxvi . A Other examples that it is well taken vnto many for to demaunde the worde of god / & fyrst How a woman demaunded of a relygyous a good exhortacyon that prouffyted so moche that her husbande that was of yll conscyence conuerted hym . Que. lv. B. Another example of a relygyous that asked oft tymes the faders to tell vnto him some admonycyon . q̄re lvi . C. Another example how he the whiche techeth the worde of god shal haue grete rewarde in paradyse . lvi . G. Another example of a monke the whiche reknowleged his synnes in shewynge theym to another . Quere . C. i. A.

E. Fourthly the good pylgryme sholde euermore take hede yf he be wel in the way the is taught hym . Also the pylgrymes of paradyse sholde euermore take hede yf they accomplysshe well the commaundementes of god the whiche ben theyr ryght waye & conductour the whiche shal conduyte them & the whiche shall enlumyne theyr eyen to walke well . Vn̄ dd . Preceptum dni lucidum illuminans oclos . Also the worde of god is the lanterne that shyneth & gyueth lyght vnto the fete for to go well . Vn̄ dd . Lucerna pedibus meis verbum tuum . Et legitur pro. vi . Mandatum lucerna est et lex lux . What thynge that a man dooth in this worlde he sholde euermore take hede yf he do that that god commaundeth . For they the whiche therto taketh hede shall not be cofounded / thus sayth Dauyd Vn̄ psal. Tunc non confundar cum ꝑspexero in oimbus mandatis tuis . Et eccl. xxiii . Nichil est dulaus quam respice in mandatis dni . That is to saye . Nothynge is more sweter than to take hede vnto the commaundementes of god They the whiche take hede therunto & abuseth them in worldly vanytees & pleasaunces / as daunces / playes / & folyes / lyghtly gone out of the way & leueth the way of paradyse . Example Eue our fyrst moder toke none hede on the commaundemente that vnto her was gyuen & was deceyued by tentacion / & for the beholdynge of the fayre fruyt And therfore she was put out of paradyse terrester . liiii . A. Also they the whiche ben lecherous & abuseth them to beholde the beaute of women ( vl econuerso ) or the women the beaute of the men swerueth & leueth the way to paradyse . It is wryten . ec . ix . Nec aspicias mulierem mltiuolā ne forte in laque os eius . Cum sallatrice ne assiduus sit nec audias illam . That is to saye . Beholde not that woman the whiche wyll many thynges that thou fall not in her laces / ne accustome the to be with a woman that is a daunser / or leper / ne here her not synge . &c. Example by that that Synchem behelde the beaute of Dyne the doughter of / Iacob / he coueyted her and slepte with her as it is wryten gen. xxxiiii . Quem in th examplary . lxxxx . d. Another example by that that the wyfe of Pharaon behelde the beaute of Ioseph / she prayed him of dyshonoure as it is wryten . gene. xxix . Saynt Gregory sayth . Non licet intueri qd non licet concupisci . And therfore Dauyd requyred of god that he wolde torne his eyen from prosperytees that he behelde not the vanytees of the worlde by the whiche he sholde be abused . Vn̄ dauid . Auerte oclos meos ne videant vanitatem . &c. The appostles & sayntes of paradyse haue so well loked on the commaundements of god that they haue not ben abused and that they ben gone all ryght in to paradyse / & in lykewyse sholde we do .

F. Fyfthly the good pylgryme sholde take payne to here / to vnderstande / & to retayne those the whiche techeth hym his waye . Also the pylgrym of paradyse sholde with good wyl here the commaundementes of god ▪ the prechynges / & theym the whiche vnto them sheweth it / for all benedyccyon & saluacyon therof procedeth . In lykewyse as sayth these scryptures . Vn̄ luce . xi . Bean qui audiunt verbum dei & custodiunt illd . That is to saye . Those the whiche hereth the worde of god & kepeth it ben blyssed . Et legitur deute . xxviii . Si audieris vocem dni dei tui / vt facias atque custodias omnia mandata eius venient super te vniuerse bn̄dictiones iste et apprehendent te . Benedictus eris in ciuitate et benedictus in agro / benedictus fructus ventris tui / et fructus terris tue / fructusque iumentorum tuorum / greges armentorum tuorum / et caule ouium tuarum / benedicta horrera tua / & bn̄dicte tue reliquie / benedictus eris & ingrediens et egrediens . That is to say . Yf thou here the voyce of thy lorde god to th ende that thou do and kepe al his commaundementes his benediccyons vnyuarsalles shal come vpon the & shall apprehende the / thou shalte be blyssed in the / thou shalt be blyssed in the felde / the fruyte of thy wombe shall be blyssed / and the fruyte of the erthe / and the fruyte of thy mares / of thy bestyall / & of thy shepe / thy garners shall be blyssed / & thy relykes shal be blyssed / thou shalt be blyssed in entrynge & goynge forthe of al places . Many other godes shall be wryten in the sayd chapytre that abydeth bycause of shortnes . Et le. ꝓ . xxix . Qui custodit legem beatus est . He that kepeth the lawe is blyssed & that dredeth god / & excercyseth hym in his commaundementes the sede of hym shall be puyssaunt in the erthe / the generacyon of the good shal be blyssed . Vn̄ dd in psal. Beatus vir qui tunet dnm in mandatis eius volet nimis . Potens in terra erit semen eius gn̄atio rectorum bn̄dicetur . Example in the blyssed Magdaleyne that toke grete pleasure to here the worde of god & set her at his fete by humylyte for to here him speke . Vn̄ luce . x. Maria sedens secus pedes dni audiebat verbum illius . Also it is wryten iohan . viii . Qui ex deo est vba dei audit . He that is of god hereth his worde & it foloweth of theym that wyll not here it . Propterea vos non auditis qr ex deo non estis . Ye here not the worde of god / for ye be not of his party . Et legitur io x Oues mee vocem mean audiunt . My shepe / those ben the good persones the whiche here my voyce . &c. Of this mater it is writen in the thyrde commaundement . Quere . xv . c. All saluacyon procedeth to here the worde of god & many persones hath ben saued for herynge of it . In lykewyse as men fynde many examples . First how a grete synner repented & was saued for to here a predycacion . Quere . lv . a. Another example of an erle that conuerted hym by the herynge of the worde of god . Quere . lv. e. Another example of a ryche man that serued the deuyl . xl : yeres and in a sermon he repented hym . Quem lvi . k. Those the whiche haue shame to here speke of god / our sauyour Ihesus shall haue shame of hym at the day of Iugement . Vn̄ luce . ix . Qui me erubuerit & sermones meos / hunc filius hominis erubescet cum venerit in maiestate sua . Also he that wyll not here the faythe & the commaundementes his orayson shall be execrable / & vnto him it ne shal be accorded . Vn̄ ꝓuer . xxviii . Qui declinat aures suas vt non audiat legem or̄o eius erit execrabilis . Example of a carle that wolde not here the worde of god in his lyfe / & the crucyfyxe stopped his eres vnto the seruyce that men dyde for hym in his buryenge in betokenynge that he ne wolde here the oraysons that men made for hym . Quere . lv. f. The sayd carle & all those the whiche wyll not here to speke of god / but ben redy to here of detraccyons & yl sholde vnderstande that they synne gretely / & ben worthy to haue grete punycyon yf they deye Impenytentes Example wryten in the sermons of the dysciple of a bysshop that was borne in to purgatory after his dethe for to do his penaunce and he was there gretely tourmented of the stynke of his clerke beynge in hel the whiche mounted vnto hym for that he herde somtyme his detraccyons & had not eygrely ynough correcked hym / howbeit that aboue al other thynges the sayd bysshop had be good . Another example of a man that was tourmented in hell within his eeres for that that he had folysshely herde of symphonies & Instrumentes . Quere . Cvii . d. Another example of a man that was terrybly tormented for the vayne songes & syngynges that he had herde in the worlde . Cvii . d. All yll ꝓcedeth to speke & to here yll wordes . And all goodnes procedeth of the worde of god as thou mayste here in the camplary . Quem lv . a. b. c.

G. Syxtely the good pylgrym sholde thynke vpon his way tyll that his pylgrymage be accomplysshed . Also the pylgryms of paradyse sholde thynke vpon the commaundementes of god and them sholde plante & roote in theyr hertes without forgetynge them / wherof it is wryten in deuteronomu . Audi israel precepta dni et ea in corde tuo quasi in libro scribe / et dabo tibi terram fluentem lac et mel . O Israhel here the commaundements of god and wryte theym in thyn herte as in a boke / & I shall gyue vnto the the londe / flowynge mylke and hony . These wordes spoken toucheth thre thynges . The fyrst is that men sholde here gladly the commaundementes of god . Audi israel . The seconde is that men sholde put them in mynde Et ea in corde . The thyrde is that the rewarde foloweth . Et dabo tibi terram . &c. Of the whiche rewarde shall be here afterwarde spoken . xlvii . a. And it is wryten eccl. Que precepit deus illa cogita sꝑ . Thynke euermore vpon those thynges that god hath commaunded . Example in the blyssed vyrgyn Mary the whiche helde all the wordes of god & kept them in her herte . Vn̄ luce . ii . Maria autem conseruabat omnia verba hec conferens in corde suo . They the whiche haue the herte and the thought to breke the commaundementes of god be not the pylgryms of paradyse / but of hell / the whiche shall go to se lucyfer / the deuylles / & the dampned / and shall haue herytage in that countre there / yf they deye impenytentes without correccyon and amendement . This mater is declared in the nynth commaundement and in the tenthe .

H. Seuenthly the good pylgryme sholde walke on his fete & do the operacyon of his way in trauaylynge his body . Also the pylgrymes of paradyse sholde lyue in this worlde in doynge the operacyon of the commaundementes of god and they shal haue benedyccyon and saluacion . Vn̄ psal. Beati qui ambulant in lege tua dne . They the whiche walke in thy lawe been blyssed . Iterump̄s . Bti īmaculati in via qui ābulāt in lege tua dne . Blyssed ben they not soyled in the way that walketh in the lawe of our lorde . Example in Dauyd that ranne in the way of the commaundementes & loued the lawe of god . Vn̄ psal. Viam mandatorum tuorum cucurri . & legem tuam dilexi . Another example in Abraham that dyde in operacyon the wyll of god & he had his blyssynge . li. a. Another example of the good man of an hous that receyued the pylgrymes & set them at his table receyued god . Quere in q̄rto p̄cepto . in the werkes of mercy . Another example of a monke that bare god vpon his sholdres in semblaunce of a mesell or lepre . Que. xxiii . e. Many examples shall be founde in th examplary of people the whiche haue done in operacyon the wyl of god & of theyr superyours / as saynt Mor. Ioseph . Thobye . Quere . lii . c. d. e. f. &c Also for to be saued & Iustyfyed it sufficeth not to here the commaundementes but it behoueth to fulfyll them in operacyon . Vn̄ ad ro. ii . Non enim auditores legis iusti sunt apd deum sed factores iustificabuntur . Saynt Iames sayth in his .ii. cha. In lykewyse as the body is deed without soule / euen so faythe is deed without operacyons . Also he sayth in his fyrst cha. Estote fcōres verbi & non audit●res tm̄ fallentes vosmetip̄s . Iterum di . Ex operibus legis hom iustificatur et non ex fide tm̄ . That is to saye . Be ye the doers of the worde of god & not alonely the herers deceyuinge your selfe . Example of a wrothfull lady that yode often to here the sermons & she ne correcked her for thyder goynge . Also example of her mayden that desyred thyder to go & god appered vnto her . Quere . lxxxxix . b. Also eche man that calleth god lorde & mayster shall not entre in to heuen / but he that dooth in operacyon his wyll there shall entre / as it is wryten in the .vii. cha. of saynt math . The pylgrym of paradyse that loueth god kepeth & dothe his worde / & he that loueth him not dothe them not . io. xiiii . si quis diligit me sermonem meum seruabit / qui non diligit me sermones meos non seruat . Example how Mathatias that kept the lawe of god persecuted the synners the whiche brake it . Quere . lii . a. Those the whiche ne wyll do the operacyon of the commaundements of god ben pylgrymes of hel and thyder shall be sent for too dwell wyll they or not / yf they deye without correccyon and amendement . Example in cayn that slewe his broder Abell .

I. Eyghtly the condycion of a good pylgryme is to bere a bordon or a staffe for too defende hym from dogges & from his enmyes . Also the good pylgryme of paradise sholde haue a good staffe that is stedfast fayth for to defende hym from deuylles . Vnd. i. petri . v. ca. Aduersarius vester diabolus tamquam leo rugiens circuit querens quem deuoret cui resistite fortes in fide . Example how saynt Anthony was strongly tourmented & beten of deuyls / but he had vyctory agaynst theym by the grete faythe that he had in god . Also he had in hym al the condycyons of a good pylgryme / wherfore he is in the glory of paradyse . Vnto the whiche we may goo cum illo qui est benedictus in secula seculorum . Amen .

A. Example how the body the whiche is a fole draweth the soule in to the waye of hell . xlvi

IT is wryten eccle. xxxvii . A consiliario malo serua Eccliam tuam . Kepe thy soule from an yll councelour for yf thou beleue yll counceyle thou shalte be deceyued & in daunger of perdycyon . Et legitur . i. io. iiii . Non omni spūicredēdū est . A man sholde not beleue ne gyue credence vnto euery spyryte . For the yll persone ne counceyleth but yl the whiche in him resteth . Example of a fole & a sage that made a vyage togyders / the whiche yode vnto a cyte wherin men sayd that many goodes vnto them were promysed / & in goynge in the sayd vyage came to demaunde the way of pastures or herdmen the whiche to them sayd . Ye shall fynde .ii. wayes the one moche large / the other ryght strayte . Yf ye go the strayte way anone ye shall be at your cyte . And yf ye go by the other large waye it is way full of bypathes the whiche shall brynge you out of your way / & also it is ful of theues the whiche shall take frome you your godes and peraduenture shall make you deye & ye shall not go vnto your cyte / how so euer it be go ye not that way . Than sayd the sage vnto the fole . Go we by this streyte waye . The fole sayd that wyll we not do / here is a fayre way and a large it is better to beleue that that we se than that that men tell vs . And the sage sayd / thou seest how the pastoures sayth . Than sayd the fole / fy / fy on these pastours they wote not what they say / thou arte more fole than I come on / come on thy way . And the sayd fole drewe the sage & went the large way . And anone they were out of the way and fell amonge theues the whiche toke from them al theyr godes / helde them prysoners & put them in theyr bondes / seruyce and captyuyte . And they were so longe that the fole deyed / and in contynent the cause was put in Iugement before the Iuge / and was declared as it is sayd that for as moche as the sage beleued the fole / and that they wolde not beleue the pastoures that they were fallen in suche inconuenyent . Than the Iuge gaue sentence that the sayd fole and the sage were cast togyder in to the fyre to be brente and broyled without mercy / & it was done . Here is the example but it behoueth to expounde it . By the fole is vnderstande the body of euery of vs / by the sage is vnderstande the soule / the vyage is this worlde the whiche is but a pylgrymage / the cyte is paradyse / the Iuge that condempneth theym is god . The pastoures ben these bysshoppes curates / prelates / & prechours the streyte way is to lede a lyfe of austeryte in fastynges / abstynences / so bryete / chastyte / and penaunce . The large way is to lyue in all voluptuosytees / & carnalytees / of lechery / glotony / daunses . &c. that the body appetyteth / the enmyes ben the deuylles / the worlde / & the flesshe / the theues ben the .vii. deedly synnes the whiche taketh from them al theyr goodes / that is all good vertues & paradyse / the Iuge the whiche them condampneth is god that shall condampne the body & the soule at the Iugement to be brent togyders . &c. More openly it behoueth to expounde it . That that these prelates counceyleth the strayte way / is that thynge that the gospell of Mathew speketh vii . Arecta et angusta est via que ducit ad vitam / lata et spaciosa est via que ducit ad perditionem / vt dcm̄ est . Et prouer. xii . Iter impiorum decipiet eos . Sequitur . Iter aunt deuium ducit ad mortem . A fole ne wyll beleue tyll that he receyue . In lykewyse these folysshe synners wyll not beleue the clerkes & prechers tyl that they be in the fyre of hel in dampnacyon . By that that is the sage that is the soule the whiche wolde go by the streyte way / & the body the whiche is a fole gaynsayeth it . It is that the whiche is wryten ad gall . v. ca. Caro concupiscit aduersus sp̄m . &c. & illd roma. viii . Sisecundū carnem vixe ritis moriemini . By that the the theues that synnes take a way the vertues / it is that that is wryten ecclesiastes .ix. Qui in vno peccato peccauerit multa bona perdet . By that that they were put in seruytude is that that is wryten . Ioh. viii . Omnis qui facit pctm̄ seruus est peccati . Et .ii. petri . ii . A quo enim quis superatus est eius seruus est . And that that god shal Iuge it is writen . Marci . xvi . Qui crediderit / & baptizatus fuerit saluus erit / qui vero non crediderit condempnabitur .

B. How the pylgryme of paradyse sholde consyder .iiii. thynges . xlvi .

DAuyd the prophete sayth in the psalter . In corde meo abscondi eloquia tua / vt non peccem tibi . I haue hydde thy wordes that ben thy commaundements in my herte to th ende that I synne not ayenst thy wyll . Thou synner for to kepe the from synne and for to bere lyghtly all the laboures / paynes / trybulacions / sekenesses / and aduersytees the whiche cometh vnto the in doynge the pylgrymage of the worlde . Consyder .iiii. thynges . Fyrst consyder the shortenes of thy lyfe / & how at thy dethe all endeth . That is to vnderstande all fastinges wakynges / erly rysynge / sekenesses / aduersytees & tourmentes that thy body hathe borne and endured . What thynge is it as of thy lyfe / it is a vapour apperinge in a lytell thynge . Vn̄ iacobi . iiii . Queest vita vestra / vapor est ad modicum parens . And to● sayd . Remembre the how lyfe is wynde . Vn̄ iob . vii . Memento qr ventus est vita mea . For in lykewyse as a blaste of wynde is soone paste / so is our lyfe in regarde of eternyte . Item iob . vii . Parce michi dne nichil sunt enim dies mei . Good lorde spare me my dayes ben nothynge / they ben ryght shorte . Breues dies hominis sunt . &c. Thou man labour strongly whyle that thy lyfe dureth and bere all sekenesses & trybulacyons pacyently / for thou shalt haue the rewarde eternall of that that thou hast laboured & borne for the loue of god . Secondly consyder the laboures / paynes / trybulaclons / & dethe that Iesus for to agayne bye the & vs all . He that is the sone of god eternal / kynge of aungelles / and of sayntes of paradyse . Yf a grete kynge bere for thy sake a grete weyght or burden / thou outest to bere for his sake a strawe . And the kynge celestyall hath borne for the the crosse / fasted laboured / preched / & suffred deth . Than sholdest thou endure euyll for the loue of hym . Thyrdly consyder the paynes / laboures & trybulacyons that the dampned bereth in hell / for the whiche paynes we may be delyuered for to labour & to endure aduersyte in this worlde for gods loue . Vn̄. ec . xxix Minimum ꝓ magno placeat tibi . Lytel thynge the pleaseth for a grete thynge . For all the paynes of this worlde be nothyng in regarde of them vnto the dampned the whiche been eternalles . Example of a man dampned that spake of the fyre of hell & of the dampned the whiche ben brent & broyled . lvii . Another example of tourments that a woman had that was dampned . lxxxx . a. Fourthly consyder the grete Ioyes that ben prepared in paradyse vnto those the whiche labour wel in this worlde for the loue of god . Wherof speketh saynt Isidore in the boke of souerayne goodnes & sayeth . Qui vite future premia diligentur excogitat mala omnia pn̄tis vite equanimitur portat qm ex illius dulcidīe huius amaritudinem temperat . That is to saye . He that thynketh dylygently on the rewardes of the lyfe to come bereth egally in his courage all the ylles of this present lyfe . For it attempereth the bytternes of that by the swetenes of paradyse . And saynt Poule sayth Ad romanos . viii . Non sunt condigne passiones huius temporis ad futuram gloriam . The passyons of this tyme be not condygne vnto the glory to come / of the whiche is spokene hre after .

A. Of the rewarde eternall that they shal haue the whiche kepe the commaundements of god . xlvii

IT is wryten in the .xliiii. chapytre of Ysaie . And in the seconde chapitre of the fyrst epystle of saynt Poule ad co. Quod oculus non vidit nec auris audiuit / nec in cor hominis ascendit q pre parauit deus diligentibus se . This auctoryte speketh grete thynges . Fyrst it sayth that neuer eye ne sawe in the worlde soo moche good as god hath prepared vnto those that loue hym . That is to saye . yf it were possyble that ony had ben in the popes courte / & of all the patryarches / cardynalles / archebisshops bysshops / & of all the kynges / dukes / erles quenes / ladyes / and gentylwomen of all the worlde / & that he had sene theyr treasours honoures and goodes that they haue and that vnto them is done / it sholde be but shame to haue al those goodes in regarde to haue one daye in paradyse of the leest Ioye that is in it . There is . Qd oculos non vidit / after foloweth . Nec auris audiuit . Yf it were possyble that thou were as fayre as was Absalon the sone of Dauyd the whiche had not in all his body one spotte ne foule thynge / but was all whyte / sanguyne / tendre / and laughynge / & his heeres were so fayre that whan they were shorne they were solde for an hondred cicles of golde . And yf thou were as swyft as was Absael the whiche was so swyfte to renne that he passed an harte to course in playne countree . And yf thou were also stronge as Sampson fortyn the whiche at one tyme ouercame a. M. men of armes . And yf thou were also doubted as Augustus Cesar vnto whome all the worlde obeyed . Of whome it is wryten ( non habemus regem nisi cesarem ) sayd the Iewes And yf thou were also ryche as was kinge Alexander the whiche was moche ryche . And also wyse as Salamon that whiche was the wysest of the erthe whan he lyued . And also hole as Moyses the whiche neuer loste one tothe / ne his syght waxed derke . And yf thou sholdest lyue as longe as Matussa le the whiche lyued . ix . hondred yeres / or as Enoch and Helye the whiche ben in paradyse terrestre / & shall not deye vnto th ende of the worlde / and yf all the worlde loued that as moche as dyde Dauyd Ionathas whome he loued as hym selfe . And yf that all were accorded vnto the in lykewyse as Helyseus and Cypre accorded togider / for that that the one wolde the other wolde . And yf thou were lorde of all and loued as Ioseph was in Egypt . Yf all that that I haue spoken were in the as yet as moche as a man myght tel vnto the / yet sholde it be but a thynge of no valour in regarde to be one houre in the Ioyes of paradyse . Vn̄ psal. Melius est dies vna in atriis tuis super milia . After foloweth . Nec cor hominis ascendit . That is to saye . Yf all the wysest clerkes & people that euer reygned in the worlde ymagyned the gretest Ioyes that they myght they ne coude comprehende the leest Ioy of paradyse that the saued haue Also those the whiche in this worlde hath done and accomplysshed the commaundementes of god shall haue consolacyon at theyr deth of god & his sayntes as it is wryten in th examplary & approued by many examples . And fyrste of an holy fader that sawe as his dethe the prophetes and Ihesu cryst . Quere . Ciiii. a. And a man sholde vnderstande that the rewarde of the saued shall not be egall / for euery man shall haue after his desert . Appoc . xiiii . O ꝑa enim illorum sequuntur illos . Et paul . i. ad co. xv . Alia est claritas solis / alia est claritas lune / alia est claritas stellarum . Stella enim a stella differt claritate / sic et resurrectio mortuorum . In lykewyse as in the fyrmament there is a clerenes of the sonne & another of the moone and one of the sterres the whiche differreth the one from the other in clerenes / in lykewyse shall dyfferre the resurreccyon of the saued . That is to saye . That soo moche the more as they haue obeyed vnto god / and endured aduersyte for the loue of hym / of so moche the more shal they be in paradyse fayre / clere / and nere vnto god / & the more clerely shall they se hym and haue of scy●ce and of retrybucyon . And therfore sayth our lorde . Ioh. xiiii . In domo pr̄is mei mansiones multe sunt / scꝪ pro diuersitate virtutum . Many mansyons ben in the hous of my fader for the dyuersyte of vertues And how be it that god vs gyueth by worde in the gospel Math. xx . that he repreued the ydle people and that he sent them at dyuers houres to werke in the vyne . The one in the mornynge the other at tyerce / mydday / and euen / and in the ende of the Iourney euery of theym had a peny / as well those of the euentyde as they of the mornynge . Of that a man shold not murmure yf god gyue paradyse vnto synners at all aeges whan they wyll repent them / to leue theyr synnes & to put theym to do wel . This peny that they all had was paradyse / they all had Ihesu cryst that which was crucyfyed in theyr possessyon / as well those of the euentyde as those of the mornynge . In lykewyse as sayth saynt Austyn But they had retrybucyon in beaute / clerenes / bounte / scyence . &c. but vnto the egalite of the good dedes that they had done in the worlde as it is sayd / & as the scryptures declareth . Vnde daniel . xii . Qui docti fuerint fulgebunt sicut firmamentum / et qui ad iusticiam erudiunt multos : quasi stelle in perpetuas eternitates . They the whiche haue ben sage and wyse shall shyne in lykewyse as the fyrmament / and they the whiche techeth ony vnto Iustyce as the sterres in perpetuall eternytees . Et legitur ezechiel . xviii . Iusticia iusti erit super eum / et impietas impu super eum erit . The Iustyce of the iust shall be vpon hym / and the synne of the wycked shall be vpon him . Also euery man shall bere his charge . Thus Ezechyell sayeth in his . vi . chapytre . Et legitur Ihe . xxv . Reddam eis secundum opera eorum et secundum facta manuum suarum . I shal yelde vnto the saued and dampned after the operacyons of them / & after the dedes of theyr handes . Et psal. Tu reddes vnicuique iuxta opera sua . Thou shalt yelde vnto euery man after his operacyons . The saued shall haue Ioye on all partes . Fyrst they shall haue Ioye aboue them of god that they shall beholde / & of the grete glory that shal procede of him . For Dauyd sayth in the psalter . Excelsus dns et super celos gloria eius . Et appocali . vii . Iusti sunt ann thronum dei / et seruiunt ei . &c. Sequitur . Qui sedet in throno habitat super illos . The lorde is lyfte vp & the glory of hym is aboue the heuens . Also the Iust ben before the throne of god & serue him . And it foloweth . He the whiche sytteth on the throne abydeth vpon them . Also the saued shall fe god clerely face to face in his grete honour and in his grete glory infynyte / wherby they shall be replenysshed with all Ioyes . Ysaie . xxiii . Begem in decore suo videbunt . It is wryten . i. ad corin . xiii . Videmus nunc per speculum et in enigmata / tunc autem facie ad faciem videbimus . Also in seynge hym clerely there they shall take parfyte delectacyon & loue / and they shall loue hym so perfytely that they shall neuer leue him and they shall not go agaynst his wyll / in suche wyse that they shal haue sure holdynge . Augustinus dicit . Videbimus / amabimus / et laudabimus . Also in beholdynge this fayre myroure the whiche is god they shall se all them of paradyse / and of hell / & so they shall drawe & take of the fountayne of scyence and sapyence soo strongely that they shall knowe the thynges past / present & some to come . And also they shall knowe all the persones of paradyse / those the whiche they neuer sawe as the other and theyr name / and what they were / and of what operacyons and merytes . &c. Too speke of this mater to moche forthe it is not good . And for bycause that the wyse Salamon sayth prouerb . xxv . Sicut qui comedit mel multum non est ei bonum sic qui scrutator est maiestatis opprimetur a gloria . In lykewise as it is not good vnto him that eteth moch hony / in lykewyse to hym the whiche is to enquyre of the mageste shall be put from the glory . And sayd Poule that was rauisshed vntoo the thyrde heuen & in paradyse as it is wryten ii . ad corint . xii . Audiuit archana verba que non licet homini loqui . And also he sayth ad ro. xii . Dico oimbus qui sunt intur vos non plus sapere quam oportet sapere / sed sapere ad sobrietatem et vnicuique sicut deus diuisit mansuram fidei . I say vnto al them the whiche ben amonge you / ne sauour ye noo more than it nedeth to sauour / but sauour ye vnto sobrenes / & vnto euery one as god hath deuysed the measure of the faythe . And Cathon sayth . Mitte archana dei celumque inquirere quid sit . Cum sis mortalis que sunt mortalia cura . That is to saye . Leue to enquyre the secretes of god / as what thynge is the heuen / syth thou arte mortall haue in thyn herte those thynges that ben mortalles . Also the saued shall haue Ioye vnder them to se the tourmentes & paynes of hel from the whiche they shall be preserued & kept / & in suche wyse to haue passed & auoyded the daunger of the worlde wherin they were whan they lyued . Also they shal haue Ioye by them to be assocyate with so grete noble / & amyable company / as in the company of aungelles & sayntes of paradyse / the whiche shall be so fayre / clere / shynynge / a ourned / elegaunt / & amyables / than there ne is tonge that it may declare ne entendement comprehende . It is wryten apo. vii . Vidit turban magnam quam dinumerare nemo poterat ex omnibus tribubus populus et linguis . etcetera . Saynt Iohan in the appocalypse sayth . I sawe a grete turbe or multytude of people the whiche no man might esteme ne nombre of all lygnages / peoples & tongues . Also more ouer we fynde that it is wryten in the gospell that they shall be semblables vnto aungelles . Vn̄ mar . xii . Cum a mortuis resurrexerint neque nubent / neque nubentur sed sunt sicut angeli dei in celo . Also the place of paradyse is soo fayre pure / & clene / & delectable that a man ne may take symylytude ne comparayson : ne that entendement may comprehende / wherfore it is better to holde my peas than to speke vnduely . The good Thoby sayth in his .xiii. chapy. Beatus ero si fuerint reliquie seminis mei ad videndum claritatem iherusalem . I shall be blyssed vpon the relykes of my sede whan they shall se the clerenes of Iherusalem / that is paradyse . And in the sayd place of paradise the whiche is pure & clene there shal no persone entre yf he be not well purged & made clene from all spotte of synne / as it is wryten apoca . xxi . Non intrabit aliquid coinq ⁱ natum et faciens mendatium et abhominationem : Also the saued shall haue Ioye moche meruaylous in themselfe that they shall se themselfe so fayre / bryght / and shynynge . Also of that that they shall be so swyft / subtylles / immortalles / and impassybles . &c. Also they shal be in the place of peas / bounte / beaute / loue / honoure / lyfe / lyght / franchyse / suerte / swetenes / rychesse / helthe / concorde dysporte / wysdome / rest / glory / Ioye / gladnesse / they shall haue peas without warre ne dyuisyon . Vn̄ ysaie . xxii . Sedebit pplus meus in pulchritudine pacis & in tabernaculis fiducie & in requie opulenta . My people shall sytte in the beaute of peas / in the tabernacles of fyaunce / in rest / habondaunt in goodes . They shal haue bounte without ony malice / synne / cryme / ne blame . Quia cum summo bono non potest intrare malum . Also they shall haue beaute without foulenesse . Quia iusti florebunt sicut sol in regno pr̄is eorum . vt legitur math̄ . xiii . And the prophete Ysaie sayth . Ysaie . xxx . Eret lux lune sicut lux solis / et lux solis septēplicitur sicut lux septem dierum . The Iust shall flourysshe as the sonne in the realme of theyr fader . That is to vnderstande that after the Iugement that lyght of the moone shall be as clere as the sonne is nowe / and the sonne shal be seuen tymes clerer than it is at this tyme / wherfore the Iust shall be moche clere and fayre And saynt Poule sayeth ad philip . iii. Saluatorem expectamus dnm nostrum ihesum xpm qui reformabit corpus humilitatis nostre cōfiguratū corpori claritatis sue . We abyde the sauyour our lorde Iesu cryst the whiche shal reforme the body of our humylyte confygured vnto the body of his clerenes . Also they shall haue strength without debylyte or feblenes . Quia mutabunt fortitudinem in fortitudinem diuinam . Vn̄ psal. Dns fortitudople bis sue . The saued shall chaunge theyr strengthe in to strength dyuyne . Also our lorde is the strength of his people . They shall be so stronge that al that they wyll do god vnto them shall gyue the puyssaunce / so that they shall be as all puyssauntes / but they wyl nothynge do but that it please vnto god . Also they shal haue perfyte Dyleccyon the one with the other without hate / enuy / rancoure / ne yll wyll so that theyr sayd loue shall be so confermed togyders that they shall enioy them of the good dedes , of theyr neyghbours as yf it were vnto themselfe . It is an excellent goodnes as to be assocyate with so amyable a company & to be of suche fraternyte & amyte the whiche is in god & after hym . Also the sayntes shall haue honour praysyng without shame ne dyshonour . Vnde psal. Nimis honorati sicut amiti tui deus . God thi frendes ben moche honoured . Also they shal haue lyfe without dethe . For it is wryten sapientie . v● . Iusti autem in perpetuum viuent / et apud dominum est merces eorum Et sapient ●e . iii. Iustorum anime in manu dei sunt et non tanget illos tormentum mortis . The iust people shall lyue and be in perpetuite / and theyr rewarde is anenst our lorde . Also the soules of the Iust ben in the handes of our lorde / & the tourment of dethe shall not touche them . Also they shal haue lyght & day without derkenes / night without obscurete . Vn̄ psal. Lux orta est iusto . Et appoca . xxi . Ciuitas illa non indiget sole / neque luna vt luceat in ea . Nam claritas dei illuminabit illam . The cyte of paradyse hath noo nede of the sonne ne of the moone there for to shyne / for the clerenesse of god shall enlumyne it . Also they shal haue fraunchyse / lyberte without subgeccyon ne seruytude . Vn̄ ad ro. viii . Creatura liberatur a seruitute corruptionis in libertatem glie filiorum dei . Also they shall haue suerte without drede Vn̄ iohan . xv . Gaudium vr̄m nemo tollit a vobis . No man shall take frome you your Ioye . Et aug. dicit . Qd ibi erit summa securitas / secura tranquilitas / trāquilla / iocunditas / iocunda felicitas / etna beatitudo . In paradyse shall be souerayne surete / sure tranquylyte / ioyouste / felycyte / debonayre eternyte / & eternall beatytude . Also they shall haue swetenes on all partes without bytternesse . Vn̄ psal. Quam magna multitudo dulcedinis tue dne quam abscondisti timentibus te . O lorde how grete is the multytude of thy swetenes the whiche thou hast hidde vnto those that drede the. Also they shall haue rychesse spyrytuall & habondaunce of al goods celestyalles without pouerte . Vn̄ psal. Glia et diuitie in domo eius . Vn̄ psal. Replebimur in bonis domus tue . Glory and rychesse in the hous of god that is in paradyse . Also we shall be replenysshed with the godes of thy hous . Also they shall haue helthe without sekenes . Vn̄ appo . xxi . Absterget deus omne lachrimarum ab oculis sanctorum et iam non erit amplius / neque luctus / neque clamor / neque vllus dolor . &c. God shall wype awaye all the teeres from the eyen of his sayntes / and there shall be no more wepynge / ne clamour / ne ony dolour . Also they shall haue concorde without dyscorde / for that that the one wyll the other wylleth it / suche concorde shall be bytwene them as there is betwene the two eyen whan the one torneth the other torneth also incontynent . Also they shall haue dysporte without enoy . Augustinus . Sine fine videbitur deus / sine fastidio amabitur / sine fatigatiōe laudabitur . Et psal. Mille anni ann oculos tuos tanquam dies hesterna que preterut . God shal se without ende he shall be beloued without anoye / he shall be praysed & lauded without beynge wery . Also a thousande yeres before thy eyen shall be in lykewyse as the day of yesterday that is paste . Also they shall haue wysdome without foly as it is beforesayd & perfyte knowlege . Gregorius dicit . Qui claritatem conditoris sui conspiciunt nichil in creatura agitur quod videre non possint . They the whiche beholdeth the clerenes of theyr condytoure nothynge is made but they may se it . Also they shall be in the aege of youthe without oldnes / for in the aege that our lorde was crucifyed . Ad ephesios . iiii . Resurgent omnes in mensuram etatis plēitudinis christi . They shall haue rest without labour . Appoc . xiiii . Amodo iam dicit spiritus vt requiescant a laboribus suis . Also they shall haue glory and gladnesse eternal without ende in lykewyse as sayth these scriptures in many places . Vnde psalmista . Exultabunt sancti in gloria . The sayntes shall enioye theym in glory . Et legitur Iohannes .xvi. Tristicia vestra vertetur in gaudium . Your heuines shal torne in to Ioye . Et legitur Ysaie . xxxv Gaudiuin & leticiam obtinebunt . The sayntes shall haue and obtayne Ioye and gladnesse in paradise . Vnto the whiche we may go cum ille qui est benedictus in secula seculorum . Amen .

B. Example of a man saued the whiche spake & declared of the Ioyes of paradyse . It is recyted in the promptuary of the dyscyple that there were two monkes the whiche spake togyder of the lyfe eternall / and they agreed betwene theym that the fyrst the whiche deyed of them sholde come agayne to notyfy vnto the other of his estate yf it pleased vnto god . Whan the one was deed he that lyued sorowed & was heuy / and the deed appered to hym clerer than the sonne & he salued hym benygnely . And whan the quycke monke axed hym of the lyfe eternal He answerd . Sicut audiuimus sic vidimus quod oculis non vidit nec auris auditut . &c. In lykewyse as we herde so haue we seen . Neuer eye in the worlde ne sawe / ne ere herde / ne in the herte of man ascended the grete Ioyes that god hath prepayred vnto theym the whiche loue hym / whan he had spoken these wordes he departed .

C. Another example of a relygious that was . CCC . yere to here a byrde synge . The dyscyple recyteth in his sermons that it is wryten how a relygyous man ryght deuout requyred of god that he wolde shewe him some swetenesse of the Ioye celestyall . And on a day as he was in orayson he herde a lytell byrde synge by hym / so he arose fro his prayer & wolde haue taken her / and the sayd byrde flewe vnto the forest the whiche was nere vnto the monastery and set her vpon a tree / and the sayd relygious yode after and rested hym vnder the sayd tree for to here the songe of the sayd byrde or aungell / & after that he had songe as moche as pleased god he flewe away . And the sayd relygyous retourned vnto the sayd monastery wenynge to haue be vnder the sayd tre but the space of an houre or two / and was all abasshed whan he founde the gate of the monastery masoned and stopped & another gate on the other syde and that he ne knewe the porter ne the relygyous ne abbot / he was axed of whens he was & what he demaunded . And he sayd I a am relygyous of this monastery & parted from hens at suche an hour &c. Than they demaunded the name of the abbot that reygned in that time . He answered he had suche a name . Than they serched theyr cronycles and they founde that he hadde fayled in the sayd monastery and had ben to here the songe of the sayd byrde the space of . CCC.xl . yeres without hauynge heet ne colde / and without that his vestyments were worne . &c. What swetnes shall they of paradyse haue whan they shall here the songe of all the nyne ordres of aungelles about the dyuyne magesty .

D. Another example of the clerenes of god . It is recited in the promptuary of the dyscyple that as mayster Iordan frere of the ordre of prechours passed by a towne for to go and preche he was prayed of the people that he wolde vysyte a woman posseded of the deuyll . And whan he approched the deuyll salued hym litterally . And it was so that the woman had neuer lerned ony lettres . And the sayd Iordan questyoned the deuyll lytterally . Wherfore tormentest thou this woman / & wherfore delytest thou to dwell in her . The deuyll answered that he was constrayned of his creatour there to be / & that he ne might be elles where . And the sayd Iordan questyoned hym of many thynges amonge the whiche he hym prayed that he wolde tel hym some thinge of the clerenes of the face of god for that he had ben in paradyse & had sene it clerely . The deuyll answered Neyther I ne all the aungelles the whiche it beholdeth and ben in paradyse / yf they were here in erthe ne coude tell ony thynge that myght suffyse / but I shall tell the some symylytude by the whiche thou mayst vnderstande that his face is clere . And he sayd vnderstande . Yf all the floures of al the herbes and trees of tymes past and to come / and all grenenes of all graynes and herbes / and all the coloures of all the precyous stones / & of all metalles / and the shynynges of the sonne & of the moone / of the sterres / & all the clerenes of all lyghtes the whiche euer dyde shyne to gyue lyght in the erthe / all that clerenes sholde be but a derke nyght in regarde of the clerenes of the true sonne the whiche is god . Than mayster iordan sayd . O how vnhappy is that man that loseth that / and that geteth not that grete Ioye . &c.

A. Also the rewarde of them the whiche well or yll hath enployed theyr .v. wyttes of nature vpon the commaundementes of god . xlviii .

ALso it is wryten . Eccle. xv . Si voluetis mandata conseruare conseruabunt te . Yf thou hast wylled to kepe the commaundementes of god they shall kepe the fro hauynge euyll . And yf thou hast not wylled to kepe them they shall make the to haue punycyon . To consyder well the holy scryptures all those the whiche pretende to go vnto paradyse sholde enploye theyr .v. wyttes of nature vpon the commaundementes of god . For those the whiche well enploye them in accomplysshynge them shall haue grete retrybucyon in paradyse . Vnde . dd . Etenim seruus tuus custodit ea in custodiendis illis retributio multa . And those which do vnto the contrary shall be strongely punysshed in hell . The mouthe of the good that well hath enquyred / demaunded & taught the sayd commaundementes of god shall laugh & prayse god / they shall enioye them in paradyse . And he that hath counceyled or commaunded to breke them shall crye and howle & shall be dyscomforted . Vn̄ Ysaie . lxv Hec dicit dns deus / ecce serui mei comedent : et vos esurietis / ecce serui mei bibent : et vos sitietis / ecce serui mei letabuntur : et vos confundimini / ecce serui mei laudabunt p̄exultatio ne cordis : et vos clamabitis p̄ dolore cordis et pre contritione spiritus vllulabitis . My seruauntes shall ete & drynke / not of breed & of wyne / but shal be refeccyoned of my glory . Vn̄ psal. Satiabor cum apparuerit glia tua . And you dampned shall haue honger & thyrste of my glory . My seruauntes shall enioye them & ye shall be confounded My seruauntes shall prayse me for the grete Ioy of herte that they haue / and ye shal crye for grete dolour of herte & shall howle for contrycyon of spyryte . Also the dampned shal wayle and sorowe as a woman the whiche trauayleth of chylde . Vn̄ Ysaie . xiii . Tortiones & dolores tn̄bunt / quali perturiens dolebunt . Example of Tongdalus that was ledde to se the tourmentes of hel / & afterwarde brought agayn in to his body tolde that he sawe the soules tourmented within the wombe of a cruel beest / & within a ponde ysy and frosen the whiche soules cryed so horrybly that they fylled hell of the noyses & howlynges . &c. Que. C.xi. e. And it is to be noted that the membre that hath offended moost shall be tourmented . Vn̄ ber . In quo membro creator plus offenditur in eodem pctōr grauius punietur . The eeres of the good the whiche with good wyll hath herde the worde & the commaundementes of god shal here in paradyse swetenes of songes & inobrable melodyes . Vn̄ dauid . Quam magna mltitudo dulcidinis tui dne quam abscondisti timentibuste . And the eeres of the cursed shall here in hell brayenge / cryenge / howlynge / & grete tempestes of people out of witte & enraged for the grete tourmentes of hell / of the whiche shall be wryten here after . Que. xlix . B The eyes of the good the which hath beholden to do & accomplysshe the sayd commaundementes shall be enlumyned & clere shall se god / the holy places / & all delytes & bountees . And those of the cursed that hath loued to se dauncynge or folysshe vanytees shall be blynded in suche maner that they shal neuer se Ioyes ne bountees / ne thynges the whiche may comforte them / but somtime they shall se the thynge the whiche may torment them . Also theyr eyen shall wepe and theyr tethe shall grynde and gnasshe for the anguysshes that they fele sayth god in the gospell . Math. xxii . Ibi erit fletus et stridor dētium . Example of a soule that bewept the tyme that it had lost . It is writen in the boke of drede that as an holy man was in orayson he herde by the wyll of god a voyce horrybly wepynge . He demaunded who it was that in suche wyse wepte . The answere was gyuen that sayd . I am a soule damned / & he demaunded . Wherfore wepest thou so horrybly . He answered & sayd / one of the thynges wherfore I & all the dampned wayle moost for is for that that they haue lost & wasted vnprouffytably the tyme of grace in sinne where in one houre by repentaunce they myght haue goten grace & escaped the tourmentes wherin they ben & shall be eternally . &c. Another example of a woman dampned that had two todes in her eyen for the folysshe lokes that she had made . Quere . lxxxx . A. The nose of the good shall smell good odoures / and those of the cursed foule stynkes . The hertes of the good shall enioye them so gretely of the grete Ioyes that they haue that they ne shall cease to prayse god . And vnto the contrary the hertes of the yll shall be so sory & soo wrothe of the tourmentes & of the contrycyon that they haue that with hye voyce theyr mouthes shal cry as before is sayd in the auctoryte prealeged . Ysaie . lxv . Serui mei . &c. Also the hertes of the dampned the whiche hath thought the synnes & taken delectacion ne shall thynke but vpon payne & dolour . Vn̄ hiero . Tanta erit in īferno vis doloris qd meus aut aliud dirigi non poterit / nisi ad qd vis doloris impulerit . The fete the handes / & the body of the good shall haue lyberte & fraunchyse to renne by the clementes & places where it shall seme them good & vnto goddes pleasure . Vn̄ sapi. iii. Iust● florebunt sicut sol / et tanquam scintilem arūd●neto discurrent . And those of the yll shall be in the derkenesses of hell bounde / not with cordes but with the dyuyne Iustyce without power to remeue / ne to ayde / ne to auoyde the place for to go from one place to another Vn̄ math̄ . xxii . Ligatus manibus et pedibus proucite enim / scꝪ impium in tn̄bras exteriores / ibi erit fletus et gridor dētium . Cast the synner in to derkenes exteryoures the fere & the handes bounde . wepynge & gryndynge of tethe shall be there . For to be shorte the dampned shall be so tourmented that they shall desyre the dethe & shal seche it / but they shall not fynde it / it shall fle from them / & they may neuer deye . Vn̄ apo. ix . In diebus illis querent hoēs mortem et non īuenie rat eam / et desiderabunt mori et mors fugies ab eis . By these thinges before spoken it appereth that the pylgrymes of paradyse that whiche hath well enployed theyr fyue wyttes of nature vpon the commaundementes of god shal haue Ioye & retrybucyon in those fyue wyttes of nature . And the pylgryms of hell the whiche hath dysobeyed vnto the commaundementes of god shalll haue paynes and tourmentes eternally in theyr sayd wittes of nature . And therfore it is a good thynge to labour in the way of paradyse / & to fle that of hell . Example of a woman moche tourmented in hell in her fyue wyttes of nature . Quere in the examplarye .

B. The maledyccyons & excommunycacions of those that whiche haue dysobeyed vnto god and the chyrche . xlviii

IT is wryten eccle. xli . ca. Ve vobis viri impii qui dereliquistis legem dei altissimi . Ye men that whiche haue forsaken and lefte the lawe of the ryght hye god maledyccyon is vnto you . And it is wryten in the fyrst of the prophete Ysaie . Ve genti peccatrici pplo graui iniqitate / semini nequam / filiis celaritatis . That is to say . Maledyccyon vnto people synners / vnto people greuous of inyquyte / vnto the cursed sede / vnto the chyldren synners . What is that maledyccyon . Maledyccyon is pryuacyon from benedyccyon / & from all spyrytuall goodnes & assocyacyon with all yll . And whan a persone loueth / serueth & obeyeth more soner vnto the deuyll than vnto god he is moche acursed / or whan he leueth god for to folowe the deuyll / or whan he hath loued the euyls / the synnes / & the cursednesses / & that he leueth the good dedes / the vertues / & operacions Vn̄ psal. Dilexit maledictionem & veniet ei et noluit bn̄dictionē et elongabitur ab eo . The persone that dyobeyeth vnto the commaundementes of god loueth maledyccyon and it shall come vnto hym . And he hath not wylled to haue benedyccyon and it is elonged from hym & shall be pryued from paradyse & from the company of the blyssed sayntes of paradyse . Vn̄. i. ad corinthios . vi . Neque maledicti regnum dei possidebunt . For to speke of excommunicacion & of malediccyon it behoueth to se foure thynges . The fyrst is wherfore a man is excommunicate The seconde the maners how ony renneth in the lesse excommunycacion . The thyrde how he renneth in the grete excommunycacion by sentence of the Iuge . The fourth by sentence of ryght wryten .

C. As vnto the fyrst . Yf thou demaunde wherfore a persone is excommunycate . The answer . It is wryten in the droit that excōmunycacyon ne shold be brought in but for mortall synne . Excommunicati non nisi pro mortali culpa affligi debet . Vt habetur . xi . d. iii. ca. Nemo episcorum . And whan ony is cyted of offyce & that he is excomunyed by the defaute of none apparaunce at a daye that is for the synne of inobedyence / for he sholde obey vnto the chyrche & there answer We ben all membres vnto the chyrche vnto the whiche we sholde obeye . Also whan ony is a thefe / fornicatour or synner and that he ne dredeth to offende god by synne he is excommunycate by medycyne for to gyue hym shame & drede / that is that he knowlege his faute and that he haue soo grete shame to be separate that he hym correcteth & amendeth . Excommunycacyon cast of wronge or of ryght is to drede / for suche weneth not to be accursed that is . Example of two men the whiche gelded them at theyr aduyse in good intencyon / for the whiche thyng they were excommunicate / as it is wryten in th examplary . lxxxix . F.

D. As vnto the seconde thynge a man sholde vnderstande that some renne in the lesse excommunycacyon incontynent that he companyeth wytyngly with one excommunyed agaynst the defence the whiche is made openly of the chyrche / as for to speke to drynke to ete / to come too chapytre . &c. This excommunycacion separateth from the sacramentes of the chyrche . For the persone excommunycate of this excōmunycacion ne sholde in suche estate receyue none of the sacramentes and the defaute not fyrst assoyled in confessyon of that excommunycacyon as of other synnes in saynge . Absoluote a sententia minoris excommunicationis . But the preste that hath puyssaunce to assoyle that persone of mortall synne a man may assoyle . It is sayd the lesse / for how be it that it pryuateth from the sacramentes it ne separateth from entrynge into the chyrche / & to company with other persones .

E. As to the thyrde a man sholde knowe that the grete excommunycacyon the whiche is of the sentence of the Iuge wryten & sealed separateth the persone excommunycate from the sacramentes / from entrynge in to the chyrche / & from the company of al faythfull crysten people . It is moche to drede for many thinges . Fyrst for that / that these excommunyed ben cursed of god the fader / that sone / & the holy goost . For that / that the chyrche mylytaunt curseth & byndeth it is also cursed and bounde of all the blyssed trynyte . Vn̄ math̄ . xvi . Quodcumque ligaueris super terram / exit ligatum & in celis . Also they ben taken & delyuered vnto the deuyll as saynt Poule betoke a fornycatour / & as men finde in wrytynge . Also they shall be separate from the company & communycacyon of the faythful crysten people as lazers / or lepres infecte & corrupt not worthy to be amonge the other / & pryuate from the partycypacion of all the masses / prayers / oraysons / almes dedes / & from all the other good dedes of the chyrche without power in suche estate to receyue ony of the sacramentes / ne to be buryed in holy grounde the whiche is a grete infame / to be buryed as a dombe beest / without solempnyte / without prayer / & oraysons / not worthy to ēhabyte ne to be in holy grounde & blyssed . Also they ben as a membre cut & separate from the body that taketh no parte of the good of that sayd body . Where they ben as a bough or a braunche cut from the tree the whiche dryeth & is no more worthe for nothynge than to brenne . Vn̄ io. xv . Ego sum vitis vos palmites / sicut palmes non potest ferre fructum a semetipso nisi manserit in vite sic nec vos nisi in me manseritis Also a man may well speke with a lepre without ony synne ne daunger / the whiche thynge a man may not do with one that is excommunyed / his company is more daungerous than that of a serpent . For as to company and habyte with a serpent a man synneth not mortally ne dampneth his soule / as he dooth with a persone excommunyed . Also one excommunyed dysobeysaunt vnto god & vnto the chyrche is cursed in his body / in his membres / & in his goodes and fruytes and he bereth maledyccion with hym in al places / and in all stedes where he entreth and abydeth . Vnderstande the scryptures & go seche them in the chapytres the whiche folowe . It is wryten deutero . xxviii . ca. Si audire nolueritis verbum domini dei tui vt custodias et facias omnia mandata eius / venient super te om̄s maledictiones iste & apprehendent te . Maledictus eris in ciuitate maledictus eris in agro / maledictum horreum tuum / et maledicte reliquie tue / maledictus fructus ventris tui / et fructus terretue / ar menta boum tuorum / et greges ouium tuarum maledictus eris ingrediens / et maledictus egrediens / mittet dominus super te famen et esuriem / & increpationem in omnia opera tua que facies d●nec conterat te & ꝑdat te velociter propter adinuentiones tuas pessimus in quibus reliquisti me / plura alia mala ponuntur ibi . &c. That is to say . Yf thou wylt not here the voyce of thy lorde god to th ende that thou do & kepe all his commaundementes all these maledyccyons the whiche foloweth shall come vpon the & shal take that Thou shalt be cursed in the cyte / thou shalt be cursed in the felde / thy garner shal be cursed / thy relykes shall be cursed / the fruyte of thy wombe shall be cursed / and the fruyte of thy erthe shall be cursed / & the fruyte of thy kyen / shepe / and bestyall / thou shalt be cursed in goynge in / & in goynge out of all places . God shal sende vpon the hongre pouerte / blame / reproche in all thyn operacions that thou shalt do tyll vnto that that he putte the oute hastely for the synnes that thou hast founde / for the whiche thou haste lefte god . Example how the floure of an apple tree falleth / dryeth / and leseth the beaute incontynent that it is excommunyed for a portous the whiche was in the sayd apple tree . Quere . lxxxix . D. By this example a man sholde vnderstand that the soule of the thefe excommunicate the whiche had stolen the sayd portous was in yl poynt whan the floures toke parte of his malediccyon . Another example of breed fayre & whyte the whiche was incontynent blacke & musty as it was excommunyed . Quere . lxxxix . A. In shewynge the yll that is within the persone excommunycate . Dauyd the prophete sayth in the psal. Increpasti suꝑbos maledicti qui declinant a mandatis tuis . thou hast blamed those that ben proude / they ben cursed the whiche declyneth from thy commaundementes . And it is wryten in the seconde chapytre of the prophete Malchyas . Yf thou wylt not here my commaundementes sayth god / & also yf ye wyll not put in your herte that ye gyue glory vnto my name I shall sende you honger / pouerte / & curse vnto your benedyccyons . And it is wryten Ysaie . iii. ca. Ve impio in malum . Maledyccyon vnto the cursed synne in yll And it is wryten in the .x. chapytre of Iob Yf I be yll maledyccion is vnto me . Example of a fader & of his sone the whiche curied eche other in hell . Quere in the examplarye . lxxi . Also theues / coueytous / auarycyous / pyllers / & false tythers / and many other people dysobeyeng vnto god ben cursed and excommunyed in lykewise as these scryptu●es sayen . It is wryten in the seconde chapytre of the prophete Abacuch . Maledyccion vnto hym the whiche assembleth cursed auaryce in to his hous / to th ende that his nest be on hy / & he weneth to be delyuered from the hande of euyll . And it is wryten in the .v chapytre of Ysaie . Maledyccyon vnto youthe whiche assembleth hous with hous / & couple felde with felde . Ye sholde not enhabyte you all alone in the myddle of the erthe . And it is wryten in the .xxiiii. chapytre of Ysaie . Maledyccyon vnto the that pyllest / for thou shall be pylled . And it is wryten in the .vi. chapytre of the gospels of saynt Luke . Maledyccyon vnto you that be ryche the whiche haue in this worlde consolacion for yf ye deye in suche wyse without contrycyon & amendement the ende shall be yll in desolacyon . Example how the deuyl drewe the soule from the body of a cursed ryche man with an hoke . Quere . C. v. a. Another example how Chore. Dathan . and Abiron descended into hell hosed & cladde for that they murmured & dysobeyed vnto god / & vnto Moyses in lykewyse as it is wryten in th examplary . Quere . liiii . H. Another example for that that Adam dysobeyed vnto god the erthe was cursed in his operacyon Quere . liiii . a. Another example how cayn was cursed for that / that he slewe his broder Abell and also he tythed yll . Quere . lxxvi . a

F. As vnto the fourthe thynge that speketh of persones excommunyed by sentence of ryght . A man sholde vnderstande not al onely those the whiche ben denounced by the commaundemente of the bysshoppes / prelates / and Iuges ben excommunyed of the grete excommunicacion / but also in many cases after the droit canon some fall in the grete excommunycacyon . Also many sentences ben wryten in droit canon the whiche hath ben ordeyned by popes and counceyloures vpon them the whiche commytteth ony synnes determyned . And the persones that whiche commytteth the synnes ben excommunyed ipso facto / but the curates sholde not put them out of the chyrche tyll that they ben declared of the Iuge for some causes the whiche ben not here wryten . And for as moche as those sentences the whiche ben wryten in droit canon sholde be to longe to wryte / many shall abyde for to fle the lengthe and some the whiche hath ben drawen fro the sayd ryghtes here foloweth . Fyrst these heretykes & lollers the whiche beleue / sustayne / and touche ony thynge agaynst the artycles of the faythe ben excommunyed by sentence of ryght . Also al those the whiche putteth faythe & credence vnto the sayd heretykes in reputynge theym to be good & to haue good faythe . Also those the whiche defende them in worde & in dede ben also excommunied . Also those the whiche putteth in holy grounde the sayd heretykes & theyr alies by credence / or those the whiche them hath receyued and defended ben also excomunyed / & sholde not not haue the benetyce of absolucyon / yf they ne vnbury them with theyr owne handes . Also yf ony say that the chyrche of Rome is not the heed and that he wyll not obey it / or yf he say that it ne may ordeyne the canons / suche is an heretyke excommunyed by sentence of ryght . Also those the whiche false or make to false that lettres of the pope / & those the whiche them sustayne & defende ben excommunyed . Also those the whiche falseth the lettre or seale of a cardynall is excommunyed . Also those the whiche gyueth lettynge vnto messagers & ambassadours of the holy syege appostolycal ben excommunyed ( ipse facto ) . Also ydolatres / wytches / inuocatours of the deuyll / & they the whiche hym demaundeth his helpe and wylle haue his aliaunce / or the whiche maketh couenaunt with hym / or those the which vnto hym do sacryfyce / or that worshyp hym And those the whiche vnto hym dooth homage or honour / or that demaundeth answere of ony demaunde / suche people ben excommunyed of dede by sentence of right Of this mater thou shalte fynde many examples in the nombre .lviii. & .lix. Also they the whiche putteth vyolently the handes on prestes / relygyous / & clerkes ben excommunyed . And yf there be ( atroci ) that is hurte enorme it is a case reserued vnto the pope . Also those they the whiche stryketh no clerke / but by theyr commaundement be stryken and with holden ben also excommunyed Also those the whiche ben the cause or the whiche giue the counceyle to ayde or put the handes on clerkes ben excommunyed . Also those the whiche ne counceyleth ne commaundeth but after that the dede is done ben agreables ben excommunyed . Also a relygyous that leueth folysshely the habyte of his relygyon is excommunyed and apostate . Also the monkes and chanons & regulers the whiche hath not of admynystracion the whiche go & gyue them vnto courtes of prynces without hauynge ony lycence especyall of theyr prelates / yf they do ony domages vnto theyr sayd prelates and monasteryes in the sayd courtes where they ben betaken / the texte sayth that in that dede they renne in sentence of excommunycacion . Also all relygyous that whiche brynge forthe wytyngly ony thynges in theyr predycacyons or elleswhere to th ende that they withdrawe the auditours & herers to pay the tythes ben excommunied And those relygyous the whiche sayth vnto them that go to confessyon vnto those that sholde make conscyence to haue payed the tythe sholde be suspended from the offyce of predycacyon tyll that they haue made conscyence & that they haue sayd vnto those confessed that they haue not well counceyled not for to pay the sayd tythes yf they may fynde them ne to haue the oportunyte . And afterwarde yf they were without repentaunce & that they presume to preche the sayd neclygence / they ben excommunyed by sentence of ryght ( ipse facto ) . Also a clerke the whiche knoweth carnally his concubine that is openly excommunyed / for that that he departeth not from the sayd concubyne is excommunycate . Vt habetur extra de senex . ca. Si concubine . Also those the whiche maketh fraccyon in a chyrche / or the whiche it brenneth ben excommunyed . Also those the whiche draweth ony persone vyolently out of the chyrche the whiche thyder was comen for to waraunt hym ben excommunyed . Also those the whiche gone ayenst the lybertees of the chyrche / or the whiche mak●th to kepe oni customes agaynst the sayd lyberte ben excommunyed . Also the rectours of the chyrches the whiche taketh away suche customes ayenst the sayd lyberte / and it may defende abate and do it not ben excommunyed . Also the lordes temporalles whiche constreyne ony to synge the thynges dyuynes in places interdyted / or the whiche dyffendeth that the persones excommunyed openly go not forth of the chyrche whan he that syngeth masse them commaundeth or maketh to tel them ben excommunycate . And those the which been named excommunyed yf they go not out of the chyrche aggreueth them in greter excommunycacyon . Also those the whiche steleth the oblacyons from the auter / some say that they ben to be excommunyed . Also those the whiche buryeth in a chyrchyarde enterdited / or the whiche buryeth those that ben excommunyed openly or inderdyted named by worde expresse . Or those the whiche buryeth vsurers the whiche ben open & the whiche wyl not restore the vsuryes / suche people ben excommunyed . Also false makers of money the whiche falseth the kynge coyne of Englonde / or those the whiche bereth false money for to deceyue other ben excōmunycates in that dede . For to shorte this mater al persones the whiche ben cursed and excommunyed shall be dampned & sent in to the fyre and tourment of hel yf they so deye without absolucyon / correccyon / & amendement Thou arte cursed & excommunyed I put the case / than thou shalt be dampned & sent in to the fyre of hell yf thou correct the not . Vn̄ athana . Qui mala egerunt ibunt in ignem eturnum . vel sic . They shall be strongly cursed that shall haue lyke sentence / punycion : & dampnacion as the deuyl of hell . They the whiche breke the commaundementes of god shall haue lyke sentence & punycion as the deuyls yf they deye impenytentes . Than they shal be moche accursed . Vn̄ mat . xxv . Discedite a me maled : cti in ignem eturnum qui paratus est dyabolo et angelus eius . This sentence that god shal caste at the day of Iugement vpon the damned conteyneth .vi. clauses . The fyrst clause is vnderstande by ( discedite a me ) the whiche is that god shall departe & shal sende the euyll out of his company / the whiche shall be vnto them a terryble thynge for to here For after that they shall be departed they shal be put from the vysyon of god / that is that they shal neuer se hym ne his sayntes . The seconde clause is to vnderstande by this worde ( maledicti ) the whiche is that god shall caste his grete fulmynacyon / excommunycacion / and maledyccion vpon the dampned . The thyrde is vnderstande by this preposicion ( in ) the whiche god shall assygne / lodge / & put the synners within the prysons of hell . The fourth clause is vnderstande by this worde ( ignem ) the whiche is the god shal put them in possession of a terryble tourment that is the fyre that shall brenne them for the ylles that they haue done . The .v. is vnderstande by ( eternum ) the whiche shall make the yll to dyspayre / for after that they ben entred in to hell they shall neuer go forthe / ne neuer haue grace / mercy / helpe / socoures / ne confort For in hell shall be theyr bedde / hous / and dwellynge . The .vi. is ( qui paratus est diabolo et angelis eius ) . That is that the dampned shal be assocyate & assembled to be in hel punysshed with the deuylles . Example of a cursed ryche man that brente in the fyre of hell .lxxxiiii. A. Other examples of people excommunyed Quere .lxxxix. f. g. h.

A. Of the punycyon eternall that those the whiche haue broken the commaundements of god shall haue . xlix .

DAuyd the prophete sayth in the psalter the wordes of god . Si iusticias meas prophanauerint impii et mandata mea non custodierint vilitabo in virga iniquitates eorum et in verberibus peccata eorum . Yf the cursed synners hathe taken in scorne my Iustyces & that they haue not kepte my commaundementes I shall vesyte theyr inyquytees in a rodde and in strykynge theyr synnes . Creatures reasonables we sholde obey to do that that god wylleth & commaundeth for the loue hym the whiche is full of bounte infynyte / & of drede to haue punycyon and dampnacyon eternall . For it is a thynge certayne that euery man that synneth mortally in brekynge one or many of the commaundementes of god by delyberacyon . And yf in suche wyse he deye impenytent / obstynate & arested that he shal be put from paradyse & sent in to the fyre and tourments of hell without ony remyssyon as is beforesayd . Thou hast commyted theft or lechery / or broken ony commaundemente / I put the case & so thou deyest impenytent Than thou shalt be brought in to the fyre of hel the whiche is a tourment moch cruel Vnde appo . xx . Qui non est inuentus in libro vite scriptus missus est in stagnum ignis . He that is not founde wryten in the boke of lyfe is sente in to the ponde of fyre brennynge . And Athanaise in the psalme of qui cumque . Qui mala egerunt ibunt in ignem eturnum . Those the whiche haue doone euyll & synne in theyr lyues shall go in to the fyre eternall yf they deyen impenytentes . Vn̄ luce . xiii . Nisi penitenciam habueritis omnes simul peribitis . None of vs ne wolde be brent / ne broyled / ne cast in a fyre brennynge there for to dwell / and soo to abyde without euer goynge forth . And it is a thynge certayne that all those and they the which deye in mortall synne impenytentes / obstynate and arested shall be sent in to the fyre of hell by the sentence before wryten . Ite maledicti in ignem eternum . And shall be constrayned there for to dwell and there to holde them wyll they or not . God shall not spare them at the daye of vengeaunce the prayers shall do nothynge / ne the wrathe / ne the golde ne the syluer / ne gyftes / ne promysses . Vnde prouerbio . vi . Zelus et furor viri non parcit dominus in die vindicte nec acquiescet cuiusquam precibus nec suscipiet ꝓ redemptione dona plurima . Also he that whiche hath broken one of the commaundementes of god shall be dampned and put from paradyse / for it as for many yf he be deed impenytent without correccion and amendement / for he hath be transgressoure of the lawe . And god wolde that that the whiche he hathe broken were as well kepte as all the other . Vnde iacobi . ii . Quicunque autem totam legem seruauerit offendat autem in vno factum est omnium reus . Qui enim dicit . Non mechaberis / dixit et non occides : qd si non mechaberis occides autem / factus es transgressor legis . &c. Also he the which hath broken the commaundement of god shall fele terryble dolours at his dethe in lykewyse as a man shall fynde in the examplary where it speketh of the dethe of euyll persones . And fyrst . Example how the deuyll drewe the soule from the body of a cursed ryche man with an hoke . Quere in the examplary . C.v. A.

B. A questyon . Who so sholde demaunde what is or shall be the fyre of hell where vnto the sayd inobedyentes shall be al sent The answere is after the holy scryptures that it doth deferre in many of maners vntoo that fyre of this presente worlde here . Primo that of this presente worlde dothe gyue clerenes ● & that the whiche is of hell is blacke / obscure / & tenebrous the whiche gyueth no lyght vnto no consolacyon . And by somtimes it casteth lyght but it is for to gyue more greter tourmentes / payne / drede / and desolacyon . Saynt Gregory sayth in his moralles . Hic flamma que succendet illuminat illic / ignis qui cruciat obscurat . The flambe the whiche brenneth in this worlde gyueth lyght / & the fyre that tourmenteth in hell waxeth derke . Secundo the fyre of this worlde quencheth / & it must be holden togyders with wood & with maters combustybles to blowe & to kyndle . And the fyre of hell is vnto the contrary / for euermore it dureth without quenchinge / without wood & without to be blowen ne to be kyndeled / and the mater combustible of the sayd fyre of hell where it taketh & where it brenneth cruelly / that is all synne / all yll / and inobedyence . It is wryten Ysaie vltimo . ca. & mar . ix . Qd vermis eorum scilicet dānatorū non monetur / et ignis non extinguiter . That is to saye The remors of the conscience & the worme of the dampned deyeth not / and the fyre ne quencheth nor gooth out / that is incessably it dureth & it holdeth in estate / & euermore it brenneth . The gospell of saynt mathewe sayth that god shall sende them in to the fyre of hell that is inextynguyble . Also it is wryten Iob. xx . Demorauit illum scilicet impium ignis qui non succenditur / super quod ait gregorius . Gehenne ignis cum sit corporeus et in se missos reprobos corporaliter exurat nec humano studio succenditur / nec lignis nutritur / sed semel creatus duratinextinguibilis / nec ardore caret . The fyre the whiche is not lyght shall deuour the cursed dampned Saynt Gregory expoundeth this the which sayth . The fyre of hell as it is of body & brenneth corporally the dampned sent in to it is not lyghted by study humanye / nor nourysshed by wood / but ones created inextynguyble hath not of indygence successiuely to be holden togyders / & it is not without heet . Et math. iii. dicitur paleas .i. peccatores comburet igni inextinguibili . Tercio the fyre of this worlde consumeth / putteth in to asshes maketh to dye & to defayle . And that of hel is vnto the contrary / for though that it be moche cruell / eygre / sharpe / & hote yet consumeth it not / ne maketh too defayle ne to deye the dampned . Saynt Iohan Crysostome de reparatione lapsi . Ignis iste qui in presenti vita est consumit cuncra que recipit / ille vero quos suscipit semper cruciat et pene sue semper integros reseruat . For the soule is immortal the whiche shal be clothed with a body uncorruptyble & immortall at the resurreccyon of the grete Iugement / not vnto the honoure of lyfe but to the grete langour of tourment . The psal. sayth . Sicut oues in inferno positi sunt / mors de pascet eos . And sayni Gregory sayth how the dampned shall haue dethe without dyenge / ende without endyng / defaute without defaylynge . The dethe euermore shal lyue The ende euermore shall begynne . The defaute ne may defayle . And euermore in dyenge they shall lyue / & in lyuynge they shal dye / and dye may they neuer . Grego . Sit miseris sine morte / finis sine fine / defectus sine defectu / quia mors semper viuit / finis semper incipit / et defectus deficere nescit . Quarto the fyre of hell is so brennynge ho to the regarde of that in this worlde and aboue it that our entendement ne may comprehende and esteme it / the whiche shall broyle the cursed dampned / not egally / but as euery one of them hathe of synne with hym the whiche synne is mater combustyble wherof the sayd fyre holdeth as it sayd is / and in lykewyse as it shall be declared here afterwarde . Quinto the fyre of hell is stynkynge / and so is not that of this present worlde . Examples . Primo how one of the dampned tolde vnto saynt Machayre the gretenes of the fyre of hell / & the dyfference of tourmentes of theym the whiche there do brenne . Quere .lvii. A. Another example of the cursed Dyues the brenneth in the fyre of hel . Quere .lxxxiiii. a. Another example . C.vii. A. Another example how a preste sawe his moder that was dampned & tourmented cruelly for arayenge & makynge gay atyre vpon her heed / for shewynge her brestes / for daunsynge / lepynges / & vnshamefull enbrasynges . Quere . lxxxx.c Another example of a woman aduoutres damned & cruelly brenned & tourmented . lxxxx . A. And the dampned endureth wyll they or not the sayd fyre of hell / so haue they many tourmentes . They shall haue with the sayd fyre derkenes / stynke / smoke / tempest / honger / thyrste / colde / & froste . They shal haue foulenes / horrour / heuynes / weykenes / drede / and fere . They shal haue terreur of deuylles / serpentes / & foule company wherof the soule shall be enuyroned & set about . They shall haue dyffame / shame reproche / euilles innombrables without ende They shall crye & bray / they shall deye without deyenge . They shall haue yre / dyscorde hate / cofusion / they shal blaspheme & curse for the punycyon / they shal haue seruytude dolour / bytternes / desolacyon / they shal be sory / enraged / oute of wytte / & despayred . Also the sayd dampned shal neuer haue peas for all euylles shal renne & warre vpon them They shal neuer haue bounte / for they shal be cursed & euyll / they shall neuer haue beaute / but euer hydeous / vylanous / blacke / & horrybles . They shal neuer haue force ne vertue / but euermore weyke & feble / they shall neuer haue loue / but euermore shall be in hate / ne honour but dyshonour . They shall neuer haue Ioyous lyfe / for they shall haue dethe without deyenge as it is sayd / ne lyght for they shall be in derkenes the● shal neuer haue lyberte to go ne to do they● wyll / for they shall be at the subgeccyon ▪ obedyence of all euylles & aduersytees vnto the whiche they must obeye wyll they or not . They shall neuer haue suerte / but be in drede & fere / ne swetenes for they shal be in bytternesse / ne rychesse but euermore in pouerte . They shall neuer haue helthe / but euermore sekenes / ne concorde but euermore discorde / ne dysporte but euermore enoy ne wysdome but euermore foly / they shall neuer haue swyftnesse / but alwaye shall be weyghty & heuy / ne subtylyte / but alwaye euyll subtylles . Also they shall be euermore passybles / immortalles howbeit that they desyre dethe it fleeth fro them . Also they shall neuer haue paradyse / rest / glory / ioye / gladnesse / but euyll & heuynesse . Who so sholde speke of euery of the euylles that they shall haue in pertyculer as the scryptures determyneth it sholde be to longe a thinge to wryte And therfore this suffyseth of thinges thee be spoken in generall .

C. Here foloweth a questyon for to vnderstonde yf those the whiche commytteth in this worlde many synnes in dyspysynge the commaundementes of god yf they shal haue punycyon eternal in hell for eche of those synnes / by suche wyse that yf they deye imponytentes without contrycyon ne confessyon . The scrypture gyueth the answere that sayth Qd nullum malum remanebit ipunitū . Et legit . i. ad co. iii. Vnusqque aunt propriam mercedem accipiet scdm suum laborem . And the psalmist sayth . Vureddes vnicuique iuxta opera sua . Wherby it foloweth that all synne shal be punysshed . And for to dyscerne of the punycyon how grete it shal be it passeth our wyt but god in whome all the treasour of scyence & sapyence resteth & that is full of bounte infynyte the whiche is Iust & the fountayne of all Iustyce the whiche seeth & knoweth the hertes & operacyons of euery one & in what intencyon they ben made shal yelde vnto euery man after his laboure be it in well or in yll . That is to saye . that in suche measure that ony hath synned that is to commytte of grete synnes & of grete nombre and taken delectacyon & is longe tyme in suche measure he shall be punysshed without that he fayle ony thynge . Vn̄ luce . vi . Eadem mensura qua messi fueritis remitietur vobis . Vbi dicit basil . Qua mensura vnusquisque peccat aut bn̄ agit / eadem premia aut penam sumet . Example a man that hathe done an hondred synnes shall fele an hondred tymes more grete payne than he that hath done but one . Vn̄ deut. xxv . Pro mensura peccati erit et plagarum modus . After the measure & quantyte of the synne shall be the maner of the woundes . Also of as more as the synne shall be done in the greter degrees of persones they shal be the more greuously punysshed . Vn̄ Ihero . In maio u gradi / maior siue dubio pena . As he that is maryed or preste synneth more in committynge lechery than other persones . Also of as moche more as they haue takynge more greter delectacyon / or that they shal gloryfye them in theyr synnes & vanytees / or of as moche more that they therin haue been more longly / of as moche more shall they haue in hell more grete payne & tourmentes . Vn̄ appoc. xvii .. Quantum glorificauit se scilicet peccator in petō & in deliciis fuit in diurnitate tm̄ date illi tormentum & luctum . Also of as moche more as they haue sought newe delectacyons not accustomed of as moche shal they be tourmented . Vn̄ iob . xx Iuxta multitudinem adiuentionū suarum sic et sustinebit . Also those membres the whiche hath moost habounded in synne moost shall habounde in tourmentes as sayeth the scrypture . Vn̄ Isodorus . In membro quo quis amplius peccauit / in illo amplius tormenta patietur . Et ber. dicit . In quo membro creator plus offendit / in eodem peccator grauius pumetur . And euery man shal be punysshed ( per penam talionis ) for his offence to th ende that he there haue euermore reemors in his conscyence that he endureth so moche euyll by his owne operacyon . Vnde sapi. xi . ' Per que peccat quis / per hec et torquetur . And in the persone in whome there is moost of synnes & of cursednesses the fyre of helle moost terrybly shall take & cruelly shall brenne and tourment . For as it is sayd the mater combustyble of the fyre of hell / and wherfore it is create : & where it taketh for to doo yll / that is for to brenne synne & the persone that it commytteth . Also we se by experyence that the fyre of this worlde is more grete & sharper where as is moost of fagottes & of maters combustybles . In lykewyse is it of the sayd fyre of hel where there is moost of synnes & grete sharpenes of fyre / wherfore the grete synners ben more brente & tourmented than they in whome there is lesse of sinnes . And yf saynt Peter were within the fyre of hell euen by Lucyfer he sholde haue none harme / for in hym there is no mater combustible / that is no synne And therfore yf ony persone were all assured and certayne too be dampned yet sholde he cease to do yll & synne / and sholde do the moost of good dedes that he myght to the ende that he haue the lesse of payne in the tourmentes of helle . He the whiche thathe noo moo but one sore / botche / or sekenesse hath not to suffre soo moche of payne and anguysshe as he the whiche hathe on hym x. or .xx.

D. A questyon . What dyfference is there betwene the fyre of helland that of purgatory / and of the soules the whiche there ben brente / broyled and cruelly tourmented . The answere after some scryptures is in this maner of wyse . The sayd fyre is egally hote the one as the other / but it hathe a dyfference in as moche as the one is eternall & the other is but for a tyme . And they that ben in purgatory go in to paradyse after that theyr penaunce is ended / but they of hell go not out of the sayd fyre . And wherfore abyde they & the other gone forth . The reason is suche that those that ben in purgatorye hath goten grace or they departed fro this worlde / & haue taken away the culpe or gylt of synne by contrycyon & confessyon / & for that they haue not doone the payne that they haue deserued after penaunce thider they go to do it in the sayd fyre of purgatory . And whan they ben within it the fyre taketh and begynneth to brenne the delectacyon & spot of synne the whiche is his mater combustyble as it is sayd / & neuer shall cease to brenne and to broyle tyll that it fynde no more mater of synne . As a man may se how the fyre of this worlde wel kyndled brenneth the wood & all the mater combustyble that vnto it is admynystred tyl that the mater be consumed & brent and that al be purged . And whan the sayd fyre of purgatory hath consumed and purged all the mater of synne the persone is delyuered / & so gooth in to paradyse pure and clene . And it is to be noted that it behoueth to passe through the fyre / & that the fyre shall proue what the operacyon of euery man is . And yf the operacyon that he hath edyfyed abyde without brennynge / he shal haue rewarde . And yf the operacyon that he hath edyfyed brenne he shal suffre tourment He shall be saued also as the fyre . Vn̄. pau. i. ad corin . ii . Vnusqsque opus quale sit ignis ꝓbabit / si cuius opus manserit quod suꝑedificauit mercedem accipiet : si cuius opus arserit detrimentum patietur : ipse autem saluus erit sic tamen quasi per ignem . The dampned ben vnto the contrary of them of purgatory . for whan they deye they ben impenytentes / obstynate / & abydeth in theyr synnes / and bereth them with them without takynge away the gylte of the sayd synnes by contrycyon & penaunce ne without getynge ony grace ne mercy whyles that they lyued in this worlde & that they haue the tyme and the place for to do it . And for as moche as the soule is eternall & immortal the whiche shall be sent vnto the fyre eternall / & that it shall haue with it euermore synne that the sayd fyre shall brenne . In lykewyse the soule euermore shall suffre payne / and euermore shall brenne with the sayd synne the whiche neuer shall haue mercy . By these thynges the whiche ben wryten in this boke it appereth that we sholde loue god chyldely and perfytely more than al thynges for the grete good Infynyte the whiche is in hym / and to loue our neyghbour as our selfe in god / and for the loue of hym . Morouer it appereth that we sholde do & accomplysshe the commaundementes of god for to escape the tourmentes of hell / and to th ende to possede the Ioyes of paradyse . Vnto the whiche we may go & vs to enioye cum illo qui est benedictus in secula seculorum . Amen .

Here is the ende of the boke the whiche is called the floure of the commaundementes of god .
Here begynneth the exemplayre of the commaundementes of god . ii .

ALmyghty god the fader / the sone and the holy ghost / the whiche is but one only god in trynyte / pleaseth it him to enlumyne the hartes and thoughtes of all those the whiche shall studye this boke the whiche is called the exemplayre of the commaundementes of god / for it is all of examples . The whiche examples hathe be extracted & gadered in many bookes / in lykewyse as bereth wytnes euery example . And hathe be transmuted and chaunged fyrste frome laten in to Frensshe / and from Frensshe nowe lately in to Englysshe tongue . To th ende that the symple people the whiche knowe no laten them may vnderstonde . And yf ony saye that there are of examples the whiche ne ben holy scryptures I confesse it wele . But I saye that they ben vysyons or myracles that some persones credybles hathe sene ryally / or knowen by experyence the whiche hath be put in wrytynge . For asmoche as they haue consonance to approue the holy scryptures . &c. And for that that many examples ben put in the booke of the dyscyple it is not for to alegge it as holy personne / or holy scrypture / but for that / that it was a greate clerke the whiche founde the sayd examples in bookes the whiche we haue not studyed . &c.

Obedientia .
A. Examples of those the whiche hathe obeyed to the wyll of god and of theyr superyours . And fyrst example how Abraham was obedyent vnto god . Ca. li.

IT is wryten in the .xvii. chapytre of gene. how Abraham was obedyent vnto god whan he him commaunded the cyrcumsycion the whiche was a thynge moche harde and cruell . Also he was obedyente whan god sayd vnto hym that he shold leue his frendes and his countree . Egredere deterra tua et de cognatione tua . &c For his obedyence god appered vnto him in an euenynge and sayd vnto hym . It is I that hathe made the heuen and the erthe &c. I am appered vnto the for that / that thou dredest my name . And therfore I shall gyue the benedyccyon and vnto thy lynce Agayne god sayd vnto hym . Beholde the erthe on the one syde and on the other . I shall gyue the all the countrees that thou beholdest vnto the and vnto thy lygnee . / More ouer god said vnto hym . Beholde the sterres of the skye & nombre them . Than Abraham sayd that there were soo many that he ne myght nombre them . And god sayd vnto hym . In lyke wyse shall be thy sede vpon the erthe . Of the and of thy wyfe shall come forthe a sone the whiche shal haue my benedyccyon and those of his lygnee . Abraham and his wyfe Sarra were auncyent / that wende lytell to haue had lygnee bycause of theyr aege . After that the said Abraham hadde a sone named ysaac the whiche he loued so moche that he nese hym halfe / for that that he had but hym legytyme / and for that that he had hym in his aege . Also for that that god vnto hym hadde promysed benedyccyon . More ouer for that that he was of greate beaute and full of bounte . Also it is wryten in the .xvii. chapytre of genese how god wolde assaye Abraham and he appered vnto hym and sayd vnto hym . Abraham thou ne mayste haue no mo chyldren I haue gyuen the one the whiche thou louest moche . I wyll that thou go in to a mountayne that I shall shewe the and that thou make vnto me sacrefyce of thy sone . The manere to make sacrefyce in that tyme there was that they had a lambe or a gote and dyde cut his throte and brente hym / the whiche thynge was commaunded vnto Abraham . Than Abraham wolde obeye vnto god albeit that in his herte he was ryght pyteous to slee his sone for the loue that he hadde vnto hym And he toke hym and his asse and two of his seruauntes and so yede vnto the sayd place that god vnto hym had commaunded How be it that they had the space of thre dayes Iourney to walke . Whan they came vnto the fote of the sayd mountayne / the sayd Abraham lefte his asse and hys two seruauntes and yede he and his sone . And toke a burden of wodde / a swerde & of fyre . And in goynge vp the sayd mountayne Ysaac demaunded of his fader where the sayd sacrefyce was . He answered that god sholde prouyde . And whan they were at the place Abraham sayd vnto his sone in wepynge that god hym hadde commaunded that he sholde make sacrefyce of hym Than the sone the whiche was good and benyngne answered in wyllynge to obeye vnto god and vnto his sayd fader . My swete and amiable fader it is reason that I submytte me and obeye vnto you / and that the wyll of god be accomplysshed : / Than they began for to wep̄e . And Ysaac sayd vnto his fader . Alas my fader wherfore had ye not tolde me / to th ende that I had sayd farewell my moder . I pray you my fader that ye recommaunde me vnto her / And also I praye you that ye bynde me / for that that I am yonge and stronge and that ye be auncyent and feble / to th ende that whan ye shall come for to sleeme that I ne doo vnto you thynge the whiche is not good . / Than Abraham with grete teres bounde his handes . And lefte hym on hye vppon the fagotte of byllettes / & drewe his swerde for to stryke of his heed . And whan he had lyfte vp his stroke for to stryke the aungell cryed and sayd . Abraham / abraham stryke not thy chylde / nowe god knoweth that thou dredest him . And Abraham cast his syghte asyde and sawe a lambe by him amonge the thornes the whiche was teyde by the hornes in the sayd thornes . He thanked god with grete ioy . &c. And toke the sayd lambe and made sacrefice in steed of his sone / in lyke wyse as it is writen in gene. ca. This example oughte to moue vs for to obeye vnto god and vnto fader / and vnto moder . Yf Abraham were obedyent vnto so cruell a commaundement as to slee his chylde / by more stronge reason we sholde obeye vnto thynges the whiche ben light to do . &c. Obedyence is certayne lyfe and waye for to go vnto lyfe eternell And also as Adam was forclosed from the realme of paradyse by inobence . In lyke wyse Abraham hathe had beatytude and lyfe eternell by obedyence . Also obedyence is the laddre by the whiche men mouūt on hye in to paradyse / in lyke wyse as men maye se by fygure . For it is wryten howe Iacob sawe in his slepe a laddre the whiche touched the heuen with the one ende / by the whiche the aungelles ascended and dyscended & Ihesus was there intremedled . Vnde gene. Iacob v●dit in sonnis scalam stantem super terram atm cacumen illius tangens celum : angelos quo que dei ascendentes et descendentes per eam et dominus innixum scale dicentem sibi ego sum deus Abraham . &c. This laddre is obedyence . For withoute obeynge vnto the commaundementes of god a man ne maye mounte in to paradyse as sayeth the gospell . Vnde mathei .xix. Si vis ad vitam ingredi serua mandata . That is to saye / Yt thou wylte entre in to lyfe eternell kepe the commaundementes of our lorde Ihesu cryste . The staues of this laddre ben the ten commaundementes / vnto the whiche a man sholde obeye redely without dylacyon deuoutly without dysdeyne / wyllyngly without contradyccyon / ioyously without heuynes / vertuously without feblenes ne weykenes / perseuerauntly withoute ceasynge ne ennoye . Also obedyence is the keye the whiche openeth paradise / and inobedience is that that shytteth it . Saynt poule sayeth of those the whiche ne wyll obeye . Illud ad thessal .iii. Si quis non obedierit verbo nostro per epistolam hunc notate et ne commiseamini cum eo vt confundatur . That is to say . Yf there be ony that wyll not obeye vnto our worde by epystyll note ye hym / and acompany ye not with hym / to the ende that he be confounded / For to be shorte / obedyence is requysyte of necessyte of helthe . And therfore it is in suche wyse dyffynyed after mayster Hyonde foliot . Obedientia est salus omnium fidelium genitrix omnium virtutum : inuentrix regni celorum : virtus celos aperiens et hominem in de eleuans cohabitatrix angelorum : cibus omnium sanctorum ex hac enim letati sunt : et per hanc ad perfectionem venerunt . The whiche is as moche for to saye . Obedyence is the helthe of all those that be faythfull / the engendresse of all vertues / the fynderesse of the realme of heuens / the vertue openynge the heuens lyftynge vp man from the erthe / the dweller or nere enhabytaunt of aungelles / the vyande of all sayntes / by her they ben gyuen souke / and by her they ben come vnto perfeccyon . Without obedyence noo man maye haue saluacion nor escape dampnacyon . And therfore yf thou wylte haue of good & not to haue none ylle / it behoueth that thou be obedient vnto the commaundementes of god and of the superyoures in thynges the whiche ben after god & good maneres as was Abraham and as hathe be the sayntes of paradyse .

B. Another example of a monke the whiche caste his sone in to a brennynge ouen by obedyence / yet was he not brende . li.

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders how a seculer man renounced the worlde and made hym a monke And afterwarde by leue he yede to seche a lytell sone that he had lefte in a cyte / and bare hym vnto the monastery . And the abbot toke hym betwene his armes and kyssed hym . After sayd vnto his fader . Louest thou this childe ( he answered ye ) After the abbot demaunded loueste thou hym . And the fader yet answered hym ye . After the abbot sayd vnto him Yf thou loue hym take hym and caste him in to this brennynge fyre . At the houre they were at the ouen where men make brede . and the ouen was enbrased with fyre / and the fader caste hym within the ouen . And incontynent the sayd ouen was in lyke wyse as it hadde be roused with water and the fyre ne dyde no hurte vnto the chylde . In that dede he gate glorye in that tyme / as dyde Abraham the p̄atryarke by the grete fayth that he hadde in god and obedyence vnto his abbot .

C. Another example of the obedyence of Noe. li.

IT is wryten the .vii. chapytre of genese that Noe was obedyent vnto god in all thynges that he hym commaunded . Facit noe omnia que mandauerat ei dns. And for that that he was a good man Iuste and obedyent he ne was taken in the deluge with the ylle . For god hym commaunded that he sholde make an arche in the whiche he sholde entre hymself / his wyfe / his thre sones / and theyr wyues . And they were saued and preserued from the grete haboundaunce of waters the whiche drowned al the worlde .

D. Another example of the obedyence of Ioseph . li.

YT is wryten in the .xxxvii. chapytre of genese how Ioyeth was prepared to obeye vnto his fader whan he wolde sende hym vnto his brederne the whiche kest him in to an olde cysterne and solde hym vnto straunge people . In the ende and conclusyon for that that he was a good man Iuste and chaste not wyllynge to commytte lecherye with the wyfe of Pharaon the whiche requyred hym and that he was obedyent vnto god and vnto his sayd fader he had domynacion aboue his brederne . Albeit that he was the yongest .

E. Another example of the obedyence of yonge Thobie . li.

IT is writen in the .v. chapitre of the boke of Thobye that after that the yonge Thobye had be we le instructe of his fader that he ne sholde commytte mortall synne / & that in his lyfe he sholde do many almesdedes and good operacyons / & more ouer that he hym had commaunded that he sholde go in to a place ferre from his worldly besynesses . The good chylde answerde illud thobie . v.c. Omnia quecumque precepisti pater faciam . That is to saye fader I shall do all thynges that thou commaundest me By his obedyence the aungell was assocyate with hym / and ledde hym vnto the place where his fader had sente hym & after broughte hym agayne withoute hauynge ony ylle .

A. Another example of matathias . lii

IT is wryten in the .ii. cha. of the fyrst of Machabees that a man of the lygnee of Israhell named Matathias was so obedyent vnto god in kepynge the lawe of his faders that the messagers of the kynge of Anthyoche ne myghte make hym to do sacrefyce vnto the ydolles & to leue hys lawe . Vnto the whiche messengers he answered . Et si omnes gēres regi anthioco obediunt & discedant vnusqsque a seruitute legis patrum suorum & consentiant mandatis eius : ego et filii mei & fratres met obediemus legi patrum nostrorum . That is to saye yf the people of Anthyoche leue the lawe of theyr faders to obey vnto the kynge / yet I my sones & my brederne shall obeye vnto the lawe of our faders . This matathias was so wrothe to se the people erre & goo agaynst the lawe of god that he slewe the messenger of the kyng of Anthyoche as he constrayned the people to do sacrefyce / & dyde caste horrybly a Iewe vpon the aulter as he sacryfyced . Afterwarde dystroyed the ydoles and fledde he and his chyldren in to the mountaynes & called with them all those that had zele of the lawe & persecuted the synners / This matathias the whiche loued god & obeyed vnto his commaundemente more soner than vnto the commaundement of a temporall kynge he is to looue / to prayse / and to loue . For a man sholde kepe the lawe & the commaundementes of god as it is sayd and to persecute the synnes / and those the whiche them commytte .

B. Another example of the obedyence of our lorde Ihesus and of his appostylles . Capitulo . lii .

IT is wryten in the .ii. chapitre of the gospelles of saynt luke that our lorde Ihesus was cyrcumcysed & wolde be presented in the temple with oblacyons in shewynge that he wolde obeye vnto the lawe / And whan he had .xxii. yeres it is wryten that he was submytte & obeyssaunt vnto the parentes . Vn̄luce .ii. Erat subditis illis . Also it is wryten that he was obedyente vnto god tyl vnto the dethe for vs . Vn̄ pa. ad phi. ii . Xp̄s factus est ꝓ nobis obediens deo patri vsque ad mortem : mortem aunt crucis And of the appostles it is wryten that incontynent that our lorde them called they were obedyent & yode after him . Vnde mat . ix & .iiii. Relictis omnibus secutisunt eum . Also whan the appostylles were reproued of the prynces of the preestes that they ne kepte theyr commaundement . they answered illud actuum . iiii . Obedire oportet ded magis quam hominibus That is to saye that it behoueth to obeye vnto god more sooner than vnto the wyll of prynces / in lyke wyse sholde we do and we shall haue paradyse .

C. Another example of the obedyence of saynt Mor. lii .

IT is wryten in the legende of saint Mor howe saynt benoyst knewe in spyryte that the water of a ryuer bare awaye a chylde that was fallen in it / he called one of his dyscyples named Mor & commaunded hym to renne after the chylde / whiche was obedyente & yode aboue the water after it He founde hym & brought hym by the heer hole and sounde . And whan he was out of the water he loked behynde hym / he meruaylled & apperceyued the myracle that he graunted vnto the merytes of his mayster And saynt benoist sayd that it was by the obedyence of saynt Mor.

D. Another example of a relygyous the whiche bounde a lyon . lii

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders that an abbot commaunded his relygyous y he sholde go seche hym a lion the whiche was a moche cruell beest / he theder yode by obedyence / he founde hym / & bounde him & ledde hym vnto the sayd abbot as a man wolde haue do a symple and swete beest / Whan he ranne after hym & that he had sayd vnto hym . Myn abbot hathe commaunded me that I sholde bynde that and brynge that vnto hym . Whan the sayd abbot sawe the beest wolde humble hym vnto his relygyous sayd vnto hym . Baneur vnbynde him wherfore hast thou brought hym . In this dede here all relygyous maye knowe that it is a grete thyng of the vertue of obedyence Also it is to be noted that the good abbot ne praysed his relygyous of drede of vayn glorye / but blamed hym for to meke hym .

E. Another example of a relygyous the whiche watered a drye busshe . lii .

WRyten it is in the lyfe of faders how an abbot set a drye busshe & commaunded vnto his relygyous that he sholde water it euery day tyll that it bare fruyte . And that he shold go seche of water in suche a fountayne the whiche was so ferre of that whan he parted in the mornynge : it was nyght whan he came agayne . The sayd relygyous was obedient vnto his abbot / & watered it by the space of thre yere euery daye . And by his obedyence the logge waxed grene & bare fruyte / was giuen to the freres saynge that they sholde ete of the fruyte of obedyence . By this example it behoueth to vnderstonde that it is a grete thynge of the vertue of obedyence syth that a drye logge bare fruyte . For it is a thynge contrary vnto nature .

F. Another example of a religious wryter

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders that an abbot hadde a dyscyple named marc that he loued for his obedyence / he had of other dyscyples that were sory that the abbot loued better marc than them . After that these other auncyentes herde this thynge they came vnto him to shewe how the freres that were with hym were sory / & before that he vnto them confessed ony thynge ledde him into the chambres of euery of them & called them by theyr propre names / & sayd vnto them brederne come ye forthe / for I haue to be besy with you / & none of them ne wold come oute forthe . After they yode vnto the dore of marc & incontynente that the abbot had stryken & called hym by his propre name he came forthe without taryeng & the abbot entred & demaunded what he made / & he sayd that he wrote / & had lefte his lettre imparfayte whan he herde hym call . And the other auncyentes sayd vnto hym . Truely we loue hym in the thynge that thou loueste hym / & also god loueth hym for his obedyence . This example denoteth that all good relygyous sholde obeye vnto theyr prelates redely without heuynes / or dilacyon / they shal haue praysyng before god & the world .

G. Another example how obedyence ꝓcedeth the other vertues in heuen .

IT is wryten in the life of faders how foure brederne came vnto the abbot pambo with robes of skinnes / & euery of them shewed the vertue that one of the other in the abscence of hym of the whiche men spake & the one of them fasted moche / the other ne posseded nothynge / the thyrde had grete charite . Of the .iiii. they said that he had be xxii . yeres in grete obedyence . The abbot pambo answered theym . I saye you that the vertue of this here that hathe had obedyence is more grete than the other . For euery of you hathe reteyned his propre wyll with the vertue the whiche possedeth / & this here renounceth vnto his propre wyll & maketh hymselfe seruaunt of a straunge wyll . Vnto a relygyous it apperteyneth greate rewarde / for at euery houre his wyll is broken . Whan he is layde in his bedde & we le at ease / also it behoueth that he aryse to go to matynes by obedyence / & that his wyll be broke . And also of the masse & of other houres hym behoueth to leue all other wylles for to go theder . And also these relygyous maye not go in no place without lycence / of the prelate / for they ben dyspoylled of theyr propre willes so that they ne haue . neque velle : neque nolie And therfore they ne may leue more grete thynge than theyr propre wylles . &c. Also it appereth that vnto a good religious obedyence it apperteyneth to haue greate rewarde in paradyse . The whiche rewarde vnto them is kepte after the dethe . Of the whiche speketh saynt poule in his epystle ad co. quam oculos non vidit : nec auris audiuit : nec in cor hominis ascendit q preperauit deus diligentibus se .

H. Another example how relygyous obedience haue grete reward in paradise .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders that how a holi fader sawe in heuen . iiii ordres of people . The fyrst was of seke men whiche yelde thankes vnto god in theyr sekenes . The seconde was of men hospytalers that lodged the poore & mynystred vnto them theyr necessites . The thyrde ordre of people were solytayres that lyued without seynge ony persone . The .iiii. ordre was of people submytte to obeye vnto the people spyrytuell for the loue of god . This .iiii. ordre that was obeyssaunce had in heuen more grete merite & rewarde than the other . For these obedyentes haue crowne and ceptre of gold . And the holy fader the whiche sawe these sayd thynges demaunded of hym that shewed them vnto hym . How hathe thys ordre more grete rewarde the whiche me semeth to be more lytell than the other . He answerde those that ben hospytalers lyue after theyr propre wyll / in lyke wyse those the ben hermites solitayre they lyue in the worlde of theyr propre wyl / but they that ben in obedyence take awaye theyr owne wylles that depende vnto god & vnto the commaundement of the fader spyrytuel / & therfore they haue more grete glorye than these other / & therfore obedyence is goode whan it is done for the loue of god .

I. Another example of a religyous obedyent and of an abstynent . lii .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders / how two bretheren carnalles came to dwelle in a monastery . The one was of ryght clere contynence & the other of grete obedyence . Whan the fader of the monastery sayd vnto the obedyent / doo this thynge / he dyde it / do that there / he obeyde / ete in the mornynge / he ete / vpon this thynge he hadde grete opynyon . And his brother contynent was punysshed for the enuye that he had ayenste his broder / the whiche thought vnto hym that he sholde proue hym for to vnderstonde yf he were obedyent / and he came vnto the fader of the monastery and sayd vnto hym . Sende my broder with me for to go by the countree . The abbot suffred them to go . And the frere contynent wolde proue hym . Whan they came vnto a grete water wherin there was of terryble beestes the whiche ben called cocodrylles / he sayd . Go downe into the water and passe . And incontynente he dyscended / and the sayd beestes came vnto hym the whiche dyde hym none yll / but they licked his body . And whan his broder sawe it he bad hym come out of the water And as they yede they founde a body deed in the waye / & the abstynent sayd . Yf we had ony thynge to caste vpon this body / & the obedyent sayd let vs more soner praye vnto god and parauenture he shall aryse / & as they were in orayson the sayd deed body arose / & the brother abstynent gloryfyed hymself & sayd that by his abstynence the deed body was reysed . God shewed al vnto the fader of the monastery . And how he tempted his broder of the beestes . And how the deed man was reysed . Whan they were come agayne vnto the monastery the abbot sayd vnto the abstynent . Wherfore hast thou done so vnto thy brother . Knowe thou that by his obedyence the deed body hathe be reysed .

A. Another example of an abbot the whiche called his relygyous dede the whiche came agayne and was obedyent & spake of the Ioyes of paradyse .

THe disciple reherceth in his sermon that the whiche is wryten in libro cesaru & sayeth that there was a relygyous named menigotm a man simple & good / that was so seke that he had the sacrament of vnccyon . And in that tyme as the abbot wolde departe to go vnto the chapytre generall he sayd vnto hym . Brother thou shalte deye but tary at thy departynge tyll I come agayn He answered . Yf I maye I shall doo it / & the abbot commaunded hym to do it . The abbot yede vnto the chapytre & taryed longe / he comen agayne beynge at the gate the belles range . He demaunded the caue of the ryngynge . It is for menygotm that is departed / The abbot said I sholde haue spoke with hym . Than he hasted hym & founde him dede / & cryed vnto hym . My brother menygotz . He ne had in him voyce ne wytte / & secondly he repeted his name / & the pryour badde hym torment him no more . The abbot sayd in his eere . I commaunded the not to deye tyl I came agayne . And yet sayd / I commaunde the that thou answere me . And in wayllynge opened his eyes as yf he awoke from slepe & sayd . O fader what hast thou do / wherfore hast thou called me agayne / The abbot sayd where was yu. I was in paradyse in a syege of golde nere the fete of our lady & as thou caldest me agayne Ysambart our secretayn drewe me from the sege and sayd vnto me . Thou shalt not be here thou arte hether comen inobedyently / retorne to thyne abbot / so am I come agayn And how be it / it is promysed me that that syege and place is kepte for me where I haue sene the secretayn in grete Ioye .

B. Another example how a serpent was obedyent to a frere iardiner . Also of theft And to do good vnto his enemyes . liii .

SAynt Gregorye sayeth in the boke of his dyalogue that there was a monke gardyner in a monasterye of good lyfe . And a thefe had of custome to stele of herbes of the garden and lepte vpon a hedge . For the sayd monke planted many herbes and he founde but lytel . And some were fouled and the other broken / he yede aboute the sayd garden and founde wherby the thefe passed / as he walked he founde a serpente vnto whome he commaunded and sayd . Folowe me . He yode after hym . And whan he was in the place wherby the thefe passed / he commaunded vnto the serpent in the name of Ihesus that he shold kepe the entre / & that he ne sholde suffre the thefe to entre . The serpente abode ouerthwarte the waye . And the monke retorned vnto his monasterye . Whan it came vnto the tyme of the myddaye that the brederen hadde of custome for to reste / that thefe came as he hadde accustomed and lept vpon the hedge . And as he sette his fote in the garden he sawe sodaynly that the serpente closed the waye / and in tremblynge drewe backe his fore so it toke thorowe the hedge and he abode hanged bakwarde in the sayd hedge tyll that the gardyner came And whan he was in suche wyse founde he sayd vnto the serpent . Thou haste accomplysshed my commaundement / go thy wayes nowe . And forthwith the serpent departed . And he came vnto the thefe & said vnto hym / how is this brother god hathe gyuen the in to my handes / wherfore hast thou presumed to do soo many of tymes thefte vnto the labour of monkes . Than toke he the fote from the hedge and sayd vnto hym . Come thou after me in to the garden . And he gaue vnto hym these herbes that he hadde appetyted to stele with grete Ioye . And sayd vnto hym . Goo and do thou no more thefte / and that thynge that thou shalt appetyte come vnto me and I shal gyue it the without that that thou take it in commyttynge synne . In this example two thynges be to be noted . The fyrst is that syth a serpent was obedyent vnto the sayd relygyous / by more grete reason we the whiche ben reosonable sholde obey vnto our superyoures . The seconde thynge is that syth that the sayd relygyous gaue of herbes vnto the sayd thefe the whiche dyde vnto hym yll . It is to vnderstonde that we sholde do the good agayne the ylle vnto our enemyes . &c.

C. Another example of hym the whiche commaunded vnto two dragons that they sholde kepe the dore of his house . liiii .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of the faders that a holy fader dwelled in an hermytage and the theues came often vnto hym the whiche ete his brede and his substaunce wherof he lyued . After that the said fader had moche endured of the sayd theues he yode in to the feldes & founde two dragons the whiche he ledde with hym to whome he commaunded in the name of our lorde Ihesu cryste that they sholde kepe theym styll at his dore / and that they sholde kepe the entre against the forsaid theuis Whan the theues came as they hadde of custome and that they founde the sayd dragons the whiche kepte the entre they had ryght grete drede & fell downe as deed to the erth without speche Whan the auncient apperceyued it he came vnto them & founde them as halfe deed . And he lyfte them vp and blamed in sayenge . Loke you and beholde that ye are more harde than these beestes here / they obeye vnto vs for the loue of god / and ye ne drede god and also ye haue no shame of the seruaunt of god . Allbeit the sayd fader made them entre in to the monasterye and set them at the table / and commaunded them that they sholde ete . Than they repented them dyd penaunce and conuerted theym vnto god and soo moche they prouffyted by penaunce that in shorte tyme after they dyde myracles .

D. Another example how the water of a flode obeyed vnto a bysshop . Ca. liii .

IT is wryten in the boke of the dialogue of saynt Gregorye howe a flode or a streme ranne nere vnto the walles of a cite and by the dysriuasyons the water made hys cours to shede thorowe the felde & toke the that it founde sowen and set . After that the water had done of grete ylles and that the necessyte constrayned the people of god / the men began to studye by grete labours to make torne the sayd dysriuasiōs by other places / but they ne myght . Albeit that there they laboured longly . Than the bysshop that was a deuoute man made a lytell rake afterwarde put hym in orayson & came vnto the laste ende of the streme & commaunded vnto the water that it sholde folowe hym by the places that he sholde shewe it and he drewe the rake aboue vpon the erth The whiche water lefte hastely his propre cours . And all the water folowed hym tyl that it lefte the place accustomed . And made his course where the sayd bysshop drewe his rake . And more ouer the said water ne hurted more that the whiche was sowen and planted . Sins that the water obeyde vnto the sayd bysshop wherfore shalt not thou obeye vnto god and vnto thy supery dures . Cesse thou of doynge yll as the sayd water and obeye vnto god and vnto hys commaundementes or thou ne shalte be saued / so sayeth the gospell . mathei . xix . Sivis ad vitam ingredi serua mandata . &c.

E. Another example how the fyre that whiche brente a house was obedient vnto a freer the whiche prayed god . Ca. lii .

MEn fynde by wrytynge this the whiche foloweth that the dyscyple reciteth in his prompt●arye and sayth how a deuout frere precher & lectour was one tyme in a house of a knight of Englonde and the fyre toke sodaynly in the house where they souped / the water to fayll and all the counsayll humayne . And as the fyre grewe more and more the compaignon ranne and cryed with the housholde . And the sayd relygyous fell prostrate in orayson and chased the fyre in suche maner that there abode none apperceuaunce / the sayd frerene lyfte hymselfe vppe in vaynglorye ne yet tolde it vnto no persone / but wrote it vnto the mayster of the ordre of prechers vnto the edyfycacyon of other .

F. Another example how the rayne touched not vnto two freres prechers in wal kynge on theyr waye . Ca. liii .

IT is wryten in some bookes this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye and sayeth the two freres of the ordre of prechers were sente by obedyence vnto a conuert and as they accomplysshed Ioyously the sayd obedyence it befell that grete impetuosyte of rayne began to sourde / the whiche fered them gretely . And they began to saye the one vnto the other . Parauenture god hathe not agreable our obedyence . And whan they see no place where they myghte hyde them / the one thoughte on a myracle that god dyde vnto saynt domynyke in takynge awaye the rayne from aboue hym and aboue his compaygnon . And he was moued in hope & put hym in orayson / he made the token of the crosse agayne the tempeste and impetuosyte the whiche came vnto theym / and forthwith the water of the rayne deuyded it on the ryghte hande and on the lefte hande and suffred that they ye de without beynge wete soo that there ne felle one droppe of water vpon them / albeit that they sawe on the one parte and on the other fall rayne . By these examples before sayd and many other the whiche tary bycause of shortenes / it appereth that for to obeye vnto god and vnto our superyoures a man dothe myracles . A man geteth also the loue of god / paradyse and Ioye eternel . And vnto the contrary by inobedyence a man byndeth vnto punycyon and dampnacyon . Also a man leseth al goodes & purchaseth all yll . In lyke wyse as men shall here herafter . &c.

G. Of the obedyence of a relygyous named Pol: iiii .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders that ther was a man simple named pol amonge the dyscyples of saynt Anthonye The begynnynge of his conuersyon was that he sawe a rybaulde lyenge vpon hys wyfe / than he was sory in herte departed from his house and yede vnto the monasterye of saynt Anthonye and demaunded to speke with hym / whan saint Anthony vnderstode that he asked the waye of helthe he consydered that he was a symple man of nature and answered hym that he myghte be saued yf he obeyed vnto the thynges the whiche sholde be spoken vnto him And the sayd Pol sayd vnto hym that he wolde do all thynges that he sholde commaunde hym . And to the entente saynt anthony myghte prouue yf he wolde accomplysshe his promesses sayd vnto hym . Holde the here before this gate and praye vnto god tyll that I come agayne vnto the. And he entred in to his chambre / and pol abode in the place and was so obedyente that he yode not forth all the daye and the nyght from the sayd place / where he prayed god . And saynt Anthony behelde him often by a wyndowe secretely / the whiche knewe that he remeued not / ne in the hete of the daye / ne at the dewynge of the nyght and helde hym without mouynge in orayson as it is said . The other day after saint Anthony yede for the and taughte hym of euery thyng how he sholde lyue . And amonge other thynges he commaunded him that he sholde take his refeccyon at the euen tyde / & that he sholde take hede that he ne toke so moche wherby he myghte be full fedde / Pryncypally in drynke and affermed that the fantasyes of the soule were made neuer lesse for to drynke haboundaunce of water / than of hote wyne . And after that saynt Anthony had wele enstructed hym and largely of euery thynge . And commaunded how he sholde lyue / he buylded a lytell habytacle thre myle frome hym where he dwelled . And saint Anthony vysyted him often and enioyed hym for that that he founde hym accomplysshynge tho thynges the whiche had be taught vnto hym & commaunded . Also of the obedyence of the sayd Pol It befell that many freres parfyte men came vnto saint Anthony with whome came the sayd poule . And as they drewe many thynges parfounde and spake of prophetes and of the sauyour . Pol them axed by symplenes of courage yf Ihesu cryste were fyrste or the prophetes . Whan saynt Anthony hadde vnderstonde the folysshe questyon / he had shame and by swete wordes sayd vnto hym . Holde thy peas & goo thy waye . And incontynente Pol parted / and yede vnto his lytell chambre and kept scylence : In lyke wyse as yf he hadde be commaunded from heuen so that worde he ne spake in the worlde . Whan saint anthony had apperceyued that in no wyse he ne spake / he commaunded hym to tell the cause wherfore he kept scylence . Pol answerde . Thou saydest vnto me that I sholde go my waye & holde my peas . Than saint Anthony meruayled hym that he kepte the sayd worde that he had brought forth neclygently . And sayd . This here vs condamneth all / we haue not accomplysshed thoo thynges the whiche ben commaunded vs from heuen / & this here kepeth euery worde the whiche procedeth from our mouthe Afterwarde saynt Anthony commaunded hym of thynges the whiche were without cause and rayson to th ende that his obedyence were proued & sayd vnto him . drawe of the water of this well and cease not to caste it aboute all this daye vpon the erth and he was obedyent . Also he him commaunded that he sholde vndo all the roddes of a basket and afterwarde that he sholde tye them togyders and make them agayne / he was obedyent . Also he hym commaunded that he sholde cloute or patche his vestyment / and afterwarde that he sholde vncloute it and cloute it agayne . These thinges here ben agayne reason commaunded the whiche pol ne agaynsayd . And shortly he came vnto perfeccyon . At the example of pol saynt Anthony taughte that yf ony wolde come hastely vnto perfeccyon / that he sholde be mayster of hymself . And that he ne obeyde vnto his propre wylles / albeit that the thynge semed vnto hym to be good and iuste so that he kepe the commaundement of the sauyour the whiche is that before all thynges euery man also sholde denye vnto hymselfe and renounce vnto his propre wylles . Vt ante omnia vnusquisque abneger semetipsum sibi : et reemmiciet ꝓpriis voluntatibus . The blyssed sauyour dyde this thynge in lyke wyse as it is wryten in the gospell . Ego veni non vt faciam voluntatem meam : sed eius qmisit me . And in lyke wyse sholde we doo for to come vnto perfeccyon . &c.

H. Of the obedyence of a man the whiche bare of the flesshe al naked vpon his body Capitulo . liii .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of the faders how saynt Anthony wolde prouue a man the whiche demaunded to entre in to religyon . Vnto whome he sayd that he sholde go to bye of flesshe in suche a market / and that he sholde brynge it vnto hym all naked / the whiche was obedyent . And as he bare in suche wyse the sayd flesshe / the byrdes came from the skye vnto hym the whiche rente and brake all his body / and he bare the said flesshe vnto saint Anthony as he had commaunded hym vnto whome he tolde the case . And saynt Anthony sayd vnto hym Those the whiche renounceth vnto the worlde ben in suche wyse punysshed and assayled / but they sholde be ferme and constant in the fayth of god for to resyste agaynste them . &c. By this that Anthony proued those the whiche yelded them vnto him to be relygyous . It is wele to be noted that in lykewyse sholde do these prelates before as to clothe & to receyue of nouyces . For many there ben receyued the whiche receyue yll knaues . They make many dyuysyons sclaundres and desolucyons / and breketh the scylences / ceremonyes / and constytucyons / wherby relygyon is lost . Vnica sola pecus . Also as a seke beest vndoth many other / in lykewyse in a congregacyon whan one relygyous is ylle inobedyent & rebell he maketh many ylle . Mayster Hugues of saynt vyctor declareth the lyfe of the sayll yll relygyous at the begynnynge of the rewle of chanons and sayth . Sunt quidem in congregatione obstinati in suo sen●u sapientes in suis oculis . hu hoc quodin in animo conceperunt qua●i ex ratione defendunt . nec se aliis sed alios sibi aplicari contendunt . Et si viderint sibi non obtemptari : statim commouentur et alios ꝑturbant . Tales solent esse rebelles mandatis seniorum plurunumque regnat in eis passio inobedientie et impatientie : isti non sunt ydonei ad concordiam . &c.

Inobedientia .
E. Examples of inobedyence / and fyrst example how Adam and Eue dysobeyed vnto god . liiii .

IT is wryten in the thyrde chapytre of genese how the serpente tempted Eue to ete of the fruyte that god her had defended / & eue sayd vnto the serpente . God hathe sayd vnto vs that one what daye that we ete of it we shall deye / that is to saye / we shall be bonde vnto the dethe . And the serpente sayd vnto them that they sholde not dye and that god knewe wele that on ony daye that they sholde eate of the fruyte theyr eyes sholde be open and they sholde be as goddes knowynge the good and the ylle . Than eue byleued the persuacyon and temptacyon of the deuyll / and ete of the fruyte defended . And also made adam to ete . And afterwarde god demaunded of Adam wherfore he hadde broken his commaundement . He excused hym vpon eue that she had counsaylled hym / but his excusacyon vaylled hym nothyng . And god sayd vnto hym illud genesis .iii. Eo quod obedisti voci vxoris tue plusquam michi : maledicta erit terra in opere tuo : in laboribus comedes eam cuntis diebus vite tue spinas et tribulos germinabit tibi : et comedes herbas terre : In sudore vultus tui vesceris pane tuo donec reuerraris in terram That is to saye for asmoche as thou haste obeyde vnto the voyce of thy wyfe more soner than vnto myne the erthe shal be curst in thy operacyon . Thou shalte ete the erthe by laboures all the dayes of thy lyfe . The erthe shall brynge forthe thornes & thy stylles . And than thou shalte ere the herbes of the erthe . Thou shalte gete thy brede in the swete of thy face tyll vnto that that thou shalte retourne vnto erthe wherof thou arte come . For thou arte poudre and asshes / & vnto poudre thou shalte retorne . And god axed Eue of her inobedyence the whiche excused her vpon the serpente that tempted her but her excusacyon vaylled nothynge / For god said to her illud genesis .iii. Multiplicabo erumnas tuas et conceptus tuos . In dolore peries filios tuos et sub viri potestate eris & ipse dn̄abitur tui . That is to saye / I shall multeplye thy poorenes / myseryes / & thy conceyuynges . Thou shal chylde thy sones in sorowe and thou shalt be vnder the puyssaunce of the man . &c. By this example a man sholde vnderstonde that those the whiche synneth mortally in brekynge the commaundementes of god & in obeyenge vnto the temptacyons of the deuyl / of the worlde and of the flesshe shal not haue of execusyon before god for to say I haue be tempted but that they shall be put from paradyse and lente vnto the fyre of helle / by the dysobeyssaunce of the bytynge of an apple the whiche is a lytel thynge as vnto the bytynge / but a grete thyng to do agayne god the whiche it had defended . Paradyse celestyall was close / and adam and eue were put out of paradise terrestre and put in to this worlde full of myserie . And by theyr synne it behoueth that we all ben baptysed or put from paradyse . Vnde iohan .iiii. Nisi quis renatus fuerit ex aqua et spyrytu scton non potest introire in regnum dei . Who soo wele sholde consyder this example he sholde kepe hym to offende agayne the commaundementes of god

B. Another example how by the dysobeysaunce of the man of god a lyon straungled hym in the waye . liiii

IT is wryten in the .xiii. chapytre of the thyrde boke of kinges that at the prayer of a man of god the kynges hande was heled the whiche was drye . Whan he had done this myracle the kynge prayed hym to go dyne with hym & that he sholde gyue him of gyftes . He answered / Yf thou wolde gyue me the halfe of thy house yet wolde I not ete of brede ne I shall drynke of water in this place / it is in suche wyse sente me in the worde of god the whiche it commaunded . Vnde .iii. regum . Nec comedes panem neque bibes aquam nec reuerteris per viam qua venisti . Than he yode by another waye . And the prophete ancyen the whiche dwelled in Bethell there as the kynge had be heled herde the said wordes that the man of god had no wyl ne to etene to drynke mounted vpon his asse and yode after hym / and prayed hym to go in to his house and to drynke & to eate . He excused him and sayd that god hym had defended , and he sayd vnto hym . I am a prophete as thou arte / and the aungel tolde me brynge him agayne in to thy house to the ende that he ete of brede and drynke of water / he dyde so moche that he brought hym with hym and ete of brede and dranke of the water / And as they sate at the table the worde of god was broughte forthe in this manere . Quia non obediens fiusti ori dn̄i: & non custodisti mandatum quod precepit tibi dns deus et reuersus es : et comedisti panem et bibisti aquam non inferetur cadauer tuum in sepulchrum patrum tuorum . That is to say for asmoche as thou haste not ben obedyent vnto the mouthe of thy lorde and hast not kepte his commaundement . &c. Thy body shall not be borne to be buryed in the sepulcre of thy faders . After that they had ete and dronke the man of god mounted vpon his asse and departed for to go / and founde a lyon in the waye the whithe slew hym the body deed abode in the waye & the asse by . And the lyon ne ete of the sayd body & dyde none yl vnto the asse but sat by him . &c. By this example we sholde vnderstonde that yf god punysshed so holy a man for the fraccyon of so lytell a commaundement that he shal punysshe of grete obedyences . And for asmoche as the lyon ne ete of the body it is to vnderstonde that the said man of god is not dampned & that his inobedyence was pardoned hym / but he was punysshed for that that he was not obedient he byleued to lyghtly vnto the temptacyon of the other man . Non omni spūi credendum est . A manne sholde byleue vnto euery spirite .

C. Another example of the disobeyssaūce of two nonnes the whiche demaunded of the pope that they sholde confesse eche other . Ca. liiii .

IT is wryten in some bookes this that foloweth the whiche the discyple recyteth in his sermons & sayeth that the nonnes of a monastery were dysposed one tyme that two amongest them sholde go vnto the pope to gete that they myght confesse eche other . For they estymed that it was a thyng vnlefull that they sholde declare theyr synnes & sekenesses vnto a man / that is vnto a preest . Whan they came vnto the pope & that he had vnderstonde theyr symplesse and the fraude of the deuyll he toke vnto them a boxe shitte & closed and said vnto theim that they sholde bere it with theym vnto theyr lodgynge / and that they sholde brynge it hym agayne in the mornyge with our openynge it & that they sholde obteyn that / that they demaunded . Whan they were at theyr lodginge they behelde it dylygently and had grete wyll to open it & the one of them sayd vnto the other open w●● it let vs se what is within it . The other said we dare not / for the pope hathe defended it vs . In the ende by temptacyons they opened the sayd boxe and thought to haue shytte it agayne as it was . And a byrde the whiche was within enclosed toke her flyghte and fledde / than they had drede . And in the mornynge whan they retourned vnto the pope and that he had knowen theyr inobedyence / he sayd vnto them . In thys thynge men knowe your instabylyte and sekenes . In lyke wyse sholde ye do the one with the other yf ye sholde confesse eche other / whan the one sholde offende the other / she sholde hyde her synne / and so the pope sente them agayne withoute grauntynge vnto them theyr demaunde .

D. Another example how the kynge Amaleche resysted agayne the wyll of god / and yll came vnto hym . Ca. liiii .

IT is wryten in the .vii. chapytre of exode how the kinge amalech fought meruaylously agayn the people of Israhell / and resysted agayne him as he mounted into Egypte / and ylle came vnto hym the whiche shal be declared herafter . Also god tolde it vnto Moyses . Delebo enim memoriam amalech sub celo . &c.

E. Another example of the obeyssaunce of kynge Saule . liiii .

IT is wryten in the .xv. chapytre of the fyrste boke of kynges how god sente vnto kynge saule by the prophete Samuell that he & his armye sholde go to slee and to dystroye the kynge synner Amaleche & all his people / & all his beestes / and that al were dystroyed & loste withoute takynge ony vnto mercye . And without coueytynge ne takynge ony thynge .vi regum . xv . Vade & percute amalech & demolire vniuersa eius et non concupisces ex ipsius ali quid non parcas ei : sed interfice a viro vsque ad mulierem & paruulum atque lactantem bouem & ouen & asinum . &c. Than Saule yode he and his armye the whiche was grete & accomplysshed not the commaundement of god / for he toke the kynge Gag quycke / & slewe Amalech / & the good bestyall was spared . Also they toke the precyous vestymentes & clothes / & the best of the goodes And slewe the wulgarye people & bestyall & dystroyed all that the whiche was not gode & precyous agaynst the wyll and commaundement of our lorde Ihesu cryst by his prophete . &c. This thynge dyspleased vnto god for that that Saul was inobedyent where as he punysshed not the synners as it was commaunded hym . And for as moche that he pylled and toke theyr goodes the whiche was defended him . &c. After that that the prophete samuell had spoken vnto god / & knewe that he was wrothe of the sayd inobedyence . He came vnto Saule & demaunded hym werfore he had not obeyed vnto god / & that he was gone vnto the pyll erye . Saule answered vnto Samuel & sayd vnto hym . So haue I obeyed vnto god . I haue brought Gag the kynge & also Amalech haue I slayne / the people hathe be pylled & brought of fayre shepe and of oxes to th ende that he dide sacryfyce vnto god . Meliorem enim obedientia quam victime / That is to saye obedyence is better than sacryfyce . Also the prophete Samuell reproued another tyme the sayd saul for his inobedyence & said vnto hym . illud . i. regum xiii . Stulte egisti nec custodisti mandaradn̄i dei tui q̄p̄cepit tibi : quod si non egisses iam nunc preparasset dns regnum tuum super israhel in sempiternum : sed nequaquam consurget &c. Thou haste done folysshely & haste not kepte the commaundementes of thy lorde god the whiche he commaunde the. Yf thou haddest not done it our lorde had prepared thy realme vpon the people of Israhell in eternyte . But from hensforth he ne shall lyfte hym vp . For as moche as the sayd saul lefte god & dyde the wyll of the deuyll / the deuyl hym posseded & tormented gretely as it is wryten in the bokes of the kynges / & the ende of him was ryght yll / for he drewe his swerde & slewe hymselfe . Saul arripuit gladium suum & irruit super eum . &c.

F. Another example of the dysobeyssaunce of Pharaon & of his punycyon . liiii .

IT is wryten in exodi in the .vii. viii . chapitre . &c. How the kynge Pharaon had the herte so enha●ded / rebelle & inobedyent that he ne wolde obey vnto god / & vnto his seruaunt . For he ne wolde let go the chyldre & people of Israhell by many tymes in lykewyse as god hym commaunded . And therfore at euery tyme that he dysobeyed vnto our lorde Ihesu cryste he sente a punycyon . The fyrst punycyon that oure lorde sente them was that all the waters and ryuers of the kyngdome of Egypte was chaunged and torned vnto bloode . The seconde that god sent them so many of frogges that they spradde ouer all egypte . The thyrde god sente soo many of gnattes and flyes vpon bestes and people that they ne myght defende them . The fourth other flyes and more terryble or al sortes . The .v. was mortalyte vpon all the beestes of egipte . The .vi. was woundes & bladders vpon the beestes & people The .vii. was thondres & lyghtenynges hayle and fyre in the myddes . The .viii was grasseloppes and other the whiche ete all the verdure & grenesse of egypte . The ix . was derkenes . The .x. was mortalyte vpon the fyrste borne / & for that that he had the herte so harde that he ne wolde obeye to god ne by worde ne by punycyon moyses stroke the water of the see the whiche departed on the one side and on the other And syxe hondred thousande men of the chyldren of Israhell without the women passed with drye fote . And pharaon and all his armye entred afterwarde & all we redrowned . Vn̄ exo .xv. Curus pharaonis & excertitus eius proiecit in mare . Et electi principes eius sub mersi sunt in mari rubro : abyssi operuerant eos descenderunt in profundum quasi lapis . Filii aunt israel ambulauerunt ꝑ siccum in medio mari . By Pharaon the whiche was soo obstynate that he ne wolde neuer obeye vnto the seruauntes of god / ne hym correcte for plage nor punycyon that god sente vnto him ben vnderstonde the synners obstynate the whiche ne correcte them for prechynges ne wrytynges that a man vnto them myght tel / ne for sekenes of fortune what so euer the god vnto them sente . And for asmoche as they be in daunger to haue in th ende & conclusyon as pharaon had / that is that god shall punysshe them & make to deye myscheuously and that they shall descende in to dampnacyon in to helle . &c.

G. Another example of the inobedyence of the prophete ionas . liiii .

IT is wryten in the fyrste chapytre of Ionas how god him commaunded that he sholde go to preche in the cyte of Nynyues / the whiche obeyed not redely & fled from the face of our lorde / mounted vpon the see in a shyppe and incontynent these began to moue for the tempest of the tyme . For to make short Ionas was caste into the see / & a fisshe named a whale him swalowed / & was in his wombe thre dayes & thre nyghtes . And in the wombe of the said fysshe made his orayson vnto god . Afterwarde god commaunded vnto the fysshe that he sholde vomete Ionas . He was obedyent and vometed hym and caste hym on drye londe . And whan Ionas came forthe of the wombe of the whale / god hym commaunded secondly that he sholde go to preche in the cyte of Nynyue / and he was obedyent forthwith .

H. Another example how chore : dathan and abyron / & theyr alyes dyscended in to hell for theyr inobedyence & murmure . Also how the chyldren of Israhell gadred of the manna agayne the commaundemente of Moyses . Ca. liiii .

IT is wryten in the .xvi. chapytre of the boke of nombres / how chore / dathan & abyron & two . C. & . l men murmured agaynste god & Moyses & ylle came vnto them . For the erthe opened vnder them . And they dyscended all quycke in to hell hosed shod and clothed / and in suche wyse they perysshed . Vnde numeri .xvi. Dirupta est tra sub pedibus eorum : et aper●es os suum de uorauit eos cum tabernaculis suis : & vniuersa substantia eorum descenderumque vi ni in infernum operti et perierunt . &c. Also it is wryten in the .xvi. chapitre of the boke of exodi how the children of Israhel murmured that they had not of flesshe and of brede . And god sente vnto them of the manna the whiche dyscended from heuen / and Moyses commaunded them that they ne sholde gadre ne kepe but that the whiche sholde suffyse them for the daye withoute kepynge it tyll vnto the morowe . And many were inobedyentes & kepte it tyll vnto the morowe / the whiche manna stanke & therin gadred the wormes . These examples here shewe that inobedyence & murmure maketh to haue punycyon & dampnacyon temporell and eternell and therfore it behoueth to obeye vnto god and vnto his seruauntes .

I. Another example of a frere the whiche was punysshed dyuynely for the murmure that he made agayne god . liiii .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders that there was a frere honest & verytable / after that he had serued god longe tyme in the ordre of prechours / & that he ne had apperceyued ony thynge of consolacyons and swetnes of god the whiche redde and that he had herde how these other had tasted ofte tymes . In a nyght they were before the crucyfyxe and lamentably began to enquyre before god in saynge these wordes here . My lorde I haue herde of the the thou procedest al creatures in bounte and mansuetude . And I haue serued the by many of yeres in kepynge harde thynges for the wordes of thy lippes / and wyllyngly I am all mortefyed for the loue of the And my lorde I knowe that yf I had done as moche of seruyce vnto a tyraunt he wolde haue shewed me some sygne of benyuolence eyther in spekynge swetely / or in gyuynge me some thynge / or in commyttynge me to do some secrete / or at the leest in laughyng on me . And certaynly my lorde thou haste not shedde in me ony doulsour / thou haste not shewed in me ony benyuolence . Thou lorde the whiche prechest swetnes thou arte in me cruell . Thou arte more harde than yf thou were to me a tyraunt / thou lorde what thynge is it or wherfore dost thou it . Than as he sayd these wordes and began agayne & many other semblables / he herde one tyme & two grete tremblynges / in lyke wyse as the chirche had threted ruyne / and aboue the couerynge of the chirche he herde sco moche of tredynge as & yf many dogges there had grated with theyr nayles and gnawen with theyr tethe . Whan he herde that he was a ferde hugely and all his body trembled / & sodaynly he sawe behynde hym an horryble vysage . And with a thynge that he helde in his handes stroke it and fell prostrate vnto the erthe . And as he wolde haue rysen / he ne myght in no manere / and in brekynge he drewe hym towarde an aulter / And more ouer he ne myght ferther procede for the grete dolour that he had . Whan the freres arose at pryme & that they founde hym replenysshed with dolours / they bare hym in to the fermerye & knewe not the cause of his maladye . He laye the space of thre wekes / and vnto hymselfe & vnto other he stanke so moche that with grete payne myght they serue hym yf they dide not stoppe theyr nosethrylles . After that he hadde recouered his strength and that he was corrected of his presumpcion retourned vnto the place where he had be stryken and where he hadde deserued the wrathe and ire of god / to the ende that he sholde gete mercy . And he sayd . My lorde I haue synned in heuen and before the I am the leest of all those of whome thou haste pytye / and am indygne of thy greate graces . My lorde thou haste beten me iustely . but debonayrly thou hast heled me . Than he fell prostrate on his face and requyred pardon many tymes of thynges that he had folysshely thought and lightly spoken agayne god / and a voyce vnto hym was made . Yt thou wylte haue the consolacyons that thou hast made . And these doulicurs of the holy ghost it behoueth that thou the repute vyle in lyke wyse as a worme and as the myre where vpon thou tredest . Whan he herde that he was strongly comforted he rose hym vp & yelded graces vnto god / And afterwarde dyd the sayd thynges humbly brennyngly / and lyberally he shewed this thynge the whiche happened hym vnto the mayster of the ordre of prechours / & men byleue that it came vnto hym as it is before rehersed in the lyfe of the faders / & therfore inobedyence maketh to haue punycyon . &c.

VErbum dei .
A. Examples for the worde of god and the prechynges . And fyrste . A. Example how a grete synner repented hym and was saued by the herynge of a predycacyon or a sermon . lv .

MEn fynde by wrytyng in many bokes this the whiche foloweth the whiche the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye and sayeth that as saynt Bernarde preched in the churcheyarde in a cyte / ii . rybauldes were nere . Of the whiche the one theder wolde go as the other people / the whiche yede theder . And the other mocked hym and sayd vnto hym . How ledeth the theder nowe the deuyll the whiche nededyste in all thy lyfe ony good dede . And nowe thou wylt go vnto the predycacyon And he toke no hede of the rebukes that he sayd vnto hym & theder yode . And saynt Bernarde preched agayne those the whiche spoke cursed wordes and the whiche lede an yll lyfe . The synner began to haue contrycyon and doloure for his synnes / & he began for to wepe . And saynt Bernard sawe that he had aboute his necke a grete chayne the whiche had more than an hondreth linkes / but at euery iere that he wepte there fell a lynke from the sayd chayne Than saint bernarde began to preche more strongely and ardauntly and to deteste his synnes . And the synner more strongly wepte . In the ende the chayne was al vndone and broken . After the sayd predycacyon saynt bernarde called hym and comforted hym . And by his admonycion he confessed all his synnes and afterwarde liued holyly and his compaignon abode in synne and bonde with a more cheyne than was the other . By this example a man sholde vnderstonde that mortall synne is a bonde or a chayne by the whiche the soule of synners is bounde and holden in the handes of the deuyll of helle . In lyke wyse as approueth the scrypture in many places / Vnde dauid in psal. Funes peccatorum circumplexi sunt me . The cordes of my sinnes hathe beset me aboute and compassed in all thynges . Et legitur prouerbiorum .v. Iniquitates sue capiunt impium et funibus peccatorum suorum vnusquisque constringitur . The iniquytes happen the synner . And euery one is constrayned by the cordes of his synnes . And saynt Austyn sayeth in his confessionayr . Ligatus eram non ferro alieno : sed ferra mea voluntate / I was bounde not with straunge yron / but by my thought harde as yron .

B. Another example how a relygyous conuerted in fewe wordes a man of grosse conscyence . lv .

MEn fynde by wrytynge in the promptuarye of the dyscyple and of other bookes that a ryche man puyssaunt had a wyfe deuoute / & he hymselfe lyued seculerly & withoute deuocyon & it befell that a relygyous the whiche passed the countree yode vnto theyr house / & they syttynge at the table / the wyfe prayed the relygyous that he wolde saye before her husbande some good exhortacyon / he answered so shall I do yf he wyll . Than the husbande sayd I shall here it with good wyl so that it be shorte . And he sayd . So shall I doo but vnderstonde it wele and put it in effecte . I saye that it is wryten mathei xii . Omnia quecumque vultis vt vobis faciant homines : & vos eadem facite illis . That is to saye . The good that thou wylt that men do to the / do it vnto thy neyghboure . Yf thou kepe these wordes here without forgetynge theym & that thou accomplysshe theym thou shalte be saued . Than he began to thynke that he wolde kepe them & he dyde it / afterwarde somtyme as he passed by a way he founde a mylle that he had made to dystroy he recorded hym of the wordes of the sayd relygyous / he sente his procurour to compounde with hym vnto whome it apperteyned . Semblably these other that he had offended / he them appaysed and satysfied them vnto his power . It befell also that he founde a poore man in the waye as he came agayne he ledde hym in to his house he refresshed hym & made hym to sytte by hym at the table / and gaue him of his metes . After souper he brought hym for to slepe in a place where he and his wyfe slepte that was nere the yates of the dore . & whan the poore man had a lytell whyle slepte he had thurst . For he had taken good refeccyon not accustomed & whan he had not to drynke he cryed importunatly that he was tormented by grete thurste / & for asmoche as the housholde slepte & was in a place on the syde ferre of the hoste all only he herde him crye the whiche was moued vnto mercye he rose hym vp & demaunded hym what he neded / & he sayd vnto him . My lorde I lese by thurste . Than the mayster wolde haue brought hym of water of the cysterne . And as he drewe he felle within it and was drowned . Afterwarde longe tyme whan the seruauntes sought hym they founde hym within the sayd cysterne / the whiche had aboute his necke a cercle of golde in the whiche there was in wrytynge that his soule was borne in to heuen before that his body was colde after that he was deed . / By this man the whiche was conuerted from ylle vnto good for to here one goode worde it is to vnderstonde that it is a grete thynge to preche & to shewe the worde of god . And for that that he restored the thynges yll done and that he was mercyful it is to vnderstonde that he had contrycyon and purpose to lyue wele & that he chaunged the ylle in to good . And by that that men founde the lettre of golde wryten and that he was saued . It is to vnderstonde that he deyed in good consummacyon as very repentaunte and good catholyque .

C. Another example of a mayster delycatife the whiche ne wolde here the worde of god ne do of penaunce & was conuerted in fewe wordes . lv .

IT is wryten in the boke of drede of a mayster delycatyf / the whiche refused so moche the estate of penaunce that hene wolde goo vnto sermons . And also hene wolde here speke worde of god leste that he were moued to entre in to relygyon And it befell one tyme that a precher of hys parentage came to vysyte him in his house . And whan he was in his chambre he dreded that he came to hym to preche / vnto whome he sayd . Frere wherfore are ye come / yf ye wyll speke vnto me of god I care not of it / and yf ye speke of other besynesses ye are welcome . And he sayd vnto hym mayster I haue to speke with you of other thynges / and sythe that ye wyll not here speke of god I purpose not to speke vnto you of hym / but by your leue and lycence . Than he receyued hym to speke of other besynesses . And after that these rumours were fyned whan the frere wolde go sayd vnto hym . Mayster gyue me leue to speke one worde of god / with grete dyffyculte he graunted it hym . And the sayd frere sayd to hym . Mayster I pray you that whan ye be layde this night in your bedde that ye remembre you of the bedde that these slouthfull men and women haue in helle the whiche ne do of penaunce in this worlde . And the sayd man sayd vnto hym . What bedde haue they / and the sayd frere sayd / The prophete Ysaye sayeth in the .xiiii. chapytre . Subter te sternetur tinea et operi mentum tuum erunt vermes . Th● 〈◊〉 as moche for to saye that thy fyre shall 〈◊〉 strewed vnder the with mouthes and thy couerture shall be wormes . After these wordes the sayd frere departed . And the sayd maister thought so moche of the said worde of the bedde of helle that all the nyghte he ne myght slepe . And the sayd worde had so grete effecte & so moche vaylled it vnto hym that within a ryght lytell tyme after he entred in to relygyon and corrected hym . Wherfore it is a grete thynge to here the worde of god .

D. Another example of an yll knyghte the whiche in his lyfe was confest but one tyme / and at one sule predycacyon he corrected hymselfe and conuerted . lv .

MEn fynde by wrytynge in the sermons of the dyscyple and many other bookes of a knyghte replenysshed with many synnes . The whiche the deuyll hadde so strongly blynded his herte that in al his lyfe he hadde not be confessed but one tyme . And it befell that he came reuerently vnto the chirche on the daye of pentecoste / and not for bycause of deuocyon / that he hadde vnto our lorde Ihesu cryste nor vnto his sayntes / but to the entent for to shewe himselfe . For vpon that daye he hadde be clothed with .ix. vestymentes the whiche were ryght precyous . And on the sayd daye he herde speke vnto prosne the preest of the sayd parysshe the whiche shewed of the solempnyte and vertue of the holy ghost . And whan the said knyght herde that vnto those what so euer they were eyther men or women the whiche haue commytted synne that wolde repente them that god sholde sende the holy ghost the whiche sholde make clene theyr hartes and al synnes . And afterwarde sholde enhabyte in them . Incontynent that the preest had spoken this thynge the sayd knyght yode in to a place secrete to praye vnto god and sayd . O lorde god I am a synner / I haue goten many of synnes / of the whiche I sorowe and repente me gretely . I pray the by thy grete mercy that thou sende me on this daye the holy ghoost the whiche shall make me clene and enlumyne myn herte And incontynent god exalted hym & sent vnto hym the holy ghost the whiche made clene his herte by verey contrycyon and after by pure confessyon . And so the holy gost came vnto hym and abode with hym : and after synned he no more mortally and dyde penaunce dygne and satisfaccyon and ended his lyf in good consōmacyon . This example denoteth that it is a grete thyng to here the worde of god / for all benedyecyon and saluacyon procedeth of it . Another example it is wryten in the dede of the appostles that as saynt peter preched the holy ghost dyscended vpon all those that herde the worde of god . Vn̄ actuum .x. Adhuc loquente petro cecidit spiritussanctus super omnes qui audiebant vbum dei .

E. Another example of a counte the whiche conuerted him in herynge the worde of god

IT is wryten in the sermons of the dyscyple & in other bookes that there was an erle lecherous / proude / & malycyous the whiche lyued longly in many synnes and so it befel one tyme that he entred in to the chirche & there herde a sermon . And whan he herde preche that / that is wryten eze. In quacumque hora ingemuerit pctōr omni iniquitatum eius non recordabor . That is to say / in what houre the synner shall wayle & wepe hys synnes I shall not remembre of al his iniquytes . He toke this auctoryte in hymselfe he repented him bytterly & requyred of god his grace & his mercy & that he wolde pardon hym his synnes / & confessed & sayd that he ne wolde do more other thynge tyll vnto the dethe than to serue god / he lefte the worlde / he entred in to relygion and there serued god deuoutely . And after his dethe men founde in wrytynge vpon his sepulture in lettres of golde the wordes of the psalmyste . Misit dns vbum suum & sanau●t epos . That is to saye that our lorde sente his wordes & heled hym / that is that he conuerted hym from ylle in good by the herynge of the worde of god . & therfore it is a grete thynge as to preche & to teche . Another example of a carle the whiche wolde not here the worde of god / & the crucyfyxe stopped hys eres in sygnefyenge that he ne wolde here the prayers that men made for hym .

MAyster Iaques of Vitre sayth in his booke that there was a carlysshe man that wolde neuer in his lyfe here the worde of god / & whan the preest began for to preche he yode out of the chirche & wente in to the chircheyarde to talke & to detracte with other carles the whiche was repreued many tymes of his sayd preest for that that he & the other letted to speke the worde of god / but he ne corrected him & abode in his obstinacyon . The whiche was afterwarde seke greuously / & called his sayd preest & confessed hym for drede of dethe / & not for the charyte of god / ne for his helthe / & of the sayd sekenes shortely he deyed . And whan his body was borne vnto the chirch and that the sayd preest and clergye songe the dyryge & the offyce of the deed bodyes the ymage of the crucifixe stopped his eres with the fyngers of his handes taken from the crrosse before all the people . Than as all they meruaylled to se that / the preest sayd vnto the people . Knowe ye what token this is here . They answered that naye . And the sayd preest sayd . Ye shal vnderstonde that the soule of this carle whose body lyeth here is nowe betwene the handes of the deuylles . For in lykewyse as he stopped hys eres that he herde not the worde of god / In lyke wyse god closeth his eres that he ne here the prayers & oraysons that we make for hym . And the sayd preest defended vnto al the presence that they ne sholde pray more for hys soule . Than they ceased to praye for hym . And his body was taken from the holy place and was buryed in a felde . For as for the soule of one dampned a man sholde not praye . Quia in inferno nulla est redemptio . After that a persone is iuged and sente vnto the paynes of hell for to suffre payne / he shall neuer come agayne vnto lyghte ne neuer shall he haue mercy . Wherfore it behoueth no more praye for it . Vnde gregorius vndecimo . Quis quis ad inferna mala tolleranda semel decenderit : nequaquam vlterius miam parcentis liberat quos semel in locis penalibus iustitia iudicantis damnat .

A. Another example of the paroyssyens of a curate the whiche ne wolde here the predycacyon and the commaundementes of the chirche .

IT is wryten how a curate reproued many tymes his paroyssyens for that that they yede in to the chircheyarde whan he preched and made his antetyme . Also whan ony other made predycacyon / & for asmoche as he knewe not how to remedie it for the helthe of theyr soules . For they dyuysed of theyr occupacyons seculers in the sayd chircheyarde whan he diuysed of feestes / fastynges . And other commaundentes of the chirche . What dyde he / he made to brynge hym a lytell stole in the myddes of them in the chircheyarde and soo set hym downe / and behelde theym there . And he herde theyr langayges . And whan he ennoyde them they demaunded what he dyde there . He answerde . Vbi sunt ciues ibi debet esse episcopus . That is to say . That the bysshop sholde be where his cytezyns ben Also a curate sholde be where his paroyssyens is / & you are here / wherfore I sholde be with you . And for asmoche that at the fyrst tyme they correcte them not / yet theder dyde he goo afterwarde the seconde time . And whan it came vnto the thyrde tyme they all had so grete shame that afterwarde they yede theder no more . And soo he correcte them / & vnto them it prouffyted more than all the langayges that he had spoken to them before . And therfore whan a man maye not correcte his paroyssyens in one manere hym behoueth to assaye in another .

B. Another example how a herdeman was saued & correcte hymselfe by the herynge of one predycacyon . lvi .

THe dysciple recyteth in his tromptuary how that a pastour or herd man yede late vnto the chirche vnto masse & sermons for the kepynge of his bestyall And one tyme he passed by a cite & entred into the chirche & herde preche that euery creature is taught to fle synne & to loue god / by this prechynge he was edefyed . And in beholdynge the creatures he sayd to hymselfe Suche a creature serueth vnto god & obeyeth vnto hym . The water in rennynge the byrdes in syngynge the herbes in rysynge vppe and growynge and in lyke wyse of other creatures . And he sawe a toode one tyme and said / the creatoure myght haue create me as this tode yf he had wolde / & I offende him contynuelly by synnes and am vnkynde . For he hathe made me and create vnto his ymage for to haue beatytude and me hathe redemed by his passyon &c. For to be shorte he conuerted hym and dyde penaunce / and was suffycyently instructe of a holy man and perseuered louably in the seruyce of god . &c.

C. Another example . That to here the worde of god it is prouffytable albeit that a man holde it not .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of the faders that a frere sayd vnto a goode fader abbot . I haue axed questyons oftymes that they wolde tel me ammonycyon for the helthe of my soule . And of all that that they tell me I reteyne nothynge . The auncyente sayd vnto the frere I haue two vesselles voyde goo fetche me one and wasshe it with water / and afterwarde caste it and put the sayd potte in his place . And the sayd frere dyde so one tyme two tymes / and the auncyente sayd vnto hym . Brynge me the two vesselles heder / whan that he hadde broughte them the auncyente sayd vnto hym / Whiche of the two pottes is moost moyst and also clene . The frere sayd vnto hym . It is that wherin I haue put my water that I haue wasshed . Than the auncyent sayd vnto hym . Sone in lyke wyse is it of the soule the whiche hereth often the worde of god / albeit that he reteyne nothynge of the thynges that he axeth / notwithstondynge he is more clene than he the whiche demaundeth nothynge and also hereth not ony thynge .

D. Another example how some freres slepte in herynge the worde of god and in herynge the ydell wordes they were moche wakynge . Ca. lvi

IT is wryten in the lyfe of the faders that an auncyent the whiche set him in hermytage for to pray vnto god that he wolde gyue him grace that he slepte not whan men sholde speke of spyrytuell thynges . And whan men sholde speke of detraccyon or of hate that he myght slepe incontynente that the eres ne token the venyme of that synne . He sayd that the deuyll studyed him to admoneste these men in ydell wordes for to impugne doctryne and thynge spyrytuell . And he tolde this example . Whan I spake some tyme vnto some freres of the vtylyte of soules / they slepte so profoundely that they ne myght meue the eye lyd of theyr eyes . And I wolde shewe that it was a thynge dyabolyke . And I yode to speke thynges ydell . And they were incontynent wakynge and enioyed theym and I toke me to wayle and to saye . I spake tyll vnto nowe of thynges celestyall / and all your eyes were holden by grefe to slepe & whan an ydell worde hathe be brought forth / ye haue be all prompte and redy to here . For the whiche thynge I praye you ryght dere brethern that ye knowe that it is the werke of the cursed deuyll / take hede to your selfe and kepe you from slepynge whan ye do or here ony thynge spyrytuell . &c. By this example a man may vnderstonde that the deuyll bryngeth a slepe his seruauntes of drede that they ne here the worde of god / and that they ne sholde leue theyr synnes . And also he waketh thēfor to here ylle / to th ende that they fall in to synne and dampnacyon . &c.

E. Another example agayne those the whiche fleeth the sermons . lvi .

IT is wryten that as saynt martyn yode frome towne to towne prechinge and doynge myracles one Cayment impotente fledde euermore before hym from towne to towne / and from cyte to cyte / and fered that he sholde hele hym / of drede that he ne loste to gete and to demaunde his liuynge . In lyke wyse the rauysshers / the the uys / the lechoures / and synners fleeth the sermons and they ne wyll here them / of drede leste that they leue theyr synnes / & they ne amende them . &c.

F. Another example how the case of a prechoure was borne at the dethe / & how Ihesu cryste ayded hym and chased awaye the deuylles . lvi .

SOme maysters hathe wryten this the whiche foloweth howe the dyscyple recyteth in his prōtuarye and sayth that it was commaunded vnto a relygious preest of the ordre of the prechers that he sholde go to preche agayn the sarazyns / the crosse he theder yode and so deyed . And he appered vnto one of his compaygnons the whiche axed hym of his estate . He answered in this . It semed me that my payne was to longe . And whan that I deyed I ne sawe by me but the deuylles the which began to saye vnto me . Thou keptest neuer wele thy professyon ne the obedyence that thou hast promysed vnto thyn abbot And also thou ne preched neuer vnto ony clerely thy lorde god . And as the sayd deuylles preposed agaynst me dyuers thynges in the sayd manere and that there ne was persone the whiche answerde for me Ihesu cryste came and sayd . Come after me / for thou haste preched me . And incontynent all the company of deuylles departed as a smoke & I folowed Ihesu cryste in to glorye and I ne felte ony other pain excepte the sayd fere . &c.

G. Another example how he the whiche precheth the worde of god shal haue grete rewarde in heuen .

MEn fynde by wrytynge in some bokes / also the dyscyple it recyteth in his promptuarye that as a good preest precher approched vnto his dethe one of his good frendes made hym swere in our lorde that he sholde come to certefy hym of his estate .xxx. dayes after his dethe . After that he was deed the said preest appered vnto hym as he had requyred him in a meruayllous fayre chapel al replenysshed with ouches of golde that is to saye of Iewelles ryche / noble good and precyous / amonges the whiche there was one vpon the brest dyffered / & was more fayr without comparyson than the other . And as he enquyred of his estate / he sayd vnto hym that it was wele . After he hym demaunded wherfore he was so cladde . He answered I haue this vestyment for the grete zele and loue that I haue had vnto my neyghbours . And as many as I haue conuerted of synners there are in my vesture of ouches . And I haue receyued the ouche that thou seest on my brest / for that that I haue conuerted a synner of whom no man had ony hope of helthe . And he asked hym of the estate of those the whiche haue cure and charge of soule and of people / as the curates the whiche haue parysshynges . He answered ryght fewe shall be saued . For they walke in the large waye the whiche ledeth vnto helle . And shewe euyl examples vnto theyr subgectes they be so moche habandoned in couetyse that they care not of soules so that they haue the godes of theyr subgectes . And enioyneth that is yet more peryllous / that / that they sholde conuerte vnto the vsage of the poores / they dyspende it with vyle persones . Whan he hadde spoken these wordes he departed . / These curates and those the whiche haue cure of soules sholde wele note this example . For grete rewarde foloweth vnto those the whiche we le shewe vnto theyr paroyssyens . And also dampnacyon vnto those the whiche vse yll of the offyce and charges that they haue . &c.

H. Another example how the deuyll ne myght strangle a knyght / for that / that he salued the vyrgyn Marye euery daye / & for the good wyll that he had to here a predycacyon he was saued . lvi .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye this the whiche foloweth / the whiche is also wryten in other bookes and sayeth . That there was a knyght lorde of a castell whoo had vnder hym many tyrauntes . And this sayd knyght dyspoylled all the goers by withoute mercye / but he had of custome that euery daye he salued the vyrgyn Marye . And one day there passed therby an holy monke that the said knyght commaunded he were dyspoyled / & the holy man prayed the pyllers that they wolde brynge hym vnto theyr mayster & that he had a secrete thynge to tell to hym whan he was ledde he prayed the lorde that he wolde make al his seruauntes to come forthe to the ende that they sholde here a predycacion . And he commaunded that they sholde come al. Whan it was done he said They ne ben all here there wanteth one . & some sayd the chamberer defayleth / he was made to come . The holy man sayd . It is this here that I demaunded . And he said vnto hym . I the adiure and commaunde that in the name of the fader / of the sone / and of the holy ghost that thou tell what thou arte / and wherfore thou arte heder come . He answered . Alas I am constrayned to declare my secrete . I am not a man but a deuyll / and I haue dwelled with this knyghte .xiiii. yeres / for our prynce sent me hether for to loke the daye that this vnhappy sayd not the salutacyon accustomed to the ende that I sholde strangle hym . For I haue the puyssaunce of god for the synnes that he hathe commyted / to the ende that he were our compaygnon in helle / whan the knyghte herde these wordes he was abasshed . And he fell prostrate at the fete of the sayd monke / requyred hym pardon . And amended his lyfe in to better . It is a grete thynge to here a predycacyon and to serue the vyrgyn Marye . And in lyke wyse as the deuyll of helle fleeth / and renneth from the predycacyon / bycause that he wolde not fynde hymself there / denote that those that flee the sermons foloweth the deuyll of hell And as now there are many of his party the whiche ne wyll here predycacyon .

I. Another example how men shal forgete the commaundementes of god in the laste or latter generacyon .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of the faders that one tyme the holy faders assembled them togyder & prophetyzed of the last generacyon . Amongest whome one pryncypall named querimus sayd . We accomplysshe the commaundementes of god . And these other faders shall aske it in demaundynge . And those that shall come after vs what shall they do . He answered and said vnto them . They shal accomplysshe parauenture the halfe of the commaundements and shall requyre the good eternell . And the faders demaunded after these people where shal become these other . In answerynge he sayd . The men of that generacyon shall not haue the operacyon of that / that god wylleth that be do . And they shal forgete the commaundementes of god . Also in that tyme synne aboue shall habounde / & charyte shall were colde / and grete temptacyon shall come vpon them / but those the whiche shal be in bounte proued they shal be better / more blyssed & proued than we and or our faders .

K. Another example of a ryche man the whiche serued the deuyll .xl. yere . And in a s●●mon repented hym .

LEgitur in dyalogo cesarii . It is wryten that a ryche man & puyssaunt full of vyces & cursydnesses was in suche estate .xl. yeres . And afterwarde repented hym in a sermon / confessed hym / chaunged his lyfe / entred in to relygyon / & prouffyted so gretely that he was in the grace of god / & that he made reuelacyon of the houre of his dethe . And whan he was seke he sayd vnto his frendes that he sholde deye the thyrde daye & so he dyde . &c. By these examples beforsayd it appereth that all godenes / all saluacyon / & benedyccyon procedeth to here & to kepe the worde of god / & therfore it is wryten in the gospell . luce. xi Beati q audiunt vbum dei & custodiunt illd .

Primum preceptum .
Idolotria .
Example vpon the fyrst commaundemente of god . Non adorabis deos alienos . & fyrst A. Another example of a preest prynce of the ydoles of the people that brente in the fyre of helle / and how these without byleue shall be founde there .

WE fynde in the lyfe of faders that a good abbot named machaire founde in his waye in the deserte a hede drye of a man deed / whome he coniured & demaunded hym what he was / & he answered . I am the prynce of the prestes of Ydoles of the people the enhabyted in thys place here . And the abbot asked hym of the payne that he endured / & in wayllyng on hye he said . Quantum distat celum a tra : tantum ignis altus est in quo medio positi sumus . That is to saye / that of asmoche as there is of dystaunce from heuen vnto erthe of asmoche is the fyre of hell grete in the myddest wherof we ben put whan the holy Machayre herd this worde he began to wepe & saye . Ve hoī il li q mandata dei transgressus est . Malediccion is vnto that man the whiche hathe transgressed the commaundementes of god . And he asked him agayne yf there were more grete payne / & he answerde yes . And that the iewes were more strongly brent & tormented / & lower than they / for that that they had gretter knowlege of god & of the faith than they haue had . And after sayd that yll cristen men & women the whiche lyue in synne mortall ben yet more bas brent & tormented / For as moche that of certayn scyence they offende god & had more grete knowlege of hym & of the fayth than the Iewes & paynemes the whiche offended by ygnoraunce & enfermete & vnstedfastnes . And therfore they ben in the botome of helle / the whiche of asmoche as it mounteth hye / & it is the lesse hote . And therfore we ne ben soo moche tormented as the sayd crystyens / & whan the sayd Machayre herde the sayde wordes he asked him no more / & in wepyng so departed . This example sheweth that all sortes of people incredules & vnfaithful that go agaynst the fayth / & deye impenytentes shall be punysshed in the fyre of helle after theyr deserte . Vnto the purpose the psal. sayth . Pones eos vt clibanum ignis in tempore vultus tui dne : dns in ira sua conturbabit eos et deuorabit eos ignis . That is to saye O thou lorde thou haste put the ylle in lyke wyse as an ouen of fyre in the tyme of thy face / that is of thy iugement / the lorde shall trouble them in his ire / & the fyre shal deuour them . And agayne the psalmyst sayth . Cadent super eos carbones : scꝪ in die iuditii : in ignem deucies eos in miseris non subsistent . That is to vnderstonde . The coles shall fall vpon them at the daye of iugement that shal brenne where the synnes hath ben made / thou shal cast them in the fyre / they ne maye be but in my seryes . Et le. iob . xx . Deuorabit eum . s . īpium ignis q non succendit . That is to saye . The fyre that is not lyght shall deuour the cursed dampned .

B. Another example of the ydolatrie of Nabugodonosor whan he made the thre chyldren to be put in the furnayse . lvii .

IT is wryten in the thyrde chapitre of the boke of Danyell how the kynge Nabugodonosor dyd make an ydole of golde of .lx. cubytes in heyght / & syxe of largenes / & made to bere it in to a grete felde & caused all the people to come theder . More ouer he sente a commaundement that al the people sholde worshyp the ymage whan they sholde here the instrumentes melodious sounde / & that al those that wold not prostrate them or fall vnto the erthe & worshyp the sayd ydole that they were taken & cast in to the furnayse lyght & embraced . And as the people worshypped in suche wyse the sayd ydole there were thre chyldren called sydrac / Mysac / & Abdenago that wolde not worshyp it ne prostrate theym . Than the kynge made them to come before hym to whome he demaunded . Whiche is the god that may delyuer you fro my hande . And the sayd chyldren sayd vnto the kynge nabugodonosor . Of that thynge it nedeth the none answer . The god that we worshyp hathe puyssaunce to delyuer vs frome the furnayse brennynge & from thy handes . / Than the said kynge was replete of furour & commaunded that the sayd furnayse were .vii tymes more strongly embraced than had be accustomed / & the moost strongest men of his hoost bounde theyr fete & theyr handes & caste them within the said furnayse The whiche was done / & the fyre brente those that caste them in / but it dyde none yll vnto the sayd chyldren / the whiche walked within the myddest of the sayd furneyse in laudynge & blissynge god . And the fyre ne dyde them neuer yll . Than the kyng was moche meruaylled to se them in suche wyse to walke thorowe the fyre / & to gyue louynges vnto god the whiche made them for to to go out of the furneyse . And the grete & puyssaunce of the kynge behelde them gretely / but they founde that the said fyre had not had ony puyssaunce to touche them nor neuer heere of theyr hedes nor vestymentes were brente . Than the kynge nabugodonosor began to crie that theyr god were blyssed the whiche sente his aungell / & delyuered his seruauntes the whiche byleued in hym . And they chaunged the worde of the kynge the whiche made a decrete that all the people of what lygnee and tongue that he were the whiche had made blaspheme agayne the god of sydrac / mysaac / & abdenago / sholde perisshe / and his house be wasted . &c. In this example a man may vnderstonde that all blasphematours ben reprehend & punisshed greuously be it in confessyon or otherwyse / syth that the kynge the whiche was ydolatre & peruers knewe manyfestly the puyssaunce of god / & that he offended agayne hym in doynge hym suche dyshonoure / rebuke and blaspheme to gyue the diuyne honoure vnto an ydole the whiche apperteyneth to god And therfore of good right he made to punysshe the blasphematoures after that he hadde knowen his helthe .

C. Another example how Egeas ydolatre was slayne of the deuyll . lvii

IT is wryten in the legende of saynt andrewe how the kynge egeas constrayned the crystyens to do sacryfyce to the ydoles . Agayn whome came saynt Andrewe to reprehende him and they dysputed longly togyders of the passyon and redempcyon of our sauyoure . And for asmoche as the sayd saint Andrewe was ferme in the faith And the sayd egeas ne myght put him out he hym iuged & condampned to be crucyfyed & put in the torment of the crosse the fete vpwarde to th ende that he had the more longe & gretter torment . And to be shorte in suche wyse was it done . And the said andrewe was two dayes in the sayd torment where he preched & shewed vnto the people the whiche were present by estymacyon . a .xx. M. the whiche people yode vnto the sayd egeas cryenge that vniustely he had condampned hym to dethe . &c. The sayd egeas came vnto the sayd saynt for to satysfye vnto the people & to take hym frome the crosse . And the lyght dyscended vnto the sayd saynt . And as the sayd egeas retorned hym the deuyll entred in to his body the whiche slewe hym in the sayd way & so euylly fyned he his dayes .

D. Another example of the dethe of symon magus & of other myscreauntes . lvii .

IT is wryten in the dede of the appostles that the enchauntour symon magus deceyued the people by false arte magyk in many maners the whiche abide bicause of shortnes / in th ende of his dayes he vaunted him to flee in the ayer . And in dede mounted in to a toure & toke hym to flee before the people / but they were the deuylles the whiche bare hym thorowe the ayre / the whiche lete hym fall by the commaundement of saint peter / & fell vpon the stones the whiche brake his body . And ryght shortly after yelde vp his spyryte / & so deyed myscheuously . / Another example of two enchauntoures / zaroes and arphasat the whiche deceyued the people in many maneres . And they were brente & bruyled of the fyre & of the lyghtenynge the whiche dyscended from heuen . Whan saynt symon & saynt Iude sholde be martred in lyke wyse as we rede in the legende of those appostles . Another example how he the whiche slewe saynt leodegayre yede oute of his wytte & cast himselfe in the fyre / & so was brent as it is wryten in the legende of saynt leodegayre . Another example how the preest of the ydoles the whiche counsaylled that men sholde sle saynt Vitall / yede oute of wytte / & by seuen dayes was posseded of the deuyll / & drowned hymself as it is wryten in the legende of the sayd Vytall . Another example how the emperoure domycyen the whiche put saynt Iohan the euangelyst to dethe & made hym to be put in a tonne of oyle was slayne that yere . And all his dedes were reproued yll of the senatours as it is wryten in the legende of the sayd Iohan.

E. Another example how dyascorus the whiche was ydolatre deyed euylly . lvii .

IT is wryten how dyascorus was fader vnto saynt Barbara / the whiche was a grete lorde ( but ydolatre ) And for as moche as the sayd doughter saynt barbara made her to be baptysed & ne wolde byleue ne worshyp the ydoles / the sayd dyascorus betoke her vnto the iuge marcyen / for to torment her & to punysshe by martyrdome / and soo was it done . And after that she had endured many martyrdoms and that the sayd marcyen was confused he sent her agayne vnto dyascorus / the whiche ledde her on a hye mountayne / & to make shorte there byheded her with his owne handes . And afterwarde as he came agayne in dyscendynge the sayd mountayne vengeaunce & punycyon dyuyne folowed / for fyre / lyghtenynge / & tempeste dyscended vpon him & was brente & consumed in suche wyse that of his body there ne abode poudre / ne asshes / ne other thyng of hym / and so mischeuously he ended his dayes as reason was / & as done people of yl lyfe .

F. Another example how the prouoste Tarquyn the whiche was ydolatre deyed myscheuously . lvii

IT is wryten in the legende of saint syluester / that after that the prouost tarquyne had made saynt thymothee to deye by martyrdome for that / that he preched fermely the fayth of Ihesu cryste / he commaunded vnto saynt syluester to doo sacryfyce vnto the ydoles / or he wolde make him in the mornynge to be tormented by dyuers tormentes . And syluester sayd vnto hym Fole thou shalte deye this nyght and thou shalte receyue tormentes perdurables / & wylte thou or not thou shalte knowe the god the whiche we byleue to be true / & in eatinge at dynere the bone of a fysshe abode in his throte the whiche he ne myght cast ne swalowe downe / so dyed he at mydnyght & was ledde vnto the tombe with grete wepynges and lamentacyons / & saynt syluester was delyuered from pryson with grete Ioye . So it appereth that people ydolatres & myscreauntes deye myscheuously .

G. Another example how the kynge of perse quosdros the whiche wolde be of all folkes praysed & worshypped as god / had the heed stryten of .

IT is wryten in the exultacyon of the crosse / that the kynge of perse quosdros put vnder his empire many realmes of the worlde After he dyd make a toure of siluer and golde where the precyous stones dyde shyne / & made the ymages of the sonne & of the mone & of the sterres in semblaunce of an heuen . And a precyous sege wherin he sat / & made hym to be worshypped as god . More ouer he had a sone moche or guyllous / greate & puyssaunt the whiche made the warre / the whiche fought vpon a brydge agayne the humble prynce eraclius . For to be shorte god gaue grace vnto the sayd prynce eraclius in suche maner that he dyscomfyte the orguyllous in fyghtynge . And after yode vnto the sayd toure & stroke of the heed of the sayd kynge quosdrus for that that he ne wolde byleue in god So it appereth that the proude men and mysbyleuers fyned theyr dayes myscheuously .

H. Another example of the dethe of the ydolatres dacyen and Valeryen . lvii .

IT is wryten in the legende of saint Ypolyte that dacyen and valeryen emperours deyed myscheuously / for after that they had made to sle by martyrdome saynt laurens / saynt Ypolyte & many cristiens / he mounted in to a chayre for to goo to tormente of other crystyens / & dacyen was rauysshed of the deuyl / cryed . O Ypolyte hath rauysshed me / & holdeth me with grete chaynes . And valeryen cryeth . O Laurens thou drawest me bounde with chaynes & deyed incontynent . And Dacyen retourned vnto the house / & was thre dayes tormented of the deuyll / & deyed euylly .

I. Another example of the dethe of kynge Yrache ydolatre . lvii .

IT is wryten in the legende of saint mathieu that after that the kynge Yrach had made to sle saynt Mathieu the fyre toke in his palays the brent & wasted all / & none ne escaped but onely the kynge / & one of his sones was rauysshed of the deuyl / and began to crye the synnes of his fader and so yode vnto the sepulcre of saynt mathieu And his fader was a foule lepre the whiche slewe hymselfe with his swerde whan he sawe he ne myght be hole .

H. Another example of the ydolatrye of Quincien . lvii .

THe legende of saynt Agathe specyfyeth that after that Quyncyen had made to cutte the brestes of the sayd saint Agathe and to deye by martyrdome / he entred in to a bote & his two horses beganne to greune togyders / and the one of them bote hym / and the other stroke hym with his fete and cast hym to a water in suche wyse that the body of hym ne myght neuer be founde .

L. Another example of the dethe of neron . lvii .

AFter that Neron had made to crucyfye saynt peter & to beheed saint poule / & that he had commytte many other euylles for to make short he slewe himself with a sharpe staffe .

M. Another example of the dethe of Maximien . lvii .

AFter that maximien had made to sle and to martyr many crystyens towardes th ende of his dayes he dysguysed hym & wolde commaunde to tyrannyse as a tyraunt . And he was pursued of constancyen his sone in lawe the whiche made hym to be taken hastely / and soo fyned his dayes as it is writen in the legende of saynt Mauryce . By these examples beforsayd it appereth that the people of yll lyfe defyneth theyr dayes cursedly . Also those the whiche hathe dispysed and persecuted god and his seruauntes / god them shal punysshe & persecute at the houre of theyr dethe . And shall be iuged and punysshed after that that they haue deserued . Vn̄ psal. Tu reddes vnicuique iuxta opera sua .

Apostasia .
A. Examples of people apostates . And fyrste how Iulyen apostat the whiche lefte the crystyente & persecuted the chirche / deyed by punycyon dyuyne . lviii .

IT is wryten how Iulyen the apostat was in his chyldhode instructe in arte magyk and afterwarde was monke . And stole & toke awaye from a woman thre pottes ful of golde as telleth mayster Iohan beleth . More ouer he lefte the relygyon and yode vnto Rome . And in th ende dide so moche that he was emperour of the cyte of rome / as we le by moneye as otherwyse he dyde many ylles & persecuted the chirche . Also he fyned his dayes ylle . For as he yode in armes in batayll he sente vnto saynt Basylle bysshop that he sholde prouyde hym of his necessytees vnto hym & vnto his hoost . He answerde that the thynges of the chirche was not his : but gods . Than the sayd Iulyen was angrye & swore that at his retorne he sholde dystroye his chirche . and the sayd bysshop trusted in the kepynge of our lorde Ihesu crist & of the vyrgyn Marye put hym in fastynges / oraysons and almesdedes hymself his clerkes & his people in requyrynge theyr ayde . And as the said bysshop was in orayson in his chirche requyringe ayde of our lady / he was rauisshed in spyryte before the trone of god / where he herde the vyrgyn Marye that complayned her vnto her sone of the dystruccyon of her chirche . And god demaunded whiche was he that wolde venge the iniurye of hys moder . And incontynent saynt Mercure martyr that was buried in the chirche offrid him to do the sayd vengeaunce . Than he rose hym frome his tombe & armed hym & came in to the place wher euery man made hym waye / & with his axe of armes stroke the sayd Iulyen apostat the whiche toke of his blode hymselfe & cast it towardes the skye & sayd . Thou hast vaynquysshed me nazareth / thou haste vaynquysshed me . And so deyed myscheuously / & his hoost fledde The sayd bysshop tolde by ordre the sayd vysyon vnto his people & for token of trouth they ne founde saint mercure in his sepulcre the whiche was open / ne his armoure the whiche hange in the chirche . And after thre dayes all was founde in theyr places And those the whiche came agayne from batayll tolde the trouthe of the dede . And they all yelded thankes vnto god the whiche delyuereth all those that haue truste in him as it is wryten . eccle. ii. qd nullus sperauit in dno & confusus est . & dauid sayeth . In te sperauerunt patres nostri sperauerunt & liberalti eos . That is to say there is none that hath hoped in god that is confused . Also for truste thou haste delyuered our faders .

B. Another example of Theophylle the whiche was apostat / worshypped the deuyll renounced vnto god and vnto the vyrgyn Marye / but he repented hym and after was saued . lviii .

IT is wryten in the legende of oure lady that Theophylle desyred to be vycayre and rectoure of a bisshop / & for to come vnto his entencyon he yede to seche the counsayll and ayde of a cursed Iewe hebrewe sorcyer the whiche ledde hym vnto the sabbat of the deuyll . And soo moche yll he counsaylled hym that he drewe him to do the wyll of the enemye / & that he was apostate / worshypped the deuyll / renounced god & the vyrgyn Marye / & betoke him a lettre of his hande . After that the bysshop founde hym so moche tempted & prycked that he constytuted the sayd Theophylle to be his vycayre general . And whan he had regned an espace of tyme by the grace of god he reknowleged his faute / repented hym & dyde penaunce / & came before the ymage of our lady & wepte & waylled his synne by daye & by nyght / & contynued in fastyng & oraysons to requyre the ayde of the gloryous vyrgyn Marye / the whiche appered vnto hym / that sholde be a longe thynge to tell / but for to be shorte she gate his grace & was meane that all was pardoned hym . And that the lettre wherin he was bounde vnto the deuyl vnto hym was restored . Also that he shewed before the sayd bisshop in grete congregacyon of people al the case by ordre how it was done . And anone after he deyed in good consummacion & is of the nombre of the saued . By this example is to be vnderstonde that ther nys in the worlde so grete synner but that he may haue saluacion yf he wyl come agayn vnto god & do penaunce here . Vn̄ ysaie . lv . Derelīquat impius viam suam : & vir n̄quus cogitaciones suas & reuertat ad dumm & miserebit eius .

C. Another example of a monke the whiche renyed god / his baptysme / & purpose of monke / after he repented hym / dyde penaunce & was saued . lviii

IT is wryten in the lyf of faders how a relygyous was tempted of fornycacyon / the whiche loued to moche the doughter of a preest of the ydoles that he demaunded herto wyfe / whiche preest gaynsayd hym tyll he had spoken with his goddes . Then he spake to the deuyll that tolde hym yf he wolde renye his god / his baptysme / & the purpose of monke than gyue her vnto hym . / The said preest tolde it to the monke that was contente to renounce vnto the thre thynges beforsayd . And incontynent he sawe a whyte douue goynge from his mouthe the whiche flewe into heuen . And the preest retorned to the deuyll & tolde hym he had promysed hym to renounce / shall I gyue her vnto hym / & he sayd naye / for his god is not yet departed from him but him aydeth . Whan the sayd relygyous herde that he had greate repentaunce / & tolde his case vnto a good fader that bad hym fast thre wekes contynually / & he sholde praye for hym . At th ende of the fyrste weke the good fader hym demaunded . Hast thou ony thynge sene . and he answerde I haue sene in the skye a douue fle ouer me / & at th ende of the seconde weke . He sayd he had sene the douue fle after hym . And at the ende of the thyrde weke he sawe her come ouer him and entred in to his mouthe / the whiche denoteth that he had done all his penaunce for the renyenge of god / and that god him had pardoned . By this example a man may vnderstonde that grace and vertue departe theym from the persone the whiche renyeth god . or synneth mortally . Also a man may knowe that grace cometh agayne vnto synners / whan they repente them and do penaunce . &c.

D. Another example of a bisshoppe the whiche renyed god for to escape the tormentes of the incredules / the whiche repented hym afterwarde dyde penaunce and was saued . lviii .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders how a good fader walked .xvii. dayes by a countre of desert for to se yf he sholde fynde ony the whiche serued god . And he founde a lytel habytacle . And by it a tree of palme . And a man beynge there the whiche had grete heere / and the berde whyte of age the whiche couered hym . And he was poorely clothed . Also he was of terryble loke . Whan he sawe me he yode in orayson / and whan his orayson was fyned he dyd knowe that I was a man toke me by the hande & axed me how I was comen theder / and whether the persecucyons were yet in the worlde . I answered hym that I was comen theder vnto hym the whiche serued god for the grace of him . And how the persecusyons were ceased by the puyssaunce of god . And I prayed hym that he wolde tell me how he was comen theder . And in wepynge sayd vnto me . I was a bysshop / & of the myscreauntes I had of persecusyons & tormentes . And for asmoche as I ne myght bere the sayd tormentes I renyed god & dyde sacrefyce vnto the fals goddes . After that I reknowleged my synne & gaue me in to this hermytage to deye & do penaunce . And it is .xlix. yere syth that I haue ben here in confessyon & prayer that god me wolde pardon my synne . I haue lyued of the fruyte of this tree the god hathe gyuen me . And I haue not had of consolacyon of my sayd synne tyll vnto . / xlviii . yeres . In this yere here I haue had consolacyon . Whan he had sayd these wordes here / he rose vp and yode oute / & there was in prayer a longe space of tyme . And whan his orayson was ended he came vnto me / and whan I behelde hym I had fere / for he was as tyre . And he sayd vnto me drede not god hathe sente the heder to th ende that thou bery my body . And whan he had spoken these wordes / he stretched out his handes and so deyed . And I dyspoylled my robe I cutte the halfe / & with the one partye I couered wrapped / & beryed the holy body and with the other half I couered my body . And incontynent the sayd tree waxed drye . And his habytable fell downe . Than I wepte strongly & prayed god that he wolde lende me the sayde palme . And how in that place I sholde perseuer the remenaunt of my lyfe . And I knewe that it was not the wyll of god I retourned in to the worlde and shewed this thynge . Many thynges be to consyder in thys example . Fyrste a man sholde vnderstonde that yf the sayd bysshop had not repented hym correcte and amende he hadde be dampned . Secondly a man sholde consyder the by penaunce he was saued . Thyrdly it is to consyder the greate austeryte of lyfe / as to ete but one fruyte / and not to lye in bedde / ne to haue of clothynge ne consolacyon of persone / & to be so longe tyme as is .xlviii. yeres without hauynge reuelacyon ne consolacyon of his synne . &c.

E. How a crysten man loste the crowne of glorye by that that he renounced the crystendome . And a paynym wanne it . lviii .

THe disciple saith in his sermons that it is wryten how one tyme .xl. cristyens were take of the myscreauntes . The whiche crystyens were put in the tyme of wynter in a tonne of colde water there to suffre martyrdome . And as they were in the sayd torment a paynyme sawe by the suffraunce of god .xl. aungelles the whiche helde .xl. crownes ouer theyr hedes And in the ende one of the sayd crystyens sayd that he renounced vnto the crystendome by suche condycyon that men sholde take hym oute from the vessell . And incontynente that he was taken out one of the sayd aungelles flewe in to heuen with one crowne . And the sayd paynym the whiche sawe this thyng sayd . And I byleue in hym for whom these here suffre payne . And he was put within the sayd tonne of water to suffre . And he the whiche was taken oute demaunded him who it was the whiche conuerted hym so soone . Than he tolde hym by ordre that / that he had sene . So he that whiche ne perseuered as the other loste the crowne of glorye all be it that he had wele begonne . And the paynym the whiche perseuered with that other had the crowne eternell For to be saued it suffyseth not to begyn we le / but it behoueth to perseuer . Vnde mathei decimo . Qui perseuerauerit vsque in finem : hic saluus erit . Saynt bernarde sayeth . I we ne that it is a good lyfe to suffre yll / and to do good operacyons . And soo to perseuer tyll vnto the dethe .

F. Another example of a man that gaue yl counsayll for to make martyr the crystiens & make them renye theyr faith / & that counsayle redounded fyrste vpon hym . lviii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promtuarye how a mayster werker gaue folysshe counsayll vnto a tyrant called Valeryen the whiche dyde do make a grete bulle of brasse holowe within / & that the crystyens were put in that bulle and of fyre vnder for to torment them . And sayd the theyr voyces sholde resounde not as men but they sholde belowe as bulles . The tyrant dyde do make it / but of the ordonaunce dyuyne the sayd werker the whiche had gyuen the counsayl there was fyrst punysshed & put in by the sayd Valeryen for to here his voyce how he sholde belowe and braye . So the cursed counsayll that he gaue came fyrste vnto hym before other as reason was after god and the scryptures Vnde eccle. xxvii . Qui fodit foueam vt noceat proximo in illam decidet . Et qui statuit lapidem proximo offendet in co : et q laqueum alio ponit peribit in illo facienti ne quissimum consilium super illud deuoluetur et non agnoscet . Vnde veniat illi . Et dauid in psal. Lacum aparuit et effodit eum : et in cidit in foueam quam fecit .

Exempla contra hereticos .
A Examples to confounde heretykes / & fyrste example how the deuylles kepte from brennynge an heretyke / but whan the hosty was there they myght not kepe hym . &c.

MEn fynde by wrytynge in some bokes . Also the dyscyple recyteth it in his promptuarye and sayeth / that as an heretyke the whiche sholde be brenned / the Whan he was caste in the fyre he cryed . / Helpe me / ayde me . And incontynent the deuylles drewe hym oute of the fyre . And he therin was cast agayne / and the deuylles drewe hym oute agayne . And in this hangynge the good catholyckes dysputed of the fayth . And a good predycatour said vnto the bysshoppe . Make the body of Ihesu cryst to be brought . Whan it was broughte the sayd heretyke was caste in the fyre as before . He cryed helpe me . And the deuylles answerde appertly / we ne may : for a more grete mayster than we is comen / & so was he brente / they ne myght resyste agayne god almyghty . Quia non erit impossibile apud deum omne verbum . Vt dicitur luce. i. ca. Also god is the strength of all his people that sayth dauid . Vnde psal Dominus fortitudo plebis sue . &c.

B. Another example how an heretyke was dombe by the vertue of the fayth . lix .

IT is wryten in the promptuary by the dyscyple this that foloweth / There was a faythfull & deuout crysten man albeit that he was an ydiot . And an herytyke mocked hym of the fayth that he helde . And wende to haue beten hym downe / but the said faythfull crysten man put hym in oraison And lyfte vp his eyes and sayd before all vnto the heretyke . I commaunde in the vertue of the fayth crystyen that thou ne declare ne blaspheme ony thynge agayne it that is agayne the fayth . And forthwith he was dombe before all . And the crystyens reioysed them and the herytykes were all confounded .

B. Another example how a cautellous heretyke was brende of a fole demonyacle

MEn fynde by wrytynge thys the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his trōptuarye and sayeth that there was an herytyke ryght cautellous the whiche dredde to be soughte & brente for that that he yode agayne god & the fayth . And one demonyacle hym vaynquished / and was ledde in to a chirche & bounde . And in that chirche was there a clerke posseded of the deuyll and bounde / The whiche clerke by the wyll dyuyne vnbounde hymselfe in the nyght folowynge And whan he was vnbounde he assembled the mattes / the strawes and benches of the sayd chirche . And put them in a hepe vpon the sayd heretyke . And the sayd herytyke wende that that woodman had played / and endured / & dyssymuled to call ayde vnto that that the sayd clerke demonyacle toke of fyre of a lampe / and lyghted the sayd heepe of strawe . Than whan the fyre was taken the sayd heretyke began to crye . And at that voyce the gardyens of the chirche ran all abasshed / the whiche wolde quenche the sayd fyre . But the said clerke founde a glayue in the sayd chirche / & vyolentely chased the sayd gardyens oute and brente the sayd heretyke without ony taryeng . And indede by the iugement dyuine that clerke was delyuered of the deuyl . And appered playnly all hole heled .

D. Another example how the bysshop of heretykes fayned to gyue lyght vnto one that was blynde . lix .

THe dyscyple reciteth in his promptuarye and sayeth that a bysshop of Arryens named Cerula seynge that he was confounded by the reasons and dysputacyons of the good catholyques he gaue vnto a man of his secte fyftye peces of golde by suche couenaunte that he sholde fayne to be blynde & heled of the sayd bysshop . And Cerula passed in grete companye and excercyte of people of armes and of bysshoppes good catholykes prysoners The sayd man toke hym to crye & to saye O ye my ryght verytable Cerula beholde my blyndenes / & gyue me the experyence of thy vertue . For thou gyuest the syght to the blynde / the herynge vnto the defe / thou helest the lepres / and reysest the deed . Than Cerula drewe him a parte / touched his eyen and sayd . After our fayth that we byleue ryghtfully thyn eyes ben open and thou see clere . Forthwith that he had spoke his sayd wordes the eyes of the sayd accursed toke them to swelle soo horrybly that they wolde oute by grete dolour / the whiche in cryenge dyscouered the malyce . And he cryed in castynge the peces of golde and sayd Here is thy golde and yelde me agayn my syght . Than the man vsed of good counsayll / and prosterned hym before the bysshoppes catholykes in wepynge and denyenge the enuye of the arryens . Than saynt Eugenye bysshop made the crosse vpon his eyes gaue hym helthe & receyued his sight Whan the kynge sawe this thynge noted that his secte was cofounded / and that the fayth catholyke was exalted / made to torment the sayntes of god in dyuers maners and incontynent the sonne wexed derke / And the sayd kynge was posseded of the deuyll in suche maner that he tere hym with his owne tethe . And so fined his dayes by dygne torment . Chaton sayeth . Temporibus peccata latent & tp̄e parent . The synnes some tymes hyde them but in tyme & place they appere . Also the gospel sayeth that there nys thynge so bestowed & hidde but that it be wyste and knowen / & that it ne come manyfestly before all Nichil occultum est qd non sciat : nec abscōditum quod non agnoscat et in palam veniat . &c.

E. Another example how a symple bysshop vaynquysshed an heretyke right grete phylosophre .

IT is wryten in the hystorye ecclesyastyke that many phylosophres gadred them togyder to th ende that they sholde warre agayne the fayth of Ihesu cryste . / And amonge those philosophres ther was one vnto whome none ne myght resyste / For he soylled lyghtly all the argumentes Than a simple bisshop was moued agayn hym & demaunded audience . And these other crystyens the whiche knewe his symplenes dred that he ne sholde fayll vnto purpose / but for his holynes they ne durst defende hyme . The whiche in arguyng with that phylosophre purposed that Ihesu cryst had taught to eschewe the fallaces dyabolykes & to byleue in one god / & in Ihesu cryste his sone / and in sayenge all the symbole sayd vnto the phylosphre . Tell me yf thou bileue so . Than incontynent as he herde the fayth comynge out of his mouthe he was enlumyned and bileued & said vnto those that whiche were present . Whan I haue herde the wordes of the one and of the other I haue yelded worde for worde But whan the dyuyne vertue was approched I ne myght ferthermore answer ne more agayne saye vnto the fayth cristien but I me consente I am enlumyned of the fayth .

F. Another example how by the penaunce and good example of saynt domynyke he conuerted an heretyke . lxi .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptu arye this the whiche foloweth / the whiche is wryten in other bookes and sayeth that as saynt domynyk yode to dispute agayne the heretykes with many relygyous & preestes . And for as moche as they ne knewe the waye they demaunde it of a man & wende that he had be a good catholyke / but he was an heretyke . The whiche sayd with good wyll I shal shewe you the waye / & so I shall lede you tyl vnto the place . Than he them ledde thorowe a forest / & malycyously them made so moche to swerue and to go oute of the waye / that he them ledde thorowe the thornes & breres / so that theyr fete & thyes were fulfylled with blode . And saynt domynyk bare it pacyently & sayd vnto them . And by a grete ioyousnes admonested them to prayse god & to bere all pacyently / & sayd vnto them . Ryght dere frendes truste ye in god that we shall haue vyctorye / oure synnes ben nowe purged by the effusyon of oure blode . And that heretike the whiche regarded the ioyous & meruaylous pacyence of them . And the good wordes of the man of god repented hym & vnto them declared the venim of his fraulde / renounced vnto the sayd heresye and reuoked hymselfe afterwarde & demaunded lyfe louable .

Exempla contra fidem .
A. Examples of people that haue not ben stedfast in the fayth / & fyrst example of charmers that in maste tyme charmed theyr hogges . lx

MEn fynde by wrytinge this that w●●che foloweth / how the disciple recyteth in his boke & sayeth that a man deuoute founde the deuyll in a forest in mannes lykenes / he asked hym what he dyde there He answerde I kepe the hogges here that hathe ben charmed that the wulues & cruell beestes ne deuoure them . And to th ende the men put to fayth vnto the sayd charmours and that they abyde in theyr erroures . I kepe them in all dylygence .

B. Another example how a deuyll lyed vnto a noble man / & put hym in erroure wenynge to deceyue him in his dethe . lx .

SOme maysters hathe wryten this the whiche foloweth howe the disciple reciteth in his prōtuarye & sayth that a man noble and puyssaunt with his people passed thorowe a forest by nyght . And he herde the voyce of a woman syngynge in lyke wyse as she had be nere by hym / & he sayd vnto his seruauntes / is there ony of you that wyll se this woman the whiche syngeth . And they ne wolde go . & they sayd vnto hym that they ne wolde go . He theder yode all alone and founde her vnder a tree . The whiche was also as a blacke nonne the whiche songe holdyng the handes towarde heuen . And the sayd noble asked her what she dyde there . She answered . I prayse here my god / he byleued that she was one of the holy women . He prayed her in saynge . I praye the tell me what thinge is to come vnto me . She answerd thou haste done many ylles & yet shal doo And after that thou haste ouercome thyn enemyes / thou shalte passe the see & thou shalte go in to the vyage of Iherusalem / And thou shalte receyue the crosse and so shalte thou deye in the seruyce of thy lorde Ihesu crist . Whan he had herde these wordes he departed with grete Ioye . And as it was tolde hym he vaynquysshed his enmyes . And in awaytynge to goo ouer the see he fell in to a greuous sekenesse . Than his frendes and the physicyens prayed him that he wolde confesse hym & repente him of his synnes & to receyue the sacramentes for the peryll of dethe . He ne wolde in no manere . And sayd that he ne sholde die yet . And as the physyens meruaylled them of this thynge they called his broder carnall the whiche was a grete clerke / & tolde hym the peryl of dethe & that he sholde warne hym of his helthe . Whan the sayd clerke had argued the seke . He answerde . Thou art also a fole as these other / for I knowe wele that I shall not deye nowe . And the clerke in wepynge hym demaunded how he knewe it . Than he declared vnto hym that that the sayd woman had sayd vnto hym in the wodde . And the clerke was stryken of dolour in herte / said vnto hym . my dere broder it was the deuyll the whiche lyed vnto the the whiche watcheth the and taryeth to haue the & to dysceyue the nowe at thy dethe . Repente the thynke of thy helth & receyue the sacramentes . And without taryenge he repented hym demaunded the preest requyred pardon / confessed his synnes / & the erroure wherin he was / & establysshed his testamente / toke the body of our lorde / was anoynted & in good estate he deyed . And so men byleue that he was delyuered from the malyce of deuylles And the sayd clerke broder of the deed knewe the bounte of Ihesu cryst / entred in to relygyon in to the ordre of prechers . And lefte in the worlde many of goodes . &c.

C. Another example how a woman in erroure byleued in a byrde the whiche is called a cuckowe . lx

MEn fynde by wrytynge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye & sayth that a woman was seke tyll vnto the dethe / & her doughter sayd vnto her . My moder sende to seche the preest & confesse thy synnes . Vnto whome the moder sayd . What nedeth it I shal be hole to morowe . And whan the doughter sawe how she empayred she made the neyghbours to come theder / warned her to confesse . Vnto whome she sayd . I shall not dye before .xii. yeres . for that cokow tolde it me . In th ende she was dombe in suche peryll . And her doughter made the preest to come with the body of god . And the preest demaunded her yf she wolde ony thinge confesse / she sayd alonely cokow cokowe . And soo the preest retourned / & she so deyed . &c.

D. Another example how a relygyous in erroure byleued that he sholde lyue . xxii yere / & he ne lyued but two yere . lx

THe dyscyple reciteth in his promptuarye how that a relygyous conuers herde synge a byrde the whiche is called a cokowe . He nombred the tymes that she sange without ceasynge / & he founde .xxii. the whiche he counted for as many of yeres as he sholde lyue in this worlde . And said for certayne puttynge to fayth that he sholde lyue yet .xxii. yeres . More ouer he sayd wherfore shall I make me leue in relygyon so longe tyme . I shall retorne in to the worlde xx . yeres . And I shall repente me the other two yeres the whiche ben yet to come . but our lorde Ihesus the hateth all deuyninges dysposed it otherwyse / for he lyued but .ii. yere / & was deceyued . Saynt poule saith in his epystylles . It is vnpossyble to please god without stedfast fayth . Sine fide in possibile est placere deo . And therfore menne sholde put to of fayth in suche thynges incredybles .

E. Another example how that there is mo of women than of men dampned .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary that one deuyne conuerted vnto the fayth coniured one tyme the deuyll that he sholde shewe hym of the whiche was more eyther of men or of women dampned . The deuyll answerde that mo of women . And the deuyne sayd . How may that be / for there ben many vsureres / rauysshers / players / rybauldes / blasphematoures . &c. The deuyll answerde . It is as I haue sayd . And the deuyn constrayned him to tell the cause . He answerde that it was for the sorceryes / & deuynynges / & how the lyghtly they falsed theyr fayth catholyque Eue our fyrste moder byleued more soner vnto the deuyll the whiche spake by the serpent than vnto god the whiche defended that they ne sholde eate of the tree of ●ience of good & of yll . And by that these women the whiche byleue to lyghtly go agayne the fayth & commaundementes of god . And by that they go vnto dampnacyon .

F. Another example how some prepayred the table vnto deuylles bycause that they wolde enryche . lx .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye & sayeth that as saynt germayn yode to lodge in an ynne / he sawe that after souper men prepayred agayn the table & he meruayled . And he demaunded vnto whome men prepayred suche thynges . His hostesse tolde him that good thynges sa● there by nyght / to th ende that they sholde enryche them in temporall goodes . And the holy man waked by nyght . Whan the deuylles were come in manes lykenes / and that they were set at the table / the holy man suffred not that they yode cut of the house & yode to wake them of the house and demaunded them yf they knewe those persones there . They answered that ye . And that they ben suche & suche . Than the holy man sente them vnto the houses of theyr neyghbours for to seyf they were there & they founde them in theyr houses . Whan they had reported it vnto the holy man / he constrayned the deuylles to tel what they were . And they confessed that they were deuylles and that they deceyued in suche wyse the men . &c.

G. Another example of a kynge the whiche sente to seche counsayll of belzebub / & his messengers were brente of the fyre celestyall . And he deyed myscheuously . lx .

IT is wryten in the fyrste chapytre of the .iiii. boke of kynges how the kynge Ozochias was seke in bedde . The whiche sent for messengers for to take counsayle of belzabub god of Acharon . That is to vnderstonde yf he sholde lyue or dye of the sekenes . And the aungell of god came vnto the prophete Helye / vnto whome he seyd . Aryse & goo thou before the messengers of the kyng of Samarye & thou shalt say vnto hym . Is it not the god of Israel that is to vnderstonde vnto whome ye shold go to take counsayll / & not vnto belzebub god of acharon . For this thynge our lorde hathe said from thens that thou art mounted thou shalt not dyscende / but thou shalte deye The said prophete made his message : and the sayd messengers retourned to tel it vnto the kynge . And the sayd kynge said . why are ye come agayne . And they tolde how a man herye cladde vnto the raynes with a skynne is comen agayne vs . &c. the whiche sayd it is Helye . Than the sayd kynge sent vnto the sayd prophete a Capytayne and fyfty men vnder hym / the whiche capitayn came vnto hym & said . Gods man the king hathe commaunded that thou dyscende . Homo dei . Rex p̄cepit vt discendas . And Helye answerde . Yf I be gods man dyscende the fyre from heuen & the deuoure & thy fyfty men . And incontynent the fyre dyscended from heuen & hym deuoured with his .l. men And agayne the sayd kyng sente another capytayne with fifty men the whiche were brente as the other in the same maner / & yet agayne the sayd kynge sente another capytayne and fyftye men vnder hym / the whiche came before the sayd helye / yode on knees & prayed humbly / not as the two other the spake proudely / & said . Man of god ne dyspreyse thou my soule / the fyre is dyscended from heuen that hathe deuoured those that haue ben sent towarde the before me / & I praye the haue mercy on my soule / and the aungell of god spake vnto the sayd prophete & sayd . Dyscende with him & drede thou not . Than he came vnto the sayd kynge with hym / vnto whome he sayd . For that that thou hast sent messengers to take thi counsayle with belzebub god of Acharon / as & yf there ne hadde be of god in Israhell of whom thou mayst axe a worde . And therfore from the bedde wherin thou art mounted thou shalt not dyscende but thou shal deye of dethe . Than he deyed alter the worde of the prophete . This example denoteth manyfestly howe a man sholde euermore seche counsayll after god & good maneres And so men sholde take hede to byleue ylle counsayll in lyke wyse as sayeth the saige Vnde ecclesiastici .xxxvii. A consi●io malo serua Eccliam tuam . And by that that these two fyrste capytaynes the whiche spake proudely in sayenge / the kynge hathe commaunded that thou dyscende / is here to be noted that god punyssheth boweth downe & dystroyeth the proude men . And exalteth & preserueth the humbles as he byde the thyrde capytayne the whiche humbled hym on knees and spake humbly . &c.

H. Another example of a man the whiche gaue hymselfe vnto the deuyl bycause that he sholde enryche hym . lx

THe dyscyple reciteth in his promptuarye & sayeth that a ryche man came vnto pouerte & afterwarde submytted hym of his good wyll vnto the deuyll to th ende that he sholde enriche hym . And the deuyll toke hym & baptyzed hym in sayenge . I baptyse the in the name of Lucyfer & of all the deuylles that thou be ours in body and soule . Afterwarde the deuyll toke hym many rychesses & sayd vnto him For as moche as thou art ours thou sholdest bere oure token the whiche is pryde in clothyng and in all thy membres . After that he had be in suche estate by some yeres it befell that he entred in to the chirche and herde a predycacyon of the mercy of god / And afterwarde abode in the chirche contryte and sorowfull of his synnes . He fell prostrate vnto the erthe and prayed god lyenge that he vnto hym wolde yelde hys grace / and that he wolde correcte all that that he had done . Whan our lorde had sene his humylyte / his teres / & his wyll that he wolde correcte & amende his lyfe / profered from the aulter & sayd . Aryse thou vp thy synnes be pardoned the. Go and sinne thou no more . The whiche arose and with the grete contrycyon that he had he was chaunged that is as an auncyent man so that ryght fewe of his housholde knewe him more . The whiche dide afterwarde so grete penaunce & tormented his body by correccyon that it was knowen that he had the lyfe eternall . Oure lorde sheweth hys mercy vnto synners whyles that they benlyuynge in this worlde & shall shewe tyll vnto the iugement / but whan the sayd Iugement shall be come . He shall shewe and do Iustyce vnto the good & vnto the yll .

I. Another example of a woman the whiche renyed the fayth / slewe her chylde and betoke herselfe vnto the deuyll / and after had mercy . lx .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promuarye how a woman had a husbande the whiche vnto her was moche contrarye . For whan he came fro the masse / From the market / frome the tauerne / he bet her euermore . And she toke counsayl of an olde woman what she sholde do to the ende that her husbande sholde loue her . She promysed her to fynde the meane / & ledde her in to a garnyer Whan she was there the olde woman called the deuyll the whiche was present incontynent . Vnto whom the olde woman said . This woman wolde serue you soo that ye make that her husbande loue her . He sayd that he sholde do it with good wyll so that fyrste she muste slee her chylde that she had . Whan she had slayne it she retorned vnto hym . Ye shall do yet a thynge / the whiche is that ye shall renye the fayth and the ayde of god and of al the sayntes . And she sayd that she consented / & that she commytted her vnto hym bothe body & soule . And the deuyll sayd vnto her . Go ye now al assured vnto your house / than she theder yode Ioyous . And her husbande came to bete her that came from the tauerne . And as he had be before ylle & cursed / he was nowe more cursed . Whan she se that she was confused / she toke her to flee . And as she fled the deuyll ranne after her in semblaunce of her husbande & in semblable habyte / & on horsbacke / vnto whome he sayd . And accursed whether goest thou . She answered I fle before you . Vnto whom the deuyl sayd / retourne anone vnto thy house . For I promyse the I wyll bete the no more / nor do the yll . And so she lepte behynde him vpon the horse / & wende it had be her husbonde . Whan they were before the house / the deuyll vanysshed awaye so that she wyst not where he was become . And her husbande came for to bete her . Vnto whome she sayd . How fledde I before you this daye / & that ye haue brought me agayne . Ye haue promysed to bete me noo more . Whan he herde that she had fledde before him he began agayne to bete her . And so bet her so moche / that she was as at the dethe . And as she laye halfe deed in woundes sayd . bryng me a confessour / vnto whom her husbande sayd / she wyl nowe confounde me and saye that I haue slayne her / & defended that none sholde goo for the preest . She ceased not to crye brynge me a confessoure . In th ende one of her seruauntes wente pryuely to fetche the preest / the whiche came at nyght with the body of our lorde . But her husbande locked the dore agaynst hym . And as he was before the house the woman cryed vnto hym sayng . My lorde at the leest here me thorowethe walle ( & thus she cryed ) My lorde I confesse that I haue slayne my chylde / & haue commytted me vnto the deuyl in body & soule / & renyed the fayth of Ihesu cryste . And in grete contrycyon of her synnes yelded vp her spyrite . And incontynent god the whiche is debonayre pardoned her all her synnes / & receyued her to grace / & made to bere her soule in to heuen by hys aungelles . Her husbande se that & the prest & the presence by the permyssyon dyuyne . And therfore these synners sholde haue the eye to requyre god the whiche is fader of pyte / mercye and forgyuenes . &c.

Fides .
A. Examples of the faith / & fyrst example how a mountayne was put from one place into another for to conferme the faith catholyque . lxi

SOme doctours hathe wryten this the whiche foloweth how the disciple recyteth in his sermons & sayeth howe in the towne of a kynge infydele myscreaunte yl and peruers came .v. bysshoppes cristyens the whiche assembled them therefor to make a consystorye . For one partye of the people of the towne were crystyens And by the counsayll of an infydele the sayd kynge made to come before hym the said bysshoppes vnto whome he sayd . Nere to this cite there is a mountayne the letteth the the see cometh not nere / the whiche sholde be a grete good dede yf the sayd mountayne were taken awaye . And I can not fynde the meane to make it to be take away . And I haue vnderstonde that it is writen in your lawe that yf ony hathe fayth in your god as the sede of mustarde & that he saye vnto a mountayne that it remeue in to another place that it shal be done incontynent & for asmoche as ye be the maysters of the lawe I commaunde you that ye do make to be take awaye that mountayne frome thens it is / bytwene this & suche a daye / or I shall make you to deye . Than the sayd bysshoppes were sory in sayenge amonges them that better it was to deye than to make the sayd requeste vnto god for to obeye vnto the commaundement of the sayd infydele / & that he ne was dygne that men vnto him sholde obeyene do the sayd pleasure . And as they waylled in awaytynge the dethe and the daye & the houre that they sholde be trode vnderfote . A good crystyen symple man & shomaker demaunded the cause of theyr heuynesses . Answere was gyuen as it is sayd that / that the kynge vnto them had spoken . And the sayd shomaker sayd Alas and shal our pastours & bysshoppes dye the whiche vnto vs precheth / techeth kepeth & susteyneth our lawe . And he yode to make request vnto god / & said in this wyse . My god / my lorde / & my maister yf it be so that I haue fayth in the in lyke wyse as a sede of mustarde after that / that the scripture speketh . I requyre the that the sayd mountayne be chaunged in to another place / and that our bysshoppes ben kepte from dethe . And incontynent the sayd mountayne was founde in another place than it was accustomed to be . And the sayd bysshops were kepte frome dethe . It is that the whiche is wryten mathei . xxi . Amen dico vobis sihabueritis fidem et non hesitaueritis / & simōti huic dixeritis tolle & iactate mare cito fiet et omnia quecumque petieritis in oratione credentes accipietis . &c.

B. Another example of a preest a good catholyque the whiche entred within the fyre for to approue the fayth / and he was not brente .

MEn fynde by wrytynge in the lyfe of faders this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye & sayeth that there was a deuoute prest the whiche founde a grete doctoure heretyke of the manychees the whiche deceyued the symple people . And for asmoche as that doctoure was stronge to tourne & to take in wordes the deuoute preest sayd in herynge of all . Lyght a greate fyre of wodde in the myddes of the place . And entre we bothe within the flambe . And he the whiche of vs bothe shal not be brent . men shall byleue that he hathe the better fayth This thyng pleased vnto the people . and forthwith a grete fyre was made . Than the preest toke the heretyke and drewe him with hym for to entre into the fyre . And the sayd heretyke sayd . It shall not be soo but euery of vs syngulerly therm shall entre . Thou shalte entre in to it fyrste sayd the heretyke / for thou hast fyrste imposed it . And he blyssed hym and entred in the name of Ihesu cryst in the myddes of the flambe / & was there halfe an houre / & there yode on the one syde & on the other . And the fyre neuer hurte him . Whan the good cristen people sawe that / they toke them to crye in grete admyracyon & sayd . Mirabi●is deus in sanctis suis . That is to saye that god is meruaylous / that is in doinge meruayles in his sayntes . Afterwarde they began to constrayne the heretyke that he sholde entre in to the fyre / & he began to resyst & to withdrawe hymselfe . Than the people toke hym and caste hym within the fyre . And incontynent the flambe of the fyre beset hym aboute & brente hym . And yelded hym so half brent And the people cast oute of theyr cyte the sayd heretyke with confusyon / and said the seductoure brenneth lyuynge . And they toke the preest with them in blyssynge god / ledde hym vnto the chirche with honoure And so the crystyens were ioyful / & the heretykes confounded . &c. This example denoteth that by the bounte & grete fayth that the sayd preest had he was preserued and kepte from brennynge . And so had honoure before god and the worlde for puttyng hym in daunger of dethe for to defende the fayth / and so sholde we do . &c.

Humilitas contra superbiam .
C. Examples of humylyte of a holy nonne the whiche fayned to be a fole / & was scolyon of the kechyn .

SAynt Basyll telleth that in a monasterye of women / there was a vyrgyn the whiche for the loue of god fayned to be a fole . And where the other vyrgyns were olde & wele ioconde / she lyued sobrely . And she serued al the other / neuer a nonne of forty ne se her eate / ne neuer sat she at the table / nor neuer toke she pece ne partye of brede / but gadred the grōmes that fell from the table & made clene the pottes And of that she contented her / she neuer did ne sayd iniurye to none / she spake veryly tell / euery body she fledde as a fole . And vnto a holy man the whiche dwelled nere vnto the sayd monasterye came the aungel of god vnto whome he sayd . Thou wenest to be grete / wylt thou se a woman more holy than yu. Go vnto suche a monastery wher thou shalte fynde one of them the whiche hathe a crowne vpon the heed the whiche is more holy & better than thou / the whiche fighteth agayne the people nere vnto her & nyghte and daye / & her herte departeth not from god . Than he came vnto the sayd monasterye and desyred to se all the relygyeuses the whiche came with greate Ioye vnto the holy man & set them at his fete . And for as moche as he ne sawe her for whome he was come / he sayd brynge theym all vnto me there lacketh one . And they said that they sholde make the fole of the kechyn to come . The whiche ne wolde come / for she knewe the sayd dede by reuelacyon . And they sayd vnto her . Sctūs pirus vocat te . Than she yode theder . And whan the sayd saynt sawe her he fell at her fete and requyred her benedyccyon . Than she gaue it vnto hym . And also she requyred the benedyccyon of hym . And the laid relygyeuses hadde shame the whiche sayd vnto hym . Abbot doo not that thynge she is a fole . And he answered them / ye ben all foles . Please it vnto god that I were founde at the daye of Iugement also dygne & worthy as she is . And whan they herd these wordes / they yode on knees to crye her mercye . Whan the sayd saint was parted she myght no more bere the glorye that they dyde vnto her . And she parted & lefte the house / wheder she yode / & how she ended her dayes it came not vnto knowlege for to speke of certayne . But men presuppose that she is saued . &c. This example denoteth that for to be of the nombre of those the whiche ben perfytely good . It behoueth to dyspyse the prayse & honour of the worlde & to haue humylyte & pouerte as hadde the sayd woman . Vnto purpose of this example the holy scrypture putteth . Si quis in t vos voluerit sapiens esse stultus fiat vt sit sapiens . sequit . Sapientia huius mund stultia est apud deum . That is to say yf ony amonge you hath wyl to be wyse make hymselfe a scole vnto the wysdome of this worlde the whiche taketh hede vnto pryde / auaryce & vanytees . And he be sayge as vnto god And fulfylled of grace and of vertues for the gospell sayeth that he the whiche humbleth hym & boweth downe shall be lyfte vp and honoured in glorye . Vnde mathei . xxiii . Omnis qui se humiliat exaltabitur & qui se exaltat humiltabitur . Et legit iob . xxii . Qui enim humiliatus fuerit erit in gloria .

Secundum preceptum .
Blasphemia .
A. Examples of those the whiche hathe blasphemed & sworne god & his sayntes vnprouffitably . And fyrst of the sone of a woman of Israhell the whiche was stoned by the commaundement of god for his blaspheme . &c.

IT is wryten in the byble in the .xxiiii. cha. of the boke of nombres that one of the sones of the women of Israhell toke stryfe and noyse with a man of Israhell / the whiche sone blasphemed the name of god & cursed hym . And afterwarde was ledde vnto Moyses . His moder was called salumyth the whiche was proceded of the ligne of dan. Moises made that blasphematour to be put in pryson / tyll men knewe what god sholde commaunde / for in the tyme he spake to moyses & sayd . Lede the blasphematoure withoute the castelles & put they all theyr handes vpon his heed the whiche hath harde the blaspheme / & all the vnyuersall people caste stones at hym & slee him / & so was it done . And more ouer god sayd to moise Say vnto the chyldren of Israhel that the man the whiche hathe sayd yll of his god shall bere his synne . And he the whiche hathe blasphemed the name of the lorde shall deye of dethe / the multytude of people rebuke hym & slee with stones . Vnde leuiti . xxiiii . Homo qui maledixerit deo suo : portabit pcim̄ suum . Et quiblasphemauerit nomen dni morte moriat : lapidibus oprimet eum omnis multitudo populi . Syth that it is so that god made to stone & to sle the blasphematoures that regned in this worlde in the tyme of Moyses . It foloweth wele that he shall punysshe theym terrybly after theyr dethe yf they deye impenytentes . Yf men drede the punycion of this worlde / a man sholde yet more drede the punycyon eternell . The persone the whiche blasphemeth iniuryeth & sayeth yll of his god / his kyng his Iuge & mayster is not wyse / ne he ne may do wele . For he deserueth to haue punycyon and to be pryued as was he the whiche was stoned the whiche is an example the whiche sholde drawe backe all persones from blasphemynge god . Yf all the blasphematoures the whiche regneth in this worlde were stoned / many sholde be deed the whiche ben alyue / but they sholde drede to be stoned and punysshed in helle .

B. Another example of a chylde of the aege of fyue yeres blasphematour the whiche the deuylles slewe in the lap of his fader .

IT is wryten in the fourth booke of the dyalogue of saynt Gregorye . That in a cyte there was a man knowen of all / & puyssaunt the whiche had a sone that he loued to moche carnally / and nourysshed him to moche softely without correccyon . And that sone had of custome a thynge the whiche is greuous to tell and to here / the whiche is that he blasphemed the maieste of god whan there came vnto hym ony thinge in courage / he was of the aege of fyue yeres . And one daye as his fader helde him in his lappe / in lykewyse as many vnto saynt Gregorye it wytnessed the whiche were presente . The sayd chylde sawe come to hym the yll spyrytes that ben the deuylles his eyes wepte / he cryed vnto his fader / Helpe me defende me . And in cryenge he declyned his face and hydde hym in the bosome of his fader the whiche was abasshed to se hym in suche wyse tremble and crye demaundynge what he sawe . The chylde sayd the blacke men of moryenne ben come the whiche wyll bere me awaye . And as he blasphemed the name of the maieste he yelded vp his spyryte . Saint Gregory sayeth vpon this example that al lytell chyldren the whiche speke yll a man shold not byleue that they entre all in the realme of heuen . For vnto some lytel chyldren the sayd realme is closed by theyr parentes / yf they ben yll nourysshed . Vnde gregorius Omnes paruulos qui iam loqui possunt regna celestia ingredi credendum non est quia nonnullis paruulis regni celestis aditus a parentibus clauditur si male nutriantur . After the scrypture euery persone is bounde to holde and to kepe the commaundementes of god in that aege that he may them comprehende . Statim enim cum quis sit capax precepti dei tenetur ad eius noticiam et obseruantiam distinctione . xvii Some ben more aduysed and sage in the aege of fyue yeres than the other ne ben at .x. And by that that incontynente that the persone maye dyscerne that he dothe good or ylle . And that he hathe dyscrecion for to vnderstonde the commaundementes of oure blessyd lorde Ihesu cryste clerely / He sholde accomplysshe them for that / that they ben of necessyte of helthe . &c.

C. Of a player the whiche blasphemed the wombe of the vyrgyn Marye and yll came vnto hym .

IT is wryten in the boke of myracles of cleruaulx of two players after that that the one had loste he wrathyd hym & had enuye vpon hym the whiche had won And for to satysfye vnto his wrathe / he began to refrayne and saye / holde thy peas . Thou ne sholdest say yll . And incontinent he blasphemed god . And after swore by the vyrgyn Marye & to swere by her wombe And forthwith a voyce from heuen was herde the whiche sayd . I haue susteyned & forborne myne iniurye / but the iniurye of my moder I ne may forbere in no wyse / And ●orthwith this blasphematoure was stryken vpon the table inuysybly of a wounde vysyble and apperynge & in gaspynge yelde vp his spyryte . Cesar sayth that this is true . This example sholde drawe backe al persones from blasphemynge god and the vyrgyn Marye . For syth that the said man was in suche wyse punisshed in this worlde cruelly . It is to presuppose that he is dampned & punysshed horrybly . &c. It is wryten ecclesiastici . xxiii . Vir multum iurans replebit iniquitate : et non discedet a domo eius plaga . That is to say a man swerynge moche is fulfylled with iniquite . And the plage shall not departe frome his house . &c.

D. Another example of an erle blasphematoure .

MEn fynde by wrytinge this the whiche foloweth how the discyple recyteth in his promptuarye / & sayeth that an erle brought for the suche blaspheme ayenste god that he sayd the wolde god or not he sholde haue agayne his londe / & incontynent he fell from his hors vpon the whiche he was / & was tormented horrybly . And after that the knyghtes had lyft hym vp agayne he felle / in shewynge the payn of his blaspheme . and whan he was broughte agayne in to his house he was strongly tormented in the fete & in the thyes / He dyspraysed confessyon & in suche wyse deyed myscheuously foure monthes after Also in the sayd boke of the dyscyple is wryten of rybauldes the whiche dyuyded a henne And afterwarde by wantonnes sayd / neyther saynt Peter ne Ihesu cryste ne can make it hole agayne . And forthwith they were lepres . These examples here sholde drawe backe all persones to brynge forth wordes blasphemynge god / for punycyon and dampnacyon foloweth .

E. Another example of a burgeis of paris that had his lippes perced for blasphemynge .

IT is wryten in the legende of saint Lowys that one of the cytezyns of parys blasphemed our lorde Ihesu crist / but the sayd saynt lowys kynge of fraunce made his lyppes to be perced with a hote yron by punycyon & for to gyue example vnto other . And bycause some prynces reproued hym for this thynge . He answerde theym I wolde with good wyll susteyne in my lyppes that payne & vnbesemynge whyles that I shall lyue so that this vyce were out of my realme . & that no man sholde offende more . Vnto the example of saynt Lowys men sholde reprehende and punysshe the blasphematours / for it is a synne the whiche displeaseth moche vnto god and vnto his sayntes . And those the whiche wyll go into paradyse with them sholde correcte them of that vyce .

F. Another example of a dyse player that was a blasphemer the whiche brake the armes of the ymage of the vyrgyn Marye / and he was posseded of the deuyll . lxii .

IT is wryten in the myracles of the vyrgyn Marye that some men played at the dyse before the yates of the chirche of the vyrgyne Marye of the monastery of doul . And the one of them was wrothe for that that he had loste / and began to blaspheme the vyrgyn Marye / and to speke foully agayne her . And in th ende he tourned him towarde the ymage of the vyrgyn Marye the whiche was in stone vpon the yate of the sayd chirche / and in his wrathe keste agayne that a stone and brake the armes of the ymage . And incontynent the blode sprange oute of it fresshely . And the blasphematoure was posseded of the deuyll & was tormented & expyred his dayes .

G. Another example of a dyse player blasphematoure that the deuyll slewe . lxii .

SOme maysters hathe wryten this the whiche foloweth how the dysciple recyteth in his promptuarye / & sayeth that it happened in the realme of Frise in patria lāditie of a dyse player blasphematour / & thefe the whiche vsed his lyfe in suche thynges . And one tyme among other to abrege the matere after that he hadde commytte thefte yode vnto the tauerne to playe at the cardes with his compaygnons and for asmoche as he lost he blasphemed horrybly god and the vyrgin Marye . And incontynent the deuyll came vnto hym to whome he gaue suche a stroke vpon the hede that al the ioynctes from the membres of his body were dysceuered and departed and he dyed horrybly . Than his compaygnons fledde the whiche denounced the dede vnto his fader / and that he sholde goo to fetche his sone in a sack . And as the said fader theder yode to fetche hym / he yode thorowe the chircheyarde . And one of his neyghbours deed seuen yere afore rose him vp and came to mete with hym the whiche he knewe and demaunded hym . Acte not thou suche one deed of late / he answered yes . I am sente frome god to tell the that thou burye not thy sone in this chircheyarde with vs for his soule is damned and borne into helle for his synnes . And god hathe suffred that the deuyl hathe kylled hym . Goo in to suche a place where he is / thou shalte fynde hym by suche tokens that all his membres ben departed frome his body / the whiche ben all stynkynge / & burye hym in a place prophane / & so was it done . This example denoteth thre thynges . The fyrst is that the sayd blasphematour deyed myscheuously / & was punysshed corporally for his synnes . The seconde that his soule is buryed in helle with the dampned of perdycyon in paynes and tormentes . The thyrde denoteth that the body of one dampned the whiche is deed many festly in mortall synne sholde not be buryed in holy grounde with the good crysten men that be in paradyse .

H. Another example of a knyght with one eye the whiche was enlumyned for that that he smote a Iewe that blasphemed the vyrgyn Mary . lxii .

MEn fynde by wrytynge this that foloweth / how the dysciple recyteth in his boke of a knyght with one eye the whiche with good wyll herde the masse of the vyrgyn Mary . And on a tyme as he herde salue sctam parens he kneled on his knees . Whan 〈◊〉 Iewe sawe hym he began to mocke hym & blasphemed the vyrgin Mary . The sayd knyght ne myght bere the iniury that he dyde vnto our lady / but gaue hym a buffet & entred into the chyrche & herde masse deuoutly . And the meane tyme the Iewe yede to complayne vnto the Iuge / & he ne myght tell other token of hym but that he had but one eye Whan the people came forthe from masse ●he sayd knyght abode & dredde . The vyrgyn Mary enlumyned hym & commaun●ed hym that he sholde go forth hardely . Whā●he Iewe sawe hym he sayd / yf this man had ●ot two eyen I sholde say that he were culpa●le . And the knyght sayd . It i● I that smote the loue of her that hath restored myn eye / for whome I haue prepared to spende my body & my goodes . Whan the myracle was seen & knowen grete praysynges was there gyuen vnto the vyrgyn Mary / & the knyght alowed . &c.

H. Another example of two players at the dyse vnto whome there came yll for swerynge and blasphemynge . lxii .

IT is wryten in the boke of hony flyes that in a towne of the partyes of Champayne a Iewe played with a crysten man . And after that the sayd Iewe had lost many penyes he was moeued by impacyence . In th ende he recouered his losse & wrothe hym ayenst our lorde Ihesus & blasphemed and cursed . And as he gadred the dyse for to cast them his hande closed vpon the dyse without beynge in power to helpe hymselfe . And thanne by cursed furour he was enbrased & enforced hym to smyte the table wheron he had played with the sayd seke hande . Agayn he blasphemed vntruely Ihesu cryst & his moder & forthwith he torned the eyen ouerthwart & fell to the erthe all deed . And the crysten man that played with hym for feere loste his wytte / languysshed afterwarde & ended his dayes by cruell dethe . &c. By this example a man may se clere that yl cometh vnto players blasphemers . Also the dethe is euyl as vnto the body / it is to presuppose that it is ryght cruell & terryble as vnto the soule For in the fyre of hell they ben so moche tormented that they haue dethe without deyeng & without endynge & defaute without defaylynge . And euermore in dyenge they shal lyue / And neuer dye they may not .

K. Another example how yll came vnto kynge Semacheryb the whiche sent wordes blasphemynges agaynst god vnto Ezechyas . lxii .

IT is wryten in the .xxxvi. chapytre of the boke of Ysaie how kynge semacherib was meruaylously proude for his grete puyssaunce of people of armes & of rychesses / the whiche toke many townes & castelles / & after came to besyege Iherusalem / & kynge Ezechias was within . Vnto the whiche Ezechias he sent that he sholde delyuer the towne and to say vnto hym by grete pryde & elacion . What is he of al the goddes of these landes here the whiche hath power to delyuer his lande and his people fro my hande / as yf he wolde say that none had power to resyst agaynst hym & who is so grete the shall delyuer Iherusalem fro myn hande . And whan ezechyas herde his wordes here / he cut his clothes and clothed hym in a sacke / yede vnto the hous of god / & sent Elyachym and the auncyent prestes clothed with sackes vnto the prophete Ysaie to tell the proude wordes ful of blaspheme agaynst god that the kynge Sennacheryb sent / & that he was besyeged . &c. And the prophete Ysaie sayd vnto the messageres . Illud Ysaie .xxxvii. Hec dicitis dno vestro / ne timeatis a facie verborum que audistis quibus blasphema uerunt pueri regis assiriorum . Ecce ego dabo ei spiritum et audiet nuncium & reuertetur ad terram suam et corruere eum faciam gladio in terra sua . &c. Say to your mayster that he drede not the wordes of the sayd kynge . For to abredge this mater it is wryten in the sayd boke of Ysaie that the aungel of god strake and slewe .lxxxv. thousande men of armes of the sayd kynge Sennacheryb And those of Iherusalem came in the mornynge and founde the sayd deed bodyes / & the sayd kynge Sennacheryb fledde in to the cyte of Nynyue . And it was done that as he prayed his god in the temple his two sones drewe theyr swerdes & slewe hym in the sayd temple / & so he was punysshed of his pryde . And the sayd Ezechyas the which clad hym with a sacke / & the whiche humbled hym was delyuered . It is that / that the gospell of mathew speketh .xxiii. omnis qui se exaltat humiliabitur / et qui se humiliat exaltabitur .

Periurium .
A. Example how a tauerner lost the vse or spekynge / for swerynge and blasphemynge . lxiii

THe dyscyple reciteth in his boke that it is wryten how in the toune of Cluny there was a tauerne● yll & of foule lyfe . For whan the people that yede to drynke in his tauerne payed not his wyll he blamed get & the vyrgin Mary & spake many vylayne wordes . So it happened that a man tolde him that he had well payed him that that he ought h●● Than the sayd tauerner sware by the tongue of our lady that he lyed & that he had nothing payed hym . And incontynent by the pun●cyon dyuyne his tongue lept fro his mouth and he lost the vse of spekynge / & dyed horybly for the vyle wordes that he had sayd of god / & of saynt Mary .

B. Another example of some chyldren the whiche sware / and in swerynge they were drowned . lx●●●

IT is wryten in a boke that is called mariall how a good woman instructe her chylde to salue the vyrgyn Mary . The whiche as he ye de with other chyldren to playe they sware and stryued by a water side . The water flowed vp the whiche drowned them al in blasphemynge / & reserued hym before sayd that our lady toke from the water & set hym on her lappe / conforted hym and saued . &c. By these examples a man shold vnderstande that swerynges ben to fle / & that it is grete synne & case too swere vaynely . And to name in suche wyse god & his sayntes vnlefully . Legit ecclesiastice .xxiii. In rationi non assuescat os tuum / multus e●●casus in illa sequitur nominatio dei non sit assidua in ore tuo neque in omnibus factorum admiscearis quoniam non eris immunis ab illis / quia omne iuramentum requitet a te .

C. Another example how the heed of a swerer torned that that was behynde before / and the cattes cryed vpon his graue after his dethe . lxiii .

MEn fynde by wrytynge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary and sayth that a yonge man wrothed hym moshe / for that that he had lost at the playenge at the tenes . Therfore he began to swere and to dyspyte god and the vyrgin Mary . And incontinent his heed was tourned that / that was behynde before / and his tongue lepte out of his mouthe more than halfe a fote / and thre dayes after he deyed / and was buryed in an abbaye . But euery nyght there came so grete multytude of cattes the whiche made there so grete tempest that the monkes ne myght take no rest / and this dured longe tyme / soo longe that fynally it behoueth to put hym out of the chyrcheyarde / & ●kest hym in a dyche .

Vota .
D. Examples how a man sholde accomplysshe his vowes . And fyrste example how the chyldren of ysraell accomplysshed theyr vowes after that they had vyctory . lxiii .

IT is wryten in the byble in the boke of Iudyth that whan the chyldren of Israell were besyeged of holofernes / & that they felt grete necessyte they made vowes vnto god for to go in to Iherusalem for to make gyftes & oblacyon yf it pleased hym to delyuer them . And it is wryten in .xvi. chapytre that after that they had vyctory & that Holofernes was slayne all they yode in to Iherusalem to worshyp god & fulfyll theyr vowes .

E. Another example of a vyrgyn that vowed chastyte & after wolde be wedded . lxiii

SOme maysters hathe wryten this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary / and sayth how a vyrgyn serued faythfully in chastyte the vyrgyn Mary / & bounde herselfe by vowe to serue her & her sone Iesu cryst in chastyte vnto her dethe . And the deuyll of hell had enuy of her good operacions the whiche moeued the courage of a ryche man in her loue for her beaute / & dyde so moche that he demaunded her in maryage / & offred worldly glory / honour / rychesses / & euery day he ceased not by flateryes and promesses to drawe her soo to consent what more . The sayd vyrgyn was so wery of the temptacyons of the ennemy that she fell and consented to mary with the sayd ryche mortall man / & left the espouse of the kynge eternall the whiche is Ihesu cryst & the goodes perpetualles for to haue that godes transytoryes . The day of the weddynwas constytute and set . And the nyght precedent the day that the weddynge sholde be as she rested in the hous of her parentes / she sawe in her dreme as she slept that she was rauysshed vpon the mouthe of a well / from the whiche proceded so moche stynke that it semed vnto her that the worlde was infect and vndone . And also kest so grete clowdes of smoke that she thought that all the clerenes of the worlde was dryuen away / & all boyled of serpentes & wormes & of soules tourmented . And as she meruayled her of the horryble clamours of those the whiche were within the tourmentes she sawe sodaynly go forth of the sayd well of these moryens of fyre they ben deuylles the whiche toke without dyfference the soules deputed to the tourments & them plunged & kest within it . And as they drewe the sayd vyrgyn amonge the other for to be plonged there she loked on the one syde & on the other as despayred yf there were ony ayde & sawe a ferre of her auncyent lady the gloryous vyrgyn Mary that torned to her the backe . And the whiche was for that she might not drawe her backe . In th ende she conuerted vnto her with al her herte / & called her name and sayd . O lady thynke on thy handemayden constytute in so grete & bytter necessyte . And she approched more nere & sayd vnto her . What art thou . And she answered I am thyn handmayden / I haue be euermore deuout in thy seruyce & in thy memory . And she sayd / it is not so / thou art not myn / for thou hast dyspised me and my sone / thou arte his that thou hast chosen / thynke on hym and he wyll delyuer yt. And she ne myght bere the wordes & sayd . O lady ferre of is he fro me / fro my herte / & fro my mynde / delyuer thou thyn handmayden and deferre it not . O dna iam absorbet me profundum / iam vrget super me puteus os suum . And she excused her for to ayde her & that the ennemyes drewe her without gyuynge vnto her dylacion . The moder of pyte Mary the moder of god approched vnto her / touched with her honde & toke her / & incontynent the enmyes fledde ferre of / & durst nomore loke whan they sawe the helpe of the moder of god . Than she spake & conforted her benygnely & sayd . Here ben the fruytes of the flesshe / & the rewarde of volupt . Thou knowest not that thou gyuest the to be cast in this deluge of tourment / fle it now syth that thou hast seen thexperyence / & drawe the with all thyn herte and with al thy might to recouer grace & to serue me in tyme to come chastely / & I shall helpe the by my prayers . Than the vyrgyn Mary departed & yelded the soule / & so she awoke . The frendes of the ryche man were there the whiche demaunded what the man sholde do . And she answered / mynystres of dethe departe ye ferre of / & in grete indygnacyon she put them backe . The parentes & all were troubled / vnto whome & to al togyder she tolde all the thynge before sayd . And they left her fre whan they had herde that that she had shewed / & she retorned vnto her fyrst purpose And with all her force she excercysed her in penaunce & wepynge for to recouer grace of the gloryous vyrgin Mary & of her dere sone Ihesus . And after ended her dayes in good purpose . &c.

F. Another example of a man that had made a vowe the whiche was dampned . Also example of rauayne & of the paynes of hell . lxiii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his prōtuary this the whiche foloweth the whiche is wryten in other bokes & sayth that as man preched of the crosse a carle vsurer bought agayne a vowe that he made to Iherusalem / & yode to the despensatour fraudelently & gaue vnto hym for his sayd vowe .v. li. & he myght well haue gyuen .xlviii. wtout to dysheryte his chyldren . And as this sayd carle sate in the tauernes he sayd vnto other the whiche hadde made vowes . Ye foles ye shall passe the see in peryll of your lyues / & ye shall spende your substaunce . I haue agayn bought my vowe for . v.li . And I shal abyde sure of my lyfe in my hous / & also I shall haue as grete mede as you . And on a nyght as he was in his bedde with his wyfe he herde in his myll moeuynge tempest as the wheles gryndynge / & he sayd vnto his sone . God se what is in the myll . The chylde yode & retorned anone by grete drede and horrour / of whome the mayster demaunded / what hast thou seen . I haue had so grete fere at the myll dore that I durst not tary . And he sayd / yf the deuyll be there yet shall I go & se who it is . Than he kest his clothes vpon his sholdres and yode vnto the myll / he was all naked sauf onely of the sayd vestement . He opened the dore & loked within and sawe to blacke horses / & a blacke man by them the whiche sayd vnto the carle . Haste the / lepe vpon this hors the whiche is to the brought . The earle feered / & the blacke man sayd . Why taryest thou / caste downe thy vestement & come . There was a crosse on his garment . He was dyspeyred at the voyce and callynge of the deuyll & keste of his clothes and lept on the other hors . and they were incontynent brought in dyuers places of paynes / in the whiche the cursed sawe his fader & his moder in many other that he had knowen . And he sawe a knyght named He lye of the castell horste that sate strydlynge on a cowe / & the backe towarde the hornes . The whiche cowe ranne on the one syde and on the other / & tourmented terrybly the sayd knyght in smytynge hym with her hornes in the backe . And the carle demaunded him wherfore he suffred suche payne . He answered . I haue taken away this cowe from a woman wydowe without mercy / & therfore she me tourmenteth sore . Afterwarde there was shewed vnto the carle a syege of fyre / & it was tolde vnto hym . Thou shalt retorne now vnto thy hous / & after thre dayes thou shalte come agayne in to this place here / & thou shalte take thy rewarde in this syege After these wordes the deuyl brought hym agayne in to his mylle / & he founde his wyfe & his meyny as halfe deed / vnto whome he tolde that that he had sene & how it was comen vnto hym . The preste was called for to confesse hym & to styre him to confessyon and to haue contrycyon . And he answered . What prouffyteth me these wordes here I may not repent me / for I se that in vayne I sholde confesse me / & I knowe that it is of necessyte to accomplysshe in me the thynge the whiche is dysposed . And the cursed man deyed in suche wyse without receyuynge the sacraments of the chyrche . &c. They the whiche chaungeth theyr vowes sholde take hede therin to make fraude as dyde the sayd man & to mocke other / for punycyon and dampnacyon there foloweth . Also the rauysshers sholde well note where punycyon & dampnacyon foloweth to take & to rauysshe the kyen or other godes from theyr neyghboures as was punysshed the sayd knyght named Helye . Also people obstynate ben to be blamed For yf the sayd carle had repented hym & confessed he had be saued / but for his obstynacyon he was dampned eternally . &c.

G. Another example how a doctour that had vowed & dyfferred to accomplysshe his vowe lost his syght . lxiiii .

MEn fynde by wrytinge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary and sayeth that a doctour gretly lettred & clerke after that he had vowed to entre in to the ordre of freres in the cyte of melanke / and that he vnto them had assygned the day he was withdrawen of his scolers and wente into another cyte to th ende that he sholde teche his scyence / & that he ne se the sayd freres . And on that day that he brake his promes he lost his syght & abode thre dayes blynde At the last he reknowleged his synne & recouered his syght & entred in to the ordre / & therin was deuout and ended his lyfe in good consummacyon .

H. Another example that it is peryll to dyfferre to do his vowe . lxiii .

MEn fynde by wrytinge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary and sayeth that a yonge man named Iohan vowed that he wolde entre in to the ordre of Cysterciences / but he was replenysshed with slouthe & repented hym . And in stede of that vowe he made his pylgrymage vnto saynt in galyce Iames . And whan he had accomplysshed it he was receyued honorably of his parents . And in his slepe he sawe hym ascyted before god / with whome was saynt Peter / saynt Poule / saynt Iames / saynt Iohan / & the other . And it semed him that saynt Peter helde in his hande a fayre boke the whiche our lorde commaunded to open . And he sawe that the name of the sayd Iohan was wryten in lettres of golde / & how our lorde commaunded that it were scraped out . Than saynt Iames fel prostrate before our lorde & requyred hym that the name of his pylgryme were not put out / & out lorde excused hym not . Than our lorde reproched hardly vnto the sayd Iohn with grete Indygnacyon that he had contempned to accomplysshe his vowe / & he commaunded vnto saynt peter that he sholde scrape out his name . And saynt Iames fell prostrate yet agayne before god / & prayed hym that the name of his pylgrym were not effaced ne put out / in promyttynge for him that he wolde accomplysshe his vowe within .xv. dayes . Than the sayd Iohan awoke fro slepe & yelded thankes vnto sayd Iames / & promysed that he sholde beginne before the terme And before the .xv. dayes he entred in to the ordre of cystercyences / and was so good afterwarde that he was abbot and bysshop of Valence where he dyde many myracles & fynysshed his lyfe . &c. This example denoteth that those the whiche repente theym to haue vowed or that ne wyll accomplisshe theyr vowes ne shall be of the nombre of the saued / yf they in suche wyse deye without amendement . It is here vnderstande by that that god made to efface his name out of the boke of lyfe . And that / that saynt Iames prayed for hym denoteth that pylgrymage is agreable / whan ony dooth in the honour of ony saynt & remuneracyon there foloweth For the sayd man was saued by the prayer and meane of saynt Iames . &c.

I. Another example how a preste the whiche wolde not accomplisshe his vowe ended his dayes yll . Also of his Iugement & of his punycyon . lxiii .

IT is wryten in the boke of Peter of Cluny that a preste commytted many synnes the whiche as he was warned many times of the pryour ot bonneuall that he sholde amende his lyfe / that he sholde renounce the worlde / and that he sholde entre in to th ordre of relygyon . The whiche preest vowed that he therin sholde entre / but he accomplysshed not his vowe / & sodaynly he began to b● seke / & sent for the pryour . Whan he was come he warned hym to accomplysshe his vowe without more dyfferrynge / & he began to crye sodaynly . O fader praye for me . For two beres cometh to deuoure me . Than the sayd pryour with them present prayed for hym and forthwith he was delyuered / & yet he accomplysshed not his promesse . And agayne he began to crye that men sholde praye for hym / for the fyre dyde renne vnto hym for to deuoure hym / and he was delyuered agayne at the prayers and requestes of the good man . And yet he contempned to accomplysshe his promesse and vowe / and as despayred he was rauysshed in the Iugement of god / and herde that sentence was gyuen agaynst hym for his synnes / and for the brekynge of his vowe . And he was incontynent brought agayne vnto the place fro whens he had ben rauysshed / and tolde these thynges the whiche he hadde sene & herde and that he had nomore hope of helthe . And he put to and sayd . Here ben to deuylles the whiche bereth a fryenge panne for to haue me fryed within it by perdurabylyte . And as he sayd the sayd worde a droppe of the fryture fell vpon his hande the whiche deuoured hym vnto the bones before all that before hym were the presente / and than he sayd . Beleue ye now that here ben the deuylles the whiche casteth me in to the fryenge panne . And in spekinge these wordes he departed and ended his lyfe without correccyon . &c. By this example a man sholde denote that he ought too accomplysshe his vowes and him correcke & amende whyle that he lyueth for to escape punycyon / & to haue saluacyon . The sayd preest was warned of the holy pryour / and for that that he wolde not correcke hym he was dampned with the deuylles .

K. Another example of a carle the whiche vowed a cowe & her calfe vnto saynt Myghell and he accomplysshed not his vowe . lxiii .

IT is wryten in some bokes . Also the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary and sayeth how a carle led his cowe and her calfe vnto the mountayne of saynt Myghell fered of the peryll of the see for the wawes of the water came vnto hym / & in cryenge he sayd . O saynt Myghell helpe me and delyuer me / and I shall gyue the my cowe and the calfe . And whan he was delyuered he sayd . Saynt Myghell was a veray fole to wene that I sholde gyue hym my cowe & my ealfe . And agayne the wawes of the water came vnto him / and yet he cryed & sayd O good saynt Myghell helpe me and delyuer me / and I shall gyue the my cowe and my calfe . Whan he was delyuered he sayd . O saynt Myghell thou shalt neyther haue cowe nor calfe . And as he was so as assured the wawes of the see came agayne the whiche englouted hym / and drowned hym and his cowe and calfe .

L. Another example how some Iewes made a folysshe vowe for to slee saynt Poule . lxiii .

IT is wryten in the .xxiiii. chapytre of the dede of the appostles that mo than .xl. Iewes vowed and made an othe that they sholde neyther eete nor drynke tyll that they hadde put saynt Poule to dethe . And they departed and went to tell vnto the prynce of the preestes that they hadde vowed by deuocyon not for to ete nor drynke tyll that they hadde put to dethe the sayd saynt Poule . And that he sholde make the sayd Poule to come afore hym for some cause . And the sone of the syster of saynt Poule the which herde theyr malycyous counceyle wente & tolde it vnto saynt Poule the whiche founde the meanes for to escape and eschewe the cursed intencyon that they hadde conspyred agaynst hym . And than he was ledde and conduyted by nyght out of theyr boundes and fraudes . &c. Almyghty god delyuered his seruaunt from the handes & touchementes of euyll people / the whiche had made cursed vowe and othe the whiche they might not accomplysshe as reason was . &c By the examples afore declared and shewed it euydently appereth that all maner of persones ought for too kepe theym well from swerynge / from blaspheminge / & fro brekynge the vowes iustly made for the loue of god for to escape dampnacyon / & also to haue saluacyon .

Tercium preceptum .
Operatio .
A. Examples of them the whiche hath broken the festes commaunded . And fyrst . Example of a man that moyses made to be stoned for that that he gadred wood on the holy day . lxiiii .

IT is wryten in the byble in the .xv. chapytre of the boke of nombres that a man of the chyldren of Israel was founde gadrynge wood on the day of the feest commaunded He was taken & gyuen vnto Moyses and Aaron the whiche made hym to be put in prison for that that they knewe not what they sholde do . And god sayd vnto Moyses the wordes the whiche folowe . Morte moriat homo ista obruant eum lapidibus omnis turba extra castra . That is to saye / this man shall deye of dethe / al the company of the people cast stones at hym / & lete hym be broken & slayne without the castels . And thus was done the commaundement of god . By this example a man sholde knowe the it dyspleaseth to god to werke on the feest commaunded . It was a lytell thynge as to gadre wode / but it is a grete thynge as to breke the commaundements of god that sayth . Kepe & sanctyfy the feest without werkynge theron . By this that god commaunded that he were stoned / slayne / & punysshed is to vnderstande that so shall be those the whiche breke the feestes / in lykewise as god sayth in the holy scryptures . Vn̄ psal. Si iusticias meas prophanauerint et mandata mea non custodierint : visitabo in virga iniquitates illorum . et in verberibus pctā eorum . That is to say . Yf the synners haue taken in scorne my Iustyces / & yf they haue not kept my commaundementes I shall vysyte theyr iniquytees in rodde & betynge theyr synnes . And the sage sayth . O ye cursed men maledyccyon vnto you the whiche haue left the lawe of that right hye god . Vnde ecclesiastic . xli . Ve vobis viri impii qui dereliquistis legem dei altissimi .

B. Another example of a woman that was dyuynely punysshed for that that she sercled and closed her felde on the fest of saynt Iohan baptyst . lxiiii .

IT is wryten in the myracles of saynt Martin that as a woman closed her felde the day of saynt iohn baptist whan other were at masse Whan she began to be besye her handes were taken incontinent with the fyre dyuyne / and her vysage was enbrased as it had cast flambe of fyre / & all her body & her membres were replete with bladders brennynge and pryckinge / so that the cursed vnhappy was bounde not alonely of dolour of body / but with that of dolour of shame whan it was so that she must nedes declare her synnes This example sholde withdrawe all persones fro worke on the holy daye / & ought for to warne too sanctyfye it . For whan a man dooth theron operacyon he breketh the commaundemente of god / he synneth mortally / and he byndeth hymselfe vnto punycyon and dampnacyon / and also it putteth hym from the Ioyes of paradyse / & from the vysyon of god .

C. Another example of a man that wrought on the sonday . lxiiii .

IT is wryten in the myracles of saynt Martyn how a man made his hedge on the sonday / his handes harded them in the wood & he drewe backe strongly his ryght hande / but the fyngers fastned them vnto the palme / & was in grete dolour by .xl. days . And afterwarde by the merytes of saynt Martyn he was heled .

D. Another example of a man the whiche caryed hey on the sonday . lxiiii .

IT is wryten in some bokes / also the dyscyple recyteth it in his promptuary and sayth the a man was led to se the paynes of hell / and he sawe as it had ben a carre ful of hey and it was sayd vnto hym . There must nedes as moche hey be brence on thy backe for that / that thou hast ladde hey on the sonday And thou knowest well it was defended of the preest . Afterwarde he was brought agayne and dyde penaunce / and was confessed of his synnes and was of right good lyfe after .

E. Another example of a man the whiche bare his whete on the day of the feest commaunded . lxiiii .

MEn fynde by wrytynge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary & sayeth that a carie ledde his whete from the feldes in to his graunge on the day of the feest commaunded . And by the suffraunce of god the fyre brent al the sayd wheet and the graunge . This sayd man yede agaynst the scrypture the whiche defendeth that a man sholde not bere charges on the day of the solempnyte / that is of the feest commaunded . And that a man sholde put no charges without his houses . Also that a man ne do operacyon the whiche sholde lette the sanctyfycacion of the feest . Vnde hieremie decimoseptimo . Nolite pondera portare in die sabbati et oen opus non facies in eo . &c.

F. Another example of goynge vnto the plough on the day of the feest commaunded . lxiiii .

ALso the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye how Gregory of tours telleth that as a carle wolde plowe / that is to ere / he toke with his ryght hande the hafte or the handle of an axe for to make clene the plough / but his hande was nayled and harded in the wood / and two yeres after was heled in the chyrche of saynt Iulyen by the prayers of the sayd saynt .

G. Another example of two women the whiche baked theyr breed in the solempnyte of the sonday . lxiiii .

IT is wryten in the myracles of saynt Martin of a woman of the partyes of Angyers the whiche wolde bake on the saterday after the sonne goynge downe . And as she made the breed she was smyten of euyl in suche maner that her body and her membres became all drye . And in especyall her ryght hande and her fyngers were more drye than the other membres . And afterwarde she yode vnto the sepulcre of the holy archebysshop saynt Martyn of Tours and fell prostrate in deuocyon and prayer . And at the last she had helthe by the merytes of the sayd saynt Martyn . By this example a man ought to absteyne him from worke on the holy dayes .

Another example wryten in the sayd myracles of a woman the whiche baked on the saterdayes at nyght within the fast of the sonday / and as she put the breed within the ouen her handes were greuously seke / the whiche claue and toke in the hafte of the pele in settynge in the breed . And whan the sayd woman felte that payne and punycyon toke her she wolde haue casten away the sayd pele hastely / but she myght not escape the payne . And her sayd handes were croked / and the nayles of her fyngers fastned them in the palmes of her handes in suche maner that the leches sayd that she myght not be remedyed . Afterwarde she went vnto the tombe of saynt Martyn by grete deuocyon and there was heled / and vowed vnto god and vnto saynt Martyn that she sholde goo to serue one weke in euery moneth in the holy place where the body of the sayd saynt Martyn rested . And she accomplysshed the sayd vowe one yere without faylynge it . And after that yere she left one weke of a moneth without goynge thyder & doloure toke her in her eyen in suche maner that in lesse than halfe an hour she was blynde of bothe the eyen . And afterwarde she confessed her of her neclygence to haue lefte the sayd vowe / dyde penaunce / retorned vnto the tombe of saynt Martyn in orayson & for to accomplysshe her vowe / & her eyen keste blode and she was enlumyned at the ende of .viii. dayes . These examples here denoteth that a man sholde abstayne hym from werke on the festes commaunded / & that a man sholde do and accomplysshe his vowes / or elles he shall be punysshed be it eyther in this worlde or in the other .

I. Another example of bakynge of breed on the daye of the holy feest commaunded . lxiiii .

MEn fynde by wrytynge this the whiche foloweth that the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary and sayth that a chorle baked his breed on the daye of the feest / and al the sayd brede was blody in token of offence made / & also that the feest sholde be halowed & kept .

K. Another example that god sendeth punycion vpon those the whiche breketh his commaundementes . lxiiii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his sermons that men fynde by wrytynge that it happened in the countree of Englonde in a yere that the cornes came & grewe in grete haboundaunce and were moche fayre . And whan the tyme to gadre approched there sprange vp a swarme of flyes in grete haboundaunce the whiche consumed those cornes in suche maner that in fyue thousande pace of londe with grete payne myght a man fynde one quarter of corne . The men of the countre toke some of those flyes and behelde them dylygently / so that they founde lettres wryten on theyr winges . And on the one wynge there was wryten / ira / that is to say / yre . And on the other winge was wryten / dei / that is to saye / god . The whiche sygnyfyeth that god was wrothe ayenst theym for theyr synnes and mysse lyuynge and that by vengeaunce and punycyon all myghty god sent vnto them the sayd vermyn or flyes .

L. Another example of two cordoyners of the whiche the one kepte the festes commaunded / and the other wolde worke alway . lxiiii .

IT is wryten in some bokes this the foloweth the whiche the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his sermons wherin he speketh of two cordwyners of the whiche the one had grete multytude of chyldren the whiche kepte wel the festes & yode vnto masse euery day and habounded in grete goodes . And the other ne kepte feest ne werke day / & ceased not to werke day and nyght & had no chyldren & was moche poore . And this poore demaunded of the other from whens came vnto him his goodes . And he answered / come with me in the mornynge in to the chyrche & I shall shewe the where I take them He came and they yede by thre mornynges vnto the chyrche & vnto masse . And after the ryche sayd vnto the poore . Go do thy werke . And the poore sayd vnto hym . I wened that thou sholdest haue ledde me vnto a grete treasour . I haue none other place where I gete the treasour of the body and the rewarde of the lyfe eternall than the chyrche . For god hath sayd . Illud mathei . vi . Primum querita regnum dei et her omnia aducientur vobis . Go as I do vnto the chyrche and kepe the festes and obey vnto god / & he shall gyue the of his goodes . He yode confused / corrected hym / yode vnto the chyrche / & afterwarde had goodes .

M. Another example of a mowyer the whiche ceased of mowynge on a saterday at euensonge time / and his felawes dyde not . lxiiii .

MEn fynde by wrytinge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuarye and sayeth how that a knyght made for to fell his medowe . Whan it came vnto the euensonge tyme that the belles range in the chyrches for the feest one of the fellers sayd vnto his felawes / leue we werke for they ringe to euensonge it is tyme to cease . And they wolde not for hym / but cofounded by wordes him the whiche them warned / and he left werke and yode vnto euensong . On the thyrde day he yode to make an ende of fellynge with his felawes the sayd medow And for as moche as the other yode before and that he must nedes fell the laste all the other mocked hym / and he bare pacyently theyr mockynges and laughynges . And at the begynninge that he put the honde vnto the sythe for to fell after the other he sawe before hym a grete pyece of golde the whiche hanged at the stumpe of a felled tree / the whiche tree was of grete beaute and largenes / than he bowed his knees and thanked god . Whan he cryed the mayster of the medowe and his felawes ranne and they sawe the dyuyne myracle . The knyght the whiche was a clerke behelde the scrypture and founde that there was in wrytynge about the sayd pyece of golde . The hande of god hath made me and brought me in gyft vnto the poore the whiche hath not broken the day of the feest . And the knyght bought that pyece of golde of the sayd poore and shewed it vnto many in recountynge the sayd myracle . &c.

D. Another example how the sellers & the byers on the holy daye of the feestes commaunded ben gretely for too be reprehended . lxiiii .

IT it writen in the byble . Neemie vltimo capitulo . how the prophete Neemie repreued vyllanously those the whiche bare in to Ihesalem of lyuynges or vytayles and the whiche there solde and bought on the sabbot daye / that is on the feeste / vnto whome he sayd . Dyde not our faders this that ye do / and our lorde ledde vpon vs & vpon this cyte all yll / and ye brynge agayn his yre vpon Israell in vylynge this feest . For to cease suche marchaundyses and operacyons the sayd Neemye made to shytte the gates of Iherusalem the day of the sabbot / & constytued his seruauntes vpon the gates that none sholde bere burden on the sayd day in the cyte . And the negociatours and marchauntes abode two tymes before Iherusalem with theyr marchaundyses wenynge there to entre . But the sayd Neemye thretened to lay hande on them yf they came ones agayne : & so they came nomore on the feest day . This here is a grete example for to kepe and to sanctyfy the feestes . Another example . It is wryten in the .xvi chapytre of Exodi . how the chyldren of Israell gadred in deserte the .vi. daye double manna by the commaundement of god to th ende that they sholde rest them on the day of the sabbot in gyuynge example that in the feest men sholde cease and doo none operacyon .

Seruicium .
A. Another example of a ryche man the whiche rode & went to worldly occupacyons whan they range to masse . Also he dyspysed for too here the predycacyons or sermons . lxv

SOme maysters hath wryten this the whiche foloweth how the discyple recyteth in his promptuary and sayth that there was a riche man of suche condycyon that whan he shold go to masse he lept on horsbacke & went to se his manoyrs / his mylles / & his cornes in his feldes . And he was warned by his wyfe that was deuout that he ne sholde do suche thynges / & that he sholde go vnto the masse on the holy sondayes & solempnytees vnto the chyrche to th ende that he myght here some good in predycacyon . He answered . I knowe what I sholde do better than thy prechers . At the last on a tyme as men range to masse he lepte on horsbacke / & as he rode in a felde the deuyll ranne vnto him and sayd . Alyght from thy hors & here my masse / and the deuyll ledde hym in to a grete dyche the whiche was there & keste him in and descended with the deuyll in to hell for to here the seruyce of hell . &c.

B. Another example of a woman the whiche wolde haue hanged herselfe / & as she herde knyll vnto a sakerynge she kneled on her knees and was delyuered from daunger . lxv .

THere is founde by wrytynge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his boke of sermons & sayth that a woman was one tyme so heuy & tempested of the deuyll that she prepared a corde & a place to hange her selfe / & as she made an ende of that she had begon she harde ryngynge to a sacrynge / than she bowed her knees & put her in orayson for she had lerned to doo it in her youthe / & sayd . My lorde Ihesus sone of the lyuynge god haue mercy on me . And incontynent the beme & the corde brake / and the deuylles fledde and sayd . The vertue of the presence of Ihesu cryst hath delyuered the from the dethe presente and eternall .

C. Another example how the deuyll bare a boke wherin was wryten the synnes of men and women / and in especyall a complyn that saynt Austyn had forgoten . lxv .

IT is wryten in the legende of saynt Austyn that as the sayd saynt Austyn studyed he sawe the deuyl go before hym berynge a boke on his sholdre . And than he coniured him that he wolde shewe that the whiche was wryten in it . And he answered that they were the synnes of men that he gadered in all places & put theym there . Than saynt Austyn commaunded hym that yf he had ony of his synnes in wrytinge that he sholde gyue them incontynent vnto hym to rede . And he shewed him the place where he was / & founde nothynge in wrytinge but that he hadde ones forgoten to say complyn . Than he commaunded the deuyl that he sholde tary there & he entred in to the chyrche and sayd complyn deuoutly & made an ende of his oraysons accustomed . And aftercame vnto the deuyll whome he commaunded that he vnto hym sholde shewe agayn the chapytre where the sayd complyn was wryten . And he torned and retorned the sayd place / & in conclusyon he founde the sayd place voyde where it before was wryten . Than the sayd deuyll was wrothe & sayd that he had fouly mocked him / and that he repented that he had shewed him h●s sayd boke . &c By this example men sholde vnderstande that they the whiche forgeteth or leueth to say theyr seruyce that the deuyll dooth not forgete theyr neclygence .

D. Another example how deuyls were sene vpon a womans trayne pompyously clothed . lxv .

CEsarius dicit . It is recyted in the boke of the discyple how cesar sheweth in his wrytynges that as a deuoute preste keste holy water on the sonday vpon the people at the chyrche dore / there aryued a matron be sene & aorned of dyuers aornementes as a pecocke . And the sayd preste sawe grete multytude of deuyls the whiche were vpon her trayne the whiche was longe & the sayd deuylles were lytell as dormyse blacke as ethyopyens / scornynge with theyr mouthes / strykynge with theyr handes / & lepynge as fysshes do enclosed in the nette . Whan the preest sawe them he called the people & adiured the deuylles that they sholde not fle . The woman was afrayed and stode styll . And the good Iust man obtayned in orayson that the people myght se the vysyon . Than the woman vnderstode that she was so beset about with deuylles for the pryde of her clothynge & retorned in to her hous & chaunged her clothynge . This vysyon was occasyon of humylyte as wel to other women as to her .

E. Another example how saynt Bryce sawe the deuyl wryte in the chyrche the euyl wordes that were sayd . lxv .

MEn fynde by wrytynge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary and sayeth how as saynt Bryce helped saynt Martyn to synge he sawe the deuyll that wrote the yll wordes that two persones spake in the chyrche . And whan al his parchemyn was wryten he drewe it with his tethe to length it / the whiche escaped hym & strake his hede agaynst the wall / and the sayd saynt Bryce began to laugh . And whan the masse was ended saynt Martyn demaunded hym the cause wherfore he laughed . Than he tolde vnto hym the dede . And in th ende & conclusyon the sayd saynt Martyn knewe that the sayd thynge was verytable . Wherfore it foloweth that euyll wordes ben to fle / in especyall in the chyrche .

F. Another example how the deuyll encharged a woman for to do four thynges . lxv .

MEn fynde wryten in the legende of the deed folke that a doctoure telleth that as a woman wydow despayred her lest she sholde be in pouerte the deuyl appered vnto her and sayd vnto her that he wolde make her ryche yf that she wolde do after his wyl / and she accorded therto . And he gaue her in charge soure thynges . The fyrst was that she sholde make to do fornycacyon with people of the chyrche that she sholde receyue in to her hous . The seconde that she sholde receyue on the day the poore people for to lodge / and that in the nyght she sholde put theym out without doynge them ony good . The thyrde is that she sholde lette other of theyr prayers by her Ianglynge and talkynge . The fourthe was that she sholde not confesse her in none of the thinges before sayd . And in the ende whan her dethe approched her sone warned her that she sholde confesse her . Vnto whome she discouered her dede / and sayd that she myght not confesse her and that her confessyon ne sholde nothynge preuayle . And her sone began to wepe and warned her to repente & too confesse her in promysynge her that he wolde doo penaunce for her . Than she had bytter contrycyon and purpose to confesse her and to amende / & sent for to seche the preste by her sayd sone / but or euer that the preste came the deuyls came vnto her / & for the grete horrour of them she deyed . Than the sone confessed the synne of his moder vnto the preste / & dyde .vii. yere penaunce . And whan it was accomplysshed his sayd moder appered vnto hym & thanked him of her delyueraunce & saluacyon / & that by hym she was saued . This example denoteth pryncypally thre thynges . The fyrst is that the deuyll counceyleth vs to do yll / & to leue the good to brynge vs to dampnacyon . The seconde that a man sholde correcke & amende hym by contrycycyon & confession how grete so euer the synnes be that a man hath commytted / & he shall haue grace and mercy . The thyrde is that the penaunce & good operacyons that a man dooth for one that is dede auayleth to delyuer him fro the paynes of purgatory . &c.

G. Another example of a monke that the deuyll drewe out of the chyrche whan that other prayed . lxv

SAynt Gregory telleth in the seconde boke of his dyalogue that an abbot named Pompeianus myght not correcke one of his monkes that in the tyme that the other waked in orayson he went out of the chryche & yede vnto vanytees . The whiche abbot wrote the case vnto saynt Benet to th ende that he sholde correcke him . Than the sayd saynt Benet yode vnto the monastery and sawe vysybly the deuyll in lykenes of a blacke man that drewe out the sayd monke by the plytes of his vestement . And for as moche as the other relygyous sawe not the sayd deuyll the sayd saynt Benet sayd vnto them that they sholde goo to prayer / & that they ne sholde cease to pray god tyl it pleased him that some of theym myght se hym that drewe out the sayd monke . Than they all put them in prayer . And whan they had ben so by .ii. dayes saynt Mor relygious of the sayd monastery sawe vysybly the deuyll the whiche drewe out the sayd monke with saynt Benet . And the sayd abbot Pompeianus and the other relygyous myght not se the sayd deuyll . Than saynt Benet bette the sayd relygyous / & so he was correcte / and the deuyl came nomore . By this example a man may vnderstande that they the whiche holde theym not in orayson whan they sholde be bounde of necessyte of helthe / and haue not excusacion but for to go vnto vanytees that it is the deuyll the whiche theym draweth out to th ende that they lese the fruyte of prayer .

Sompnolentia .
A. Examples of slepynge in herynge the seruyce . And fyrst example of a monke without deuocyon the whiche slepte in orayson . lxvi .

IT is wryten in the dyalogue Cesaru that there was a monke preste of the ordre of cystercyences called whyte monkes the whiche lened hym vpon a syege or stalle & slepte whan the other relygyous were at the psalmodye and in orayson . The whiche thynge soo moche dyspleased vnto god that he wolde shewe vnto him that in suche a place and suche an hour he sholde not slepe . And it befel that many tymes whan the sayd relygyous came to pray before the crucyfyxe the ymage torned the backe vnto hym / and in denotynge for that that thou arte slouthful and neclygente in suche orayson thou arte not worthy to beholde my face . Hymselfe wytnessed that he had sene the experyence of the sayd thynge . Wherfore men ought to be feruent in prayer .

B. Another example of a monke that was smyten with the knot of a strawe in slepynge for that he was without deuocion & weyke in spyryte . lxvi .

LEgitur in dyalogo cesaru . There was an auncyent relygyous the whiche was accustomed to slepe in the seruyce tyme . It befell that at matynes on a nyght as he dyde slepe at the psalmody he sawe in a dreme before hym a grete man longe / blacke / and defourmed the whiche helde in his hande a dyrty strawe . The whiche as he behelde the sayd relygyous / and after that he had sayd wherfore slepest thou so all the nyght he smote hym in the vysage with the sayd strawe . And the sayd relygyous the whiche had so grete drede as no meruayle was a woke . And to th ende that he myght auoyde the stroke of hym that smote hym he smote his heed ayenst the harde wall . &c.

C. Another example of a slouthful monke vnto whome the deuyll gaue hote brennynge pytche for to drynke lxvi .

MEn fynde in wrytynge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary and sayeth that a monke had a custom for to slepe . And it befell that as he slepte in the quere at the laudes he sawe in dremynge a deuyll ryght terryble the whiche had a ladle enbrased with fyre & pitche molten within it / and came to vesyte euery monke for to knowe yf he slepte . And vnto some that slombred he offred in a spone of yron of the sayd pytche . And whan the sayd deuyll came vnto the sayd relygyous the whiche slepte / and that he vnto him had offred the sponefull of pytche in fyndynge it hote he withdrewe sodaynly his heed and smote hymselfe sore agaynst the lenyng of the syeges that he founde hymselfe sore hurte . &c. These example here denoteth that god wolde shewe that it hym dyspleaseth whan a man slepeth in the seruyce of god . And those the whiche slepeth ben worthy of punycyon . Tempus est orandi / tempus est dormiendi . &c. Omnia tempus habent et in suis spacus transeunt vniuersa . There is tyme to pray / & tyme to slepe . All thynges haue theyr tymes / and al thynges also passeth in theyr spaces of tymes . &c.

D. Another example of a relygyous the whiche swette in the mornynge at the matyns . lxvi .

MEn fynde in wrytynge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary and sayeth that the deuyll made to come vnto a monke a sweet fantastycall in the mornynge / and counceyled hym that he sholde not aryse . And many tymes he lost matyns wenyng that he swette in the morninge by sekenes . And for as moche that one tyme he wolde haue rysen the voyce of the deuyll was herde all on hye the whiche sayd vnto him . Ryse thou not / breke not thy slepe . So he vnderstode that the deuyl made hym in suche wyse slouth full / & to lese to do the good dede / and correcked hymselfe . &c.

Oratio .
E. Examples of prayer . And fyrst how a man sholde take hede to the prayer that he maketh . lxvi .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of the faders that a relygyous complayned him one time vnto a good abbot that they were tourmented in theyr quarter for the dryenesse for it rayned not there . And the good abbot sayd . Why goo ye not vnto prayer . And he sayd / we cease not to pray / & it rayneth not I beleue that ye pray not ententyuely . That is to say that ye praye not deuoutly entendynge vnto your prayers . Wylt thou se that it is so / goo we vnto prayer . He stretched his handes vnto heuen in orayson / and incontynent the rayne descended from heuen his boundauntly . Than the other had grete meruayle / & knewe that the prayers were not made of herte & deuocyon .

F. Another example of a deuout relygyous the whiche ceased not to be in the orayson of the psalmodye / & good odoure yssued out of his sepulcre .xiii. yere after that he was deed . lxvi .

IT is wryten in the boke of the dialogue of saynt Gregory that there was a relygyous named Merie moche deuout / the whiche was a gyuer of almes / wept often / and toke hede so moche vnto the psalmodye in orayson that he ceased not at ony tyme but alonely whan he dranke and ete / or whan he slepte . And this sayd relygious had a vysyon in the nyght the whiche appered vnto hym as a crowne of whyte floures descended from heuen on his heed . And hastely sekenes corporell toke hym / and with grete surete and Ioyousnes of courage he deyed and was buryed . And .xiii. yere after as the abbot of the monastery made to prepayre in that place his sepulture so moche of good odoures and swetenes yssued out that it semed that the odoure of all good floures were there assembled / in lykewyse as that abbot wytnessed to haue smelled . &c. This example denoteth that orayson well made moche pleaseth vnto god whan the deed body the whiche naturally sholde stynke kest good odoure . Dauyd sayeth in the psalter . Dirigat dne ad te oratio mea sicut incensum inconspectu tuo . That is to saye . O thou my lorde dyrect myn orayson and prayer in thy syght in lykewyse as ensence . Whan ensence is put vpon the coles of fyre it casteth a good odoure and smoke the whiche mounteth vnto heuen towarde god . Also orayson & prayer well made and embrased vpon the coles of deuocion is a good odour the whiche mounteth on hyghe before god the whiche maketh to haue grete rewarde in paradyse . &c.

Gula.
A. Examples of drynkynge whan men sholde serue god . And fyrst example how a nonne the whiche ete letuse before that she serued god / and without makinge the sygne of the crosse was posseded of the deuyll . lxvii .

IT is wryten in the dyalogue of saynt Gregory that a mayden entred in to a gardyn the whiche be helde and coueyted a letuse / she forgate to make the benedyccyon and sygne of the crosse & ete glotonously the the sayd letuse / and incontynent was posseded of the deuyll and fell vnto the erthe in the sayd gardyn . And as she was strongely tourmented it was shewed vnto a holy man named Equycius the whiche came to pray for her & to socour her the whiche ye de thyder and entred in to the gardyn . And the deuyll the whiche was in the sayd mayden began to crye by her mouthe and sayd What haue I done . I sette me on a letuse & she is come and hath eten me . And the man of god commaunded hym that he sholde departe & that he had no more place in the seruaunt of god / and forthwith he departed without power to do her ony more euyll & grefe . &c.

B. Another example that euyll came vnto a conuers the whiche dranke wyne in the cyte without lycence / & without makynge the sygne of the crosse . lxvii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his boke that it is wryten in a boke how a frere conuers was ryght greuously tourmented of the deuyl in a conuet . The freres of the conuent arose them vp for they were layde / & called theyr mayster saynt Domynycke the whiche was at that tyme in the hous / the whiche sent that he were brought vnto the chyrche . And with grete payne .x. freres brought hym . And in entrynge in to the chyrche with a grete blast he put out all the lampes in the chyrche that there were brennynge . And as the deuyll tourmented hym in many maners saynt Domynycke sayd vnto the deuyll . I the coniure from Ihesu cryst that thou thou tell wherfore thou tourmentest this frere here . And whan and how thou art entred in to him . The whiche answered I tormente hym for he hath deserued it . He dranke wyne yesterday in the cyte without hauynge lycence / and without makynge the token of the crosse . And in drynkynge I entred in hym / that is he dranke me with the wyne . After these thynges matynes were ronge . And the deuyll sayd . I may nomore tary here syth that these hoded folke aryse to prayse god . And the deuyll departed fro the frere and left him as deed lyenge vpon the erthe . And the freres bare him in to the fermoury . Whan the mornynge came he arose all hole and wyst not what was comen vnto hym . He the whiche wrote this myracle herde it tolde of one of those the whiche at that sayd time was presente there in the abbaye .

C. Another example of a smyth the whiche waked to drynke and to ete whan the other waked to serue god . lxvii .

THe venerable Bede telleth in gestis angelorum in libro quinto how a smyth had of custome to drynke and to ete and to be dronken whan the other waked in the chyrche at seruyce . And on a tyme there came vnto hym a sodeyne sekenes in the whiche he was warned to repent hym / to confesse and to do penaunce . The whiche as dyspeyred began to crye that he myght not repent hym . For in lykewyse as saynt Stephen sawe heuen open soo he sayd that he sawe hell apertly / and a place of tourmente the whiche was made redy nygh vnto the place where as were Pylate / cayphas / Iudas and the other the whiche made our lorde Ihesus to deye / and afterwarde tolde what the Iugement of hym was made / & that he shold neuer haue hope of helthe for the grete contynuacyon of dronkenes that he had ledde And whan he had tolde this he deyed and was put from sepulture ecclesyastycall & from all prayers . &c. This example here is good for those the whiche leseth the masses and the seruyces of the chyrche for to be waytynge in tauernes and potacyons by that that the sayd smyth wolde not wake at the sanctyfycacyons of the feestes & in the seruyce of the chyrche / but dyspysed them . In lykewyse god wolde that he were put at his dethe / and fcom the prayers of the chyrche and from sepulture ecclesyastycall / & from all good and honour . And by that that he sayd that the Iugement of hym was made and that he sawe the tourments the whiche was made redy vnto hym sholde vnderstande these dronken & slouthfull people to go to sanctyfye and to honour god in solempnytees commaunded that the Iugement partyculer shall be made of those at theyr dethe and that they shall haue there punycyon after theyr deseruynge . Vnde psal. Tu reddes vnicuique iuxta opera sua . And god suffred that he spake the sayd wordes to th ende that his semblables therby take example and hede .

D. Another example of a man that yede t● playe and to drynke at the tauerne with his felawes whan he sholde wake in the seruyce of the chyrche . lxvii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his sermons this the whiche foloweth the whiche is also wryten in other bokes and sayeth that in the tyme of a deuoute bysshop named Cyryllus there was a yonge parent of the sayd bysshop Cyryllus named Ruffus dwelled with hym as a seruaunt . And whan the bysshoppe sange masse the sayd Ruffus yode vnto tauernes to playe with his felawes . So it befell that he was seke & deyed After that he was deed the sayd cysshop requyred the people the whiche vnto hym were subgecte that they wolde make prayer for hym / for he loued hym moche & was well loued of the people . And one day after that the bysshop hadde songe for his soule as he was in deuocion and orayson the sayd deed body appered vnto hym all in fyre & in grete tourment . And he demaunded him what he was . He answered . I am the soule of thy cosyn for whom thou prayest god in vayne for I am dampned eternally . Than the sayd bysshop was ferefull and sayd . Alas how hast thou deserued it the whiche hast lyued truely ynough / & I wened that thou haddest be yet in Innocency vyrginal . And he sayd It is soo / for I am yet vyrgyn . But I am dampned for that that I had of custome in the mornynge whyle that ye dyde synge masse to go and vysyte the tauernes with my felawes and to play with them at the dyse & cardes / & that that I wanne I kept to my selfe without beynge in wyll to make restytucyon . And I was the occasyon somtyme that they sware / wrothed and blasphemed god . And of this I am not confessed . I ne haue done of conscyence ne of penaunce / howbeit that I was warned in sermons and by good people . Alas I cared not / & therfore I am lost eternally . This bisshop Cyrillus wrote this vysyon vnto holy saynt Austyn This example denoteth that dampnacion cometh vpon those the whiche go to drynke and to ete or to playe whan they sholde wake in the seruyce of the chyrche / vnto the solempnytees & teestes commaunded yf the they correcke them not and amende by penaunce . Also it is to note that it is offence not beynge in wyl to restore / or to be the occasyon to swere and to blaspheme god and his sayntes . &c.

E. Another example of a man named Vodo the whiche yode vnto the tauernes whan he sholde go vnto the chirche / what drinke / what bayne / & what bed he hath now in hell . lxvii

MEn fynde in wrytynge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary and sayth that a man named Vodo had of custome to be dronken well nere euery day / and lyued after the voluptuosytees of the body / to drinke wynes and to ete metes goten ryght applykes . And for as moche as he dyde good operacyons god sent fyrst his aungell / and secondly warned hym that he sholde amende him / & elles that he ne myght in suche wyse be saued / thyrdly the aungell warned hym and with that sayd . Yf thou amende the not shortely thou shalte sustayne cursed dethe . and so the angel departed . The whiche man amended him not and perceuered in his synnes as before . And on a daye he layde hym downe dronke / & he had a good seruaunt & deuout the whiche sawe the soule of his mayster that the deuylles drewe from the body in the sayd nyght / and ledde it vnto the paynes of hell . And the prynce of the deuylles rose hym vp and came before hym / and made hym sytte vpon a seete of fyre / and commaunded that deuylles sholde bringe to him to drynke of molten brymstone medled with fyre . And they gaue it hym to drynke in saynge . For as moche as in the worlde thou hast made thy selfe dronken this shall be here thy drynke / and parforced hym to drynke . After the prince of deuylles made to apparayle hym a bayne of fyre in pytche and sulphre medled / & was put there in the bayne And the prynce of deuylles sayd vnto hym this here shall be thy bayne for thou hast offended thy creatour in baynynge the with delytes and draughtes of lechery . &c. Thyr dely that deuyl made to prepayre a bedde / and than he was casten in to a dyche ryght depe the whiche was ful of fyre / smoke / sulphre and stynke . And the prynce of the deuylles sayd vnto him . Hast thou not herde and redde what is sayd by the prophet Amos. Ve qui dormitis in lectis eburneis et lesciuitis in stratis vestris . And for as moche as thou shalte be suche this shal be here thy bedde and thou shalt rest in this dyche of fyre for to lay the on . &c. By this example that this wretched gloton wolde not leue his synne and beleue the admonycyons of the aungell the whiche gaue hym warnynge to correct hym all glotons sholde vnderstande and other synners the whiche wyll not correct them and leue theyr synnes by the admonycyons that the holy prechours maketh vnto them the whiche in the ende of theyr dayes shall be punysshed . And by that that he was perforced to drynke of sulfre And that he was bayned and layde in bed is vnderstande that the dampned shall haue punycion for euery synne that they haue commytted in this worlde . Vnd psal. Tu reddes vnicuique iuxta opera sua . And therfore euery man sholde do the fewest sinnes that he myght so that he may escape payne and punycyon . &c.

F. Another example of a boucher the mocked the holy asshes / and dranke at the tauerne whan the other good folkes were at masse . lxvii .

IT is wryten in dyaloguo Cesarii that there was in the towne of Florence a boucher the whiche waked well nere al the nyght on the shroue tuesday to fyll his bely as many done the whiche is grete dolour . Whan asshewednesday came he & mo of his felawes entred in to the tauerne for to vngrese theyr tethe . And for to wasshe & put away shrouetyde . And whan the masse was ronge and the good crystiens yode vnto the holy asshes they abode all alone too drynke & to ete / and the one of theym sayd vnto the boucher . We tary here to longe / go we to the chyrche to take holy asshes . Vnto whome the boucher sayd in mockynge of the holy asshes . Syt thou styll and I shall gyue the asshes and thou shalte gyue me . And the other toke asshes in the harthe of the fyre & kest vp on the heed of the sayd mockynge boucher . And incontynent payne & punycyon folowed of his mockery / for he felte soo moche dust about his heed and his vysage the whiche on hym was blowen that he was all aferde . And as he began to crye soo many asshes entred in to his mouthe that he was well nere choked and his brethe gone . Than clamour was there / and many came to se the plage of his mockery . He was ledde in to a place nere therunto where as there were none asshes / but it prouffyted hym nothynge by the Iust Iugement of god / ne in waters / ne in gardyns / ne amonge apple trees / ne in no place where so euer it were / he myght neuer defende him from the asshes in hepes the whiche came about hym . And in conclusyon with an hepe of asshes he was choked / and so he ended his dayes myserably for his mockery . &c. By this example mockers and glotons ben rebuked . And a●so ben those the whiche gooth-vnto the tauerne whan men go vnto the seruyce of the chyrche . Yf the sayd mocker were in suche wyse tourmented in this worlde by punycion dyuyne / by more grete reason it is to presuppose that god punyssheth there semblables in hel yf they deye impenytentes without correccyon . &c.

G. Another example of a knyght the yode to vysyte tauernes whan he sholde vesyte the dedycacyons / and pardons of the chyrche . lxvii .

MEn fynde by wrytinge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary and sayeth that a knyght wolde be dronke often tymes . And one tyme he yode with the vessell wherof he dranke vnto the dedycations and pardons of the chyrches / but he vesyted the tauernes & cared not of indulgence & chyrches . And afterward as he was seke his doughter the whiche was moche deuout prayed him instauntly that after his dethe he wolde appere vnto her and for to shewe her of his estate and beynge . The whiche appered after his dethe within .xxx. dayes and helde in his hande the vessell infernall the whiche was all in fyre . And whan his sayd doughter sawe him so enbrased she had grete feere / and demaunded hym what he was / and what he wolde with that cup . The whiche answered . I am thi fader . And this cuppe is the tourmente wherin I drynke . Wherof speketh the psalmyst . Ignis sulphur et spiritus procellarum pars calicis eorum And she demaunded hym secondly yf she myght helpe hym by prayer or good dedes And he sayd nay / ne all the sayntes of heuen for the sentence of the gospell was gyuen agaynst hym . Ligatis manibus & pedibus proucite eum in tenebras exteriores ibi erit fletus et stridor dentium . Mathei . xxii . Than he cryed with an hye voyce thre tymes ( ve ) in sayenge . Ve in amaritudine / ve in multitudine / ve in eternitate penarum . And saynt Gregory sayth in his moralles . Qui nunc se male in voluptatibus dilatat / illum postea in suppliciis pena angustat . &c.

Venatio .
A. Examples of hunters . And fyrst example how a lorde the whiche hunted on the feestes had a chylde the whiche had eres lyke a dogge . lxviii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his sermons this the whiche foloweth the whiche is wryten in libro apum and sayth that a noble man was all gyuen vnto huntynge in suche wyse that he neyther herde masse on the saterdayes ne on the sondayes . And his wy that was deuout reproued hym often / but he toke no hede . And it befell that after that the sayd wyfe had many chyldren she chylded an euyll shapen thynge the whiche had the heed as a dogge / and the eeres hangynge . And whan she sawe it she was confused & shamed before many damoysels good matrones the whiche were there in presence / the whiche counceyled all that incontynent it were couered with erthe without beyng more sene / and it was done . And forthwith the husbande came from huntynge the whiche demaunded where the childe : was & that he wolde seit . And for as moche as she dyfferred it for shame he drewe his swerde & sayd that he wolde se it . Than the sayd woman made to take out of the erthe the heuy and horryble monster : the whiche sayd vnto her husbande . Beholde how the puyssaunt god by shewynge manyfest hath venged thyn vnwytte for that thou hast doone no good dede ne honour vnto the holy dayes and festes / and hast not gyuen ony reuerence vnto the holy sacramentes of the sacred body of Ihesu cryst / but vnto vayne huntynge thou hast taken hede on the sayd holy feest dayes . &c. Than the sayd noble man correcked hym worthely and dyde penaunce moche bytter .

B. Another example the men knewe not where an hunter became in huntinge of a beest . lxviii .

ALso it is wryten in libro apum this that foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his sermons . And sayth that ryche lorde parforced his men & subgectes to go with hym euery daye to hunte / the whiche men left to labour & to do theyr seculer occupacions tyll that they became poore / themself / theyr wyues / and chyldren . And it befell one day that the sayd lorde went to the huntynge in a wood he and his housholde the houndes reysed the wylde beest . He was on horsbacke & folowed hym / and sawe hym euermore / but his rennynge prouffyted hym nothynge for he myght not take hym and perceuered to folowe hym by night and from that day afterwarde neuer man sawe him more / ne no man wyst what there was done of him / and he was not founde . Some saye that in lykewyse as the erthe opened the whiche swalowed Chore. Dathan / & Abyron the whiche descended all quycke in to hell that soo it myght be happened vnto the foresayd hunter .

Chorea .
C. Example of dauncynge on the feestes And fyrst example how the deuyll wolde haue borne away a mayden the whiche daunced on the sonday . lxviii .

IT is wryten in the myracles of the blyssed vyrgyn Mary of a fayre doughter the whiche in her dedes was desolute dauncer and a synger the whiche wolde not correct her for her moder . And her fader loued her for her beaute the whiche clothed her pompeously with fayre garmentes . And one daye of the sondaye after that she was werye of dauncynge she sate her downe vnder an apple tree for her recreacyon . And incontynent the deuyll came vnto her the whiche sayd vnto her . Aryse thou and come with me . And she sayd . What arte thou . He answered I am the deuyll vnto whome thou enforcest the to do my wyll / thou arte our armes and our doughter to take the soules And therfore now thou shalt receyue paynes / not alonely for thy synnes / but for all the synnes of them the whiche ben drawen vnto cursed concupyscence for thy clothyn-and aournementes of thy body . And as the deuyll enforced him to rauysshe her vyolently she cryed twyes Lady mary helpe me . Her moder had taught her in her youthe so to call the vyrgyn Mary & for to salue her And she lerned her to say . Auemaria gratia plena . &c. And the deuyl sayd . Cursed be they that taught the that orayson . Yf thou hadde not sayd it I had borne the now in to hell and he departed . By the example of the mayden that was fayre / well clothed / of abyte to daunce & to synge must be vnderstande that she pleased vnto the deuyll & dyspleased god . For suche vanytees draweth vnto synne / corrupteth vertues & good maners & ledeth vnto dampnacyon . Also by that the she called helpe of the vyrgyn Mary that is the floure of vyrgynyte is vnderstande that in lykewyse sholde these vyrgyns do in necessyte / and them conferme vnto the vyrgyn Mary to th ende that they may goo in to paradyse . &c.

D. Another example of men and women the whiche daunced a yere without that ony persone myght socour them . lxvii .

MEn fynde by wrytinge this that whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary and sayeth that in the yere of the incarnacyon of our lorde . M. & .xi. There happened in a cyte of the countre of saxonye wherin there was a curate of the parisshe chyrche of saynt Mayng : the whiche curate was called Tulles how in the vygyll of crystmas many of his parysshens men and women put them to daunce in the sayd chyrcheyarde and to synge in suche maner that they letted the sayd curate in his offyce of the chyrche . Wherfore he sent to them that they sholde cease / but they ceased not ne wolde not obey for hym . Than he cursed them in requyrynge god that they myght not cease all that yere . Soo by myracle it became and was doone that in all the hole yere there fell not one droppe of ●ater vpon them / nor they suffred honger ●e thyrste / nor theyr clothynge ne hosen we ●e broken / but by anoye & contynuacion of ●●rnynge they were moche wery within ye●ercle . And moche grete nombre of folke of ●ll estates & of dyuers regyons came for to 〈◊〉 the punycyon of god . Whan it came to ●hende of the yere the archebysshop of Co●yne named Hebart came thyder for to as●oyle them / & made them to come vnto hȳ●efore the hye awter of the sayd chyrche in ●he whiche place a woman & two men amonge them yelded vp theyr spyrytes in that hou●e . Some of the other slepte thre dayes without wakynge . Of the other the hedes & the membres trembled . And so they were dy●ersly punysshed for too be in example for ●uermore that in the chyrche or chyrchyarde men neyther sholde ●ynge ne daunce worldely . And also of the grete yll of those that dysobey theyr curates .

E. Another example of the punysshynge of a woman dauncer . lxviii .

MEn fynde by wrytynge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary and sayeth how a man named Arnoldus telleth of a mayden the whiche euery holy daye occupyed herselfe in playes and daunces without goynge vnto the sermon the whiche was made vnto the people . And in the euen tyde she became wery & slepte at the dore . And incontinent that her eyen were close she was borne by vysyon of two deuylles in to helle / & was so brente that there ne abode heere in all her body / the whiche was full of grete bladders & kest a stynke intollerable . And a deuyll put in her mouthe a brennynge bronde and sayd vnto her / take this bronde for the songes that thou hast songe vnshamefully Her clothynge had no token of brennynge . the whiche awoke in grete clamour & wepynge and tolde vnto her moder & vnto many other this thinge . She was borne in to the hous / the curate was called the whiche founde in her no mortall synne / but that wyllyngly she went vnto playes and daunces . &c.

F. Another example how a mayden was rauysshed in the daunce and vyoled / & after hanged her selfe . lxviii .

SOme maysters hath wryten this the whiche foloweth that the dyscyple recyteth in his boke & sayth / that as a yonge mayden went to a gaderynge for to daunce she met the deuyll in lykenes of a man the whiche sayd to her . Whyder goest thou . And she answered & sayd . I god for to daunce in suche an assemble . And the deceyuable deuyll the whiche counceyleth somtyme well the more gretely for too deceyue sayd vnto her . Yf thou wyll beleue me thou shalt not go thyder ne come amonge them . She toke no hede and yode thyder . And at the daunce she was rauysshed of harlots & corrupt at theyr pleasures . And after as she came agayn wepynge & dyscomforted she met the deuyll / but he dyscomforted her so that she dyspayred & hanged her selfe .

Ecclesia .
A. Example how Nychanor was slayne after that he had thretened the chyrche . lxix .

IT is wryten in the .vii. cha. of Machabeus how Nychanor had a grete hoost & fought with that chyldren of Israel / & had lost .v. M. men on a day he yode to the mount of syon & the olde prestes came before him to tel him that they made sacryfyce for the kynge . And the sayd Nychanor mocked them & spake vnto them proudly & swore yf Iudas & his hoost were betaken vnto him & that he had the vyctory that whan he came agayne from batayle that he sholde dystroy & brenne theyr houses & the chyrche / & with grete yre he departed . Than the sayd prestes yode vnto the chyrche to wepe & to requyre the ayde of god And to be shorte whan the sayd Nychanor was at batayle he fel the fyrst & was slayne as it is wryten the sayd chapytre / & also in the seconde boke of Machabeus in the .xv. chapytre . And whan the sayd Nychanor was deed his hoost fledde / & were pursued and slayne that there was not one left . After they cutte of the heed of the sayd Nichanor and his ryght hande that he had shewed proudely in thretenynge the sayd prestes . And god was loued and gloryfyed the whiche punisshed the proude herted and ayded the meke . By this sayd Nychanor that spake proudely vnto the preestes and sayd vnto them that he wolde dystroye them he was fyrst dystroyed & punysshed . For by pryde all the strength and the goodnes of man is dystroyed and lost . Quia deus superbis resistit et humilibus dat gratiam . vt dicitur iacobi .iiii. ca. Also he moeued not the prestes to pray with good mynde for hym / he beynge in wyll to dystroye them . Also they prayed for his dystruccion & confusyon / & they were herde . Also god aydeth not vnto the proude / furyous / and vengeable / but vnto the contrary he them punyssheth & putteth from paradyse .

Sepultura .
B. Examples of sepultures . And fyrste . Example of a synner the whiche the deuylles vnburyed and drewe oute of the chyrche . lxix .

IT is wryten in the .iiii. boke of the dyalogue of saynt Gregory that a worshypfull bysshop & ryght herytable tolde vnto hym that he knewe of trouthe & of his people had sene the dede in a cyte named valence / h●● a man bryttle in his lyfe & in all lyght thyges occupyed . Whan he was deed his bod● was buryed in the chyrche . And whan it 〈◊〉 me vnto mydnyght grete voyces were he●de / as yf men had drawen out of the chyrche some man by vyolence . At these voyces ●●se vp the gardyens of the sayd chyrche / and ranne and sawe two terryble spyrytes the whiche had vnburyed the sayd man & had bounde his fete with a strynge & drewe him out of the chyrche incryenge horrybly . Whan the sayd gardyens sawe that they had grete drede and retorned in to theyr chambre . And whan the morowe came they opened the sepulcre of the sayd deed man and they founde not his body . And they yede to seke hym out of the chyrche / & founde hym in a dyche & his fete bounden where the deuyls had casten hym . By this example a man sholde vnderstande that holy grounde saueth not the synners the whiche ben the● buryed . &c. Also after the ryght wryten men put out of the chyrche people excōm●nyed or acursed / the whiche ne ben buryed tyll they ben assoyled / & reabled . Also people the whiche ben homycides of them selfe ben not buryed in holy grounde / for that that it appereth that they ben dampned .

C. Another example of an vsurer buried in the cloyster kept the monkes from slepynge . lx●● .

MEn fynde in wrytynge this that whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary and sayth that an vsurer was buryed of monkes in theyr cloyster / And in the nyght he yode out of the pytte in playnynge and cryenge dyscouered the house & he stroke with his staffe meruayllously and woke the monkes . In the mornynge the body of the sayd man was founde caste ferre of in to a felde beyonde the cyte . And he was agayne put in to the pyt And after that many tymes it was in suche wyse done / he was coniured of an holy man that he tolde wherfore he and his monkes had no rest . And he sayd of me it is to dyspayre . For in lyke wyse as by my vsuryes I haue tormented by nyght and by daye the poore people . In lyke wyse nowe shall I not reste . And ye maye rest yf that ye cast my body out of the cloyster The whiche thynge was done . And afterwarde they ne were more of him troubled . Who so wele sholde consyder these examples beforesayd of this thyrde commaundement he shall fynde that a man sholde kepe honoure and sanctyfye the feestes the whiche ben of commaundement of the chirche without beynge slouthfull to go to here the seruyce / and not neclygently to put hym in deuocyon and to do good operacyons . Item without doynge worldly operacyons the whiche let the sanctyfycacion of the sayd feestes . And withoute commyttynge synnes mortalles the whiche ben operacyons not of sanctifycacyons / but of damnacyon and perdycyon .

Quartum preceptum .
Filii .

Example of those the whiche hath not borne honoure and reuerence vnto faders and moders / & the whiche ne hathe socoured them in theyr necessytees after the commaundement of god .

A. And fyrste examples of Absolon the sone of Dauyd the whiche deyed myscheuously for that that he made warre with his fader . Ca. lxx

IT is wryten in the xiiii . chapitre of the seconde booke of kynges that in all the people of Israhel there ne was soo fayre a man as was Absolon the sone of kynge dauyd For from the sole of the fote tyll vnto the heyght of his heed was there not in al his body and his membres ony foule spotte . / And also his heere were of grete weyghtynes & beaute . And he the whiche was noble / yonge / fayre / and strong was so proude and dysobeyssaunt vnto his fader Dauyd and made agayne him soo grete warre that he fledde one tyme before hym . Also he was lecherous and so fulfylled of couetyse that he wolde be kynge and expell his owne fader from his realme / but he abode not vnpunysshed as reason was . For he deyed myscheuously . In lyke wyse as it is wryten in the .xviii. chapytre of the seconde boke of kynges . It befell that Absolon ranne after the seruauntes of Dauyd in makynge warre agayne them / & was vpon his mule the whiche yode vnder an oke gretely braunched / and his heere toke and medled with the braunches of the sayd oke . And as he was there hanged betwene the skye and the erthe / the mule where vpon he was rested not but yode forth stil And some men the whiche sawe this thinge yode vnto ioab the whiche was Capytayne and ledde the warre for Dauid / vnto whome they sayd that Absolon was abyden hanged on the braunche of an oke Than the said ioab toke in his hande thre speres and festened them in the herte of absolon . And for as moche as he yet remoued and panted ten stryppelynges of the armye of the sayd Ioab wente to kyll out of hande the sayd Absolon / and caste hym in to a grete dytche / and layde vpon hym a grete hepe of stones in sygne of punycyon and maladyccyon . This is here the example of all the euyll chyldren that wyll not bere honour and reuerence vnto faders & moders after the commaundement of god . By this that he was hanged by the heere myraculously / is to vnderstonde that the pryde that he toke in his heere dyspleased vnto god / & by this that his hert was perced with thre speres / is to vnderstonde that it was reason that the proude herte & inobedyent vnto god the whiche ne dyde honoure vnto his fader / but made warre with hym was trebly punysshed . For he was replenysshed with thre vyces / the whiche is pryde / auaryce / and lecherye . And by that that he was buryed in grounde prophane without prayers / without honoure / ne without solempnyte ecclesyastycall was in token of maledyccyon . For it is wryten deutero . xxii . ca. Maledictus homo qui non honorat patrem suum et matrem suam : et dicet omnis populus amen . That is to say that man be cursed the whiche honoureth not his fader and his moder / and al the people shall saye Amen / so be it . &c.

B. Another example of a sone the whiche defaylled vnto fader and moder / and he bare a tode thre yere in his vysage . lxx

THe dyscyple reciteth in his sermons that it is wryten in dyalogo cesarii / how a ryche man & his wyfe lefte of their goodes and herytages vnto a sone that they had to th ende that he were maryed vnto a damoysell . And then to prouyde for them haboundauntly whyles they lyued . And after that he was maryed vnto the yong damoysell she had the fader and the moder of the sayd sone in dyspleasure . And dyde so moche that they were departed and put in to a caban in the whiche they had moche of defaute . And one tyme the auncyent woman sayd vnto her husbande . I sawe borne from the market of good mete in our sones house / it is a greate tyme syth thou etest ony flesshe / goo thou theder this sondaye and in dede thou shalte fynde there of good roste and a grete dyner . Than at the houre of dyner the sayd auncyente came to knocke at the dore / and incontinent the yll sone made to hyde the mete rosted And whan the fader was entred the euyl sone demaunded hym what he wolde / and he sayd that he was come to dyne with him hopynge that there was some good thynge . And the sayd sone sayd vnto hym . Loke what we haue / holde here is two pens bye some thynge for the & for my moder / & go thy waye . And whan he was gone the sayd roste was set agayne vpon the table & a chekyn rosted by the wyll of god was chaunged in to a grete tode the whiche lept in to the vysage of the yll sone / & toke him soo strongly with the two fete before on his chekes / that the flesshe of the man & of the tode was one flesshe togyder / without that they myght separe them . And the behynde of the sayd tode hanged before his mouthe . The preest was called that ledde him to the Archebysshop / vnto whome he confessed his synne & the case by ordre euenso as it was happened . Then the archebysshop gaue hym in penaunce that he shold go thorowe all the grete townes and cytees of Fraunce / and that he sholde cal the yonge chyldren and recounte vnto theym the case beforsayd / to the ende that none sholde dyspyse theyr faders and parentes And the sayd tode remoued not from his vysage . And whan the man ete he ete . And whan men wolde take awaye the sayd tode with instrumentes he streyned soo sore with his fete that the face became so blowen that the eyes remeued from theyr place & he lyued so thre yeres without that that a man coude take hym awaye . In that tyme frere Iohan du pont of the ordre of prechers sawe him at parys with many men women and chyldren . The said chylde the whiche ne dyde honoure vnto his fader & moder / hymselfe was dyshonoured . quia legit eccle. xxix . Peccator transgredyens mandata dn̄i: incidet in ꝓmissionem ne quam . This example sheweth that punycyon shall come be it in this worlde or in the other vpon the chyldren the whiche defaylleth vnto fader & moder in theyr necessytees . God the whiche is all puyssaunt wolde that this thyng were sene and knowen ouer all the countree / to th ende that all the chyldren meruaylled them . And knewe the grete offence the whiche is to defayl vnto theyr parentes . &c.

C. Another example of Cham the whiche mocked his fader noe . lxx .

IT is wryten in genese that Noe had thre sones / that is to vnderstond / sem Cham & Iaphet . And it happened one tyme that after that Noe hadde strongly laboured at the gaderynge of wyne that he was wery & slepte / the whiche was vncouered byneth / & one of his sones named Cham came there / the whiche mocked of the thynges naturell of his fader / whiche wente to seke his two other bretheren for to se it for to mocke withall . And the two other whan they sawe that couered them & dyde chyde with Cham / to wome they sayd that it was not well done to mocke with his fader . After this the said Noe knewe it by reuelacyon and cursed him / not that he was cursed / but al his lynee / not that the soules were cursed / but they that proceded of hym sholde be subgectes to grete trybulacyons / as of pouerte of godes / or fortunes temporelles . And more than two thousande yere after as our sauyour and redemptoure preched a wyfe yssued of the sayd lynee of Cham came to requyre our lorde to hele her doughter that was tormented of the deuyl . Dne misere mei filia mea male a demonio vexatur . &c. And our lorde answered to her that it was not good to gyue the brede of sones vnto dogges . Non est bonum sumere panem filiorum : et sumere canibus . He called the sayd people dogges / bycause that they were euyl / and yssued of the said cursed fader Cham that mocked with his fader as sayd is .

D. Other example of two sones that slew theyr fader . lxx .

IT is wryten in the .xxxvii. chapitre of the boke of Ysaye that the armye of kynge Sennacheryb was punysshed diuinely for theyr pride and synne / that sholde be a longe thynge to recounte . And the aungel of god slewe in one nyght . C. foure score & fyue thousande . And the kyng Sennacheryb fledde in to the cyte of Nynyues / and it was soo that as he adoured in the temple his god / his two propre sones drewe their glayues and slewe him in the sayd temple The whiche sones wend to haue succeded and regned in the realme after hym / but the one nor the other was not kynge .

E. Other example of a sone the whiche stroke his moder . lxx .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary how a sone cast downe and stroke his moder with the fete . And of the permyssyon dyuyne that fote where with he hadde stryken her was cut from hym . Another example of a sone the whiche dyshonoured his moder / And in shorte tyme all his chyldren deyed / without doubte al chyldren the whiche done yll vnto the fader and vnto the moder / or the whiche dyshonoureth them / or the whiche fayl them in theyr necessytees shall be punysshed in this worlde or in the other . For they dysobeye vnto god and ben vnnaturelles . &c.

F. Another example how the two sones of Helye wolde not be corrected for theyr fader and they were slayne . lxx .

IT is wryten in the thyrde chapytre of the fyrste boke of kynges how hely was iuge of the people of Israhell by .xl. yeres . And he had two sones named ophī and phynees the whiche lyued delicyously and prepayred them delycatyuely the meates the whiche came vnto the temple in sacryfyces / and made of synnes and cursydnesses . Theyr fader hely the whiche herde the tydynges repreued them / but he punisshed them not . And therfore god suffred that they deyed myscheuously / for the chyldren were slayne in batayll . And the sayd hely fell frome his chayre and slewe hymselfe whan men brought hym the tydynges that his chyldren were slayne / and that the arke wherin were the commaundementes was taken of the phylystyens . The clerkes presuppose theyr dampnacyon / more soner than otherwise / for the synnes the whiche regne in chyldren / and for the faute of their correccyon .

G. Another example of the chylde that the deuyll bare awaye . lxx .

IT is wryten in the dyalogue Cesarii how a deuyll bare awaye a chylde in body and soule for the malediccion of his parentes . In suche manere that his parentes sawe hym no more afterwarde . And god suffred it to th ende that these other parentes haue drede how they curse theyr chyldren / but that more sooner they correcte them with a rodde . &c.

A. Another example how a good and true chyld loued his fader and myght not endure that a man dyde vnto hym ony yll .

MEn fynde by wrytynge how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary and sayeth how a man had thre sones with his wyfe after the opynyon . And it befel that they wrathed theym one tyme togyder / & that the sayd wyfe sayd vnto hym . Thou wenest to haue thre chyldren of me / but the ne haste but one . And he demaunded her whiche it was . And she ne wolde tell hym After that that the sayd woman was deed as the fader lay in his dethe bedde / by his testament he lefte all that he had vnto him the whiche was his owne sone . And whan he was deed they stroue who sholde haue his goodes and herytage . And the kynge commaunded that the sayd fader deed wer● bounde vnto a tree / and that the thre sones sholde shote at hym . And that he the whiche sholde shote moost str●●●htest sholde haue the herytage . And af●●● that he was bounde two of the sones shotte ●han the thyrde sawe that they had shot●● 〈◊〉 suche wyse vnto his fader he was wroche agayn them / and said that he ne wolde in no manere shote vnto his fader . Than men knewe truely that he was the very chylde the whiche ne wolde none yll do vnto his fader . And vnto hym it was iuged that he sholde haue the goodes and herytages . Also al good chyldren sholde loue theyr fader deed and quycke . A beest loueth naturelly her fruyte & semblables . Eccle. xiii . Omne animal diligit simile sibi . And those the whiche loue not theyr faders & parentes ben gretely vnnaturell / worse than a dombe beest / & therfore they ben worthy of punycyon / the whiche they shall haue yf they correcte them not whyles that they ben lyuinge in this worlde .

B. Another example how the nature of byrdes techeth vs to thynke and remembre our parentes . lxxi .

WRyten it is in the boke of Ysydore of the nature of byrdes that the nature of cranes is suche that they withdrawe them from mete & endure hongre / to the ende that they puruaye vnto theyr lytel byrdes . And after that theyr lytel cranes maye fle & take proye yf theyr parentes haue necessyte / afflyccyon and lennes they haue compassyon & gadre them in to a neste / & nouryssheth them whyles that they haue conualescence / & do good the one vnto the other . In lyke wyse done the good chyldren vnto theyr parentes . These lytel grypes ne done not so vnto theyr parentes of whome the naturyens saye that after that theyr parentes haue longely laboured to nourysshe them / & to go to gete them mete in many places / & that they haue kepte themselfe frome mete for to gyue it vnto them . After that those lytel grypes be grete to fle and haue puyssaunce . Than they bete with theyr wynges theyr parentes . / Also they ne gyue them to ete of theyr proye / but with theyr bylle and with theyr wynges they bete them out of theyr nest . The yll chyldren done in lyke wyse vnto theyr parentes . &c.

C. Another example of a doughter the whiche nourysshed her moder the whiche was enclosed in a toure / with the mylke of her brestes . lxxi .

VAlerian recyteth that for the synnes that a noble woman had commytted she was iuged vnto the dethe / but the Iuge ne wolde punysshe her openly / for the honoure of her parentes . And she was enclosed in a pryson to th ende that she sholde deye for hongre . And her doughter the whiche was maryed vysyted her moder euery daye by the leue of the Iuge in suche wyse that she was serched before that she entred for to se yf she bare ony thynge to be eten . And the said doughter gaue vnto her / her pappes to souke & nourysshed her . And at the laste the Iuge knewe of it wherfore he was moued with pyte & gaue the moder vnto the doughter . &c.

D. Another example of the chylde that bote of his faders nose . lxxi .

IT is wryten in many bokes this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his boke and sayeth that there was a fader the whiche ledde his sone with hym in to tauernes & playes . And he lerned that in suche maner that whan he was grete he ne myght kepe hym from playnge and vsynge the tauernes / & after was a thefe . Fyrste vnto his fader / & after vnto his neyghbours / & was so cursed that hys fader delyuered him two tymes from hangynge in gyuynge grete money . And thirdly for a thefte was ledde vnto the galowes And there requyred that he myghte kysse his fader / from whome he bote the nose with his tethe . And as the sone was rebuked of that he answered . I haue done wele and iustely / for he is cause that I am hanged in asmoche as he correct me not in youthe of my fautes / for yf he had correcte me I had not be here . This example denoteth that the sage sayth ꝓuer . xxix . Puer qui dimittitur voluntati ●ue : confudit matrem suam : immo patrem & omnes cognatos . &c. The chylde the whiche is suffred to do his owne wyll confoundeth his moder / also his fader and al his kynnesmen . And therfore a man sholde punysshe him & correct in youthe . Men plye & bende the rodde whyles that it is yonge / so dothe men a chylde . And who so taryeth tyl they be growen men / he ne may ayde him . Yf the sayd fader had correct hys chylde he hadde not byte of his nose nor be hanged / he that wele loueth wele chastiseth .

E. Another example of hym whose berde grewe after he was hanged . lxxi .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his boke & sayeth that there was a cursed chyld inobedyent vnto fader and moder the whiche slewe his felowe / & for his demerytes was hanged in his yonge aege . And with in thre dayes after that he was hanged a grete gray berde grewe vpon hym so moche that it came tyll vnto his gyrdyll wherof the people meruayled . And afterwarde it was reueled vnto a holy man al the dede of it the whiche sayd that he shold haue lyued in as grete aege as the sayd berde shewed yf he had be obedyent vnto fader & moder . And all suche chyldren abrydge theyr lyues / & ben in the waye of dampnacyon yf they haue not grete & bytter repentaunce . &c. Et legitur in psalmi . Subito defecerunt propter iniquitatem ●uam .

F. Another example of a man the whiche was fell & harde vnto his fader & hys yonge sone repreued hym . lxxi .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary that there was a man yll & vnnaturell vnto his fader auncyent / For he made hym to lye in the stable with hys shepe . And gaue vnto hym a vyle vesture the remenaunte wherof men couered the horses . The sayd auncyent had gyuen vnto hym his herytage for to lyfte him vp in grete estate . Now it happened that the sone of the sayd felon was heuy & displeased to se his grandfader soo entreated : And for this thynge he came vnto his fader / and demaunded hym suche another couerture of hors as his sayd grandfader had . And his fader asked hym what he wolde do with it . And the chylde answerde . I shall kepe it tyll that thou be auncyente / & than I shall clothe that with it in lyke wyse as thou doest thy fader my grandfader the whiche begate the nourysshed the / & lefte vnto the his herytage . &c. Legitur mathei . xv . et marci . vii .

Honora patrem tuum & matrem tuam : & qui maledixerit patri vel matri morte moriatur The holy scrypture procedeth of the mouth of god commaundeth that men honoure theyr fader and theyr moder . And he sayth vnto the chyldren that do the contrary . That is they the whiche curse theyr faders or moders / or the whiche theym dyshonoure or defayle in necessyte that they deye of deth And it is to vnderstonde not of dethe corporell alonely / but of dampnacion and dethe eternell the whiche is dethe withoute dyenge yf they deye without correccyon & amendement .

G. Another example how a fader & his sone cursed eche other in hell . Also of a gode sone that blyssed his fader in heuen . lxxi .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye & sayeth howe a holy man desyred to se the paynes of helle / and the glorye of the blyssed the whiche was ledde in to helle by his aungell . And amonges many other paynes he sawe a fader stryue with his sone . And the fader sayd vnto his sone . Cursed be the tyme that euer I begate the. All that that I haue done for that is cursed . For for that I was a cursed vsurer / to th ende that thou haddest grete haboundaunce of goodes in the worlde . and he said many other thinges vnto his sone in cursynge hym . The sone sayd vnto the contrary . Cursed be the hour that thou begatest me for thou ne haste taught me the commaundementes of god / ne to do penaunce ne other good dedes / but thou taughte me pryde & to make false vendycyons / & he reproched him many other thynges bycause he corrected him not of his yl dedes Than sayd the holy man vnto his aungel the whiche ledde hym . It is a cursed thynge to here & to se these thinges here . Afterwarde the aungell shewed hym the glorye of the blyssed . And in that he sawe a fader & his sone the whiche were in grete Ioye And the sone sayd vnto his fader . Fader be thou blessyd of god . For thou me haste made to lerne scyence . And thou haste led me vnto the chirche / & vnto predycacions thou haste taught me many good thinges and haste correcte me of the ylles that I dyde . More ouer thou haste lerned me the commaundementes of god & to loue and to drede god aboue all thynges . And many other thynges that the sone sayd vnto the fader in blyssynge hym . For by the sayd thinges he had saued his soule . And the fader blyssed the sone in spekynge vnto hym semblable thinges good and prouffytables by the whiche they were saued . &c. This example denoteth that god hathe suffred that this thynge were sene and knowen to the ende that the faders and moders & chyldren in lykewyse take hede & doo . And that they correcte & lerne vnto theyr chyldren the good for to come vnto the glorye of heuen . And yf they do the contrary that they know that they shall haue punycyon in helle . Where they shall curse other eternally . &c.

H. Another example of a woman damned whiche dispreysed those that repreued her of her synnes . Ca. lxxi .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary & sayeth that a woman moche deuoute and loued of god was ryght curyous of her moder departed . The whiche wolde knowe of her moders estate for to helpe her yf she were in purgatorye / & it requyred of oure lorde Ihesu cryste . / ✿ And one time as she was at the chirche with teres requyred god of this thynge / she was put in horrour & sawe by her a derke spirite . Than she made the token of the crosse & demaunded who it was . And the spyryte sayd I am thy moder . And she her demaunded how it was with her / & she answered it is with me ryght yl / thy prayers ne maye serue me of nothynge / for I am dampned eternally . Than the doughter with grete wayllynge sayd . Alas my moder what is the cause of thy dampnacyon And she answered . For that that I lyued & haue be nourysshed of thynges yl goten by vsuryes & otherwyse / & I culpable toke no hede to restore vnto other . And that the whiche was yll done agayn god of my subgectes in my house I forced not of it / but I am entred in the wayes of the world yll and vnryghtfull . And also I haue dyspreysed those the whiche me haue repreued of my synnes & ylles . And I ne me amended ne repented in no manere . And in suche wyse I deyed . And whan the sayd moder had sayd these wordes she departed / & the sayd doughter prayed no more for her Vnto this purpose saynt Austyn sayeth . Si scirem patrem meum in inferno : non plus orarem ꝓ eo quam pro dyabolo . That is to saye yf I knewe my fader were dampned in helle I sholde pray no more for hym than for the deuyll . This example denoteth that those the whiche lyueth of thynges yll goten ben in the waye of dampnacyon / yf that they dye without restitucyon . Also a man sholde not dyspreyse one that repreueth hym of his vyces & synnes .

I. Another example of a tauerner that the deuyll bare awaye in body & soule for that he repreued not those the whiche dyd ylle . Ca. lxxi .

THe dyscyple recyteth in hys sermons & sayeth that a tauerner receyued to ete to drynke & to lodge all sortes of people / that is to vnderstonde good & yll / & suffred to playe / to swere / to be dronke / to blaspheme / to commytte baudrye and other synnes in his tauerne for temporell gayne . And one tyme on a sondaye as he bare of wyne from his seller before his yate for that that his hous was ful of other hostes / there arose vp a tempeste of wynde & deuylles amonge it the whiche toke vp vyolently the sayd tauerner on hye in the ayre before all the people . And whan he sawe hymselfe so lyfte vp and of the deuylles borne awaye cryed by grete contricion of herte . O deus quid fatiet anima mea . O my god what thynge shal be done of my soule . than the deuylles suffred hym to fall in to a felde / & they sayd vnto hym . For asmoche as thou haste forgoten all thynges transytoryes & the lyfe of thyn owne body / thy wyfe thy chyldren / & thy frendes / & that thou haste prayed alonely god for thy soule by contrycyon of herte we ne maye bere the no ferther / for god ne wyll suffre vs to excercise in the our wyll . For that that thou haste called hym by contrycyon . And yf the haddest not done it we had borne the in to hell in body and in soule . Than the said deuylles yode awaye / and he was founde in the sayd felde / and borne in to his house . / And he laye in his bedde certayne dayes / and after that he was in conualescence he corrected hym and amended / & put away his tauerne . And more ouer he neuer suffred in his house to playe / to blaspheme / ne to do other ylles . All tauerners and hostyllers sholde wele note this thynge that god ne punysshe them as he dyde the sayd ylle tauerner .

K. Another example of a man the whiche was so ylle instructe and correcte that he solde his soule / and the deuyll bare it awaye with the body . lxxi .

THe disciple recyteth in his sermons and sayeth that a man sayd vnto his compaygnons as they dranke at the tauerne yf they byleued that there was of soules / and that he byleued nothynge / and that he ne had none sene . And that the prestes and prechers had founde that there was of soules in helle for the gayne temporell And that he byleued nothynge . And hys compaygnons affermed that after the fayth catholyke that there was of soules in hell and in heuen / and that the soule of euery persone goeth vnto paradyse or in to hell or in to purgatorie after that it departeth from the body . After he demaunded yf ony wolde bye his soule . And that he sholde sel it . And one of his compaygnons sayd vnto him . I wyl bye it . And it was solde for a quarte of wyne the whiche was incontynent dronke . And there came the deuyl in the fourme of a man the whiche boughte the sayd soule of hym the whiche solde it / and payed a quarte of wyne . And whan the sayd wyne was dronke the deuyl said . Gyue me the soule that I haue bought / for it is myne . And those the whiche were present sayd . It is a thynge iuste that he the whiche byeth possede the thynge bought . And the accursed the whiche had solde his soule sayd that he had not solde the body . And the presence sayd . Whan that ony selleth his hors he gyueth the coler or halter withall . And incontynent the seller was estrangled of the deuyl . And before the presence rauisshed the sayd man & bare hym in to hel in body and soule .

A. Another example how the fader sholde loue more god than his chyldren / and other parentes and frendes . lxxii

IT is wryten how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye and saith that a man was one tyme so moche holden in the loue of his parentes and neyghboures that he was letted to loue god and to folowe hym . And one tyme he wolde therin fynde remedye and called them vnto a dyner . And in dynynge he prayed one of them the whiche vnto hym after his aduyse was moost faythfull . Yf thou loue me put thy lytell fynger in this fyre for the loue of me . And he dredde the payne & wold nothynge do . So the fayth and the loue that he fayned to haue in him appered to be vayne . After he requyred al the other by ordre and sayd vnto them as vnto the fyrste / & they wolde nothynge doo . Than he declared his purpose vnto theym all / and sayd vnto them that onely for the loue of them he was taryed for to loue parfytely Ihesu cryste / but for that that he founde noo more fayth in them he wolde no more tary . And for that they ne wolde put in the fyre transytorye the moost lytel membre that they hadde one seule houre for the loue of hym / he sayd that in lyke wyse for the loue of them he ne sholde put all his body & his soule in the fyre perpepual of helle . Afterwarde he sayd vnto them / take hede to do for your selfe / and so wyll I for myself Then within a whyle after he restored & payed all his debtes . And after gaue and dystrybuted all his goodes vnto the poore for the loue of god . And put hym to serue our lorde Ihesu faythfully and deuoutly / and to loue hym parfytely . &c. True it is that we sholde loue our parentes / frendes and kinnesmen naturally and wyllyngly And for as moche as god commaundeth it / Diliges proximum tuum sicut te ipsum . math xxii . But we sholde loue our fader celestyall more than them & aboue them . Vn̄ au . Diligendus est genitor sedpreponendus est creator . And yf ony man loue his fader or his chyldren & parentes more than god & aboue hym he shall be sente vnto dampnacyon And he ne maye be saued without true penaunce . For it is wryten mat . x. & luce. xiiii . Qui amat patrem aut matrem plusquam me non est me dignus . Et qui amat filium aut filiam super me : non est me dignus . We be holden vnto fader & moder : but yet ben we more holden vnto god the whiche hathe fourmed our soules vnto his semblaunce / & the whiche hathe redemed vs by his precyous blode / & suffred dethe for vs . And more ouer he vs puruayeth & nouryssheth by the goodes that he maketh to growe . And also vnto vs prometteth paradyse . And therfore no loue what so euer it be ne sholde drawe vs backe from the parfyte loue of god . &c.

B. Another example of a fader that whiche sayd vnto his sone that he sholde holde his fyngere in the fyre tyll he had sayd Aue maria . lxxii .

IT is wryten in some bookes that the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his sermons and sayeth that a ryche man posseded many goodes vniustely goten . And after that he had herde the worde of god in predycacyon wolde experymente the fidelyte of his sone . Vnto who me he said that for the loue of hym he wolde holde his fynger in the fyre so longe alonely as he sholde saye aue maria . And the sayd sone began to assaye / & incontynent that he felte the brennynge of the fyre / he drewe backe his fynger and said vnto his fader . What shall it prouffyte the that all my body shall fele hete and shall be brent And the fader sayd vnto the sone . What shall it prouffyte that for the I dampne my selfe & put in the fyre of helle eternel / And so the sayd ryche man restored all tho thinges that he had ylle goten and chaunged his lyfe from yll vnto good .

C. Another example how a man sholde doo of good dedes whyle that he lyueth with out trustynge vpon his heyres . lxxii .

THe dyscyple reciteth in his promptuarye & sayeth that a ryche man was in the artycle of dethe / he called hys thre sones and sayd vnto the moost auncyente . My dere sone knowe ye that I leue vnto you many possessyons and goodes that I haue kepte for you / the whiche I sholde haue gyuen vnto the poores / & therfore parauenture I shall go in to purgatorye . Tell me what shalte thou gyue for my soule . And he sayd vnto hym that he sholde make to synge many masses / and also sholde gyue of almesse . &c. In lyke wyse the seconde hym prometted . The fader praysed these two sones here . And demaunded of the yongest what he wolde do for hym I promyse the nothynge not to gyue one peny . Whyles that thou lyuest dystrybute thy goodes for the helthe of thy soule with out commyttynge it vnto vs / how shall we ayde the by dede whan we haue thy godes the whiche ne wylte helpe thy selfe for the loue of vs / & euery of vs shall loue better his owne vtylyte than thyne . And therfore thynke fyrste on thyselfe yf thou wylte / Whan the said ryche man herde this yonge chylde consydered that he sayd vnto him veryte & dystrybuted his rychesses vnto the poores for his owne helthe .

D. Another example how a man shold do of good dedes in his lyfe tyme without taryenge vnto his frendes . lxxii

THe dyscyple reciteth in his promptuarye that there was a ryche man the whiche hadde a sone / the whiche ryche man whan he was in his dethe bedde made his testament solemply / & lefte moche goodes vnto the relygyous & vnto the people / and afterwarde he deyed After his dethe the sayd people and the relygyous came vnto his sayd sone & demaunded him that that his fader had lefte vnto theym by his testament . Than the sone answered & sayd . I ne shal gyue vnto no persone that lyueth / & tolde the reason . Ye saye in approuynge the scrypture that yf ony be in helle that the suffrages & good dedes ne prouffite to hym . And yf he be in heuen that hym nedeth nothynge . I knowe not nowe yf he be in paradyse or in helle . And yf he be in purgatorye he is there purged vnto the laste synne / for I ne shal gyue nothyng for his soule . The goodes temporelles that I possede I ne shal shedde them . Also I doubt me for his soule / but be he tormented tyll that he be purged . This example techeth vs to do of good dedes whyles that we lyue without taryenge or trustynge vnto oure parentes for to do it after our dethe . Vn̄. grego . Tutior est vita vt bonum qd quisque post mortem sperat agi ꝑ alios : agat dum viuit ipse ꝑ se . Beatius quippe est liberum exire quam post vincula liberantem q̄re . Chylde vnnaturall syth that it is so that god commaundeth the to helpe thy neyghbours / the poore / the hongry / the thrusty / the seke / & yf thou do it not thou shalt yelde accompte before god at the day of Iugement . By a more stronge reason yf thou socour not thy parentes of whom thou haste thy goodes the whiche ben in the pryson of purgatorye hauynge hongre & thurst / & grete necessyte thou arte worthy of grete punycyon . &c.

E. Another example of semblable matere to do of good dedes without taryeng or trustynge vnto his chyldren . lxxii .

MEn fynde by wrytynge that there was a ryche man the whiche had purchased londes and possessyons . And all the countree aboute hym was his . It happened that he fell in a grete sekenes & sente for his preest & deuysed that he had / & requyred hym to praye for hym / & made to praye in euery monastery . And promysed that yf he myght escape that he sholdde go vnto saynt Iames / vnto saynt gyles / vnto Rochemador . And that he sholde do many of good dedes for the loue of god / It happened that he escaped from the sayd sekenes / & became wors than euer he had be and more vnfaythfull / & dyde nothynge of all that he hadde promysed vnto the preest . Longe tyme after he fell agayne in to a moche greate sekenes / and sente for his preest as before . And promysed to doo many of good dedes / and that he wolde praye for hym . Ha said the preest the other tyme thou saydest as moche vnto me / & nothynge hast thou done of that that thou promysed . I haue sayd he to moche good / who shall do it for me . Then he called his sone & his heyre & tolde hym that he had goten him grete londes & that he muste goo for hym vnto saynt Iames and vnto saynt gyles And vnto suche pylgrymages yf I deye / Fayre fader sayd the sone men saye that deed men go as swyftely as they wyll . Go you by saynt Iames and vnto saynt gyles yf ye wyll / so god helpe me I shall not put my body in payne . Yf ye haue we le do ne ye shall fynde it . The sayd heyre yode not / & therfore a good thynge it is not to tary ne abyde vnto his heyres . For the lanterne the whiche is borne before gyueth better lyght than that the whiche is borne behynde .

F. Another example how a man sholde do of good dedes whyles that he lyueth & that a fole taught wele one sage . lxxii .

MEn tell of a grete lorde the whiche had of custome as done these grete lordes whan he wyll go thorowe the countree to sende his coke to prepayre his dyner and his place . And the sayd lorde had a fole that had of custome to go after the coke for the prouffyte that he there had . &c. It befell one tyme that the sayd lorde was seke in his bedde of the dethe . And the people the whiche came to se hym sayd vnto eche other whan they mette / the lorde gothe his waye . The sayd fole herde these sayd wordes & sayd that shall he not do / for his coke is yet here . And for that that the people perseuered to say that he gothe his waye / the said fole entred in to the chambre of the lorde / & sayd to hym . My lorde all the people say that ye go your waye / and bycause ye haue not sente your coke before by saynt Peter ye shall deye of hongre . Than the lorde sayd that the fole sayd true / & that a fole hathe assensed wele a saige . Than the lorde made all the prestes of the countree to synge & to do in his lyfe the seruyces that men sholde do after his dethe & to do almesdedes & so he sente the coke before / & made his fardell to bere with hym as dothe a bryde the whiche departeth from the house of her fader . &c.

A. Another example of a fader and of his sone the whiche were dampned for the goodes yll begoten and witholden . lxxiii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in the booke of his sermons & sayeth that an vsurer had two sones of the whiche the one repented hym in herynge a sermon / & after sayd vnto his fader . My fader yf we deye in suche wyse we shal be loste in body & in soule . Than he sayd vnto hym . Paye vnto euery man that that thou owest & retorne vnto god . Vnto whome the fader sayd / & the other broder . Sholdest thou be our confessoure / goo deye where thou wylte . For we shall abyde with our goodes . The whiche helde his peas / lefte theym & yelded hymself hermyte / & lyued a poore lyfe in seruynge god . And after that this good hermyte herde speke that his fader and his broder were deed was moued in pyte & desyred to knowe of theyr estate . And requyred of god yf it were his pleasure that he might se them . And one daye as he was in orayson the aungell of our lorde came vnto him & sayd . Thy petycyon is made / come thy waye I shall shewe them the. And he toke hym & rauysshed hym / and bare him in to helle . And set hym vpon a hye mountayne . And the sayd aungell sayd vnto hym / wylte thou se and here thy fader and thy brother and the sayd hermyte answered that ye . And he sawe a valeye replenysshed of dyuers kyndes of tormentes / and herde a myserable voyce . And he sawe fyrst his fader the whiche boylled in fyre as pesen do the within a grete pot the whiche said . Maledyccyon / maledyccyon / maledyccyon / cursed be the houre that euer I was conceyued . Cursed be the wombe that bare me / Whan the sayd hermyte herde these wordes he trembled and sayd . O fader arte thou here . The answer . My sone thou art blyst for thou hast dredde god and haste fledde this payne ryght horryble and cruell / but take hede that thou serue we le god . And euen in lyke wise as he spake these wordes the sone came and appered as the sayd fader had done with grete boylyons of fyre : & in swymmynge on hye & within as a pece in a potte . And the sayd sone toke hym to curse his sayd fader in paynes and said in this manere . Cursed be thou my fader in pardurabylyte . For by these thynges that thou haste yll goten thou haste dampned me & loste . And vnto the contrary the fader said vnto the sone . Cursed be thou sone / for for the I haue goten suche goodes and them hathe witholden . And so am I put from al good . And therfore I am discended in to this payne . Vnto whome the sone lyuynge sayd . Is there neyther prayers ne suffrages maye prouffyte you nor ayde . The whiche sayd that no. For in hell there is no redempcyon . And the sayd aungell ledde agayne the sayd hermyte / The whiche lyued afterwarde more faythfully and serued god deuoutely & he was saued This example denoteth that those the whiche taketh & witholdeth the goodes of another vniustely yf they dye in suche wyse with out restitucion & amendement that they shal dyscende in to helle in payne and in grete torment .

B. Another example of a fader the whiche put a malet in a cheste / and toke the keyes vnto his chyldren . Ca. lxxiii

MEn fynde by wrytynge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye & sayeth that a riche man maryed hys chyldren & enryched them of his goodes . And in the ende became poore . And his chyldren gaue no force . And afterwarde he called his chyldren vnto whome he gaue the keyes of a coffre wherin he had a locket / and within it was a heuy malet / in lyke wyse as & yf it had be moneye / but he reteyned one key to th ende that they ne myght go vnto the cheste . And he sayd vnto his chyldren . You ben myne herytours & frendes / whan I shall be deed open ye the cheste / & ye shall fynde within it a lettre the whiche deuyseth howe moche I haue lefte vnto euery of you . For this hope the chyldren the one after the other inuyterent the sayd auncyent / they honoured hym and ayde . After his dethe they founde within the sayd loket a malet and a lettre the whiche conteyned . That man is worthy to be beten on the heed with his malet the whiche hathe soo moche gyuen vnto his chyldren and trusteth the whiche nothinge reteyneth for him selfe .

C. Another example of two doughters the whiche put oute theyr fader in his olde aege . Ca. lxxiii .

IT is wryten in some bokes thys the whiche foloweth how the discyple recyteth in his promptuarye and sayth that a man hadde two doughters vnto whome he gaue all his goodes and maryed them . & after that he was poore his doughters & sones in lawe wolde no more reteyne him with them . And the one of the doughters sayd vnto her fader . Go vnto my syster / & the other sayd in lyke wyse . That thou shalte repast with me one daye / and after go another daye vnto my syster . And the auncyent man was instructe of one of his nere neyghbours the whiche was sage / whiche sayd vnto hym that he sholde take a fayr coffre aourned and besene withouteforth and that he sholde put of stones within / & he sholde make to bere it vnto the chirche on a sonday whan the people ranne vnto the masse / that whiche thynge he dyde . Whan his doughters & sones in lawe sawe thys thynge they stroue togyders who sholde haue to kepe the sayd auncyent / the which made bargayne with one that he shold haue the said coffre after his dethe / & that with in it for to nourysshe hym . And toke a lettre & kepte towardes hymselfe thre keyes Whan he was deed his sone in lawe opened the coffre / and whan he founde nothynge but stones he was confounded . &c.

D. Another example how a good moder loued naturelly her chylde and myght not endure that he had ony yile . lxxiii .

IT is wryten in the thyrde chapytre of the thyrde booke of kynges that two harlottes came before kynge Salamon / & the one sayd vnto hym . Syr this woman here and I dwelled togyder in one house / & I haue chylded by her . And the thyrde daye after she childed also . We were togider And there was but we two / She hathe ouerlayne her chylde in the night in slepynge and it is deed . And she arose vp softely by night in scylence / and toke secretely my sone by my syde and put it betwene her armes . And hers the whiche is deed she put it by my syde . Whan I rose vp in the mornynge for to gyue the brest vnto my sone it appyered to be deed . And whan that I hadde ryghte well beholden it on the daye I knewe incontynent that it was not my sone the whiche I hadde engendred . The other woman answered that it was not soo and that she hadde lyed falsly and vntruely / and sayd my chylde lyueth & thyne is deed . And the two women stryued soo before the kynge Salamon . And thenne the kynge Salamon sayd vnto the assystence . This woman sayth my sone lyueth and thyne is deed . And the other answereth naye / but thy sone is deed and myne lyueth . Brynge vnto me a swerde sayd the kynge and deuyde ye the chylde quycke in two partyes & gyue vnto euery of theym one of the sayd halues of the sayd chylde / And the woman vnto whom apperteyned the quycke chylde sayd vnto the kyng Salamon . My herte and myn entraylles is all moued vpon my chylde . I praye you gyue vnto her the chylde quycke and slee it not . And the other cryed vnto the contrarye . That it ne be vnto me ne vnto her but that it be deuyded . The kynge answered and sayd . Gyue the quycke chylde vnto this woman here the whiche wyll not that it be slayn That she is his propre moder So the people knewe that the kynge Salamon had gyuen ryghtwyse Iugemente & that a good moder loueth naturelly her propre chylde and ne maye endure that it haue ylle .

E. Another example how ten chyldren trembled & were punysshed dyuynely after that that theyr moder them hadde cursed for that that they had offended her . Ca. lxxiii

IT is wryten in the legende of saynt steuen that a noble matrone a wedowe woman was wrothe & tormented of the multytude of the ten chyldren that she had wherof there was seuen males . And thre females And one tyme they offended theyr sayde moder the whiche requyred of god that maledyccyon sholde come vnto them . And in contynent they were stryken of diuine vengeaunce . For they all by semblable payne horrybly tremble in theyr bodyes & by all theyr membres / by the whiche thyng they were moche sorowfull . And for as moche as the people of the countree ne myght endure them of the horrour that they had to se them in suche horrybly to tremble / they departed them thorowe out the world vacabondes . And ouer all where they yode euery man behelde them . And two of them were heled a sone and a doughter by the merytes of saynt steuen in the presence of saint Austin . This example sheweth that all chyldren sholde drede to offende theyr faders & moders that maledyccyon & dampnacyon come not vnto them . Also faders & moders ne sholde curse theyr chyldren / but sholde desyre that they haue benedyccyon and saluacion / & yf they ben as forsaken they sholde punysshe them & correcte sagely and dyscretely .

F. Another example that it displeaseth vnto god that a woman aourned her doughter and clothed pompously . lxxvi .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his booke that a fader & a moder had a doughter the whiche serued god deuoutely vnto the example of her moder & purposed to abyde in virginite . And the fader commaunded vnto the moder that she shold aourne her doughter after the course of the worlde the whiche dredde her husband and clothed her doughter pompously & seculerly and aourned her face & her heere . Than the aungell by the commaundement of god appered vnto her moder and sayd vnto her . Wherfore haste thou more dredde thy husbande than god to aourne thy doughter / & to take her frome Ihesu cryste for to put her in to the worlde . For this thynge thou shalt dye within four wekes / & thou shalt be dampned yf thou repente the not with in the sayd tyme . And more ouer within the sayd tyme all thy chyldren shall deye / And this daye thy handes shall begyn to drye in payn for that that thou hast aourned the heere of thy doughter . Than the sayd woman dyde true penaunce and all happened in lyke wyse as the other had sayd vnto her . For she deyed and her chyldren within the sayd terme / & also her handes dryed . &c. Those and they the whiche ben culpable sholde loke vpon this & take example for to correcte them & amende to the ende that oure lorde Ihesu cryste be not wrothe agaynst them / and that they haue not punycyon . &c.

Correctio .
A. Examples of correccyon . And fyrste example how swete correccyon more profyteth vnto the yll than sharpe . lxxiiii .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of the faders & in many other bokes that as saynt Machayre walked one tyme by the countree he sayd vnto his dyscyple that he sholde go acore . And as he yode he met with the prest of the ydoles the whiche bare a grete staff & the dyscyple sayd vnto him wheder goest thou deuyll that thou arte . And the sayd preest wrathed hym agaynst hym for his harde wordes / & bette hym soo moche that he lefte hym as for halfe deed . After the sayd preest yode his waye . And as he yode his way he met the sayd Machayre whiche sayd vnto hym . Thou arte a saue walker / thou be saued . And the preest meruaylled & sayd vnto hym . What haste thou sene of goodnesse in me the wiche salutest me in suche wyse . And he sayd I haue beholde that thou labourest strongly in walkynge . And the preest sayd vnto hym that in his salutacyon he hathe had composycyon / & he knewe the he was the seruaunt of god & that he had mette a cursed monke that had iniuried him and that for his iniuryes he had strongly beten hym . For to be short by the swete wordes of the sayd Machayre the sayd preest yode with hym / conuerted hymselfe / and was relygyous / & many paynyms conuerted them by the example of the sayd preest . And here the sayd Machayre sayd that a proude worde & an yll conuerteth somtyme the good vnto the yll . And a humble worde & good somtyme draweth the yll to do good Vnto this purpose it is wryten . ꝓuer . xv . qd respō●io mollis frangit iram / sermo durus excitat furorem . Et eccle. vi . Dulce vbum inimicos mitigat et amorem multiplicat .

B. Another example of the good correccyon that was done vnto a chylde . lxxiiii .

THe dysciple recyteth in his promptuarye that a fayre sone noble / was gyuen of his parentes in to a monasterye of the blacke ordre / for to be discyplyned regulerly in good maners / the whiche was instructe of the pryour & correcte by wordes / & somtyme by rodde / in so good maner that he refrayned hym from all thynges infancybles & vnnefull / & that he was informed in all goodnes . And the sayd chylde toke the sayd correccyon humbly . And in lyke wyse grewe he in good perfeccyon tyll vnto the aege of .xx. yeres & so deyed / And after his dethe appered the soule of hym vnto the pryour so clere & fayre that the chambre was all replenysshed with lyght & he sayd . Pryour I yelde vnto the thankes of the correccyon that thou hast put in me . I am not fallen by lytell & by lytell in to synne by the whiche I had be dampned / and by the I am saued . &c.

C. Another example of the correccyon of two relygyous of the whiche the abbot corrected the one & spared the other . lxxiiii

IT is writen in the boke of the sermons of the dyscyple how there was two freres in a monasterye / of the whiche the one was gracious & agreable vnto his abbot and vnto the other relygyous / & therfore he was spared & was not punysshed of his necligences . And the other was not agreable . And he was punysshed incontynent that he dyde a faute . So they deyed bothe twayne . And he the whiche was gracyous appered vnto his abbot after his de dethe and sayd vnto hym that he was in grete paynes . And his sayd abbot demaunded hym . Where is the cursed the whiche commytted more of neclygences than thou And he sayd . O fader he is not cursed / for he is in the clere vysyon of god . For the neclygences that he commytted were incontynent punisshed . And by that that the satisfaccyon of his synnes is made / but for that that thou sparedest me in my neclygences for my gracyousnes I am nowe tormented in purgatorye . And therfore my fader I requyre the praye vnto god for me . And that ye recommaunde me vnto myn other bretherne in theyr messes to the ende that ye delyuer me from the greate paynes wherin I am . By this example a man sholde vnderstonde that these synners the which ben ofte tymes punysshed & corrected or those the whiche gone often vnto confessyon & do penaunce ben more sooner saued than those the whiche be not repreued / and the whiche go not vnto confession but one tyme in the yere . &c.

D. Another example how a man sholde correcte hym whan a man is warned .

THe discyple reciteth in his sermons and sayeth that a good relygyous conceplatyf was rauysshed in iugemente the whiche sawe an erle accused before god & also a grete prelate agayne whome god was wrothe . Albeit at the prayer of some sayntes the whiche there were present god dyfferred his sentence & sayd vnto that relygyous the he sholde make theym to be warned to correcte them by his abbot . the whiche thynge was done . The erle corrected hym by the sayd admonycyon for the drede of the sayd vysyon . And the sayd prelate contempned the sayd visyon & correcte hym not & he deyed sodaynly in his bedde

E. Another example how a man sholde correcte & drawe backe the synners swetely as saynt Iohan the whiche drewe wele by swetnes the prynce of the theues . lxxiiii

SAynt Clement telleth in the fourth boke of the hystorye ecclesyastyce that saynt Iohan the euangelyst conuerted a fayre yongman the whiche was cruell the whiche he betoke vnto a bysshoppe for to enstructe . And a lytell whyle afterwarde the said man lefte the bysshop & became prynce of theues . And one tyme that saynt Iohan came agayne demaunded of the said bisshop where he was that he had recommaunded so curyously vnto hym . He answered . Fader he is deed in spyrite & dwelleth in suche a mountayne with theues & is theyr prynce . Than saynt Iohan was wrothe & sayd vnto hym . Thou arte a gode keper / thou hast suffred to lese the soule of thy brother . And anone he toke a horse & yode surely in to the mountayne . And the yonge man sawe hym & had grete shame & lepte on horsbacke & fledde hastely . And than the appostle forgate his aege & stroke the sayd hors with the sporres & began strongly to crye after him the whiche fled Ryght swete sone wherfore fleyst thou thy fader sone doubte the not / for I shal yelde the vnto Ihesu cryste by reason . And certes I shall deye with good wyll for the / in lyke wyse as dyde Ihesu cryste for vs / for god hathe sent me vnto the. And whan he herde that he repented hym & wepte ryght bytterly . And the appostle fell at his fete & began to kisse his honde / as & yf he hadde be lately purged by penaunce . Than the sayd appostle fasted for him & prayed and gate hym pardon . And after the sayd penitent was ordeyned a bysshop by the sayd appostle & was a good man and a deuoute . &c. By that / the saynt Iohan kyssed the hande of this synner and drewe hym agayn swetely & called vnto penaunce . In like wyse sholde those do the whiche wyldrawe backe these persones from synne and brynge them vnto saluacyon .

Caritas .
A. Examples of charyte & fyrste example of a clustre of grapes the whiche was sente vnto many by charyte . lxxv

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders the a frere relygyōus gaue a grape vnto saynt Machayre / & of his charyte he sent it vnto the moost seke & weyke of his brethern . And he toke it & gaue it agayne vnto another vnto whome it semed as hym thought that it sholde be better employed than vnto hym . And he sente it agayn vnto another . And this sayd grape yode soo from one to another tyll that it came agayn at the laste vnto the sayd Machayre the whyche hadde it fyrst gyuen . And also they ne knewe the one of the other . Than the said Machayre thanked god of the grete charite & abstinence that he sawe in his bredern relygyous . &c. Vnto the example of these good religyous here a man sholde gyue so me noueltees to his neyghboures yf they ben seke & weyke for to chere them & comforte them . &c.

B. Another example of the charyte of two men the whiche wolde deye the one / for the other . lxxv

PEter Alphons telleth in his booke that two marchauntes of dyuers countrees mette & accompanyed togyder & loued so moche the one the othe that the one toke in maryage the doughter of the other . And after that the maryage was past & done the sayd marchauntes yode backe euery of them in to his countre . And it be fell that in short tyme he that toke the others doughter in mariage loste all his godes & came vnto soo grete pouerte that he begged / He came in to the towne where his sayde compaygnon dwelled . And it happened that whan he arryued that men sought an homycyde the whiche had slayne a man / and on hym was this cryme put . And how be it that he was innocent he confessed it . For vnto hym it forced not to dye bycause of his pouerte . And was Iuged and ledde vnto the gybet . And whan he was there for to be hanged his compaygnon beforsayd knew hym & sayd . It is not this here the whiche hathe done the homycyde . It is I the whiche hathe done the deed / & wolde well dye for his compaygnon so moche he loued him Than that laste was taken & the fyrst delyuered . And the homycyde the whiche had done the dede the whiche was presente had remors in his conscyence cryed & sayd . He there ne this here hathe not done the homicyde / it was I. Than the two fyrste were delyuered & the laste was taken & holden The Iuges were meruayled / ledde vnto the kynge the two fyrste delyuered and the laste reteyned . And after that the kynge had knowen the trouthe he pardoned al the paȳ And this fyrste the whiche was come vnto pouerte was releuid of his compaygnon the whiche gaue vnto hym the halfe of his goodes by loue and charyte . This example denoteth that it is parfyte loue & charyte as to put his body the one for another / wherof speketh the euangelyst Iohan. xv ca. Maiorem caritatem nemo habet : vt Eccliam suam ponat quis pro amicis suis .

C. Another example how an holy man named sanctulus lyuered himself to be slayn for the loue of his compaygnon . lxxv

IT is wryten in the dialogue of saynt gregorye that the Lombardes toke a deken for to slee hym . And a holy man named sanctulus requyred theym gretely of his delyueraunce / the whiche ne wolde here hym / but was betaken vnto hym to kepe by suche lawe that yf he escaped that the sayd sanctulus sholde be slayne for hym & were so agreed . Whan the nyghte came the they slepte the sayd sanctulus sayd vnto the sayd deken / ryse thou and go thy waye / & he sayd vnto hym . O fader yf I goo my wayes they shall slee the / & he sayd go thy wayes . We ben all in the handes of god / they ne maye nothynge do vnto vs but that god shal suffre . Than he fledde . And after the Lombardes sayd vnto the sayd sanctulus . Chose the of what dethe thou wylte deye / for thou shalte deye for the deken / & he sayd . Sle me of what dethe that god shal suffre . Than they chose a stronge man to stryke of his heed at the fyrste stroke . The sayd sanctulus fell prostrate in orayson & requyred god . And whan his orayson was made the hangman made him to stretche the necke / & he lyfte vp the swerde in the ayre for to slee hym in the presence of moche people . And whan the sayd sanctulus had stratche the necke & sene the sworde / he sayd . O sancte iohannes suscype illum . And incontynent saynt Iohan vyolently held in the ayre the arme of the said hangman & they all thanked god . Some requyred the by his prayer the arme were heled . He answered that he ne wolde praye for hym / but yf he wolde swere that he sholde neuer kyl crysten man . And after that he had sworne sayd . Put downe thy hande . And it was taken away & heled . Than the lombardes wolde gyue vnto hym all the oxen & kyen that they had pylled / but he them refused and requyred all the prysoners / & they all were gyuen vnto hym . So by his charyte he delyuered them all . This example sholde moue vs to loue another / & to put vs in daunger corporelly for to saue and to delyuer our neyghbours from yll & from inconuenience as dydde the sayd sanctulus the whiche delyuered the deken from dethe & the prysoners from captyuyte .

D. Another example howe god sente a poore man .xx. s . for one peny the he gaue .

IT is wryten in the booke of the discyple that peter damyen recounted the a poore man fasted with his wyf the whiche had not but one peny for to by theyr diner & he gaue his peny vnto a pore man as he yode vnto the market . And after that as he was at his table & that the brede was put vpon it there came in a man vnknowen hastely the whiche layde .xx. s . in money vpon the sayd table in a clothe bounde & said . This here my lorde hathe sent you & incontynent he departed . And men presuppose that it was an aungell . This example sholde moue vs to gyue almesse to the poore people . For grete retrybucyon foloweth therof . For one peny that the sayd man gaue god sente hym twelue score . Al soo yf ony wyll haue vyctorye and to surmounte his enemyes / be he a gyuer of almesse . And yf he wyll regne and to flee in to heuen also gyue he vnto the poore folk . In lyke wyse as sayth the scrypture . Vn̄ poeta . Vincit cuncta dare : da sivis superare . Per dare regnare poteris : celosque volare . &c.

E. Another example how the herte of a vyrgyn was cutte for the grete loue that she had vnto god . lxxv .

THe discyple recyteth in his promp tuarie this example the whiche is wryten in many other bookes & sayeth that a noble vyrgyn was .xiiii. yere moche deuoute vnto the vyrgyn Marye . And by .vii. yeres euery daye she requyred her that it wolde please her to shewe vnto her her chylde And it befell as on a crystenmas daye she entred alone in to the chapelle bycause of orayson the vyrgin Marye appered vnto her holdynge a fayre sone betwene her armes & sayd vnto her . Take my sone and playe with hym . And she toke hym with grete Ioye / reuerence & deuocyon . And the said chylde demaunded her / louest thou me And she answered / ye . Whether sayd he louest thou me more than my clothes / and she sayd . I loue you more than my herte / And the sayd chylde sayd . How louest thou me more than thy herte . The answer / I ne can tell it / but the same speke . And incontynent the herte of the said vyrgyn for the grete loue that she had to the sayd sone it brake in sondre . And so deyed the sayd vyrgyn . Than the chylde toke her soule & soo grete songe & melodye of aungelles was there to bere the sayd soule in to heuen / that the people ranne vnto the chapel the whic●e were replenysshed of meruayllous odoure . And they founde the sayd vyrgyn deed . And her herte cut wherin was wryt●n in lettres of god . I loue the more than myself . For thou haste create me redemed & endowed . &c. After the scypture & thys example we shold loue god more than our self . vn̄. math. Diliges dnm deum tuum ex toto corde tuo et ex tota anima tua .

F. Another example of the charyte of hym the whiche dyd wynne his broder the whiche was fallen in to fornycacion for to make hym selfe a synner / & in doynge penaunce . lxxv .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of the faders how two bredren yode to sell in the cyte that / that they had wrought . And whan they were departed in that cyte / one of them fell in fornycacyon . After that his broder came vnto hym and sayd . Broder retourne we in to our habytable / he answered I may not retourne / he demaunded the cause . And he sayd vnto hym . After that thou departest fro me I was tempted & I am fallen in to fornycacyon . And his broder sayd that soo was he / but retourne we togyder do we penaunce with grete laboure . & god shal pardon vs our synne . Whan they were retourned they tolde it to the auncyentes . The whiche gaue them in charge the maner how they sholde do penaunce . and the one of them dyde penaunce / but for the other broder also as he was culpable to haue synned . In fewe dayes god shewed vnto one of the auncyentes that the synne of him the whiche hadde done fornycacyon vnto hym was pardoned by the greate charyte of the other the whiche had not synned / This example is greately to be noted / For for to socoure his broder the whiche was fallen in to the sinne of lecherye / and in to the bondes of the deuyll . And in the waye of perdycyon & dampnacyon eternell . He made hymselfe a synner & toke labour and penaunce for hym / that was charyte and grete socour dyd vnto his neyghbour . In this thynge it appereth that he loued his brother as hymselfe / & that he socoured hym in his necessyte as he wylled that a man sholde do vnto hym / and for the grete charyte the synne was pardoned . &c.

G. Another example how one frere withdrewe another from yll wyll / not by force but by charyte and pacyence . lxxv

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders that a frere came one tyme vnto a grete auncyent and sayd vnto hym I haue a broder the whiche goeth on the one syde & on the other without holdynge hym with me / & therfore am I tormented . And the auncyent sayd vnto hym . Bere it pacyently . Whan god shal se the labour of thy supportynge he shall call hym agayne vnto the ne wene thou not by austeryte that ony shall withdrawe hym from his entencyon / for one deuyll ne expelleth another deuyl / but by benygnyte thou shalt make hym come agayne vnto the. Our lorde draweth vnto hym many in cherynge theym . And he recounted to hym of two freres of the whiche the one was fallen in fornycacyon / the whiche woulde retourne vnto the worlde & the other wepte & said . Broder I shal not suffre the to retourne & be loste . And for that that he wolde nothynge do / he wente to take counsayl of a grete auncient whiche sayd vnto hym . Go thou with him in to the worlde / god ne shall suffre hym to be lost for thy labour than he yode with him . And whan they came in to a strete god the same the charite of the frere whiche yode to saue his broder toke awaye the concupyscence of the frere synner . Than he sayd vnto his broder that they sholde retorne vnto theyr hermytage . I wende nowe to haue synned with the woman but I haue no more of wyll syth that I haue conquest in suche dede . And they retour in to theyr hermytage in deuocyon withoute commyttynge synne . By these examples be forsayd it appereth that a man sholde haue loue & charyte with his faders & neyghbours . And as a man sholde honour them & socour them in theyr necessytees .

Qintū preceptum .
Homicidium īiustū .
A. Examples of those the whiche haue done homicide iniustely . And fyrst example of Cayn the whiche slewe abel his broder . Ca. lxxvi

IT is wryten in the .iiii. chapitre of gene that after that Cayn had slayn his broder abell by enuye & cursednes god demaunded / where is thy broder Abell / he answered I can not tell / am I the keper of my broder . And god said vnto him what haste thou done / the voyce of the blode of thy broder cryeth vnto me from the erthe It is that that demaundeth vengeaunce / & incontynent god cast forth maledyrcyon . Vn̄. gene. iiii . Nunc maledictus eris suꝑirā cum operatus fueris eam non dabit tibi fructus suos : spinas & tribulos germinabit tibiva gus et ꝓfugus eris super terram . That is to saye thou shalte be cursed aboue the erthe Whan thou it shalt laboure it ne shall gyue vnto his fruytes . It shall brynge forth thornes & thystylles / thou shall be wandryng and fugytyue vpon the erthe . Cayn sawe that his broder Abell was better than he / and more loued of god bycause that he payed better his dysmes thenne he dydde . / And therfore god multeplyed his goodes and fruytes / & sente vnto hym haboundaunce . And vnto cayn and vnto his gyftes he regarded nothynge . Soo Cayn wrathed hym hugely and had enuye vpon his broder & slewe him . Vn̄ ge. iiii . Propter hoc deus respexit ad abel et ad munera eius : ad cayn et ad munera eius non respexit : iratusque est cayn vehementer inuidit super fratrem suum et occidit . Enuye procedeth to se & to consyder that his neyghboure is better than hymselfe in ony thynge be it temporell gode or spyrytuell . Vn̄ grego . in mora . Inuidere enim non possumus nisi eis quos nobis in aliquo meliores esse putamus . That is to saye we ne maye haue enuye but vnto those that whiche we wene to be better than we in some thynge . By this example and by the scryptures a man sholde vnderstond that those the whiche foloweth the lyfe of Cayn haue maledyccyon . Vn̄ in epi. iude . ii . ca. Ve his qui via cayn abierunt erroris ba●aam mercede effusi sunt : et contradictione chore perierunt . For to vnderstonde what maledyccyon is . A man sholde vnderstonde the maledyccyon is puttynge from benedyccyon & from all goodes spyrytuel / and assocyacyon with al yll . And whan a persone is cursed of god & of the chirche knowyng that he is pryued from benedyccyon / and from all goodes spyrytuelles done in holy chirche / & is assocyate with all yll . And yf he deye in suche estate impenytent he shal be put from paradyse / as sayth saynt poule . i. co. vi . Neque maledicti regnum dei possi debunt . Also whan a man obeyeth soner to the deuyll than to god / he is moche cursed or whan he leueth god for to folowe the deuyll / or whan he loueth synnes & leueth vertues . Vn̄ psal. Dilexit maledictionem & veniet ei ▪ noluit benedictionem et elongabitur ab eo . &c. That is to saye . He hathe loued malediccion and it shall come vnto hym / And he hathe not wylled to haue benedyccyon / and it shall be lenthed from hym .

B. Another example how the kynge achab & iezabell his wyfe made to sle Naboth for to haue his vyneyarde . lxvi .

IT is wryten in the .xxi. chapytre of the thyrde boke of kynges that the kynge Achab coueyted to haue & to possede the vyneyard of a good man named Naboth . And for as moche as he ne might haue it ne by sale ne by eschaunge was sory . And layde hym downe & wolde not eate . The sayd Naboth wolde not sell the herytage of his predecessours . And Iesabell wyfe of the sayd Achab comforted her husbande . And to be shorte in the matere she sente lettres vnto the grettest of the cyte . And caused to make false wytnes agayne the sayd Naboth . And so made hym to be stoned & slayn . And whan he was deed by the counsayll of Iesabell Achab wente to take possessyon of the sayd vyneyarde / & the worde of god was made in the prophete Helye in saynge . Aryse & dyscenbe thou agayne the kinge Achab & thou shalt saye vnto him . Thou hast slayne Naboth and possedeth his vyneyard / god hathe sayd that in the place where the dogges haue lycked the blode of Naboth / they shall lycke thy blode . More ouer god hathe sayd that he shall sende yll vpon the & vpon thy house : as vnto Hieroboam the whiche was cursed & brought vnto nought . &c. Grete thretenynges ben here wryten . And the sayd prophete Helye sayd vnto Iezabell that god had sayd that the dogges sholde ete Iezabel in suche a felde . Whan the kynge Achab herde these wordes here / he cutte his clothes & cladde his flesshe with a sacke / fasted and slepte in a sacke the heed bowyng downe And whan god had sene his humilite said vnto the prophete Helye . Haste thou not sene Achab humble hym for bycause of me I ne shall sende hym the said yll in his dayes / but in the dayes of his sone I shal bringe in yll vnto his house . And so was it done . And it is wryten in the .ix. chapytre of the .iiii. booke of kynges that Iezabell deyed myscheuously . For the kynge Cheu made her be caste forthe at a wyndowe in to the strete / & the horses of his armye yode ouer her notwithstondynge that she was a kynges doughter . And after the dogges brake her body & she ne was buryed . thys example denoteth many thynges The first is the auaryce and couetyse to haue & possede the vyne of Naboth that whiche is fraccyon of the .x. commaundement of god . Non ●ōcupisces rem proximi tui . The seconde is fals wytnessyng . Non falsum testimontum dices . And also homycyde . Non sis occisor / the thyrde is grete punycyons temporelles & corporelles folowe after without the punicyon eternell for the fraccyon of the thre commaundementes of god . And it is here to be noted that by the penaunce and humylyte of the kynge Achab god spared hym in his lyfe / but his sone bare the punicyon of his sayd fader the whiche is grete matere to vnderstonde & to moralyze the whiche shall abyde bycause of shortnes . And the fals harlot Iezabell the whiche humbled her not was slayne & eten of dogges the whiche is a longe thynge to declare / in lyke wyse as it is wryten in the forsayd chapytre . &c.

C. Another example how Ioab slewe the prynce Abner malycyously & Amasam & yll came vnto hym . lxxvii .

IT is wryten in the chapytre of the seconde boke of kynges how Ioab the whiche was capytayne and chyef of the werre of kynge Dauyd slewe malycyously a prynce named Abner for to venge him of his broder that the sayd Abner had slayne in batayl . And dauyd was gretely wrothe of that murdre wepte vpon his graue & ne wolde neuer in the daye ne ete ne drinke tyll that the sone was gone to reste / & sayd vnto his seruauntes the whiche wolde make hym to ete . Ye knowe not that a prynce and that ryght grete is fallen this daye in Israhell . Our lorde graunt vnto them the whiche haue done the yll after theyr malyce . And it is wryten in the seconde chapytre of the thyrde boke of kynges that in contynent that dauyd was deed the sayd Ioab fledde in to the tabernacle of our lorde / & helde hym nere the aulter for to warraunt hym . For the kinge Salamon commaunded that he were slayne / for that that he had slayne two men better than hymselfe without the consentynge of dauyd / that is to vnderstonde Abner prynce of the chyualrye of Israhell / & Amasam prynce of the armye of Iudas . And the sayd Ioab wolde not come forthe of the tabernacle / And there was slayne by the commaundement of Salamon . Men saye incōune langage / he that sleethe with the swerde with the swerde shall deye . &c.

D. Another example how herode Ascalonyta made to sle the innocentes . lxxvii .

THe euangelyst saynt mathieu maketh mencyon / that whan god was borne in bethelem the thre kynges came out of orient for to worshyp hym / & demaunded kynge herode where that he was borne . : Whan herodes herd these wordes he was greately troubled / & those of Iherusalem with hym . And inquysycyon was made where it was that Ihesus sholde be borne / the grete clerkes sayd that it sholde be in bethleem as it was wryten by the prophete mychee . vi . Et tu bethelem terra iuda nequaquam minima as in principibus iuda : ex te enim exi et dux qui regat populum meum israel . Than the kynge herodes called the other kynges & asked them dylygently in what tyme the sterre appered vnto them . And sent them in to bethelem to enquere dylygently where he was borne . And whan they had founde him that they sholde come agayne vnto him in faynynge to go to worshyp hym / but it was for to slee hym . Whan the kynges had founde hym and worshypped hym it was sayd vnto them in a dreme that they sholde not retorne vnto herodes / but goo in to theyr countrees by another waye . And so was it done . Afterwarde whan herodes sawe that the kynges retourned not by him and that he was mocked he sente in to bethelem & made to sle all the chyldren the whiche were in the countree of the aege of two yeres and vnder / wenynge for to slee our redemptoure Ihesus . And the soules of the holy innocentes cryed vnto god vengeaunce of theyr bloode that herodes had made them to shedde . And they had dyuyne answer that they sholde tary yet a lytel tyme tyll that the nombre of theyr bretheren were accomplysshed . The sayd herodes ne abode vnpunisshed in lyke wyse as it is wryten in the hystorye scolastice . For he began his hell frome this worlde before that he deyed / he became blowen so stynkynge foule and vyllayne that there ne was persone that myght approche vnto him . and also he hadde his guttes eten with wormes . Legitur etiam actuum . xii . By this historie it appereth that the sayd herodes was moche cursed wher as he wolde not gyue honour vnto god as the other kynges / but wolde slee hym . And in wenynge to do hym ylle made to sle grete nombre of fayre chyldren And therfore he had wele deserued punycyon the whiche came vpon hym the which sholde be to longe a thyng to tell . &c.

E. Another example how Herodes Antypas made to slee saynt Iohan baptyste ( ca. lxxvi . )

IT is wryten in the .xiiii. chapitre of the gospelles of saynt Mathieu that saynt Iohan baptyst reproued herode of his lecherye & sayd vnto hym that it was not lefull to haue the wyfe of his broder philyppes . By this thynge herode was wrothe & by the counsayle of his harlot herodien he made saynt Iohan baptist to be put in pryson for to sle hym / but he fered the people for they helde hym as a prophete . And Herodes made a grete dyner the daye of his natyuyte vnto the prynces & greate of his courte . And his doughter daunced at dyner & lepte & pleased so wele Herode the whiche sayd vnto her with an othe that she shold axe what she wold & he wolde graunt it her & yf it were halfe his realme . Thys thynge was done malycyously for to haue the occasyon to make saynt Iohan to die Than herodyane counsaylled her doughter . And made her to saye vnto the kynge Gyue me in a grete dysshe right hastely the heed of saynt Iohan baptyste . And the kynge fayned to be wrothe for the othe and the prasence the whiche ther dyned . And sent to behede in pryson saynt Iohan baptyste And the heed was brought in a dysshe and presented vnto the lepynge wenche . The scrypture maketh mencyon that there were thre kynges herodes . The fyrste had to name Ascolonita the whiche slewe the innocentes . The seconde antipa / the whiche made saynt Iohan baptyst to be slayne / The thyrde Herode had to name Agrippe the whiche made to slee saynt Iames the more . And put saint peter in pryson . It is wryten in speculo historiali that a doctour named vincent reciteth in the sayd boke that a holy man by vysyon & permyssyon diuine sawe in helle the beforsayd kynges herodes the whiche were hanged in the fyre of hell beynge in grete tormentes . And the sayd harlot was hanged vnder them more cruelly tormented than the sayd herodes . For she had two serpentes the whiche helde her by the brestes / and bote her . And by punycyon & permyssyon dyuyne his said harlot herodes antipa bote hym in the throte oft tymes as yf he wold haue strangled hym Also the sayd harlot had in her heed so many of litell bestes as litell serpents that by hys estimacion as she myghte haue of herys . that whiche bestes bote hir incessably &c.

F. Another example howe iudas / pylate / & thys other iewys were homicides of the deth of owre blyssyd sauyour and redemptour Iesus . lxxvi .

IT is wryten in the gospellys And in many other bokes that iudas solde our sauyour & redemptour iesu crist vnto the iewes for .xxx. penyes . vnto whome he sayd . he that I kysse take and bynde hym for he it is : and after that he had lyuered hym vnto them & betaken by the sayd token repented hym And yelded vnto them the sayd pence . More ouer he despeired hange hym selfe and estrangled . Than the princes of the prestes : and the counseil of the iewys sought the wayes & the meanes to make hym to daye by enuie and coursednes For they se the miracles & predicacions that he made . And the worlde wente after him . They sawe that he was iuste and good : & that he reproued them of theire synnes . And therfore they sought false wytnes for to accuse hym / but they founde none . & they accused hym of .iiii. thynges . The fyrste was that they sayd that they had a lawe . after the whiche he sholde deye The seconde that he deceyued / & moued the people vnto yll . The thyrde that he deffended to paye the tribute vnto cesar The .iiii. that he dide agayne the maieste in as moche as he sayd hym selfe to be god . Of the thre laste thynges pylate knewe wel that they lyed & they sayd it by enuie Vnde mat . xxvii . Sciebat enim qd per inuidiam tradidissent eum And therfore pylate restyde at the fyrste : and sayd vnto them . Syth that I haue a lawe after the whiche he sholde dye then iuge ye him after your law . Than they answerd hym that it was not lefull vnto them that they sholde put ony man vnto dethe . For to be shorte in the mater Pylate ne founde cause of dethe in Ihesus . And for to satysfye vnto the Iewes sayd that he shold be punysshed for his fautes . And made hym to be bounde vnto a pyller & to be beten . and so moche was he broken that al his body was in blode & woundes . And soo betoke hym vnto the Iewes / but yet were they not content they crowned hym with thornes and put it downe with staues / & cryed vnto Pylate that they might crucefye him . And by cause that he sayd that he ne founde in hym cause to make hym deye / they cryed . Sanguis eius super nos : et super filios nostros . That is to saye . His blode be vpon vs & vpon oure chyldren . And soo it was done . For afterwarde Vaspasien beseged the cite of Iherusalem . And they were so affamysshed that a woman ete her owne chylde . And they ete theyr treasoures wenynge for to bere them awaye . And whan the cyte was taken / some deyed of hongre / some other with the swerde / & other take prysoners & sold And men gaue .xxx. for a penye . And one of those accused them the they hadde eaten theyr treasours . So euery man yode to sle his prysoners for to haue theyr moneye . so theyr chyldren had for to doo . Whan men ledde Ihesus to crucefye the women of Iherusalem wepte . Vnto whom Ihesus said wepe ye not vpon me / but vpon your chyldren . For the dayes shall come that the wombes shal be blyssed the whiche hathe not borne / & the pappes the whiche hathe not gyuen souke . The Iewes were homycydes & the cause of the dethe of our lorde the whiche was Iuged vniustely & condampned of Pylate to be crucefyed / & so suffred dethe & passyon / & had in his body fyue thousande . CCCClxxvi . woundes for oure redempcyon . Pylate the whiche Iuged him abode not vnpunysshed / & deyed myscheuously . For afterwarde the Emperour cesar wolde make hym to deye . & as he was in pryson he dyspayred hym & slewe hymself with a knyfe . And for as moche as he slewe hymselfe Cesar made a stone to be hanged aboute his necke & to caste him in to tybre the whiche ranne by the cyte of rome . And incontynente the deuylles & cursed spyrytes there made suche a lyghtenynge & tempest for the reason of suche a cursed body that man ne woman ne myght dure / ne bote / ne shyppes durste not theron go . And whan the romaynes sawe suche tempest they made hym to be drawen out & cast in to the ryuer of Rosne .

A. Another example how Lucrece made to slee saynt Beatryce . lxxvii .

IT is wryten in the legende of saynt Beatrice that a cursed man named lucrece coueyted to haue the heritage of beatryce . And to th ende that he myght come to his entencyon accused her that she was crystyenne . And made her to be slayne by martyrdome but he abode not vnpunysshed . For whan he had taken the possession of the sayd herytage he reioysed hym and made a dynere . And a lytell chylde at the pappe cryed . Lucrece thou hast slayne beatryce and possedeth her herytage . And thou arte gyuen in to the possessyon of the deuyll And incontynent Lucrece gaped / the deuyll entred in hym the whiche tormented him thre houres and after slewe him . So it appereth that homycydes & theues couetous ben punysshed in this worlde or in the other / or in bothe .

B. Another example of a man that slewe his fader and his moder / whan he was dronken . lxxvii .

MEn fynde by wrytynge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye & sayeth that as a dronken man came from the tauerne he mette his fader the whiche blamed hym and repreued of his exces of drynke / And then incontynent he drewe oute his swerde and slewe his sayd fader . And as his moder herde the bruyte & the clamour she ranne theder a grete pace / and he dyd slee her as he hadde done his beforsayd fader . Incontynente the neyghbours came oute and toke hym / and ledde hym into a pryson . And in the mornynge there was grete meruayle of that that he had done .

C. Another example of a seruaunt that seruyd wele his maister in youth / & whan he was dronke slewe hym . lxxvii .

THe dyscyple reciteth in his promptuarye of a man that serued a kynge ryght faythfully . And whan he was yong he gouerned him wele & moche pleased his seruyce vnto his mayster . And he was sent vnto a dyner at the whiche he became dronken & slewe the kynge & his sones . Also whan we faste the vyces flee from vs and make our seruyce agreable vnto god our kynge . And whan we be dronken we slee all our vertues / & the kyng that is our soule & reason . And the sones they ben his fyue wyttes with the whiche we sholde gouerne our bodyes / & do meritoryous dedes .

D. Another example of a doughter the whiche slewe her fader & her moder / and after hadde mercy by contrycion and confessyon . lxxvii .

THe disciple reciteth in his promptuarye that Peter sayeth in his seconde boke de amore that a knyghte had a fayre doughter the whiche synned with her . and her moder knewe that they synned togyder by euydent sygnes / of the whiche men aduerted her / but they ne wolde sclaundre for the confusyon . Whan the mayde vnderstode that her moder knewe her synne / by counsayle of an olde woman she poysoned her . And the fader had horrour of his synne & lefte her . Wherfore the doughter poysonned hym also . And whan she had so slayn her fader & moder she dyspayred thynkyng not to haue mercye tyll vnto that she herde preche that in contrycyon & confessyon all synnes were pardonned . Albeit th●t they were th● moo●t gr●ce and fou●● that man may speke / so m●che is greate the b●ounte & grace of god . Than the sayd doughter came to the precher for to confesse her / & for her grete dysperacyon ne myghte declare all her synnes in confessyon . And after that he had chered her she confessed truely her synnes with so many of teres & of lamentacyons that it was meruayll / and sayd that she was worthy to haue all payne & confusyon . After that she had confessed her and that she had receyued penaunce salutarie she entred in to the chirche with her chamberere and fell prostrate in orayson & wepte and lamented her synnes in so grete dolour & haboundaunce of teres that she deyed in the place . And afterward as her confessour preched & desyred the people to praye for her he herde a voyce the whiche sayd that he and the people had more grete nede of grete haboundaunce of teres she had be puryfyed & wasshed in lyke wyse as of newe baptyzed and so flewe in to heuen withoute the paynes of purgatorye .

E. Another example how dauyd made to slee Vrye vniustely and commytted aduoutrye . lxxvii

IT is wryten in the .xi. chapitre of the seconde boke of kynges that dauyd behelde out at a wyndowe the wyfe of vrye as she wasshed her / & for her beaute was tempted and deceyued . For he her coueyted / loued and slepte with her . And whan her husbande Vrye seruaunte of the sayd dauyd came from the warre to brynge tydynges to his mayster / dauyd sayd vnto hym that he sholde go to lye with his wyf And sent after hym vyande ryall / but the sayd Vrye wolde not lye with his wyf but excused hym honestly . Afterwarde dauyd wrote agayne vnto his capitayne a pistyl by Vrye that in the place where the daunger of dethe sholde be he sholde put Vrye in batayl to th ende that he were slayne / & so was it done . And it foloweth incontynent in the .xii. chapitre the god sente nathan vnto dauyd vnto whom he sayd . Answer me of a Iugement . Two men were in one cyte one ryche & one poore . The ryche had oxen and shepe & goodes haboundauntly / & the poore ne had but one sheepe that he had bought and nourished . And so moche he loued her that she ete of his brede and dranke of his cuppe & slept in his bosome And it befell that a pylgrym came vnto the ryche the whiche spared his shepe & yode to take the shepe of the sayd poore / & prepayred of metes vnto hym / for the that he was come to hym . Whan dauid herde these wordes here he was moche wrothe and sayd vnto Nathan . God seeth . For he the whiche hathe done this thynge is culpable of dethe / he shall yelde the shepe in foure double bycause he hathe done this thynge . And Nathan sayd vnto him . Thou art he the whiche hathe done this thinge . god hathe made the kynge & gyuen the of goodes that whiche hathe dyspysed his wordes . Thou haste slayne Vrye by glayue / & also hathe taken his wyfe for thyself . For this thynge the glayue shall not departe from thy house . God hathe sayd that he shall sende yll vpon the & vpon thy house / & shal take thy wyues before thyn eyes & gyue theym vnto thy neyghbour the whiche shal slepe with those women . Thou haste done thy synne secretely / & I shall do all these thynges before all the people of Israhell . And dauyd sayd vnto Nathan . Peccaui dno . I haue synned vnto my lorde . And incontynent as dauid had reknowleged his faute & that he hadde sayd peccaui / Nathan sayd vnto hym . God hathe translated thy synne thou shalte not deye / but thy sone that is proceded of the shall deye / and soo was it done as it is wryten in the sayd chapytre . &c.

F. Another example how a knight was strongly tormented in purgatory for that that he vyoled the chircheyarde / & hurte a man within it . lxxvii

IT is wryten in the legende of the deed that as a knyght was layde in hys bedde with his wyfe / & the mone was clere the whiche entred by the holes / he meruaylled hym moche wherfore the man the whiche is reasonable obeyde not vnto his creatour / whan the creatures not reasonnables obeyed vnto him . And began to missaye of a knyghte deed the whiche had be his pryue frende . And the sayd knyght dede entred in spekynge these wordes in the chambre all sodaynly / vnto whom he said Frende haue thou none yll suspeccyon of me in ony thynges / but pardon me yf I haue ony thyng synned in the. And whan he demaunded hym of his estate he sayd vnto him I am tormented of dyuers paynes for that that I haue vyoled the chircheyarde & hurte a man within it / & hym dispoylled of his mauntelles hode / the whiche is vpon me more heuyer than a mountayne . And the said deed man prayed him that he wolde do make oraysons for hym Than he demaunded yf suche a preest sholde synge for hym . The sayd deed answered nothynge / that is he spake no worde / but lyfte vp & shoke his heed in lyke wyse as he them refused . And afterwarde hym demaunded yf he wolde that suche an hermyte prayed for hym . And he said I wyl wel that he praye for me . And whan the sayd knyght had promysed it hym the deed said vnto hym . And I saye the that this daye two yeres thou shalte deye . And so was it done . This example denoteth many thynges . The fyrste is that one man shold not saye yll of another in as moche as the deed body repreued hym that spake yll of hym . The seconde is that a man sholde kepe him to do & to speke ylle in holy grounde in as moche as the deed body was in purgatori for that / that he had vyoled the sayd chirche yarde . And also that a man ne sholde betene do none yll vnto his neyghbour / for punycyon foloweth in this worlde and in the other . The thyrde thynge that the example denoteth is that the prayers & oraysons of a good persone ben more soner exalted than those of synners in synne . It is here vnderstonde by that that the deed loued the prayer of the hermyte more soner than of the other beforsayd . How be it yll preestes empayre not the sacrament of the masse / but those the whiche accedeth vnworthely is vnto theyr dampnacyon .

G. Another example how the aungell shewed vnto tongdalus a valeye replenisshed with coles of fyre in the whiche were put the homycydes . lxxvii .

MEn fynde by wrytynge that a man amed Tongdalus deyed . And that the aungell ledde hym to se the tormentes of helle . And afterwarde broughte hym agayne & put hym in to his body . The whiche recompted many torments amonges the whiche the aungell shewed / hym vnto a valeye moche horryble & full of derkenesses the whiche was ryghte depe full of coles brennynge . And aboue that valeye was there a couerynge of yron in fyre brennyng in thyknes as of a syxe fadom the whiche was more hoter than the coles the whiche brenned vnder it . From thens yode forthe so grete stenche the whiche greued more the soules than all that that they had suffred before . Vnder the sayd couerture descended many soules the whiche were fryed as men frye the bacon in the pan . And afterward they were streyned as men strayne waxe thorowe the clothe . And so fell they & dyscended in to the botom of the sayd valey / vpon the coles brennynge / vpon the whiche they were tormented of a newe tormente . Than sayd the aungell / this payne suffreth those the whiche haue kylled faders or moders / systers or broders or other people . Also ben in this torment those that whiche haue had wyll to sle another by delyberacyon yf they myght / albeit that they haue not done it / & after that tormente shall be ledde in to more grete .

Homicidium dubium .
A. Examples of homycyde doubtous / and fyrste example how saynt Peter made to deye Ananye & his wyfe saphyre for that that they fraulded of the price of a felde . lxxviii .

IT is wryten in the fifte chapytre of the dede of the appostles that a man named ananie his wyfe saphyre presente solde his felde & fraulded of the pryce hys sayd wyfe culpable . And bare awaye one partye & put it vnder the fete of the appostles . He sholde all bere for that he sholde yelde it in the communyte withoute beynge propryetayre . And saynt Peter sayd vnto ananye . Ananye wherfore haste thou tempted sathan thyn herte / thou hast lyed in the holyghoost & fraulded of the pryce of the felde / whan thou possedest it thou haste puyssaunce eyther to holde it / or to sel it / wherfore haste thou put this thynge in thy herte . Thou hast not lyed vnto men but vnto god . Whan ananye herde this thynge he fell & expyred / that is he was deed / & was buried / within thre houres saphyre entred the whiche knewe nothynge of the dede . / And saynt Peter sayd vnto her . Tell me woman yf thou haste solde the felde at suche a pryce . She answered that ye . And saint peter sayd vnto her . What nedeth you to tempte the spyryte of our lorde / here be the fete of those the whiche hathe buryed thy husbande / the whiche shal burye the. And she fell deed before his fete . And the yonge men toke her / & buryed her with her husbande . And grete drede was made in the chirche . And so kepte these other for to be propryetayre . Here is example that all relygyous & other shall be punysshed yf they take or witholde of the goodes of the communyte .

B. Another example how dauyd made to slee the yonge man the whiche lyed to say that he had slayne saul . lxxviii

IT is wryten in the fyrste chapytre of the seconde boke of kynges that a yonge man came to brynge the tydynges vnto dauyd that he had slayne his aduersarye the kyng saule & his sone Ionathas in wenynge to be welcome . And albeit he lyed / for he had not slayne the sayd Saul Sothe it was that he had slayne hymself / & dauyd demaunded of the yongman how knowest thou that saul is deed / he answered & sayd . I am come of auenture in the mountayne of gelboe / and saul lened him vpon his axe / he called me & sayd what anguysshes helde hym of al partes & desired that I wolde sle hym / & I haue slayne him For I knewe wele that he ne myght lyue after the ruyne / for his aduersaryes approched vnto hym . And I haue taken the dyademe the whiche was on his heed and the aournement of his arme / & haue broughte theym vnto the. Whan dauyd herde these tydynges toke his clothes & cut them And all they that were with hym wepte and fasted tyll vnto the euentyde . He was not ioyous of the dethe of his aduersarye the whiche made warre on hym . Dauyd came agayne vnto the yongman the whiche had brought hym the tydynges & sayd vnto him . Wherfore hast thou not dredde to put thy hande & to slee a kynge . And dauyd called one of his seruauntes & made to sle the said yongman / and said thy blode be vpon thy heed / thy mouthe to speke agayne them saynge I haue slayne saul . &c. By this example a man sholde vnderstonde that yll came vnto the yongman the whiche wende to be welcome for to tell that thynge that he had not done . Also no good spyrytuell ne procedeth of lyenge / & to vaunte hym to haue done ylle . Also this example denoteth that a man sholde not enioye of the deth perdycyon & ruyne of his aduersaryes .

C. Another example how dauyd slewe Golyas phylystyen incyrcumsysed . lxxviii

IT is wryten in the .x. chapytre of the fyrste boke of kynges that the phylystyens the whiche made warre with the people of Israhell came one tyme agayn them amonges the whiche there was one named Golyas the whiche was incyrcūsysed / proude / renommed / stronge / & puissaunt wele armed the whiche dysdeyned the sonnes of Israhell . And for asmoche as he was stronge he ne doubted persone / defyed the chyldren of Israhel / and sayd vnto them that the moost strongest of them sholde come to fyght agayne him & he the whiche sholde haue the vyctorye sholde be mayster of all the other . And for as moche as he was so strongly armed / redoubted and dredde euery man fered to assayl hym . &c For ende and conclusyon dauyd the whiche kepte beestes was moued vnto the zele of the lawe puttynge his truste in god offred hymselfe vnto the kynge saul for to go fyght . And Saul armed him and put an helme on his heed . Whan dauyd had assayed it sayd that he coude not in suche wyse fyghte / & that he had not accustomed to bere armoure / soo made to vnarme hym / & toke fyue stones / his slynge / & his staffe that he had of custome to haue after his bestes and yode vnto Golias . Whan he sawe dauyd with his staffe he dyspreysed him and sayd vnto hym . What wenyst thou I am a dogge the whiche comest vnto me with a staffe . And Golyas cursed dauyd in his goodes / & sayd vnto hym . Come vnto me and I shall gyue thy flesshe vnto the byrdes of the skye & vnto the beestes of the erthe . And dauyd sayd vnto hym . Thou comest vnto me with glayue / axe / & armoure . And I go vnto the in the name of god of Israhell & thou shalt be slayne / to th ende that all erthe knowe that there is one god in Israhell & that he ne saueth in axe and armoures . ●han Golyas herde these wordes he lyfte hym vp and toke hym to come agayne dauyd . And Dauyd hasted hym to fyght and toke a stone oute of his pouche and cast it in the foreheed of golyas / and made hym to falle vnto the erthe vpon his forheed he yode vpon hym and for that that he had no swerde to drawe / he drewe the swerde and glayue from golyas and cut of his heed / and so hadde the vyctorye of the phylystyen / orguyllous incyrcumsysed that byleued in goddes straunce and mortall . &c.

Ire .
D Example of a woman dampned for Ire without beynge in wyll to pardon & to forgyue . lxxviii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his sermon that there was a woman ryghte full of Ire and wrathe that with payne ony might accorde with her . But notwithstondynge she reputed herselfe to be holy and deuoute / for she fasted moche and excercysed in fastynges and oraysons and in many goode operacyons . But she hadde pryncypally this vyce that after that a persone hadde onely offended her one tyme she neuer loued him after . And no persone ne myghte put her oute of that Ire and vengeaunce . Whan she came vnto the dethe she confessed her of all her synnes excepte of this Ire . And as the preest wolde haue gyuen her the body of god / she shyt the mouthe & torned her towardes the walle and sayd vnto the preest and vnto all the men and women the whiche were present In lyke and semblable wyse as I torned me from al those the whiche hathe offended and trespassed agaynste me / And that I ne wolde pardon them with herte I ne myght loue theym parfytely . And that I haue holde me in Ire in lettyng other . In lyke wyse god taketh and torneth frome & shal neuer loke on me mercyfully / ne I hym Ioyouslye in the realme of heuen for myn Ire / but I shall entre in to helle with the deuylles & with all Irefull where I shal brenne eternelly . And so the said Irous departed and deyed . &c. By this that this sayd woman ne wolde corecte her in her lyfe of the sayd Ire & vengeaunce / & that she confessed her not in her dethe it is to presuppose that she is dampned to consyder the sayd wordes that she spake at her departynge . And a man sholde here clerely vnderstonde that one mortal sinne dampneth the persone the whiche commytteth it / what good dede soo euer he hathe done in his lyfe . So deyed she without penaunce correccyon & amendement vnde ezechielis xxxiii . Iustitia iusti non liberabit eum in quacumque die peccauerit . &c.

Odium .
A. Examples of hate / & fyrste example how the lone of a ryche man was dampned for to kepe Ire in his herte & for that he wolde be venged . lxxix .

THe dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his sermons & sayeth that a nobe man had a sone the whiche yode vnto the chirche & serued god in fastnges / oraysons & in doynge good operacyons . And whan the sayd sone was in the dethe bedde his fader prayed hym that he wolde pere vnto him whan he was deed yf it pleased vnto god for to shewe him of his estate / and of the meryte of his lyfe / the whiche so appered and sayd vnto hym . Fader praye ye no more for me / for I am dampned / and in soo grete paynes that yf there were as many of tongues as ther are of sterres in the skye ne myghte expresse the paynes that I haue . And his fader sayd vnto hym . And hast not thou ben chaste / abstynent / and deuoute . &c. He answered ye / but I haue loste all the good dedes that I haue done as vnto saluacyon for Ire & vengeaunce that I haue reteyned in my herte agayne those that whiche hathe offended me After that a persone had done me yll one only tyme I ne myght neuer loue hym / & venged me all tymes whan I myghte / & for that onely vyce I am loste and dampned eternally . Whan he had spoken these wordes he departed . This example denoteth and techeth that Ire / hate / and vengeaunce ledeth vnto dampnacyon . For it is agayne charyte and the commaundement of god the whiche sayeth . Diliges proximum tuum sicut te ipsum . Men fynde by wrytynge that the sayd boye was one tyme in a tree / and bette downe & toke the apples of his neyghboure / & a good man the whiche paste by made hym to dyscende / shewed vnto hym his case / and by correccyon gaue vnto hym a buffet . And the sayd boye thretened hym & sayd vnto him that he sholde yelde it hym how be it that he taryed / & after that as often as he se him he shewed hym with his fynger in sayeng There is he the whiche bet me / but whan I am grete I shal yelde it hym . The ylle wyl that he kepte in his courage made him to be dampmned and loste . And therfore for to haue saluacyon it behoueth to putte oute all hates and rancoures / and to pardon vnto another in lyke wyse as we requyre of god that he pardon vs our synnes Also by this example is to be noted that good operacions ben put in forgetefulnes as vnto saluacyon how be it that a man ne sholde withdrawe hym to do good dedes as many as he maye in this worlde . / For it serueth vnto the dymynycyon of the payne .

B. Another example how hatours the whiche slewe a man in the chirche were punysshed dyuynely . lxxix .

IT is wryten in the promptuarye of the myracles of the vyrgyn marye that thre knyghtes hated a man the whiche sought the opportunyte for to sle hym And one tyme as they wolde haue slayne hym he fledde in to the chirche consecrate in the honoure of the vyrgin marye for to escape the peryll of dethe / they yode after entred into the chirche irreuently & cruelly slewe hym before the aulter of the vyrgyn Marye . For this thynge the vyrgyn emoued her against them / & incontinent vengeaunce of god came vpon theym for theyr presumpcyon / they were embraced with fyren suche maner that the membres of euery of them brenned . Whan they apperceyued the dyuyne vengeaunce to be on them they were constrayned to beseche the vyrgyn Marye of grace / & retourned vnto her by greate contrycyon of herte . And she the whiche is fulfylled with pyte delyuered them frome the fyre by the grace of god : but not ful helthe . After that they might go they presented them vnto the bysshop / requyrynge hym of penaunce . And he enioyned them to bere vpon them the armoures that they hadde whan they slewe him And that they sholde repente theym euermore tyll vnto that that they had satysfyed vnto god and vnto the blessyd vyrgyn Marye .

C. Another example how the deuyl did sle a man for the kepyng of hate and wolde not pardon it . lxxix .

MEn fynde by wrytynge the two men neyghbours pleded togiders & hated other soo moche that theyr curates knewe not what to do at euery ester . and one tyme the sayd curate gaue them monycyon to pardon the one the other & to loue togyders / or that they ne sholde receyue theyr creatour in the estate of grace / & he that had the leest of wronge pardoned hym all & put hym in his deuoyre . And the other wold not pardon . And for as moche as his curate menaced him not to gyue him his creatoure / for as moche as he sholde tary / & of drede / of offyce sayd with the mouthe and not with the herte that he pardoned . And they receyued togider theyr creatoure . After the masse as they yode togyder to theyr houses / for it was theyr waye He the whiche had lest of wronge folowed the other to haue hym to dyner with him and ryght gretely prayed hym & his wyfe The whiche answered that he loued better to dyne with Sathan and to eate with all the deuylles in helle than with hym . Ha sayd he wenest thou to playe the knaue with me in suche wyse / whan the feest is past I shal handle the wele ynoughe . And the other sayd / my neyghbour haue ye in suche wyse receyued your creatoure / ye haue receyued hym in yll estate . After they departed For he the whiche hadde wronge dwelled ferther of than the other . And whan he was nere to a wodde the deuyll came vnto hym in lykenes of a blacke man / the whiche toke hym horrybly & sayd vnto hym . Thou yll crystyen wors than a sarazyn / or than I am that haste not done honoure vnto thy creatour that thou hast receyued in mortal synne For as moche as thou haste not wylled to pardon vnto thy neyghbour vnto whom thou haste sayd that thou louest better to dyne with the deuylles than with hym / at this houre thou shalt come to dyner with them . I am the deuyll the whiche euermore hathe stered the to do yll . And I ne had neuer puyssaunce to sle the vnto this day But thy god hathe gyuen me leue and lycence / and it is suffred that at this houre thou haue punycyon & dampnacyon . And therfor thou woman go tel vnto thy curate that I commaunde hym to come hastely here for to take the bodye of Ihesu cryste that this cursed crystyen hathe receyued / For to be shorte the deuyll slewe the sayd hater . The curate came with greate company of people the whiche toke the body of our lorde in lyke wyse as god it suffred & wylled . And the deuyll dyde hym honoure and yode on knees . And after toke the body of the sayd man and bare it awaye . Alsoo men fynde many other Examples of haters the whiche ne wolde pardon vnto theyr neyghbours . And therfore they dyffyned ylle theyr dayes horrybly & myscheuously . wherfore men presuppose more soner that they ben dampned than otherwise . For it is wryten de pe. di . i. Omnis qui non diligit manet in morte .

D. Another example how the deuyl wened to lette saynt Thybault to pacyfye the barons of the champayne that had dyuysyon togyder .

IT is wryten in the legende of saint thybault that grete dyuysyon was one tyme amonges the barons of the champayne in suche manere that they were redy to slee eche other . And the tydynges came vnto saint Thybault the whiche was ferre from the countre . And for as moche as he ne myght ryde he made to prepayre hym a charyot / & made him to be borne with in it for to go to pacyfye them . And as he was in a waye the horses yode in to a water for to drynke . And the deuyll enuyous & wrothe of the welfare of the countre came in to the sayd water & toke away one of the wheles of the charyot and cast it in to a dyke ryghte depe . And in spyryte the sayd saynt Thybault sawe this thynge that the deuyll dyde . Vnto whiche deuyll saint Thybaulte sayd . I commaunde the in the name of our lorde Ihesu cryste that thou serue to this charyot in stede of the sayd whele And the sayd deuyll was obedyent and the sayd charyot yode vpon one whele . And the deuyll bare the other part ye the whiche was a thynge ryght meruayllous vnto all those that se it . And whan the sayd saynt came vnto the place where they were all appoynted to sle other . Whan the prynces & people sawe manyfestly that the charyot yode vpon one whele as it is sayd they were ameruayled / and came before the sayd saynt & theym pacyfyed and put in good concorde . And then retourned from whens he was comen . And whan he was in the sayd water saynt Thybault said vnto the deuyll . Acursed go fetche the whele and put it on agayne & go thy wayes . Thou wendest to haue had grete prouffyte for to do me this thynge / & it hathe be vnto thy confusyon . And the sayd deuyll it appoynted vpon the sayd charyot / & afterwarde retourned him . &c. By these examples befor sayd in this fyfte commaundement it appereth that a man ne sholde commyt homycyde iniustely . And that a man ne sholde do none yll vnto his neyghboure by Ire / hate / vengeaunce ne cursydnes . &c.

Sextum preceptum .
Furtum .
A ▪ Examples of people the whiche haue commytted thefte . And fyrst of a thefe named Achar the whiche was stoned & hys substau e brent by the commaundemente of god . nc lxxx .

IT is wryten in the .vii. chapitre of the boke of Iosue that a man named Achar stole agayne the commaundement of god . And of his capytayne Iosue a ryghte good mauntell / two hondred peces of moneye / & a rodde of golde the whiche was worth fyftye peces of golde in lyke wyse as hym self confessed . Vnde Iosue .vii. Vidi enim inter spolia paleū cocceneū valde bonum : & ducentos cieclos argenti . regulāque auream quīq̄ginta siclorum : & concupiscens abstuli & abscondi intra . And by the synne of the sayd thefte the people of Israhell loste a Iourneye agayn theyr aduersaryes / & fledde before theym . Than theyr capytayne Iosue yode vnto the temple / cut his vestimentes / & prostrate couched hym vpon the erthe before the arche where were the commaundementes tyll vnto the euentyde . And all the auncyentes of Israhell with hym / the whiche put of the poudre vpon theyr hedes & humbled them before god / & hym demaunded what was to be done . Quid facies magno nomini tuo . &c. And god sayd vnto iosue . Aryse thou vp wherfore lyest thou on the erthe Some of the people of Israhell hath broke my commaundemente . I shall not helpe you tyll he that is culpable be taken from you . Vnde iosue .vii. Anthema in medio tur est israel non poteris stare coram hostibus tu is : donec deleatur ex te qui contaminatus est scelere . Than god commaunded that men sholde seche after hym that had done the synne . An● that he were slayne / & all his substaunce brent & it was done . For the sayd Achar confessed the sayd synne as it is sayd . And it was Iuged of Iosue by the wyll of god in the maner the whiche foloweth . That is the sayd Iosue made to hange the sayd achar thefe & all his bestyall / his house / his beddes with all the other housholde stuffe / and made all to be borne in to a valeye withoute the cyte . And all the people of Israhel came theder . And than the sayd Iosue spake and sayd . For as moche as thou haste troubled vs all / our lorde troubleth the this daye . All the people of Israhell shal stone the. And all that the whiche is thyne shall be brente / & so was it done . And after that al the sayd people of Israhell assembled a grete mountayne of stones vpon the said thefe the whiche yet is there . And the Ire of god was appeased for the punycyon of the said thefe . Here is an example as vnto the texte of the byble the whiche is gretely to be noted vnto all theues . For by that that god made to punysshe the sayd thefe & to take him from amonge the good / it is to be vnderstonde / that in lyke wyse shall god make to be departed all theues at the Iugemente And shal make them to be broyled & brent Vnde mathei . xiii . Exibunt angeli et seperabunt malos de medio iustorum & mittent eos in caminum ignis . Also here is an example of people the whiche haue communed goodes that they ne sholde nothynge take vnto theyr partyculyer as people of warre the whiche haue made othe to put all in butyn / or boty felowes as were the chyldren of Israhel . And as ben many sortes of people with goodes comunes . And suche people the whiche draweth and pretendeth vnto theyr partyculer ben theues And by that that the chyldren of Israhel were gretely troubled & in like wise vexed And loste a Iourneye by the sayd thefe / it is to vnderstonde that by an yll persone all a parysshe / or good company is troubled / & hathe to suffre . &c.

B. Another example of a thefe the whiche was fastened / & abode with his thefte vpon the graue of a deed body . lxxx .

IT is wryten in the dyalogue of saint gregorye that in the prouynce of Valerye was there a worshypfull preest of holy conuersacyon with his clerkes to gyue preysynge vnto / full of good operacyons and vertues . After his dethe was buryed before the chirche . And as the clerkes were in orayson in a nyght there came a thefe the whiche stole from them a shepe . And the sayd thefe came to passe with his proy aboue the graue of the sayd preest buryed And abode there all styll withoute power to go / ne power to leue the sayd shepe . And in the mornynge was founde with his proye as the deed body helde hym . And as he ne myght leue his thefte the sayd clerkes yode to prayer . And that payne obteyned they that the sayd thefe myght go without berynge ony thynge awaye . &c. For to moralyze vpon this example a man sholde vnderstonde by the thefe the whiche was arested with his thefte withoute power to remeue ne to go / that these theues the whiche ben dampned bere vpon them the theftes that they haue stolen & shall bere eternally without power to take them away . & shal be holden in the fyre of hell . It is wryten ezechielis .xliiii. qd pctōres portabunt cōfusionē suam & scelera sua q fecerunt / that is to saye that the synners shall bere theyr synnes in confusyon . And the dampned shall se al theyr fautes vpon them . As men knowe a companye of people that suche is clothed with gray and suche with whyte / & suche & suche haue white hodes / or blacke . Vnde eze xviii . Impietas impii erit super eum . Et legittur eccle. xi . In fine hominis denudatio operum illius . &c.

C. Another example how the deuylles slewe a thefe & bare awaye his soule for the that he had witholden the hors of a deed body the whiche sholde haue be gyuen vnto poore people . lxxx

IT is wryten in the legende of the deed bodyes that Turpyn Archebysshop of Rayns sayd that a knight named charles yode in batayll for fo fyght in armes . the whiche prayed one his cosin that yf he deyed in the sayd batayll that he sholde sell his hors and that he sholde gyue the money therof vnto poore people . And whan the sayd knyghte was deed / the other withelde for hymselve the sayd hors . And within lytel tyme after the sayd knyght deed appered vnto the other knyght shynynge as the sonne / & sayd vnto hym . Good cosyn thou haste made me to suffre paynes by eyght dayes in purgatorye for my hors / the price wherof was not gyuen vnto the poore in lyke wyse as I had dysposed / but thou ne arte quyte / for at this day the deuylles shal bere awaye thy soule in to helle . And I goo purged in to heuen . And than a crye was herde sodaynly in the ayre of deuylles the whiche bare hpm awaye from thens . &c. This example denoteth that those the whiche witholde the goodes of deed bodyes / ben theues and dampne themselfe as did he the whiche withelde the sayd hors . &c.

D. Another example how a chylde the whiche had stolen an halfpeny frome his cosyn was punysshed in the pyt of helle & afterwarde broughte agayne in to his body . lxxx

THe dysciple reciteth in his sermons this example howe a chylde was pre●ent in Iugemente before god after that he was deed . And the deuyll accused hym & sayd . Dne iudica secundum iustitiam . &c. ✿ Thou lorde iuge after iustyce / this chylde hathe stolen from his cosyn germayn an halfpeny the whiche he hathe not yelded / & is deed without doynge penaunce . Woldest thou wele that I condampne this chyld for so lytell a thynge / my iustyce is not with out mercy . Than some sayntes the whiche were than present that the sayd chylde hadde serued prayed the Iuge for hym . And the Iuge sayd that he sholde haue payne for hys offence . And after shall be brought agayn in to his body . Than by the commaundement of the sayd Iuge he was cast in to a pytte of fyre wherin he susteyned soo moche of payne & dolour that afterwarde he ne myght expresse it by worde . And at the prayer of the sayd sayntes he was drawen out of the sayd pyt of fyre / & the soule was restored within the body & lyued afterward And the said Iuge gaue him in charge to yelde agayne the sayd half peny / & the people meruaylled them of the that he had recounted . And they put to fayth vnto that that he had sayd . For asmoche as he lyued afterwarde moche holyly in the drede of god with out takynge apple ne pere ne ony thynge of other mennes . By this example a man sholde vnderstonde that this chylde was accused before god of the deuyl of so lytel a thynge as is an halfpeny / by a more grete reason shall be accused those the whiche stele a grete thynge . And yf he had so grete punycyon for so lytell offence / so shal they haue that do the grete offences . And by that that god hym commaunded restytucyon so sholde those do the whiche hathe taken fro other / or elles they may not be saued . For it is wryten in droit . Non dimittur pctm̄ nisi restituatur ablatum . xiiii . q. vi . c. Sires . and saynt Thomas sayth secunda secunde . q. lxii articulo .viii. Who so euer letteth iniustely another neyghbour in the vsage of the thynge the whiche vnto hym apperteyneth he trespasseth the commaundement of charite

A. Another example how churle was punysshed of the deuyll for that that he had stolen a lytell of a hedge in the felde from his neyghboure . lxxxi .

IT is wryten in the dyalogue cesarum that a carle was in the dethe bedde & the deuyll came vnto hym the whiche helde a lytell of a hedge al in fyre / the whiche enforced him to put it in his mouthe . Than the sayd carle forgote not his synne . And vnderstode that the deuyll dyde vnto hym soche payne for a lytell of a hedge that he had taken & stolen in the felde from his neyghboure / & had put it in his felde vnto hymselfe . And for that that the deuyll was euermore before his face in what place so euer he tourned hym was constrayned to restore the sayd lytell hedge / called his frendes sente theym to promytte to restore the sayd lytell & to requyre pardon / vnto whome the mayster of the sayd lytell sayd . I shal not pardon hym yet / let hym be wele tormented . And agayne the sayd deuyll helde the sayd lytel hedge embrased / & him tormented as before . And agayne sente messengers but they ne might haue pardon . thyrdly in wepynge sente them . I vnhappy I ne maye dye ne lyue / retorne ye to demaunde pardon . Than the other him pardoned & the deuyl departed incontynent . By this example a man sholde vnderstonde that all maner of theues that steleth or wasteth the goodes of theyr neyghbours iniustely shal be punysshed in this world or in the other Syth that the deuyll tormented soo thys man for so lytell a thynge as is a lytell of hedge . By a more stronger reason he shall torment those the whiche do the grete theftes . This lytell of a hedge was not worth no greate thynge . But it was a grete thynge as to take it wyttyngly from his neighboure theuysshely agaynst the commaundement of god wherfore he was digne of punycyon . &c.

B. Another example of a seruaunt the whiche toke & stole frome his maister fyggues . lxxxi .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye & sermons & sayeth that the body of saynt Thomas is reuerently kepte / where god vnto hym hathe gyuen suche grace that he is yet entere & hole . And whan the tyme cometh to admynystre vnto the people one sytteth in a chayer reuerently . Whan the hostyes are consecrate the preest putteth them in saynt Thomas hande / the whiche admynystreth the people . And yf ony of those that receyueth theyr creatour be in ony synne the sayd saynt thomas with draweth his hande / & shall not be admynystred tyl he be in the state of grace . The scrypture speketh of a seruaunt that stole fygges from his mayster & eate them without the knowlege of his mayster / & confessed him not of it . So he came to be admynystred as the other dyde . And the sayd saynt thomas withdrewe his hande and wolde not suffre hym to receyue it . Then the seruaunt be thought hym of the sayd theft & was confessed / & after that was admynystred of the sayd saynt Thomas & was no more repulsed . And by this all theft is to fle be it grete or lytell . For for that man is put out of the company of god .

C. Another example of a baylye iuge & thefe the whiche toke gyftes iniustely and corructe Iustyce . lxxxi .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye & sayeth that a baylye made a weddynge vnto his sone / & a man that whiche had a grete cause before hym gaue vnto hym an oxe / & prayed hym that he wolde do for hym in his cause . And whan his aduersarye herde it spoken / he sent a fayr cowe vnto the wyfe of the sayd baylye and prayed her to speke for hym . The whiche dyde so moche ayenst the said baylye that he promysed that he wolde doo for hym that had sente the cowe . And whan they were in iugement & that the said baylye ne spake for hym the whiche had gyuen the oxe / he sayd / oxe speke . Than the baylye answered . The oxe may not speke / for the cowe wyl not suffre it . &c. The cause of suche iuges the whiche corrupteth iustyce by gyftes promesses & fauours shal be dyscussed & iuged before god the whiche is souerain Iuge / the whiche is not acceptour of persones / in lyke wyse as sayeth the holy scrypture . Non enim est acceptio ꝑsonarum apud deum . And in the sayd iugement of god euery man shal be punysshed after that / that he hathe deserued as the fals Iuges and those the whiche wynne theyr causes falsly And those the whiche possede herytages yll begoten / & witholde them without restitucyon . Tu reddes cuique iuxta opera sua / vt dicit psal. Also god ne shal spare in Iugement the grete lordes / ne prayer ne golde ne syluer / ne contrycyon ne wrathe ne shall doo nothynge in lyke wyse as sayeth the scrypture . Vn̄. ꝓuer . vi zelus & furor viri non parcet dns in die vindicte : nec acquiescet cuiusquamp̄cibꝰ : nec suscipieth ꝓredēptio ne dona plurima . &c.

D. Another example how the kyng of perse made to fle an yll Iuge corrupte by gyftes . &c. lxxxi

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye that the kynge of perse repreued a iuge for gyuyng fals iugement and for his iniustyce made hym to be flayne & to put his skynne vpon a stole . And made to sytte vpon the said stole his sone & the iuges the whiche came after hym to th ende that they sholde remembre them of the sayd yll Iuge . And that they sholde drede to Iuge vniustely . &c.

E. Another example how the deuyl bare away in body and in soule a thefe couetous aduocate .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his sermon that there was an aduocate chief of dyuers townes / auarycyous withoute mercy that made of greuous exacions in his subgectes / & came one daye as he yode in a towne for an exaccyon the deuyll assocyated with hym in the waye in lykenes of a man . And of horroure & of the wordes that they spake togider he vnderstode that it was the deuyl & dredde to go with hym / but in no manere he ne myght departe / neyther in praynge / ne in makynge the sygn● of the crosse . And as they yode togider they met a poore man the whiche ledde a hogge in a bande . And as the hogge tourned from one syde to another / that pore man was wrothe / & cryed the deuyll take the. Whan the aduocate herde this worde he had hope to departe from hym by suche occasyon . and sayd vnto the deuyll . Frende here that hogge is gyuen vnto the / go & take hym . The deuyll answerde / he is not gyuen me with hert & therfore I ne maye take hym . And after they passed by another towne / & as a chylde wepte his moder was at the doore wrothe / & sayd the deuyll take the / wherfore tormentest thou me thus with thy wepynges . Than the aduocate sayd here haste thou wonne a soule / take the chylde / for it is thin Vnto whome the deuyll answerde as before . She hath not giuen it me with good herte . And whan they began to approche vnto the place whether they yode . Then the men of the towne se them ferre of they knewe not the cause / wherfore they yede all togyder with one voyce cryenge the deuyll take the. And sayd vnto the deuyll thou arte welcome . Whan the deuyl had herde this / he shoke the heed / & in mockyng said vnto the aduocate . Those here hathe gyuen the vnto me with al theyr hertes . and therfore art thou myne . And the deuyl rauysshed hym in that hour / & what became of hym no man can tell . The langages that whiche were spoken / & the thynges the whiche were done in the waye the seruaunt of the aduocate declareth that was with hym . / By this example it appereth that cursed Iuges and aduocates deye cursedly / and that the gyftes & salayres that they haue taken vniustely / hathe deceyued & blynded theyr soules . Also the scrypture speketh it in many places . Fyrste gyftes blynde the eyes of the wyse people that whiche haue iustice to gouerne For they ne se drope in the good & iuste cause of those the whiche ne gyue nothyng . And loke ryght clere in the cause of those the whiche hathe made them ony gyfte . Also the gyftes peruerteth the wordes of the iustyces as sayeth moyses / deuterono .xvi. Ne acciptas munera : nec personam quia munera execant oculos sapientum : et mutant verba iustorum . And he sayeth in the boke of exode . Exodi . xxiii . Aduersus impium ne accipias munera q execant etiam prudentes : et subuertent verba iustorum Also the gyftes put outethe eyes of the Iuges / & theym make dombe / & take awaye correccyon as sayeth the wyse . Eccle. xx . Dona execātoculos iudicum : & quasi iunctus in ore aduertit correctionem eorum . Et gregorius dicit . Non potest constanter argui a quo accipitur . Also the giftes make malediccyon to come vnto those the whiche for gyftes iustefye the yl / & make theyr yll causes good / & take awaye iustyce from the iuste and theyr good causes make yll . Vn̄. ysay v. Ve qui iustificatis impium ꝓ muneribus et iusticiam iusti aufertis ab eo . Iterum in eodem capitulo . Ve qui dicitis bonum malum et masum bonum : ponentes amarum in dulce & dulce in amarum . Et deutero .xxvii. Maledictus qui ꝑuertit iuditium aduene : & pupil li et vidue : et dicet omnis populus amen . He is acursed the whiche peruerteth the iugement of the man straunge / & of the orphelyn / and of the wedowe . And all the people shall saye amen / that is so be it . Iterum deuterono .xvii. Maledictus qui accipit munera vt ꝑeutiat Eccliam sanguinis innocentis : & dicitomnis populus amen . He is acursed the whiche taketh gyftes to th ende that he stryke the soule of the blode innocent . Et prouerbiorum .xvii. Qui iustificat impium : et qui condemnat iustum abhominabilis vt vterque apud dominum . He the whiche iustefyeth the wycked synner / and condampneth the Iuste / the one and the other is abhominable anenst god . and those the whiche composeth and maketh yll lawes to th ende that they eschasen the poores in Iugement . And that they make force vnto the cause of the humbles be cursed . Vn̄. ysaie .x. Ve qui condunt leges iniquas vt oppriment in iuditio pauperes et vim facerent cause humilium populi mei vt essent vidue preda eorum ▪ et populos dirumperent . Also the persone the whiche taketh gyftes byndeth hymselfe anenst the gyuer / or elles vnkyndes foloweth . Munera alligant . Also some cursed offycers take of two sides / as those the whiche fissheth with two nettes and flatereth with bothe partyes / and saye vnto euery of theym he hathe good ryght / they do treason / decepcyon / thefte / susurracyon / and in scrypture ben called bylyngues . For theyr tongue speketh two langages . And ben cursed . iegitur ecclesiastici decimo octauo . Sufurro et bilinguis maledictus : multos enim turbauit pacem habentes . Sequitur lingua tercia multos commouit : et dispersit illos a gente in gentem .

F. Another example of a tayler named martyn the whiche stole the clothe in cuttynge the robbes . lxxxi .

THere was a tayller named Martyn the whiche hadde of custome that whan he cutte of clothe for to make of robes / or gownes / or cotes . &c. that he stole euermore some what of the forsayd clothe as coloured clothes or fyne whytes . And hym thoughte that he dremed in one nyght for that the he stole of clothe that the deuyl bare him awaye in to hell / he shewed vnto his wyfe his dreme . And his wyfe the whiche wolde withdrawe hym from euyl counsaylled that he sholde neuer take none . Afterwarde it happened that this taylour cut a fayre blewe in his shoppe whiche was nere vnto his wyues chambre / & by a hole thorowe the wall the wyfe behelde hym euermore cuttynge . And in seyng her husbande the whiche had of custome that whan he wolde stele he whysteled in lokynge where it myght be that he myght ony thynge stele . Than the wyfe cryed martyn martyn remembre the of the deuyll . And martyn seynge this stole nothynge . Afterwarde came a fayre scarlet to be cutte . And that wyfe as is beforsayd cryed / martyn martyn remembre the of the deuyll . And he seynge so fayre clothe rubbed his sholdres & euermore that woman sayd martyn martyn . &c. And he said / yf the deuyl sholde bere me a waye yet sholde I haue it . &c.

G. Another example how four men of one lygnage were dampned and hanged in helle / for that that they posseded falsly an herytage . lxxxi

THe dyscyple recyteth in his boke & sayeth that a ryche man sawe by vysyon foure men dampned & tormented in helle the whiche were vnder a drye tree & sawe that one of them hange the fyrste / the other the seconde / & the fourth the thirde / the other abode vnder the said tree . The aungell the whiche shewed this visyon sayd vnto the ryche man that the thre hanged were of his lynage / that is thy graund faders fader / & his fader . And he the whiche abydeth vnder the tree / that is thy fader the whiche taryeth tyll thou be deed for to hange the for suche herytage the which was yll goten / the whiche they haue posseded falsly the one after the other without beynge in wyll to leue it . And thou shalte be hanged as they ben yf thou leue it not / For they ne haue therin nothynge / no more haste thou thyselfe . Than the said riche man lefte the sayd heretage and dyde penaunce . This example denoteth that a man ne sholde possede godes & herytages whan a man hathe true knowlege that they ben comen of yll getynge & purchase . For the fals geters purchasers & herytours the whiche possede the sayd thynges without beynge in wyll to leue them . In the whiche they ne haue nothynge dampne theyr soules to reteyne & take vniustely the thynge the whiche is not theyrs . And therfore for to saue theyr soules they sholde make restitucyon . &c.

Sacrilegium .
A. Examples of sacrylege / & fyrste example how an erle and many of his lygnage were damned for that that they posseded vniustely an herytage the whiche had be take awaye from the chirche . lxxxii .

THe dysciple reciteth in his sermons that an erle after the opynyon of men was of good life . After his dethe a relygyous sawe hym in the flambes of fyre of hell vpon a laddre on the laste staffe the whiche was lyfte vpwarde / & procedyng from the lower parte of helle . And moche people were vpon the laddre that grynde the tethe of rage of tormentes . And the said relygyous demaunded wherfore the sayd erle was in suche tormentes on the sayd laddre consyderyng that he had lyued so wele . And it was tolde hym that it was for an herytage that his greate grandfader had taken from the chirche / & that he was now the tenthe the whiche had posseded it . And therfore all those the whiche shall possede the sayd herytage shall be put on the sayd laddre with the erle This example sholde drawe backe all persones to gete & to possede vniustely the heritages the whiche be not well goten . And pryncypally to take from the chirche that the whiche is gyuen vnto it . For god is theyr iuge & sufferer with whome they haue to doo . And it behoueth to passe vnder his hande / & his rodde . Vn̄ scryptura . Non est qui de manu mea possit eruere . And therfore it is grete folye to take from his iuge that the whiche apperteyneth vnto hym . By this that this said erle dredde not this thynge / and ne made of it conscyence ne restytucyon he put hymself in dampnacyon & perdycyon what good dede so euer he had done of the other part And therfore take hede vnto hym who so loueth hymselfe . &c.

B. Another example how Helyodorus was punysshed dyuynely in takynge the treasours from the chirche of Iherusalem .

IT is wryten in the booke of machabee how heliodorus was sent from the kinge solencus to take & to bere away the treasours of the chirche of Iherusalem In the whiche treasours there were four hondred talentes of syluer / & two hondred talentes of golde as it appereth in the said chapytre . And as the sayd Heliodorus was in the chirche with his complyces / god shewed vnto hym that he dyspleased hym . For all those that there was entred hardely were caste by the puyssaunce of god in dyssolucyon & drede . Vnto whome it appered a terryble hors vpon the whiche was by symylitude a man on horsbacke aourned with ryght good enournements . And with grete impetuosite came the hors to stryke the sayd helyodorus with his fete . He the whiche was on horsbacke semed that he was armed with armours of golde . And there arryued by symylytude two yongmen / & byleue that they were aungelles replenysshed with greate vertue & with grete beaute / & clothed ryght specyally the whiche sette aboute the sayd helyodorus / & hymbet and whypped without cessynge / tyll that he was replenysshed with woundes . Than the said Helyodorus fell vnto the erthe as deed in grete confusyon . The whiche yonge men toke him in to his lodgynge where he had lyen . He the whiche was come on horsbacke with puyssaunce of satyllytes was borne agayne without horses / ne without ayde humayne by the vertue of god the whiche appered manyfestly . And so laye the sayd helyodorus by the dyuyne puyssaunce and pryuate from all hope of helthe . And the people of Iherusalem blessyd / & thanked god the whiche had kepte his temple to be pylled & was replenysshed with Ioye the whiche lytell before was replenysshed with drede . Than the frendes of the sayd Heliodorus came vnto the souerayne preest of Iherusalem named onias . And hym requyred that he wolde praye vnto god for the sayd Helyodorus . Vnto whome he obeyed & prayed god for him . And as the said preest onias prayed god the forsayd yong men clothed as they were before came before helyodorus vnto whom they said / yelde thankes vnto the preest onias / For for the loue of him god hathe gyuen the thy lyfe . And thou the whiche hast ben beten by god denounce and shewe vnto all the puyssaunce & the grete thynges of hym . Than the said Helyodorus was heled yelded thankes vnto god & vnto the sayd onias / retorned vnto the sayd kynge to tell these thynges beforsaid . And them manifested ouer all where he myght . By this example a man sholde note that no persone ne sholde take ne pylle the goodes of the chirche . For god wyl that they be employed vnto that where vnto they ben ordeyned . And yf the sayd Helyodorus were punysshed in this worlde of the punycyon dyuyne / by more grete reason shall those be punysshed in the other worlde / the whiche take and pyl the chirches . The grete thynge that they wyll take ne make not the questyon . For those the whiche take lytell thynges ben theues & sacryleges & synne mortally / as those the whiche take grete thynges / but euery man in his egall porcyon shall be punysshed after his deserte . Vn̄ psal. Tu reddes vnicuique iuxta opera sua . &c.

C. Another example of he punycyon of a man the whiche denyed the syluer of the chirche the whiche hadde be lent vnto hym . lxxxii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his boke & sayth that the deane of the chirche of Couioygne lente vnto his broder carnall fyue marke of golde of his chirche . And after the dethe of the sayd deane the chanons demaunded the sayd moneye . And for that that they had no wytnes the sayd broder denyed it & forswore hym . And afterwarde as he retourned in to his house he abode vnmouable & was dombe . Wherfore he auowed in his herte that he sholde retorne where he was pariured / & that he sholde shewe his malyce / and yelde the sayd moneye vnto the chirche . And by contrycion & penaunce was delyuered . All theues sacryleges / & pariured persones sholde c●rrecte them & make restytucyon yf they consyder wele this example . For yf the sayd man were punysshed & his case manyfested / so shall it be to theues yf they repent them not / & that they ne done also good & true penaunce .

D. Another example of theues sacrileges the whiche were punysshed for that that they had stole the crosse . And the goodes of the chirche . lxxxii .

THe dyscyple reciteth in his promptuary and sayth the theues broke a chirche founded of saynt martyn . The whiche toke & stole of treasours & the crosse of the chirche the whiche was aourned with golde / with precyous stones / & with a porcyon of the very crosse of our lorde Ihesu And for that that the sayd theues were many some had the treasours . And two had the said crosse & fledde . Whan the bysshop herde the tydinges sent people after them & on al partes for to seche them . And those the whiche had the crosse ne myght goo but by the grete hye waye . And god alyened theyr wyttes / & made them byde styll in a grete waye full of myre / & they walked & trode in the sayd myre without power to procede ony ferther . And those the whiche folowed them ouer passed them fyrst without thynkynge that it were they . But whan they founde theym in the mornynge there they had suspeccyon / & sayd in this wyse / Good men ye go not well wherfore go ye not by the hye waye . They answered we go we le / what haue ye to do with our goynge Than the one of them sayd . I wene that they ben culpable / take we them . and they were asked of the thefte / they confessed it by condycyon that they sholde not deye / & they poynted vnto the sayd crosse the whiche was in the myre hydde / were ledde vnto the bysshop / & were lette go for the said promesse . But god the whiche punyssheth the synners anone after those theues broke another chirche / & were taken & hanged Hec cesarius dicit .

E. Another example of a relygyous of saynt gregorye the whiche was buryed in a donghyll for that that he withelde thre peces of golde of the communyte . lxxxii

IT is wryten in the fourth boke of the dyalogue . s . gre. how a monke of the relygyous of saynt gregorye medecyn hid thre peces of golde / & kepte them as vnto his partyculeir without betakynge them vnto the communyte . And whan it came vnto his dethe he shewed where the sayd golde was hydde / he wepte this thynge & so deyed . And whan he was deed the said saynt gregorye for to shewe that he hadde gretely offended / & for the example of other made to burye hym & the golde in a donghyll / sayenge . Thy moneye be with the in perdycyon . Albeit after .xxx. dayes saynt gregorye commaunded one to synge masse for hym .xxx. dayes . And he dide it . And at the laste daye the sayd deed body appered vnto one of his brederne / the whiche hym demaunded of his case . He answered . I haue ben yll entreated tyll vnto this day but nowe am I wele . For I haue at this day receyued communyon . &c. This here is a grete example for all relygyous that they ne sholde be propryetayres ne go agayne the vowe of pouerte / or yll shal come to them And yf the sayd relygyous had not hadde repentaunce / & yf he had not manyfested his synne he had be dampned / he was punysshed in purgatory by penaunce and by the masses that were songe for hym he was delyuered . &c.

F. Another example how a marchaunt was poore whyles that his broder the whiche was abbot toke vnto hym the goodes of the chirche . lxxxii

SOme maysters hathe wryten this that the dyscyple reciteth in his promtuarye & sayeth that a monke was abbot of an abbay founded of saynt panthaleon The whiche abbot hadde a brother marchaunt vnto whom he gaue many tymes of the moneye of his monastery for to encrease hym in marchaundyse . But the sayd marchaunt lost all & yode vnto noughte / how be it that before that he had receyued the sayd money he was a good marchaunt And also he was ryght dylygent in his case . And after that many yeres he had marchaunded in suche wyse of the sayd godes & that he loste all the sayd abbot sayd vnto his broder . Wherfore wastest thou soo thy substaunce vnto thy confusyon & myn . Vnto the whiche abbot he said . I lyue moche straytely / & kepe my marchaundyse dylygently / but I can not tell what it ayleth / for my felawes prouffyte and I defayle . Than the sayd marchaunte aduysed hym & yode to confesse hym vnto a good & wyse preest / that whiche tolde hym that the money that he had taken was theft by whiche al yode to nought . And charged hym not to take more the good of the chirche / but that he marchaunded with so lytell as he hadde / And that the halfe of the gayne he sholde gyue vnto the monasterye for to ful●yl tyl he had restored . And that he shold lyue of the other halfe . And the marchaunt was obedyent & accomplysshed the sayd counsayll . And in short tyme he became soo ryche that he restored all vnto the sayd abbot And more ouer he became moche ryche / & for as moche as the sayd abbot had meruaylle of the sayd restytucyon & of the sayd rychesse of his brother him demaunded from whens came the sayd rychesses . He answered whan I toke the substaunce of thy bredern of relygyon that thou gauest me I ne myghte nothynge gete / but was poore / & thou synned greuously in lyke wyse as I haue founde by these clerkes . And after that I haue had horrour of the sayd thefte . I haue had haboundaunce of goodes . &c. by this example all relygyous sholde vnderstonde that they offende to gyue vnto theyr frendes of the goodes of the chirche . The gyuers ben fraulded of theyr entencyon / for they ne haue gyuen the sayd goodes for to be employed in suche wyse / that is the substaunce of the seruauntes of god . And yf there be resydue it sholde be gyuen agayn to the poores of Ihesu criste in lyke wyse as sayeth the scrypture . Bona ecclesiarum sunt bona pauperum . &c.

G. Another example how these relygyous ne sholde gyue the goodes of the chirche vnto theyr frendes . lxxxii .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders / that a monke had a poore broder seculer vnto whome he ceased not to gyue hym / so that he laboured not . And the more he gaue hym the poorer he was . Than the sayd monke toke counsayll of a good fader the whiche counsaylled hym that he ne sholde gyue hym no more / & that he sholde saye vnto him . My broder whan I had I gaue the go thou now to labour / & of that that thou shalt haue gyue vnto me / & al that that he shal b●●ge vnto the take it & gyue it vnto pylgrȳs / & good auncyentes & theym requyre that they praye for hym . The sayd monke dide this counsayll / & the sayd seculer yode heuely to laboure . And the fyrste daye that the sayd seculer came vnto the monke he brought him halpens / the whiche gaue them as it is sayd . Afterwarde he broughte vnto hym of herbes & thre loues / the whiche dystrybute them . Thyrdly he brought vnto hym of vytaylles / & of wyne & fysshe . / Whan the sayd monke sawe it he meruayled / called the pores & fedde them . And demaunded of his broder yf he had ony more nede & that he wolde ayde hym . He answered that naye / & sayd vnto hym . All that thou gaue me consumed awaye / & nowe I take nothynge of the Ihabounde in al goodes that god sendeth me . Also these seculers shal not be ryche for to drawe vnto them the goodes of the chirche .

H. Another example of an holy man the whiche gaue the whyppe vnto those that had taken awaye his hors . lxxxii

SAynt gregorye sheweth in his dyalogue that as an holy man named lybertyn was vpon his hors he met an host of men of warre that keste hym to the erthe / & toke his hors to lede him awaye / and he sayd vnto them / take this whyppe for to make hym go the better / they departed & lepte vpon the hors / gaue hym the sporres impetuously for to make hym to goo / but for to be shorte / they ne myght ferther go / Soo they byleued that this thynge came vnto them for the rauyne that they hadde done vnto gods man / and yelded him his hors agayne . And afterwarde yode theyr waye lyghtly . &c. This example denoteth that the good lybertyn was ryght lyberall & pacyent to take vnto them the whyppe after that they had caste hym downe vnto the erthe & taken awaye his hors . And god shewed manyfestly vnto the pyllers that they had synned & offended . And that they ne sholde trouble ne pyl the people of the chirche where god them shal punysshe eternally yf they deye without correccyon and amendement . &c.

I. Another example how that theues sacryleges reuoked themself vnto penaunce / and made restytucyon by the pacyence of an auncyent . lxxxii .

IT is wryten in the promptuary of the dyscyple that there came theues to the monastery of an auncyent vnto whom they sayd . We are come to bere awaye all that is in thy house . And he said / chyldren bere awaye what ye wyl . Than they toke al that they founde / & yode theyr waye . And the sayd auncyent founde a sacke the whiche apperteyned vnto theym / the whiche they had stolen / he ran after them & sayd vnto them . Chyldren bere away this that ye haue forgoten in my house . Than the said theues were ameruayled of his pacyence reuoked them vnto penaunce / & restored to hym all his goodes .

Decime .
A. Examples to paye his dysmes . and fyrst example of a lorde the whiche reteyned the tenthe of his goodes that he gaue vnto his seruaunt . lxxxiii .

MEn fynde by wrytynge that a grete lorde was requyred of his seruaunt to gyue hym of his godes . The whiche lorde gaue vnto hym by condycyon to reteyn / that is to knowe / he gaue hym .x. kye x. shepe .x. geete . &c. & all by tenthes / Vnto whom he sayd . I gyue the these goodes here by suche condycyon that I reteyne the .x. pyece euery yere . And also I wyll that thou theym nourysshe in my pasture . Than he thanked the said lorde & toke them ioyously / & promysed in suche wyse to do it . And dyde it by two or thre yeres / but whan he was riche he gaue it with yl wyl & of the worst Than the sayd lorde made hym come before hym & demaunded why he had not gyuen vnto hym the tenthe of his goodes the whiche he had gyuen him / & it was by the admonycyon of his wyfe . He answered that it was by his proprecouetyse & not by his sayd wyfe . Than he requyred pardon and promysed satysfaccyon / & he it pardoned him . &c. By this lorde is vnderstonde god the whiche reteyneth the .x. partye of the goodes that he maketh to come / & to growe vnto the as thou haste herde by the scryptures . And by that that he hathe payed with yl wyl denoteth vnkyndnes or couetyse . And by this that he repented hym & promysed satysfaccyon is to note that those the whiche haue yll payed theyr dysmes shold repent them & reknowlege theyr faute : & they shold make satysfaccyon / & they shall haue pardon of god . Vnde ezechielis .xviii. Si aunt impius egerit penitenciam ab oimbus peccatis q operatus est . &c. vita viuet et non morietur .

B. Another example of a knight the whiche dysmed wele and his vyne bare fruyte two tymes in the yere . lxxxiii

MEn fynde by wrytynge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye & sayeth that there was a knyght replenysshed with soo moche of vertues & of Iustyce that in payenge hys dysmes he had all good condycyons pleasauntes vnto god / for he them payed without taryenge / without malyce / & of the best / He had a vyne that bare agayne from yere to yere aboute ten pypes of wyne . And it befel one yere more of the dyspensacion of god than of the attempraunce of the ayre after that the wyne was gadred there ne was but one onely pype of wyne . And as the sayd knyght had herde that he sayd vnto his seruaunt . That the whiche was myn & that I sholde lyue withall of the vyne god hathe taken fro me . And I wyll not take awaye his porcyon . Goo & gyue vnto the preest this pype of wyne for his dysme . & it was done . And in that tyme as the cosyn germayne of the sayd knyghte and a preest past by the said vyne the whiche was all full of grapes / yode vnto the knyght / & repreued hym of his neclygence . Wherfore haue not you gadered wyne . He answered & sayd / it is lately gadered . And the said preest sayd that it was replenysshed with fruytes . Than yode men to se it / and they founde more grapes and better than euer they had done before . And therfore it is a good thynge to paye wele his dismes . The sayd knyght was lawful and iuste to pay wele that that he sholde in obeynge vnto god . Also he ne was vnkynd / for he reknoleged the good the god to hym hadde done . And he was moche lyberall to gyue vnto god the sayd pype of wyne . And god the whiche is the rewarder of the goode dedes that men do vnto hym he hym restoreth / and sheweth that he hathe done thynge digne of prayse and of retrybucyon .

C. Another example of a symple man the whiche dysmed we le / & dyd myracle .

IT is wryten in the collocucyons of the faders in lyke wyse as recyteth the dyscyple & sayeth that after that a holy abbot named iohan hadde done many myracles there was brought vnto hym a man the whiche had the deuyl in the body And the sayd Iohan was strongly requyred of many that he sholde chase the deuyll from the sayd man . And for to be shorte that sayd Iohan commaunded vnto the deuyll from god that he sholde go oute . The whiche deuyll answered that he wolde not / & that he ne sholde go out for hym . And vpon his wordes there arryued a goode symple man yll clothed the whiche bare his tythe vnto the preest the whiche herde how the deuyll answered that he ne sholde go oute for the sayd abbot / that whiche symple man sayd to the deuyll . And wherfore ne goest thou oute ( so thou shalt ) I commaunde the from god that thou go oute . Than the deuyll yode oute the whiche sayd that he ne was gone forthe for the sayd Iohan / but that he was constrayned by god to go forthe for the bounte of the sayd symple man . & than the good abbot was a meruaylled the whiche demaunded of the symple man of what lyfe he was . And how be it that he drewe backe to tell it / he answerd that he payed well his tythes incontynent that they were deu . And them put vnto prouffyte and payed them Ioyously of the beste / and bare them vnto the person or vnto the vycayr I go vnto the chirche sayd he euery daye And yf I maye there I here euery daye masse . I kepe wele the feestes & the commaundementes of god / at the begynnyng of my yonge aege I had wyll to be relygyous & for that that my fader hadde no more chyldren but me / they ne wolde that I were relygyous to th ende that to possede theyr herytage I obeyed vnto them & they maried me vnto a good woman / we kepe wele our maryage togyder . And yf she deyed I haue yet the wyll to be relygyous / it is not yet chaunged . There is the life that I am of . Than the sayd Iohan fel on knees before hym and requyred hym that he wolde praye for him . &c. In this example is to be noted that a good symple man labourer is somtyme more nerer vnto god & more holy persone digne to do myracles than ne ben the grete bysshoppes doctours & prelates . Whan the daye of Iugement shall come god ne shall demaunde hast thou be doctour or mayster in suche scyence or in suche / but he shall demaunde hast thou done the werkes of mercy / hast thou payed thy dysmes / hast thou obeyed vnto the chirche . &c.

D. Another example of those the whiche take of dysmes . lxxxiii

MEn fynde by wrytynge how saint renobert the whiche was the seconde bysshop of bayeux sawe one tyme that a man toke a iauel of corne out of a shefe of dysme for to gyue it vnto his hors / and saynt renobert badde hym leue it / but he wolde not / wherfore his hors enraged . &c

Tenatitas .
A. Other examples of people to moche holdynge & vnmercyfull . And fyrst example of the cursed ryche man . lxxxiiii .

IT is wryten in the .xi. chapytre of the gospelles of saynt luc that ther was a ryche man clothed with purple & with precyous vestymentes / that whiche ete & dranke euery daye delycyously . And ther was a lazar full of woundes the whiche let hym before the yate of the sayd ryche / whiche demaunded the crommes that fell from his table but he gaue him none but set dogges on him & they lycked his fete . So he deyed and the ryche man also / the poore man wente to heuen & the ryche man to helle . The yll ryche lyft vp his eyen as he was in torment & sawe Abraham a ferre of & the lepre in his bosome . He made two requestes of the whiche he was denyed . The fyrst was of one droppe of water . The seconde to goo tell vnto his brederne that they myghte correcte them . &c. This ryche man is an example vnto all cursed ryche men the whiche vse yll of theyr rychesses / & this poore is example of all good poores that haue pacyence in aduersite . The riche was dampned for many thynges pryncypally for foure . The fyrste is bycause he was without mercy / for he lete the poore deye for hongre at his gate Cupiens saturari de micis q cadebant de mensa diuitis . And therfore god sent hym in to the fyre of hell without pite / & shall say to hym at the daye of Iugement . I haue had hongre & thurst & thou hast not gyuen me mete nor drynke . Et ideo . Ite maledicu in ignem eternum . math. xv. The seconde for bycause he appetyted the honours of the worlde . And he was proude in herte . And therfore the gospel sayeth sygnantly that he was clothed in purple & with precyous vestymentes the whiche denoteth vaynglorye . Induebatur pupura et bysso . The thyrde that he was moche lykorous and that he nourysshed his bely with metes made dylycatyuely the whiche draweth vnto lechery / & maketh the man vnmercyfull . And therfore sayth the gospell . Expulebatur cotidie splendide . He lyued after the wyll of the body the whiche ledeth vnto dampnacyon . Vn̄ ad roma . viii . Si scdm carnem vixeritis monemini . He ne lyued in this worlde bu● .xl. yeres to lyue delyciously / and he is in the fyre of hell fro the tyme of Moyses two . M. yeres past in so grete pouerte that he ne myght haue one droppe of water / so was it vnto hym a ryght cursed market from the kechyn The fourth is that he declyned not frome euyll wordes the whiche comynly he spake in dynynge . And therfore sygnauntly he playned that he was tourmented in the tonge whan he demaunded a droppe of water . What prouffyted vnto that man the rychesses / honoures / and meetes whan he is dampned . The rychesses delyuereth hym not from dethe . The metes kepeth not his body from wormes / and the honours from stynke . Vnde bernardus . O diuites quid ꝓsant vobis diuitie / quid epule / quid honores diuitie non liberabunt vos a morte / epule a verme / honores a fetore . Et poeta dicit . Quid tunc the sauri / quid aceruus ꝓderit auri Quando pctōres / mittuntur in inferiores Malet preterite / qd in omni tempore vite . Pauper vixisset / quam diuitias habuisset . Et math. xvi. Quid prodest homini si mundum vniuersum lucretur / anime vero sue detrimentum patiatur . This saued begger is the example of all good poore folke . He is blyssed in as moche as he had pacyence in pouerte . Vn̄ luce . vi Beati pauperes quia vestrum est regnum dei . Also he is blyssed in as moche as he had pacience in honger and thurst whan he coueyted to haue of the crommes Vnde luce. vi . Beati qui esuritis qr satura bimini . Et apoca .vii. Non esurient neque s●tient amplius . Also he had not the honours of the ryche / but was soo abiect and dyshonoured that men sette at hym the dogges the whiche dyde vnto hym noo harme but lycked his sores . Legitur math. v. Btīeritis cum maledixerint vobis homines . &c. Also he had no helthe as the ryche had but was seke / full of sores / and in sekenes he had pacyence / and by that was he blyssed . Vn̄ ma. v. Beati pacifici qm filii dei vocabuntur . Also he endured pacyently hete & colde and was euyll lodged and lay before the gate of the ryche . And he shall neuer haue hete ne colde . Vn̄ apoc. vii . Non cadet super illos sol / neque vllus estus . &c. And the ryche lyft vp his eyen as he was in tourmentes / and sawe and knewe the bosome of Abraham & the lazer . The mayster of the sentences expoundeth this in expressynge that the dampned seeth some maner the saued in glory / and shall se tyll the day of Iugement / to the ende that they be the more tourmented to haue loste the Ioyes of paradyse . And after the Iugement they shall se nothynge . And in this that Abraham and the lepre sawe & knewe the ryche in tourments is to vnderstande that the saued seeth the dampned in hel and shall se them them pardurably / that is also after the Iugement of god to th ende that they haue the more greter Ioy that they haue auoyded the sayd tourmentes . And the riche the whiche demaunded one droppe of water was denyed it . And Abraham sayd vnto hym . Inter nos & vos chaos magnum firmatum est . To bere vnto the a droppe of water it may not be done / for betwene you and vs there is grete confusyon and dyscorde . Ye the whiche ben euer in tourmentes may not come vnto vs . Vnde psal. Spūs vadens et non radiens . And we may not go vnto you / for we ben confermed in the Iustyce that god hath made that we may neuer haue pyte ne compassyon of one dampned . Vn̄ dauid in psal. Letabitur iustus cum viderit vindictam . Yf the saued were sory of th dampnacyon of theyr frendes they sholde not haue parfyte Ioye / and sholde go agaynst the wyll of god . And after the ryche requyred that the lepre myght goo in to the hous of his fader to tell to his fyue bredren that he was in tourments / & that they sholde do penaunce of drede that they yode not with hym in paynes . Abraham denyed it & sayd vnto hym that they had Moyses & other ꝓphetes / and that they myght here them yf they wolde . And the ryche sayd . A fader Abraham yf one of the deed arose they sholde beleue more sooner . And Abraham sayd . Yf they wyll not here the quycke they shal not here the deed .

B. Another example of dur Durant the whiche lyued without hauynge pyte nor mercy of the poore people . lxxxiiiii

IT is wryten in speculo hystoriali of a man the whiche was called durant that was not surnamed . For he was harde to do well / in especyall to gyue vnto the poore / & also too excercyse the werkes of mercy . And his wyfe was vnto the contrary / for she was moche pytefull / a gyuer of almes / and mercyfull . Whan the poore folke demaunded almesse of the sayd Durant / ryght vylanously he chased them away . And it befell on a tyme that our lorde came vnto hym to demaunde almesse in the symylytude of a pore man . And the sayd Durant toke a mace wenynge for to haue smyten hym . Than he wyst not where he became / quia euanuit / but he abode not vnpunysshed . For incontynent grete multytude of deuylles in the fourme of blacke moryens came vnto hym & bare hym away in body and in soule hosed and cladde / and made hym to passe the rowe a lytell partycyon of the wal with grete tourment . And his wyfe seynge that was full of drede / & in tremblynge as a leaf ranne to tell it vnto her neyghbours . And the seruauntes and children seynge theyr moder & may stresse renne in suche wyse they ranne after her . And incontynent as they were departed / fyre / lyghtnynge / tempest / and punycion descended in the house the whiche was grete as a palays / and confounded in to depnes his goodes and the sayd hous excepte that the portayle before the gate the whiche abode in wytnes of that thynge . And the deuylles came and wrote vpon the portayle the wordes the whiche folowe . Here was the mancyon of dur Durant / whyles that he was lyuynge . Of al wretches moost harde and skante / vnto the poore in gyuinge . Of theyr nede he gaue no charge . Wherfore in hell is now his dwellynge / in perpetuall tourment and rage . Vnto that purpose saynt Iames sayth that the Iugement without mercy shall be done vnto hym the whiche dothe no mercy . Vn̄ iacobi .ii. Iuditia sine misericordia fiet illi qui non fecerit misericordiaz . Whan god hathe gyuen haboundaunce of worldly godes vnto ony persone / and that he is so vnkynde that he wyll gyue nothynge vnto the poore the whiche demaundeth in the name of god / a man sholde knowe that god hathe suche a man in hate . And reputeth that man denyeth it vnto hymselfe / as sayth the gospell of mathew .xxv. Quod vni ex minimis meis non fecistis / nec michi fecistis . Whan a mayster sendeth to demaunde ony thynge by his seruaunt and that he is denyed the sayd mayster reputeth that hym self is denyed . In lykewyse whan the sayd Durant denyed the poore that axed in the name of god he denyed god . And the euyll that he dyde vnto them god reputed as done vnto hymselve . And for as moche as he was vnkynde and without mercy he had well deserued to haue punycyon corporel / and that that is moche wors damnacyon eternall . So it appereth that he loste his body / his goodes / and his soule . &c.

C. Another example of a ryche man vnmercyfull that fledde in the tyme of famyne of drede to gyue al messe vnto the poore peop.le lxxxiiii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his sermens this the whiche foloweth thwehiche is also wryten in other bokes and sayth that there was a ryche man without pyte & mercy the whiche in the tyme of famyne & of dethe fledde in to an heritage that he had by a water syde . And it was for to auoyde the clamour of the poores the whiche hym requyred . And the sayd poores folowed him And for that that they demaunded almes he sayd . I shall not endure with these dogges / & made his table behynde a chambre on the syde from whens he ne myght here theyr clamour . And thyder came incontynent an armed man the whiche smote at the gate saynge . I am the messager of god / & I wolde speke with your mayster . And a seruaunt sayd by the commaundement of his mayster that he was not there . He answered thou lyest He is gone vnto suche a chambre to th ende that he here not the clamoures of the poores And now fro the party of our lorde I cyte hym that he appere before god / and that he come to yelde reason of all the goodes temporelles that vnto hym hath be taken . The ryche man was hastely seke vnto the dethe / than his frendes & parentes came to vysyte hym & to moue hym vnto penaunce & confessyon / the whiche he wolde not here / and sayd vnto them . I am cyted vnto the Iugement of god / vnto whome I haue appered and am there Iuged vnto the dethe eternall without ony hope of helthe For in lykewyse as I ne haue excercysed mercy ne had compassyon on the poores of Ihesu cryst / also without ony mercy am I sentenced / and so the accursed deyed / & lost his lyfe / his b●dy / his goodes and his soule .

D. Another example how a monke saw ryche men hanged in the fyre of hell . lxxxiiii

IT is wryten in the dyalogue of saynt Gregory that a monke desired to go in to an hermytage / & before that he demaunded lycence to go thyder he was seke & deyed and was ledde in to hell / but anone he was brought agayne & put in to his body . And he remembred hym to haue seen the tourmentes of helle and innombrable places full of fyre . And within those flambes of fyre he sawe some ryche men hanged / the whiche he had seen & knowen in his countree / & were strongely tourmented . And as he was ledde to be put within the sayd fyre there a ryued an aungell fro whome proceded grete clerenes the whiche defended that he ne were put in the fyre . The whiche sayd vnto him retorne in to thy body and take good hede wysely from hensforthe whyles thou lyuest that thou come not hyder . After this voyce he retourned in to his body / & lytell and lytell came in to conualescence . And afterwarde put hym in so moche fastynges / wakinges oraysons / & good operacyons the meruayle it was / for the tourmentes that he had seen that the synners sustayne . &c. This example sholde moue cursed ryche men to restore the thynges euyll goten . &c.

E. Example how two men were lepres for that they dyspysed lepres . lxxxiiii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in the boke of sermons that there was a preste the whiche had in so grete horrour the lepres that he herde theyr confessyon through a wall & himselfe was lepre . Also it is wryten of a seruaunt the whiche had in soo grete horroure the lepres that he wolde not bere them ne to gyue the almesse / and he hymselfe became lepre .

Simonia .
A. Examples of people the whiche haue ben symonyakes . And fyrst example of Symon magus . lxxxv

IT is wryten in the dede of the appostles that the fals and dysloyal symon magus offred grete somme of money vnto the apostles wenynge by that to gete the grace of the holy goost that he sawe in them . And vnderstode that yf he myght haue the grace that he sholde sell it vnto other & sholde receyue grete fynaunces . But in fygure of all those the whiche selleth or byeth thynges spyrytualles he & his money were accursed of god by the mouthe of saynt Peter . Vn̄ actuum .vii. Pecunia tua tecum sit in perditiōe . That is to say . Thy money be with the in perdicion . And for that he was the fyrst in the newe testament that wolde bye spyrytuall thynges this espece of theft is named in al holy chirche symony for bycause of the cursed symon fygure of all the dampned symonyakes .

B. Another example of the punycyon of Gyezy that was symonyake . lxxxv .

IT is wryten .iiii. regum .v. ca. how the prophete Helyseus gaue helthe of the sekenes of lepry to a ryche man named Naaman the whiche offred grete gyftes vnto the sayd prophete after that he was hole . But for none erthly thynge he wolde nothynge take . Also he knewe that it was symony to sell the grace of the holy goost . And the dyscyple of the sayd prophete named Giezy was coueytous & ranne after Naaman of whome he demaunded money & clothinge . And for to be shorte he toke two talentes of syluer / & two vestementes for the grace that his mayster had done to hym . The whiche thynge dyspleased vnto god & his mayster . And whan the euentyde came the sayd prophete demaunded of Giezy fro whens he came . He answered . Thy seruaunt hath ben nowhere . And the ꝓphete sayd . My hert was that thou were gone after Naaman & that thou hast taken syluer & clothes for to bye oxen & shepe / and for to haue seruauntes & maydens . &c. For as moche as thou hast done this thinge the lepry of Naanam shal drawe to the & to thy sede in perdurabylyte . Lepra naamā tibi adhereat et semini tuo in sempiternum . And so was it done . For he was incontynent mesel / & so he was punysshed for his symony . This example shold withdrawe eche persone to bye or sell spyrytuall thynges / for it is a grete synne that taryeth not vnpunysshed .

C. Another example of the symonyake Hieroboam the whiche solde bysshopryches . lxxxv

IT is wryten .iii. regum .xiii. ca. how kinge Hieroboam toke money for to constytute the persones to be souerayne bysshoppes . Also it was ydolatry and for that / that he was a symonyary & a grete synner for these causes he deyed myscheuyously and he and all his was put doune / degraded / and effaced Vn̄. iii. regum .xiii. Quicumque enim volebat implebat manum hieroboam / & fiebat sacerdos excellorum et ꝓpter hanc causam peccauit domus hieroboam : et euersa est et deleta de superficie terre . &c. Yf the vendycyon of the prestehode of ydolles was in suche wise venged of god that the sayd Hieroboam was so punisshed & put doune as it is sayd / it foloweth wel that they the whiche selleth the true prestehode shall be cruelly punysshed / for suche people ben theues . Vn̄. iohan . x. Qui non intrat per hostium in ouile ouium / sed ascendit aliunde ille fur e●t et latro . Also they ben sacryleges . For the thefte that they done is by vendicyon of holy thinges . Sacrilegium dicitur quasi sacrūledēs vel sacrum violans . It shold be a defe thing to say that he is sacrylege that steleth a chalyce & that he is none that steleth the hole chirche . Also he that selleth a chyrche is a thefe / symonyake & sacrylege / wherby he commytteth grete synne . Vnto whome it behoueth satysfaccyon vnto hym that is culpable / & that desyreth to be saued .

D. Another example how kynge Anthiochus was symonyake and proude ouer puyssaunce humayne . lxxxv .

IT is wryten in the .iiii. chapytre of the seconde boke of Machabees / how the kynge Anthiochus solde vnto Ialon the dygnyte to be souerayne bysshop / & also yll came vnto hym . He was also proude and lyft vp ouer puyssaunce humayne / as it is wryten in the .xvi. cha. of the sayd Machabees . And he was punysshed as he yode he and his army in grete pryde & furour to sle them of Iherusalem / god vnto hym sent a cruell & ryght stynkynge sekenes in the guttes so that he was borne in a lytter / and from that fell in to puddle of myre lyenge on the erthe . Also he was so stynkynge that his seruauntes and his hoost were sore greued / & hymselfe ne myght endure his owne stynke . Also he was so seke that maugre in his heed he meked him and than deyed in dyspayre .

E. Another example of a man damp●●d that had many benyfyces . lxxxv .

SOme maysters wryteth this the whiche foloweth how the discyple reciteth in the boke of his promptuarye and sayeth that one of the grete maysters of Parys named in scyence was vysyted of the bysshop of paris and admonested at the houre of his dethe that he sholde leue & resygne many benyfyces that he had vnlefully / & that he sholde holde alonely one . And he abode in his opynyon full of errour & sayd . I shal assay yf ony may be saued with many benefyces . After his dethe he appered vnto that bysshop at the houre of tyerce as he was in orayson to praye vnto god . And whan the sayd bysshop knewe that it was the sayd deed body he asked hym how it was with hym . He answered . I am dampned eternally without ony remyssyon . And he demaunded the cause wherfore . He answered for elacyon . And the bysshop axed hym of the sayd opynyon . He answered that the pluralyte of his benefyces helped hym not / but noyed hym . And the sayd dampned him asked yf there were mo persones lyuynge in the worlde . The bisshop answered / Why demaundest thou that / the whiche arte so grete a clerke that thou wenest that the worlde is so sone fynysshed . He answered . Certaynly syth that I deyed there is dyscended in to hell so grete multytude of soules dampned that I wolde skantly beleue that there had ben so many lyuynge in the worlde . &c. Vnto this purpose the prophete Ysaie sayth / that at the day of Iugement fewe of the people shall be saued in regarde of al sortes of the yll that shall be dampned . And gyueth this symylytude of raysyns in the tyme of theyr rypenesse and of olyues in the tyme that they ben gadred . Whan the grapes and the olyues haue ben assembled & gadered there y● abydeth same lytel thynge in the vynes and olyues forgoten & lefte . And this lytell the whiche there abydeth is to compare by symylytude vnto the saued / and the grete multytude of the raysyns gadered vnto the dampned . Vnderstande well this the whiche is here wryten . Ysaie .xxiiii. Erunt in medio terre in medio pplorum quo modo si pauce oliue q remanserunt excutiantur ex olera et racēm cum fuerit finita vindemia / huscm pauci boni saluati lenabūt vocem suam atque laudabunt cum glorificatus fuerit dns. &c. This man dampned that had soo many benefyces denoteth that the couetyse of godes & honour of the worlde deceyueth & dampneth that people of the chyrche . Or cupiditas et radix omni malorum .i. ad thy .vi. ca.

F. Another example that none ought to be constytute in benefyce by prayers carnalles . lxxxv .

MEn fynde by wrynge of anabbot whan he was in his dethe bedde he made all his monkes to come before him . Vnto whome he requyred that whan he sholde be deed that they shold chuse his neuew for to be abbot after hym . The whiche was done . And as the newe abbot walked in his gardyn by a well syde he herde a voyce that complayned ruthefully . And the sayd yonge abbot coniured the sayd voyce in the name of god that he sholde tell hym what he was . He answered . I am the soule of thyn vncle that am here brent & broyled mestemably in this fountayne / for that that I haue procured carnally that thou were abbot after me . To whome the neuew sayd How may this be that thou brennest in a well so colde . Than the voyce sayd . Go in to the chyrche & fetche the candelstyckes of copre & cast theym in to this well and thou shalte se how I am brente . Than he dyde it / and incontynent the sayd candelstyckes were molten as waxe within the fyre . And whan the sayd yonge abbot sawe that he called all the monkes & renounced vnto the dygnyte & croyse . / & afterwarde the sayd voyce was no more herde . By this example a man sholde vnderstande that those that whiche entreth so in benefyces entreth not not by the dore / that is Ihesu cryst as before is declared . Vnde iohan .x. Qui non intrat per hostium in ouile ouium sed ascender ali unde ille fur est et latro .

G. Another example how a man seculer sholde not do the offyce of the preste in the chyrche . lxxxv .

IT is wryten in the .xxv. chapytre of the seconde boke of paralipomenon how the kynge Ozyas lyft vp in pryde whan he was in puyssaunce regal / and dyspraysed his god . Morouer he presumed to be worthy & to do the offyce of prestes . And he entred in to the temple of god and toke the ensencer for to do the offyce of a preste after as the custome was to do honour vnto god . And the mayster of the prestes named Azarias entred in to the temple after with grete multytude of prestes stronge . The whiche resysted agaynst the sayd kynge / vnto whome they sayd that it was not his offyce to do suche thynge . Vn̄. ii. pa. xxvi . Non est tui officu vt adoleas incensum dno / sed est sacerdotum qui consecrati sunt ad huiusmodi misterium / egredere de sctūario ne contempseris / qr non reputabitur tibi ingliam hoc a dno deo . And for as moche as the prestes reprehended the kynge therof / he thretened them in grete yre . And incontynent before the prestes in the temple he was smyten with a lepry / & was soo all his lyfe / & dwelled in an hous separated from all other / where he deyed a roten lepre . And for the sayd cause he was put out of the temple . &c. By this example & after scrypture the seculer people sholde not presume to do the offyce of a preste / nor medle to gouerne the goos●ly thynges ne the chyrche . For suche thynges dyspleaseth god .

H. Another example in Alchinus / how lordes sholde not constytute people of yl lyfe to be benefyced . lxxxv .

IT is wryten in the .vii. cha. of the fyrst boke of Machabees how kynge Demetrius consiytuted in souerayne preste / that is bysshop a yll man warryour named Alchinus the whiche dyde many euylles / & also he dyed mischeuously / and he reygned not longe in his bysshopryche / after that he had of eccysyons he began to dystroy the operacyons of prophetes . And incontynent he was stryken of dyuyne punycyon & cursed sekenes / lost his speche & deyed fouly / as it is wryten in the foresayd boke . Vn̄. i. macha . ix . Precepit Alchinus destrui domus sancte iterioris et destrua opera prophetarum & capit destruere Intempore illo ꝑcussus est alchinus & impedita sunt opera illius et obclusū est os eius et dissolutus est paralisi : nec vltra potuit loqui verbum et motuus est cum tormento magna . &c. Alchinus is interpreted / luctus / wepynge / For they the whiche semblably entren in to benefyces sholde wepe theyr synne by repentaunce . For they entre not by the dore that is Iesu cryst . Non intrent per hostium in ouile ouium sed ascendut aliunde / et ideo non saluabuntur . &c.

I. Another example of a man the which was bysshop vniustly / and he deyed of a sodayne dethe . lxxxv

SOme maysters wryteth this the whiche foloweth how the discyple reciteth in the boke of his promptuarye & sayeth that there was an archedeaken that coueyted the bysshopryche / & layde in wayte vpon his bysshop a good man how he myght slee him . And the bysshop had of custome to go oft tymes to matynes / & went before the other for to grete our lady / & he entred by a gate . The cursed archedeaken put a grete stone vpon that sayd gate . And whan the bysshop came as he had of custome and that he opened the gate the stone fell on his heed & brayned hym . And the archedeaken with grete labour obteyned the bysshopryche . Whan that he was confermed & that he made his dynera prynce serued before him at the table knelynge . And sodeynly the sayd prynce was rauysshed before the chayre of the souerayne Iuge And he sawe our blyssed lady with grete multytude of sayntes & of aungelles bryngynge the sayd deed bysshop / & brought his brayne in theyr hondes . And the blyssed virgyn sayd My right dere sone I shewe to the / the blode broken & the brayne of this bysshop my frende that the prodytour hath shed wyllyngly to obtayne the bysshopryche . Our lorde answered . Who shall I sende to cyte the sayd prodytour / & who shall go . Than the blyssed vyrgyn sayd . Here is his seruaunt . Vnto whom our lorde commaunded on payne of dethe that he sholde cyte his lorde personally to come to answere of so horyble crime . He retorned streyght wepynge / & tremblynge / & keste the keruynge knyfe doune that he helde / & wepte sore . He was prayed of the bysshop & other for to tell the cause / & so he dyde . And cyted the bysshop as he was charged . And after that he had brought forthe the wordes / the bysshop was smyten incontynent of sodayne dethe & deyed mischeuously before them al. By this example a man may vnderstande that he that sleeth his neyghbour iniustly is homycide of his owne soule . For he it dampneth & byndeth vnto punycyon eternall . Yf the sayd archedeaken had not slayne the sayd bysshop he had not deyed in suche wyse / & he had not be borne in suche wyse in to perdycyon . He wened to clymbe hye / but he fel anone . He that clymbeth hygher than he sholde / he shall descende more sooner than he wolde . &c.

K. Another example how a chanon was accused of the patron of the chyrche . lxxxv .

MEn fynde in wrytynge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary and sayth that in a nyght it semed to a chanon that god had set him in Iugement & that all the worlde was called before hym for to receyue euery man after his merytes . He sawe also that euery of them ledde with hym some saynt vnto whome they had moost serued to be aduocate towarde the hye Iuge . And this chanon thought that he wolde pray that saynt of whome he had be chanon / & that he had serued in syngynge & redynge / & that he sholde go in Iugement with hym before Ihesu cryst to th ende that he prayed for hym in shewynge hym of his seruyce . That saynt answered / I shall goo with the with good wyll . And he toke another with him as for wytnesse They came vnto Iugement togiders . And whan they were before god the saynt sayd . Lorde I requyre Iugement of this vyle lechour that by .xxx. yeres & more hath eten and dronken his prebende of my chyrche / & hath dysposed his tyme lecherously & fouly / and one onely day hath not ended his houres as he ought to do . He here is wytnesse of this thynge . Ihesu cryst answered . Take and bynde hym hande & fote and caste hym in to hell . The chanon awoke as yf he had be in a grete slepe / and wende for to haue ben than in hell . And he sayd vnto that saynt . My lorde take your prebende / for of it I wyll ete no more . For this vysion he conuerted hym / entred in to relygyon / and saued his soule . &c. By this example people benefyced may vnderstande that yf they vse yll the goodes of the chyrche they shal answer before god . And better it is to be abiecte in this worlde and to lyue poorely than after the dethe to lese paradyse & to be dampned .

L. Another example how a conuers that wolde haue ben bysshop by the induccyon of the deuyll / and he stale an hors & was hanged . lxxxv .

CAsarius dicit . It is writen how a monke conuers had lerned so strongly the lettres that he coude rede the texte . And by the occasyon of this thinge was wode & made to wryte secretely lytell bokes deceptyues / & began to delyte him in the vyce of propryete . And as that study was defended to the sayd conuers for the loue of lernyng he ranne in apostasy / and prouffyted lytel for the aege . Afterwarde he was moeued vnto penaunce & came agayne in to the monastery . And the deuyl toke hym mater for to deceyue hym . For now he went vnto the scole to th ende that he were a scoler / now he retorned to the monastery / & appered to him in lykenes of an aungell / & sayd to hym . Lerne fast / for it is dyffyned of god that thou be bysshop of such a place . And the vnhappy fole euaded not his fraude / hoped in him to renue the auncyent myracles . What more . On a daye he appered vnto the conuers in clere voyce & Ioyous face & sayd vnto hym / suche a bysshop is deed this day / haste the go in to the cyte in the whiche thou art predestynate of god to be pastour / his counceyle he ne might chaunge . Incontynent the vnhappy yode our secretely of the monastery & was lodged in the hous of an honest preste . And to th ende that he were put in his syege gloryously he rose vp before the day and stale a ryght good horse from his hoost / lepte vpon hym & yode his way . In the mornynge the housholde knewe the domage & folowed the appostate . They toke hym & put hym in Iugement & was drawen with his theft / and by sentence condampned . Not to be in the chayre as a bysshop / but he mounted vnto the galowes / and there was hanged as a thefe Take hede vnto what ende the promesse of the deuyll tendeth . &c. By this example a man may vnderstande that one ought to kepe hym to be deceyued of temptacyons / decepcyons / & lesynges of the deuyll . For that that the sayd conuers kept hym not & wende to be bysshop he was hanged / & that wors is in way of dampnacyon .

Vsura .
A. Examples of people vsurers . And fyrste example of the punycyon & dampnacyon of an auarycious vsurer / out of whose bely proceded a tree . lxxxvi .

MEn fynde by wrytinge this that whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary and sayeth that a riche auarycyous vsurer gate moche good vniustly / & for that he was dampned / as it was shewed vnto a man that was rauysshed . Quasi in extasi . that sawe many tormentes in hell / & there was that sayd vsurer prosterned & stretched alowe / & from his bely proceded an hye tree full of braunches / wheron hang an horyble sorte of men and women . And it was tolde to the sayd ra●ysshed man that the sayd vsurer fro whom proceded the tree was an auarycyous / & they the whiche hanged were of his housholde / and of his kynne the whiche folowed hym in synne / example / counceyle ▪ & admonycion And the whiche posseded after hym that thynges yll goten without beynge in wyll to yelde them ne to leue them . &c. This example denoteth that it is grete peryll to gyue godes or herytages vniustly . For the geters & posseders go vnto dampnacyon yf they deye Impenytentes without beynge in wyll to restore them .

B. Another example how an vsurer that wolde not restore cryed at his dethe that he brent & broyled . lxxxvi .

IT it is wryten in the somme of penaunce how an vsurer was warned at his dethe to make restytucion . And he answered that he wolde not / and that his wyfe and his chyldren had nede / & therfore he wolde not restore . The preste wolde not gyue hym that body of our lorde and bare it agayne . Than by the admonycyon of his frendes for to take away the shame dyde so moche that he promysed with mouthe for to deceyue the preste / not of wyll to come to the operacyon . And whan he had receyued our lorde / he cryed that he brent / & the fyre of hell was within his body . And in grete clamour sayd I brenne I broyle in body & membres / and so he deyed myscheuously . By this examples a man may vnderstande that yf the sayd vsurer deceyued the preste by worde / he deceyued hymselfe moche wors by dede . And yf he brenin body in this worlde . It is to presuppose that he brenneth cruelly in helle as vnto the soule . &c.

C. Another example of the myscheuous dethe of an vsurer the whiche in his sekenes sayd that he chawed pence . lxxxvi .

IT is wryten in the promptuary of the dysciple that in the dyocese of Coleyne a knight deyed that was renoumed to be an vsurer & auarycious . Whan he was seke and that the mater mounted in to the brayne he was frantyke . And as he moued euery daye his mouthe and the tethe his seruauntes sayd vnto him . My lorde what ete you he answered . Iete pence . It semed vnto hym that the deuylles put pence in his mouthe . And he sayd . I may not bere ne suffre these deuyls brynge me vnto the chyrche / for peraduenture I shall be delyuered by the prayers of good men . Whan he was there he cryed / bere me agayne / for I se mo deuyls here than in myn hous . The vnhappy man was had home / & as the deuyls tourmented hym he deyed myscheuously . &c.

D. Another example of the horryble dethe of an vsurer . lxxxvi .

ALso the dyscyple recyteth that there was an vsurer in the partyes of brabant ryght cursed / for he dysheryted many noble & puyssant men / & dyspoyled the poore of theyr goodes . This sayd vsurer yede often vnto the relygyous & prayed them as in maner of wepinge that they wolde pray for hym . But he correcked not hymselfe in no maner . And it befell that he was seke sodaynly / & whan he aproched vnto his deth two terryble dogges of derkenesse came to his bedde . And he drewe out of his mouthe his owne tonge / the whiche was stretched out as a fote / and ryght horrybly he deyed . This example denoteth that people the whiche lyueth in synnes of cursed lyfe dyeth horrybly of cursed dethe . Also the scrypture speketh it . Vn̄ psal. Mors peccatorum pessima . &c.

E. Another example of a woman vsurer the whiche made too burye with her / her purse and her golde and syluer . lxxxvi .

MEn fynde by wrytinge this that whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary and sayeth that two systers departed theyr godes and herytages after that theyr moder was deed . And one of them toke her porcyon and departed it vnto vsury / and there assembled moche golde & syluer / & had noo compassion of her syster the whiche was nedy and poore . It befell that the syster vsurer was seke tyll vnto the dethe . The whiche called her other sister for to admynister vnto her her necessytees . She serued her in hope to haue some thynge . Whan the syster vsurer sawe that she myght not escape the dethe sent her syster asyde & toke two purses full of golde and of syluer / and gyrded theym to her bare bely vnder her clothes . And whan her sayd syster was comen ayen she sayd vnto her . I praye the my syster that whan I am deed that thou suffre not that I be dyspoyled of noo persone / but that thou bury me with the clothes wherwith I am clad : What more . She deyed and was buryed as she requyred . And it was tolde vnto the lorde to whome the towne apperteyned that suche an vsurer was deed / & that her golde & syluer apperteyned to him . He sent incontynent a messager to seke the sayd treasour goten by vsury . Whan the messager had taken the keyes opened the cofres / & that he had nothynge founde he began to tourment the syster of the sayd vsurer and to enquyre for the sayd golde & syluer . The which had suspeccion that it sholde be buryed with her syster And for the wordes that she had spoken / & for that her body was so heuy . Whan that sayd messager vnderstode this thynge he requyred the preste that the body were vnburyed for to se the sayd thynge . The preste suffred it and the sepulchre was opened . Meruayle it was / for whan the body was all naked the preste and the messager sawe a ryght grete & ryght meruaylous and ferefull serpent the whiche lyft vp often her heed / & kest in the mouthe of the woman fyre & sulphre . Whan they sawe that they had so grete fere & horrour that they fledde & cryed to make men to caste agayne the erthe hastely / and that it was the deuyll the whiche punysshed the body and mocked it . The messager retourned hastely the whiche recounted what he had sene . &c. What prouffyted it vnto the sayd vsuryesse to gete the sayd golde and syluer whan her soule is tourmented and damned . It is wryten mathei . xvi . ca. Quid prodest homini si vniuersum mundū●ucretur : anime vero sue detrimentum patiatur . She gote / posseded / and bare awaye the thynge wherby she is pryued from paradyse / and is in hell tourmented . In lykewyse as it is to presuppose for to consyder her lyfe & her dethe / and that was founde after that she was buryed . &c.

F. Another example of an vsurer the whiche demaunded helpe of his golde / of his syluer / and treasoure whan as he laye at the poynte of dethe / with the which he was tourmented . lxxxvi .

IT is wryten in the boke of examples of an vsurer that as he laboured in the later days of his dethe was prayed of his trendes that ●e wolde confesse hym and to restore the vsuryes & brought vnto hym the preste by two or thre tymes . But at euery time he sayd / abyde tyll to morowe / and after that I shall do it . And at the last after that he had be strongly warned to be confessed / & that he had sayd tary tyll to morowe / whan the preste was gone he made to brynge before hym all his golde and syluer / and sayd to it My golde and my syluer I neuer ceased to laboure to take payne for the tyl vnto now And therfore socoure me now at this nede . And one tyme there was herde a voyce the whiche sayd . Go in to the place where thou sholdest go and we shall goo after the. And incontynent he deyed / and grete thonder & tempest came thyder / & the sayd golde and syluer vanysshed that it was not knowen where it became . And afterwarde by the suffraunce of god the soule of the sayd vsurer appered vnto a holy man as he was in orayson the whiche sayd vnto hym that he was dampned / and that euery day he was perforced to drynke of the sayd golde and syluer the whiche was in the sayd fyre molten brennynge & decouraūt / wherby men may say vnto this purpose that the whiche is wryten . Sapienc . xi . Per q peccat hom / per hec et torquetur . In lykewyse as the sayd vsurer had offended in getynge & kepynge the sayd good also of it he was tourmented . By this example a man may knowe that these auarycyous ben wel abused to wene that theyr golde and syluer shall socoure them sooner than god at dethe or in sekenesse / or that it shal put them in paradyse & delyuer fro hel by that they haue loued / serued / and trusted in the golde and the syluer more than in god they shall be Iuged and condampned & by theyr golde in hell punysshed and tourmented . &c.

G. Another example of an vsurer the whiche commaunded his soule vnto the deuyll for that it wolde not abyde no more with his goodes . lxxxvi .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his sermons how Hubert sayth in the treatyse of the triple drede that as an vsurer laboured in his laste days he made to be brought before him his vessell of golde and of syluer as cuppes . &c. And spake vnto his soule & them vnto it promysed & many other goodes as feldes / houses / herytages . &c. & that it sholde abyde yet in the worlde with his body . And as he sayd these wordes the doloure of the sekenes gryped hym / & than he sayd . For as moche as thou wylt abyde no more with me I commaunde the vnto the deuyll And in saynge these wordes he deyed / & ended his dayes euyll as ryght was . For he requyred not the helpe of god / but it was of his godes the whiche fayled hym at his gretest nede .

A. Another example of an vsurer the whiche wolde not restore / and he was borne vpon an asse vnto the galowes & there was buryed . lxxxvii .

MEn fynde in wrytynge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary and sayth that a man an vsurer wolde not restore : howbeit that he was warned often . And whan he was in his dethe bedde he demaunded the sacramentes of the chyrche of his preest / the whiche wolde not gyue him them yf he wolde not restore / but he wolde not . And whan he was at the poynte of dethe the sayd preste was called for to recommaunde the soule vnto the aungelles of god / & yet agayne he ne wolde restore . Than the preste sayd . I recommaunde hym vnto all the deuylles of hell / & went fro him . Whan he was deed his frendes requyred the sayd preste to bury hym in some corner of the chyrchyarde for to saue theyr honour . The whiche thynge he ne wolde consent / for that in his lyfe he wolde not consent to restore . And the sayd preste had an asse that serued for nothinge but to bere to & fro the chyrche the bokes & other thynges for the layd preste / & therfore he ne knewe none other way . Than the frendes of the sayd vsurer prayed the preste that the body myght be layde vpon the asse and to lete hym go where he wolde / & where the sayd asse rested the body to be there buryed . And they wened that the sayde asse wolde haue borne hym to the chyrche or vnto the house of the preste / for that he was acustomed to go to none other place . This thynge was acorded of the preste & of all / & the sayd carayne was layde vpon the asse / the whiche bare hym all ryght without declynynge on ony syde vnder the galowes . And there he shaked hym so sore that he made hym to fall before all the people / & there he was buryed cum patribus suis . It was no reason that he were in holy erthe with good crystyens / for he had not lyued an holy lyfe in obeyeng vnto god . And by that the scripture approued sayth that vsurers manyfestes ought to be pryued from sepulture ecclesyastycall yf they deye correccyon & amendement and without restytucyon made to other . Vt habetur extra de vsuris . capitulo . Quia in omnibus . etcetera .

B. Another example how the ennemy the deuyll sette hym vpon the coffre where the money was of an vsurer . lxxxvii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary how an vsurer gaue in kepynge his money in an abbay and a relygyous sawe the deuyl the whiche sette hym on the cofre vnto whome he demaunded what he dyde there vpon the sayd cofre . And he answered . I kepe my money . Than whan the abbot herde hym speke it he sent agayne the sayd money and the deuyll yode his waye fro that place . &c.

C. Another example how a man sholde not pray for an vsurer deed . lxxxvii .

MEn fynde by wrytinge this that whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary and sayeth that a preste prayed for his fader the whiche had ben an vsurer / and in syngynge his handes trembled . And saynt Bernarde prayed god that he wolde shewe what the sygnyfyed . And an aungell appered to him and sayd . It is grete foly to pray for an vsurer the whiche is dampned . And the blyssed saynt Bernarde defended vnto the preste that he sholde synge nomore for his fader / And after that he hadde ceased to pray for his sayd fader his handes ceased and trembled no more .

D. Another example what became of a chyrche the whiche was made of vsuries & extorcyons . lxxxvii

THe dysciple recyteth in his promptuary that after that a man had do make a chyrche of vsuryes & extorcyons he made the bysshop to come for to dedycate it . And as the bysshop accompanyed with his clerkes dyde dedycate it he sawe behynde the auter the deuyl in habyte of a bysshop beynge in a chayre the whiche sayd vnto the bysshop Wherfore consecratest thou my chyrche . Cease the. This chyrche apperteyneth vnto me of good ryght / for is is edyfyed of vsuryes & rapynes . Than as the bysshop & the clerkes fledde the deuyll dystroyed the sayd chyrche with grete daunsynge . An almesdede or ony thynge that a man gyueth vnto god or vnto his chirche / or vnto ony of his sayntes of paradyse sholde be of good acquysycyon of good berynge without beynge made of thefte extorcyon or vsury . &c. or it shal not be agreable vnto god . He wyll not that a man take away the goodes fro ony for to brynge them vnto hym . As the scrypture sayth in many places . Vn̄ eccl. xxxiii . Dona iniquorum non a probat altissimus / nec recipit oblationem īi quorum . Et michee . ca. i Intulistis de rapinis claudum et languidum munus / non quid suscipiam dno debile qr rex magnus ego sum dicit dns. &c.

E. Another example of an vsurer that wolde not restore . lxxxvii .

IT is wryten in the boke of the gyft of drede how a preste gaue warninge of thre thynges vnto an vsurer that deyed . The fyrst was that he sholde repent hym . The seconde that he sholde confesse hym . The thyrde that he sholde make full restytucion after his puyssaunce . And the sayd vsurer sayd . I am content to do the two fyrst thynges / but the thyrde how sholde I do it / for there sholde nothynge be left vnto me / ne vnto my chyldren . And the preste sayd . Without these .iii thynges thou mayst not be saued / as sayth the sages & the scryptures . And he answered I wyll proue yf it be true / for I wyll nothynge restore . And so he deyed cursedly / & dred more the pouerte temporall than dampnacyon eternall .

F. Another example of an vsurer the confessed hym / & made restytucyon in the ende of his dayes lxxxvii

MEn fynde in wrytynge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary and sayth that an vsurer fell in grete sekenes the whiche was warned by his frendes to confesse him and to receyue all the sacramentes . And he sayd . What shall it serue me that haue soo moche deferred to confesse and amende . And the frendes sayd . A man sholde euermore confesse hym / for peraduenture god shall gyue you his grace . And the confessour was called / vnto whom the vsurer sayd . My fader espyrytuall I wyll confesse me with good wyll . But I haue commytted so many synnes / and therin am so bewrapped that I can not tell how I may escape . Vnto whome the confessour sayd . Dyspayre ye not / but confesse you / for confessyon wel made hath suche vertue that all synnes there ben pardoned . Than he confessed hym / & god gaue vnto hym suche grace that he repented hym & wepte so strongely his synnes that with payne myght he speke by force of wepinge . He made an entyer confessyon / restored the sayd vsuryes and thynges yl goten after the counceyle of the confessour / and ended well his lyfe and his dayes .

Restitucio .
A. Examples of restytucyon . And fyrst example of a man named Fryderyke tormented in purgatory for that he had not restored yll goten godes . lxxxviii .

MEn fynde by wrytinge this that whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary and sayeth that after that a knyght was deed he appered vnto a citezyn his neyghbour in suche maner that smoke & flambe yssued fro his nosethrylles / & he was couered with shepe skynnes / & bare a plotte of erthe vpon his sholdres . Vnto whome the cytezyn sayd . Ar ye Fryderyke . And he sayd / ye . Fro whens come ye / & what betokeneth the thynges that I se . He answered . I am in grete paynes for that I haue taken away shepe skynnes from a wydowe the whiche I fele now brennynge . Also I haue drawen vnto me iniustly the party of a felde that weyeth sore / & bruseth my sholders . But yf my chyldren restore my paynes shall be lyght / so he departed . And whan the sones of the sayd knyght herde these wordes of theyr fader they loued better that he sholde abyde in payne than restore the sayd thynges . This example denoteth that the sayd Fryderycke had contrycyon & confessyon / but he dyde no satysfaccyon . And therfor he was in purgatory . And by that / that the sayd chyldren wold not restore it is to note that one ought not to tary for his parents too do good after his dethe / but do it hymselve .

B. Another example of a childe that was in the paynes of purgatory / for that he restored not money borowed . lxxxviii .

MEn fynde by wrytynge this that whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary & sayth that a duchesses sone of .ix. yere olde was seke & shrone hym & deyed . And after his dethe he appered to his moder / & sayd that he was in grete payne in purgatory for that that he had not payed the debtes borowed of the seruauntes of his sayd moder for to go play . And that at his dethe he remembred not to pay them or make to be payed . And the sayd chylde requyred his moder that she wolde paye the sayd debtes / & that his payne sholde haue ende so that they be payed . The whiche sayd that with good wyll she wolde pay theym . And she made inquysycyon of the sayd seruauntes . And made them al to be payde the whiche had sende to her sayd sone . And incontinent that they were all payed the chylde appered to his moder agayne in grete clerete Vnto whome he sayd that he was delyuered from payne & put in grete felycyte . &c. By this example a man sholde vnderstande that him behoueth to be pure & clene for to go in to paradyse . Whan the sayd chylde was withholden and caried from glory alonely for siluer borowed / how shal these theues and pyllers entre the whiche wyll not restore / whan the sayd chylde had taken nothynge malycyously was caryed . It is wryten i. ad corin . vi . Neque fures neque auari regnum dei possidebunt . &c.

C. Another example of a man tourmented in the paynes of purgatorye for the defaute of .vi. penyes that he ought to a woman . lxxxviii .

IT is wryten in the promptuary of the dyscyple that a man ought .vi pence to a wydowe / the whiche demaunded many tymes her payment . And the sayd man dyed without payenge it / howbeit that he denyed not the debte . After his dethe he apered to a deuout persone and prayed hym that he wolde paye the sayd .vi. pence / and that he was moche tourmented in purgatorye / & endured as many strokes as she had made steppes for to axe hym the sayd money / & yet sholde sustayne tyll that she were payed . By this example it is to be noted that by the defaute to pay that that a man oweth he is letted to go in to paradyse / & is bounde to punycyon .

D. Another example of a relygious that was in the paynes of purgatorye for an halfpeny that he owed vnto a feryman or passager . lxxxviii .

IT is wryten in dyaloguo cesaru that a relygyous conuers of the ordre of Cysterciēcis was sent of his abbot for a besynes / & he yode . And whan he came to passe ouer that water he promysed to pay an halfpeny vnto the passager for his mede / the whiche he sholde haue sent vnto hym / & he was neclygent to sende it . Whan he came vnto his dethe he confessed him of the neclygence of the halfepeny not payed / for he cared not for so lytel a thynge . After his dethe he had the sayd half-peny before his eyen the whiche halfpeny became so grete that it semed him that it was greter than all the worlde . And whan he came vnto the Iugement of god there was founde none other thynge that letted the sayd relygyous to go to heuen . And at the request of some saynt he was sent to his body & confessed it & restored & was saued .

E. Another example how the deuyll letteth to restore lxxxviii

SOme maysters wryteth this the whiche foloweth how the discyple reciteth in the boke of his promptuarye and sayeth that thre deuylles came vpon a tyme to a good holy hermyte . Of whome he axed the names . The fyrst sayd / close herte For whan ony hereth a sermon I close his herte that he seeth not ne repenteth his synnes The seconde sayth . I am called closynge the mouthe . For yf ony wolde confesse hym & auoyde our gynnes I close his mouthein lettynge him that he ne may confesse hym . The .iii sayd . I am called close purs . For I lette to restore the yll goten goodes / & letteth to gyue vnto poore of theyr goodes / & so I close the purse . We ben assembled togyders to helpe eche other . &c. By this example it appereth that the deuyls letteth a man to repent hym / to confesse / & to make restytucion . And it behoueth to do the contrary to haue saluacyon . &c.

F. Another example of an abbot that sente agayne money gyuen vnto the monastery / for that it was come of vsury & cursed acquysycyon . lxxxviii

THe dyscyple reciteth in his boke that an vsurer left by testament a grete somme of money about a. M. & . vi . C.li. vnto a monastery / wherof many grete possessyons were bought . After the dethe of the abbot was chosen another of good conscyence that was dyspleasaunt of the sayd money receyued . What dyde he . He solde his bestyall his moeuables & immouables & sent the money agayne to the executourse to th ende that they sholde restore to all those the whiche had ben dispoyled & greued . And for that / that the sayd executoures wolde not take it but sent it agayne to the monastery the good abbot was sory & made the sayd money to be borne to the market before all the cytezyns the whiche were present / and to them sayd who so wyll take this money lete hym take it / that it is ours I renounce & refuse it . For I doubt not but that it be vniustly goten . Whan that cytezyns sawe this thynge they were moche edyfyed of the dede toke counceyle amonge them & chose people ryght faythfull the whiche yelded the sayd money pertyculerly to all those that had ben greued / & of whome the sayd money was comen . And in shorte tyme god restored vnto to the sayd monastery in double more of money than they had restored . And where they had but fewe goodes afterwarde in grete haboundaunce all was replenysshed . A doctour named Wyllyam wytnesseth this to be verytable . And that he sawe in the sayd monastery many of the relygyous sayntes doynge myracles & replete with spyryte of prophecy .

Excommunicatio .
A. Examples of excommunycacyon ayenst the theues & synners . And fyrst example how a whyte lofe became blacke & moysty after that it was excommunyed and accursed . lxxxix

SOme maysters wryteth this the whiche foloweth how the discyple reciteth in the boke of his promptuarye and sayeth that there was an erle of Tholouse that sustayned & receyued heretykes / and euery suche persone is accursed by sentence of ryght / ipso fctō / with the heretykes . And an holy abbot was sente to the sayd erle to withdrawe hym fro the sayd dede the whiche ne myght be conuerted by worde ne dede to drede excommunycacion . Than the abbot sayd to the erle . To th ende that you & yours knowe by dedes how the soule is vndone that is bounde of excommunycacyon I wyll that one brynge me a white lofe . And than he sayd . O breed albeit that thou ne haste deserued cursynge to th ende that the veryte of our faythe be shewed in the / & the cursednes of the soule that dredeth not excommunicacion . Excommunico te . I curse ye. And as soone as he had spoken the worde the sayd breed that was whyte became blacke / he made it to be cut in two partyes / and it appered also blacke within moysty & corrupt . Afterwarde he sayd to th ende that ye knowe also the vertue of the absolucyon / he toke the sayd lofe & absoyled it / the whiche became in his fyrst whytenes and beaute . By this example a man may vnderstande that the soules of people excommunyed or accursed ben in horryble & foule estate that hath deserued to haue suche maledyccyon / whan the whyte breed became so vndone & moysty / Yf a persone excommunyed knewe the grete euyll and maledyccyon that is in it / & the paynes the whiche ben to him prepayred in hell yf he deye in suche estate / he sholde loue better to lose all the worlde yf it were his / and that his body were as small as flesshe to pastees than to abyde in it .

B. Another example how that storkes lefte theyr nestes the whiche were vpon a mannes house incontynent that he was accursed . lxxxix .

MEn fynde by wrytynge this that whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary & sayth that the pope Gregory the saynt excommunyed a newe erle . And for that he contempned the sayd excommunycacyon by myracle the storkes the whiche had made theyr nestes vpon his hous yede to another place / wherof the sayd man meruayled / and made hym to be assoyled . And incontinent the sayd storkes came agayne to make theyr nest vpon the house of the sayd erle .

C. Another example how the sparowes the whiche made noyse in the chyrche yode out incontinent that they were accursed . lxxxix .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his sermons how in the chyrche of saynt Vyncent the martyr sparowes & cryed and lette the dyuyn● seruyce . And for that none myght put them out the bysshop of the place cursed them & thretened them of dethe yf they entred after that . And more ouer yf a man toke suche a byrde & bare it with force in the sayd chyrche forthwith it deyed .

D. Another example how the floures of an appletree fell & dryed as soone as the excommunycacyon was drawen for a portos that was in it . lxxxix .

MEn fynde by wrytinge how a thefe stole the porthos from a preest And for that the sayd thefe was suspended he put the boke in the creues of a yonge apple tre full of swete floures . The sentence of the bysshop was borne . &c. And the day that it was caste in goynge to masse the people sawe the sayd tre floured / & whan they came agayne from the sayd masse they founde the sayd floures vndone . The tydynges came vnto the sayd bisshop of this thynge / the sayd boke was founde / & as soone as the bysshop had assoyled the tre the floures came agayne vnto the sayd apple tree . By this example these excomunyed or cursed may vnderstande that they lose all the goodes spyrytualles the whiche ben in them / & also god paradyse / & all good dedes . And also all the consenters and parte takers sholde drede / syth that the sayd apple tree the whiche had not done the yll loste her floures . And here a man may vnderstande that the good dedes loste cometh agayne by the vertue of the absolucyon syth that the apple tree recouered the floures .

E. Another example how a rauen became hydeous & his feders fell from hym incontynent that the bysshop had cursed for his rynge that the sayd rauen hadde taken . lxxxix .

MEn fynde by wrytynge that a bysshop drewe one time a rynge from his fynger / & a rauen pryuely toke it & bare it vpon the hous betwene two tyles And afterwarde the sayd bysshop sought his rynge and was wrothe & accursed him that had taken it . And in shorte tyme the feders of the sayd rauen fell from hym & became so hydeous that it was meruayle . And afterwarde within a lytell tyme the tyler founde the sayd rynge / & the trouthe was knowen . The sayd bysshop assoyled & reapelled the sayd sentence / & incontynent the feders came agayne vnto the rauen as before / & was made fayre . &c.

F. Another example how excommunycacyon caste Iustly or vniustly is too be dredde as it appered in two monkes the whiche made them to be gelded . lxxxix .

IT is wryten in vitas patrum how two seculers made them monkes the whiche had enuy of the voyce euangelyst / but not after scyence They gelded theymselfe also as for to haue the realme of heuen . And whan the archebysshop herde of it he cursed them And they wende to haue done well / & they wrothed them agaynst hym sayenge . We ben gelded for the realme of paradyse / & he hath accursed vs / go we in to Iherusalem to the bysshop for to haue helpe agaynst the sayd archebysshop . And whan they were comen thyder and that they vnto hym had declared the case he sayd vnto theym . And I accurse you of this thynge . They were yet wrothe & yode vnto th archebysshop of Anthyoche vnto whom they declared by ordre all the case . And he them cursed as the foresayd dyde . And they sayd amonge themself Go we vnto rome vnto the pope / & he shall venge vs on the sayd bysshoppes . And thyder they yode & sayd vnto the pope . We ben comen vnto the as chefe vnto the chyrche & of vs all / and they vnto hym recompted al vnto whome he sayd . And I you excommunycate / for ye ben separed . Than the monkes defayled of all excusacyons & reasons . & sayd vnto themselfe . These bysshops holdeth togyder for that they resemble to sennes . But go we vnto suche an holy man that ne taketh hede vnto the persones . Eamus ad illum virum dei sctm̄ epyphanū episcopum de cipro qr propheta est et personam hominis non accipit . Whan they approched vnto the cyte of the sayd prophete it was reueled vnto him of theyr case . And he sent before them and tolde them that they ne sholde entre in to the cyte . And than they knewe theyr faute and sayd that they were culpable in veryte they repented & wolde do penaunce / in saynge they haue Iustly excommunycate vs This man here is a prophete / god hath reueled vnto hym of vs . And they repreued themselfe ryght gretely of the gylte that they had done . And whan god sawe theyr herte repentauntes and knowynge theyr faute reueled it vnto the sayd bysshop . &c. The whiche made them to entre in to the cyte / comforted them and receyued vnto communyon . And wrote agayne vnto the bysshop of Alexandrye that he sholde receyue them and that in veryte they had done penaunce and so was it doone . By this example a man sholde vnderstande that sentence is to be dredde . How be it that they wened to do well and not to be excommunycate and yet they were . And incontynent they had reknowleged theyr faute god wolde that they were absoyled & receyued .

G. Another example how lightnynge consumed one that was excommunyed and accursed . lxxxix .

THe dyscyple reciteth in his promptuary that one exōmunycate & obstynate entred in to the chyrche of the virgyn Mary . And in contynent lyghtenynge entred therin the whiche slewe hym / and the other had no harme . A man sholde here vnderstande that one excommunyed or accursed that gooth vnto the chyrche and to speke and to talke with the good agaynst the defence the whiche is made / and for to put the other in synne hurteth hymselfe / and better it were vnto hym to humble hymselfe and to be solytary . &c.

Another example that one excommunyed repented hym & afterwarde deyed before that he was assoyled his body appered as blacke as pytche . And after the absolucyon he appered whyte as snowe .

H. Another example how a gardyn excommunyed bare no fruyte that it was absoyled . lxxxix .

MEn fynde by wrytinge this that whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary and sayeth that the moder of the duke of burgoyne bought of a preste a ryght fayre gardyn planted with fayre trees . And for as moche as the sayd gardyn bare no fruyte the lady demaunded the cause . And it was sayd vnto her / whan the preste songe masse on the sonday in the fruyte tyme the yonge men left the masse & the chyrche & yode to gader the fruytes and brake the hedges . After that they had ben repreued & warned too resyst them & that they ne wolde obey he cursed the gardyn that it bare nomore fruyte . Tha●●he duchesse made to absoyle the sayd gardyn by the preste . The whiche commaunded with that that it sholde bere fruyte as it was accustomed / & in lykewyse it was doone . Vnto purpose of this example it is wryten marci xi . qd dns maledixit ficulnee / & statim aruit Our lorde Ihesus hath giuen his puyssaunce vnto prestes to bynde & vnbynde . Vnde math. xvi . Quodcumque ligaueris super terram erit ligatum etin celis . &c. Of good ryght the gardyn bare noo fruyte / for it was a curste . And after that it was assoyled the yre of god was taken away / & it fructyfyed . Syth that the sayd gardyn that had not offended was pryued from fruyte & from all goodnes by more grete reason a persone excommunyed is pryued . &c.

Malediccio .
I. Examples of maledyccion . And fyrst example of foure monkes the whiche slew a bere . lxxxix

IT is wryten in the dyalogue of saynt Gregory how a good relygyous named Florentius requyred god that he wolde sende hym some consolacyon for to kepe his bestes . And whan he yode forthe of his oratory he founde a bere . The whiche whan he bowed his wyst that he was sort of god / & commytted his bestes to the sayd bere to kepe as pastour & sayd . Kepe my bestes that come ayen alway at . vi . of the clocke . The bere was obedyent and dyde so / & came somtime at syxe or at noone after the commaundement of his mayster in the tyme of his yonge aege . And it befell that .iiii. monkes had enuy on the sayd Florentius for that theyr mayster dide not lyke myracle & slewe the sayd bere as he kept the bestes . Whan the beere came not agayne to the hous at the houre acustomed Florentius was sory in awaytynge for hym And yode in the euentyde to the feldes and founde him deed by the shepe . Whan he was enfourmed of the case / & that he knewe how the monkes had slayne hym he bewayled the beere / & the malice of his bredren . And in his wrathe cursed the homycydes of the beere / & sayd . I hope in god that those the whiche hath slayne my beere that dyde none yll shall haue vengeaunce in this lyfe . And forthwith that sayd monkes were smyten with cruell sekenes / scꝪ morbo elephantico . & theyr membres stynkynge so deyed . Wherof Florentius was ferefull & wrothe / for he reputed hymself homycyde / for that his his orayson was exalted of god . He wepte theyr dethe al the tyme of his lyfe / to th ende that a simple man ne shold presume to curse here after . &c. This example denoteth two thynges . The fyrst that punycyon and maledycyon came vpon the four monkes for that they slewe the sayd bere by enuy . The seconde that a man sholde more soner requyre saluacyon & benedyccyon for his ennemyes than maledyccyon in as the sayd Florentius was wrothe to haue requyred maledyccyon on the monkes . &c.

Septimum preceptum :
Luxuria .
A. Examples of people that commytted lechery . And first of a woman dampned that knewe lecherously one of her kynnesmen & dyde many other synnes / of whom yssued two todes and bestes in confessynge her . lxxxix .

MEn fynde by wrytinge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary and sayeth the two freres yode to preche in the countre about . Of the whiche the one was auncyent & penytencer of the pope . The other was yonge / innocent / & debonayre & came vnto the castell of a noble woman synner . She confessed her vnto the penytencer / & at euery synne that she tolde the yonge frere sawe a tode or a beest yssue of her mouthe that lept & ranne out of the chyrche . And at the laste as she wolde confesse a grete synne a dragon put out his heed / albeit he drewe it in agayne / for she had shame for to confesse it / and all the sayd todes & beestes came agayne in to her mouthe . And after that the sayd freres were gone the yonge frere recounted it vnto the penytencer . Than the sayd penytencer was wrothe & came agayne for to warne her to confesse her entyerly / and founde her deed . They put them in fastynges & oraysons . And on the thyrde day the sayd woman appered vnto them in a terryble vysyon . For she bestrode a ryght terryble dragon / & had two cruel serpentes that enbraced / gyrded / stynged / and bote with theyr tethe her brestes And had on her eyes two foule todes / & from her mouthe yssued fyre & sulphre right stynkynge . Her handes were deuoured of two dogges that bote them Her eres were replete with arowes of fyre Her hede was full of venymous lysardes that bote her sore . And whan the freres sawe this woman for drede they fell vnto the erthe . Vnto whome she sayd . Frendes of god drede you not . I am the ryght cursed woman synner that ye confessed before yesterdaye . I made a confessyon faynt & not entyer / for I hyd one synne that I had commytted with my cosyn . And the penitencer coniured her in the name of god almyghty that she sholde tell the causes of the paynes that she had . And she answered . The lysardes the whiche punysshe me in the heed is for the aournementes that I bare . The todes the whiche punysshe me in the eyen is for the lokynges vnleful . The arowes of myn eeres is for the herynge of folysshe wordes . The fyry sulphre punyssheth my mouthe for the blasphemes / detraccyons / songes / vayne wordes & kyssynges that I made . For the enbracynges & atouchynges vnlefull that I made the serpentes tourmenteth my brestes . The dogges byteth my handes for that I haue gyuen to hem that that I sholde haue gyuen vnto the poore Also for that I haue aourned them with rynges & Iewelles . And I ryde this dragon for the pryde that I had in rydynge & lyftynge me vp in clothynges & garmentes aboue other / & for the lecherous thynkynges I am brent intollerably in the membres femynyne with the thyghes knees / and legges . And soodaynly the forsayd dragon terribly tourmented her & bare her in to helle / & neuer after she appered . By this example is denoted many thynges / pryncypally how the sayd women the whiche bereth on theyr hedes vndue aournementes / & that maketh enbracementes shamefull & vnlefull / vpon theyr brestes as it is sayd in the example shal haue strayte punycyon . Also by that that she made not entyer confessyon for shame the todes & beestes the whiche were yssued retorned agayne in to her body . That is to say her synnes confessed were not pardoned & retourned in her . For saynt Bernarde sayth . qd summa dei pietas Dracon non dimidiabit / aut nichil / aut totum te penitente dabit . And vnto purpose that she had todes & bestes that tourmented her / & the fyre that broyled her . It is wryten Ysaie vltimo . & marci . ix . Vermis eorum non moritur & ignis non extinguitur . Et legitur iudith .xvi. Dabit enim eis deus ignem & vermes in carnes vt vrantur & sentiant vsque in sempiternum . This worde vermes / sygnyfyeth two thynges . The fyrst ben the wormes todes & bestes of the erthe as sayth catholycon . The seconde is the remors of the conscyence / for the dampned shal euermore haue remembraunce & remors of theyr synnes that they ben tourmented .

Another example of a curyall the which knewe lecherously a doughter that he had holden vpon the ●onte . lxxxx .

IT is wryten in the .iiii. boke of the dyalogue of saynt Gregory that there was a curyall in the prouynce of valere that made him selfe dronken the saterday of Eester after the faste / & had holden vpon the fonte a doughter the whiche he demaunded to dwel with him And he knewe her & loste her that nyght the whiche is a thinge horryble to tell . Whan the mornynge came that he sholde aryse he thought that he was moche culpable / & that nedes he must go to wasshe & bathe hym in lykewyse as he wysshe him in the bayne he wasshed the soylenes of the gylte of his synne . Than he yode to wasshe hym & dredde too entre in to the chyrche / but he dredde the shame of the worlde / & the language yf at suche solempnyte he yode not in to the chyrche . And yf he thider yode he dred the Iugement of god . Than he dredde the shame of the worlde / but in dredynge helde him in th ende suspect in regardynge vnto euery of his moeuynges at what houre he sholde be gyuen vnto the deuyll for to tourment him before all the people . And albeit that he dred hugely / he ne hadde none yll on the sayd day And yede forth Ioyous of the chyrche . And the monday he entred in to the chyrche surely without ony grefe or harme . And it was so that by syxe dayes / he hadde neuer none euyll . And he yode in too the chyrche Ioyfull & assured in wenynge the god ne had sene his synne / or yf he had seen it that he had pardoned hym mercyfully . And the seuenth day he deyed in the chyrche of sodayn dethe ho●●ib●y . And whan he was buryed flambe of fyre yssued out of his sepulcre / & was so longe space in the syght of all people . And there was in suche maner that he brenned his body & bones / his sepulcre & all the erthe that had ben throwen & put out . &c. By this man that was punysshed is to vnderstande that so shall be the lechours impenytentes . Also by that that he confessed hym not / & that he dyde no penaunce / his case ne sholde be good to bere . For it is wryten luce. .xiii. Nisi penitentiam habueritis omnes simul peribitis . Also he ne myght be puryfyed & made clene of his synne but onely by true confessyon as sayth saynt Ambrose Nullus pcton iustificari poterit / nisi prius confessus fuerit . And therfore he was abused to wene to take the culpe of synne away as in baynynge hym or wasshinge . Also for that / the god punysshed hym not forthwith that he had done the synne / is to vnderstande that god the whiche is mercyful punyssheth not incontynent that we fayle for to tary vs / that we sholde doo penaunce . &c.

C. Another example of a woman damned for atyrynge and aournynge of her heed / & for to shewe her brestes / and for dauncynge / lepynge / & shamefull enbracementes . lxxxx .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his sermons this the whiche foloweth the whiche is also wryten in other bokes and sayth that there was a preste that put hymselfe ofttymes in afflyccyons & oraysons / & songe masse for his moder deed . And one tyme as he songe masse for her & desyred too knowe somwhat of her estate he sawe her fast by the auter in a basket of fyre holden with two deuylles & bounde . Her heed was replete with serpentes small as heeres / & had a tode on her breste that colled her about the necke with her forefete & vometed flambes of fire in to her face . And had her handes & fete bounde with chaynes of fyre . The sayd preste meruayled / and asked her of her estate . And she sayd that vnprouffytably he prayed for her and that she was dampned . She sayd more ouer that the paynes that she had in her heed of serpentes of fyre was for the aournementes & heeres that she had borne vpon her hede . And that she sustayned the tode on her breste for that that she had shewed her necke bare & her sayd brest . And that that the sayd tode vomyted the brennyng flambes of tyre in her face was for that she had coloured & paynted her sayd face . And for that that she had offended our lorde by enbracementes shamefull of her handes & of her fete to lepe and to daunce she had them bounde w chaynes of fyre . Than she departed & went to hell . By this example is denoted that aournementes and atyrynge full of pryde the whiche apperteyneth not vnto the estate of the persones ben to fle . And also the daunces vnshamefull / for in hell they shal be kept from lepynge / the fete & the handes shal be bounde of the Iustyce of god . Vn̄ mathei .xxii. Ligatis manibus et pedibus proucite eum in tenebras exteriores . Also by that that the sayd woman had punycyon of the rode the whiche was on her brestes is example for al good women the whiche wyll euade punycyon / and haue saluacyon that they sholde hyde theyr sayd brestes and fayre flesshe . For it is a bayte and the lyne wherby the deuyll deceyueth and taketh the persones . Also by the beholdynge and regarde of suche thynges the persones appetyteth to do & fulfyll the synne of lechery that ledeth to dampnacyon . Vnde gregorius . Non licet intueri non licet concupisci . And sapyence sayeth . ecclesi . ix . ca. Propter speciem mulieres multi perierunt / & ex hoc concupiscentia quasi ignis exardescit . Et hieronimus dicit . quam gladius igneus est species mulieris quasi ex omni parte sui sagittas mittunt / scꝪ ad animas decipiendas .

D. Another example how .xxiii. thousande men were brent with the fyre celestyall for the synne of lechery . And Balaam gaue the counceyle . lxxxx

THe hystory of Balaam is wryten in the byble in the .xxii. & .xxiii. chapytre of the boke of nombres . In the begynnynge of his lyfe he was good & prophecyed the comynge of our redempcyon . For he sayd that a sterre sholde go out of Iacob . Orietur stella ex iacob / the whiche denoteth the blyssed vyrgyn Mary . &c. Also he had suche gyft of god that those that he blyssed were blyst / and those that he cursed were curst . And for that the Balaac made warre with the chyldren of ysrael / and that he might not surmount them he sent to seche the prophete Balaam for to curse the sayd people of ysraell . And for the grete honours and rychesses that the kynge Balaac made to offre hym / he was peruerted & ouercome so strongly that he demaunded of god by two tymes that he myght go to curse the sayd people . And god not so accorded . For his request was vniust & yll in two maners . Primo . For that he wolde curse the people the good had blyssed . Secundo . for to to haue golde / syluer / and honoures worldly . Vnde marci . xxii . dicit dns. No● ire cum eis / neque maledicas populo qr benedictus est And after that Balaam had excused him to the messagers of the kinge / he was yet so gretely desyred & ouercome for worldly honours that he lept vpon his asse for to goo & speke with the kynge . But the asse yode backewarde & wolde not go his way / & yede ouerthwarte the feldes & drewe him amonge breres & thornes . He bette hym / but for nothynge he wolde go forwarde . And by the vertue of god the asse spake & hym demaunded . Wherfore smytest thou me . He answered . Thou hast deserued it / & thou mockest with me . And Balaam aduysed the aungell the helde a swerde all naked . Than Balaam worshypped hym vpon the erthe hastely . And the aungell hym demaunded wherfore he hadde beten thyrdely his asse . I am come for to persecute the. And yf thyn asse had not gone backe agaynst thy wyl I had slayne the / & he had lyued . And Balaam sayd . I haue synned . I knewe not that thou was agaynst me . And yf it dysplease the that I thyder go I shall retorne . And the aungell sayd vnto hym . Go with these messagers / and kepe the that thou speke nothynge but that that I shall commaundethe . Than Balaam yode . And whan he was in the cyte the kynge sent vnto him gyftes & prynces / & was receyued in grete honoure . For to be shorte Balaam made to edyfy by thre tymes auters / & in thre places for to do sacryfyce to god of lambes & bulles to knowe yf god sholde consent more soner in one place than in another for to curse the people of Israell . But god that is not varyable consented nomore in one place than in another Afterwarde for to obey to the kinge Balaam counceyled him how he sholde make to commyt fornycacyon in the men of armes of ysraell : wherby god sholde be wrothe with them : & ryght cruelly punysshe them . And the maner of the counceyle was that they prepayre all the fayre maydens of the cyte assyeged of the ysraelytes / & that those fayre women sholde holde them at theyr dores / & theyr ydols by them . And that whan the cyte were take the men of armes wolde go to the fayre women . And so god wrothed ayenst them . The yll councell of the sayd Balaam was done & the synne accomplysshed . And god the creatour wrothed hym agaynst the sayd chyldren of ysrael in suche maner that fyre celestyall descended vpon them the whiche brenned .xxiii. M. In lykewyse as expoundeth Haymo vpon the wordes of saynt Poule the whiche ben wryten .i. ad corin . x. Neque fornicemur sicut quidam eorum fornicati sunt et ceciderunt vno die viginti tria milia . And yet of the aboue sayd chyldren there was yet a thousande of the prynces the whiche were hanged by the commaundement of god & of Moyses as it is wryten numeri .xxv. And the Ire of god was appeased by that the one of the chyldren of Ysraell named Fynees rose vp and slewe in the zele of god & of Iustyce a man and a woman in commyttynge fornycicaon . &c. All this sayd punycyon and this synne was by the counceyle of the cursed prophete Balaam the whiche requyred of god that he myght deye as the Iuste men . Vnde numeri .xxiii. Moriatur anima mea morte iustorum / et fiant nouissima mea horum similia . He wolde deye well / but he wolde not lyue well . And therfore his request was not Iuste for to haue well without deseruynge it ..

Stuprum .
A. Examples of deflouringe of vyrgyns And fyrst . Example how a vyrgyn was corrupt of a yonge man / & by malyce imposed the synne vpon saynt Machaire that was pacyent . lxxxxi .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders how the deuyll tempted a vyrgin the whiche was defloured . And whan she was grete her frendes asked her of whome she had con●eyued . And she answered . This solytarye hath slept with me . And her frendes & men of the strete toke Machayre / & hanged pottes & kettilles about his necke / & ledde him betynge through the stretes . And so moche they Iniuryed hym / bette & oppressed that he was in lykewyse as halfe deed / & he bare all pacyently . And a seculer man that had mynystred vnto hym his necessytees was also rebuked in saynge vnto hym . Thou sayd that he was an holy man / & he hathe defloured our doughter . For to be shorte they wolde not leue to bete the sayd Machayre tyll that the sayd man had pledged that he sholde nourysshe the doughter . And after that he was pledged Machayre sayd vnto hymselfe . I fynde a woman it behoueth me to nourysshe her . And he put hymselve to werke nyght and day & made baskettes . And the pryce that they were solde for he made to be born vnto the sayd woman / & he bare all pacyently . And whan the sayd woman sholde chylde she was sore seke / & so longly to trauayle that it was meruayle . And she was demaunded the cause wherfore she chylded not She answered . It is for that / that I falsely hath imposed the synne vnto the solytary the whiche is innocent / suche a yonge man hath commytted the dede . Whan the man pledge of Machayre herde the case he bare tydynges that the woman myght not childe for the false cryme that she had imposed & that all the people came vnto hym to crye hym mercy & to do penaunce . Whan Machayre herde these tydynges here to fle vain glory he abode not tyll the people came vnto hym for to gloryfye hym / he fledde in to another place solytarye . &c. By the sayd doughter the whiche was punysshed for that that she had imposed the sayd synne by lyenge vpon saynt Machayre is for to vnderstonde that lyers and yll sayers shall be punysshed of god . And that theyr lesynges shall be dyscouered and shewed before all . Vn̄ in euangelio . Nichil occultum est quod non manifestetur : nec absconditum quod non cōgnoscatur & in palam veniat . And by that that Machayre had pacyence whan he was beten & iniuryed denoteth that in aduersyte a man sholde be pacyent . And that / that Machayre dred vaynglory denoteth that we sholde fle it & not abyde to be honoured and praysed of the people . &c.

B. Another example of a knyght dampned & tourmented in hell that toke the maydenhede of a vyrgyn . lxxxxi .

MEn fynde by wrytinge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary and sayeth that a knyght dyspoyled & toke the maydēhede of a vyrgyn . And after that he was deed she prayed for the soule of him . The sayd knyght deed appered vnto her vysibly in voyce ryght rough & horrybly . The whiche as she demaunded the cause of his horsenes / he answered that it was for that / that he gloryfyed hymselfe in the swetenes of his voyce in syngynge the songes lecherouses & seculers . And she hym demaunded wherfore he had in suche wyse the thyghes and the legges ryght blacke / scalde / scabby & full of woundes . He answered / for that that I gloryfyed me in the beaute of my thyghes & stretched them out & hath enorned them proudely by the custome of a knyght . Now I walked amonge the thornes & am tourmented & prycked & fulfylled with woundes . And she asked him of thestate of his body / for he had an huge tode styckynge on his breste in suche maner that with his two fore fete strayned his necke & his mouthe Ioyned to his / & his wombe stretchynge vpon his wombe / & with his hynder fete helde & strayned his genytoryes & wronge hym terrybly . He sayd I suffre the kyssynge of this tode for the lecherous kyssynges that I made vpon the & on the other women . And for the embracementes this tode enbraceth me . And for the operacyons of lechery I am tourmented in my genytoryes without ceasynge . And she hym demaunded yf he sholde be delyuered fro the sayd paynes . And he answered pray ye not for me / for it shall prouffyte me nothynge / for I am dampned eternally / & for that that I haue dyspysed the medycyne of penaunce . And whan he had spoken these wordes he departed . And after this sayd vysyon the woman chose to be enclosed & there wepte her synnes .

C. Another example how Ammon the sone of Dauyd was slayne of Absolon for that / that he had defloured his syster named Thamar . lxxxxi .

WE fynde wryten in the .xii. chapitre of the seconde boke of kynges that Ammon loued dysordonately his syster Thamar . And for the commyttyng of the sayd synne a man named Ionadab his frende cou●ceyled him that he sholde fayne him to be seke in his bedde / & that he sholde demaunde that his syster Thamar sholde visyte hym / & applye hym to ete / & so it was done . Whan Thamar had applyed hym to ete he put al the other out of the chambre / & there he prayed her of dyshonoure . She answered . My broder do not this thynge / it shall be a cursed renowne in Israell / do not this foly . I ne may bere this rebuke & thou shalt be as one of the foles of Israell . Ammon wolde not beleue her / & was stronger than she and toke her by force and defyled her . And he hated her more than he had loued her before & chased her and put her out rygorously . Than she sayd . The euyll that thou doost me now is more greter than that / that thou dydest to me before . And she dispoyled her of her clothes of vgynyte / & toke other & so yode away wepynge & cryenge . And her broder Absolon vnto whome she tolde all ●he dede comforted her / & had Ammon in hate / & sayd nothynge to hym . And two yeres after Absolon made a grete dyner / vnto the whiche he badde Ammon and at the sayd dyner made hym to be slayne . And for bycause that he had defloured his sayd syster Thamar . &c. And therfore many euylles cometh by harlottryses . The sayd Ammon commytted incest to knowe his syster / and defloracyon to breke her vyrgynyte . These ben two synnes reserued to the bysshop . And the thyrde came after the was moche grete that absolon made to sle his owne broder . And the sayd Absolon was slayne & deyed myscheuously as it is wryten before in the fourthe commaundement . And it is to be noted that that the sayd lechery was commytted by the cursed counceyle of Ionadab the whiche semed too be the fraude of Ammon . &c.

D : Another example how Sychem the whiche defloured Dyne the doughter of Iacob was slayne & his fader Emor / & those of the cyte . lxxxxii

IT is wryten in the .xxxiiii. chapytre of genesis how Dyne the doughter of Iacob yode forthe of her faders hous to th ende that she wolde se the women of the regyon . And whan she was in the towne Sychem the sone of Emor prynce of that londe behelde her / and coueyted and toke her by force & slepte with her . And after he loued the vyrgyn so moche that he sayd vnto his fader . Demaunde this mayden that she may be my wyfe . Than he yede to demaunde her of Iacob as his sones came from the feldes / the whiche were angry of the defloracyon of theyr syster . And the answere vnder treason was made vnto Emor that they ne myght gyue theyr doughter vnto a man incyrcumcysed / but yf the males wolde be cyrcumcysed that they sholde gyue togyder theyr chyldren in maryage / & they sholde be one people . This thynge pleased well vnto Emor & vnto Sychem & to all the people . And they made all the males to be cyrcumcysed . And on the thyrde day after as theyr woundes were sore greuous the two sones of Iacob Symeon & Leuy entred the cyte & drewe theyr glayues & slewe Sychem & Emor & all the males of the cyte that had been cyrcumcysed . After they toke theyr sister Dyne in the hous of Emor . And the other sones of Iacob yode afterwarde in to the sayd & dyspoyled it in the vengeaunce of the sayd synne / & wasted the shepe / the asses / and the bestyall that were in the houses & feldes / & led the women & chyldren in captiuyte . Whan this was done Iacob sayd to his sones . ye haue troubled me & put me in hate with the chananyens & ēhabytauntes of this londe / we ben fewe / they shall assemble them & bete me & my hous shal be broken . They answered . Shall we leue our syster a brothell & abused . Than god spake to Iacob & sayd . Aryse thou vp & go in to Bethell & abyde there . Iacob was obedyent & yode in to Bethell & sacrifyed there to god . And the terrour of god beset about so strongly his enemyes that they durst not folowe him . By this example is seen that for to commyt the synne of lechery grete yll cometh . For a lytell to haue the company of the sayd doughter only grete murdres & debates proceded without the daunger of the losse of soules .

E. Another example of him that kyssed and enbraced the ketles of the kechyn wenynge to enbrace vyrgyns . lxxxxii .

IT is wryten in the somme of vertues & vyces how the prouost of the towne of Rome made on a tyme to take the vyrgyns for that they beleued in the crysten fayth And the sayd prouost made them to kepte in the kechyn to th ende that he myght ynough enbrace them . And as by nyght he entred with them in the sayd kechyn he was assotted in his mynde in suche wyse that he thought to enbrace them / & he enbraced the ketylles and the pottes of the kechyn & kyssed them And so moche he enbraced & kyssed them that he was fylled of lechery & was as blacke as coles . Afterwarde he yode to his seruauntes the whiche taryed hym without not knowynge that he was soyled and affoled . And whan they sawe him so blacke they wende that he had be chaunged to a deuyll . So they bette hym & after they fledde & left hym . And as he meruayled by hymselfe what it was / he yode vnto th emperour to th ende that he sholde make queremony . And they fledde al as from the face of the deuyll & bette him . And whan he had vnderstande of other what it was he went home & wasshed hym . And after made to brynge the sayd vyrgyns before hym & commaunded to dispoyle them that he might ynough beholde theyr beaute but by goddes power theyr clothes helde so fast to theyr bodyes that by no force none myght dyspoyle them . And so god kept them from defame & fro the fylthe of lechery / & the sayd prouost was shamed . And therfore they that wyll lyue chastely sholde requyre the helpe of god as the vyrgyns dyde that god kept .

Consilium malum .
F. Example how an olde bawde counceyled yll & deceyued a yonge woman . lxxxxi

THe dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuarye of a man that had to go to Rome . Whan he departed he left the gouernyng of his hous vnto his wyfe the whiche was yonge fayre & chaste . And as she gouerned her wysely a yonge man behelde her beaute / & coueyted to haue her by folysshe loue / & her desyred by hym and by other But he was dyspysed / & she set nought by all his gyftes . And on a tyme an olde baude hym demaunded the cause why he languysshed & wepte . He to her declared the cause of the sayd loue / & she hym promysed that she sholde make hym to haue her . And for too do that she made a lytell bytche that she had to ere mustarde confycte with breed for to make it wepe . And she yode vnto the hous of that sayd yonge woman / the whiche receyued her benygnety in wenynge that she was a good woman . And the yonge woman demaunded of the olde the cause wherfore the whelpe that she had brought wept so . And she toke her to wepe saynge . This lytel bytche whelpe was my doughter ryght chaste & ryght fayre that god hath chaunged in to a lytell bytche / & it deputed for to wepe so for that she had lete a yonge man deye that languysshed of her loue . And the yonge woman declared vnto the olde that suche a yonge man had requyred her in lykewyse as it is sayd . And the olde sayd / beholde how god hath done in you grete mercy / ye may knowe it by the wounde that he hath made vnto my doughter . And take hede that there ne come vnto you semblable thynge . And by the causes of that sayd olde woman the yonge wyfe consented her vnto the loue of the yonge man & commytted the synne with hym . &c. The sayd olde bawde lecherouse in thought but dyspised by her foulenesse was wors than that deuyl / so ben these other bawdes / for where the deuyll myght do nothynge by his temptacyons the sayd olde bawdes there worketh as dyde the beforesayd . And for that that they haue the maners & condycyons of the deuyl the whiche ne counceyleth but euyll they shall go with h●● in to dampnacion and perdycyon eternally . &c.

Adulterium .
A. Examples of aduouterers . And fyrst example of a woman dampned the whiche vsed her lyfe in lecheries & glotonyes and her husbande was vnto the contrary the whiche lyued sobrely . lxxxxii .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders that there was a man that besyly laboured his lande / he was attemperate / softe / of good maners / weyke / and sekely of his body holden in his bedde by langoure & lyued grete tyme / he kept tacyturnyte & scylence in suche maner that they the whiche knewe him not had wende that he had be dombe . And his wyfe was vnto the contrary / for her wordes moeued vnto all persones and vnto all purpose that a man had spoken as her body had be a tongue . Noyses sourded vp often tymes amonge many for her . And she abode in dronkenes with lecherous men / & soo moche was she gyuen vnto synne that fewe men of the strete myght escape her lechery . In her body she had neuer dolour ne sekenesse . It befell on a time that her husbande dyed / & forthwith the ayre was moeued by thre dayes so moche that it rayned on his bedde and thonders & wyndes were so stronge that he abode vnburyed those thre dayes . And the sayd woman was vnto the contrary / for after that she had lyued longe time she deyed & it was fayre weder / clere / & peasyble . And they had a fayre doughter that consydered the lyfe of her fader & that of her moder for to chuse whiche she myght take / and to beleue that that she had seen with her owne eyen / or to beleue that that she had herde tell of clerkes . Than she slepte & there came before her as a grete man of body & of loke terryble the whiche sayd vnto her . Come to se thy fader & thy moder & afterwarde chuse to lyue of whyder thou wylte . And ledde her in to a grete felde ful of many floures in paradise & of dyuers fruytes / and of dyuers trees & of beautees inenarrables the whiche a man ne may recompte . And she sawe her fader in Ioye and spake vnto hym and desyred to dwell in that place there with hym . Than he that ledde her toke her by the hande and sayd that she sholde come to se her moder / and ledde her in to hell the whiche is a place moche lowe / dymbe & derke full of brennynge fyre stynkinge as sulphre / and there knewe she her moder in the sayd lowe place / & plonged in the fyre vp to the necke the whiche cryed & wepte / strayned and grynded her teche of rage and of anguysshe / & had wormes aboute her necke the whiche bote her . And as she lyft her eyen vpwarde she knewe her sayd doughter and sayd vnto her in cryenge . Alas my doughter for myn owne operacyons I bere these tourmentes . It semed me that the lyfe of sobrenesse & chastyte was but mockery . I beleued not that the lyfe of lechery & rybaudry gaue suche tormentes . Lo for the lytell delectacyon of lechery & of glotony / & for the delytes & worldely Ioye that I had I suffre so grete cruelte of fyre & tourment . And as she required her doughter for helpe he that ledde her toke her & set her there as he had taken her / & sayd to her . Chuse now whiche lyfe thou wylte / eyther of thy fader or of thy moder . Than she toke relygyon & was saued . By this example it appereth that this woman that lyued after her body was dampned . For the lytell delectacyon that she toke she brenneth and shal brenne eternally & shall be in so grete paynes that there is no wryter that it can wryte ne clerke / ne tongue tell it . And her husbonde the whiche lyued sobrely is in Ioye eternall . &c. Tu reddes vnicuique iuxta opera sua : dicit dauid in psal.

B. Another example of the dampnacion of a burgeys aduoutrer & of another woman maryed . lxxxxii .

MEn fynde in wrytynge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye and sayeth that an holy man prayed for his wyfe departed & deed . She appered vnto hym & ledde hym in to a place obscure . In the whiche he sawe deuylles horrybles / the whiche keste in a tonne of fyre full of metall boylynge a burgeys deed beynge of her towne and the wyfe of another man / and they were brent & bayned in the sayd metall and they swȳmed within it as peasen in the pot boylynge & they cryed bothe twayne / maledyccyon / maledyccyon . And the sayd holy man was admeruayled . The sayd woman sayd with those here I had ben bayned yf the mercy of god had not called me vnto penaunce / & afterwarde sayd . These two here hath left theyr propre maryages & hath drawen them vnto synne longe time togyders . And I haue ben theyr example & meane and vnto them I haue taught the way to aske pardon of the sayd synne of aduoutrye / but they ben deed without penaunce salutary . For the confessyon that they made was without charyte & for the drede of dethe . And my confession was salutary & agreable vnto god / I made in it charyte of the loue of him . This example denoteth that punyssyon & dampnacyon foloweth to commyt lechery . And for that that the confessyon of the burgeys / & of the woman was not good it is to vnderstande that in confessyon a man sholde haue true contrycyon & repentaunce to haue offended god by synne & to be agaynst his commaundementes For those the whiche repente them for ●rede to be dampned / & alonely they loue but them selfe they ben out of the loue and charyte of god . For they ben not wrothe ne sory to haue of offended god by synne as the sayd woman the whiche made confessyon in charyte & she was saued . No good dede done is merytoryous whan charyte there fayleth . As it is wryten .i. ad . cor. xiii . ca.

Another example of an aduoutrer that the deuylles posseded at the entre of the chyrche . lxxxxii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his sermons of a man that after that he had committed aduoutry entred in to the chirche / & forthwith the deuylles posseded hym & tourmented / & so myscheuously deyed he impenytent before the people .

D. Another example of a woman aduoutres dampned that two dragons tourmented . lxxxxii .

IT is wryten in the boke of gyftes that an honest man with his wyfe gaue to gods seruyce ony chylde yf it vnto them were gyuen of god or sente . And they had a sone the whiche was good & relygyous . Than the fader and the moder dyde grete almesdedes / but the moder was deceyued & chylded .ii. chyldren of other than her husbande that she slewe secretly : & so she deyed without confessyon . And as her sone prayed for her in his masse she appered to him in grete tourment & had two foule dragons that bote her pappes . She was requyred to tell of her estate . And she sayd / I am dampned . Than as her sone was heuy she sayd . I trusted me in the almesdedes that I dyde & am deed without confessyon & charyt These two dragons that biteth me is for the two chyldren that I had in aduoutry whiche I sholde haue gyuen souke & nourysshed & I slewe them . By this example is denoted that dampnacyon cometh for commyttinge of aduoutry & bawdry . And for that the sayd woman trusted in almesdedes that she had done a man sholde vnderstande that mortall synne bryngeth to nought & maketh to forgete the good operacions done vnto saluacyon & rewarde eternall & so dampneth the persones the whiche so deyeth without correccyon penaunce & amendement . Howbeit that those the whiche hath done in theyr lyfe of good operacyons hath not so many paynes in hel as yf they had done no good dede And therfore none sholde withdrawe to doo good dedes . &c.

E. Another example of the payne of a man the whiche knewe the wyfe of his neyghboure . lxxxxii .

SOme maysters wryteth this the whiche foloweth how the discyple reciteth in the boke of his promptuarye and sayeth that a yonge man synned with the wyfe of his neyghbour / vnto whome god sent a plaghe & he deyed of sodayne dethe without confessyon & without receyuynge the sacramentes . The whiche by the suffraunce of god vnto the terrour of other aduouterers he appered vnto his rybawde after his dethe in grete tourment and payne . And the sayd woman asked hym of his estate . He answered I am dampned for the aduoutryes that I commytted with the. And he sayd after . Wylt thou se how I brenne without and within / & keste of his vrine the was as metall molten in brenninge fyre . Of this vysyon the woman had so grete fere that she went to confesse / correct / & amended her lyfe .

F. Another example how a man sawe a woman punysshed for the aduoutry that she had commytted . lxxxxii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his sermons that he hath redde that a man was rauysshed before the gates of hell the whiche sawe a woman ryght greuously tormented / and a flambe of fyre enuyroned her & beset about in all partes . And the man demaunded wherfore that woman was tormented so greuously . The answere was gyuen that she suffred suche tourmentes for the rybaudryes that she commytted with straunge men .

G. Another example of a yonge man that synned with a wedded woman . lxxxxii .

ALso the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuarye and sayth that a yonge man sinned with a woman maryed and periued hymselve . The whiche was seke / the body of Ihesu cryst was brought vnto him / but he wolde neuer receyue it tyl he had made confessyon verytable of the dede / after he amended hym and correcked his euyll lyfe .

H. Another example how two aduouteresses bette eche other in the departynge of a pyece of lynnen clothe that was gyuen to them . lxxxxii

ESope sayth in his boke that two harlottes maryed habandoned them with a man of auctoryte that gouerned hym not wysely ne holyly . After that he had synned with the sayd women / & with the one more than with the other he gaue vnto them a pyce of lynnen clothe to departe betwene them for theyr hyre . And whan they were in the strete there was noyse betwene them to departe the sayd clothe . And the one of them sayd that she sholde haue more than the other / for she had ben there longer . They reuyled eche other & called harlottes as they were . And theyr husbandes the whiche knewe nothynge of the cause of them came to defende eche of them theyr wyfe & bette eche other strongly . And as they were in suche debate there came one Quidam that departed theym / and sayd . Syrs it is no mater here but to departe from hens . It apperteyneth well that wyse men here them speke / & soo they deparded . And the sayd lynnen clothe was put in hande sequestred tyll the sayd mater be dyscussed in iugement . &c. By this example a man sholde vnderstande that the mater of them that commytteth lechery shall be dyscussed and iuged before god yf it be not effaced by penaunce . And in lykewyse as the sayd women were defamed before the worlde & openly shewed theyr synne / al the synnes of al synners openly shall be shewed in Iugement before all . And that that the sayd harlot sayd that she sholde haue more than the other for that she had been there longer denoteth that so moche more as a persone hath done of synnes & hath longest abyden in them shall haue in hell the mo tormentes / & vnto hym shall be gyuen more punycion than he that hath done but one synne anone past . Vn̄ apoc. xviii . Quantum glorificauit se pctōr in pcton suo et in delicus : tantum date illi tormentum & luctum .

I. Another example how a quene rode vpon Arystotle that was wyse and a grete clerke . lxxxxii

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary that Iames de vitre say●h that Arystotle taught kynge Alexander that he sholde refuse to accede oft tymes vnto his wife the whiche was ryght fayre that his courage ne were letted to puruey vnto the charge of the comune that he had . And Alexander vnto hym obeyed . Whan the quene knewe it she was full of sorowe & began to drawe Arystotle vnto her loue / for she passed by hym oft tymes all alone barefoted & her heeres vntressed hangynge doune to th ende that she myght drawe hym to her loue . In th ende Arystotle was tempted & began to desyre her carnally / the whiche sayd . I ne wyll do it in no maner what so euer it be yf I se not in the some tokens of loue that thou tempt me not . Than come in to my chambre rampynge with fete and with handes as an hors in berynge me & I shall knowe yf thou mockest with me And whan he consented vnto the condycion she denounced this thynge vnto Alexander / the whiche hyd him & toke Arystotle as he bare the quene . And as he wolde haue slayne hym Arystotle sayd in excusynge him . Yf it be soo happened vnto a wyse auncyent that is to me that hath be so deceyued of a woman thou mayst well se and knowe that I haue well taught the / how may it come vnto the that arte yonge . Whan the kynge herde these wordes he spared & made an ende of that / that he hadde begonne after his doctryne . etc. By this example here a man sholde vnderstande that the moost wisest ben as soone deceyued by lechery as the symple people . Also it is to be noted that the sayd Arystotle hadde offended before god and was culpable as and yf he hadde accomplysshed the sayd lechery / for he had broken the commaundement of god . Non concupisces vxorem proximi tui . &c.

K. Another example of a woman aduoutresse that bare an hote yron . lxxxxii .

IT is wryten in the somme of penaunce that a woman maryed aduoutres was susspeccioned of her husbande / the whiche yode vnto confessyon to wepe her synnes / & after her confessyon bare an yren al reed before her husbande for too shewe that she was clene & pure . And after that she had doone the sayd myracle she enpryded her & assured retourned vnto her sysie as before . And ones her sayd husbande apperceyued her with the sayd synne / & hete secretely the sayd yron & put it in the place where it was . And afterwarde sayd vnto his wyfe . Gyue me suche an yron / where is it . Than she ranne to take it with her handes & she brenned them . &c. By this example is denoted that by the vertue of confessyon her synnes were effaced & pardoned & dyde myracle / & for to retorne vnto synne she lost all and was wors than before

Peccatum in matrimonio . quere exempla .xxxvi. e. f. g. h. i.
A. Examples that in the solempnytees a man sholde abstayne from operacion of maryage . lxxxxiii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his sermons of a man that a man knewe his wyfe the vygyll of Eester . The whiche whan the preste put the body of god in his mouthe on Eester day it lept out . And as the sayd man sawe that he was confessed / he repented hym / confest / & was houseled .

B. Another example how the chyldren of a man & of his wyfe ne myght haue baptysme for the synne that they commytted n maryage . lxxxxiii

ALso men fynde by wrytynge that a man & a wyfe contempned not honestly in the operacion of maryage . And they had thre chyldren the whiche coude not haue baptysme . And for to fynde remedy & counceyle they yode vnto an holy bysshop to confesse theym . Vnto whome they sayd that theyr chyldren might neuer haue baptysme . And he axed them one after another / eche of them by theyr selfe yf they made ony dyssolucion or dyshoneste in the operacyon of maryage . And they answered the one after the other / ye / thus & thus . Than the sayd bysshop sayd vnto them that it was the cause wherfore theyr chyldren had not baptysme for doynge that synne . And therfore a man sholde contempne honestly in maryage / & to accede the one with the other / or to make lygnage / or for too yelde the debte of maryage on her party / or for to fle & auoyde synne .

C. Another example how a woman chylded .ix. chyldren at a burden . lxxxxiii .

SOme maysters wryteth this the whiche foloweth how the discyple reciteth in the boke of his promptuarye and sayeth that there was a clerke a good chylde approued of good maners the whiche conuerted all vnto the prayse of our lady . By the whiche he was bysshop of coleyne / & the sayd bysshop arose on a nyght for to giue laudes to god & our lady . And after that he had walked through his hall he behelde out at a wyndowe women that bare in a panyer .viii. chyldren borne in that nyght of a noble matrone of the cyte . The whiche for shame retayned one & gaue grete somme of money vnto the women for to go drowne . viii . The sayd bysshop toke the sayd chyldren / baptysed them & made them to be nourysshed secretely / & made them to be instructe in lettre & in songe .x. or .xii. yeres . The bysshop made his occupacyons with a burgoys that toke the chyldren & they folowed hym . In th ende the sayd bysshop reueled the dede vnto the burgoys and vnto the moder of the chyldren . And by the grace of god a cloyster was edyfyed / in the whiche the bysshop & the chyldren yelded them vnto god . &c.

Sacrilegium .
D. Examples of men of the chirche lecherous . And first example how a preste fornycatour deyed sodaynly . lxxxxiii

IT is wryten in the lyfe of saynt Loye bysshop how a preste of his bysshopryche was infamed of fornycacyon for a concubyne that he helde with him . And after that the sayd preste was often tymes warned to abstayne hym from that synne / & that be wolde not the sayd bysshop excommunycate hym & defended hym to synge masse . The preste dyspysed the sentence & prepayred hym to synge masse . And whan he was at the auter he fell towarde it & was strangled of the deuyll & deyed sodaynly before al the people . This example denoteth many thynges . The fyrst fyrst is that these lechours that wyll not correcte them & amende whan they ben warned shall be punysshed of god . The seconde is that people of the chyrche ne other sholde attende to receyue theyr creatour in synne / & without to haue wyll dysposed to abstayne them fro yll . For yll came to the preste . The thyrde is that excommunycacyon is moche to drede & for as moche as the sayd preste dredde not yll dyde come vnto hym bothe vnto body and vnto soule . &c.

E. Another example how two relygious were appostates / lecherous / & after dyd penaunce . lxxxxiii .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders that two relygyous were tempted of fornycacyon / they yode in to the worlde & toke two wyues . Afterwarde they sayd togyders . What haue we wonne where as we haue left the ordre angelycke for to come to this immundycyte & vnclennesse / & after these thinges we shall come vnto the fyre of tourmentes Than retorne we vnto our hermytage / & do we penaunce of thynges that we haue presumed . And they went in to the hermytage & prayed the faders that they wolde receyue them confessynge & penytentes of thynges that they had commytted . They were than receyued & enclosed an hole yere . And by penaunce men gaue vnto theym breed & water by measure . In beholdynge theym they were semblables of one replexym . Whan the tyme of theyr penaunce was accomplysshed they yssued . And the one was pale / lene / & sorowfull / & the other fayre & ruddy . And eche had meruayle for they had egally breed & water And they axed him that was lene & heuy what he dyde with the thoughtes whan he was enclosed . He sayd I thought that I sholde go in to paynes for the euylles that I haue commytted & my bones harded them to my flesshe for grete fere that I had . They demaunded the other what he thought whan he was enclosed . He answered I yelded thankes to god that had withdrawen from me the soylenes of the worlde & the paynes of hell / & called to the conuersacyon angelyke . And I reioyse whan I thynke on my god . And the auncyents sayd that the penaunce of bothe twayne was egal towarde god . By this example those the whiche hath commytted synne sholde retorne vnto god & doo penaunce as dyde the sayd relygyous . What shall it prouffyte vnto a persone to do synne at his pleasure / & after to be dampned . &c.

F. Another example of the punycyon & dampnacyon of a nonne that commytted lechery . lxxxxiii .

MEn fynde by wrytinge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary and sayeth that a nonne slewe her chylde in her wombe / & so deyed without confessyon Afterwarde she appered vnto her cosyn that prayed for her & helde a chylde of fyre in her armes / vnto whome she sayd . I am dampned / & this chylde of fyre that I bere I haue conceyued & slayne it . And I must bere it eternally by punycyon .

G. Another example how a pylgrym sawe a prelate cast within the depnesse of helle . lxxxxiii .

ARnoldus & the discyple recyteth in theyr bokes that there was a pylgryme that solde his robe to drinke stronge wyne . And he dranke so moche that he was dronken & lost his wyt / and that men estemed that he was deed And that houre his soule was borne in too hell in the place of tourmentes / & specyally in to a pyt brennynge & couered with a lydde of yron enbrased in fyre . And there was the prynce of derkenes / & the pylgrym sawe aprelate that was presented vnto the sayd deuyll the whiche greted hym / & hym presented to drynke of a cuppe enbrased full of soulphre in fyre molten . And whan the prelate had dronken the lydde of the pytte was taken away : & the prelate was cast within the pytte of fyre . And whan the sayd pylgrym sawe that he had grete fere . And the deuyl cryed on hygh . Brynge me hyder that pylgrym that hath solde his vestement and made himselfe dronken . And whan the sayd pylgrym herde those wordes he behelde his good aungell that had brought hym thyder / requyred his ayde / & promysed vnto god & him that he wolde neuermore be dronken so that he wolde delyuer him at that houre . And forth with his sayd soule was put in to his body . And the sayd pylgrym noted the houre & the day that it so befel & went in to his countree and founde that the sayd prelate deyed at the daye & at the houre that he was borne in to hell . For he was of his countree wherby he wyst that it was very table . And therfore the excesse of meet and drynke is to fle . &c.

H. Another example of a relygyous woman dampned the whiche in her lyfe gaue grete almesse / but she conceyued a chylde & slewe it . lxxxxiii .

MEn fynde by wrytynge this that whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary & sayth that the doughter of a kynge was soo moche deuoute / so good an almeswoman & chaste that it was meruayle . She nourysshed all the dayes of her lyfe a nombre of poore folke / of wydowes & of orphelyns . And it befel that by folysshe loke that she made vpon one of her seruauntes she coueyted to lye with hym / and conceyued a chylde . And by the counceyle of an olde woman she dystroyed and slewe it . After that she had nomore Ioye & requyred to be put in relygyon . Her fader put her / and there she was solytary without laughynge or playenge the whiche was the example vnto other in all bounte & relygyon Afterwarde she deyed without confessyng her of that synne / & within .xxx. dayes she appered vnto her abbesse to whome she sayd that she was dampned . And the abbesse sayd . Alas tell me the cause wherfore / for thou was so good that thou was our light & our example in al goodnes . Than she tolde that for the sayd synne commytted she was dampned . Moreouer she sayd that yf she had be confessed of it that she sholde haue had pardon & yf she had commytted it a . M. tymes . By this example a man sholde vnderstande that the good operacions saueth not the persones yf they deye in mortall synne without confessyon and correccyon . It is that / that the prophete Ysaie sayth . Iusticia iusti non liberabit eum in qua cumque die peccauerit . &c. Also note well that no persone ne sholde drawe backe to doo good dedes : & also he shold do as many as he may & albeit he sholde dampned for he shal haue the lesse of tourmentes in hell . &c. as it is declared before . Quere . xlii . b. Also a man sholde vnderstande by this example that by true confessyon all synnes ben pardoned . &c.

Castitas et bonitas .
A. Example how a vyrgyn sawe a preste chaste / pure / clere and fayre in synginge masse . lxxxxiiii

IT is wryten in the promptuary of the dyscyple that there was a virgyn religyous named Oda in the towne of Bendāce that sawe that as a preste of the vyllage sange masse his body & his holy vestements were decored honourably . And whan he lyft the hostye & put it on the corporas the aungels toke the sleues that they ne touched the sayd hostye . And lyfted theyr handes enclinynge theyr hedes with grete reuerence & worshypped the body of god . Whan tyme came to receyue the sacrament the vyrgyn was also rauysshed out of her thought / & sawe the body of the preste so pure & clere that she sawe the body of god as by a fyole of crystal . Whan the masse was ended & that the preste had put of his clothes the vyrgyn came agayne vnto her selfe and sawe the body of the preste lytell & lytell thycken & retorne in the first forme . And the sayd mayden had suche grace that she sawe those the whiche receyued theyr creature worthely . And she sawe on an Eester day that all onely .x. persones receyued theyr creatour worthely in a chyrche . &c. This example sholde moeue the prestes to accede in the holy sacryfyce of the masse worthely & holyly in estate of grace for to haue the grace that the sayd preste had . Also the virgyns sholde kepe holyly theyr chastite & maydenheed / & to lyue deuoutly in doynge good werkes as dyde the the sayd vyrgyn for to gete grace towarde god . &c.

B. Another example how two relygyouses were from crystmas tyll vnto the feest of saynt Iohan to speke of god / & they wened not to haue ben but the space of two houres . lxxxxiiii .

IT is wryten in the boke of the dyscyple and in many other places approued that two yonge vyrgyns relygyouses felawshypped togyders the nyght of crystmas after the masse of mydnyght entred in to an hall deserte nere vnto the cloyster & bare with them thre pylowes otherwyse called cuysshyns . And one of them demaunded of the other wherfore she bare two cuysshyns . I shall syt on the one & the other shall be betwene vs that the chylde Ihesus also may syt . For he hath sayd whan two or thre ben assembled in my name I am in the myddle of them Vn̄ math. xviii . Vbi sunt duo vel tres congregati in nomine meo : ibi sum medio illorum . The two vyrgyns sate and spake of the natyuyte of Ihesus & of good wordes / & were in the sayd place without enoyenge theym tyll vnto the day of saynt Iohan baptyst fro the nyght of crystmas . And theyr abbesse demaunded them & made to seke theym ouer all . And it befell that a vacabonde the whiche walked by the cloyster the vygyll of saynt Iohan entred in to the sayd halle & sawe the two vyrgyns speke / laughe / and enioye them & in the myddle of them there was a ryght fayre chylde . The sayd man bare the tydinges vnto the abbesse of the relygyouses that she demaunded . And she came in to the sayd hall & sawe the fayre chylde & her relygyouses the whiche enioyed them . Than she demaunded them what they dyde there . They answered that they taryed tyl masse were rongen of the day . And they wened to haue been there but a lytel whyle as two houres . The chylde departed & the abbesse ledde them with her . They were demaunded where the sayd lytell chylde became . And they answered that they had not sene hym . And the abbesse sayd . Systers haue no drede / in your company hath be the chylde Ihesus that ye haue not sene I haue sene hym . He hath holden you in suche Ioy fro crystmas tyll the vygyll of saynt Iohan baptyst that is this day without honger or thyrste . These relygyouses had grete Ioye therof / & of theyr systers that they demaunded . &c.

C. Another example how a bysshop chaste & pure sawe on Eester day some men confessed the whiche were blacke & other whyte . lxxxxiiii

IT is wryten in the promptuarye of the dyscyple & in the boke of gyftes that an holy bysshop prayed god the day of Eester to knowe the merytes & the estate of them that receyued theyr creatour . And god exalted his oraysons / & in beholdynge the people there came some blacke as pytch / some enbrased as yron al reed as blode / & the other whyte & shynynge as the sonne . And the aungell of god appered vnto hym & tolde hym that the blacke were lecherous and proude . And they the whiche were enbrased were auaryous / & the blody were dyse players & blasphemers . And sayd vnto him that all they were vnworthy / & that vnworthely they had receyued theyr creatour / & that all be it that they had had contrycyon & made confessyon / yet had they no purpose to abstayne them fro synne in tyme to come . And sayd afterwarde that all the other the whiche where whyte & clere ben those the whiche had acceded worthely with ferme purpose to abstayne them fro synne & to amende theyr lyfe . &c.

Another example . It is wryten in the lyfe of faders that two men were sklaundred to be aduoutrers & dyshonestes . And for as moche as they were of the nombre of good people the bysshop prayed god that he myght knowe yf the sklaunder were true . And as the people acceded to receyue theyr creatour after the consecracion the sayd bysshop knewe the dedes of one & of euery of them / & the soules in beholdynge theyr faces . And he sawe the faces of the synners as blacke as coles & theyr eyen replenysshed with blode He sawe the other the whiche had the vysages clere & clothed in whyte . And whan they had receyued the body of god he sawe lyght in some vysages / & in some flambe . And to th ende that he knewe of those of whom he herde the sklaunder he gaue vnto theym theyr creatour . And he sawe that the one of them had the face clere & honourable / & was clothed with whyte clothes . And the other had the face blacke & horryble . And after that they had receyued the light and the beaute of the one shone clere / and the other brent as flambe . And the bysshop prayed god that he were ensygned of these two here . And the aungell came vnto hym the whiche tolde hym that the sklaunder that he herde of the men was true but the one was yet in synne & in wyl for to synne and therfore thou hast seen hym blacke / and enbrased with flambe : The other was as thou hast herde / but for that / that thou hast seen his face shyne is for that he hath recorded his synnes that he hath done & hath renounced vnto those operacyons with waylynges and teeres in requyringe the mercy of god / and in promysynge that he sholde not retorne vnto his synnes yf they vnto him were pardoned And therfore his synnes ben effaced & put out / & is comen vnto suche grace as thou hast seen . And as the sayd bysshop meruayled him of the grace of god for that / that he had ben so moche foule & the man of tourmentes / and with that he had cored & besene hym with soo grete honoure . The aungell answered him . Well mayst thou meruayle for thou arte a man / and our lorde is natural god & mercy full . They the whiche cease of synnes & ben penytentes & truely confessed god then shall pardon & leue / not alonely the tourmentes but he them maketh dygne of honour . God hath moche loued the worlde that he hath sent his sone to suffre dethe for the redempcion of synners that wyll repent . &c. This example denoteth that all they the whiche hath ben confessed at Eester receyued not theyr creatour in estate of grace / for they haue not the condycyons that ben requysyte vnto true confessyon . That is contrycyon of herte / confessyon entyer & true / & satysfaccyon of werke by doynge penaunce / and abstynence from synne . &c.

Peccatum sodomiticum .
A. Examples of the synne of sodomye . And fyrst example of the lechery & p●nycyon of those of Sodōme and of Gommore . lxxxxv .

IT is wryten in the .xix. chapytre of Genesis that in an euenynge as Loth sate in the market of the cyte of sodome he sawe two yonge men comynge / the whiche were two aungelles . He arose & yede before them / he worshypped them & prayed them for to go lodge in his hous / & sayd to theym . Ye shall wasshe your fete & in the mornyng ye shall go your way . And for that they ne wolde go & wo●de abyde Loth them coged & they yode he wasshed theyr fete & apparayled theym well to suppe . And before that they wente to bedde the men of sodome came to demaunde of Loth the two men the whiche entred into his hous that they might knowe them lecherously & dyshonestly . The good man Loth wolde not delyuer them / and was angry bycause they wolde commytte soo grete synne / & sayd vnto them . I pray you my bredren that ye do not this sinne here . I had leuer take you my two doughters vyrgyns than ye sholde commytte this euyll synne with these two men the whiche ben entred vnder the shadowe of myn assuraunce . And the sayd sodomytes wolde not leue / but sayd to him Shalt thou be our Iuge / we shall torment the more sooner than the men . Than they made grete force vnto Loth and almoost had broken his gates . And they ●ut bette so strongly that they ne myght fynde the dore . And the two aungelles sayd to Loth. Hast thou here none of thy sones in lawe / ne sones / ne doughters / take with the al thy frendes from this cyte . For we shall dystroye it for that that theyr clamour is before god that whiche hath sent vs for to lose them . And Loth shewed this thynge vnto his frendes the whiche nothynge beleued it . Whan the mornynge cam●●he aungell sayd vnto Loth that he sholde departe lest that he perysshed not with the synners . And for that that he deferred they toke him by the hande / & his wyfe & his two doughters & ledde them out of the cyte for that the god had spared them . And the aungels sayd vnto hym . Saue thy selfe & loke not behynde the. The wyfe of Loth had mynde vpon her goodes / & loked behynde her / & forthwith she was chaunged in to a salte stone . Whan Loth was gone forth god made to rayne fyre & sulphre from heuen vpon Sodome / go more / segor / bom / & oleale . These ben the .v cytees that he lost / & dystroyed / & the inhabitauntes the whiche were within them . &c For that Loth was mercyfull god suffred not that he perysshed with the yll . And for that the Loth loued better to gyue his doughters than the two men is for the gretenes & horrour of the synne / for it is a synne that cryeth vengeaunce vnto god . Vnd gen . xix . Clamor sodomorum clamat ad me . And by that that god them punysshed by fyre & sulphre that is stynkynge is to vnderstande the vylete of the synne wherin they lyued . The rayne that descended vpon them was not water of grace & of nuriture / but it was of fyre & sulphre Wherof sayth the psalmist . Pluet pctōres laqueos ignis sulphre . Theyr lechery was anone past / but the tourmente is eternall . Momētaneum est qd delectat : sed eternum qd cruceat . Iterum psal. Subito defecerunt & perie●ūt ꝓpter iniqitatem suam . They be al perysshed for theyr synne . &c.

B. Another example of the slaughter that was made vpon the sodomytes Beniamyn for the lechery that they commytted in the wy●e of Leuyte pylgrym . lxxxxv

IT is wryten in the .xix. chapytre of the boke of Iuges that an auncient man of the cyte of Gabaa lyft vp his eyen in an euentyde / & sawe a pilgrym with his wyfe & his asses in the place of the cyte . He axed hym & knewe that he came from Bedleem & that he ne had founde ony that wolde lodge hym . Than the auncyent desyred hym to lodge in his hous & sayd vnto hym Pax tecum sit ego p̄leo omnia q necessaria sunt / tm̄ queso me in platea maneas . That is to say . Peas be with the I shal take the all thy necessytees . I pray that alone ly that thou abyde not in the strete . He brought in the pylgryme / wasshed his fete / applyed vnto his supper / & all that that to hym was necessary . And as they toke theyr refeccion the sones of the cyte chy●dren of the deuyl came cryenge to the auncient that he sholde delyuer the man that was entred in to his hous for to knowe hym lecherously . And the auncyent yode vnto them & sayd . My bredren do not this yll here / for I haue lodged hym / cease you of this foly I haue a doughter vyrgyn & he hath a wyfe I shall brynge them vnto you to th ende that ye accomplisshe your lechery . I pray you do not this synne agaynst nature in man . But for that they ne wolde obey vnto the auncyent in noo maner . The pylgrym betoke them his wife the whiche abused & commytted so strongly theyr lechery all the nyght in the sayd woman that in the mornynge she came to deye at the dore where her husbande was . Whan he founde her deed he charged her vpon his asse & bare her in to his hous / and afterwarde brake her body in .xii. pyeces & bare them in to all the endes & partyes of Israell & tolde vnto them the case & sayd that they sholde make Iugement & sentence . Than .xl. M. men on fote of the chyldren of Israell ass●mbled them & made recenser to vnderstande of Leuyte husbonde of the deed woman as the dede was done And after that he had agayne recounted all the people of Israell of one accorde & wyll sayd that they sholde neuer entre in to theyr houses tyll the synners were punysshed : They constytued people for to brynge them vytayles And sent messagers in to the cyte of Gabaa to aske them wherfore they had commytted so grete synne / & that they sholde betake them those the whiche had commytted the synne for to take away the yll from Israell . Those of the cyte wolde not / & made theyr alyaunce for to defende them . But to be shorte grete warre was made for that synne . And they moued them in suche maner that grete murdre was made on bothe partyes . But in conclusyon all the harlottes & all those the whiche susteyned in theyr quarell were slayne & degraded . In the fyrst batayle there was .xxii. thousande men . In the seconde .xxv. M. & an hondred men . At the thyrde whan the towne of the sayd harlottes sodomytes was taken there was .xviii. M. slayne & .v. M. of them the whiche fledde . After that as they proceded ferther they slewe two thousande / and brenned al the townes / stretes / & houses of the sayd sodomytes . Also they slewe bestes & people the whiche were in them / & by the wyll of god / as it is wryten in the .xix. & .xx. chapytre of the sayd boke of Iuges . By this example men may se that grete occysyons came for the horryble & abhomynable synne that was commytted in the sayd woman . And not al onely were punysshed those the whiche had commytted the sayd synne but with that all the consenters and alyes . and al that the whiche vnto them apperteyned was wasted . And so it appereth that grete multitude of bodyes / of goodes / & of soules yode vnto perdycion for synne commytted in a woman . &c.

C. Another example of a man the vsed his wyfe sodomytly . lxxxxv

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary that a man knewe his wyfe sodomytly . And moche it displeased vnto his wyfe . An● on a tyme agaynst her wyll he commytted in her the sayd synne . And incontynent after he arose from his bedde for to go in to the chambres in the whiche his guttes fell from hym & descended by the foundement with grete tourment . Than he toke hym to crye . The people came / & of dolour that he felte shewed his synne / & that god venged hym / and he stanke & myscheuously deyed &c. as reason was to commytte so horryble synne in his owne wyfe / & to soyle the holy sacrament of maryage .

D. Another example how a sodomytike deyed impenytent & dyspeyred him / the whiche sayd that he sawe hell / the tormentes & the deuyls . lxxxxv .

ALso the discyple reciteth in his promptuary that a Sodomytyke was stryken of god / & whan he came to the dethe he was warned to repent him / to confesse & receyue the sacramentes of the chyrche . And in dyspayre he answered . Wherfore shal I call on me the ayde dyuyne I se now late the tourmentes in hell & the deuylles presents apparayled to rauysshe me . And as the people present bad hym make the sygne of the crosse the myscheuous deyed in lykewise as he had gyuen no force / and he tourned his face / closed his eyen / and with a grete and horryble clamoure he yelded his goost and deyed . &c.

E. Another example how a woman Sodomytyke was vnburyed and drawen horrybly . lxxxxv .

SOme maysters wryteth this the whiche foloweth how the discyple reciteth in the boke of his promptuarye and sayeth that a woman culpable of the synne of sodomye deyed & was buryed . And the nyght folowynge a sowe ryght blacke with seuen blacke hogges were seen openly wrote & dyggynge the erthe from her pytte & brake membre after membre of the sayd woman / and drewe the guttes alonge & brake them . Whan this was done the sayd sowe & her pygges departed theym and kest grete stynke .

F. Another example how the deuyls haue horrour of that synne . lxxxxv .

ALso it is wryten in the boke of hony bees that a woman sodomytike layde her in her bedde / and whan she synned in herself she herde the deuyll betwene her & the walle the whiche cryed fy / fy / fy . And whan she herde the deuyl in suche wyse cry she had fere / yode vnto confessyon / dyde penaunce more than she had charge . By these examples it appereth that the synne of lechery is a synne that moche dyspleaseth vnto god the whiche maketh to haue grete punycion & dampnacyon eternall . And therfore euery persone sholde withdrawe to doo the sayd thynge & obey to god for to gete paradyse & escape punycyon eternall .

Octauum preceptum .
Testimonium .
A. Examples of fals wytnesses . And fyrste example of a crysten man that forsware hym cautelously on the awter of saynt Nycholas . lxxxxvi .

IT is wryten in the legende of saynt Nycolas that a Iewe lent money vnto a crysten man . Whan the terme came that he sholde yelde the money the crysten man sayd that he had yelde it vnto him . And for that the Iewe ne might proue it he gaue it hym vpon his othe yf he wolde swere vpon the auter of saynt Nycolas . Than the crysten man put the sayd money within his staffe clouen & perced craftely . And whan he was redy to swere he toke his sayd staffe vnto the Iewe whyles that he sholde swere . And so sware surely that he had taken hym the sayd money . His malyce shall be dyscouered . For as he yode in to his hous he slepte in the way / & a carte passed ouer hym & slewe hym and brake the sayd staffe wherby the money and the malyce was knowen . The deed man was reysed by the meryte of saynt Nycholas / & the Iewe conuerted hym the whiche had his money . &c. A man sholde vnderstande here that the crysten man was periured & that his cautele excused not his synne . For god that knoweth all toke the thynge after the trouthe & not after the malyce & cautele . Legitur math. x. Nichil occultum est quod non sciatur / neque abscōditum quod non manifestetur . There is nothynge so hyd but that it shall be knowen / ne nothynge hydde but that it shal be shewed . The synnes hydeth them in tyme / & also appere in tyme . Vnde catho . Temporibus pctā latent et tꝑe parent

B. Another example how those the whiche kept the tombe of Ihesu cryst toke money for to wytnesse fals that the dyscyples had stole his body by nyght . lxxxxvi

IT is wryten mathei vltimo . that whan Ihesu cryst arose the gardyens of the tombe had suche fere that they were as deed . Pre tīore aūteiꝰ exterriti sunt custodes & fctī sunt . &c. And the maryes the whiche yode vnto the tombe there founde an aungell that had the face as lyghtnynge & his clothes whyte as snowe the whiche sayd vnto them . Drede ye not I knowe that ye seke Ihesus crucyfyed / he is not here / he is rysen / go ye and tell it vnto the dyscyples . Whan the maryes were parted some of the gardyens of the tombe yode in to the cyte of Iherusalem & denounced vnto the prynces of the prestes the thynges that whiche had ben done / & how Ihesus was rysen . And they assembled with the auncients and toke counceyle to gyue grete some of money vnto the knyghtes the whiche kept the tombe for to say & wytnes that the dyscyples of Ihesus came by night as they slept & stale from them his body . And yf the presedent here speke of it we shall persuade him of this thynge / & we shall do so moche that ye shall be sure without harme . And the knyghtes toke the money & wytnessed falsly as they had ben taught . And this thynge was dyuulgued & is yet amonge the Iewes / wherby they ben without faythe & beleue not in Ihesus . And by the sayd wytnesses the people is without beleue & descende in to hell in perdycyon . &c. And shall descende tyl vnto the tyme of Antechryst that they shall knowe that they haue ben deceyued / & than they shal repent them & be saued / in lykewyse as the scrypture sayth . In diebus illis saluabitur iuda / & israel habitabit confidenter . &c. A man may than knowe clerely that by fals wytnessynge beforesayd innumerable people is gone & gooth to perdycyon & dampnacyon . Also it happeneth somtyme that by fals wytnessynge of some a good man leseth his herytage & his good cause / wherby dampnacyon . &c foloweth / not all only to the fals wytnesses but also to those the whiche shal possede the sayd herytage vniustly that is not theyrs and knowe it well & it withhold wtout restoryng .

C. Another example of fals wytnessynge that two auncyents made agaynst Susanne & yll came to them . lxxxxvi .

IT is wryten in the .xiii. chapytre of the boke of Danyell that two auncyent prestes in the tyme coueyted to commyt lechery with the fayre Susanne & watched her & toke her on a tyme al alone in her gardyn vnder the fote of an apple tre / vnto whome they sayd . Lothe dores of the gardyn ben shytte noo persone ne may se vs / wherfore consent thou vnto vs that we may haue thy company / & yf thou wylt not we shal make fals wytnes ayenst the that a yonge man hath had thy company . Than Susanne wayled & was sory & sayd Anguysshes ben to me on all partes . Yf I do this that ye saye dethe is vnto my soule . Si enim hoc egero mors michi est . And yf I obey not vnto you I shall not escape your handes that is your fals wytnessynge & the dethe corporall . For in that tyme the women the whiche commyted lechery were stoned and slayne . And Susanne sayd . Better it is to me without operacyon to fall in your handes than to synne before god . Than she toke her to cry for helpe . And also the sayd anncyentes cryed agaynst her . And the seruauntes ranne vnto the crye . After the euery of them had tolde theyr case / for to be shorte the sayd Susanne was put in Iustyce / the whiche wept lokynge to heuen & had her herte and her trust in god / the whiche leueth not his seruauntes . Than the auncyents put theyr handes on her heed & before all the people shewed that they sawe the sayd Susanne commyt the sayd synne of lechery with a yong man that was stronger than they & fledde . The people beleued that the sayd auncyentes sayd true for they were Iuges . So they condampned the sayd Susanne vnto dethe . Than she cryed vnto god by a grete voyce & sayd . God eternall the knowest the thynges hydde & all thynges before that they ben made / thou knowest that they haue borne fals witnesse agaynst me ● I deye . And so it is that I haue nothynge done of the thynges that those here hath composed malycyously agaynst me . And god exalted her orayson . For as men ledde her vnto the dethe the holy goost spake by the mouthe of a lytell chylde named Danyell & sayd with an hye voyce . I am clene of this blode . And the people hym demaunded who it was the whiche spake . He answered & sayd to them . The foles of Israel the whiche hath Iuged & codampned Susanne vnto the dethe hath not knowen veryte . Retorne lyghtly vnto Iugement / for they haue spoken fals wytnessynge agaynst her . Than they retorned hastely / & the sayd fals wytnessers were separate and conuaynquisshed to haue made fals wytnessyngr . For the one of them sayd that he had seen them commytte the sayd synne vnder an holyn tree . And the other sayd vnder a plom̄e tree . The people blyssed god the whiche saueth those that truste in hym / & they toke the two fals auncyent prestes the whiche were Iuged vnto dethe & slayne as reason was . For saynt Ysydore sayth . Iudicium qd aliis imponis sp̄e portabis . Et pauius ad romanos .ii. In quo enim iudicas alterum teipsum condēnas : eadem enim agis q iudicas . The sayd Iuges had iuged Susanne vnto dethe for the synne of lechery . And for that it was rounde that they were culpables of the sayd ●yn̄e they also condempned theymselfe to bere & to haue suche payne . And therfore of good right they were slayne . Also our lorde sayth in the gospelles of saynt mathewe .vii. & iuce . vi . Nolite iudicare scꝪ iniuste & non iudicamini in quo enim iudicio iudicaueritis iudi bimini . Iterum in eodem loco . Nolite condemnare scꝪ iniuste : & non comdēnabimini . That is to vnderstande . Ne Iuge ye iniustly and ye shall not be Iuged . Certaynly ye shal be Iuged in the Iugement that ye haue Iuged And wyll ye not to condempne other & ye shall not be condempned . For ye shall be condampned of that condempnacyon that ye condempne other as y Iuges were . This example denoteth that the two auncyents were harlottes / fals wytnessers / fals Iuges / & homycydes . And the blyssed Susanne was chaste / clene / & good / the whiche loued better to be dyffamed & slayne than to committe lechery & to dysobey vnto god . In likewyse sholde honest women do / & they shall haue prayse & rewarde eternall in paradyse . Susanne was neuer so moche shamed as she is loued / praysed / and rewarded of the sayd dede . &c.

Periurium .
A. Examples of people periured . And fyrst example of thre persones the whiche periured them for to impose fals crymes agaynst a patryarke lxxxxvii .

IT is wryten in thy story ecclesyastycall that in Iherusalem there was a patryarke ryght Iust and good . And some of his subgectes hated hym for that he helde good iustyce . And thre persones imposed on hym fals crime that they affermed with othe . And the fyrst sayd . Yf it be not so I perysshe by fyre For they were not beleued for the excellence of the patryarkes lyfe . And the seconde sayd I be hurte & seke of a sekenes / scꝪ morbo regio . The thyrde sayd . I lose the eyes . And all hapened as they had requyred for theyr periurynge & lyenge . The fyrst fals wytnes was brent with all his hous / progeny / & meyny / and his goodes . The seconde was consumed of the sayd sekenes from hede to fete . The thyrde whan he herde what was become vnto his felawes dredde & shewed all . & wept so moche that he lost his eyen . &c. By this example is denoted that the thre men beforesayd were detractours & yll spekers to take away the good renowne of the patryarke . Also they were periured / lyers / & fals wytnesses / and therfore of good ryght god sent vnto them suche payne as they had requyred / but the punycyon infernall is yet more to drede for it is eternall . &c.

B. Another example of a man the whiche periured him / & he myght not drawe backe his hande . lxxxxvii .

MEn fynde by wrytinge this that whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary and sayeth that a man periured hym on the sepulchre of saynt Pancrace / & forthwith he ne myght drawe his hande backe . And so appered his malyce & lyenge before all / & soo was confused . And as it is sayd / he that lyfteth his hande or that toucheth the gospel or the holy thynges & periureth hym the sayd hande apperteyneth vnto the deuyll tyl that he be repented .

C. Another example of a man that wolde for were him for borowed money . lxxxxvii

IT is writen in the promptuary of the dyscyple that a cytezyn lende vnto his neyghbour a quantyte of money . And whan the terme came to pay the borower denyed the debt . And for hat he was cyted agayne in Iugement he denyed it & wolde swere . And as he bowed the kne he lost speche & myght nothyng say . After he was redressed & the speche came to him . Secondly he wolde swere in denyenge it / & as he kneled agayne he lost the speche / & so it was knowen to al that he wolde pariure him . & before god he was pariured as it is wryten in the decrete . Paratus iurare falsum iam pariurus est .xxii. q. v.

D. Another example of two men the whiche pariured them / & the one was lepre and the other seke of the fyre of saynt Anthony . lxxxxvii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his sermons this the whiche foloweth the whiche is also wryten in other bokes & sayth that an vsurer repented in his dethe & prayed his frendes to restore the money that he had taken of them . And the fyrst promysed & sayd Elles be I stryken with the fyre of saynt Anthony . The seconde promysed & prayed / elles be I a lepre . They were neclygent to restore after his dethe / & wolde wynne some thynge or they restored & forthwith they were seke as they had prayed . This example denoteth that a man sholde holde promesse & restore to other / or punycyon shall folowe . And it is to note that semblably as the prayers of the good ben exalted to theyr honoure & prayse of god : so whan yl men defayle of theyr promesse on payne of punycyon god exalteth theyr requestes to theyr confusyon .

E. Another example of a kynge & many of his people that pariured them & deyed sodaynly . lxxxxvii .

SOme maysters wryteth this the whiche foloweth how the discyple reciteth in the boke of his promptuarye and sayeth that a kinge of Fraunce named Troatarius was acursed for a synne / & he yode to the pope with many lordes and excused hym with othe that he was not culpable . And the pope assoyled theym all and them admynystred by condycyon that yf they had sworne fals & vnworthely accede vnto the eucaristie that they sholde deye within the yere . And vnto them there came of vengeaunce dyuyne . For the sayd kynge & the nobles & the parte takers in retournynge from the court of the pope deyed of sodayne dethe wretchedly .

F. Another example of Maryners the whiche forsware them for drede to gyue almesse to a poore man . lxxxxvii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary that a poore man demaunded almes of maryners . And that mayster of them made an othe that they had not in theyr shyp but stones / & that he shold cease to demaunde of them . Than the poore man sayd . And syth that ye swere all etynge thynges be stones . And euen forthwith all that was to be eaten in the sayd shyppe was chaunged in colour & forme of stones / these thynges abydynge as they were before . The sayd maryner was a lyer / periured / & euyll spekynge wout mercy / & therfore the prayer of the pore man was herde so that that the whiche was to be eaten became stones . &c.

G. Another example of hym that constrayned a man to swere & knewe wel that he sholde forswere hym . lxxxxvii .

IT is wryten in the sermons of the dysciple that a man made to cyte in Iugement another for money lende the whiche he denyed . And the lender hym constrayned & made hym to swere / howbeit that he was certay-y t he sholde forswere him . And in the nyght folowynge the sayd lender was rauisshed by vysyon in the Iugement of god / & there sawe Ihesu cryst that sate in his syege of mageste that whiche hym demaunded the reason of the soule of hym that he had made to forswere of his propre soule . The whiche were bothe twayne to condempne to perdycyon . And the Iuge him demaunded wherfore he had receyued the othe syth that he knewe wel that he sholde be forsworne . And he sayd / for he denyed me my thynge . And the Iuge sayd Had it not ben better vnto the to haue lost that thynge than thy soule & his . Than the Iuge made to bete hym . And he awoke & recounted & shewed his woundes & brusynges in his body the whiche ne myght heele tyll that he was repentaunt of the dede with confession & penaunce . This example denoteth that a man sholde loue the saluacion of his neyghbour as of hymselve . Diliges ꝓximum tuum sicut teipsum . And that a man sholde sooner lete to lese ony thynge temporall than to constrayne ony to swere / whan he is certayne that he sholde forswere hym & shall be dampned . &c.

H. Another example of a chorle the whiche gaue vnto the deuyll that that he had to eate as two clerkes hym demaunded the almes . lxxxxvii .

MEn fynde in wrytynge this that whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye and sayeth that an hermyte dwelled at the fote of a mountayne . And before his wyndowe in a corner the deuyls helde theyr syege & chaptre & deuysed of theyr werkes / & of the ruynes of persones . And the mayster deuyll asked of a deuyl yf he had brought ony thynge to ere . And he answered / ye / that is of wheet / of breed / of butter / & of meele / & that a chorle had gyuen him . And that he it brought vnto wytnes ayenst his corswerȳge . For as two poore clerkes demaunded hym asmesse / he sware by the holy charite of god that he had nothynge to ete that he might gyue . And as they agayne demaunded he sayd . I gyue al to the deuyl that I haue to ete . And I haue brought that he hath giuen me in the reprefe of his periurynge . Whan the deuylles were gone the hermyte made to cast the sayd meet in a dyche that no persone sholde taste it . This example denoteth that the sayd churle was without mercy / he was pariured & a lyer / & that the deuyl forgeteth not the thynges yll done & spoken . Also it is daunger to gyue ony thynge to the deuyll / the gyft is soone preferred / but it is not soone forgoten & effaced .

Mendacium .
A. Examples of lyenge . It is to be noted that all fals wytnesses & pariurers be lyers How saynt Iherome made a lye before god the whiche commaunded that he were beten / & after the sayd Iherome dyde penaunce . lxxxxviii .

IT is wryten in the legende of saynt Iherome that the begynnynge wherby the sayd Iherome studyed holy scryptures & toke strayte & parfyte lyfe was that in his yonge aege he was seke of a feuer & came to the dethe / his soule was rauysshed in Iugement before the chayre of the Iuge . And in that place there he had so moche lyght & clerete of them the whiche were present that he was cast vnto the erthe & durst not loke vpwarde in heyght . And he was asked of what condycyon he was . He answered I am crystyen . And he the whiche preceded sayd to hym . Thou lyest / thou arte cyceronyen & not cristyen . He helde his peas . And the sayd Iuge commaunded that he were beten . And as they bet him he cryed . Miserere mei dne miserere mei . That is to say . Lorde haue mercy on me . And those that whiche sate with the sayd Iuge yode on knees before hym & prayde him that he wolde pardon his youthe / & that he wolde gyue him place of penaunce vnto his herrour . In that tyme he studyed the boke of Tulye & of Platon / the bokes seculers & fables him pleased . And he wolde not studye the bokes of prophetes And he began to swere & to say to our lorde Syr yf euer I rede seculer bokes I shal renye the. And was lefte in his worde by his othe & he reuyued sodaynly . And he founde the traces of his betinges that he had betwene his sholdres tyght horrybly . And after he redde and estudied the bokes dyuyne / he dyde penaunce / wepte right bytterly / & made so many bokes that he is one of the foure doctours of the chyrche . This example denoteth that all lyenge or lesynges ben to flee . for god it seeth & knoweth . Also it denoteth that the clerkes sholde studye scyence dyuyne and not worldly scyence deceptyble and those of fables . &c. For suche scyence is foly anenst god this sayth scrypture . Vnde sapientia huius mundi stulticia est apud deum . Also the amyte of this worlde is the enmye of god and those the whiche it studyeth . Vn̄ iacob .iiii. ca. Amicitia huius mundi mimica est deo . Et quicumque voluerit amicus esse huius seculuminicus dei constituitur . And for that saynt Iherome was culpable he was reproued of lyenge and beten .

Detractio .
B. Examples of detraccyon . And tyrue example of some relygyous the whiche made detraccion of theyr broder the whiche deyed . lxxxxviii .

SOme maysters wryteth this the whiche foloweth how the discyple reciteth in the boke of his promptuarye and sayeth that one of the relygyous of the monastery of saynt Gregory deyed by the sekenes of brennynge ague / & as he was in the last pange to yelde vp his spyryte some monkes the whiche were there presentes left to saye the psalmody for to speke & make detraccyon of hym . After he reuyued & sayd to the monkes . Bredren god pardon you of that that ye haue made of me detraccyon . Ye haue engendred me lettynge / not a lytell but moche grete . For I haue ben accused as wel of you as of the deuyll all in one tyme that I newyst vnto what sklaunder first to answere Yf ye see ony in tyme to come that deyeth make no detraccyon of hym / but haue ye hym in compassyon / for he gooth in Iugement where he shall haue moche to answere of his accusatours . &c.

C. Another example of a detractour damned for his detraccyons . lxxxxviii .

MEn fynde by wrytinge this that whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary and sayeth that there was two clerkes felawes / wherof the one was detractour & a lyer so yll that he ne spake wel of no persone . As he came vnto the dethe he was warned of his sayd felawe to confesse hym & amende . The whiche dyde not & contempned his sayd admonycyon . And whan he approched the dethe he promysed his felawe yf that it pleased god to appere to him within .xx. dayes / & so he departed & dyed . And soone after on a day by the suffraunce of god to gyue example to other he appered to his felawe blacke all enbrased with fyre within & without . And whan his felawe sawe hym he defayled for feere that he had / vnto whome he sayd . I am the cursed thy felawe for whome thou prayest vaynely / for I am dampned perpetually . And he axed how it was with him at the dethe . He answered . As I was in the last pange I was brought before the Iuge / & as I helde my peas for drede I sawe many soules clerer than the sonne the whiche stretched theyr handes out agaynst me vnto the Iuge & cryed Lorde venge our blode on this lyer detractour the whiche hath vs dyffamed by lesynges before the men . At this voyce the Iuge behelde me with vysage wrothe / & in beholdynge hym I was all ferefull & confused of the ylles that men spake ayenst me in seynge that I was culpable I forgate my selfe & dyspayred me of the mercy of god & was Iuged and am dampned eternally . By this example a man sholde vnderstande that detraccyon is a grete synne / for the good persones detracted demaunded vengeaunce and punycyon & it was doone . With grete payne is that synne pardoned / for it behoueth to restore the good renowne as after shall be declared . Et ideo hieronimus . Non facilis venia praua dixisse deiectis hōmibus To moche speche noyeth . For there ensueth punycyon & dampnacyon .

D. Another example of a detractoure that had his tongue amonge todes . lxxxxviii .

MEn fynde by wrytynge this that whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary & sayth that there was a man a ryght grete detractour of relygyous / clerkes / & of other good men he departed and deyed . And after in grete tyme as a man digged in his sepulchre men founde all his body in erthe & dust / but his venimous tongue was hole amonge todes the whiche remoeued it & wolde gnawe it but they ne myght / in shewynge that the tongue was not worthy to retorne in to erthe for that that it had hurt many a man / and that the cursed man that owed the sayd tongue was tourmented in soule and after the Iugement shall be in body & in soule eternally without to be consumed . Vn̄ apoc̄ . ix . Desiderabunt mori et mors fugiet ab eis .

E. Another example of a detractour that bote & wasted his tonge . lxxxxviii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary that a preste was so abandoned in vyce of the tonge that almoost he made detraccyon of all and infamed greuously other men . Whan it came before his dethe he was furyous / & in his furour bote hymselfe / brake & wasted his cursed tongue venymous in shewynge before all that his tongue had spoken cursed wordes dygne of punycyon & payne .

F. Another example of a fader that slept as he herde detraccyon . lxxxxviii .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders of a good auncyent fader named machetem the whiche was moche solytary / vnto whome god gaue suche grace that as often tymes as he was in conuent with the other bredren for to here the seruyce & collacyon espyrytuall he neuer slepte & yf he had ben there the longe day & the nyght . But as sone as ony spake worde of detraccion / or ydle worde he was forthwith aslepe . Vnto th example of this good fader a man sholde kepe him from slepynge in the seruyce & predycacyons / and frome herynge of euyll wordes .

G. Another example that as a knyght made detraccyon of a deed man he appered vnto hym . lxxxxviii .

IT is wryten in the legende of the deed be dyes that as a knight was layde in his bedde by his wyfe he made detraccyon of another knyght deed . The whiche appered to hym sodaynly & sayd . Frende pardon me & cease too make detraccyon for I am in grete paynes in purgatory . And he hym demaunded / may a man helpe ye. He answered / ye . And he demaunded him / wylt thou that suche a preste or suche pray for the. Than he shoke the heed in token that it pleased hym not / for that that he was in mortall synne . Afterwarde he demaunded yf he wolde that suche an hermyte prayed for hym . He answered I wolde well / yf he prayed for me lyghtly I sholde be delyuered . These examples denoteth that a man sholde cease him of detraccyon / for it is a vyce that dyspleaseth vnto god & vnto the sayntes of paradise . And in that that the deed body desyred the prayer of the her myte & not of the other is to vnderstande that the prayer of good folke is exalted & not they of synners . But the holy sacrament of the masse enpayreth not for an yll preste .

Loqui .
A. Examples of some the whiche hath vttred cursed wordes . And fyrst example of a man letygyous ful of stryfe & dyscorde the whiche sayd at his deth that all those that he had troubled them opposed ayenst hym & enforced to sle hym . lxxxxix .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his boke that Guilliam sayth that there was a man so letygyous full of stryfe & furyous that from his yonge aege he ne myght lyue in rest with his owne kynnesmen but dyscorded with all them in his hous & without the whiche was greuously seke & in the dethe bedde he toke the sacramentes of the chyrche vnworthely . And hastely amonge the people the whiche were present he cryed horrybly . Aryse ye al & take armoures & kepe me for all theym the whiche I haue troubled oppose them agaynst me & enforce them to sle me . And without taryenge his eyen tourned terrybly / & in cryenge myscheuously he deyed . This example denoteth that the iust men and sayntes of paradyse aryse in Iugement agaynst the sinners the whiche them hath troubled & that hath brought forth cursed wordes ayenst god & taken away theyr goodes . Wherof it is wryten sapientie .v. Stabunt iusti cum magna x aduersus eos qui se angustiauerunt / et qui abs●uler̄t labores eorum . And by this a man shold kepe hym from spekynge yll of another & to do hym yll . For none yll shal byde without punysshement .

B. Of a woman ful of wrathe that myssayed her mayden . lxxxxix .

IT is wryten in the promptuarye of the dyscyple & in other bokes that there was a lady that oft tymes herde the predycacyons / but she was so impacient that whan she came fro the chyrche she stryued with her mayden that was good & deuoute . This sayd lady wrothed her for nothynge & without cause / and myssayed her sayd mayden . The whiche mayden on a tyme requyred her lady that she myght go to here the predycacyon that a relygyous well renowmed sholde make . And she answered by courage wrothe and harty . Abyde at home and kepe the hous . ●he was obedient and taryed . And as she ●as in the kechyn with grete affeccyon to her● the worde of god she made a request vnto our lorde in saynge . My lorde Ihesu cryst teche me to doo thy wyll . And forthwith Ihesu cryst appered vnto her in sayenge . What coueytest thou . And she answered to here the worde of god . And Ihesus began to preche vnto her and sayd . Kepe thre thynges that I shall tell the and thou shalte be saued . Holde thy peas in maledyccyons / be thou pacyent in trybulacyons and aduersytees / ne yelde thou euyl for euyll / but do good vnto those that shall do the euyll . She answered I shall do it with a good wyll / and incontynent Ihesus departed . And whan her maystresse came agayne from the chyrche she missayed her . And the sayd mayden helde her peas and gaue her no worde to answere . And the maystresse was moeued with Ire and bette her . And the mayden sayd to her selfe / in trybulacyons thou sholdest be pacyent . The lady sayd . What is that / that thou spekest . She answered . I haue kepte better the sermon that the man made me this day than ye ne do many where ye haue ben this yere / for ye be not amended . Than the sayd mayden shewed vnto her maystresse how Ihesu cryst had preched vnto her and that she wolde kepe his worde all his lyfe . Whan the lady had herde the sayd wordes she thought vnto her selfe of the case & was afterwarde pacyent . &c. By this example is moche to be noted in regarde to doo thre thinges the whiche god tolde vnto the mayden . And it behoueth to vnderstande that she was so good that she vnto hym suffysed to do the sayd thynges / for god seeth and knoweth all . Also it is a grete thynge of pacyence / and to here the worde of god / And to se good example by the good lyfe of the mayden the maystresse correcked her selfe and became humble and pacyent towarde echone .

Another example the dyscyple recyteth in his sermons that there was a vyrgyn soo moche chaste deuoute / a gyuer of almesse / and charytable that meruaylous it was to wete / but impacyente she was in thynges that came vnto her . And the aungell appered vnto her and sayd . Thou labourest moche lawfully and doest of good werkes and operacyons for to possede the Ioyes eternelles / but thou ne mayst be saued for thyn impacyence and thou labourest for nought . And she requyred the said aungell that he wolde praye for her that god wolde gyue vnto her pacience / and he prayed for her Afterwarde she corrected herselfe / and was so pacyent that all men meruaylled and wele she fyned her dayes . &c.

C. Another example of him the whiche sayd vnto his seruaunt pull of my hose deuyll / and forthwith the deuyll vnhosed him in his house . lxxxxix

IT is wryten in the dialogue of saynt Gregorye that a man named steuen wery of walkynge came in to his house / & in his we called his seruaunt and sayd vnto hym come deuyll and vnhose me . And forthwithin haste at that voyce the poyntes began to vnknytte and vndo to th ende that appertly he appered as the deuyll the whiche was called was redy to drawe of his hoses & that he obeyed hym . And in contynent that the sayd Steuen sawe that he had hugely fere and toke hym to crye & to saye . Departe thou acursed fro me . It is not vnto that that I spake it is vnto my seruaunt . And forthwith at the sayd voyce he ceased . And therfore a man shold not call the deuyll in Ire / for he is not ferre of he is by the for to tempte the / for to deceyue the / for to counsayll the ylle ●●●d for to drawe the backe to do or goo● d●d●s . Also yf thou call hym by Ire ● synne and cursednes / he is redy and appar●yll●d for to serue the as he vnhosed the sayd Steuen and incontynent that he seeth that a man repenteth hym he draweth hym backe as he dyde whan Steuen had fere & sayd vnto hym that it was not he to whom he spake and that it was vnto his seruaunt . After the examples & wrytynges that men fynde it is grete daunger to speke often of the deuyll / or to call hym / or to put in him his fayth / his hope and his loue / or to gyue hymselve vnto hym / or to make alyaunce and couenaunt with hym & to byl●ue in his effectes . For in so doynge men renounce vnto god & vnto baptysme that man h●the receyued in sayenge . Abrenuntio sathane et omnibus pompis eius . Also a man is priuate from paradyse / frome the company of god & from his sayntes / and frome all thinges celestyelles and spyrytuelles / and draweth to the man with the deuyll and with the dampned of maledyccyon & perdycyon . And man byndeth hymselfe vnto payne and punycyon eternell . &c.

D. Another example of a man the whiche sayd vnto his wyfe go thou in the deuylles name . lxxxxix

IT is wryten in the dialogue cesar● that a man full of wrathe say● v●to his wyfe in his Ire / go● thou in the deuylles name . And forthwith the ●●u●l entred in to her and tormented her greuou●ly / of the whiche thynge the man was moche wrothe / and promysed that he sh●●●e neuer curse / ne his wyfe ne persone / nor other creature what so euer they were . &c

E. Another example of the woman the whiche put dyuysyon in a good maryage

THe disciple recyteth in his sermons that a man & his wife lyued togyders .xxx. yeres in peas without that that the deuyll myght put betwene them hate ne dyscorde one onely tyme . And whan the deuyll sawe that he myght nothynge doo he came vnto an olde woman vnto whom he promysed a payre of newe shoes soo that she coude fynde the meane to put dyscord betwene the sayd man and his wyfe . And she promysed to do it . Than she came vnto the man vnto whome she said that his wyfe loued more another man than hym And that she sholde slee hym yf he prouyded not wysely in his case . And the sayd man ne wolde byleue it . The olde woman yode vnto his wyfe vnto whom she said . Thy husbande loueth another woman better than the. And whan souper tyme came they behelde other with indygnacyon Than bothe tweyne put fayth vnto the wordes of the olde woman . And the other daye the sayd olde woman gaue counsayle vnto the sayd wyfe that she sholde take the grete knyfe of her husbande and that she sholde were it in holy water and after put it vnder her husbandes bedheed and that he sholde loue her as he dyde before / soo that he slepte upon it . And afterwarde the sayd olde woman yode vnto the husbande / vnto whome she said that he sholde wake by nyght and that he sholde take hede vnto his case or elles his wyfe sholde kyll hym By this token that he sholde fynde his knyfe vnder his beddes hede . And he byleued the sayd olde woman / founde his knyfe vnder his beddeshede / and stroke it in his owne wyfe . Than the deuyll put a payre of shoes at the ende of a staffe / & toke them vnto the said olde woman as he had promysed her Vnto whome he sayd . I dare not approche vnto the of drede that thou ne deceyue me as thou hast done the man & the wyfe . Suche people ben wors than the deuyll & vnto them apperteyneth more grete punycyon . For where the deuyll ne had power to put dyuysyon and to trouble the sayd maryage . The olde woman it wrought & more stronge was the homycyde of the sayd woman . And therfore a man sholde here note that the sayd olde woman & her semblables the whiche in suche wyse put diuysyon where there is good loue demaunde penaunce a man ne sholde denye it theim but a man sholde gyue vnto them playne punycyon & penaunce without ony mercy . For it is a synne the whiche is agayne the synne of the holy ghost . Inuidentia fraterne dilectionis the whiche hathe not of remyssyon as vnto the payne ne in thys world ne in the other . Also yf suche people wyll go in to paradyse before that they there entre it behoueth that they haue true contrycyon / confessyon / & ful punycyon for by satysfaccyon by penaunce in this worlde / or in purgatorye / & yf they deye without correccyon & amendement they shal haue in helle punycyon and dampnacyon eternell without ony mercy .

F. Another example of the woman the whiche had the partye vpwarde brent in the chirche after her dethe for her cursed tongue . lxxxxix

IT is wryten in the .iiii. boke of the dialogue of saynt Gregorye / how that a nonne was chaste in the lawe partyes / but she had cursed language / whan she was deed she was buryed in the cathedral chirch And in that nyght the gardyen of the chirche sawe by vysyon that she was taken vp & borne before the grete aulter & cut by the myddell & that the one partye was brente and the other was not . Whan the mornynge came he tolde the sayd thyng vnto his brederne / the whiche yode before the sayd aulter in the chirche / and founde the apparence of the brennynge in the stones as yf the sayd woman there had be brente corporelly .

G. Another example of an aduocate that whiche loste his tongue in his dethe for he had habounded in yll langages . lxxxxix .

MEn fynde by wrytynge in the boke cesarii this that whiche foloweth how the disciple recyteth in his promptuarye . And sayeth that whan an aduocate was deed / men ne founde of tongue in his mouthe . And of good ryght he loste his tongue in his dyeng . For in his lyfe he solde it many tymes in defendynge causes vniuste & in callyng them in wyttyngly by fauours and by gyftes that he toke vniustely / in lyke wyse as recompteth cesarius . By thys example it is to be noted that a sholde withdrawe hym from yll spekynge . For whan a persone haboundeth wyllyngly in his lyfe in cursed languages / in his dethe he leseth his speche / and he ne may confesse him to crye god mercye and to dispose of suche thynges as he sholde do . Also in the membre wherin a persone hathe moost offended / in the same membre shal he suffre the moost of torment . That is to vnderstond yf an aduocate be dampned for his cursed tongue / he shall fele the mo of tormentes in his said tongue than in other membres Vn̄ ber . In quo aunt membro magis creator offenditur : in eo grauius pctōr torquetur . The cursed dyues habounded in cursed langages in dyenge . And therfore signantly the gospell sayeth that he playneth hym that his tongue was brente more sooner than another membre . And also saynt 〈◊〉 maketh mencyon in the appocalypse o●● dampned tormented for cursed word●s / Et dicit illud apo. xvi Cōmanducauerūt linguas suas pre dolore : et blasphamarūt deum pre doloribus suis . &c.

H. Another example how the aungels ben present whan a man speketh of good wordes / and whan yl wordes ben spoken the deuylles ben redy . lxxxxix .

THe dyscyple recyteth in the booke of his sermons that a ryche man badde one tyme many of his parentes & neyghbours vnto dynere with hym . The whiche he put at one table / and in a seconde table he set and put many poores . and one of those poores the whiche was a holi man sawe that they sayd benedicite / and as they ete the fyrste two loues / the aungelles were amonge them the whiche enuyronned and beset aboute at the said dyner / they spake of god and of all good wordes . And afterwarde they began to speke of worldly thynges and vycyous & of detraccyons . And incontynent the sayd holy man sawe that the deuylles were present by them / and the aungelles fledde fer of & gaue place vnto the deuylles the whiche lepte and enioyed them & beset theym aboute . Than the said holy man began to wepe bytterly . And after in th ende of the dyner they toke them to speke of god and of good maners salutaryes & the sayd aungelles came agayne right ioyous & the deuylles fledde . And whan the sayd man deuoute sawe this thynge he began to laugh gretely . And after that graces were sayd th● sayd man deuoute was asked the questyon wherfore he had wepte & afterward laughed . Than he tolde them the cause in admonestyng them that in etynge & drynkynge they sholde speke of god / for god & hys aungelles there ben present . And vnto the contrary the deuylles ben present in detraccyons & cursed wordes . Vnto this purpose it is wryten math. xviii . Vbicumque fuerint duo vel tres congregati in nomine meo / ibi ego sum in medio eorum . &c. That is to say whan two or thre men ben assembled in the name of god in spekyng of hym / god is in the medyll of them . &c.

Audire .
I. Example for those the whiche here cursed wordes . And how the syster of saynt damyen was tormented for that that she hadde taken pleasure to here the songe of daunces . lxxxxix

THe dyscyple recyteth in his booke & sayeth / that the syster of saynt damyen appered vnto hym after her dethe . Vnto the whiche damyen she sayd that she was in grete paynes in purgatorye . And the sayd Damyen demaunded her the cause . She answered that it was for that / that she beynge ones in her chambre herde the songe of those the whiche daunced . And she therin toke pleasure & dylectacyon of the whiche dylectacyon she ne dydde penaunce in this worlde / & for that cause she sholde be punysshed .xv. dayes in purgatorye . By this example a man shold vnderstonde that it is grete daunger vnto the soule as to here vaynwordes or yll syth that the sayd woman had suche punycyon . Vn̄ sapiens . ec . ix . Cum saltatrice ne assiduus sis nec audias illam : ne morte pereas & efficatia eius . &c.

K. Another example how two marchauntes sayd vnto theyr curate that they coude nothynge sell without othes & lesynges .

IT is wryten in the dyalogue cesarii how two marchauntes of coloyne confessed them vnto theyr curate that almoost they ne myght sell nothynge without lyenge / swerynge & pariurye / and the preest sayd vnto them . Vse ye of my counsayll & ye shall do the better . Kepe you from swerynge & leyenge in sellynge this yere / & ye shall se how it shall be with you . They promysed hym and dyde so / And the deuyll letted so the byars that in all the yere they solde as nothynge . And afterwarde sayd to theyr curate whan they came agayne vnto him that the obedyence hadde ben vnto them ryght dōmageous / for that that they had nothynge solde . And the sayd preest them confermed in the fayth / and sayd vnto them Perseuer ye in suche maner that for none aduersyte ne pouerte ne swere ye / nor lye and god shall blysse you . And so they promysed to do it . And incontynente god appesed theyr temptacion & solde more than all the other / & in shorte tyme they were moche ryche . &c. This example denoteth that the deuylles ben wrothe whan ony withdrawe them fro synne as to swere . It is here to be vnderstonde that by that that the deuyll letteth the marchauntes to sell / yf ony be ferme in the fayth for to resyst we le / the deuyll is vaynquysshed & he departeth as he dyde whan the sayd marchauntes byleued theyr curate / and swere not : ne lye more for pouerte the whiche vnto them may come . In lyke wyse sholde these marchauntes withdrawe them from swerynge and we le shall come vnto them / bothe temporelly and spyrytuelly .

L. Another example how a bysshoppe was tormented in purgatorye for that that he had herde detraccyons of his clerke .

THe disciple recyteth in his sermons that a bisshop was borne in to purgatorye to do penaunce / & he was gretely tormented of the stynche of his clerke beynge in helle the whiche mounted tyll vnto hym for that that he herde somtyme his detraccyons / & had not hym ynoughe egrely corrected / how be it that of other thynges the said bysshop had be good . This example denoteth that punycyon foloweth vnto theym the whiche hereth with good wyll detraccyons and yll wordes . Quia agentes & consentientes pari pena punientur . &c

M. Another example that yll came vnto kynge Roboam the whiche gaue answer proude vnto the chyldren of Israhel / and byleued the folysshe counsayle of yonge men .

IT is wryten in the .xii. chapytre of the thyrde boke of kynges that after the dethe of kynge salamon the people of Israhell came vnto Roboam the sone of the sayd Salamon for to constytute hym kyng . And the sayd people made vnto him a requeste in saynge . Thy fader vs hathe gretely kept vnder & gyuen vs grete charges / now dymynysshe vs a lytell of the said charges and we shall serue the. Than the sayd Roboam sayd vnto them that on the thyrde daye he sholde gyue them answer / And fyrste he counsaylled with the a●●cyentes & wyse counsayllers of salamon / that whiche sayd vnto hym . Yf thou obeye at this daye vnto the people / & that thou accorde vnto theyr petycyon / & that thou speke swete wordes vnto them they shal serue the in all tymes . Afterwarde the sayd Roboam counsayled hym with yong men the whiche had be nourysshed with hym / the whiche counsaylled hym that he shold saye vnto the people . My lytell fynger is more grete than the backe of my fader / my fader hathe bet them with staues / & I shall put to aboue that & shall flayle you wyth scorpyons . Than whan the thyrde day came he lefte the counsayle of the auncyentes & wyse / and gaue vnto the people a proude answer of yonge men folysshe counsayllers . And for this proude answer the people of the two lygnees of Israhell was moued in ire / & made another kynge named Hierobam . And of the sayd people of Israhell ne abode with Roboam but the people of the lygnee of iuda and of beniamin & warre was betwene the sayd Roboam and Hierobam in al theyr lyues . Also it appereth as for to byleue the false counsayll of yonge men the whiche were proude / the sayd Roboam was not lorde of his people and had warre all his lyfe . &c.

N. Another example of an erle replenysshed with many synnes that the deuyll bare awaye . lxxxxix .

THe dyscyple reciteth in his promptuary that in a solempnyte as the abbot of Clugny & many other were in the palays of an erle / a man not knowen on horsbacke entred sodaynly in to the palays before them all / the whiche commaunded the sayd erle that he sholde ryse vp & folowe hym for he had to speke with hym . The erle ne wolde resyste rose hym vp & yode vnto the dore of the palays / wher at he founde an horse redy for to lepe on / then the erle lepte vpon his backe / & he that was come toke the rayne of the brydell & lyfte him vp in to the ayre before them all and bare hym awaye . And the sayd erle cryed myserably . Succurrite ciues succurrite . He byleued in the cytezyns of the towne that they sholde socoure him / but they ne myght for anone he was ronne out of theyr syght / & borne awaye of deuylles in body and soule / & was no more afterwarde sene ne founde . Yf the deuylles lyfte hym in to the ayre it was for to make hym fal alowe and for to punysshe hym in helle for his synnes .

O. Another example of a woman impacyent that the deuyll bare awaye . lxxxxix .

IT is wryten in the dialogue cesarii of a woman impacyent in her yre / as she was troubled put her fete in a bacyn & afterwarde lepte out bakwarde / & sayd I lepe in suche wyse from the puyssaunce of god in to the puyssaunce of the deuyl / & incontynent the deuyll toke her & bare her awaye thorowe the ayre in the syght of many the whiche were presente & neuer after was she sene . &c.

P. Another example of a man the whiche condampned hymselfe vnto the deuyl for his impacyence . lxxxxix .

THe dysciple reciteth in his sermons that an archedeken & his dyspencer ●●●oue as they yode vnto rome for the dyspence of the goodes of fortune . And the sayd dyspencer was impacyent and commaunded hymself vnto the deuyll / and in that iourneye as he past the water . the deuyl drowned him . And within a lytel tyme after his dethe he appered vnto a chanoyne his frende vnto whome he tolde all the case before sayd / & that he was in grete paynes and tormentes for his impacyence / & also for that that he was commaunded vnto the deuyll .

Q. Another example of a clerke impacyent that wrathed him agayne god . lxxxxix .

THe disciple reciteth in his sermons that a clerke was foure yere seke . and in his sekenes was impacyente / and sayd vnto god . Thou hast taken my body & I shall take the soule & shall gyue it vnto the deuyll . And in his impacyence sayd Deuyll take my soule . And it was done forthwith by the dyuyne Iugement of god

Nonumpreceptūm : et decimum .
cogitatio mala
A. Examples of yll thoughtes / & fyrste how a woman a greate gyuer of almesse was dampned for the delyberacyon of wyll to commyt lecherye . C.

IT is wryten in the some of penaunce that a woman deuoute & a gyuer of almesse confessed her often vnto the bysshop of the cyte / & therfore he loued her moche bycause of her holynes . It happened one daye she behelde a yonge man by concupyscence carnall & by reason dysposed & fyxed had the wyll to haue his companye without other thyng / but by many tymes that she confessed her / & also in the dethe she had it in remembraunce / she had shame to tell it & excused her vnto herselfe sayenge . Sith that I haue not done the dede that it was nothynge / and that she wolde not speke it . And so she deyed without confessyon and contrycyon . After her dethe the sayd bysshop made her honourably to be buryed in his chapell where of custome he made his prayers / for asmoch as she was of grete people . And that he loued her for the holynes of her . And in the nyght after that she was buried before matyns the said bysshop wende to make his oraysons in the said chapel . And as he approched it semed vnto hym that it was full of fyre / in lykewyse as a brennynge ouen . Albeit he put his trust in god & approched & sawe vpon the tombe of that woman a gyrdyron of fyre & a body stretched aboue it & all full of fyre & the deuylles with instrumentes of yron the whiche embraced the fyre in tornynge her from one syde to another . And whan the sayd bysshop sawe that it was the sayd woman coniured her and her demaunded wherfore she was dampned . And she answered & sayd that it was for the thought of lecherie that she had not confest her of . &c By this example a man sholde vnderstonde that god dampneth & punyssheth the persones for the yll thoughtes . And by more grete reason for the yll operacyons .

B. Another example how a woman desyred a clerke to vse of her embracements

THe dyscyple reciteth in his promptuarye & sayeth that a woman caste her eyen on a clerke vnto whome she said yf thou wylt consent to vse of myn em●racementes all my goodes shall be thyne . by many tymes he refused her / & she yode to accuse him before the Iuges of oppressyon done vnto her . Than the iuge made hym to be put in pryson / and the sayd woman was so prycked with lecherye that she mounted vpon a walle with a laddre & lete herselfe fall where the sayd yongman was & desyred hym to commytte lecherye / the whiche ne dyde it . And the iuges herde tell that the sayd woman was in the sayd pryson made the clerke to go oute & wende that he had be an enchauntour & full of malices / they made to alyght a greate fyre / wherin he was caste . And as he brende & that the sydes were than dyscouered & that men myghte se his lyghtes he cryed aue maria so hye that all herde hym . Than one of the cosynes of the woman fastened a staffe in his mouthe & sayd vnto hym . I shal take fro the thy oraysons / & him strangled in suche wyse & stopped his brethe . And the bones were buryed in the felde / the wiche dyd many myracles . And ouer his tombe a fayre chirche was made . And by this example a man maye vnderstonde that the said yong man was chaste & good the whiche loued better to be in pryson / dyffamed brente & to dye a martyr than to breke the commaundemente of god by commyttynge lecherye . / Also it is to be noted that the sayd harlot synned mortally / & brake the commaundement of god . Also she was homycyde of his dethe dygne of punycyon and dampnacyon And the yongman gate prayse / paradyse & Ioye eternell / ● so sholde we doo / & the woman deserued shame & punycyon . &c.

C. Another example how a noble woman brake this commaundement whan she desyred & requyred her porter to commytte lecherye ● albeit that she dyde nothyng / for he wolde not consent . C.

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary that a noble woman as she was a●one vpon a daye in the castell where she dwelled was sodaynly enflambed with lecherye that she ne myght bere the fyre of loue . And she dyscended downe vnto the porter of the castell and prayed him by grete instaunce that he wolde medle with her / vnto whome he answerd . Madame what is that that thou spekest / where is thy wytte / beholde god & take hede vnto thin honour / but of al these thynges she forced her nothyng . And whan she sawe herself in suche wyse repulsed of the sayd porter / by inspyracyon of god she yssued forthe of the castell & ranne vnto the water froson vnder the castell / & therin kepte her so longe that all the flambe & embracement of lecherye was quenched / and afterwarde came vnto the sayd porter & yelded hym thankes and praysynges that he had in suche wyse repulsed her and sayd vnto hym Yf thou woldest gyue me a thousande marke of golde I ne sholde suffre nowe that thynge wherof I prayed the not longe ago . & she retorned in to her place . The sayd porter is to be loued before god & the worlde / For by his resystence the lady corrected her & resysted and loued hym after more than yf he had commytted the synne . This here is example for to gaynsaye those the whiche praye to doo ylle . Also for to holde hym in coldnes for to resyst agayne the embrasyng of lecherye as dyde the sayd lady within the sayd water . &c.

D. Another example of a frere the whiche delyted him in the thought of fornycacyon without resystyng vnto it . And therfore his aungell was sorye / & the orayson of the holy fader was not exalted . C.

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders that as a frere was tempted of the spyryte of fornycacyon he yode vnto a grete auncyent fader vnto whome he sayd . Fader shewe me thy charyte & praye for me For I am tempted & solycyted of fornycacyon . And the sayd auncyent fader prayed for hym . And secondly agayne that frere came vnto the sayd auncyent & repeted the sayd wordes . And the auncyent ne dyspraysed hym but prayed god for him and sayd My lorde god reuele me of this thynge of fornicacion the whiche is in this frere / for I haue prayed vnto the / & he ne hathe of rest ne of ayde agayne the spyryte of fornicacyon . And god reueled that thynge the whiche was agayne that broder . And the auncyente sawe the broder the whiche was sette & the said spyryte by him that played with hym / & the aungell the whiche was sent vnto his ayde was there / the whiche had indygnacyon ayenst the sayd frere / for he ne enclyned hym towarde god / but more sooner delyted hym in his thoughtes / & enclyned all his thought . And by that the auncyent knewe that the cause proceded of the sayd frere that his orayson was not exalted . And he shewed it vnto hym sayeng / thou consentest the in thy thoughte . &c. Also he taught hym to resyste agaynst those thoughtes / & was delyuered thrughe the doctryne of the sayd auncyent .

E. Another example of a man the whiche ne resysted agayn his synnes & for that an of an hermyte was not herde . C.

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders that a man the whiche lefte the worlde for to serue god in hermytage was deuoute and proued a good hermite . And whan one seculer his compaygnon herde the renowme of hym yode to vysyte hym . And bare vnto him brede in a sacke . And required hym that he wolde pray for hym to absteyne hym from his synnes . The whiche hermyte hym promysed / but he prayed him that after .xv. dayes he wold retourne vnto hym . And whan he was come agayne at the sayd terme / the hermyte demaunded hym yf his synne pleased vnto hym yet as before . He answered that he was wors than before tyme . And the sayd hermyte prayed hym that he wolde yet retourne at the ende of .xv. dayes / & within the terme the sayd hermyte put hym in grete oraysons and afflyccyons more than before for the sayd man . And whan he retourned and that he tolde hym that he was yet wors the said hermyte vnderstode that for his neclygence & for that that his synne pleased vnto him without resystynge vnto the contrary that his orayson was not exalted . Than the sayd hermyte toke the sayd sacke wherin he had brought the brede / & fylled it with grauel & afterwarde prayed hym that he wolde put the sacke vpon his sholders / & that he wolde bere it . And as he wende to do it the hermyte drewe vnto the contrary . And he apperceyued that the hermyte drewe vnto the contrarye vnto hym . Than he sayd vnto hym I may not lyfte vp the burden for that that thou drawest it agayne me / And the hermyte sayd vnto hym / ryse vp nowe & I shall ayde the. And whan they lyfte bothe twayne of one accorde they lyfte it vp ryghte easely . Than the hermyte sayd . In lyke manere I ne may ayde the to take the awaye from synne . For thou resystest agayne me . Thou hast thy desyre agreable & thou resystest not agayn it . But put thy ayde to resyst agayne thy synne / & god & I shall helpe the / For yf thou helpe not thyselfe we can not ayde the nor saue the. &c. This example denoteth that the synners the whiche wyll be saued sholde do that that is in them for to take them from syn & for to resyste agayne it . For for nothyng setteth hym the good man in the arse of his carte all myree yf his beestes ne drawe him That is to saye thou shalt not be saued by another / yf thou put not payne of thyselfe

A. Another example of a monke vnto whom god sente euery daye of good brede and fayre / & after that he had of thoughtes foule and lecherous / and of elacion he loste the sayd brede . C. i.

IT is wryten in the lyfe of the faders that there was a monke aourned with so moche of contynence / good operacyons and of vertues that god wolde sende vnto hym some remuneracyon in this worlde . And whan he was in oraysons & hymnes / god made to be borne vnto hym of brede vpon his table fulfilled with meruaylous swetnes / & whytenes / of the whiche he toke his refeccyon . And after yelded graces vnto god of his bounte / and retorned in oraysons & in hymnes . This monke had many reuelacyons of god / and many admonycyons of thynges to come . And as he was in suche thynges he beganne to gloryfye hymself● of his merytes . And in contynent neclygence and slouthe entred in to his herte soo that he was slouthefull for to go in orayson as he was acustomed And his soule was wery in suche wyse as of to grete laboure / and wolde reste hym / his thoughtes rauysshed hym by dyuers thynges . And one foule and vyle thought entred in to his herte albeit after the oraysons he yode as he had be of custome and founde of brede & toke his refeccyon / but he ne cared not to amende his yll thoughtes / & apperceyued not the dommages of his mutacyon . And in that daye he was prycked gretely and embraced by thoughtes lecherous and of foule concupyscence that he rauysed hym to retourne in to the worlde . And he kepte hym that daye to retourne . And as he had be of custome made his oraysons / & afterwarde yode to take his refeccyon & founde of brede but more soylled & foule than he had had of custome / than he meruaylled hym and was sory . And he vnderstode that the lyknes of the monstre that he had thought behelde him Albeit he toke his refeccyon . Afterwarde the thyrde daye foule thoughtes prycked hym / and was in his thought in suche wyse as with a woman present & lyenge togyder . And hym thoughte that he embraced her / and that he was couched for to commyt the operacyon vnclene . Albeit he proceded the daye folowynge / and he yode in orayson / but he had the eyes wandrynge / and the thought chetyue . Whan the euentyde came he yode to take his refeccyon / founde of brede but soylled and drye . and in lyke wyse as gnawen with rattes and dogges . Than whan he sawe it he toke him to wayll and to wepe / not as he sholde do with herte for to quenche the flambe of suche lechetye / albeit he ete of the brede / but not so moche as he wolde / ne so moche as he had acustomed . And afterwarde as the thoughtes prycked hym they drewe the che●●●e vnto the worlde departed by nyghte And after that he was moche wery of walkynge / wolde reste hym / and founde ther dwellyng some freres . The whiche whan they sawe hym / ranne before hym & receyued hym in lyke wyse as an aungell / wasshed his fete / linuiterent / exorted them to go vnto orayson set the table and accomplysshed the offyces of charyte . After that he had his refeccion and that he was a lytel rested the freres demaunded hym some worde of edyfycacyon so as of a grete wyse fader & instructe and asked him how ony myght escape the bandes and temptacyons of the deuyll / or yf there came vnto them the thought of foule temptacyons / how they sholde call them agayne . Than he was compulsed to teche them of the said temptacyons and thoughtes he them instructe & taught suffycyently . And vnderstode in hymselfe the sayd temptacyons / and reknowleged his defaute & sayd . how I teche the other and am deceyued myselfe / or how shall I correcke the other and a mende not myselfe / acursed fyrst do thou that that thou techest vnto other . Whan he had reknowleged in his herte his faute sayd adieu vnto the freres and ranne hastely in to his denne from whens he was departed and sayd . Yf god ne had ayded me I had be descended in to helle . By the ayde of god and of the freres the whiche hathe made me to reknowlege I am comen agayne . And he abode in his place all hys lyf in wepynges and in wayllynges to do penaunce and loste the brede celestyall / & laboured the tyme of his life for to haue his sustentacion . This example denoteth many thinges . The fyrst that god gyueth vnto his seruauntes rewarde / grace / & glory in asmoche as he sente of brede vnto the monke . The seconde is that by synne a man leseth the sayd rewarde and the grace of god & all goodes . For he loste the brede . The thyrde is to instructe other a man saueth hymselfe as deed the sayd monke the whiche reknowleged his faute & corrected him by that that he taught the sayd freres & by penaunce he saued hymselfe . &c.

B. Another example how a frere the whiche was tempted in his thought of the esperyte of fornycacyon & god suffred that he sawe it in a foule woman . C.i.

IT is wryten in the lyfe of the faders that a holy man had nourysshed a man chylde in a forest . The whiche whan he was growen he was tormented with the spyryte of fornycacyon . And wolde go in to the worlde for cause of lechery . & whan the holy fader sawe that he was wrothe & by two yeres reteyned hym by fayre wordes in comfortynge him . In th ende he said that he was prycked that he ne myght no more bere it . And the holy man sayd vnto hym . Goo than in to the worlde and mary the thou mayst be saued . Than the yonge man waxed Ioyous / but the holy man said vnto hym I demaunde the one thynge of grace the whiche is that thou go fyrst vnto a fountayn in suche a forest / & that thou fast there forty dayes in requyrynge the ayde of god that thou mayst chese a good woman For it is a greate cure wherof speketh the wyse . eccle. xxviii . Multeris bone beatus vir . More ouer the sayd holy man bad him take of brede as moche as he wolde / than he was obedyent . And whan he hadde fasted .xx. dayes as he was in orayson he felt grete stenche . The whiche as it creased by two houres with greate payne myght he bere it . And there came vnto hym a right foule woman / blacke / vyle / lothsome / stynkynge blered / full of scabbes / from whom the sayd stynche proceded / & she came vnto the sayd yonge man / vnto whome she sayd . Where arte thou my frende / by grete tyme I haue soughte the. I loue the moche . I appetyte the aboue all men . And the sayd yongman demaunded her . What wylte thou ryght foule stynkynge intollerable / & she sayd I wolde haue the to lye with me Than the sayd yongman spytte in her face & sayd be it neuer so that I haue suche a loue so lothsome foule & stynkynge . And the sayd yongman demaunded her / what arte thou / from whens comest thou / and how do men cal the / and she answered . I am the synne of lecherye . And it is nowe two yeres that I ne cessed to seche the / & it was whan thou feltyst fyrst the temptacyons of the flesshe . And the said yongman sayd . Yf I had wyst that the synne of lecherie had be so stynkynge & so moche abhomynable I sholde not haue wylled to retorne in to the worlde . And from nowe forth I shall kepe vnto god vyrgynyte . And he retourned vnto the holy man / vnto whome he recompted the sayd vysyon . And he sayd vnto hym / yf thou haddest abyden vnto forty dayes / mo grete thynges had be reueled vnto the. And the said yongman serued vnto god in vyrginyte & dwelled in relygion . &c. Yf sortes of people lecherous sholde consider wele this example / & how lecherye is stynkynge / vyle / & abhomynable before god & the ylle the whiche therof procedeth in th ende of the dayes / they sholde correcte theym as dyde the sayd yonge man . &c.

C. Another example of a yong man the deuyl walked with bycause of his thoughtes that were yll . C.i.

MEn fynde by wrytynge here how that he dyscyple recyteth in hys sermons and sayth that one tyme a man hadde of yll thoughtes in walkynge / and forthwith the deuyll assocyate hymself with hym in semblaunce of a man and yode with hym . And as they yode togyders the sayd man dred / entred in to a chirche that they founde he repented hym and yode to confessyon / for it was lente . And whan he yode forthe of the chirche he founde the deuyl at the yate / the whiche behelde those that came forthe of whome he demaunded his compaygnon . And he sayd loo I am here the whiche came hether with the / goo we our waye . And the deuyll answered hym thou arte not my felowe that came with me The deuyll knewe hym not for that / that he hadde confessed hym and that god had pardoned hym . And by that confessyon effaceth the synnes and separeth from the deuyll . Also yll thoughtes ben to drede / for the deuyll is not ferre of . &c.

D. Another example how it behoueth to yelde accompt at the daye of Iugement of yll thoughtes . Ci.

IT is wryten in the epystyll of a bysshoppe named Cirulius how saynt Iherome areysed a deed man / the whiche tolde that whan his soule was seperate from the body it was borne before god in iugemente . Also soone as a man may shytte the eye / and that all the synnes that he had done / spoken / and thought in all his lyfe appered clerely vnto the Iuge and before all / as yf they had be present so that there abode not the moost lytell thoughte / but that it appered clerely in lyke wyse as it had be thought . &c.

Cogitatio bona .
A. Examples of thoughtes / and fyrste example that a frere wonne seuen crownes a nyght in resystyng agayne yll thoughtes and temptacyons the whiche came vnto hym . Cii

IT is wryten in the lyfe of the faders that an auncyent fader had a dyscyple proued . And this said fader had of custome in the euentyde to teche his sayd dyscyple / and after to gyue vnto hym his benedyccyon / and than suffred him to slepe and it befel one daye that some relygyous came vnto the sayd auncient / and after that he had recom●orted them and instructe they departed . After he came in the euentyde to teche his sayd dyscyple as he had accustomed to do . And for as moche as he was wery he slepte . And the sayd dyscyple susteyned & wolde not slepe ne leue his said mayster tyll that he had had his benedyccyon and leue of hym & that he was waked . And the deuyll tempted hym in hys thought by seuen tymes that he sholde departe and that he sholde go to slepe / but he resysted vertuously vnto the said thoughtes / and neuer remeued . And at mydnyght the auncyent awoke and founde his sayd discyple by hym / vnto whom he said Sone haste not thou departed tyll vnto this houre . And he answered no / for thou hast not gyuen me leue . And the auncient sayd / wherfore haste thou not waked me He answered . I had drede to dystourbe the The sayd auncyent rose hym vp / said matynes and instructe his dyscyple / & afterwarde gaue vnto hym leue for to slepe / & as the sayd auncyent satte hym alone he was as in a traunce . And he sawe an aungell the whiche shewed vnto hym a gloryous place and a syege in that place / & vppon the sayd syege seuen crownes . And the said auncyent asked hym the whiche shewed vnto hym that thynge in demaundynge vnto whom the sayd syege was and the crownes . He answered vnto thy discyple / he hathe deserued to haue the place and the syege for the good conuersacyon of him / and he hathe deserued to haue the seuen crownes in this nyght . And the sayd auncyent had meruayll / called his dyscyple and demaunded hym what he had done the said nyght . He answered that he had nothyng done . And the auncyent wende that by humylyte he ne wolde confesse vnto hym / & sayd vnto hym . I shall not be contente with the yf thou tell me not what thou hast done or thought this nyght . And the sayd dyscyple doubted and thought that he sholde answere / and for that that the auncyente hadde commaunded hym to tell . He answered I haue done none other thyng but that I haue thought seuen tymes & was moche impugned in my thoughte that I sholde go my waye and that I sholde slepe before that thou had gyue me leue / but for that that thou haddest not gyue me leue I yode not but susteyned & resysted tyl that thou were waked and that thou haddest gyuen me thy benedyccyon . Whan the said auncyent herde these wordes he vnderstode that at all the tymes that he resysted in his thought as many tymes he deserued to haue crowne of god . And therfore a man sholde resyst vnto all yll thoughtes for to haue vyctorye agayne the deuyll / and for to haue rewarde in paradyse . &c.

B. Another example how that a relygyous apostate the whiche repented hym it appereth that the wyll of a body is reputed for the dede . Cii

IT is wryten in libro cesarii that s●ynt bernarde had a monke the whiche lefte the habyte of his ordre by the admonycyon of the deuyll and toke to gouerne a parysshe . And engendred a sone and a doughter on a concubyne . Than it befel that after that he had dwelled there many yeres his abbot past by the parysshe wherin the sayd monke enhabyted / & came to lodge in his house withoute that that he knewe ony thynge and without knowynge hym Albeit the monke knewe hym wele & receyued hym also proprely as his owne fader / and vnto hym he admynystred & vnto his compaygnons & vnto theyr marys all haboundauntly in theyr necessytes . Erly in the mornynge whan saynt bernarde had sayd matyns he was prepared to goo his waye . And hadde not spoken vnto the monke for that that he was gone ryght erly vnto the chirche . He sayd vnto the preestes sone . Go and bere suche message vnto thy mayster / & that chylde was dombe from his natyuyte the whiche was obeyssaunte at his commaundemente & apperceyued in the vertue of the commaunder ranne vnto his fader and brought absolutely the wordes of saynt bernard and sayd . The fader abbot commaundeth the suche thinges and suche . Whan the fader herde the fyrst voyce of Ioye toke him to wepe and secondly and thyrdly made hym to repete the wordes . And enquyred dylygently that that the abbot had done / vnto whome he sayd / he hathe done none other thinge to me but that he sayd vnto me . Go and tell vnto thy fader these wordes . Than the preest was contryte of so greate and euydent myracle / & came hastely vnto the holy man and felle prostrate at his fete in wepynge and said vnto hym . My lorde fader I was your relygyous in suche wyse am I named and I departed at suche a tyme . Than I praye your good faderheed that I maye goo agayne with you vnto the monastery for god hathe vysyte myne herte in youre comynge vnto whome saynt bernarde answered & sayd . Abyde me here . And whan I haue done my besynesses I shall come anone this waye / & I shall lede the with me . And the sayd monke dredde the dethe / the whiche he had not dredde before / and sayd . My lorde I drede to deye in the space of this tyme . And he hym answered . / Know thou for certayne that yf thou dye in suche condycyon & purpose thou shalte be founde to be monke before god . And so he departed . Whan that abbot came he founde hym deed & newly buryed . Than he commaunded that men sholde open his sepulcre . And those the whiche present were demaunded what he wolde do . He answered I wyll se yf he lye in the sepulcre as monke / or as clerke . They answered we haue buryed hym as a clerke in habyte seculer . Than the erthe was taken awaye and the monument open wherin he had be buryed . And he appered before al in tonsure of monke . And god was magnified of them all the whiche reputed and toke the wyll for the dede . &c.

C. Another example how a thefe came vnto an hermyte in good wyll to amende hym / the whiche hermyte dysdeyned him wherfore euyll came vnto hym . C.ii.

THe dysciple reciteth in his sermons that a thefe was moche sorowful of his synnes & had good wyll to amende hym the whiche prayed an hermyte that he wolde receyue hym in to his felyshyp / for he purposed neuer to commyt tho synes and to serue god euermore . And the hermyte ne wolde receyue hym / & dyspraysed him in his herte and lete hym go without consolacion . And as the thefe wolde haue made hym an hermytage a tree that he hewed fell vpon hym and slewe hym . And in suche wyse he deyed in grete contrycyon of herte . Than the sayd hermyte sawe that aungels came and bare the thefe in to heuen / & was sory and sayd . Wherfore make I my dwellynge here in this hermytage . This man hath be a cursed thefe / and for his good wyll he is nowe mounted in to heuen . And I haue be here soo longe & I ne maye enter . And in that commocyon sayd . I go in to the worlde & I shall be a thefe / and in th ende I shall be saued / and as he excercysed hym to commyt theftes he was pursued of the people of the cite . and in fleynge he fell and slewe hymselfe and the deuilles came the whiche toke the soule and bare it in to helle . &c. This example denoteth that by the contrycyon and good wyll that the sayd thefe had he was saued . Also it is wryten ezechielis . xviii . / Inquacumque die ingemuerit peccator omni iniquitatum eius non recordabor . And the sayd hermyte was dampned by that that he chaunged his lyfe from good in to ylle Vnde ezechielis . xxxiii . Iustitia iusti non liberabit eum in quacumque die peccauerit . &c

Eucharistia .
D. Examples of the eucharistie . And fyrste example of an abbot the whiche sayd that the hostye consecrate was not the very body of our blessyd lorde Ihesu cryste / but that it was his fygure . Cii .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders that an abbot was grete in lyfe actyue / the whiche perseuered in greate labours / but he was symple in the fayth . For he erred and said that it was not naturelly the body of oure lorde Ihesu cryste the hostye consecrate in the masse that we receyue / but sayd that it was his fygure . And whan two auncyentes herde tell that he spake suche wordes consyderynge his lyfe & conuersacyon how symply and ygnorantly he spake the sayd worde / they came vnto hym & sayd . Abbot we haue herde tell that an infydele hathe sayd that the brede consecrate in the masse that we receyue is not naturelly the body of Ihesu cryste / but that it is his fygure . And he sayd it is I the said it And the sayd auncyentes gaue vnto him ensygnementes & techynges that he sayd not wele . And he sayd vnto them that yf he ne myghte knowe manyfestly the sayd thynge that he wolde nothynge byleue / & the sayd auncyentes sayd . Praye we vnto god this weke and we byleue that he wyl reuele it vnto vs . The sayd abbot was contente / & all thre yode in to theyr houses / & put them in orayson . And whan the sayd weke was accomplysshed / these abouesayd came in to the chirche on the sondaye the whiche put them in a place apperynge as in the pulpyt from the whiche they se al the secretes of the preest . And the eyes of theyr vnderstondynges were open . And whan the loues consecrates were put vpon the aulter they sawe in lyke wyse as thre chyldren lyenge on the aulter . And whan the preest put forth his hande for to breke the sayd brede consecrate the aungell of oure lorde and redemptour dyscended from heuen vpon the sayd aulter the whiche had in his hande a knyfe & cut that chylde and the blode ranne in to the chalyce . And whan the preest brake the brede consecrate in lytell partyes . In lyke wyse the aungell cut the membres of the chylde in lytell partyes And the sayd abbot approched for to receyue the holy communyon . It was gyuen vnto hym seule in forme of flesshe soylled with blode . And whan he sawe it he dredde & toke hym for to saye & to crye . I byleue my lorde that the brede the whiche is consecrate on the aulter that it is thy body . And the wyne the whiche is consecrate in clalyce / that it is thy blode . And forthwith the flesh that was in his hande was chaunged into the lykenes of brede after the mystere / and after the sayd abbot receyued his creatoure / & yelded vnto hym graces & was confermed in the lawe . By this example a man sholde vnderstonde that after that the wordes sacramentalles ben pronounced that the hostye is no more brede / & that it is the precyous body of Ihesu cryste he the whiche is borne of the vyrgyn marye / and the whiche hathe suffred dethe on the crosse for to redeme vs . Before the consecracion the hostye is brede . And after the consecracyon the sayd brede is transmuted vnto the precyous body of Ihesu cryste . And note wele here that thou ne sholdest worshyp the hostye ne ioyne the handes for to do it honour tyll that the wordes sacramentales ben pronounced / that is tyl that the preest lyfte vp the hostye . For that sholde be ydolatrye to worshyp the brede the whiche is one of the creatures of god / & to gyue vnto it the dyuyne honour the whiche apperteyneth alonely vnto god . Incontynente that the preest hathe consecrate he lyfteth vp the hostye / & than thou it sholdest worshyp & byleue stedfastly that it is the precyous body of Ihesu cryst naturelly not a lonely his fygure as byleued the abbot . It is wryten ioh. vi . Ego sum panis viuis qui de celo descendi . Si quis manducauerit ex hoc pane viuet in eternum . That is to say . I am the brede of lyfe the whiche am dyscended from heuen / who so eteth of this brede / that is to vnderstonde in the estate of grace & that he perseuer in suche wyse tyll vnto the dethe he shall lyue in perdurabylyte . And that chapytre iohannis .vi. is wryten . Caro mea vere est cibus et sanguis meus vere est potus . That is to say certaynly my flesshe is the viande and nourysshynge of the soule . And my bloode is the drynke by the whiche she is replete ▪ Also we rede . ioh ii . capit . that god chaunged the water in to wyne at a weddynge . He hathe also puyssaunce to chaunge the brede in to his body / and the wyne in to his blode after that it is his wyll . Whan the preest pronounceth the wordes that he hathe instytute the whiche ben wryten in the euangelystes . Hoc est enim corpus meum . Hic est enim calix saguīs mei . &c A man sholde not abasshe him yf the hostie chaunge his nature & that it be transmuted vnto the precyous body of Ihesu crist We rede more strongly . Moyses the whiche was man mortall chaunged many tymes his rodde in to a serpent before pharaon . And whan he wolde the serpent became a rodde . Also we rede that moyses made grete haboundaunce of water to yssue out of a roche for to gyue vnto the people of Israhell the whiche murmured . also the waters of the chyldren of Israhell were soo bytter that beestes ne people ne myght drynke it . And at the commaundement of moyse the whiche put his rodde with in the waters they became swete & chaunged theyr natures Also we rede that an axe the whiche was without hafte & fell in to depe see came agayne vnto the hafte & swamme agayne nature at the voyce & at the commaundement of the prophete helyseus the whiche helde the sayd haft of wodde . The yron of his nature is heuy . And albeit at the commaundemente of a mortall man it swamme vpwarde on the water . Sith that it is so that mortal men the whiche ben the creatures of god hathe done the sayd thynges it foloweth wele that god the whiche is the creatour of all thynges may chaunge the brede in to his precyous body . It is more grete thynge to create than to chaunge . Also notwithstondynge that there ne is but one god / so is he entyer●y in all the hostyes with out dymynucion . verbi gratia . Whan ony man speketh his voyce is harde & entreth in euery of the auditours . Also whan the preest bryngeth forthe the wordes of god it entreth & extendeth in to all the hostyes & ben consecrate / & god is entyerly in euery of them without ony dymynucyon . Also yf all the men of the worlde helde euery of them a glasse in theyr hande whan the sone shyneth euery man sholde se the sone in his glasse / & it ne is but one sonne . Also it ne is but one god the whiche is verytably in all the hostyes consecrate . Sythe that the hostye is the very body of Ihesu cryst the sone of god celestyall & borne of the vyrgyn marye a man sholde receyue hym honourably & holyly / & him behoueth to purge his conscyence of synne . Vnde paulus . Expurgate vetus fermentum vt sitis noua conspersio . That is to saye . Take awaye the olde leuayne / that is synne to th ende that ye be newely spryncled . Et legitur ad romanos .xiiii. Abiiciamus opera tenebrarum & induamur arma lucis . Put we out the operacyons of derkenesses tho ben of synnes And put we oute the armes of lyghte tho ben of vertues and charyte . &c. Men put not of wyne in a foule vessell to th ende that it be not loste / ne of roses / ne of fayre floures in the trough before the hogges to the ende that they ne be soylled ne wasted . also a man ne sholde put the precyous body of Ihesu cryste in a body fulfylled with synnes . &c. vnde mathei .vii. Neque mittatis margaritas ante porcos ne forte conculcent eas pedibus suis . Item in codem capitulo . No lite setm̄ dare canibus . Whan a lorde temporell cometh to lodge in thy house / thou makest it clene / prepayrest it and takest awaye all immundicites & thynges fylthy & vnclene . In lyke wyse sholdest thou doo whan thou wylte receyue thy creatoure . / For yf thou receyue hym in mortall synne vnworthely that is vnto thy dampnacion Thou receyuest hym the whiche shall iuge the & condempne the. Vnde pauius . i co xi . ca. Qui enim manducat & bibit indigne iuditium sibi manducat et bibit . sequitur . Reus erit corporis & sanguinis dni . And therfore proue wele thy conscyence to knowe yf it be wele made clene by confession before that thou receyue thy creatoure . Vn̄. i. ad co. v. Probat aunt seipsum homo : & sic de pane illo edat : et de calice bibat . The good and the ylle receyue hym / but dyfferently . For the good receyueth hym vnto theyr saluacion And the yll vnto theyr dampnacyon . Sumunt boni sumunt mali sorte tamen inequali vite vel interitus . Example that iudas the whiche receyued his creatour in mortal synne And incontynent that he had receyued hym the deuyl entred in to his body . And he had more grete puyssaunce in hym than before . Vn̄. iohannis . xiii . Cum iesus intīxisset panem dedit iude & post bucellam tunc introiuit in illum sathanas . &c. And incontynent iudas rose him vp & yode vnto the Iewes for to take & delyuer oure lorde the whiche was grete maledyccyon for hym . Vn̄ luce . xxii . Te homini illi ꝑ quem filius hominis tradetur Our lorde sayd vnto his dyscyples . I haue ch●se you twelue & one of you is a deuil Vnde ioh. vi . Ego vos duodecim elegi : et vnus ex vobis diabolus est . That was iudas that our lorde called the deuyl / he was his dysciple . And for his couetyse to haue . xxx pence he was peruerted he was traytour thefe / fayntyf & betoke and delyuered his owne mayster in the handes of his enmyes the whiche was innocent & iuste for to put hym vnto dethe . And therfore in the ende and conclusyon all maladyccyon / damnacyon / & perdycyon / came vpon the said iudas . Vnde mathei . xxvi . Melius esset illisi natus non fuisset homo ille . Quia dixit . Quid vultis michi dare et ego eum vobis tradam . Et legitur mathei . xvii . Peccaui tradens sanguinem iustum . Sequitur . Proiectis argenteis in templo recessit & abieno laque se suspendit . It had be better vnto hym that he had neuer be borne / for he hanged hym selfe / his entraylles fel out of his bely / and is dampned . legitur actuum . i. De iuda qui suspensus crepuit medius & diffusa sunt omnia viscera eius . By his synne he slewe hymselfe as it is said / & was deposed of his prelature of his offyce & sent into helle in to the place that he had deserued to haue . And another had his sayd prelature . And in lykewyse shall it be done of the ylle the whiche folowe his lyfe / his maners & condycions Legitur in actibus apostolorum . Fiat habitatio eius desserta & episcopatum eius accipiet alter . Et dauid in psal. Fiant dies eius pauci et episcopatum eius accipiat alter . &c.

F. Another example of a woman the whiche toke her to laughe as saynt Gregorye admynystred vnto her on Ester day . Cii

IT is wryten in the legende of saint Gregorye / that on an ester day as the sayd saynt Gregorye admynystred the people / whan he came vnto a woman & that he sayd / corpus dni nostri iesu christi . &c. she began to laughe . Whan saynt gregory sawe the sayd thinge he withdrewe his hande and put the hostye on the aulter . And after that the other were admynystred he called the sayd woman & demaunded her wherfore she had laughed . She answered I laughe for that that thou hast sayd that thys lytel porcion of brede that thou woldest gyue me that it is the body of Ihesu cryste / Than the holy man made a sermon vnto the people / & warned them to go in orayson and to praye that it wolde please vnto god to shewe the trouthe of this thynge and for to take awaye the erroure from the sayd woman . And whan the orayson was accomplysshed saynt gregorye yode vnto the aulter & the sayd hostye appered vysybly before all to be corporell in flesshe . and the partye of the lytell fynger was blody / Than saynt gregorye sayd vnto the woman . From now forth byleue thou truely the wordes of god . Panis quem ego dabo raro mea est pro mundi vita . That is for to saye . The brede that I shall gyue vnto the it is my flesshe for the lyfe and redemcyon of the worlde . After that at the prayer of the sayd saynt and people the hostie came agayne in symylytude of brede / and the sayde woman was confermed / and byleued in the sacrament . &c. God wyll that the hostye appere vnto vs in lykenes of brede for two causes . The fyrst is to haue retrybucyon to byleue that that we se not . The seconde bycause it sholde be vnto vs cruelte to ete vncouth mete / as rawe flesshe . & therfore we sholde byleue without doubte in the consecrate hostye . &c.

G. Another example of a cursed preest that receyued the hostye wrongfully . Cii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye and sayeth that as a seculer preest sange one tyme masse / another stondynge by sawe in the patent in the tyme to receyue not the lykenes of brede / but of a chylde / the whiche whan the preest wolde haue receyued him he tourned his face and resysted with his fete & his handes that he shold not entre in to the mouthe of the sayd preest . And this deuoute man sawe this thynge not alonely one tyme but many . Vnto whome the cursed preest one tyme amonges other sayd . All tymes whan I take the body of Ihesu cryste I take it with so grete dyffyculte that I meruayll therof . And the deuoute man sayd vnto him I counsayle the that thou correcte the / and I haue sene that of the. Than the preest corrected hym . And as he songe afterwarde the sayd deuoute man sawe the chylde the whiche ioyned the handes / assembled the fete and entred in to the mouthe of the preest hastely and easely &c. By this example a man may vnderstonde that god dwelleth not ne yet wyll dwell by grace with the synners in the synne / but wyll dwell and enhabite with the good the whiche ben in the estate of grace . And therfore euery man sholde correcte hymselfe & amende . &c.

H. Another example of a chylde of .ix. yeres the whiche was admynystred at his dethe . Cii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his boke & sayeth that as a yonge chylde seke replenysshed with the holy ghost requyred that the body of Ihesu cryste shold be brought vnto hym . And as his frendes refrayned it he cryed strongly . Gyue me the body of our lorde / giue me the body of our lorde . Whan this thynge was spoken vnto the preest he answered . That it was no sure thynge to gyue the body of Ihesu crist vnto suche a chyld the whiche knewe not what it was . And the preest toke an hosty vnsacred & bare it vnto hym & sayd . Here is the body of our lorde . And god inspyred the chylde for to dystroye the falsnes and infydelyte of many the whiche vse theym yll . And answered . Wherfore wylte thou deceyue me this is not the body of our lorde that ye offre me . Than the preest was meruaylled of this thynge & ymagyned that this chylde was enspyred dyuynely / yode to fetche vnto hym the holy communyon / & that chylde receyued it enough deuoutly .

I. Another example how that a horse / an oxe / & an asse knewe Ihesu cryst with in the sacrament & dyde hym honour . Cii

IT is wryten in the promptuary of the dyscyple that a deuoute bysshop & an herytyke stroue togyders of the veryte of the body of Ihesu cryste . And for to proue this thynge they put of otes in a vessel & put the eucharystye vpon the otes by cautell . And afterwarde ledde theder a horse an oxe & an asse the whiche ne touched vnto the prouende / but bowed the knees and worshypped our lorde . In lykewyse as yf they had vsed of reason . Whan the said heretyke had sene that he conuerted hym & after was faythfull / vnto purpose of this example it is wryten ysaie .i. Cognouit bos possessorem suum : & asinus p̄sepe dni sui : israhell aunt me non cognouit et populus meus non intellexit . That is to saye . The oxe hathe kowen his possessour . And the asse the crache of his mayster . Certaynly Israhell hathe not knowen me / & my people hathe not vnderstonde me . That is to vnderstonde that the beestes irreasonables knowen theyr mayster . And the men reasonables ne knowe theyr god lorde & master . &c.

K. Another example of the hors of a Iewe the whiche knewe Ihesucryst in the sacrament of the eucarystye . Cii .

THe dyscyple reciteth in his promptuarye that as a good preest bare the body of Ihesu crist for to admynystre vnto a seke body he met a Iewe vpon a fayre hors / & the said hors bowed the knees before the body of Ihesu cryst . And the iewe ne myght make hym to passe for the strykynge with the sporres tyll that the body of Ihesucryst was paste . And a voyce from heuen was harde . Know thy creatoure that thou denyest to be borne of the vyrgyn marye . And whan the Iewe sawe that he repented hym byleued in Ihesu cryste and receyued baptysme . Also thou infydele whan thou seest these examples here thou sholdest byleue stedfastly in the holy sacrament to worshyp it and to conuerte the vnto god as dyde the Iewe. &c.

L. Another example of a woman the whiche put the body of Ihesu cryst before the hogges . Cii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his booke and sayeth that in the tyme that alberte regned in his bysshopryche a woman came vnto hym to confesse that the deuyll ne wolde suffre that she sholde byleue in the sacrament of the aulter that it was the body of Ihesu crist : & put it before hogges For all the hogges bowed the knees & worshypped the sacrament . And the cursed woman wolde se the experyence & put the body of Ihesu cryst vpon the broche & rost it afterwarde with fyre as roste . And afterwarde the droppes of blode began to drop / This thynge done she was not yet content She toke the body of Ihesu cryst & buryed it in the erthe / & moche of blode yssued aboue the pitte / in lyke wyse as in boyllynge out of the erthe . At this thynge the sayd woman repented her & byleued the very body of Ihesu crist to be in the sacrament of the aulter & confessed this thynge vnto the sayd bysshop & her synne / and receyued perpetuall penaunce of hym . This example sholde withdrawe al vnfaithfull from errour / & sholde worshyp theyr creatour / or they shall be wors than hogges the whiche yode on knees . Be ye not so incredule and without byleue as was the sayd woman the whiche wolde nothynge byleue tyll that she hadde sene the experyence of the dede . &c.

T. Another example of a mayden the whiche shedde the body of Ihesu crist vpon the cabysshe and cole wortes . Cii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye & saith that it happened in the yle of saynt Iames that a mayden seculer was posseded of the deuyl . And a prest demaunded of the deuyll the whiche was in her wherfore he tormented her so cruelly and so longly the sayd woman . He answered by the mouthe of the mayden / she had well deserued it . And the preest demaunded hym wherfore . He answered for that that she hathe layde the ryght hye god on the cabysshe herbes . And bycause that he vnderstode not this thynge & that the deuyll ne wolde expounde it to hym . He demaunded of the woman yf she had vnderstonde that that the deuyll had spoken that she wolde expounde it to hym / & incontynent she confessed her synne and said . Whan I was yonge . I entred in to a lytell gardyn to gadre cabysshe herbes that the lytel wormes ete . And I loged a woman tourmented on nyght vnto whom I expounded the dommage of my gardyn that these lytell wormes ete my cabysshe herbes . She answered that she sholde teche me a good medecyne . Take the body of Ihesu crist and afterwarde breke it in lytell partyes & shed them vpon the cabysshe herbes / & incontinent they shall cease them . And I myscheuous hathe had more curyosyte of my lytell courte & gardyn than of the sacrament & byleued the woman . And whan ester came I drewe the body of Ihesus frome my mouthe / & dyde as I had be taught . And the sayd thynge that I dyde made me to be put in torment in lyke wyse as wytnesseth the deuyl . &c. A man may here vnder stonde that the sayd olde woman gaue cursed counsayll the whiche a man sholde fle And the yonge woman was infydele and ryght yll to do the sayd counsayle . And therfore she had deserued to haue punycyon & torment / & so done all vnfaythfull people And therfore they sholde drede punycyon and dampnacyon eternell . &c.

N. Another example that the oxen knewe Ihesu cryst in the sacrament in the felde .

THe dysciple reciteth in his sermons how theues brake a chirche and toke the shryne the whiche is called custodye & the body of Ihesu cryst & yode theyr way And whan they ne founde but relyques with in it & the body of Ihesu cryste they gaue no force / and lefte it in theyr neyghbours felde . Whan the mornyng came the labourer with his oxen came to laboure his lande . And whan the oxen came nere vnto the sayd cheste or pyxe / as all abasshed houed styll in suche maner that for pryckynge ne for strykynge ne wolde they go no ferther soo moche that the labourer wrathed hym agayne theym & sayd the deuyll was in his oxen . He ne sawe clere for it was ryght erly . & auysed the boxe or pyxe before the fete of his oxen . Than he vnderstode the cause of his rebellyon / lefte all in the felde / yode vnto his towne to tell the case vnto the preest & vnto other . They came vnto the sayd felde with the crosse / encenser / & tapres & brought agayne the body of Ihesu cryste . &c. Thou infydele yf thou ne do honoure vnto thy sauyour the whiche is in the sacrament thou arte wors than the oxen / & beestes dombe the whiche ne wolde go no ferther for betynge ne otherwyse agayn theyr creatoure .

O. Another example how the hony bees made vnto Ihesu cryste a chapell and an aulter in doynge hym honoure . Cii

THe dyscyple reciteth in his promptuarye & sayth that as a woman nourysshed many bees that deyed & prouffyted nothynge / she sought of remedye / & it was tolde her that yf she put by them the body of Ihesu cryst that they sholde prouffyte withoute dethe . Than she yode vnto the chirche & fayned that she wolde be admynystred / toke the body of Ihesu cryste bare it and put it in a hyue of bees . Vnderstonde the grete meruayl & puyssaunce of god . The bees knewe theyr creatoure / the whiche made hym a ryght fayre chapell aboute hym of the swetnes of waxe & hony that they gadred . And in that chapell made an aulter of the selfe matere and ●ut aboue it the holy body of Ihesu cryst . God blyssed theyr operacyons . And at the tyme whan the sayd woman opened the hyue / & that she had sene so fayre enoratorye she had shame / ranne vnto the preest and confessed vnto hym all that that she had done & sene . Than the preest toke the parysshynge with hym came vnto the vessel / the bees flewe awaye and in laudynge theyr creatour keste a crye . They founde a fayre lytell chapell made of the matere made with the bees the whiche was of grete artyfyce and crafte . For it had of fayre lytel walles and couerynge / wyndowe / dore / alter They meruaylled them and bare it with the body of Ihesu cryst vnto theyr chirche with grete louynge and praysynge . &c. yf the said bees dyde honour vnto theyr creatour / so sholdest thou doo or thou sholdest be more insensyble than they . &c.

P. Another example of the sone of a Iewe the whiche was preserued from brennynge / for that that he had receyued the body of god . Cii .

MEn fynde by wrytynge that in the towne of cerram there was two Iewes the whiche dwelled amonges the crystyens in a strete . And the daye of ester the sone of one of the Iewes was moued in grete deuocyon vnto the sacramente / The curate seynge his stedfaste purpose / gaue vnto hym his sauyoure . And whan the fader of the sayd chylde herde tell what his sone had done he was wrothe & bet him And at that houre the Iewe baked of brede . And the ouen was all embrased with grete fyre / toke his chylde and kest hym with in the ouen . The moder of the chylde the wh●che sawe the sayd thynge ranne vnto the said ouen / and many other loked with in it and sawe the chylde the whiche played without hauynge yll within the sayd fyre . The myracle was incontynent shewed ouer al the towne . The people ran theder the chylde was drawen out withoute hauynge yll . And in no maner of the world the Iewe wolde not conuerte hym . And for his infydelyte they toke hym and was caste within the ouen / and he was forthwith brente .

Q. Another example of a man the whiche ne wolde leue his synne / who came to receyue his creatoure agayne the defence of the preest . Cii .

THe discyple recyteth in his promptuary that a preest knewe in confes●yon how a synner was not contryte / for he had no wyll to absteyne hym from his synne . And therfore he defended him to receyue his creatoure . And vpon this thyng tremblynge he therto acceded . And the prest said vnto him . God be Iuge bytwene the and me / and gaue vnto hym the body of god . And incontynent that he had it in his mouthe his throte brake & the body of ihesu cryste yode forth & sodaynly he deyed .

R. Another example of the punycyon of one of the relygyous of saynt bernarde the whiche receyued his creatoure in mortall synne . Cii .

MEn fynde by wrytynge how saint bernarde knewe that one of his relygyous was in mortall synne / whome he admonested gretely in confessyon to put hym in the estate of grace &c. but the synner ne wolde confesse him . And at ester he presented hym at the table of our lorde as the other dyde . Whan it came to receyue hym in his ordre the sayd saynt bernarde sayd generally that none ne shold receyue his creatour in mortall synne . And the synner sayd appertly gyue me that the whiche is myne . Than saynt bernarde vnderstode that he was obstynate and stedfaste in his synne made the crosse before hym & sayd . God be Iuge bytwene the and me . / And whan he hadde receyued the body of Ihesu cryste in the mouthe fell deed before all sodaynly . This example here sholde moue the synners to purge theyr consciences of synne before that they receyue theyr creatoure . &c.

S. Another example of a holy fader the whiche drewe backe the synners to receyue theyr creatour in synne . Cii .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of the faders that god gaue so grete grace vnto a holy fader named Eulogium that he apperceyued the merytes and the synnes of those the whiche came to receyue theyr creatoure . And he withelde some monkes the whiche wold accede vnto the table of our lorde to whome he sayd . How are you soo hardy to come vnto goddes borde . Fyrste he sayd vnto one . Thou hast had thought of fornycacyon this nyghte / & sayd in thy herte there is no dyfference betwene the iuste & the synner to accede vnto the sacrament . And sayd to another thou hast made a doubte in thy herte how a man may sanctefye the communyon . And the sayd holy man put a parte those the whiche were in synne / & sayd that they sholde repente them and do penaunce or that they were acceded . &c.

T. Another example of the punycyon of some the whiche retourned vnto theyr glotonyes & synnes after ester . Cii .

THe dysciple recyteth that it is wryten in the booke of the souerayne bysshoppes the some men after the feest of ester that they had receyued theyr creatoure retourned vnto dronkennes / playes / folyes / & sinnes / but they ne abode vnpunysshed . For from theyr mouthes there ranne stynkynge bloode the whiche entred with in theyr bodyes and choked and drowned them . Also sodaynly water & rayne discended from heuen the whiche them moysted and marde / & dystroyed all the cornes and fruytes of theyr possessyons / and with that water proceded dragons so venymous that the people ne myght go ne come / but that they were in daunger of dethe . For to take awaye the said punycyon an holy man prayed for them deuoutely . Vnto whome the aungell of god appered & sayd . I pray the tell me what sholde a man do with those the whiche enclose the sone of the emperour in a ryght darke pryson & stynkyng for to waste hym . The man of god answered that a man sholde vndo those the whiche do suche thynge . And the aungell sayd vnto him What sholde a man do with hym the whiche putteth the body of god in the stynkinge myre . And the man of god sayd vnto hym the men sholde brenne hym . And the aungel sayd vnto him . Those for whom thou prayest haue not they done suche a thyng on the holy daye of ester . They receyued the holy communyon & afterwarde yode to daunces & dronkenesses agayne the holy sacrament that they had receyued / & th●rfore god is wrothe agayne theym . Whan they herde this thyng many repented them and appesed the ire of god . Vnto the purpose of this example a man may take the wordes of the gospell the whiche ben wryten mathei . xii . Cum immundus spiritus exierit ab homine : scꝪ per confessionem ambulat ꝑloca arida querens requiem & non īuenit : tunc dicit . Reuertar in domum mean vn̄ exiui vadit & assumit septem alios spiritus secum nequio res se et intrantes habitant : ibi : & fiunt nouissima hominis illius peiora prioribus . That is to vnderstonde whan the yll spyryte is yssued from the man by confession he walketh on the one syde & on the other for to deceyue him And yf the sayd man retourne vnto synne or yf he delyte hym / or yf ony synne be not wele confest / the yll spyryte sayeth . I shal retourne in to my house frome whens I came . Therder he gothe and taketh seuen other spyrytes wors than he / & they entre & dwell there & the laste thynges of the said man ben made wors than the fyrst . Soo toke it vnto the sayd people the whiche retorned vnto synne after ester . &c.

V. Another example how the eucharistie prouffyteth vnto those that ben deed / & fyrste example of a man the whiche was delyuered from purgatorye by the sainge of thre masses . Cii .

IT is wryten in dialogo cesarii that a yonge man was receyued in the relygyon of cleruaulx / whiche kepte shepe / and as he was in the felde with his shepe , one of his parentes lately deed appyered vnto hym . And the sayd yongman hym demaunded from whens he came . He answered I am deed and tormented in greate paynes . And the conuers him demaunded yf a man myght helpe hym . He answered yf I myghte haue thre masses in your ordre I sholde be delyuered . And the sayd conuers yode to tell the pryour of the house that that he had sene and herde . Whan the pryour had herde this thynge with good wyl he sayd a masse and also commaunded to two of his bretherne . And incontynent after the deed body appered vnto the sayd yong man yelded hym thankes and sayd that by the benefyce of thre masses he was delyuered from purgatorye .

X. Another example of a frere the whiche sholde be .xv. yeres in purgatorye and he was delyuered by one masse . Cii .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders of the ordre of prechers this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his sermons and sayeth that there was a fader pryour prouyncyall in the holy lande / humble / gracyous / & deuoute . And as he was one tyme in orayson in the chirche of the freres after matyns he lyfte vp his eyes agayne the walle with herte / and he sawe in lyke wyse as the shadowe of a frere in beynge and had habyte blacke & soylled . And as he demaunded what he was he answered I am suche a frere the whiche of late deyed . And whan I lyued I loued the moche . And he demaunded of the sayd frere how it was with him . He answered yll and hardly . For I sholde be in harde payne tyll vnto .xv. yeres . And he hym demaunded wherfore he sholde so hardly and longly be punysshed the whiche had lyued so relygyously and deuoutly . He answered / ne demaunde that / for after the iuste iugement of god the creatour I haue wele deserued suche payne / but I pray the ayde me . And he hym promysed that so he sholde doo vnto his power . Whan it was daye the prouyncyall began to synge masse for the deed body And after the ostye was consecrate and lyfte vp in holdynge it in his handes began to praye god so as in this wyse sayeng these wordes . My lorde Ihesu cryste yf the soudan the whyche is kynge of paynyms helde a prysoner in bondes & that his chamberere the whiche had serued hym twenty yeres demaunded hym the sayd prysoner for his seruyce the sayd soudan ne sholde hyde hym lyghtely My lorde be noo more harde than the soudan of the sarazyns . I am thy chamberier and haue serued the by many yeres . thou holdest this frere my frende in captyuyte and bondes I praye the that thou gyue him me of thy grete debonayrte for my seruyce . And in grete teres and lamentacyons in repetynge the sayd wordes many tymes ended his masse / & the nyght folowyng after matynes he sawe the deed frere before hym beynge in habyte whyte & ryghte clere . And he him demaunded what he was he answered I am the frere the whiche appered yesterdaye vnto the. And he him demaunded how it was with him . He answered wele by the grace of god . Thou haste demaunded me of god and he hathe gyuen me vnto the. And I am delyuered frome purgatorye . I yelde the graces & louynges and I go with the felysshyp of sayntes / & forthwith he departed . &c.

Another example is wryten in dialogo cesarii of a man the whiche sholde be in purgatorye two thousande yeres & was delyuered in two yeres by the suffrages / masses / and good operacyons of a bysshop / & of other good men .

Perditio bonorum .
Y. Example that in lyke wise as water departeth frome the pot perced or broken . In lyke wyse dothe the vertues of a man by mortall synne . Cii .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders that that a good fader named arreneus wolde se the operacyons of the worlde / & as he was in his oratorye he herde a voyce the whiche sayd vnto hym . Arreneus go by the countree to the ende that thou behold the operacyons of the worlde . And whan he was gone forthe of his oratorye he saw a man the whiche drewe water of a welle and put it in a vessell perced & holed from the whiche it ranne incontinent . And therin ne abode nothynge . And the sayd arreneus passed ferthermore & sawe a man the whiche made and assembled a burden of wodde / and whan he had made it he assayed to lyfte it & to lye it on his sholdres / but for that that he ne myght lyft it and that he founde it moche heuy he yode yet to assemble of wodde / & put it yet within that burden or fagot / and made it in suche wyse two or thre tymes / and the lesse myght lyfte it on his sholdres . Afterwarde the said arreneus yode ferthermore and sawe two yonge men vpon two horses before the gate of the cyte the whiche bare before them alonge logge ouerthwarte / and wende to entre in to the cyte by the sayd gate / but they ne myght for the sayd logge / for they ne obeyde the one vnto the other for to entre within . And after that the aungell came vnto the sayd arreneus / vnto whome he demaunded what he had sene . And he answered as it sayd is of the man the which drewe of water . And the aungell expounded vnto hym the sayd thynges / and said vnto hym . By the man the whiche drewe of water is to vnderstonde that the man the whiche dothe almesdedes & good operacyons in mortall synne / anone it departeth from hym for the synne as dothe the water from the vessell perced . And the seconde man the whiche thou haste sene the whiche assembled of wodde / that is to say that the man the whiche assembleth and commytteth synne vpon synne ne may mount in heyght for the weyght of the synnes . and by those the whiche ne myght entre in to the cyte that bare the wodde ouerthwart ben vnderstonde proude people & hatefull the whiche ne wyll humble them & to concorde togyders ne shall entre in to the cyte of paradyse . This example denoteth thre thynges . The fyrste that mortall syn chaseth awaye the good operacyons frome the persones . The seconde is that synne is of itselfe so heuy that it letteth to mounte in to paradyse & maketh to fall in to the pyt of helle as dyde sathan the whiche fell from paradyse . Vn̄ luce . x. Videbam sathanam sicut fulgur de celo cadentem . And that that a man putteth yet more wodde in his burden & yet the more heuy he fyndeth it and more yll to lyfte vpon his sholdres denoteth that whan a man commytteth synne vpon synne . And more shyftly a man falleth in basse / and the lesse a man mounteth in paradyse . The thyrde is that hatred & discorde the whiche is betwene neyghbours letteth to entre in to the cyte of paradyse .

Finis iniquorum est peccatum .
z. Examples that mortall synne is a lyne by the whiche the deuyll holdeth the synners . And fyrste how the deuylles helde a man bounde with a chayne and ledde him with grete ioye . Cii

A Doctour named Vyrydarias sayeth in a sermon this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his booke / and sayeth that god gaue vnto an hermyte this gyft to knowe the hertes of men the whiche came one tyme vnto the chirche where the preest confessed . And the sayd hermyte sawe that the men entred in to the sayd chirche blacke & horryble / the whiche were accompanyed with deuylles the whiche were ioyous . And the aungels the whiche them kepte were sory & seperate ferof . And as they retourned from confessyon than the deuylles were sory and departed from them / and the aungels were ioyous the whiche approched . And amonge the other the sayd hermyte sawe a man the whiche was bounde by the necke with a chayne that the deuylles ledde with grete ioye . And his aungell folowed ferre of And this sayd man yode vnto confessyon as the other / but he came agayne more blacker than before . And the deuylles bounde him more strongly than he was And whan the said hermyte sawe that approched vnto the sayd man / & tolde vnto hym that that he had sene . And the sayd synner had grete drede and sayd . I haue offended god in many maners . And also I haue hydde a grete synne . He retourned vnto confessyon & came agayne clere / & the deuylles were sory & the aungelles ioyous . So by trewe confessyon & repentaunc● he was vnbounde of his synnes & of the deuylles / & was assocyate with the good . &c.

& Another example that a man beynge in mortall synne is so bounde that he maye not do no good operacyon the whiche vnto hym is merytoryous . Cii

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye and sayth that as mayster thomas theologycyen sholde deye he beynge in his bedde he sawe the deuyll fast by hym / vnto whome he sayd / What doest thou here blody beest . Tell me what thynge it is the whiche noyeth you moost . And as he helde his peas he adioygned & sayd . I coniure the by the god lyuyng the whiche shall come to iuge the quycke & the deed that thou tel me the trouthe . And the deuyl answered and sayd . There is nothynge the whiche taketh awaye so moche our force as contrycyon & confessyon oftentymes made . For whan a man is in mortal synne all his membres ben so bounde that he ne maye moue hym for to do good operacyon the whiche vnto hym is merytoryous / & whan he confesseth his synnes he is afterwarde franc mouable & vnbounde for to do all good operacyons . This example denoteth two thynges . The fyrste is that by mortall synne a man is terrybly bounde with the handes of the deuyll . The seconde is that by confessyon a man is vnbounde as it is sayd . &c.

r. Another example how the deuyll lyeth out his snares for to deceyue vs . Cii

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders that as saynt Anthony was in orayson vpon a hye mountayne he sawe al the worlde replenysshed with halters of the enmy of helle . And he toke hym to wepe & sayd / what shall that man be that maye passe and escape the snares here . And a voyce from heuen came vnto hym the whiche sayd / anthony seule humylite passeth and escapeth these laces . Here whan a man hathe humylyte the snares ne may touche hym for his humylyte . This example denoteth two thynges that the snares of the deuyll ben caste out for to deceyue vs . And therfore hym behoueth to kepe hym from fallynge in to synne that a man ne be taken The seconde is that a man escapeth ouer all in hauynge humylyte . &c.

Mors bonorum .
A. Examples that those whiche hathe acomplysshed the wyll & the cōmaēdementes of god & ben departed of good dethe / hathe had consolacyon of god & of the sayntes of paradyse . And fyrst example how a holy fader sawe in his dethe the prophetes and Ihesu cryste . Ciii .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders of a holy fader the whiche at the hour of his dethe his dyscyples presente began to enioye hym & appered fayre & whyte & spake ioyous wordes . Than his discyples hym demaunded vnto whom he spake . he an●wered . Ne se you not the holy patryarkes & agayne as he spake ioyously was asked vnto whom it was . He answered . Ne se you not the holy prophetes . Thyrdly he sayd . The holy appostles come . Fourthly he said the aungelles come . And lastely he sayd . Ryse ye vp for Ihesus is come / and in sayenge these wordes he deyed . The dethe of this good man was ryght gloryous and blyssed . And also suche is it of al those the whiche deye in the estate of grace . Vn̄ apo. xiiii . Beati mortui qui in dno moriuntur . Also his dethe was moche precyous before god / and so is that of the iust persones . Vn̄ psal. Preciosa est in conspectu ●n̄i . The iuste persones the whiche hath liued wele in this worlde / & also perseuered tyll vnto the dethe hath thre ioyes at theyr departynge . The fyrst is that they se all the good dedes that they dyde euer in the state of grace / that is to vnderstonde all the almesdedes / oraysons / & werkes of mercye And all the trybulacyons that the body hath borne pacyently in doynge fastynges / abstinences / to wake late / to ryse erly / to lye harde / to be poorely clothed & suche other thynges . &c. Vn̄ ezechi . xviii . Iustitia iusti erit super eum : & impietas impii super eum erit et ysaie .xxix. Erit nobis visio omni quasi verba libri signati . Examples of some the whiche hathe sene the good & the ylle that they haue done . Quere post . c. xxii . d. The seconde ioye is that they se the deuylles confused degetted & also to departe as wroth In lyke wyse the iuste loue & prayse god / Vn̄ psal. Benedictus deus qui non dedit nos in captionem dentibus eorum . Example . Quere . lvi . f. The thyrde ioye that the iust shall haue at theyr dethe is that they shall se Ihesu cryst that they haue receyued worthely in the sacrament . And the aungelles assystentes to comforte them & ayde theym & for to present theym before god the whiche vnto them is grete ioye . Also ofte tymes they haue of the sayntes of paradyse after the wyll of god / as had the good man beforsayd . Innocent sayeth in his thyrde boke of the vylyte of humayne condycyon that the good & the yll se Ihesu crist as he was put on the crosse before that the soule parted from the body / the good vnto theyr consolacyon / & the yll vnto theyr confusyon to the ende they haue shame that they be not redemed & part takers vnto the merite of his passyon . Vn̄ legitur apo. i. Viderunt in quem pupugerunt . And a man ne sholde vnderstonde that yf a iuste man dye sodaȳly tha● the sodayne dethe taketh awaye hys merytes & his bounte / & that he ne maye be saued . Vnde poeta . Mors iusti subita quam precessit bona vita . Non tollit merita : si moriatur .

B. Another example how the sayntes of paradyse & the aungelles & god came vnto the departynge of a holy fader . Ciiii.

IT is wryten in the lyfe of the faders that whan the tyme came that the abbot Sysois sholde deye many auncyentes came to vysyte hym / the whiche sawe hym shyne in the face / & he sayd vnto them Brederne comforte you here is the abbot anthony the whiche is come vnto vs here and a lytell whyle after sayd . Here is the company of prophetes . And agayne hys face shone more clere than the daye / & he sayd . The blyssed appostles ben present / & the auncyentes the whiche presente were behelde and vnderstode that he spake vnto some body . The whiche sayd vnto hym that he sholde declare with whome he spake . And he sayd the aungelles be come to fetche my soule / and I them supply that they tary a whyle for to do penaunce . And the faders sayd vnto hym . Abbot thou ne haste of indygence to doo penaunce . And he answered them . I saye you in veryte that I ne remembre me yet to haue take the begynnynge of penaunce . They apperceyued by his spekynge that he was perfyte in the loue of god . Than his fa●e shone as the sone & sayd vnto them . Beholde beholde for our lorde is come . In this worde he died And all the place was replenysshed with good odour . By this example a man sholde vnderstonde that the dethe of the good is moche precyous before god / after the saynge of the psalmyst . Preciosa est inconspectu dni mors sctōrum eius . And also that they ben comforted & receyued swetely of aungelles & sayntes of paradyse / & set in Ioye eternell . &c.

C. Another example how a woman sawe Ihesu cryste in her dethe . Ciiii.

SAynt gregorye recompteth that whan a woman named tarcille came to ye●aite daye of her dethe she loked vpwarde & sawe Ihesu cryst come . And with a grete courage she began to crye to them the were by her / departe ye departe for Ihesus is come . And as she vnderstode in him that she see / her holy soule parte from her body . And so grete swetnes of odour meruayllous there folowed that that odoure shewed vnto all that Ihesu cryst was come theder . &c.

D. Another example how a frere shewed Ihesu cryst with the fyngre at his dethe in syngynge . Ciiii.

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders that there was a frere of the ordre of prechers greuously seke & for that that he approched vnto the dethe / & that he had a ioyous face a frere hym requyred that yf he had / had ony consolacyon spyrytuell in herte that he wolde tell it hym . He answered . For the grete Ioye that I haue I ne maye hyde it / this daye I haue taken it for my lorde iesu cryste hathe promysed me to be in presence at my dethe . And the frere hym requyred in the name of Ihesu cryst that whan he sholde se hym that he wolde shewe him by some tokens or with the fynger . He answered that soo sholde he doo yf it pleased god . The thre dayes after the sekenes groged hym men stroke on the table for to assemble the freres as it was of a custome / And the freres ranne in to the fermery / & as they were in orayson in abydynge hys dethe the seke man stretched forth his fyngre in a certayne place . And as his eyes were confused at the dethe he toke him to synge & to saye in syngynge ioyous . In Daman iesum videbitis sicut dixivobis . that is to saye that ye shall se Ihesus in galilee / that is in paradyse as he hathe tolde you / whan he had fyned these wordes he deyed in gode consummacyon / for he had lyued in thys worlde of a holy lyfe . And by that reason it was that he dyffyned wele his dayes / vnto this purpose saynt austyn sayeth . Morte mala mori non potest qui bonam ante duxerit vitam . Et iheronimus dixit . Non memini me mala morte vidisse hominem qui bonam ante duxerit vitam .

E. Another example how a good relygyous woman was comforted of saynts of paradyse the whiche were at her dethe

IT is writen in the fourth boke of the dyalogue of saynt gregorye that a good relygyous woman named rachetee had two relygyeuses of her habyte with her her dyscyples of the whiche the one had to name romula . These thre religiouses woman dwelled togyders the whiche lyued of a holy lyfe replenysshed with good maners & with vertues / but a poore lyfe corporell they ledde . And the sayd romula was replenysshed with greate pacyence / of souerayne obedyence / kept scilence of her mouthe & toke hede moche vnto the vsage of orayson the whiche was seke in bedd● by many yeres / & in a nyght the sayd romula called her sayd maystresse rachetee and sayd vnto her . Mater veni . Mater veni The whiche came with the other syster / & at the houre of the verye mydnyghte as they were in one bedde / lyght celestyal discended in to theyr house the whiche it replenysshed all . And the said lyght was so grete that the presentes had grete drede And as they were in that drede & lyght they herde noyse as many men entrynge in the house . But for the grete fere & lyghte they ne might se those the whiche entred in to the sayd house with the sayd lyght . And there entred so swete odoure that it was meruayl And the sayd Romula began to comforte her sayd maystresse and her syster the whiche were in fere & sayd . Noli timere mater non morior modo . And after that she had sayd that she sholde not deye at that hour the sayd lyght dymysshed lytell and lytell but the grete odoure abode . And so it passed the seconde & the thyrde daye that the sayd odour abode . And the .iiii. nyghte the sayd romula called her sayd maystresse / & whan she was come she demaunded the body of god & receyued it . And before that they parted frome bedde there arryued before the dore of the house two companyes / the one of men / that the other of women the whiche songe melodyously . The men songe the psalmodie . And the woman answered in doynge the seruyce celestyall of exeq●yes of the sayd romula she deyed . And her soule yode with the aungelles & sayntes the whiche came to fetche it . And of asmoche more as they mounted in to the skye / soo moche the lesse herde they of the songe of the psalmodie . And the sayd odour also departed . &c.

F Another example how a holy bisshop was comforted at his dethe of the sayntes of paradyse . Ciii .

IT is wryten in the dyalogue of saynt gregory of a good holy bysshop named probus . Whan it came vnto hys dethe his fader assembled many physycyens for to hele hym . The whiche sayd after that they had vysyte hym that he sholde deye . And than the good bysshop sayd vnto al those that they sholde go with his fader to take theyr refeccyon after theyre laboure . The whiche theder yode / & there ne abode with hym but one yonge chylde / & after that the sayd chylde sawe some come entre clothed with whyte & theyr faces clere & shynynge as the sonne . The whiche chylde after that he was stryken with the grete lyght the whiche proceded of theim he toke hym to crye & demaunded of them what they were . At the whiche voyce the sayd bysshop was moued / behelde them the whiche entred / he knewe them & began to comforte the chylde the whiche trembled for fere & sayd vnto hym . My sone drede the not for saynt Iuuenall & saynt Eleuthere martyrs ben come vnto me . And the sayd chylde ferefull of that vysyon ranne oute and tolde to the physycyens & to the fader the sayd vysyon . The whiche ranne and founde the bysshop deed . For his soule yode with those that the sayd chyld had sene ▪ &c.

G Another example how a mayden named gelyne was comforted at her dethe of saynt peter . Ciii .

IT is wryten in the dyalogue of saynt gregorye of a good noble mayden named Gelyne / the whiche was maryed / and was one yere with her husbande the whiche deyed . And whan she was wedowe she put her vnto the seruyce of god in the chirche and monastery of saynt Peter . And there lyued holyly in al symplesse in makynge oraysons and grete almesdedes . Whan it came to th ende of her days that she was wery of sekenes in a nyghte as she had two candelles lyght by her bed saynt peter appered vnto her betwene the two forsayd candelles . And she enioyed her & sayd vnto hym . Who is there my lorde ben my synnes pardoned . Vnto whom he sayd benyngly in bowynge downe the heed . They ben pardoned the / come thy waye . And for as moche as in the sayd monasterye there was a holy relygyous that she loued before the other she requyred vnto holy peter in saynge . I praye the that my syster named benet come with me . and he answered the shall not be so / but suche one in this wyse named shall come with the And she that thou requyrest shall come after the / the thyrty daye . Than the sayd appostle departed . And her moder abbesse was called : vnto her she recompted the said vysyon . And she deyed the .xxx. daye with her that the appostle had sayd . And the .xxx daye after she that she had requyred folowed her and also deyed . &c.

A. Another example how a preest fled the company of a woman that was comforted at his dethe of sayntes of paradyse . ciiii .

IT is wryten in the dyalogue of saynt gregorie of a good preest the whiche i● the drede of god gouerned a chirche fl●dde the famylyaryte of a woman / and wolde not that the woman of his house sholde admynystre ony thynge vnto him / And absteyned hym from all thynge vnlefull / & also lyued of a holy lyfe . Whan it came that he laboured at the dethe / & that he ne myghte almoost speke he apperceyued that the sayd woman of his house put her hande vnto his nose for to knowe yf he were deed / & his spyryte feruently came agayn & began to saye . Recede a me mulier : ad huc igniculus viuit . Departe thou fro me woman yet a lytell fyre lyueth take away the strawe . Than the woman departed . / And the vertue of his body all grewe / and with grete gladnes and Ioye he toke him to crye / ye ben welcome my lordes . Wherfore haue ye wylled to come vnto one soo lytell your seruaunt . I come . I come / I yelde you thankes . And for that the he repeted the said wordes his frendes were by him demaunded hym vnto whome he spake : Vnto whome he sayd as in meruayllyng And se you not the appostles saynt peter and saynt poule the whiche ben here come / And he tourned towardes them & began to saye . I go . I go . And as he spake these wordes he yelde vp his spyryte .

B. Another example how a frere fled in to heuen as sone as an arowe . Ciiii.

THe dyscyple reciteth in his promptuarye that a frere of the ordre of prechers appered with grete Ioye after his dethe vnto another monke the whiche was his frende famylyer . And as he was asked of his estate amonge other thynges he sayd / that neuer arowe shotte oute of a grete bowe fledde so sone in to a place as my soule fledde before god whan to departed from the body . For I had lyued fyfty yeres in the ordre to serue Ihesu cryst● in good conuersacyon . &c.

C. Another example of the dethe of a pylgrym the whiche was comforted of the aungelles of paradyse . Cii i

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders of a holy man relygyous so moche loued of god that that the whyche he requyred in orayson vnto hym was graunted . And he prayed god that he myghte se the soule of a synner & of a iuste man how they ben drawen from theyr bodyes at theyr dethe And as he was in his oratorie ther entred a wulfe the whiche toke his vestyment with his mouthe & drewe it . Than the sayd frere rose hym vp & yode after the sayd wulfe / the whiche ledde hym faste by a cyte & lefte hym there by a monasterye . In the whiche was a man that had a grete name and was reputed solytayre & good of the worldy people but he was an ypocryte / the whiche was at deyenge . And the fader the whiche was theder come behelde that men made vnto hym greate lyghtes of tapres & lampes for his buryenge . And at the houre of the sayd dethe he sawe the deuyll the whiche helde a brased hoke & put it in his mouthe & tormented hym longe & sayde / In lyke wyse as this soule hathe not suffred me to reste one houre . In lyke wyse ne shall I haue of mercye of it tyll that I haue seased it horrybly . And he seaced it & bare it awaye . Afterwarde the said fader yode in to the cyte & founde a pylgrym seke / and layde on the erthe of whome no man toke hede / & there was one daye to behold hym . And whan the houre of dethe came he sawe saynt Myghell & saynt gabryel the whiche dyscended by the sayd soule the one on the ryght hande & the other on the lefte hande & prayed the sayd soule that she wolde come forth of the body & she came not forth so as she ne wolde leue her body . And gabryell sayd vnto Myghell . Take this soule that we maye be gone . And myghel answered . God vs hathe commaunded that it go forth without dolour . And therfore we ne may take it forth by force . And mighel cryed with a grete voyce vnto our lorde & sayd vnto hym . What wylte thou that we do with this soule / for she ne wyll come forth to go with vs . And a voyce came theder the whiche sayd . I sende vnto you dauyd with his harpe / & all those the whiche synge the salmodye of Iherusalem to th ende that at the swete songe she come forthe of the body . And incontynent they dyscended by the sayd soule / & at the swete songe she came forthe in to the hande of saynt mighell / & they yode theyr waye with grete ioy

D. Another example how a knyght sawe the dethe of an yll man . And more ouer the dethe of a good man that the aungels bare in to heuen . C.iiii

IT is wryten in the boke of the dyscyple that a noble knight wolde entre in to relygyon . The whiche sente hys seruaunt to tell vnto the abbot that he wold be relygyous in his abbay . And gaue him in charge that he sholde saye that he was dombe / but redy to obey vnto al thynges And thought that yf he held not peas his tongue sholde lese hym al the good dedes that he sholde doo . And that knyght there was receyued . And men wende that he had be dombe . And one tyme he yode with the abbot vnto a knight the whiche laboured vnto the dethe . And he sawe that the deuylles drewe the soule oute of the body of hym the whiche deyed horrybly / & he had pyte and wepte . And as they came agayne frome thens another knight came vnto the abbot the whiche hym promysed that he wolde renounce the worlde and that he sholde be a monke . And as he yode before the sayde abbot on an yll brydge for to proue the way he fell before the sayd abbot and was drowned . And the sayd knyght sawe his soule in habyte of monke that the aungelles came to fetche & to bere in to heuen he was all replenysshed with ioye . And whan the abbot was in the cloystre he said vnto the knyght that he commaunded hym in the vertue of obedyence that he sholde tel hym yf he myght speke / wherfore at the dethe of the two sayd men he had in suche wyse contempned / vnto whome the sayd knyghte sayd . Thou hast done yll . For agayne my purpose thou hast made me speke / but I shall tell it the. And he vnto hym recompted all by ordre how he had sene the soule of the one that the deuylles had taken horrybly from the body & bare it awaye and that the aungelles hadde borne the other . Than the abbot fell at his fete on knees . &c. And the sayd knyghte refused his promesses & good dedes that he vnto him wolde do / but he wolde be enclosed in some place to th ende that he myght kepe his purpose that he had to kepe taciturnyte & scylence .

E. Another example of a holy fader the whiche deyed in the drede of god . Ciiii.

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders that a holy fader was seke the whiche as he was sene to drede the dethe / the freres hym demaunded wherfore he dredde . and he answered in this manere . Brederne I haue kepte the commaundementes of god after my puyssaunce / but I am a man & I knowe not yf my operacions hath pleased vnto god or naye . And therfore I ne am sure tyll vnto that that I come vnto hym . &c.

F. Another example of a pryour relygyous that sayd that he dyed lawfully faithfully / amyably and ioyously .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders that the pryour of a couent was in a greuous sekenes replenysshed with meruayllous pacyence . And he sayd oftentymes one thynge the whiche is wryten in the cantycles with grete dolour of deuocion . Dilectus meus michi & ego illi donec aspiret di es & inclinentur vmbre . Also he sayd vnto his brederne .xv. dayes before his dethe that he sholde deye of that sekenes in the solempnyte of the feest of the vyrgyn Marye the whiche thynge was done . For at the fyrste euen songe of the natyuyte of the vyrgyn Marye he deyed / & was buryed that daye He had songe the last masse of the vyrgyn Marye . And also of her he had made hys laste predycacyon . Whan he sholde deye anone he made to assemble before hym his brederne vnto whome he sayd . Knowe ye my brederne that I deye lawfully / amyably faythfully & ioyously . And expounded it in this wyse . I deye lawfully . For I deye in the fayth of Ihesu cryst & of the sacramentes of the chirche . Amyably / for I haue perseuered in the dyleccyon of god vnto myn aduyse syth that I entred in to the ordre . And I haue studyed how I might best please hym . Faythfully for I knowe wele that I go vnto god . Ioyously for I go from one lande replenysshed with myserye vnto a good countree . I passe from wepynges vnto Ioye sempyternell . &c.

G. Another example of a monke the whiche was chosen to be bysshop & he refused it and deyed wele . Ciiii.

IT is wryten in the promptuary of the dyscyple that Arnoldus sayeth that a monke of cleruaulx was chosen to be bysshop / the whiche refused it agaynst the wyll of his abbot / & of the bysshop / & sone after he deyed . And he appered after his dethe vnto his famylyer / the whiche demaunded hym yf the dysobeyssaunce beforsayd had noyed hym . He answered that nay and afterwarde sayd . Yf I had taken the bysshopryche I hadde be dampned . And sayd more ouer an horryble worde . The estate of the chirche is come vnto that that she is not dygne to be gouerned but of yll bysshoppes . &c.

H. Another example of the dethe of many holy persones of the whiche the Byble maketh mencyon . Ciiii.

THe holy scryptures maketh mencyon of the dethe of many holy faders that it sholde be longe thynge & confuse for to wryte . And for to be shorte who so wyll se in the byble lette hym studye in the chapytres the whiche foloweth here . / Fyrst it is wryten of the dethe of abel genesis .iiii. cap. Of the dethe of abraham . ge. xxv . of the dethe of Ysaac genesis .xxxv. of the dethe of iacob gene. xlix . of the dethe of Ioseph gene. l. Of the dethe of Aaron numeri .xx. Of moyses the whiche deyed in the lande of Moab that oure lorde buryed / & neuer man ne knewe his sepulcre . In lyke wyse as it is wryten deuterono . xxxiiii . Of the dethe of dauid it is wryten primo paralipo . xxix . of the dethe of zacharie it is wryten secundo . paralipo . xxiiii . of the deth of Thobye it is wryten thobie .xiiii. of the dethe of his sone it is wryten thobie vltimo / of the dethe of iob / it is wryten iob . xlii . of the dethe of mathathias .i. machabiorū ii . of the dethe of saynt Iohan baptist mathei xiiii . Of the dethe of the poore lazar begger that the aungelles bare in to Abrahams bosome it is wryten luce. xvi . of the goode thefe the whiche deyed whan our lorde deyed it is wryten luce. xxiiii . of the dethe of saynt Steuen the whiche was stoned / it is wryten actuum .vii. &c.

Mors malorum .
A. Examples of those the whiche hathe not wylled to do the wyl of god ne to accomplysshe his commaundementes ben deed of an yll dethe in paynes & dolours / & fyrste example / how the deuyll drewe the soule of a cursed ryche man with a crochet and a woman wedowe was comforted of the vyrgyn marye and of the vyrgyns . Cv.

VYcent sayeth in the .viii. boke of the myrrour hystoryall that there was a ryche curate vycyous in a parysshe the whiche had vnder his cure a noble ryche man & a poore woman wedowe / the whiche deyed in one tyme . Whan the sayd ryche man was seke he sente to seche the curate to vysyte hym & to admynystre the sacramentes the whiche curate theder yode quykly and was moche more curyous to haue the said ryche man couched on feders in a fayre bedde couered with purple with precyous vestymentes / and aourned with golde & with precyous stones . And also he founde many seductoures the whiche gaue vnto hym consolacyons of flateryes / & his wyfe / his chyldren / & housholde the whiche lyed . And in this thynge hangynge there came a messenger vnto the sayd curate from the sayd wedowe strongly seke for to confesse her and to vysyte . And the sayd prest the whiche put all his entente for to sowke the ryche synner ne answerde nothyng And a deacon the whiche was presente had pyte of the poore wedowe & dredde that she sholde deye without receyuynge the sacramentes / spake vnto the curate the whiche answered by grete furoure . O that thou arte of lytell counsayll the whiche wylt that we leue this noble man our patron for to go vnto the olde wedowe . And the deacon answered . Ne trouble you not / yf you commaunde me I shall vysyte her . And the deacon yode theder by his commaundement And bare the body of Ihesu cryste . The wedowe was gretely poore of worldly godes / but full of good operacyons . She was prostrate vpon the erthe / and a lytel of strawe vnder her . Whan the deacon was at the dore he was meruaylled & rested him . For he sawe there the vyrgin marye / and grete company of vyrgyns standynge by the wedowe / and marye chered her / vysyted and with a clothe wyped the swetynge from her vysage . And whan the quene of heuen and the vyrgyns sawe the body of our lorde Ihesus they yode on theyr knees and worshyppeth the sacramente / Whan they were redressed they assured affably the deacon that he sholde entre . and the vyrgyn mary sayd that he sholde not drede . And that he sholde confesse and admynystre the sayd wedowe & so he dyde / And afterwarde he said of the psalmes to commaunde the soule with grete ioye to departe . After came in to the hous of the sayd ryche man . Whan he was at the dore he sawe of blacke cattes by the bedde of the said ryche man the whiche cryed take away these cattes comen to this wretche . And in th ende a deuyll blacke as an ethyopien horryble of face & of voyce menassable helde in his hande a hoke the whiche he put in the throte bolle of the sinner for to drawe out his soule . The whiche ne founde in all his vysytacyon of refresshynge in his conscyence . Than the dethe occupyed hym he had fere and trembled / and the deuyl iuryous drewe hugely the soule oute of the throte bolle with his crochet . And the caytyf kest an horryble sygh & so deyed / & the other deuylles stroke vpon the soule / & bare it vnto the place of derkeres & of dethe eternell . And as the deacon behelde & sawe this thynge by the suffraunce of god he had so grete fere that he fell vnto the erthe & was as halfe deed . And incontynente the vyrgyn marye appered vnto hym the whiche layd vnto hym . Ryght dere frende drede the not / for the cursednes byabolyque ne shall noye the / beatytude celestyall is apparaylled vnto the / & he hym redressed in yeldynge graces vnto the vyrgyn marye & afterwarde prouffited moche for the said reuelacyons . By this example a man sholde vnderstonde that the dethe is moche cruel & yll vnto synners in lyke wyse as sayeth the scryptures . Vn̄ psal. Mors pctōrum pessima . O mors quam amaraē memoria tua homini īiusto . O dethe how bytter is the remembraunce of the vnto the man v●ius●e / These synners inobedyentes shall haue pryncypally foure dolours at theyr dethe the whiche also may be taken vpon the wordes of dauyd that sayeth in psal. Circū●ederunt me dolores mortis et torrentes iniquitatis conturbauerunt me : dolores īferni circūdeder̄t me : p̄occupauer̄t me laquet mortis . That is to saye the dolours of the dethe hathe me enuyronned & beset aboute and the ryuers of iniquyte me hathe troubled the doloures of helle hathe me compassed aboute / the panges of dethe hathe me vsurped . The fyrst dolour that these synners inobedyentes shall haue at theyr dethe is sekenes corporell that shal be so cruel that it shal perturbe all his membres / & shall seperate the soule from the body the whiche shall be so grete doloure & bytternes that the herte of man ne may thynke it . There was neuer man in this worlde endured so horryble dolour as is the dethe / & the soule shall drawe all his strengthes not thynkynge of his nourryture bodyly but on his doloures as it is sayd . Circūdeder̄t me dolores mortis . Also grete doloure shall be at the departyng of the body & of the soule . For they were gretely delected and enioyed togiders Also it shall be grete dolour to leue the wyfe / the chyldren / the golde the syluer / the herytages / manors / houses / rentes / londes and possessyons . Also to leue the wyne / the ale / the flesshe / and the other lyuynges for to go dwel in a place where no good is sowen gadred ne founde / not soo moche as one droppe of water . Example of the cursed ryche man the whiche was denyed of one droppe of water . For to be short it shall be dolour to leue the pleasaunces and dylectacyons of the body & of the worlde . Catho● sayeth . Non eodem cursuco respondent vltima primis . The laste thynges ne answereth vnto the fyrst in one selfe course / Also the euangelyst sayeth that the last thynges of a man ben made wors than the fyrst Vnde mathei . xii . luce. xi . Fiunt nouissima hominis illius peiora prioribus . The se●●nde dolour that the synners shal haue in theyr dethe is to vnderstonde by that that dauyd sayeth . Torentes iniquitatis conturbauerunt me . That is to say that they shall se and knowe in them and vpon them all the synnes that they haue commyt & done for the whiche they shall be punysshed iuged and condampned / the whiche shal be vnto them drede & doloure . It is wryten luce. viii . Nichil est occultum quod non manifestetur : nec absconditum quod non cognoscatur et in palam veniat . There is nothynge so secrete but that it shal be manyfest / ne hydde but that it shall be knowen and that it shall come openly and appere before all . Also in the ende of the man all shall be discouered soo that a man shall se appertly all his operacyons good and yll Vnde eccle. xi . In fine hominis denudatio operum ulius . In beholdynge a multitude of people a man knoweth that suche one is clothed with grey / with blacke / and with whyte . &c. Also at the iugement and whan the soule shall be seperate from the body a man shall knowe that suche one was lecherous / thefe / or murdrer . &c. as yf the synnes were paynted vpon the persone . / Vnde ezechielis .xviii. Iustitia iusti erit super eum & impietas impii super eum erit The iustice of the iuste shall be vpon him and the synne of wycked shall be vpon him Also the synners shall bere theyr confusyon and theyr synnes that they haue done . vn̄ ez● . xliiii Peccatores portabunt confusionem suam et scelera sua que fecerunt . Et ysaie .xxix. Erit nobis visio omnium quasi verba libri signati . And whan the synners shall se that they haue not done of penaunce / and that they shall haue no more no tyme nor place to doo it / theyr synnes shall trouble them and gyue greate bytternes / The thyrde doloure is to vnderstonde by dolores inferni circumdederunt me . For the iniuste synners shal se the paynes the whiche vnto theym ben prepayred for to punysshe theym and torment . And for to susteyne payne corespondent vnto euery synne commyt . Example of a madde man the whiche in his dethe sawe helle open / & the fyre and the tormentes the whiche vnto him were prepayred for to punysshe him and sayd that his iugement was thenne made . Quere . lxvii . ca. Another example of a sodomytycque the whiche sayd at his dethe that he sawe helle open appertely & the tormentes and the deuylles present for to rauysshe hym . Que. lxxxxv . d. The .iiii. dolour is to vnderstonde by preoccupauerunt me laquei mortis . That is that these synners shall se at theyr dethe the deuylles / in theyr foule fygure the whiche shal be to them an horryble torment . Example of a sone the whiche sawe theym at his dethe . Quere . lxii . b. Also the synners shall haue another grete dolour at theyr dethe / in lyke wyse as sayth some doctours . For they shal se Ihesu cryst in lyke wyse as he was crucefyed vnto theyr confusyon to th ende that they haue shame that they ne be redemed and partakers vnto the merytes of his passyon for theyr synnes commytte . Vn̄ apo. i. ca. Viderunt in quem pupugerunt . And the blessyd Ihesu shall demaunde them reason of theyr operacyons . And by that they shal haue grete dolour at theyr dethe whan they shall se and knowe theyr damnacyon and perdycyon eternell . &c.

B. Another example how a ryche sone deyed impenytent the whiche sayd that his iugemente was made / and that he sawe the deuylles . Cv.

THe dyscyple recyteth in his sermons that there was a yonge man the whiche lyft hym vp agaynst god & agaynst his owne helthe the whiche commytted many euylles in saynge / in playnge / in commyttynge lechery / & in lyuynge after the voluptuosytees of his body . Afterwarde he fel in to a greuous sekenes / & as he laye and that men apperceyued in hym no contrycyon his cousyn that satte by hym sayd to him . Thou art sore seke prepayre the vnto god by true contrycyon / confessyon / & in receyuynge the sacramentes / & call hym the whiche hathe suffred for the on the crosse that he wyll pardon the thy synnes . And he answered in dispayrynge him . What tellest thou me of confession & to receyue the sacraments . I neuer in my lyfe receyued god verytably / but I haue al way lyued ayenst god / and also I haue called god in yre . Than am I now left of him so that I neuer may fynde grace / for I am setenced eternally vnto the fyre pardurable / & vnto the dethe eternall . And I am now in the puyssaunce of all the deuylles / & afterwarde sayd . Seest thou this grete garner of wheet / I tell the that there are mo deuylles assembled about me that there ben cornes in the sayd garner . Than he deyed & yelded his soule to the deuyls the whiche caryed hym .

C. Another example of a monke ypocrite that eate in secrete & fayned to fast / & the infernall dragon choked him . Cv

IT is wryten in the dyalogue of saynt Gregory that a monke was by estymacyon a good relygyous For men wened that he was replete with vertues and good maners but in th ende he shewed that he was none suche . Whan his bredren wende that he had fasted he eate secretely & also shewed withoutforth other than he was within . Whan it came vnto his dethe his bredren of his relygyon came thyder wenynge that he had sayd good wordes & salutaryes / but he toke him to tremble & to be in grete confusyon and to say . Whan I was with you & that ye wende that I fasted I eate secretely / & I am now gyuen vnto a dragon for to deuour me the whiche byndeth my knees & fete with his tayle / & putteth his heed in my mouthe & draweth my spyrite out . And after that he had spoken these wordes he deyed / & the dragon gaue hym neyther tyme ne space to do penaunce . God suffred that this thynge was manyfestly shewed to th ende that al ypocrytes fayntyues knowe that they shal be dampned yf they correct them not in tyme & in place .

Iudicia dei :
A. Example how a monke requyred of god that he myght se his Iugementes / the whiche sawe them & knewe theym that they were Iust & harde to knowe . Cvi

IT is writen in the lyfe of the faders that a monke solytary of the partyes of egypt requyred of god too shewe hym his Iugements . And for as moche as he contynued to beseche god to se this thynge / god sent vnto hym an aungell in semblaunce of an auncyent fader the whiche sayd to hym . Come go we se the holy faders & requyre we them the holy worde & theyr benedyccyon . And after that they had sore laboured & walked they came to knocke at the dore of an holy fader the whiche receyued them benygnely and after orayson wasshed theyr fete / them refeccyoned & gaue of that that he had charytably . And in the mornynge in grete Ioye gaue them lycence . And whan they departed the aungel toke & hydde a platter wherin they had eaten & bare it away . And the monke began to murmure agaynst the aungell wherfore he had taken the platter of so good a man the whiche had done to them so moch goodnes . And as they walked the sone of the good man came after them to demaund the sayd platter . And the aungell slewe him Whan the sayd monke sawe that he was sory & sayd . Maledyccyon is with me that suche a thynge is done vnto so good a man . It suffysed not to take from hym his platter / but more his sone hath be slayne . And after that they had walked yet thre dayes they came to the dore of an auncyent the whiche had two dyscyples & strake at the dore . And the auncyent sent one of his dyscyples demaundynge them what they wolde & what they were . They answered / we ben of laboure & wolde haue thy benedyccyon / & to here thy worde . And the sayd auncyent sente theym worde that he myght not entende & that they sholde go theyr wayes . And they hym prayed that he wolde lodge them to passe that nyght for they were weri . And he sent vnto them that they shold go theyr way / & asked why they helde them not in theyr place & that they sholde go as vacabondes . And they prayed hym agayne that he wolde lodge them for the nyght alonely . And sayd it is nyght and that they dredde to be deuoured of euyl beestes . And he commaunded his dyscyple that he sholde put them in the stable . And in the euen tyde they ne myght haue no lyght ne other thynge of the sayd mayster . But one of the dyscyples bare vnto them a lytel breed and water / and prayed theym that they sholde say nothynge vnto his mayster . And they abode so all the nyght . And whan the mornynge came the aungell of god sayd vnto the sayd dyscyples . Pray ye vnto your mayster that he gyue vs orayson / and that we haue a gyfte to gyue hym . And whan that he herde that he sholde haue a gyft he descended . And the sayd aungell gaue vnto hym the platter that he had taken of the good man And whan he had taken it he retorned in to his chambre & shytte the doore vnto hym . And whan the sayd monke sawe that he was indygne towarde hym that yode with him & knewe not that he was an aungell / vnto whom he sayd . Departe thou fro me / for I shall goo no more with the. Thou hast taken the platter of a good man the whiche hath done vnto vs so moche of goodnes & hast gyuen it vnto so yl a man . And morouer thou hast slayne the sonne of the good man that dyde to vs so moche charyte . And the aungell answered . Thou hast prayed god that he wolde shewe the his Iugementes / and he hath sent me to shewe them the. The platter that I haue taken from the good man was not comen of good inquysycyon / and it was not conuenable that soo good an holy man had in his hous ony euyll thynge . But that the whiche is comen of euyll is comen to him that is vnto his ruyne . And I haue slayne the sone of the good man / for yf I had not slayne hym he ha● slayne his fader this nyght And whan the monke herde those wordes he yode on knees before the sayd aungell / & knewe that it was the aungell of god / the whiche departed incontynent frome hym . And he knewe that the Iugements of god ben iust . &c.

B. Another example that an hermyte murmured agaynst god for his dyuers Iugementes . Cvii

MEn fynde by wrytinge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary and sayeth that an hermite murmured in his herte of the dyuers Iugementes of god for that / that those the whiche lyued yl had godes And vnto the contrary those the whiche lyued well had of trybulacions / and somtime those the whiche had ledde a good lyfe had in th ende dethe abiecte the yll the fayre ende . And the good loste oft the temporall godes / & yll had prosperyte . And as the sayd hermyte thought moche on the sayd thynges he prayed god that he wolde shewe him his Iugementes . Than an aungell came vnto hym & sayd that he was sent from god for to shewe them vnto hym / & that he sholde come after hym . The sayd aungell was in fourme of an hermyte pilgrym . Whan they had walked they came fyrst to the hous of an hermyte the whiche they founde broken & wasted with wolues . Of this thynge the sayd hermyte was moche admeruayled & sayd . This here was an holy man the whiche lyued here solytaryly fyfty yeres to serue god . And god hathe suffred that he hath be broken with beestes . And the aungell of god sayd vnto hym . Thou seest here one of the Iugementes of god . Secondly they came vnto another that had his hous set on an high roche aboue these / vnto whome the aungel preched of pacyence agaynst aduersytees & trybulacyons agaynst impacyence . And in wepynge & grete contrycyon he confessed that as he had ben there by the space of .xl. yeres with grete afflyccyon of penaunce at the laste he was vaynquysshed so strongly in his mynde that he wolde leue his good lyfe and retorne in to the worlde . And whan the sayd aungell sawe hym veray contryte he toke hym & kest hym in to the see & drowned him And whan the hermyte sawe this he was in grete fere & fledde / but the aungell called hym agayne & sayd to him . Drede thou not god had shewed the here his seconde Iugement . Thyrdly they came in to the hous of the thyrde hermyte that receyued them gladly & gaue theym drynke in a cuppe of syluer that he had . And the aungel toke the sayd cuppe secretely & put it in his bosom & bare it away Afterwarde they came by nyght to the hous of a knyght robber & with grete payne they were receyued to lodge & euyl entreated & tourmented of reproches & rebukes / & notwithstandinge men gaue them somwhat & a bedde yll apparayled . In the mornyng the aungell wolde not departe tyll he had spoken with his hoost . And he drewe out the sayd cuppe & gaue it hym . Whan thermyte sawe that he was admeruayled & murmured in his herte of that he had seen . After in another nyght they came to the hous of another knyght that receyued them ryght we le / albeit he treated them ryght meanely . And in the mornynge whan they sholde parte he was prayed of the aungell that his onely sone engendred shol conduyte them on the way . And as the chylde ledde them he toke & slewe hym and kest hym in to a dyche . Whan the hermyte sawe that he fledde & sayd . Thou art none aungel thou arte a deuyll . And the aungell sayd to him . These thynges that thou hast seen ben the Iugements of god occulte & hyd that thou requyred too knowe . Vnderstande thou the causes . The fyrst hermyte that we founde deuoured knowe thou that it was comen vnto hym in crowne of martyrdome that he hath deserued to haue by longe tyme & requyred of god by grete prayers . The seconde hermyte that I kest in to the see after that he was conuerted vnto god & that he had contrycyon & good repentaunce / so he is well deed & is gone to god without hauynge other payne but onely the dethe that I haue gyuen hym . And yf he had not be slayne whan the temptacion was to men agayne he had accomplysshed that / that he had conceyued & had ben lost . The thyrde hermyte is a contemplatyfe and of good prayers . But the deuyll by his cautele had procured him lettinge in his oraysons & hath ordeyned that a ryche man gaue vnto hym the cuppe of syluer for to pray for hym . And I haue taken it from hym / for whan he wolde praye there came vnto hym of thought what he myght do with the sayd cuppe that the theues ne sholde stele it from hym / soo the thought of the sayd cuppe letted his hert to praye god . And by that he shal retorne in to oraysons accustomed without hauynge ony lettynge . The fyrst knyght where we yode is an yll man that is not worthy to haue remuneracyon celestyall / & for a lytell goodnes that he dyde vnto vs we gaue vnto hym remuneracyon temporall in gyuynge him the sayd cuppe . The seconde knyght was a good hospytaller that dyde grete almesses / & for that he had none heyre he prayed the relygyous men that they wolde pray vnto god for hym that he myght haue lygnage . And god hath gyuen vnto him this sone that thou hast seen that I haue slayne / he is retorned to do the werkes of mercy that he had left to do vnto the poores / & also he hath left to do many ylles that he dyde for to assemble temporall goodes vnto his sayd sone . Also we haue ꝓcured theyr helthe that they sholde conuerte them vnto god & shall do good dedes after the dethe of theyr sayd sone . By these thynges before sayd a man may knowe that the Iugements of god ben Iust & harde to knowe as vnto vs . And therfore it nedeth vs not to enquyre forther ne to knowe than our entendement ne may comprehende . Non oportet sapere plusquam sapere oportet . &c.

C. Another example how a holy bysshop was punisshed by the Iugement occulte and hydde of god for that / that he receyued a vestyment of an vsurer . Cvi .

IT is wryten in the legende of sayntes that after that saynt Fortyn bysshop was deed he sawe two aungels that came vnto hym to bere his soule / & the thyrde aungell came with a whyte bokeler and with a swerde shynynge that yode before . And afterwarde he sawe the deuylles the whiche cryed / & herde that they sayd . Go we before & make we batayle before him . And whan they were before they keste brennynge dartes / but the aungell that yode before receyued them on his bokeler . Than the deuylles put them agaynst the aungelles & sayd . This man spake often of ydle wordes / & he ne sholde without hauynge payne a blyssed lyfe . And the aungel sayd vnto them . Yf ye ne brynge forthe the pryncypal vyces agaynst hym he ne shall perysshe for the small . And the deuyll sayd . Yf god be ryghfull this man shall not be saued / for it is wryten . Yf ye be not conuerted & do in lykewyse as one of my lytell ye shall not entre in to the kyngdome of heuen . Vn̄ math. xviii Nisi conuersi et efficiamini sicut peruuli non intrabitis in regnum celorum . And the aungel in excusynge hym sayd . He had indulgence in his herte but the customaunce of men contynueth . And the deuyll sayd . In lykewyse as he toke yll by custome so shall he receyue vengeaunce by the souerayne Iuge . And the aungell sayd that he was Iuged before god And than the aungell began to fyght & the aduersaryes were confused . And the deuyll sayd . The seruaunt the whiche knoweth the wyll of his mayster and lorde and dooth it not shall be by many woundes & plages / as it is wryted . Luce. xii . Seruus sciens volum tatem domini sui et non faciens plagis vapulabitur multis . And the aungell sayd . What thynge hath not this man accomplysshed of the wyll of his lorde . And the deuyll sayd . He hathe receyued gyftes of an euyll man . And the aungel sayd . He beleued that ech one had done penaunce . And the ennemy sayd / he sholde haue proued the perceueraunce of penaunce before that he had taken the gyft The aungell sayd / go we before god / but the deuyll was vaynquysshed . And the deuyll agayne came to fyght & sayd . Wene ye that the Iuge be veray god the whiche promysed that all synne that is not punysshed in this worlde shall be punysshed in perdurabylyte . This man had a robe of an vsurer & he was neuer punysshed / where is than the ryghtwysnes of god . And the aungell sayd Holde thy peas / for thou knowest not the secrete Iugementes of god / euermore whan the soule wyll do penaunce the mercy of god is with hym . And the deuyll answered / there ne is here noo place of penaunce . Vnto whome the aungell sayd . Thou knowest not the profundyte of the Iugementes of god . And than the deuyl smote the sayd bysshop soo harde that after that he was restablysshed to lyfe the trace of the stroke abode styll . And the deuyls toke one of the dampned that they tourmented in the fyre of hell & kest hym agaynst the sayd bysshop in suche maner that he had the cheke & the sholder brent . Than the sayd bysshop knewe that it was that man the whiche had gyuen vnto him the sayd vestement . And the aungell sayd vnto hym . Yf thou haddest not take the gyft of this man the whiche is deed in synne this payne had not brente in the / & thou hast this payne of brennynge to suffre for that that thou receyued the gyft of the vestement of the sayd vsurer And the deuyll sayd . Yet he resteth to passe by the strayte gate / wherby we may him surmount / & the deuyll sayd vnto the aungell . God commaundeth to loue his neyghbour as hymselve . And the aungel answered . This man hath doone many good werkes vnto his neyghbours . And the aduersarye sayd . It suffyseth not yf he hath loued them as him selfe . Vnto whome the aungell sayd . The fruyte of loue is also wel to be done / for god shall yelde vnto eueryche after his operacyons . And the ennemy sayd . But he shall be dampned for that / that he hath not accomplysshed the tokens of loue . Than the company of the deuylles the whiche fought with the aungelles were vaynquysshed . &c. In th ende the sayd bisshop was brought agayne in to his owne body / & his neyghbours wepte the whiche wende that he had ben deed . After that he ouerlyued by somtyme and fyned his dayes in good reste / peas / and maners .

D. Another example of the Iugement & horrible punycyon the whiche was done of an archebysshoppe that was named Vdo . Cvi .

MEn fynde by wrytinge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary and sayeth that it is all knowen & manyfest in the countre where is happened / how in the countree of Saxony there was an archebisshoppe Metropolytayne named Maydenburc founded of saynt Mauryce . In that cyte studyed a scoler named Vdo the which had harde engyn and wytte / and myght nothynge lerne / and therfore was he beten & moche tourmented of his maysters of the scole . And on a tyme that he had be moche beten he went out of the scole and entred in to the chyrche of saynt Mauryce in the whiche he fell prostrate & put him in grete deuocyon to requyre the debonayrte of the quene of heuen & the ayde of saynt Mauryce for to enlumyne his entendement . And as he was there in prayers he slept somwhat / vnto whome appered the moder of mercy and sayd vnto hym . I haue herde thyn orayson I gyue vnto the not alonely the gyft of scyence / but with that thou shalte be archebisshop of my prynce Mauryce after that the archebysshop that is shal deye . And yf thou gouerne well the chyrche thou shalte haue grete rewarde . And yf thou do vnto the contrary thou shalt deye in body and in soule . Whan these thynges were spoken the vyrgyn Mary departed . And the yonge man arose vp & yode to studye the lesson that he had accustomed . And whan he came to speke and to dyspute he surmounted the other & appered ryght sage & experte in all scyence / and they all meruayled that herde him & sayd . How this man here is enspyred in all scyences / is not this Vdo the whiche was beten yesterday as a beest / & this daye he is approued to be euen as a phylozophre . Two yeres afterwarde the archebysshop deyed / and Vdo was electe of all to be metropolitayne . After that he was confermed & put in honour he lyued well some lytel tyme . And for as moche as honoures chaunge the maners he was neclygent to perceuer & to lyue after the counceyle of the vyrgyn Mary / and forgate his helthe . Morouer he habandoned his body vnto voluptees / and wasted the goodes of his chyrche / & vyoled not alonely the women seculers but those of relygyon . And morouer the whiche is worse he suffred those of his dycc to commyt all vyces without ony drede / soo that his lyfe was in hate and vnto al detestable . And many yeres after that the sayd archebysshop had broken the ayre by his synnes / in a nyght as he hadde in his bedde with hym an abesse relygyouse of the ordre of Cystercienses yssued of the castell ryall / he herde a voyce that vttred terrybly the wordes the whiche foloweth . Fac finem ludo / qr lusisti satis voo . That is to say . Vdo make an ende of thy play / for thou hast played ynough . These thynge herde Vdo had suspycyon that they were mockynges fayntyfes . And in the mornynge in perseueringe he retorned vnto delyces / so that he was harde and durate as a stone without correccyon / without hauynge compunccyon ne drede for the voyces thretenynge that he had herde . The nyght folowynge he herde a semblable voyce . And the fole was perseuerynge in his malyce as before . The thyrde nyght he lay with the sayd abbesse / and as he excercysed the foule & stynkynge worke of lechery the wordes beforesayd were brought forthe in grete terroure Facfinem ludo / qr lusisti satis vdo . Whan he had herde this thyrde voyce he was abasshed & wayled a lytell / but he refused not . Certaynly the acursed was nere his dampnacyon & he hasted him not to go vnto penaunce . I wyll tell a thynge meruaylous / & but wordes verytable . And yf all the people of Saxonye where this thynge was done helde theyr peas / all the elementes wolde crye that these thynges here after ben manyfested . Thre monethes after one of the chanones of the sayd chyrche metropolytayne named Frederycus moche venerable & of grete holynes / in a nyght as he was in the quere of the chyrche of saynt Mauryce feruently in oray●on & besought god the creatour for the holy chyrche vnyuersall / & pryncypally for his owne metropolytayne that the conductour of all & the Iuste Iuge eyther that soone he wolde make to deye theyr chyef archebisshop Vdo / or that he wolde chaunge hym to better . His prayer and his worde had effecte / for a vysyon terryble folowed . He sawe that a grete wynde came in to the chyrche that blewe out all the lampes of the same . So he toke a place / his heeres stode vp / the voyce was enclosed in the faucettes of his throte . Afterwarde came two yonge men the whiche bare two tapres the which set them on the corners of the grete auter . And all the place was replenysshed of theyr lyght . After them entred two other / & one of theym bare tapytes the whiche they spred honestly before the auter . And the other sette theron two chayres of golde . After them came one alone the helde in his hande a swerde al naked And he standynge in the myddes of the chyrche cryed strongly in sayng . All the sayntes of whome the relykes ben here aryse ye vp and come vnto the Iugement of god . These thynges spoken there appered ryght grete multytude of the one sexe & of the other ryght clere . Some ordeyned in habytes as knyghtes . Other in pontyfycall vesture of chasubles / & they all entred in to the quere and set them there on the one syde & on the other by ordre after theyr merytes . Afterwarde there appered .xii. men & in the myddes of them there went one clerer than the sone / the whiche had the crowne of a kynge & sceptre ryall . Whan the sayntes sawe him they worshypped hym hastely & made hym to sytte in the chayre . And the quene of heuen aryued more clerer than the mone and the sterres after whome folowed a clere turbe of vyrgyns . All the sayntes worshypped the moder of god . And Ihesu cryst came before her / toke her by the hande / & sette her honourably by hym . Fynally saynt Mauryce gloryous duke appered with his legyon .vi. M vi . C. lx. & . vi . the whiche of one courage prostrate them & worshypped our lorde saynge O rightwyse Iuge & conduter of the heuens gyue Iugement . These thinges spoken they stode vp & hym requyred reuerently . Vnto whome our lorde Ihesu cryst sayd . I knowe well what ye requyre gyue vnto vs the archebysshop Vdo . And incontynent some of the presentes departed & drewe the cursed Vdo from the bedde of the sayd abbesse a ledde hym myserably . Whan saynt Mauryce saw him he sayd . My lorde ryghtwyse iuge / Iuge iustly / here is Vdo he is no bysshop but a wulfe / no pastoure but a rauyssher / a sleer / & deuourer of thy flocke . This here is also he vnto whome thy lady moder hath giuen scyence to whome she hath recommaunded this chyrche made in t honour of thy name & of me and of my felawes : & him before warned & sayd . Yf thou gouerne the well thou shalte haue lyfe pardurable . And yf thou gouerne the yll thou shalte deye in body & in soule . Morouer he hath be warned thre tymes & he wolde not correcke him / & he hath prophaned & brought vnto nought not all onely this chyrche but himselfe & the soules the whiche were vnto hym commytted / & with that hath vyoled folyly & fouly thyn espouses . Than thou ryghtwyse iuge / Iuge iustly . These thynges spoken our lorde that preceded in Iugement in beholdynge the sayntes sayd What thynke you of this to be doone . The champyon that helde the swerde al naked cryed with an hye voyce saynge . He is culpable of dethe . And the Iuge & all the sayntes the whiche were present concorded in sentence & treated togyders what maner of dethe he sholde suffre . Than the iuge sayd / he hath deserued to lose his heed . That is to haue it smyten of . Whan these wordes were spoken the champyon bad Vdo hastely to stretche out his necke . Whan Vdo had stretched it & that the champyon had lyft vp the swerde to gyue the stroke one cryed & sayd . Holde thyn hande tyll the relykes ben taken from hym Than one Quidam came vnto Vdo holdynge a chalyce . And the champyon smote many strokes with his fyst vpon the necke of Vdo / & at eche stroke an hostye soyled yssued out by the mouthe of Vdo & fell in to the chalyce . The whiche hostyes our lorde toke reuerently & wasshed them for to take away the fylth Afterwarde he put theym within the chalyce vpon the auter / & enclyned hym besemyngly with his company & yode his way & departed . And after that the sayd champion toke the myscheuous Vdo and beheeded hym . And than all that company departed . Certaynly the beforesayd chanone a Iust man the whiche sawe this thynge / not in dreme but with eyen open abasshed tremblynge founde fyre in the place of the relykary and lyghted agayne the lampes of the chyrche . And as he was yet abashed of the dede & admeruayled hym / lytell and lytel he toke hardynes / approched al in peas vnto the place of Iugement / & sawe vpon the awter the chalyce with the hostyes & the heed cast ferre from the body & the pauement wette of the bloode Than he began to crye and to saye . O traytre beholde . O grete myracle . O that the Iugement of god is to drede . O that it is a thynge horryble as to fall in to the handes of the lyuynge god . For of those the whiche endureth longly to th ende that they conuerte theym whan they wyll not conuert them they dampne themselfe more hardely . After all the thynges beforesayd the sayd chanone shytte the gates with the keyes . And suffred not in ony wyse that none entred tyl vnto the tyme of the rysynge of the sonne that he called all the clerkes and lay men . Than he opened the gates and shew●d vnto all the meruaylous & cruell vengeaunce how god the creatour had Iuged & punysshed the archebysshop Vdo And recounted by ordre all the dede in lykewyse as it is before wryten / how it was done . And the same day one of the chapelayns of the sayd archebisshop named Brunet whan he had made parfayte and accomplysshed his lygacyon commysed by the prouynce sent his seruauntes before / & he was oppressed greuously to slepe . He auysed a tree wel shadowed & derke descended from his hors & teyed faste the rayne of his brydle vnto his arme & slept . Whan he was in rest he sawe in vysyon a gaderynge of horrible blacke spyrites with busynes / trompets / tympanes / speres / glayues / & axes / the whiche hasted them to come vnto the place . Whan they were altogyder there was one of them prynce & most horryble of stature . And they made a chayre & set hym in it . And without longe tarienge an other multytude of spyrites as grete as the other appered cryenge / mockynge / and dauncynge / wherof one came hastely cryenge . Gyue place / gyue place here is our prynce Vdo that approcheth . After this saynge the satalytes of Sathan ledde vnto theyr prynce the soule of the cursed Vdo in semblaunce corporall hauynge a chayne of fyre strayte about his necke / agaynst whome Sathan arose & salued hym by wordes peasybles in yll and treason . Thou arte ryght welcome O prynce aydour & delatatour of our realme / here we ben redy to yelde vnto the the rewarde equyualent for thy deseruynges / & also vnto all our faythfull frendes . And as Vdo helde his peas Sathan sayd to the presentes . Our frende is ryght wery in his cominge hyder / & therfore it pleaseth vnto vs that he be chered / gyue vnto than to ete / he refused it & tourned his heed . And his mynysters constrayned hym vyolently to ete of todes & serpentes / & after they made hym to drynke of the lycoure of sulphre / yet he spake not . And Sathan commaunded him saynge . Suche a prince be ledde to be bayned & incontynent brought agayne . And there was a welle not ferre of that had a coueringe on the mouthe . Whan it was vncouered flambe deuourynge lept vp vnto the heuen The whiche wasted noc all onely the trees & mountaynes & stones / but the water beynge nere vnto it dryed & consumed . The deuyls kest the soule of the sayd Vdo within the layd welle / & afterwarde drewe hym out the whiche was all on fyre as yron enbrased & reed / & bare hym vnto theyr prynce / the whiche laughed & sayd . Hast thou not had a softe bayne as a prynce . Than Vdo sawe himselfe dampned . And began to blaspheme & say . Sathan cursed be thou / thy felawes / & thy subgection & thy reame . Cursed be god that hath created me . Cursed be the erthe the whiche bare me : Cursed be my parents that begate me and cursed be all creatures in heuen and in erthe . Than all the deuylles with theyr prynce clapped theyr handes & sayd . Truly this man here is worthy too dwell with vs / for he can wel our cantycle & our offyce . Than be he put to our pryncypall scole of the dampned to th ende that he se / here / lerne / fele / & frothensforthe neuer to yssue . Scantly had he ended his wordes that the deuylles toke that cursed soule & kest it and plonged in to hell with so grete shoutes and noyse as yf the heuen and the erthe & all the mountaynes of the worlde were moeued to smyte togyder Whan the chapelayne beforesayd had seen & herde the sayd thynges he dredde hugely Than the prynce of derkenes shewed hym with the fynger & sayd . Take hede that the clerke the whiche beholdeth vs fle not the whiche hath ben euermore defensour / messager & currour of his euylles . Than in lykewyse as he hath ben encreaser of his synne so lete hym be partener of the vengeaunce / & therfore be he plonged in the welle with his lorde . Whan he had spoken that as the deuylles wolde rauysshe hym he enforced hym to fle and awok sodaynly / & his hors was so aferde that he lepte hyder and thyder & ranne drawynge the meschaunt man tyl that he was vnbounde of the rayne that was about his arme . And with grete dyffyculte he lepte vpon his hors & came to the cyte metropolytayne And whan he knewe that his lorde was deed he approued the vysyon to be true / & recounted al the thynges the whiche vnto hym were comen in the way / & all that / that he hadde seen & herde . So they knewe the thynge to be veritable . Whan the cytezyns had seen & herde this terryble thynge they drewe the carayne of the body ferre fro the cite in a place full of fylthe . And for the in the sayd place bestes infernalles were by wyse counceyle the cursed body was brent & the asshes casten in to a water . A thynge meruaylous men tel that al the fysshes left the place & yode in to the see and were there tyl god was apeased by fastynges & letanyes . Ten yeres after scantely came they agayne . The demonstr●ūce of the sayd horryble thynge appereth on the whyte pauement where the sayd Vdo was beheded . For the cruour of the effusyon of the blode enharded so strongly in the stones of the pauement that it semeth that the sayd blode be of thessence of the stones the whiche ben there yet . And ouer that place where the decollacyon ben alway tapytes spred . And whan they synge ( Te deum laudamus ) vpon a bysshop chosen he is borne vnto the sayd place & there they prosterne them in orayson to the ende that the bysshop that is chosen beholde the sayd thynge / & also to kepe him that he perysshe not as dyde the other . This thynge was done of our lorde to the terrour of bisshops & yll prelates to th ende that they tremble to here the terryble Iugement & the cruell vengeaunce of god . This example denoteth many thynges . Fyrst that the sayd Vdo vsed yll the scyence & the counceyle that he had of the vyrgyn Mary . Also those the whiche vse yll the scyence that they haue of god been to punyshe and synne gretely . Vn̄ iacob . iiii Scienti bonum facere & non facienti pctm̄ est illi . Also he vsed yll of the prelature & of the goodes of the chyrche that god had gyuen vnto hym . He sholde be the lyght of vertues & of bounte / & he was the sklaunder of the people / and the example of derkenesses and of synne . Also he vsed his lyfe in lecheryes and was corrupter of vyrgynyte & chastyte / & therfore he was worthy of punycyon . Also he wolde not correke hym and yet he was warned from god . And for that he was so obstynate & harded in synne & replete of carnall pleasaunces that he wolde not correcke him of good ryght he was iuged & punisshed in body & in soule as it is sayd . This here is the example of all prelates / curates / & people of the chyrche / they sholde vnderstande here yf they vse yll of the dygnyte & charge that they haue that god shall punysshe theym cruelly more than these symple persones the whiche ne knoweth / a / ne / b. And therfore who so loueth hym kepe hym from doynge yll . Another example in mani bokes how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary & sayth that in the dyoc & archebysshopryche of Maydenburgh / there was an archebisshop named Loye / the whiche was in a daunce the whiche was in a towne of his sayd dioc & of his sygnoury of women vyrgyns & of other of masculyn sexe . And by the suffraunce of god as men sayd the fyre toke in the base court of the hous where the daunce was / & the sayd fyre brent it & no persone ne deyed amonge so grete nombre of men & women the whiche were there / but the archebysshop and a mayden that he had ledde in the daunce And albeit some persones felle by the wyndowes & ne ranne in poynt of dethe .

Peni inferni .
A. Examples how mortall synne maketh the synners inobedyentes to haue many paynes & doloures within the fyre of hell . And fyrst example of a fader of an housholde the whiche sawe two pondes & the tourmentes of hell . Cvii .

MEn fynde by wrytynge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary & sayth that the fader of a housholde yelded his soule to god / & all his houshold watched hym & kept his body by nyght / by the dyuyne mercy he reuyued & yode vnto the chyrche to yelde thankes vnto god . And al that he had he gaue to the chyrche & to the poores . Afterwarde he yode vnto an hermytage / & by a water made his dwellynge / & entred within the sayd water & lete his clothes to be ysy & frosen nere vnto his flesshe . And after that he entred in to a bayne ryght hote / & susteyned suche payne tyll vnto the dethe . And whan he was repreued to endure suche payne he sayd . Yf ye hadde seen that that I haue seen ye sholde do with me that I doo / or more greter thynge . And he recounted terryble thinges of the paynes of hell in saynge that whan his soule departed fro his body an aungell led hym in to a valey of infynyte gretenes . In the whiche there were two pondes / the one was full of wormes & of flambes of fyre eygrely brennynge & hote . And the other ponde was frosen / & there was terrible coldnes of snowe & of hayle . And these two pondes were full of soules terrybly tourmented / the whiche whan they myght no more sustayne the grete cruelte of the fire they passed in to the colde . And they that myght not sustayne the coldenes passed in to the hote . &c. Afterwarde the aungell ledde him by derkenes right thycke & there sawe lytell flambes & lytell hepes & assemblementes of fyre the whiche proceded from ●he furneys of hell & mounted as hye as sperkles of fyre & men of fyre thorow them proceded / & there felte stynke intollerable / & there herde wepynges / waylynges / & howlynges incomperables & sawe the deuylles ryght terrybles that helde hokes of fyre / the whiche coueyted to catche the fader of the housholde to cast hym in the furneys / but the aungell defended that they sholde not touche him . For the iuge had commaunded that he sholde retorne in to his body for to doo penaunce . And there he dyde suche penaunce that it passed mannes reason . After he deyed ioyously . &c. To the purpose of this example that speketh of the fyry ponde saynt Iohn sayth apo. Qui non est īuentus in libro vite scriptus missus est in stagnum ignis ardentis & sulphuris . He the whiche is not founde wryten in the boke of lyfe whan he is deed is sent in to a ponde of fyre brennynge and of sulphre . This ponde here wherof speketh saynt Iohan is not of colde water or boylynge wherin the synners ben plonged / drowned / or boyled / as fals money makers / but it is by symylitude as a ponde or a cawdron of fyre and of sulpre molten brennynge & boylynge wherin the dampned ben sent there to be plonged / smored / brent & broyled the whiche is the seconde dethe that cometh after the dethe corporel / wherof speketh saynt Gregory in his moralles . Fit miseris mors sine morte / finis sine fine / defectus sine defectu . &c. Example of a fader & his sone the whiche were seen in hell in tourmente of fyre brennynge boylynge as dooth the peason in a potte on the fyre . Quere .lxxiii. Also saynt Iohan sayeth in the appocalyps that the homycydes fornycatours / enuenymours / ydolatres / & all lyers shall be sent in to a ponde brennynge of fyre & sulphre the whiche is the seconde dethe . Vn̄ appoca . xxi . Pars illorum erit in stagno ardenti igne et sulphure qd est mors secunda . Vnto the purpose of the seconde ponde the whiche was frosen & that the dampned passed from the ponde of fyre in to that of the colde . It is wryten iob . xxiiii . Ad calorem nimium transiet ab aquis niuium . And from the grete cruelte of colde & of tormentes that the dampned haue god sayeth in the gospelles that they shall wepe & grynde theyr tethe of grete payne that they shal endure . Vnde math. viii . xxiiii . Et luc. xiii Ibi erit fletus et stridor dentium .

B. Another example how a ryche man was put in a chyare of fyre . Cvii

THe dyscyple recyteth how a deuout man sawe by vysyon a ryche man ledde in to hel that had ben moche honoured in this worlde & exceded in worldly glory / in glotony / lechery / in songes / and in dyuers solaces . And the prynce of the deuylles rose vp from his chayre / came before hym / and made hym to sytte in a chayre all of fy●● / & sayd vnto hym . Syt thou here for the honour that thou hast had in the worlde . And was constrayned to drynke of lycour ryght bytter / stynkynge / & foule . And they sayd to hy that it was for that he had dronken in the worlde the drynkes ful of swetenesses / & two deuylles were there with trompettes the which blewe in his eeres that the flambes of fyre yode out by the eyes / nosethrylles / mouthe / & eres . And it was sayd vnto him that it was for the bayne / & songes that he had herde in the worlde . And they put serpentes about his necke and vnto his armes / and sayd vnto hym that it was for the embracements of women that he had hadde in lyuynge lecherously . &c.

C. Another example of a woman that sawe the paynes of her husbonde & of other dampned . Cvii

THe dyscyple recyteth in his sermons this the whiche foloweth the whiche is also wryten in other bokes & sayth that a knyght ryght puyssaunt was abandoned in tourneyments the whiche lyued myserably / and myscheuously deyed . His wyfe the whiche abode wydowe was ryght deuout and holy . The whiche recompted vnto her broder Albert mayster of the ordre of the prechours that after the dethe of her sayd husbande she was rauisshed in spyryte and sawe by the soule of her sayd husbande grete multytude of deuylles assembled . And the one of them the whiche appered to be mayster commaunded vnto his companyons & felawes that they sholde put a payre of hosen on his fete of the whiche the pryckes otherwyse called dartes perced hym from the plante of the feete tyll vnto the brayne . Afterwarde he made hym to be clothed in a haubergyon wherof the pryckinges perced all his body on all partes before & behynde Afterwarde he made to put on his heed an helme of the whiche the pryckes in descendynge perced hym tyll vnto the plante of the fote . Afterwarde he made to put vpon his sholder a shelde otherwyse called a marke or token the whiche was so heuy that al his membres were frusshed . After that the prince of the deuylles had made all these thynges to be done to the sayd cursed soule he sayd agayne vnto the sayd deuilles . The custome of this man was that after his tourneyments that he vsed baynes / and after his baynes that he was layde in his bedde & by hym a tender mayden the whiche he enbraced and with her medled / appropre ye hym semblable thynges . And without taryeng the sayd soule was moche tourmented bayned in a bayne of fyre / and afterwarde layde in a bedde of fyre brennynge & fast by hym a tode of the gretenes of the bedde the whiche was so horryble & had so terryble eyen that of the enbrasynge & of the atouchynge & of the kissynge that the sayd tode made and of the horrible lokes he was more brent and tourmented than he ne had be before of the sayd armoures / of the bayne / & of the bedde . Alas what paynes haue those the whiche in suche wyse ben tourmented . That blyssed woman that sawe by the dyspensacyon of god the thynges before sayd vnte the soule of her sayd husbande was so moche tourmented that meruayle it was all the dayes of her lyfe of the recordacyon of the vysyon before reherced of her husbande .

D. Another example how a seruaunt sawe his mayster the whiche was ledde in to paynes . Cvii .

MEn fynde by wrytynge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary & sayth that there was a noble man oppressour & persecutour of poore people & loued the worlde . The whiche as he rested hym in his bedde his seruaunt the whiche lay before his chambre was rauysshed by vysyon before that throne of god . And there sawe his sayd mayster that was accused of all the thynges that he had done / and for them sentence of dampnacyon was gyuen and was ledde of deuylles before Lucyfer with grete dauncynge . Vnto whome Lucyfer sayd . Approche vnto me myn owne faythfull seruaunt that I may kysse him And whan he was before him Lucyfer sayd Peas be not with the in eternyte . Agayne Lucyfer sayd . He had of custome too bathe hym / lede hym vnto the bayne . Than was he bayned of a bayne infernall & moche tormented with the nayles of the deuylles / and some cast fyre vpon hym . After he was layde in a bedde infernall . And Lucyfer commaunded that after the bayne men sholde gyue hym to drynke in the chalyce of the yre of god . And he was constrayned to drynke of fyre & sulphre molten togyders . And as he cryed it suffysed Lucyfer sayd . He had of custome to here symphonyes . So there arose vp two symphonyatours the whiche were two deuylles with instrumentes full of fyre the whiche blewe agaynst hym in suche maner that from his eyen & his mouthe & fro his nose the flambes of fyre yode out . After Lucyfer made hym to be brought and sayd to hym . Thou hast songe of songes synge me one . And he sayd . What shall I synge / but that cursed be the day that I was borne . And Lucyfer sayd vnto hym . Synge a better songe . And he answered . What shall I synge / but cursed be the fader that begate me And lucyfer sayd vnto him / synge yet a better . And the accursed said / but that cursed be that god the whiche hathe suffred that I was borne vpon the erthe / vnto this purpose sayeth the psalmyst . Non mortui laudabunt te dne : neque omnes qui descendunt in īfernū . And lucyfer sayd / here is the songe that I wolde haue / lede hym vnto the place that he hathe deserued . And he was caste in to a pytte of fyre . Than the deuylles made so grete daunsynge that it semed that all sholde fall . And at the sayd daunsynge the seruaunt of the sayd man awoke . The whiche ranne vnto the chambre of his sayd mayster & founde hym deed . Than he tolde the sayd vysyon . &c.

A. Another example of a scoler of Parys the whiche appered vnto his mayster after his dethe in grete tormentes . Cviii

IT is wryten in the legende of the deed that one of the maysters of Parys named scilo prayed ryght gretely his scoler that yf he deyed that he wolde appere vnto hym after his dethe for to denounce vnto hym of his estate yf it pleased vnto god . And one tyme after he appered / the whiche was clothed with a cloke of parchemente all wryten withouteforth of sophyms / & within enflambed with fyre / & the sayd mayster demaunded hym what he was He answered I am he the whiche hathe promysed to come agayne vnto the & he was axed of his estate he sayd . Thys cloke weyeth more on me than a grete toure / the whiche is gyuen me to bere for the vaynglorye that I toke in the argumentes / of sophistrye / that is to saye fallacyous . And the flambe of fyre the whiche brenneth me is gyuen for the furres delicyeuses that I wore . And as the sayd mayster sayd that suche payne was lyght to bere . The deed body sayd vnto hym that he sholde s●retche out his hande & that he sholde fele the lyghtnes of his payne . And whan he had stretched out his hande the sayd deed body lete fall a droppe of his sweet the whyche perced the sayd hande more soner thenne sholde do an arowe / & sayd vnto hym . I am all suche . And the sayd mayster felte so horryble torment that he was soo ferde that he lefte the worlde & entred in to relygyon . In lyke wyse as telleth the chaunter of parys . &c.

B . Another example of the soule dampned that wepte the tyme that he had lost .

IT is wryten in the booke of drede that as a holy man was in orayson he herde by the wyll of god a voyce horryble wepynge . He demaunded who it was that in suche wyse wepte . Answer was made the whiche sayd . I am a soule dampned . And he demaunded wherfore wepest thou so bytterly . He answered & sayd that one of the thynges wherfore he & al the dampned sorowe moost fore is that that they haue loste & consumed the tyme of grace vnprouffytably in synnynge / where in an houre by repentaunce they myght haue goten grace and escaped the tormentes wherin they be and shal be eternally . By this example these synners sholde vnderstonde that it is the moost grete good dede that may be in them as to be in the state of grace wele confessed / & repentaunte of theyr synnes . Also by that that this soule wepte in helle is vnto the purpose of that that the euangylles saye that the dampned wepe in hel Vnde mathei .viii. Et luce .xiiii. Ibi erit flet●s et stridor dentium . Vnto this purpose tongdalus the whiche sawe the tormentes of helle & afterwarde was brought agayne tolde that he sawe in helle a torment of an yzy ponde where the soules the whiche therin were tormented cryed so horrybly that they were herde vnto heuen . And after where the sayd tongdalus spake of the pytte of helle he herde grete cryes and howlinges of soules & thondre so horryble that no man ne myght thynke ne tongue declare the horryble crye and the noyse the whiche was in the sayd torment . &c.

C. Another example of two men the whiche were in paynes whan saynt taurayn areysed them . Cviii

IT is wryten in the legende of saint taurayn the tydynges were brought vnto a ryght honourable man that his sone and his squyere were deed . And for to abredge the matere saynt taurayne areysed the sayd sone . The whiche yode incontynent on knees before saynt taurayne & requyred hym to be baptysed . And after that he was baptysed sayd vnto his fader Halas fader thou knowest what myserable lyfe we lede & what paynes those susteyne the whiche ben semblables vnto vs And what glorye is vnto those the whiche loue and serue vnto that god the whiche is to be honoured of man . Certaynly I haue sene hym to be in the company of aungelles and to praye vnto god for vs . And whan the sayd sone arey●ed had spoken these wordes & many other vnto his fader he yode on knees before saynt tauryn & caused hym to baptyze him . And also his wyfe moder of the sayd reysed . And for to be shorte in that daye soo many of grete lordes as of lytell people a thousande & two hondred persones were baptyzed . And afterwarde at the request of the sayd sone areysed saynt tauryn areysed also afterwarde the squyer the whiche wytnessed that he was in grete paynes whan a messengere came to tell him of the souerayne maister that he were brought agayne & taken vnto saynt tauryn . And this said squyer areysed sayd vnto the said sone . He the whiche hathe brought me agayne heder commaundeth the that thou dispose the to retourne vnto hym . And incontynent a feuer toke hym / & after the commaundement deyed .

D. Another example of .iii. deed men areysed the whiche recompted of the paynes of purgatorye and of helle / & how they were in iugement before god . Cviii

IT is wryten in the epystyll of the holy bysshop named sirillus that by the merytes of saint Iherome the whiche appered vnto saynt eusebe thre deed bodyes were areysed for to take awaye a grete erroure the whiche regned in the tyme amonge the grekes that it came in the latyns of the heretykes that sayd that the ylle persones ne sholde haue of tormentes in helle tyl vnto the daye of Iugement that the body & the soule shold be remyt togyders . The thre deed bodyes that were areysed lyued .xx. dayes / the whiche were demaunded why they wepte so sore . And the one of them sayd vnto him that asked it . Yf thou knewe the paynes the whiche before yesterday I endured thou sholdest haue euermore cause to wepe . & he was requyred to tell what paynes he hadde endured and suffred within helle . / He sayd that the dampned & those in purgatorye haue so grete paynes that yf a persone sholde endure in this worlde all the paynes / tormentes / & afflyccions that a man may thynke / that ne sholde be but consolacyon to endure al that / in regarde of the leest payne of purgatorye / or of helle . Also he sayd / yf ony lyuynge had felte the experyence of the dolour the whiche is in helle or in purgatorye / that he sholde loue better to endure tyll vnto th ende of the worlde without ony remedy togyders all the paynes and tormentes that all the men & women hath endured one after another syth Adam vnto nowe / than to be tormented one daye in the leest payne that is in helle or in purgatorye . And therfore yf ye axe me what the cause is wherfore I wepe . It is for that that I knowlege me to haue synned ayenst god / and that iustely he punyssheth the synners . Wherfore I wepe to haue deserued suche punycyon . Afterwarde he was axed wherin dyffereth the paynes / and tormentes of purgatorye / and those of helle . He answered that they ne dyffere as vnto the qualyte & quantyte of paynes they ben of one self gretenes / but they differe in asmoche as the paynes of helle haue none ende . And also the dampned shal haue augmentacyon of tormentes in Iugement whan they shall there be tormented in body and in soule . And the paynes of purgatorye shal haue an ende . For whan the penaunce is accomplysshed / those of purgatorye ben delyuered . Also he was asked yf those the whiche ben in purgatory and in helle haue egalle tormentes or dyuers . He answered that the one haue more greate tormentes and dyuers than the other after the quantyte and gretenes of synnes that they haue commytted . And also the dampned albeit that they ben in a place of paynes / yet fele they more grete tormentes the one than the other / after the quantyte / and qualytees of synnes that they haue commytted . For in the persone where there is more of matere of synne / and more strongly the fyre hym taketh & brenneth more cruelly . Also he was demaunded how he bare the dede whan the soul● yssued out frome the body . He answered / Whan myne houre of dethe came in place where I was he founde so many of deuylles that a man ne myghte nombre them for the grete multytude the whiche were so horrybles to beholde that a man ne can thynke more grete payne than it is . Ony man had leuer caste hymselfe more soner in a fyre flambynge and brennynge than to beholde them with the eye / the whiche deuylles came vnto me & brought agayn vnto my mynde all the cursed operacyons that I had done agayne god esmouynge that I ne had more of esperaunce of the dyuyne mercy the whiche I haue gretely offended . And certes knowe ye that yf the mercy of god ne had ayded me I ne might haue resysted vnto them . For whan my spyryte was destytute of all force lytel and lytell I me consented vnto theyr wordes / & saynt Iherome arryued more clere than the sonne with grete multytude of aungels the whiche came vnto myn ayde . And the said saynt Iherome blamed them / & they departed with grete howlynges and clamours . &c. For to abrydge this mater the sayd areysed sayd that his soule was borne before god in iugemente in lyke wyse as a man may shyrte the eye / but how ne of whom he ne knewe . More ouer he said all the synnes that he had done / spoken / & thought in all his lyfe appered clerely vnto the iuge & before al in lyke wyse as they had ben present / so that there ne abode the moost lytell thought but that it appered / so it had be thought . Also he sayd that he was replenysshed with so grete fere that meruayll it was . And that grete multitude of deuylles were there present the whiche wytnesse the ylles that we haue done in declarynge the place / the maner and the tyme & the ylles that men spoke agaynst vs / we ne maye agayne saye them in noo maner . For the iuge knoweth and seeth al Also the iustes and presentes it sene and knowe . Alas what shal I saye / we ne abyde more than the sentence to be broughte forth agayne vs . For all the presents crye vnto the iuge that we ben dygne of tormentes . And almoost noo good dede appered wherin we hadde esperaunce to haue the mercye of god . And whan he ne resysted more as to bryngforth the sentence the whiche is iustely gyuen agayne the synners the blyssed saynt Iherome was present . Also were presente saynt Iohan baptyst saint peter / and grete multytude of aungelles the whiche requyred of the Iuge that our sentence were yet dyfferred a lytell of tyme for the reuerence and deuocyon that we had made vnto the sayd saynt Iherome / And for to destroye the errour the whiche regned in the worlde . And he was accorded vnto the sayd saynt Iherome that that he requyred . The whiche ledde vs with him And shewed vs the glorye of the blyssed soules and the paynes of helle and of purgatorye / to th ende that we myghte wytnes certayne that thynge that we haue sene . The whiche thynges be not here wryten for bycause of shortnes . And wolde that we were put within the paynes of purgatorie to th ende that we sholde proue the experyence of the paynes the whiche there ben in the whiche we were put . For to abrydge the sayd saynt Iherome vs commaunded that we sholde come agayne in to our bodyes And that we sholde wytnes that that we had sene / and vs promysed that on the .xx daye yf we dyde dygne penaunce of the synnes that we had commytted that we sholde deye agayne with saynt Eusebe the whiche sholde deye on the said daye & we sholde haue glorye . And so our soules were in contynent within theyr bodyes . &c.

E. Another example how a deuyl said that the soule of the erle Guyllaume was in horryble payne . Cviii.

IT is wryten in dialogo cesarii this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his boke & sayeth that as a knyght was at the dethe in his bedde all alone the deuyll appered vnto hym vysybly in forme and semblaunce of a she ape the whiche had the hornes of a gote . And whan he se him there in suche wyse he had fere and hym demaunded what art thou & what sekest thou . He answered I am a deuyll the whiche am come for to fetche thy soule . Vnto whome the sayd knyghte sayd departe thou fro me cursed there / I haue commaunded it vnto Ihesu cryste that I haue receyued in the sacrament . And the deuyll sayd . Varlet yf thou wylte doo me homage I shall yelde vnto the helthe and I shall enryche the aboue all thy parents And the knyght hym demaunded where ben thy tresours . He answered treasours infynyte ben hydde nere vnto thy courte / And the sayd knyght asked hym / tell me where is the soule of the erle guyllaume the whiche is lately deed . He answered . It is in helle in soo grete fyre that yf the moost grete mountayne were there it sholde be consumed in lesse of tyme than to close the eye . And that payne there is but a bayne of mylke in the regarde of the daye of Iugement where he shall receyue the payne And he asked hym of another man . And he answered he hath be .xxxi. yeres in paynes / but a monke and a mynchen hath delyuered hym by good dedes . And agayne he demaunded the deuyl . From whens camest thou whan thou came to me . He answered . I & my felowes were at the dethe of an abbesse awaytynge her soule . And the knyght hym demaunded . How many ben ye . He answered that the moost grete forest of the worlde hathe not so many of leues as we were . And the knyght demaunded hym . What haue ye done . He answered Alas nothynge / she was a good relygyous / & saynt Myghell came theder the whiche bete vs & departed in like wyse as departeth the poudre before the wynde / & he was axed yf he were at the dethe of suche an abbot . He answered that there is not so moche of grauell in the see as ther was of deuylles / but we ne dyde nothynge / for the vyllaynes monkes the whiche there were & groned as hogges ne wolde let vs to approche . And the sayd knyght sayd . how dare ye go vnto the dethe of so holy a man And the deuyl sayd I was at the dethe of the sone of god / & set me on the arme of the crosse / wherfore dare I not than go vnto the dethe of suche a man . &c.

F. Another example how a relygyous wolde more sooner entre in to a fyre than to beholde the deuyll . Cviii

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye & sayeth that one tyme a relygyous came vnto the dethe the whiche cryed horrybly / cursed be the houre that euer I was relygyous / and after helde his peas And within a lytell whyle afterwarde he began to laugh with a Ioyous face & said Naye . But blessed be the tyme that I entred in to the ordre . And blyssed be the gloryous moder of Ihesu cryste that I loue and agayne helde his peas . The freres the whiche were by hym and herde these wordes wepte and prayed for hym . Two houres after he sayd vnto a frere the whiche was by hym / call my bredern . For god hathe exalted theyr prayers . And he said vnto them whan they were entred . My bredren ye were troubled of the fyrste worde I sayd vnto you / but the cause of the worde was for that that the deuylles horryble appered vnto me / the whiche wolde rauysshe my soule . And for the drede I was rauysshed out of my selfe & cursed the houre that I entred in to relygyon I tell you that yf a grete fyre were here melled with brymstone / and that I had to chose to put me within it or elles to beholde agayne the deuylles in the forme that I haue sene theym I sholde chose more sooner to put me in the fyre than to beholde them afterwarde the quene of heuen and of mercy came the whiche chased awaye the deuylles . And whan I se her I conceyued esperaunce / & for the grete ioye that I hadde I haue laughed and blyssed the houre that I entred in to relygyon and the vyrgyn mary Whan he had spoken these wordes he deyed debonayrly . &c.

A. Another example how the vysyon of the deuyll is horryble . Cix .

IT is wryten in some bokes this the whiche foloweth that the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye and sayeth that the abbot of saynt agathe came vnto coleyne with one of his monkes & a conuers with a woman demonyacle . And whan the abbot asked the deuyl of some thynges he ne wolde an●wer . The abbot sayd afterwarde . I coniure the by hym that I haue trayted in the masse that thou answer me . And incontynent the deuyll answerd vnto the thynges that men demaunded him After the abbot coniured hym that he sholde go forthe of the woman . The deuyll answerde . And wheder shall I go . The abbot sayd I haue opened my mouthe to the ende that thou ther entre . The deuyl sayd I ne maye there entre / for this daye the ryght hault god there entred . Than the abbot sayd . Lepe vpon my two fyngers / my thombe & that nexte it . The deuyll answered I wyll not for thou hast this daye trayeted the ryght hault with them . And he sayd vnto hym that he sholde go forth . The deuyll sayd the ryght haulte ne wyll it not / I shall be yet two yeres in her / & than she shall be delyuered . And soo was it done . / Than the monke & the conuers prayed the abbot that he wolde shewe hymself vnto them in forme naturell . And he fyrste refused it afterwarde he wolde it & sayd vnto the deuyll . I commaunde the in the vertue of Ihesu cryst that thou appyere vnto vs in thy naturall kynde . And the deuyl said And wyll ye not departe yf ye se me not / and the abbot sayd naye . Than the deuyll shewed hymselfe so horryble within the body of the woman that it was meruayll to se / his eyes sparcled as a furnayse embrased in fyre smokynge . Whan the sayd monke & conuers sawe that they fell vnto the erthe as deed for fere / thou abbot had also fallen yf he had not commaunded the deuyll to take his fyrste forme . The whiche thynges he dide & the deuyll sayd . Thou neuer commaunded me soo folysshe a thynge / knowe thou for certayne that yf thou haddest not receyued this daye the dyuyne thynges / none of you ne had reported v●to ony man that the I haue shewed / wenest thou that a man may seme & lyue / naye . In th ende the monke & the conuers were reuyued by colde water . &c.

B. Another example how a man consydered yf after a hondreth thousande yeres the dampned sholde be delyuered from helle . Cix .

THe dysciple reciteth in his promptuarye and sayeth that as a man moche seculer & delycatyf thought one tyme vnto hymself yf after a hondred thousande yeres the soules of the dampned sholde be delyuered frome paynes . And his thought answered hym that naye And after a hondred thousande yeres naye . And yf after as many of yeres as there are of droppes of water in the see naye . And in thynkynge suche thynges he was moche troubled . And as he was ferfull he began to vnderstonde & to apperceyue that the louers of the worlde acursed & in derkenes the whiche renne in paynes eternelles for a lytell of tyme that they lyue in this worlde in ioyes transytoryes in the wyll of the flesshe . A man sholde here vnderstande that whan the synners deye impenytentes / obstynate / & abyde in theyr synnes & theym bere with them with takynge awaye the gylte of the sayd synnes by contrycyon & penaunce ne without askynge ony grace ne mercy of as moche as whan they lyue in this worlde & that they haue the tyme & the place that to doo . And for as moche as the soule is eternell and immortal the whiche shall be sente in to the fyre of helle there for to abyde / and that she shall haue with her euermore synne the whiche is the matere of the fyre that it shall brenne . In lyke wyse the soule shall euermore suffre payne and euermore shall brenne with the sayd fyre the whiche neuer shall haue mercy nor grace . &c.

C. Another example that it enioyed vnto a persone to be in a good bedde withoute departynge . Cix

IT is wryten in the promptuary of the dyscyple that the bysshop of marseylle sayd vnto hymselfe . Whan I was a louer of the worlde / & had gyuen me vnto worldly vanytes I began to thynke one tyme of the eternyte of the paynes of helle . And I sayd in my herte . Yf thou were establed to lye the euermore in a bedde softe & delycatyf in suche manere that thou sholdest not departe for ony occasyon soo euer it sholde be / with greate payne sholdest thou susteyne that . How mayst thou than lye & brenne in suche payne eternell / intollerable in helle yf it falle that thou be theder sente . By this occasyon I lefte all and made me monke . &c.

D. Another example how a yongman made hym relygyous for to thynke yf his fayre membres sholde be the pasture and the matere of the fyre of helle . Cix

IT is wryten in some bookes this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye and sayeth that one tyme as mayster iordayn persewaded a yonge man noble fayre of membres that he sholde entre in to the ordre of prechers / he founde hym that he was not prompte that to do . And he sayd vnto him in the ende of the wordes . I praye the that thou do it incontynent for the loue of god or beholde thy handes and the other fayre membres / what dommage shall that be yf so fayre membres shall be the pasture of the fyre eternell . And he dyde it . For for this thynge he entred in to the ordre and so contemned hymselfe for the loue of god .

Rapina .
E. Another example of the punycyon of a knyghte the whiche toke awaye the cowe of a woman wedowe . Cix .

SOme maysters hathe wryten this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his boke of sermons and sayth that one tyme a knyght toke away the cowe of a woman wedowe / & as she wepte and prayed hym to restore it for to nourysshe her chyldren . The knyghte answered . Yf I toke her not another after me sholde come the whiche shold take her After her dethe by the suffraunce of god the sayd knyght was sene that fyrste many grete deuylles hedeous and blacke him tormented ryghte cruelly and horrybly / & specyally one amongest all the other ceassed not to bete hym & to torment him with out beynge wery / or without leuyng hym Than the sayd knyght hym demaunded Wherefore tormentest thou me more than all the other deuylles the whiche ben here He answered / yf I tormented the not another sholde the torment as thou saydest to the good woman of her cowe that thou tokest awaye / yf thou tokest her not another sholde take her . &c. By this example it is to vnderstonde that the sayd knyght was ryght dygne of payne and punycyon For he dyde vnto the good woman that that he ●e wolde a man sholde do hym agayn the commaundement of god the whiche is loue thy neyghbour as thyselfe / ne do vnto another no more than thou woldeste a man shold do the. Vnde leuitici .xix. & ma. xxii . Diliges proximum tuum sicut teipsum Et thobie .iiii. Quod ad alio tibiodis fieri . vide ne tu aliqn̄ alteri facias . Et ysido . Quod non vis pati non facias quod non vis tibi fieri alteri numquam īferas . Non inferas alii mala ne patiaris similia . The sayd knyght had no wyll that a man sholde take awaye his cowe as he dyde vnto the said wedowe . And for that was he punysshed &c.

F. Another example of a rauyssher in payne the whiche toke the gote of a woman wedowe / and dyde of greate oppressyons vnto his subgectes . Cix .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye and sayeth that a relygyous of the ordre of cysternencis laboured vnto the dethe / he sawe saynt benet the which came vnto the seperacyon of his soule / the whiche shewed vnto hym many houses of the saued and of the tormentes of the damned . And amonges the other he sawe a grete prynce borne brennynge and resydente in a chayer of fyre . And before hym there was of fayre women the whiche put theyr faces of fyre in his mouthe / & he brenned tyll vnto the nombryll / & he was bette horrybly . This sayd man had be a puyssaunt prynces lecherous . After the sayd lecherous he sawe another that the deuylles dyde fle / And afterwarde they caste & spryncled of salte vpon hym . And vpon a gyrdyron of fyre brente hym & rosted . This sayd man had be a lorde cruell the whiche made of greate oppressyons vnto his subgectes / & made of demaundes iniuste vnto the poores Afterwarde the sayd relygyous sawe another the whiche rode a horse of fyre & had a token of fyre the whiche otherwyse men call a bokelet / & bare a gote of fyre . And after the tayle of the gote he bare an habyte of a monke . This sayd man was a rauyssher the whiche toke the gote of a woman wedowe . And whan he was seke he receyued the habyte of a monke / not by charyte ne by wyll to abyde in the ordre yf he myght be hole . But by theadmonycyon of his frendes / and for that he drewe the habyte of a monke after him . Afterwarde the sayd relygyous sawe many other people the whiche susteyned many other paynes after the symylytude of the maners that they had synned in this worlde . It is that wherof the sage speke . Sapien .xi. Per q peccat homo : ꝑ hec et torquetur . By the thyng that a man synneth by that shal he be tormented to th ende that he haue euermore remors in his conscyence that ylle that he endureth its gyuen vnto hym for his propre synnes . Vnde Ysaye vltimo : et marci . ix . Vernus eorum . s . morsus conscientie non moritur & ignis non extinguitur .

A. Another example how a myller was borne to se the tormentes of helle and after was brought agayne in to his body .

MEn fynde by wrytynge this the whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary & sayth that as a man preched of the crosse a carle vsurer bought agayne a vowe for moneye that he had made vnto the sepulcre of iherusalem And yode vnto the dyspensatour fraudelently / & gaue vnto hym for his sayd vow an hondred shelynges as he myghte wele gyue xlviii . li. without dysherytynge hys chyldren . And as this sayd carle sat at the tauernes he sayd vnto the other the whiche hadde made of vowes . Ye foles shall passe the see in peryll of your lyues & shal dyspende your substaunce I haue bought my vowe for fyue pounde / saued my lyfe & dwell sure in my house . And also I shal haue semblable rewarde as you . And in a nyght as he was in his bedde with his wyfe he herde in his mylle mouynge tempeste In lyke wyse as the wheles gryndynge / And he sayd vnto his sone goo se who is in the mylle He yode & retourned anone with grete fere . Of whom the mayster demaunded . What hast thou sene . He answered I had so grete fere at the dore of the mylle / that I muste nedely come agayne . And he sayd yf the deuyll were there yet shold I go to see what it is . Than he caste hys vestiment vpon his sholdres & yode vnto the myll / he was all naked but of the said vestyment . He opened th● dore and loked within / & sawe two horses ryght blacke / & a blacke man by them & said vnto the carle hast the lepe vpon this hors the whiche is brought vnto the. That carle had fere / and the blacke man said vnto hym / what taryest thou / caste awaye thy vestymente and come / there was on the vestyment a crosse . He was dyspeyred at the voyce and callynge of the deuyll kest awaye his vestyment & lepte vpon the hors . And the blacke man lepte vpon the other hors / & they were ledde incontynent in dyuers places of paynes . In the whiche the acursed sawe his fader & his moder . And many other that he had knowen . And he sawe a knight named Helye of the castell Horst the whiche was mounted vpon a cowe his backe towardes the hornes . The whiche cowe ran on the one side and on the other & tormented horrybly the sayd knyght in strykyng hym with her hornes on the backe . A●d the carle him demaunded wherfore he susteyned suche payne / & he answered . I haue rauysshed this cowe & taken awaye from a woman wedowe without mercye . And therfore she me tormenteth without mercy . Afterwarde there was shewed vnto the sayd carle a sege of fyre and it was sayde vnto him . Thou shalt retourne euen now in to thy house . And after thre dayes thou shalte come agayne in to this place here / and thou shalte take thy rewarde in thys syege . After these wordes here the deuyll brought hym agayne in to his mylle And he founde his wyfe and his housholde as halfe deed / vnto whom he tolde that / that he had sene . And howe it happened . The preest was called for to chere hym and to counsayll hym to confesse hym / & to haue contrycyon . And he answere● what proffyte me these wordes here I ne maye repente me . For I se that in vayne I shold confesse me . And I knowe that of necessyte it is to accomplysshe in me that the whiche is dysposed . And the acursed deyed so withoute receyuynge the sacramentes of the churche . &c.

B. Another example that a knyght deyed / and after was brought agayne in to his body / the whiche recompted of a brydge ryght strayte vpon a water by the whiche hym behoueth to passe . Cx.

IT is wryten in the dyalogue of saint gregorye that a knyght deyed and within a lytell after came agayn in to his body the whiche told that he had sene a bridge vnder the whiche brydge ranne a water stynkynge & darke . And on the other syde of the brydge there was medowes smellynge swete & aourned with all floures And in those medowes were assembled of people clothed in whyte the whiche were fulfylled of swetnes & odour of the sayd floures . And at the sayd brydge there was suche probacyon that whan ony of the vniust there passed he fell in to the blacke water stynkynge / & the iuste passed tyll vnto the place delectable . And the sayd knyght sawe there withoute the brydge a man named peter bounde with grete weyght of yron / And he demaunded wherfore he suffred suche payne . Answer was gyuen that whan men gaue hym ony for to do vengeaunce he desyred it more to do by cruelte than by obedyence . Also the said knight sayd that he sawe a pylgrym the whiche passed vpon the brydge all ouer of also grete auctoryte as he had lyued in the worlde clenely . & he sawe another named steuen the whiche as he passed the sayd brydge his fote slode in suche wyse that he than fell of the sayd brydge in lyke as halfe . And thenne some men ryght blacke lyfte them vp from the sayd water the whiche drewe hym downwarde by the thyes . And some men ryght fayre clothed in whyte toke hym by the armes & they drewe him vpward / & as this stryfe was the sayd knyght was put agayn in to his body . And he ne knewe whiche of them sholde vaynquysshe / but saynt Gregorye sayth that it is to vnderstande that the ylles that he had done stroue agayne the almesdedes . And by the other the whithe drewe hym downwarde appered that he had not parfytely resisted vnto the synnes of the flesshe . This example ought to drawe all persones to lyue clenely / purely / & holyly to th ende that they may passe the sayd brydge vnto the place delectable without fallynge in to the torment beforsaid . And the synners sholde also correcte theym of yll and to do penaunce / or they shall falle of the sayd brydge in to the sayd water / wherin they shall be punysshed .

A. Another example of the vysyon of Tongdalus the whiche suffred many paynes in purgatorye & sawe of the tormentes of helle & after was brought agayne in to his body . Cxi .

IN the yeres of our lorde a thousande .xlix. There was a man named Tongdalus in a cyte of the lande of Irlonde . This sayd tongdalus was noble of lynage / a fayre man yonge of age / curteys of all goodnes & of grete honour . He was grete and ryght appert of the arte of chyualrye . Also he was wele spekynge / and good in dysportynge / & of asmoche more as he trusted in his beaute & his force of asmoche the lesse was it vnto hym of the helthe of his soule And yf ony man sayd ony thynge to hym for the helthe of his soule he was greuid with him / he dyspyted the holy chirche / he ne daygned to beholde the poores in theyr indygence . More ouer he gaue that that was his in playes for to haue the preyse of the worlde & many he hadde of frendes and of compaygnyons . And it came one daye that he sat at table with one of his compaygnyons for to eate . And incontynent that he had taken of the mete he deyed of dethe sodayne and the body fel vnto the erthe / In lyke wyse as it neuer hadde hadde soule . The seruauntes ranne vnto hym / the meete was taken awaye / wepynges / and lamentacyons were made / men range the belles The people was moche ameruaylled of the dethe the whiche had taken this noble man so sodaynly . He dyed the wednesday about the houre of none . And from that houre tyll vnto the saterdaye at none he abode so the body without buryenge for that that in the left partye he had a lytel of hete . And on the saterdaye at none the soule came agayne vnto the body . And so by the space of an houre he behelde those the whiche were by hym / vnto whom he made a token that he wolde haue the body of god . And after that he had receyued it he began to prayse god & to yelde vnto hym graces and sayd . Syr all puyssaunt more grete is thy mercy than all my synnes . And afterwarde said this worde the whiche is writen in the psalter That is to saye . How many trybulacions and ylles hast thou shewed vnto me / and I beynge conuerted thou hast quyckened me . And hast brought me agayne from the depnesse of the erthe . And incontynente that he hadde spoken tho wordes he departed / and gaue vnto the poores that that he had and promysed aboue all thynges to leue the lyfe that he hadde before ledde / and al that he hadde sene and suffred he recompted it vnto vs and sayd . Whan my soule yssued out of my body she knewe & sawe the synnes that she had done . And soo began she to doubte . But she knewe not what it was that she sholde doo . And she wolde rentre within my body / but she myghte not / But she ne durste goo oute / for she dredde her synnes of al partes / & she ne had trust in nothynge but vnto the grete mercye of god . And so began to wepe & to tremble / and she knewe not what she sholde do / & anone after / she sawe come vnto her soo grete nombre and multytude of deuylles that all the house stretes & places of the cyte were full the whiche enuyroned her on all partes / the whiche deuylles sayd . Singe we vnto this soule the songe of dethe / that we vnto her sholde synge / for she is the doughter of the dethe pardurable and the vyande of the fyre extynguyble ennemye of the lyght and frende of derkenesses . And afterwarde and agayne her they grynned and whetted theyr tethe & sayd vnto her . Vnhappy soule here is the people that thou haste chosen with whome thou shalte entre in to helle in pardurabylyte / Thou haste ben a nouryce of sclaundre / a louer of dyscorde that we loue . Wherfore arte thou not proude / wherfore ne knowest thou not thy lecherye / where is thy vanite and vayne gladnes / where ben thy laughynges ryght vntempred / where is thy force wherin thou trustedest so moche . Wherfore ne shyttest thou not the eye / wherfore ne tryppest thou with thy fote . Wherfore ne thynkest thou the greate malyce that thou were wonte to doo in vanytees and synnes . And as these forsayd deuylles sayde these wordes I loked towarde the heuen and sawe a ferre of a lyght ●●scende in lyke wyse as it hadde ben a sterre ryght clere and shynynge In the whiche I hadde esperaunce that ther was some ayde that god sente vnto me . And as it approched vnto me I apperceyued wel that it was the aungell of god the whiche had kepte me in thys worlde . And whan he approched vnto me he also greted me swetely & sayd . God the salue Tongdalus . And whan I sawe soo fayre a yongman the whiche greted me so swetely by my propre name / by grete Ioye I answered . Alas my lorde the dolours of helle hathe besette me aboute . And the panges of dethe hathe occupyed me / as it is wryten . Dolores inferni circumdederunt me : preoccupauer̄t me laquei mortis . And the aungell answered . Thou callest me nowe lorde and I haue be euermore with the / but Iuge thou not that I were dygne of suche grete honour . The soule answerd . Syr I neuer se the before . And the aungel sayd . From the houre that thou were borne I haue euermore be with the in all places where thou were And thou ne woldest neuer bileue my counsayle . Than the aungell lyfte vp his hande amonges the deuylles & shewed vnto hym one the whiche dyde vnto hym wors than the other & sayd vnto hym that is he the whiche counsaylled the whiche thou byleued and dyde his wyll / but be thou sure that thou shalt haue the mercye of god / & thou shalt suffre a lytel of tormentes that thou hast deserued . Come thou after me / and that that I shall shewe the so kepe thou it & put thou it in thy memorye / for thou shalt retourne agayne within thy body . / Whan the soule hadde herde this she was moche ferefull & she approched vnto the aungell . Whan the deuylles herde this worde they were madde . For they sawe that they ne had of puyssaunce to doo yll vnto the soule an● blasphemed god in sayng that he was not ryghtfull / for he yelded not vnto euery man after his deserte . And of the grete woodnes wherof they were ful they bet eche other . And they departed frome thens sorye and heuye as enraged . Than the aungell sayd vnto the sayd soule . Come after me . A syr thou goest before / these deuylles shall take me behynde & shall lede me in to helle . The aungell answerde / Haue thou no fere for we haue more grete ayde than they ne haue . Si deus ꝓ nobis quis contra nos . Yf god be for vs there is none that maye noye vs . It is wryten by the prophete dauid Cadent a latere tuo mille et decem millia a dextris tuis : ad te aunt non appropīquabit . verūtamen occulis tuis considerabis et retributionem pctōrum videbis . / That is to saye a thousande shall falle on thy left syde / & ten thousande on thy right side . Certaynly they shal not approche vnto the. Albeit thou shalt consyder by thyn eyes & thou shalte see the retrybucyon of thy synnes . And whan he had sayd these wordes they yode forthe .

B. Of the valeye .

WHan they were gone longlye togyders by so grete derkenesses that they had no lyght / but that the whiche proceded of the aungell / they came in to a valeye moche horryble / the whiche was ryght depe and ful of brennynge coles . And aboue that valeye there was a couerynge of yron brennynge of thyknes syxe fadome the whiche was more hote than that whiche brente vnderneth . From thens yssued soo grete strenche the whiche greued more the soule than all that that he had before suffred Aboue the sayd couerynge dyscended many chetyues soules the whiche there were fryed as a man fryeth bacon in the panne And afterwarde they were strayned thorowe the coueryng as waxe / & fell and dyscended in to the welle of the sayd valeye / vpon the brennynge coles where they were tormented of a newe torment / thus sayd the aungell . This payne suffreth those the whiche haue kylled faders or moders / or other people by delyberacyon or dede . and after this tormente they shall be ledde in to more grete : but thou ne shalt suffre this said torment albeit that thou hast wele deserued it .

C. Of the beest horryble .

AFter they entred in to a way moche horryble croked & harde . And whan they had gone longe in derkenes / the soule sawe a ferre a beest moche horrible & ferefull of the gretenes incredyble / more grete than all the mountaynes that he had before seen . She had the eyen as grete fyres brennynge / & had the mouthe so grete that it semed vnto hym that there myght well entre .x. M. men of armes . There yssued out of his mouthe fyre inextynguyble / & stynke incomparable . Grete multytude of soules entred by the mouthe in to the wombe of the sayd beest the whiche soules cryed horrybly of tormentes that they were in . And before the sayd beest there was grete multytude of deuyls the whiche bette and tourmented the sayd soules & after put them within the sayd beest And whan the soule had longe beholden the sayd beest she was moche ferefull & sayd to the aungell . Syr wherfore approche we vnto this tourment . The aungell answered . We may not go by other way / for none escapeth this tourment but those that god hath chosen to be in his company . This beest that thou seest is called Acherons the whiche tourmenteth all the auarycyous . Of this beest it is wryten . Absorbebit fluuium et non mirabitur / & habet fuditiam qd influat iordanis in os eius . That is to say . He shall swalowe a streme or water & it shall be no meruayle / & also haue affyaunce that the water of Iordan renneth yet through her mouthe And whan they had spoken this they came before the sayd beest / & the aungell departed and left the soule amonge the deuylles . And incontynent the deuylles beset her about and there tourmented her with grete tourmentes as woode dogges . And afterwarde they ledde her with them in to the wombe of the sayd beest . Therin she suffred many bytynges of dogges / of beres / of lyons / of serpentes / & of other beestes that she had neuer seen ne knowen before / & there had of grete tourmentes of deuylles / brennynge of fyre / sharpenes of sulphre / derkenesse woundes / to plundge / to crye / and grete habondaunce of dysease and of trybulacyon . There was the sayd soule accused of her synnes that she had committed . And for the grete heuynes wherof she was full she strake her selfe on the chekes tare them with the nayles of her owne handes / & wende there to be dampned pardurably . And anone she founde her selfe out of the sayd beest / but she wyst not how she came out / & she was layde ferre of moche feble . Afterwarde within a whyle of tyme she opened her eyen & sawe her aungel by her . Than had she grete Ioye albeit that she was moche tourmented / & began to gyue praysynges vnto our lorde of his mercy And the aungell touched her & comforted her . &c.

D. Of the ouen with the flambe .

Afterwarde they yode another waye / & whan they were gone longely by derkenes they sawe an hous moche hygh the whiche was rounde as an ouen . In the sayd hous there was well a thousande wyndowes / from the whiche yssued fyre strong / sharpe & moche hote . Whan the soule sawe the sayd hous she had grete feere & sayd vnto the aungell . A syr we approche to the gates of dethe Alas caytyfe who shall delyuer me fro this tourment . The aungell answered . From the fyre the whiche yssueth out by these wyndowes thou shalt be delyuered / but in to the hous it behoueth to entre . Whan they were approched they sawe within the sayd hous in the myddes of the fyre grete multytude of deuylles the whiche helde axes / knyues / hachettes & other instrumentes of yron sharpe for to tourment the soules that were there of the whiche soules there was grete multytude . Than sayd the soule vnto the aungel Syr I pray the yf it please the that thou delyuer me fro this tourment / & in all the other where thou shalt lede me I graunte me to be there tourmented . And the aungell sayd This tourment is greter than al those that thou hast seen / but yet shalte thou se greter Now entre here for the deuils tary for the as dogges enraged . Than the soule began to quake and to tremble of the grete feere that she had & prayed the aungell moche that he wolde make hym to passe the sayd tourment / but it vayled hym nothynge . And whan the deuylles herde that she was graunted vnto them for to tourment they toke her with theyr instruments & tormented her sharpely . The mayster of this hous had to name Phisternus . His hous was ful of fyre brennynge in the whiche soules strayned theyr tethe and wayled for the grete doloures that the suffred . And there were men & women / not al onely of people of the wor●de / but also of relygyon . There was this soule tourmented the whiche sayd that she had wel deserued that that she had suffred . But whan it pleased god she founde herselfe out of the sayd tourment & she wyst not in what maner . Th●n she aduysed her aungell by her to whome she sayd A syr where is the worde that the prophete Dauyd spe●●th . Mia dni plena est terra . That is to say . The erthe is full of the mercy of god . Than the aungell answered and sayd . By those wordes many soules ben deceyued . God is ryghtwyse though that he be full of mercy / & many synnes he vengeth and punissheth / & also he pardoneth . Yf god pardoned all the synnes wherfore sholde the man be Iust . And yf a man ne dredde the torments wherfore sholde he drede to do synne & his wyll . And what sholde it nede that these synners sholde repente theym and confesse them of theyr synnes yf they ne drede god . God by his grete mercy spareth the synners in theyr lyfe and tarieth them for that they sholde do penaunce . But yf they ben obstynate in theyr synnes & wyll not reuerte he theym punyssheth for theyr synnes after theyr dethe . And god sometyme taketh awaye the goodes temporelles from the Iust for to punysshe them temporally of some outrages that they haue done / and also to th ende that they enpryde them not . But he kepeth vnto them the goodes perdurables of his glory .

E. Of the cruell beest & of the ysy ponde .

After the aungell ledde the soule in to another place wherin they sawe a beest moche meruaylous the whiche had two fete & two wynges & the necke ryght longe . And his neb and his nayles were as yren / and from his sayd neb yssued a flambe a fyre by ryght grete sharpenes & force . And the sayd beest was vpon a ponde full of stronge yse . The whiche beest deuoured the soules within his wombe in such maner that they became as vnto nothynge by the tourmentes that they suffred . Afterwarde he put theym out of his wombe within the yse of the sayd ponde . And there were they tourmented of newe tourment . And all the soules the whiche into the ponde descended were in throwes in lykewyse as women with childe . And not alonely the women / but also the men as the women . And within theyr belyes they felte the sharpe bytynges that the serpentes made / of the whiche they were engryped . And there were the caytyues soules tourmented . And whan the tyme came & approched that they sholde chylde they cryed so horrybly that they fylled hell of noyse and of howlynges . Than they chylded serpentes as well the men as the women . And the sayd serpentes yssued not onely by the membres wherby the women chylde naturally . But also by the armes / the fete / and all the other membres yssued out the horryble beestes the whiche hadde hedes of fyre brennynge moche sharpe / wherwith they tourmented ryght cruelly the sayd soules from whens they yssued . And the sayd beestes hadde horryble tayles and nedles about theyr tayles made as they were crochettes and hokes made as yf they were crochettes . And whan they yssued from the sayd caytyues soules yf they myght not drawe theyr tayles after them for the hokes they retorned they nebbes & smote the soules & gnawed them vnto the synewes and bones / and of the grete payne and tourment that they suffred they keste so grete and horryble cryes that they were herde vnto the heuen . Morouer the sayd soules were replenysshed of dyuers maners of beestes on theyr membres the whiche dyde them ete and gnawe vnto the bones . And they had tonges the whiche fastened within the sayd soules tyll vnto the lyghtes . This payne sustayne the fals monkes / chanons / the false nonnes & these other benefyced of holy chyrche the whiche haue not well kepte theyr bodyes from euyll doyenge / ne theyr mouthes from euyll saynge & spekynge . Also those the whiche hath vsed lechery susteyne this payne & tourment . And for that / that thou arte culpable it behoueth the to sustayne this sayd tourment . Whan the deuylles herde this worde they toke the sayd soule & gaue it vnto the sayd beest to torment and to deuoure . And whan she was in tourment as the other soules and that she was engriped with serpentes as the other / and whan the tyme came that she sholde chylde the aungell came vnto her & touched her / and she was incontynent hole / and sayd vnto her / come after me .

F. Of the valey of smythes .

Afterwarde they yode in to another way moche horryble & dyseasefull full of so grete derkenes that they had no lyght but of the clerenes of the aungell . And it semed that they descended from a ryght hygh mountayne in to a grete and depe valey . And the more that they yode the lesse hadde the soule of esperaunce for to retorne vnto lyfe . Than the soule sayd vnto the aungell . Syr whyder go we . The aungell answered . This waye ledeth vnto dethe . And the soule sayd . What is that than that the scrypture sayth . Lata est via que ducit ad mortem et multi sunt quuntrant per eam . That is to saye that the way the whiche is large ledeth vnto dethe : and many there ben the whiche entre and go by that way . The aungell sayd . Of this speketh not the scrypture / but of the cursed waye of the worlde wherby men comen 〈◊〉 to this way . And whan they were descended in to the sayd valey moche depe they sawe there of forges . Than the aungell sayd vnto the soule . The mayster of this valey is called Vulcain the whiche by his engin and falsenes hath casten many soules in to paynes and tourmentes . Than sayd the soule vnto the aungell . Syr shall I suffre this torment The aungell answered / ye / thou shalte suffre this tourment . And whan the deuylles herde that worde they beset the soule about and toke it with theyr Instruments of yren that they helde / and sayd vnto the holy aungell none harme / and keste it in to a chymney full of fyre brennynge . And began too blowe the fyre of theyr furneys in lykewyse as men blowe whan the yren is in the furneyse . And so they tourmented the soules that whiche were there tyll that they came as to nothynge . And whan they were so brent & tourmented they toke the sayd soules with theyr Instrumentes of yren .xx. an hondred or two hondred and layde them on an hepe vpon an anuelde of yren / and the deuylles the whiche were in other forges sayd . Cast vnto vs these caytyues soules we shall yet tourment them agayne . Than the deuilles kest them vnto them agayn the whiche were in the other forges . And after that they hadde ben there st●ongly payned and tourmented they kest them vyolently vnto thosof the fyrst forges . And before that they came to the grounde they were taken agayne and so they keste theym from one vnto another and tourmented tyll vnto that / that the skinnes / the flesshe / and the bones came as vnto nothynge . Of this mater is wryten . Prouerbiorum .ix. Parata sunt derisoribus supplicia / et mallei percutientes stultorum corporibus . After that the caytyues soules were so tourmented as it is sayd they desyred the dethe but they myght not deye . Vnto this purpose it is wryten . Apocalipsis .ix. In diebus illis querent homines mortem et non inuenient eam / et desiderabunt mori et mors fugiet ab eis . And whan the sayd soule had suffred longly these tourmentes the aungel came vnto her and toke her and had her out of the fyre where she was / and sayd vnto her . How felest thou thy selfe now Remembre the that for as moche as thou hast done thy wyll and the delyte of thy body thou hast suffred soo grete tourmentes . But the soule had not soo moche force that she myght answer one worde for the grete tourment that she had souffred . Than the aungell sayd vnto the soule . Illud psalmi . Dominus mortificat et viuificat deducit ad inferos et reducit . Comfort the / for our lorde quyckeneth and mortifyeth / ledeth in to helles and bryngeth agayne . And al be it that the tourmentes that thou haste seen ben moche grete yet shalte thou se moche more greter from the whiche thou shalt be delyuered by the mercy of god . And knowe thou that al those soules that thou hast seen here abydeth the Iugemente of god . But those the whiche thou shalte se from hensforthe ben all redy Iuged . Goo we now forwarde for thou arre not yet comen vnto the paynes of hell . And the aungel touched her and heled as he hadde ben accustomed for to do . &c.

G. Of the pytte of hell .

After that they entred in to a waye / and whan they were a lytell gone forwarde in spekynge one vnto the other there came to the soule sodayne horrour and colde intollerable & stynke and derkenes more thycket than those before / trybulacyon and anguysshe so grete that it semed vnto the soule that all the foundementes of the erthe trembled vnder her fete and sayd vnto the aungell . Syr wherfore is it that I ne may holde me on my fete as I haue acustomed to do . And whan she had sayd this she ne myght remeue from the place for the grete feere that she had / and incontynent the aungell departed in suche maner that she myght noo morese hym / and forthwith she began to dyspayre For she founde that the whiche is wryten . Ecclesiastes .ix. Nec opus / nec ratio / nec sapientia / nec scientia erunt apud inferos que tu ꝓperas . That is to say that in hell there ne is operacion / ne reason / ne wysdome / ne connynge wherby man may ayde hym . The caytyf soule was in lykewyse / for she might not helpe herselfe / the whiche herde terryble cryes and howlynges of soules / & thonder so horryble that no man may thynke it ne tongue declare the horryble crye and the noyse that there was . Vnto this purpose god speketh in the gospell . Illud math. xxii & .xxiii. Ibi erit fletus et stridor dentium . Than the soule loked about her for to knowe yf she myght se the way wherby they were comen / and she sawe a grete square dyche in lykewyse as a cysterne . And from that dyche yssued oute a pyler of flambe and of smoke togyders moche horryble and stynkynge . And that pyler of fyre was so hygh that it stretched vnto the heuens . And in that flambe there was grete multitude of soules and of deuylles togyders the whiche mounted with the sayd flambe in hyghe in lykewyse as lytel flambes . And of tourmentes the whiche they suffred they came as vnto nothynge / and after that they fell agayne in to the dyche tyll vnto the botome . Vnto the purpose of this sayeth the psalmyste . Tu vero reduces me in puteum interitus . And whan the soule had beholden this she wolde haue drawen her abacke / but she ne myght lyft her fete from the grounde . And whan she had assayed many tymes to remoeue her and that she might not she was moche ferefull / and of the grete wodenes that she hadde she tare and rent her chekes with her owne handes and nayles & cryed . Alas caytyfe wherfore may not I deye . And the deuylles the whiche mounted with the sayd flambe herde the sayd soule in suche wyse crye soo they be set her about with theyr instrumentes of yron wherwith they tourmented the soules and sayd in this wyse . Caytyfe soule worthy of payne and tourment from whens art thou comen hyder / thou ne hast yet nothynge felte ne suffred / thou shalt endure now that that thou arte worthy by the synnes that thou hast commytted . From the whiche tourment thou ne mayst neuer departe ne within it deye / but euermore thou shalt lyue and brenne in tourment without lyght / conforte ne helpe . And from now forth thou ne mayst haue mercy . For thou art comen vnto the gates of dethe / and thou shalte be borne streyght in to the tourments of hell . He that hath brought the hyder hath deceyued the / now lete hym delyuer the from our handes yf he can / for thou shalt se hym nomore . And they sayd the one vnto the other . Wherfore tary we so longe that we ne ne gyue this soule vnto Lucyfer for to deuour it / and so they thretened it of dethe pardurable . And these deuylles aboue sayd were blacke as coles with horryble lokes / and theyr eyen were as the lampes brennynge . And theyr tethe as whyte as the snowe / & they hadde tayles lyke as scorpyons / and theyr clawes of yren and grete large wynges . And whan they hadde sayd these wordes the holy aungell appered vnto the sayd soule and sayd vnto her . Enioye ye doughter of lyght for thou shalte haue mercy and not Iugement . Thou shalt se of grete tourmentes and paynes / but thou shalte suffre none . Come than after me & I shall shewe vnto the the ryght cursed ennemye of humayne lygnage . Those the whiche ben there haue no lyght and they shall not se the / but thou shalte se them well and theyr tourmentes .

H. Of the prynces of derkenes and of theyr cursed felawes the whiche ben in paynes .

After these thynges spoken and seen the the soule approched vnto hym and sawe the prynce of derkenes in the botome of helle . and what and how grete tourmentes she sawe there the entendement ne may comprehende it / and a man ne may expresse it ne declare . That is to say yf he had an hondred hedes / and that euery heed hadde an hondred tongues yet they might not recompte the paynes of hell . There was one the ryght worste deuyll the whiche was more greter than all the beestes th●t he had seen before . The whiche was blacke as a rauen . He hadde the fourme of the body of a man from the fete vnto the heed excepte that he hadde wel a thousande handes . And he had a tayle well an . C. cubytes longe / and .x. of gretenes . And he hadde nayles of yren grete and longe as well on the fete as on the handes longer & greter than the speres of knyghtes . His nebbe was moche longe and grete . His tayle was right longe and sharpe all full of pryckles sharpe poynted for to greue and tourment the myserables soules . And that moost horryble deuyll laye vpon a gredyron of yren / vnder the whiche there was grete habundaunce of brennynge soles . Also there was grete multytude of deuylles the whiche blewe and kyndeled the fyre . About that ennemy there were so many deuylles and of cursed & myserable soules that no man myght beleue that of all the worlde from the begynnynge myght be yssued and brought forthe soo many soules . And that deuyl was bounde by euery Ioynture of al his membres with grete chaynes of yren and of copre brennynge . And of the grete tourment and vehement woodnesse wherof he was full he tourned hym from the one syde vnto the other / and stretched out his handes in the multytude of the sayd soules and toke them and streyned them in lykewyse as men may do a clustre of grapes in theyr handes for to make the wyne come forthe . And in suche maner he strayned them that he eyther brake theyr heedes / or theyr fete / or handes / or some other membres . Afterwarde he syghed and blewe and dysperpeled the sayd soules in to many of the tourmentes of the fyre of hell . And incontynent that pytte or welle wherof we haue before spoken kest stynke & horryble flambe . And whan that cruell beest drewe agayne vnto hym his brethe all the sayd soulles that he hadde shedde with flambes and sulphre fell and entred in to his mouthe / the whiche he deuoured . And whan some soules escaped hym by aduenture bytwene his handes he smote them with his tayle . And that deuyll the whiche in suche wyse tourmented the soules horrybly was tourmented aboue all other . Than the aungell sayd vnto the soule This deuyl that thou seest here is called Lucyfer the whiche is the fyrste creature that god made the whiche was in the delyces of paradyse before that he descended from heuen / and yf he were not bounde he wolde do many euylles and perturbacyons . And they the whiche thou seest the whiche ben with him there are a partye of the aungelles of derkenesse . And the other partye ben men & women the whiche ben descended from Adam the whiche ben all redy Iuged the whiche abyde many the whiche haue renyed Ihesu cryst / or dooth the operacyons of them the whiche renye hym . Here ben the yll prelates and prynces of whome it is wryten sapientie .vi. Potentes potenter tormenta patientur / fortioribus autem fortior instat cruciatio That is to say that those that ben myghty in dygnyte and in power shall suffre tourmentes with grete puyssaunce . That is where as they haue myscheuously vsed the puyssaunce that god hath gyuen vnto them . All the other tourmentes that thou hast seen al be it that they ben ryght grete yet are they nothynge to compte in regarde of this here And the soule sayd . Certes syr thou sayest true / for I am more greued and tourmented to se alonely the tourment and to fele the stynke the whiche is there than all the tourmentes that I haue suffred hyder to . Wherfore I pray the yf it please the that thou take me from hens . Also I se many of my felawes that I loued moche and helde theyr company moche dere where as I haue now grete horrour for to se them . And certaynly I vnderstande and knowe that yf the grete grace and mercy of god were not my socour that I haue deserued for my synnes to be punysshed and tourmented eternally as they ben . And the aungell sayd vnto hym . O my blyssed come and conuerte the in thy rest / for god hath done well vnto the / thou shalt not suffre these tourments here . And thou shalt se them no more yf thou forgete not the thynges that thou hast seen / and yf thou deserue them not agayne . The soule of the sayd Tongdalus sawe many other tourmentes / and of the Ioyes of the saued the whiche hath be left bycause of shortnes for they ben moche longe to recounte and wryte . By the scriptures and examples before sayd it dooth appere that the synners inobedyentes vnto god sholde correcke them and amende whyles that they lyue in this worlde yf that they wyll escape and eschue the inestymable tourmentes of hell and gete the realme and the glory eternall . Vnto the whiche glory we may goo cum illo qui est benedictus in infinita secula seculorum . Amen .

Ihesus .
A. Examples that the name of Ihesus dooth many goodnesses . And how it delyuered a man fro many perylles & tourmentes . Cxii

IT is wryten in many bokes that as saynt Patryke preched in Irlonde he prayd god deuoutly that he wolde shewe hym some token by the whiche the wycked yll men myght haue feere and also repente theym . And sodaynly a ryght grete hole or pyt appered / and it was reueled vnto hym that the place of purgatory was there . In the whiche place yf ony wolde descende he sholde haue none other payne . Many the whiche herde this thynge therin entred the whiche came neuer agayne . And a man named Nycolas the whiche hadde commytted many synnes there descended too th ende that he myght repente hym of his synnes . And he founde first an oratory and whyte monkes the whiche sayd vnto him . Be thou stedfast and constaunt . For it behoueth the to sustayne many temptacyons . And he theym demaunded what remedy he myght haue agaynst the sayd temptacyons . They answered whan thou felest thyselfe tourmented with paynes crye hastely . O iesu christe adiuua me . That is to say . O Ihesu cryst helpe me . And whan that he was departed from them the deuylles ranne sodaynly vpon him in lykewyse as wylde beestes famysshed . And as they dyde in this wyse vnto him he recorded hym of his counceyle and sayd . O iesu christe adiuua me . And incontynent he ne wyst where the beestes became . He yode ferdermore and founde a ryght grete fyre / in to the whiche the deuylles kest hym . And incontynent that he hadde sayd . Iesu christe adiuua me / forthwith the fyre was put out and quenched . He walked yet ferder & sawe a welle ryght depe from the whiche yssued smoke and grete clamour of soules the whiche were tourmented . And whan the deuylles hadde casten hym within it he cryed Iesu christe adiuua me . That is too saye . Ihesu cryst helpe me / & forthwith he was delyuered . At the last he sawe a brydge that was ryght narowe and strayte . And there he hadde grete terroure / the whiche brydge hym behoued too passe / but he myght not . And he sette one of his fete vpon the brydge and sayd . Iesu christe adiuua me . And soo he sayd at euery steppe tyll that he had passed the brydge on the other syde . And whan that he was past he came vnto a fayre medowe wherin grewe many fayre and delectable floures / of the which floures and medowe proceded good odoures and smelles . And afterwarde he came agayne vnto lyfe and .xxx. dayes passed he came vnto paradyse by the inuocacyon of our blyssed sauyour and redemptour Ihesu cryst . Vnto the example of the abouesayd man the whiche was delyuered from all tourmentes & paynes incontynent that he hadde called the helpe of Ihesus . In lykewyse thou man & woman call deuoutly the name of the blyssed lambe Ihesus in all aduersytees / fortunes tourmentes / losses / temptacyons / sekenesses / necessytees / anguisshes / perylles / infyrmytees / and thynges doubtables and well shall come vnto the. This name Ihesus is interprete sauyour . Iesus interpretatur sa●uator . For by the meryte of his passyon he saued al ●he worlde . He brake hell / saued & delyuered all the good persones the whiche were in the lymbe of the holy faders & opened paradyse vnto all good crystyens . Also Ihesus is the kynge of kynges / the Iuge of Iuges / and of all grete and lytell . It is he that gyueth Ioy and beatytude eternal vnto the good / and that punyssheth and damneth the euyll . Ihesus is holy and debonayre vnto the good / & also he is terryble and ●ruell vnto the euyll . And therfore sayth the psalmyst . Sanctum et terribile nomen eius initium sapientie timor domini . Also the name of Ihesus is in excellence aboue all other Vn̄ paul . ad phyl . Vocatum est nomen eius super oen nomen . Also the name of Ihesus is loued and dredde aboue all names / and in namynge hym all creatures reasonables sholde bowe the knee / be it in paradyse / in this worlde / or in hell . Vn̄ paul . ad phi. In nomine iesu omne genu flectatur celestrium / terrestrium / et infernorum . The men and women of this worlde call hym in theyr besynesses and necessytees / and the deuylles of hell drede hym . For to be shorte the name of Ihesus ought to be loued / honoured / called / dredde / and redouted / for it is replenysshed with bounte / beaute / and holynes infinyte & inenarrable . That is the whiche passeth all entendementes . &c.

B. Another example how the deuyl was chased from a woman in the name of Ihesus . Cxii .

MEn fynde by wrytynge this the whiche foloweth how the dycyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary & sayth that a woman demonyacle was on a tyme brought vnto saynt Bernarde vnto th ende that he sholde hele her . And the deuyll before many the whiche were presente sayd . O that I wolde goo oute with good wyll from my lytell lambe here . My lorde wyll not that I go out . And saynt Bernarde sayd . Whiche is that lorde . He answered The creatour of all . And saynt Bernarde sayd . Sawest thou hym euer . And the deuyl sayd . I haue seen him in glory . And the saynt sayd . Thyder thou woldest retorne . And he sayd in mockynge . The houre is to late for to go thyder . Than saynt Bernarde commaunded hym in the name of Ihesu cryst that he sholde go out . And the deuyll sayd . O name terryble thou me constraynest to goo forthe / and incontynent he wente oute and the woman was heled of her infyrmytee . &c.

C. Another example how that the name of Ihesus vaynquyssheth the temptacyons of the deuyll . Cxii

THe dyscyple recyteth in his sermons this the whiche foloweth the whiche is also wryten in other bokes & sayth that a man was meke and had of custome that euery tyme that the deuyll gaue vnto him ony temptacyons he yode vnto prayer and called god in say●ge . Iesu dulcis miserere mei . Swete Ihesus haue mercy on me and helpe me . And forthwith the deuyll departed from hym . And on a tyme a holy fader herde that the deuyll sayd that the deuylles were repelled by the vertue of this worde Ihesus .

D. Another example how the name of Ihesus gyueth many vertues . Cxii .

SOme maysters wryteth this the whiche foloweth how the discyple reciteth in the boke of his promptuarye and sayeth that a yonge man moche deuoute and Innocent made orayson and prayer in demaundynge that he myght haue the loue of god . And the aungell of god gaue vnto hym a lytell scrolle wryten in this maner . Iesu christe fili dei viui propitius esto michi pctōri . And sayd vnto hym . Open thy mouthe and eate this wrytynge / by the vertue wherof the deuylles shall be vaynquysshed / the heuens ben opened / the synnes been taken away / the trynyte is drawen to / and the aungelles serueth him deuoutly . Whan the yonge man had eten the sayd wrytynge he had in hym all tho thynges as he was enformed .

E. Another example how by the name of Ihesus a clerke was delyuered and a thefe conuerted hym . Cxii .

IT is writen in the promptuary of the dyscyple that there was a clerke lecherous and vycyous the whiche as he wolde go to commyt his synne it befell that as he passed by a forest wherin there was hydde a thefe the whiche spared no persone but that he slewe him or dyspoyled him . And whan the sayd thefe herde hym passe he sayd . What arte thou that passest here by . The clerke answered . I am the poore seruaunt of Ihesu cryst for drede that he ne knewe what to answere . Than the sayd thefe sayd . I demaunde the what thou arte . The clerke answered . I am the indygne seruaunt of Ihesu cryst . The thefe demaunded hym thyrdly / what arte thou . And the clerke sayd agayne . I am the vnprouffytable seruaunt of Ihesu cryst . And the thefe thought vnto hym selfe / of whome arte thou seruaunte / and he sayd vnto the clerke . For the loue of Ihesus goo thou in peas . And the thefe in mummelynge sayd vnto hymselfe . Ihesus . Ihesus . Ihesus . And by the vertue & power of the holy name Ihesus the thefe was conuerted . And after that he neuer commytted theft ne homycyde . In the mornynge he yode to confessyon and sayd that for heryng the name Ihesus he was conuerted / and the clerke in the namynge of Ihesus was preserued . The whiche sayd blyssed be the name of Ihesus / for by the name of hym I shall absteyne me from synne .

F. Another example how a relygyous was heled of the feuers by the vertue of the name Ihesus . Cxii

MEn fynde by wrytinge this that whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary and sayeth that a frere mynour had herde many myracles of the name of Ihesus . And as this sayd relygyous was tourmented of the euyll of feuers he wrote this name Ihesus within the water & after dranke it & incontynent the feuer left hym . This thyng happened in Irlonde

G. Another example how by the name of Ihesus a woman pardoned vnto her ennemyes . Cxii

IT is wryten in the boke of gyftes that a woman ne myght be apeased . And her husbande wrote in her forhede the name of Ihesus / & in contynent she forgaue all .

H. Another example the one wolde not pardon for the loue of Ihesus . Cxii

THe dyscyple reciteth in his promptuary that there was a man obstynate vnto whome men sayd on a tyme . Pardon thy rancoures / & enmytees for the loue of Iesus He answered . Neyther for god ne for the deuyll I ne may pardon them though that I sholde entre in to helle perpetually . And a frere approched vnto hym with deuocion and wrote in his forhede with his fynger Ihesus nazarenus / and incontynent the synner began to wepe & sayd . For the loue of Ihesus I pardon all .

I. Another example how the temptacion of the deuyll was taken away with the token of the crosse / & in ●amynge the blyssed Ihesus . Cix .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his sermons this the whiche foloweth the whiche is also wryten in other bokes & sayth that the deuyll tempted a man & his wyfe so terrybly that they wolde hange themself to th ende that they sholde euade the miseryes of this worlde . And as they were heuy of theyr temptacyons of the deuyll that they ne myght slepe ne ete the one demaunded of the other the causes of theyr heuynesses . And they sayd eche to other that they wolde hange themselve . And after that they appoynted theyr cordes for to hange them the woman counceyled her husbonde that they sholde drynke of good wyne that they had before theyr dethe to th ende that they myght deye the easelyer . And so they agreed / & as they wolde drynke made the sygne of the crosse in the name of Ihesus . The deuyll fledde & the temptacyons were taken awaye . After contrycyon they dyde penaunce / and well they ended theyr dayes .

K Another example that in namynge the name of Ihesus the deuyll is repelled & his temptacyons & persuacions taken a way . Cxii .

MEn fynde by wrytynge that the deuyll tempted often tymes a man the whiche by the counceyle of sages yode in orayson & called the name of Ihesus as soone as had perceyued the temptacion and sayd . O swete Ihesu haue mercy on me & helpe me & forthwith the deuyll departed & the temptacyon left hym .

L. Another example of a noble man the whiche pardoned the homycyde of his broder . And the crucyfyx enclyned his heed in the chyrche Cxii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his boke that it is wryten that a man slewe the broder of a noble man & afterwarde fledde and left the countre . And it befell that as the noble man yode through the countree with grete company of people without thynkynge on the sayd dede met in a felde the homycyde the whiche had slayne his broder . He drewe his swerde hastely for to sle hym . And the sayd homycyde fell prostrate vnto the erthe and cryed . Right noble man haue mercy on me for the loue of Ihesus the whiche is pyteable & hath redemed the worlde by his dethe . Hastely the sayd noble man toke him to wepe and withdrewe his hande & his swerde without strykynge hym . And as he was reproued of his taryeng and foly of the people agayne he stretched out his hande for to smyte hym the whiche was prostrate / and the culpable demaunded pardon and remissyon of his mysdede in the name of Ihesus And secondly he withdrewe his handes . Thyrdly he was blamed of his people for that he had not slayne hym . And the vnhappy dredynge that dethe humbly requyred pardon agayne . And the noble man of warre & nobler of herte sayd . I pardon the the dethe of my brode● . And without tarienge he herde rynge to a masse that day & entred in to the chyrche And the tymes he bowed his knees before the crucyfyxe . And an holy man that was in the chyrche sawe that the crucyfyxe enclyned the heed humbly at euery of the sayd times that the sayd noble man bowed the knees . Than he that had seen alonely the sayd thinge called & drewe asyde the sayd noble man and demaunded him what he was . I am borne in the londe / and sayd a noble knyght . And the holy man sayd . Dere frende hyde thou nothynge fro me . Wherin trustest thou moost to haue deserued vnto the dyuyne mercy . Than the knyght sayd . I am a synner and haue gyuen me to the worlde / and nothynge is aduysed in me but that suche a case happened me this day . And he it vnto hym declared . Also the holy man tolde vnto hym that that he had seen / & exhorted hym to be pyteous / mercifull / and good . Her Guillermus dicit .

M. Another example how Ihesu cryst wolde not pardon one deed tyll that he had demaunded pardon of his broder that he had offended . Cxii .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders that the prouyncyall of the prouynce of Rome of the ordre of prechers admonested the treers that they sholde kepe them dylygently fro troublynge one another / & vnto them recounted this example the whiche was comen in this wyse . A frere troubled me on a tyme iniustly / and afterwarde within a fewe dayes he deyed from this present worlde with out beynge at peas with me . And in a nyght in slepynge he appered vnto me for to be pardoned . And as he demaunded me pardon I me aduysed that he was deed / and I sayd vnto hym . Go broder and demaunde pardon of our sauyour and redemptour Ihe●u cryst in whose hande thou arte . The which departed fro me . And as he demaunded pardon of Ihesu cryst in lykewyse as I sayd to hym . Our lorde Ihesu cryst answered vnto hym . I shall not graunte the pardon but yf thou demaunde pardon fyrst of hym that thou hast offended . And in that nyght the sayd body came agayne vnto me and brought me agayn the wordes of Ihesu & agayne demaunded me pardon and had it . Afterwarde he sayd vnto me . Broder Nycolas beholde what yll it is as to offende his broder / and that it is a greuous thynge as not to be at peas and faythfull accordaunce with hym . &c. :

Natiuitas christi .
Examples of the natyuyte of Ihesu cryst And fyrst example how that a nonne that whiche habandoned herselfe vnto synne had mercy in requyrynge the sone of the blyssed vyrgyn Mary on the day of Crystmas . Cxiii .

MEn fynde by wrytinge this that whiche foloweth how the dyscyple recyteth in the boke of his promptuary and sayeth that a nonne left her ordre & was an open harlotte . And many yeres afterwarde she came agayne vnto her monastery and gaue herselfe vnto penaunce . And as she thought on the Iugement and on the Iustyce of god and on the horryble paynes of hel she despayred / as who sayth that she was not worthy to haue pardon for the multytude and greten●s of her synnes . And as she thought on the Ioyes of heuen she defyed herselfe that noo soylenes ne corrupcyon of synne there sholde entre . And as she thought on the passyon of god she regarded how many of paynes he had suffred for her in wepynge she cryed & sayd . Quid retribuam dno pro omnibus que retribuit michi . What thinge shall I graunte vnto god for all the thynges that he hathe gyuen vnto me . And in one of the solempnytees of the natyuyte of our sauiour she wept and thought Quod puer natus est pro nobis . That is to say that the chylde is borne for vs . And that a chylde is appeased with a lytell thynge whan he is offended . Than she yode before the ymage of the vyrgyn Mary the whiche helde her chylde betwene her armes & thought on the chyldhode of our sauyoure / & there was moeued in grete teeres by bytter contrycyon of herte that god gaue vnto her . And with all her herte & might in wepynge requyred pardon of our lorde for his benygne chyldhode that he came in to this worlde to saue the synners Than she herde a voyce the whiche sayd vnto her that for the benygnyte of his infancy that she alleged she sholde knowe that all her synnes were pardoned . After these wordes here she amended her lyfe ryally & fyned well her dayes . &c. Vnto the example of this synneresse that demaunded grace & obteyned pardon in the name of the natyuyte & infancy of Ihesu cryst / so sholde these synners do & they shall haue grace yf they haue gretely offended / for so dyde the nonne . Whan a chylde is wrothe he is lyghtly appeased / & so is Ihesu cryst . Vn̄ ysaie . lv . Derelinquat impius viam suam & vir iniquus cogitaciones suas & reuertatur ad dominum & miserebitur eius Also whan our lorde Ihesus was borne the aungelles gaue glory vnto god and songe / peas vnto men of good wyll . Vnde luce. .ii. Gloria in excelsis deo : & in terra pax hominibus bone voluntatis . And thou synner that hast commyt lechery / theft . &c. yf thou wylt repente the & demaunde g●●ce as it is sayd thou shalte be pertener vnto the natyuyte of Ihesu cryst & of the nombre of those for whome peas was songe . And vnto the contrary yf thou be obstynate in synne peas shal not be songe betwene god & the. And also thou shalt not be partener vnto the redempcyon of the sayd natyuyte of Ihesu cryst the whiche natyuyte was ryght meruaylous whan the lytell chylde Ihesus that had be conceyued of the holy goost in the vyrgyn without corrupcyon / sede / ne atouchement of man as the scrypture sayth . Vn̄ cantatur . Benedicta et venerabilis es virgo maria : q̄ sine tactu pudoris inuenta es mater saluatoris & in vua . Ann. Nesciens mater virgo virum . &c. He was borne of the vyrgyn Mary without payne ne dolour / and without fraccyon ne ouerture . Peperit sine dolore saluatorem sclorum ipsum regem angelorum sola virgo lactabat vbere de celo pleno . In lykewyse as the face of man is within the myrour or glasse / & the sonne passynge through the glasse wyndowe without ony fraccyon / semblably Iesus the sone of god entred within the vyrgyn Mary whan he was conceyued of the holy goost . And yode forthe of her wombe in the chyldynge without fraccyon ne openynge / ne without hauynge ony payne ne dolour / & was vyrgyn before the chyldynge / in the chyldynge / & after the chyldynge . And soo she was moder & vyrgyn togyder . For she chylded as it is sayd the sauyour of the worlde / the kinge of aungelles / & gaue him souke of her brestes the whiche were ful of the mylke of paradyse . Vbera de celo pleno . &c.

B. Another example how the chyldehode of Ihesu cryst delyuered a relygious from temptacyon . Cxiii :

THe dyscyple recyteth in his sermons this the whiche foloweth the whiche is also wryten in other bokes & sayth that a clerke founde hymselfe in necessyte that whiche vowed vnto the vyrgyn marye that he sholde entre in to relygion / & he entred in to that of the freres prechers . Afterward he was tempted horrybly of apostasye . / Than he worshypped the enfance of god on our ladyes lappe / & requyred him that he wolde ayde hym / or gyue hym lycence to go in to another relygyon . And in wepynge and wayllynge he kyssed deuoutly the fete of the ymage . And hastely he apperceyued suche consolacyon that he perseuered in the seruyce of god in relygyon .

C. Another example that Ihesu cryste appered vnto a woman in the lykenes of a ryght fayre chylde . Cxiii

THe dyscyple reciteth in his promptuarye & sayeth that a deuoute woman had affeccyon specyally towardes the enfance of our lorde in the tyme of the natyuyte of Ihesu cryste & prayed our lorde that he wolde shewe vnto her the face of his enfance / and after some dayes a fayre chylde assysted as she abode in the chirche in orayson in lyke wyse as she had accustomed / of the whiche enfant she demaunded / yf he coude his aue maria . The whiche answered . Saye it vnto me before / & whan she sayd benedictus fructus ventris tui / the chylde sayd I am he / & he vanysshed out of her syght . Than the sayd woman cryed in enioyenge her / come agayn chylde ryght dere / ryght swete / and ryght welbeloued . And so ceased not to calle by xxx . dayes / & the .xxx. daye Ihesus came the whiche sayd . I the whiche am called am comen vnto the / nowe thou shalte come after me & shall regne with me / that whiche in enioyenge herself deyed debonayrly Another example . lxxxxiiii . b. quere ante .

Passio christi .
A. Examples of the passyon of our sauyour & redemptour Ihesus . And fyrste example of a grete synner the whiche bare vnto his dethe sekenes for his synnes in the remembraunce of the passyon of oure lorde Ihesu cryste . Cxiiii

THe disciple reciteth in his sermons & sayeth that a grete synner was constytute vnto the dethe / & he toke his sykenes in reparcussyon of his synnes as he sayd . It is good reason that I endure yl in all my membres that whiche hathe offended god by synne . And in suche anguisshe he gaue hym to thynke on the passyon of our lorde Ihesus . That is to vnderstond yf he endured in his heed & heere it was of good ryght / for he had aourned his said heere & offended god the whiche for to redeme hym had endured the crowne of thornes . And also his eyes the whiche hadde made the fals lokes were derked & suffred & that was of good ryghte . For oure lorde endured for to redeme hym that his eyen were bended with a kerchyef / & hys face stryken & buffeted . And yf his body that whiche had commytte the lecheryes pleasaunces carnalles and synnes suffred it was good reason . For our lorde endured for to redeme hym that his body was rente beten & hewen . And also his mouthe the whiche had spoken yll wordes & dronken to exces suffred payne it was of good ryghte . For oure lorde endured for to redeme hym to drynke vynagre & gall . And so of the other membres as the handes that whiche had done of cursed operacyons . And the fete the whiche walked yll wayes & he bare the said sekenes wyllyngly for his owne sinnes in thynkynge that god had had the fete & the handes perced & endured dethe for to redeme hym . And it is not to doubte but that he had helth with the good thefe whan his soule parted frome this worlde . &c. This here is a grete example to instructe al persones for to do penaunce as dyde the said man whan they shall come vnto the bedde of dethe . For yf they take paciently the said sekenes & the dethe for theyr owne synnes in sayng that they haue wele deserued punycyon & theyr membres that haue offended god as it is sayd in the example . Suche punycyon corporell by sykenes shal serue for penaunce for the synnes commytte after confessyon / & shal be agreable vnto god . saynt gregorye sayeth . Si passio christi ad memoriē reducitur nihil est quod non equo animo telleretur . Yf the passyon of Ihesu cryst be broughte vnto mynde / that is to vnderstonde that he hathe endured for to redeme the frome hel with moche paynes . There is none aduersyte so harde but that thou shalt endure it with good courage . Yf the kynge bere a greate maste for the loue of the / thou sholdest bere for the loue of hym a strawe . The good thefe that was hanged on the right hande of Ihesu cryste bare the dethe agreably and blamed the yll thefe . vnde luce. .xxii. Nos quidem iuste : nam digna factis recipimus mortem : hic vero : scilicet xpūs nichil mali gessit He sayd that he receyued the dethe Iustely / & that he hadde wele deserued it for his propre dedes . In so sayenge he confessed that he was a synner and that he toke it wyllyngly in gre by penaunce & punycyon for his owne synnes / so he had confessyon & dyde penaunce . It is gretter penaunce to endure the dethe for his synnes / than it is to faste & to saye oraysons . Also whan a man confesseth openly in iugement his synne as dyde the good thefe / it is more grete thynge than to confesse it vnto one onely / but the custome is to be absoyled of hym the whiche hathe auctoryte . God absoylled the sayd thefe & gaue vnto hym pardon of his synnes in consyderynge the grete contrycyon / confessyon / & fayth that he had in sayenge vnto the yll thefe . Non times deum et memento mei dum veneris in regnum tuum . Also it was grete penaunce as it is sayd that he toke the dethe for the punycyon of his synnes . And therfore of good ryght god sayd vnto hym . Thou shalt be with me this daye in paradyse . Hodie mecumeris in paradyso . Before that a man dieth hym behoueth to demaunde grace and pardon . For it sholde be to late after the dethe . Vn̄ eccle. xviii . Ante lāgoren adhibe medicinam : et ante iuditium interroga te ipsum et in conspectu dei īuenies ꝓpitiationē . That is to vnderstonde / take medecyne / that is penaunce before that thou fal in to langour in helle & aske thy conscyence before that the Iugement be made of ye. And thou shalt fynde of debonayrte & mercy before god and saynt gregorye sayth . Qui tp̄s agendi penitētiam ꝑdit : frustra ante ianuam paradisi cumprecibus venit . He the whiche leseth the tyme to do penaunce / cometh as voyde & for nought before the yate of paradyse with prayers to demaunde lyfe eternell . &c.

B. Another example of the swetnes of the passyon that a man hadde that sayd fyue tymes pater noster . Cxiiii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his booke of sermons & sayth that there was a man the whiche loued moche god for the reuerence of the fyue woundes of Ihesu crist he sayd euery daye fyue pater nosters / & one tyme our lorde appered to him and gaue hym fyue meruayllous swetnesses / soo that he studyed alonely for to serue god : / And he prouffyted gretely in good operacions & vertues / & in th ende he fyned wel his dayes / & yode in to paradyse . &c.

C. Another example of a knyght the whiche ne myght deye on the gybet for that that he sayd euery daye thre pater nosters in the honour of the passyon of Ihesus . Cxiiii

IT is wryten in the dyalogue cesarii that a knight was accused vnto the emperour that he dyspoyled & wasted his lande the whiche knighte was taken & hanged by the commaundemente of the sayd emperour / & on the thyrde daye the cosyn of the sayd knighte hanged passed therby with his seruaunt the whiche had compassyon of hym / for he was a fayre man & a noble approched vnto the gybet for to vnhange hym & to burye hym . And he spake vnto them on the gybet & sayd / vnhange me for I am yet alyue . They wende that it had be a fantasye And he the whiche hange agayne said / ne doubte you not / certainly I lyue yet by the grace of Ihesu cryste & by the ayde of the vyrgyn Marye . The whiche was vnhanged & ledde in to the cyte / at whom the people meruaylled . And the sayd knyght vnhanged demaunded the preest & the sacrament of the aulter . And in grete contrycyon of herte & of teres he confessed hym & after receyued the creatour . More ouer the preest demaunded hym before the people that he sholde tell the cause wherfore god had done vnto hym suche grace to hange thre dayes without deyenge / he answerde / bycause that I dyde vnto god a lytell seruyce / that was / to saye euery daye fyue tymes pater noster / and fyue aue maria before that I dyde ony other thynge / in the honour of the passyon and of the fyue woundes of Ihesu cryste . And one pater noster in the honoure of the sacramente of the hostye the whiche is the very body of Ihesu cryste that the people receyueth euery daye in requyrynge of god that in the ende of my dayes I myght receyue hym / the whiche thyng our lorde Ihesus gaue me by his mercy ▪ and that I ne myght deye tyl that I had receyued hym . After that this said knight had sayd thus & that he had true contrycyon of his synnes made confessyon & receyued his creatour as it is sayd he deyed & ended wele his dayes . Wherfore it is a good thynge as to serue god & to haue in remembraunce his blyssed passyon . &c.

D. Another example the it toke wele vnto a man the whiche made memorye of the passyon of our lorde in his lyenge downe and rysynge from his bedde . Cxiiii

THe disciple recyteth in his sermons that a man was accustomed as oft tymes as he layde hym downe & rose frome his bedde he prayed god that whan he shold dye he myght haue true confessyon & said this tytle . Iesus nazarenus rex iudeorum miserere mei / & made the token of the crosse with his thombe vpon his heed / his face & his brest in sayenge In nomine patris & filii & spunssancti amen . And god suffred that he deyed sodaynly / & as the deuylles wold rauysshe hym there came a man shynynge & clere the whiche chased them And as he ledde hym thorowe the derkenesses sodaynly he departed / & there proceded grete light from thens as he was wonte to make the crosses . Afterwarde there came deuylles that wolde take hym / but they durste not for bycause of the crosses on him Than the sayd man bryght & shynynge sodaynly appered vnto hym & sayd . Albeit that thou hast wele wonne to be Iuged & condampmed after the exigence of thy synnes neuertheles the souerayne Iuge spareth the & wylleth that thou retourne in to thy body for the deuocyon that thou haddeste towardes his passyon & that thou caldeste his name tryumphall in the sayd tytle & for the impressyon of the crosse . And the sayd Iuge wylleth that thou confesse thy synnes & that thou amende thy lyfe / & so he dyde For after he lyued and ended wele his dayes . By this example a man sholde vnderstonde that the crosse maketh the deuylles to drede / it chaseth them / it taketh awaye theyr force / & setteth them at noughte . &c.

E. Another example of a woman the whiche loued the passyon of Ihesu cryste the whiche deyed on the good fryday and was saued . Cxiiii

THe disciple recyteth in his sermons that it is wryten that a noble woman matrone loued the passion of Ihesu cryste / and for the honour of hym & of his passyon she toke afflyccyon on her body on the frydaye / desyrynge to goo bare foted but bycause she was noble for to kepe honoure she yode not / but put bygge grauell in her shoes in the honoure & reuerence of the passyon . Also whan her husbande was out by ony dayes she laye not on no feder bedde . And amonges the prayers that she made to god / she requyred hym that he wolde gyue her grace that she myghte dye on that daye & in that houre that Ihesu cryste was crucefyed / to the ende that in the honoure of his passyon her body had afflyccyon on that day / & so it happened . For at the same hour she chylded a sone the whiche lyued after / but the sayd matrone deyed of the greate payne . And as a frere precher the whiche had confessed her prepayre hym to syng the masse of requyem for her the saterday afterwarde the vygyle of eester / he was wery of the seruyce & slepte . And in slepynge she appered vnto hym & sayd . Thou shalt not synge masse of requyem for me / but thou shalte synge gloria in excelsis / for I am in the glorye of the sayntes of paradyse / Whan the sayd relygyous was waked he ne wolde put no fayth vnto his dreme / & the pryour sente vnto him forthwith a messenger that he sholde synge for her masse of the daye . The said relygyous wende to haue excused hym & prayed that it were recommaunded vnto another but the pryour wolde not / & sayd that in that daye he sholde synge the masse of the daye vnto the couent And it was done after the worde of the sayd matrone the whiche hadde appered in slepynge . &c.

F. Another example that oraysons the whiche ben made in the remembraunce of the crosse & of the passyon of our lorde ihesus pleaseth hym moche . Cxiiii .

THe disciple reciteth in his sermons that it is wryten that an hermyte of a holy lyfe prayed god perseuerauntly that it wolde please hym to shewe vnto him what seruyce pleased him moost amongest all seruyces . And for as moche as the orayson of one Iuste is moche worthe in lyke wyse as sayeth the scrypture . Multum valet deprecatio iusti assidua . It befel one tyme that as the sayd hermyte was in hys lytell mansyon & honoured god in praynge he herde the voyce of a poore man / he yode to se what he was / & whan he sawe hym he meruaylled / for he was as a pore man all naked the whiche trembled for colde / & bare a grete crosse on his sholdres / & the sayd hermyte hym demaunded what he was / & from whens he came / he answered I am come from heuen / & am Ihesu cryste the sone of mary / Then the hermyte sayd . O good Ihesus what doest thou here before me cursed synner / he answerd thou hast made me to come heder by thy prayers / thou haste prayed vnto me longly that I sholde shewe vnto the what seruyce I had agreable amonge al seruyces / and I am come to shewe it vnto ye. . Seest thou this grete crosse that I bere vpon my sholders it is the seruyce the whiche vnto me is moost agreable that thou and euery man ne may do / that thou bere my crosse vpon the in remembraunce euery daye of my passyon . For it is the seruyce moost agreable vnto me . &c. This example ought to drawe vnto vs to remembre the blyssed sauiour Ihesus that endured to redeme vs . fyue . M. CCCC.lxxv . woundes & the dethe . Vnde versus . Septuaginta quī●quatur centum millia quinque : tot fertur xp̄s pro nobis vulnera passus . &c.

G. Another example of a frere that honoured the passyon of Ihesu cryste & wele came vnto hym . Cxiiii

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders that a frere had of custome from his enfance to haue the passyon of Ihesu cryste & his woundes in grete reuerence & loue / And euery daye he sayde at euery of the fyue woundes Adoramus te christe & bene dicimus tibi quia ꝑ crucem tuam redemistri mundum . Also he demaunded fiue tymes pardon in sainge as many pater nosters & in prayenge Ihesus that he wolde gyue vnto hym his loue & his drede . After Ihesu cryst appered vnto hym vysybly in lyke wyse as hymselfe telleth afterwarde & gaue vnto hym a meruaylous swetnes of euery of the woundes . And whan he hadde tasted the swetnes the consolacyon of the worlde vnto him was conuerted vnto bytternes . &c

A. Another example that the passyon of Ihesus moueth to haue the vertues and to resyste agayne the deuyll . Cxv

THe discyple recyteth in his promptuarye & sayth that a persone the whiche thynketh on the passyon of Ihesucrist ne may be surmounted of the deuyll / but that it be with grete payne . Example of a good man that put hym in a place secrete / & also remembred with all hi● puyssaunce how Ihesu cryste was borne & conuersed in the worlde / suffred many rebukes / iniuryes / betynges & the dethe for to redeme vs . And he sayd that it had more prouffyted vnto hym in goodnes than all that that he had done other tymes . Vn̄ bonauentura . Si vis homo vt de vtute in virtutem : de gratia in gratiam de bono in melius profitias quotidie nullo fatigatus īpedimēto quamta potes deuotione ꝑcurras & mediteris domini passionem .

B. Another example that the token of the crosse was founde in the herte of a martyr . Cxv

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary that as men ledde a holy man to be martred / he was asked of the tyrante wherfore these crysten men & women desyred to receyue martyrdom with Ioye / He answerde for the token of the crosse i● prynted in theyr hertes . And therfore it is no meruayll thoughe they folowe Ihesu cryst crucyfyed with Ioye . The tyrant answerde . I shall proue that whiche thou sayest of mouthe . And whan the saynt was slayne he founde the prynte of the crosse in his h̄ert And whan the tyrant sawe that myracle he made hym to be crystened .

C. Another example that a conuers had the lyfe & passyon of Ihesu cryst for a lesson in the table whan he dyned or ete . cxv

THe dyscyple reciteth in his promptuarye & sayeth that a conuers was requyred of the pryour one daye that he sholde tell what he thought so at the table bycause he toke no hede vnto the lesson that was redde at the table . He answerde and sayd . I haue redde a ryght good lesson at the table . Whan I begyn to ete I thynke how the sone of god was anounced of the aungell for me & conceyued of the holy gost in the wombe of the vyrgyn marye in entreatynge that in my thought I founde the fyrst lytel lefe . Afterwarde I thought how he was borne / how he was wrapped in lytell clothes & cloutes & layde vpon a lytell of hey in the crache . And how the aungelles enioyed them & sange melodyously whan th●y appered vnto the shyppardes whan I haue redde this in my thought that is the seconde leaf . In this maner I renne vnto the cyrcumsycyon & comynge of the kynges / vnto the oblacion made in the temple / vnto the baptysme / vnto the fastynge / vnto the passyon / resurreccyon assencyon / vnto the sendynge of the holy ghost / & in th ende on the Iugement . this is my dayly lesson & th ende of my dyner . Vnto the purpose of this relygyous the whiche thought the mysteryes of god . dauid in psal. Beati qui scrutantur testimonia eius in toto corde exquirunt eum . Et sapiens dicit eccle. xiiii . Beati qui in sapientia morabitur & qui in iustitia meditabitur : & in sensu cogitabit circumspectionem dei . Et psal. dicit Beaus vir euius est nomen dni spes eius : & non respexit in vanitates & in sanias falsas . Et mathei . v. Beati mundo corde qm ipsi deum videbunt .

D. Another example of a relygyous that whiche lerned thre lettres that whiche he recorded often . Cxv

THe dyscyple reciteth in his promptuarye & sayeth that there were two germayns in one monasterye of the whiche the one was a clerke & the other laye / The clerke applyed his tyme to rede and to wryte the whiche asked one tyme hys broder laye how he wasted his tyme . The whiche answerde I haue lerned thre lettres on the whiche I thynke euery day / & retourne them . The fyrste is blacke . The seconde is rede . And the thyrde is whyte / Then he axed him theyr names / & he said The fyrst is of the recordacyon of my synnes the whiche is so heuy & greuous that I am gretely tormented . The seconde lettre is the recordacyon of the precyous blode of Ihesu cryste that he hathe shed haboundauntly & mercyfully by his woundes / & the dethe that he hathe endured on the crosse for to redeme me . The thyrde is the desyre of the Ioyes celestyall and of those the whiche folowe the lambe in aubes that is of the sayntes that folowe Ihesu cryst . Whan the frere the whiche was clerke herde these thynges he had shame / wayled & reputed all his scyence as noughte . And afterwarde employed his dayes in deuocyon .

E. Another example of an abbesse the whiche whan she sholde deye she caused the passyon of our lorde Ihesu cryste to be redde vnto her . Cxv.

IT is wryten in the booke cesarii that there was an abbesse loued the rule of Iustyce & of all dyscyplyne reguliere the whiche whan she sholde deye she made the passyon of Ihesu cryste to be redde vnto her . And whan that a man came in to the place she sayd . In manus tuas dne commendo spiritum meum . Incontynente she yelded vp her spyryte & deyed . And after her dethe she appered vnto a good relygyous the whiche axed her of her estate / & she answered Incontynent that my soule departed from my body it flewe in to heuen . Also the said abbesse appered vnto another syster beyng in orayson & she axed her of her estate . She sayd in syngynge these verse of dauyd . Sicut audiuimus sic vidimus in ciuitate dni virtutum . & she sayd nothynge more but departed before the eyen of her sayd syster .

F. Another example how Ihesu cryste shewed vnto a yongman his handes and his syde perced . Cxv.

THe discyple recyteth in his promptuarye & sayth that a yonge man lecherous in cursed entencyon entred in to a wodde in the whiche were of harlottes / & the deuyll mette hym and demaunded hym whether he yode / & he tolde hym hys entencyon / vnto whom the deuyl said go before me & I shal paye the wele in tyme And as he entred more forwarde he met Ihesu cryst in habyte of a monke whiche demaunded hym in lyke wyse . Wheder g● ye my sone . He answerde & sayd vnto him ye be not my fader . Vnto whome the monke sayd . Certes thou arte my sone . He answerd with indignacyon that he was not his sone . And the monke opened his habyte & shewed vnto hym his handes & hys syde perced / & in bledynge as men paynt the crucyfyxe . Byleuest thou nowe that I am thy fader / the whiche cryed & sayd / thou art my lorde & my god . Than Ihesu crist sayd vnto hym / goo thy wayes & confesse the. For he that thou hast met before me is the deuyll the whiche abydeth the to th ende that he breke thy necke . And as he yode forthe of the wodde with purpose to confesse him the deuyll knewe hym not . And he axed the deuyll whom he taryed after . The deuyll answerd / certes it is not thou . He that I tary fore was all ours . And puyssaunce hathe be gyuen vnto me vpon hym / that I myght sle hym . Thou arte another / & the yongman vnderstode the grace & mercy that god had done vnto hym entred in the cloyster & confessed him / & fyned his lyfe in goodnes . &c.

G. Another example that Ihesu cryst reuoked a postate for to shewe him his woundes . Cxv.

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuary that a yong man delycious entred in to relygyon / and for the harde lyfe the brede semed vnto hym blacke & harde & the wyne soure . And he demaunded of his prelate lycence to retorne in to the worlde / vnto whom the pralate sayd . Broder ye ne maye retourne for ye be profeste in this relygyon / but haue ye affiaunce in god & requyre ye hym that ye may bere the burden with the other / & he dyde so / but after he was tempted of the deuyll on newe / he chaunged his habyte & yode in to the world And as he yode his waye Ihesus appyered vnto him in semblaunce of a yongman and folowed hym by that waye he hasted hym in suche wyse as dyspeyred / & knew not wheder he sholde go . And Ihesus the whiche folowed hym cryed / tary me / and he ranne more strongly . And Ihesus called hym by his name and sayd vnto hym Broder tary me and I shall go with the / The yongman wrathed hym the whiche was called broder & monke & had shame & meruaylled that he called him by his propre name . Than he taryed / & Ihesus asked hym wheder he yode . He answered that he had lefte his relygyon & that he sholde retourne in to the worlde . Than he lyfte vp his vestyment and his armes . And he sawe the bloode the whiche yssued oute of his syde perced & sayd vnto hym . Retourne in to thy monasterye / & whan thou shalte fynde the brede to harde & the other thynges greuous touche theym with my syde perced & all shall be softe to the & good to bere . Than he retourned and lyued afterwarde holyly . Vn̄ grego . Si passio christi ad memoriam reducitur : nichil est quod non equo animo tolleretur .

H. Another example of a thefe murde . rer that repented him made confessyon & had penaunce a pat noster to say before the crosse . cxv

THe disciple recyteth in his sermons that it is wryten of an hermyte the whiche ledde a sharpe lyfe by longe tyme And one tyme a thefe came vnto him the whiche had dyspoyled the men by long tyme & had goten many theftes / he repented hym / made confessyon / but he ne wolde haue but shorte penaunce . And the hermyte charged hym that all tymes that he founde ony crosse in the waye that he sholde saye a pater noster knelyng on his knees The thefe sayd that he wolde do that penaunce with good wyll . And after that he had taken his penaunce / & that he was departed a lytell from the hermyte he sawe his enemyes that sought hym of whome he had slayne the parent . Incontinent that he sawe them he toke hym to fle . And as he fledde he sawe a crosse lyfte vp in the waye . And he bowed the knees & sayd his pater noster . And how be it that he hadde ryght lytell to fle & escape the dethe . Neuerthelesse he had leuer to deye than to leue to do his penaunce that was enioyned to hym . So he gaue his lyfe vnto god / and vnto hym recommaunded his soule / & prayed that he myght haue the sayd penaunce exceptable for al his synnes . And as he was slayne of his enemyes in that place . Than the hermyte sawe that the aungelles toke the soule of the sayd thefe & with grete Ioye they bare it in to heuen . &c.

Signum crucis .
A. Examples of the crosse / & fyrst how it was shewed to Constantyn / & reysed a deed man & heled a woman . Cxvi .

IT is wryten in the hysto . eccle / & in the inuencyon of the crosse that maxence assembled an hoost of the empyre of Rome And the emperour Constantyn with hys armye came nere vnto the brydge of the water of Anubie for to fyght with the sayd maxence . And as he fered / he lyfte vp his eyen towarde heuen & sawe the sygne of the crosse resplendysshe in semblaunce of fyre / & he sawe after the aungell that said to hym . Constantyn thou shalt vaynquysshe by this sygne . And the nyght folowynge oure lorde appered vnto hym with the sygne that he had sene in the skye & commaunded hym that he sholde do make the fygure of the sayd sygne & that he sholde haue ayde agaynst his enemyes . Then constantyn was ioyous & assured to haue vyctorye / made hym to be marked in the forhede with the sygne of the crosse . And made to chaunge all his baners of warre in to the sygne of the crosse . And requyred god that he myght haue vyctorye without effusion of blode . And so was it done . For maxence commaunded them of his shyppes to go sawe the postes of the sayd brydge . He forgate the thynge that he had made to make & ranne hastely agaynst constantyn with fewe folke / but he commaunded that the other sholde folowe hym . Then he mounted on the sayd brydge / fell in to the water & was drowned before his hoost withoute ony myghte socoure hym . And the ylle that he wolde haue done vnto constantyn came on him selfe . Then the sayd constantyn was receyued lorde of all / & had thus the vyctorye . After constantyn sent his moder Helene in to Iherusalem for to seke the crosse of our lorde . Whan she was gone theder she made to come all the wyse iewes of the regyon / for to enquyre of the place of caluarye & of the crosse of Ihesu cryste . And bycause that they wolde tell nothynge / she commaunded that they sholde be brente . For to a brydge they gaue a man named iudas that in the ende shewed the place of caluarye / and made to dygge in the erthe / in the whiche was founde the crosses / the whiche were borne in to the place of the cyte . And bycause that he coude not chose the cr●sse o● ihesus from them of the theues / Iudas put the fyrste & the seconde vpon a deed body & it remeued not . And incontynente that he had touched the crosse of Ihesus he rose hym vp all on lyue . Another example / Men rede in the historye ecclesiastice that a woman the whiche was lady of the cite of Iherusalem was syke & as halfe deed And the bysshop of Iherusalem toke the fyrst & the seconde crosse and layde theym vpon the syke body & they prouffyted nothynge . And incontynente that the crosse of cryste touched her she was hole . By these examples here a man may ●now that the crosse of Ihesus is moche dygne that w●iche reyseth in suche wyse the deed and heleth the syke . And we shold prayse it / loue it / & honour it . For by the crosse the deuylles ben vaynquysshed / & by the ●●ecyous blode of Ihesus the whiche was shedde on the crosse we haue ben redemed . And therfore we sholde enioye vs to se the crosse . vn̄ canitur in vna . ann. Nos aunt gloriari oportet in cruce dni nostri thū christi . &c. Also the crosse maketh the deuylles to fere / chaseth theim awaye / it taketh awaye theyr force & setteth them at nought . And whan ony persone is tempted of the deuyll or that he hathe fere or drede / or that he fynde hymself in ony daunger . &c. He sholde make the token of the crosse & call deuoutely the ayde of Ihesus & of the vyrgyn marye & he shall haue incontynente socours / in lykewyse as men shall fyn●e here after by examples Also men sholde make the token of the crosse whan they lye downe and ryse or whan●y men wolde ete or drynke / or do ony operacyon . For the token of the crosse is prouffytable ouerall agayn all inconuenyences the whiche may come vnto the body or vnto the soule . &c.

B. Another example how saynt Iustine resysted & had vyctorye agayne the deuyl by the token of the crosse . Cxvi

IT is wryten in the legende of saynt Iustyne that the deuyll tempted her by many tymes to loue vnlefully a man named Cypryen . By two tymes he tempted her inuysybly of loue vnlefull . And in contynent that she perceyued the sayd temptacyon she commaunded her vnto god deuoutly and made the token of the crosse / And the d●●yll was so aferde that he fled Also the deuyl tempted her another tyme vysybly in semblaunce of a vyrgyn / And whan she had made the token of the crosse & blewe agaynst hym he departed & had no more puyssaunce . Also the deuyl transformed hym in a yongmans lykenes and entred in to her chambre / lepte vpon her dyshonestly as she laye in bedde / & wolde haue had to doo with her . And whan she sawe that she consydered that they were ylle spyrytes / she marked her with the crosse & the deuyll departed . & .

C. Another example of a man of warre penytent that resysted agayne the temptacions of deuyll by makynge the crosse . Cxvi

MEn fynde by wrytynge that after that a man of warre had done many ylles & synnes / he repented hym confessed / & had in penaunce to be one nyghte in the chirche without drynke / & sholde say . My redemptour Ihesus haue mercy on me / & in that nyghte the deuylles tempted hym in guyse of marchauntes / but he ouercame them with his prayer & in makynge the crosse . Afterwarde two deuylles came vnto hym in semblaunce of the woman and her chylde / & tempted hym strongly / but he had the victorye by the token of the crosse & in saynge the wordes beforsayd . Thyrdly the deuylles tempted hym in guyse of a bysshop the whiche had confessed him . &c And he had vyctorye as it is sayd before by the tokyn of the crosse & in saynge . My redemptour Ihesus haue mercy on me . / Lastly the deuylles in guyse of beestes bet hym & he was pacyent without remeuynge And after he was a good man & a holy .

D. Another example how the token of the crosse serued vnto a Iewe agayne the deuylles that helde theyr chapytre . Cxvi .

IT is wryten in the dyalogue of saint Gregorye that as a Iewe yode by the countree in defaute of hospytall yode for to lye in the temple of the ydoles / & made the token of the crosse . And by nyghte the deuylles came to holde theyr chapytre in the sayd temple . And there deuysed of the ylles that they had done . And as the sayd iewe was in a corner and herde them in tremblynge of drede the prynce of deuylles commaunded vnto the other that they sholde go to se hym that had presumed to lye there . They yode & afterwarde sayd vnto hym Ve ve vas vacuum sed signatum . maledictum It is a vessell that is a man voyde of vertues & of goodes spyrytuel / but he hathe the token of the crosse . Than all the deuylles departed without doynge ony yll vnto the sayd iewe / bycause he made the sygne of the crosse . &c.

E. Another example how a man shewed at his dethe that he had receyued the crosse and the deuyll fledde . Cxvi .

THe disciple recyteth in his promptuary that a knyght a greate synner wolde haue remyssyon of his synnes / receyued the crosse . And the deuyll appered vnto hym in his sykenes & sayd vnto him thou arte myne . Vnto whom the knyght sayd / that am I not / for I haue confessed me & haue receyued the crosse / the whiche he vncouered & shewed hym saynge / here is the token that I haue receyued vnto the defence of the fayth . Whan the deuyl sawe that he vanysshed awaye .

Aqua benedicta .
A. Examples of holy water / & fyrst example that the deuylles the were in the house of a syke man were chased awaye by holy water . Cxvii .

THe disciple recyteth in his sermons & sayeth that as a man laye madde of newe a conuers was in a monastery in the artycle of dethe he sawe all the house replenysshed with deuylles as persones with longe nebbes . And whan the sayd syke body had sygnyfyed it vnto his gardyen he vnderstode that they were foule spyrytes he made to brynge of holy water in a vessell & bespryncled all the place . And as he dyde that the syke man toke hym to crye that he sholde cast strongly / & that the deuylles fledde so hastely that they stroue who sholde fyrste goo forth & that for haste one fell ouer another . Than the sayd gardyen more strongly caste the holy water . So the sykeman was delyuered of the deuylles / the whiche wende to deceyue hym for to dampne hym . Vnto this purpose a man shold vnderstonde that the holy water is moche dygne & prouffytable . For it putteth awaye synnes venyelles / & chaseth awaye the deuylles & fantasyes dyabolyques / & therfore many hathe of custome to haue of holy water by theyr beddes / and also to caste holywater at theyr lyenge downe / & arysynge / & whan they ben syke to th ende that they ben puryfyed / made clene & kepte from temptacyons & fantasyes dyabolyques as it is sayd . Vnde dauyd in psalmo . Asperges me dne ysopo & mundabor lauabis me & super niuem dealbabor . That is to saye . O thou lorde thou shalte besprynkyl me with the holywater styk● & I shal be made clene / thou shalt wasshe me / and I shall be more whyte than the snowe / yet agayne sayeth dauyd . Thou hast in lykewyse troubled the heedes of the dragons tho ben of the deaylles in the waters . Iterum psal. Cotribuiasti capita drachonū in aquis . &c. Item it is good to sprynkyll with holy water a woman whan she trauaylleth of chylde Also whan a man receyueth the holy water deuoutly it dysposeth the persones to deuocyon & to do wele . For to be short it is a grete thynge as to receyue the holy water . And those that refuse it or fle it / they ne ben good catholyques / for they done in lyke wyse as dyd the deuylles that fledde from the house of the syke man for the holy water . &c.

B. Another example how the deuyl ne myghte entre in to the mouthe of a dronkenman for a droppe of holy water that therin fell . Cxviii .

THe dyscyple reciteth in his promptuarye & sayeth that a dronken man mette in his waye a demonyacle . And the sayd dronkenman sayd vnto the deuyll entre in to me & leue this man . And the said deuyl answerd . I may not / wherfore said the dronkenman . For thou haste ben thys daye in the chirche & one droppe of holywater is fallen in thy mouthe . &c.

C. Another example that as a knyght bespryncled hym with holy water the deuyll cryed touche me not . Cxviii .

ARnoldus recounteth in his boke & sayeth that as a knyght strong in armes wolde approche vnto a place where a mayden demonyacle lay the deuyl began to crye . Here is my frende come . And as he was entred sayd . Go ye backe lette my frende approche . Thou deuyll thou arte a fole / wherfore tormentest thou this mayde innocent / come with me vnto the turneymentes . And the deuyll answerd and sayd . I shall go with the with good wyll / yf thou suffre me that I entre in to thy body or that I be in the sadell or brydell / or in ony partye of thy body . And the knyghte had compassyon of the noble mayde / and said yf thou wylte go forth of this mayde I shall graunte the one partye of my mauntell by suche condycyon that thou hurt me not / & that thou shalte departe incontynente that I shall tell the. And he promysed him . Than he yode forth of the mayde / & yode in to the oylet hole of the mauntell . From that houre so moche of glorye came vnto the knyght that those that he wolde he them surmounted and wasted & those that he wolde he toke . And one daye as the knyght prayed longely the deuyll sayd vnto hym / thou murmurest to moche . And as he spryncled hym with holy water he sayd vnto hym / take hede that thou touche me not . And one tyme whan the knyght yode vnto a place where a man preched of the holy crosse the deuyl said what doest thou here . The knighte answerd I wyll leue the & serue god And the deuyl sayd what thynge hathe dyspleased the in me I neuer hurte the / but I haue enryched the & thou arte become moche gloryous . And the knyght sayd departe thou and come thou no more again to me I commaunde the in the name of ihesus . Than the deuyll lefte hym & the knight marked hym with the crosse / and serued Ihesu cryste two yeres beyonde the see / & whan he was comen agayne he made to edefye an hospytall / in the whiche he admynystred vnto syke bodyes theyr necessytees & wele defyned his dayes . &c.

D. Another example that whan a synner obstynate had dronke of holy water / he repented hym & confessed & chaunged hym from yll vnto good . Cxviii

THe dysciple reciteth in his promptuarye that a knyght dyde many ylles and in th ende fell seke & hys preest warned hym to confesse hym / & to receyue the sacramentes as a good catholyque / and he ne myght enclyne hym neyther by prayers ne by menaces . And reputed his wordes vayne / & that he ne forced ne cared . And as he demaunded of water for to drynke the preest yode to blysse the water without that that the seke body knewe ony thynge of it and gaue it hym to drynke . Whan he had dronke incontynente by the ayde of the holy ghost he cryed vnto the preest in requyryng hym that he were confest . And he confessed hym purely he was admynystred & ended his dayes wele .

Maria.
A. Examples of the vyrgyn Marye / & fyrst example how the vyrgyn Marye delyuered an abbot & many other from peryll of dethe for to saye this responce . Felix namque . Cxv●ii

VIncent sayeth in the .xviii. booke of the myrroure hystoryall in the lxxxix . chapitre . That an abbot with many other were in the myddest of the see of Brytayne in so grete tempest of tyme oppressed that they all dyspeyred of lyfe / soo the some called saynt Nycholas vnto theyr ayde / & the other saint Andrewe . And euery of them called the saynt that moost famylyerly he called vnto his necessyte . And whan the abbot sawe that none of theym called the blyssed vyrgyn marye moder of mercy that hathe puyssaunce aboue the heuen & the erthe he sayd . Brederne what do ye to call ony sayntes & leue the moder of god that hathe puyssaunce aboue all tho sayntes the ye call . I saye not that ye do yll / but cal we all with one voyce the moder of mercy . Than all togyders called & reclamed the blyssed vyrgyn Marye . And the sayd abbot the whiche had not ete in two dayes & in two nyghtes but one apple / & the whiche was at lowe that he ne myght syghe / he sange with his monkes this responce . Helix namque . And the verse Ora ꝓ populo And before that they had ended theyr songe & deuocyon / there arryued a grete lyghte in the heyghte of the maste as a tapre the whiche chased awaye all the derkenesses of the nyght & enlumyned the presence / & al the tempest so ceased at the commaundement of the quene of heuen & had greate transquylyte . And ryght anone after the daye clere & fayre shone / & the shyppe applyed it selfe vnto the lande wher as they entented . And so had they ayde of the vyrgyn Marye . By this example & by many other a man sholde knowe that all persones the whiche serue the vyrgyn marye & her ●equyre by deuocyon & with good herte / they haue ayde and socours in al necessytees that they fynde themself in / be it in erthe or in the see / be it at the dethe or in the lyfe . And by that that the abbot sayd vnto his compaygnons that they sholde cal the ayde of the vyrgyn Marye more soner than all the sayntes of paradyse / he spake it of good ryght . For she is more noble dygne / and holy of the creatures that god create euer . Vnde scryptura dicit . Sicut sol luci dior est quam luna : et luna quam syderibus : sic maria dignior est creaturis oimbus . She is more digne than the aungelles / for she is moder of the kynge of aungelles . Vn̄. Turrian . Ipsum regem angelorum sola virgo lactabat . And she ledde a lyfe aungelyke & more then aungelyke . Vnde hieronimus . In carne preter carnem viuere non terrena vita est : sed angelica Also she lyued withoute ony synne in her body corruptyble . Vn̄ cant . iiii . Tota pulcra es amica mea & macule non est in te / She is more dynge than the prophetes / for they prophetysed of her . Vnde scriptura . Prophete predicauerunt christum nasciturum de virgine maria . Vnde ysaye . vii . Ecce virgo concipiet & pariet filium . She is more digne than the appostles / for she is moder of the kynge of the appostles / ● she is theyr maystres the whiche taughte them . Quomodo concepit de spum scton & peperit sine dolore . Also she was more ferme in the fayth at the passyon than the appostles . Vn̄ scriptura . Beata q credidit qm ꝑficientur ea q dicca erant ei a dno . She is more dygne than the martyrs . For she suffred in the soule at the passyon more of dolour than all the martyrs . Vnde luce. ● Et tuam ipsius Eccliam pertransibit gladius . Also she was more dygne than the confessours for she was sanctifyed in the wombe of her moder / & put in to the temple to serue god in the age of thre yere that the confessours hathe not done . Also she is more dygne shan the women . vnde luce. i. ca. Benedicta tu in mulieribus . Et cant . ii . Sicut lilium inter spinassic amica mea inter filias .

B Another example how salue regina vayleth moche to deye wele . Cxviii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye of the vyrgyn marye that as a chanoyne regulyer laboured vnto the dethe he dredde that the whiche is writen ecclesiastices none . Nescit homo vtrum amore vel odio dignus sit . Albeit he dyspeyred hym not . And the vyrgin marye appered vnto hym in forme vysyble / & in swete wordes sayd vnto him . Drede thou not thou shalte not be dampned . But in lykewyse as thou hast honoured me oftymes with this antem . Salue regina . In lykewyse shalt thou be crowned by me in the realme of my sone . Whan he had recompted this thynge ioyously vnto his bredern he deyed . &c.

C. Another example how the vyrgyn marye appesed the thondres & tempestes of the tyme for to saye salue regina . Cxviii .

IT is wryten in the boke cesarii that a preest had of custome to say at al his houres this antem . Salue regina . And one tyme as he walked thorowe the feldes & that he yode to vysyte a recluse the whiche was by the chirche grete thondres and horryble tempestes sourded vp that he loste his force to walke . And in th ende by grete labour he entred in to the chirche & fell prostrate before the aulter & requyred the vyrgyn Marye to apese the sayd tempest And there appered vnto hym a woman with vysage of a vyrgyn replenysshed with grete beaute that sayd vnto hym . For asmoche as thou sayest & syngest oftymes this antem . Salue regina mater mine . the tempeste shal hurte nor fere the no more . whan she hadde spoken these wordes she vanysshed awaye / & he vnderstode that it was the vyrgyn marye . Another example of salue regina wryten in the promptuary of the dyscyple . It happened one tyme that in two townes the freres of the ordre of prechers were by nyght so tormented with fantasyes & yllusyons dyabolyques that it neded that one of them muste watche and kepe by nyght those that slepte & rested . And they dydde put all theyr esperaunces in the ayde of the vyrgyn marye / & made solemnel professyon after complyn in syngynge Salue regyna / & incontynent all was appesed / by these examples here it behoueth to vnderstonde that the sayd antem pleaseth vnto our lady . Also marie is quene of heuen of the aungelles / & sayntes of paradyse of whome we synge regina celi letare . Also marye is the quene of all quenes . Also marye is quene of mercye in lyke wyse as notyfyeth this antem Salue regina . Also this quene is dygne / noble / holy / blyssed / fayre pure / clene / clere / gyuyng lyght / shynyng that she surmounteth al creatures in bounte / / dignyte / & clarte / & therfore is she lyfte vp & set by god her sone . Vn̄. psal. Astitit regina a dextris tuis in vestitu deaurato circundata varietate / It is good to loue serue & honour this vyrgyn the whiche is soo grete a lady / for that that she requyreth is done / & that that she refuseth is not done Loue we than the vyrgyn Marye / serue we & honour we her / in kepynge her feestes & wele shall come vnto vs .

D. Another example how the vyrgin Marye restored the hande of Iohan Damascene that made salue sctam parens . Cxvii

THe dyscyple reciteth in his promptuarye that at rome there was a valyaunt doctour named Iohan damascene The whiche had of enmyes that accused him falsly that he had wryten with his proprehande of lettres agayne the empyre and romayns . Soo it happened that he was led before the emperour / the whiche made his hande to be cut of / whiche thynge he bare paciently . And afterwarde he considered that our lady had none introyte propre as some other saintes / & that it was not an honest thynge that she that was quene of heuen had not also well a propre introite as the other . Then he made salue sctam parens . & then whan he had made it he doubted lest he sholde forgete it / & incontynent called his clerke for to gyue hym his ynkorne / & remembred not that he had his hande cutte so he reched forth the stompt for to take the penne / & incontynent he was heled thrugh the vyrgyn marye / & had his hande agayn also fayre & fresshe as euer it had ben . &c.

A. Another example of the salutacyon angelyke how a religious made the chaplet of the vyrgyn marye . Cxix

MEn fynde by wrytynge that a relygyous demaunded of his abbot how he myght do thyng that myght please vnto the vyrgyn marye . And he gaue him to answere . Make vnto her euery da●● a chaplet of roses He demaunded how / he answered . Saye euery daye fyfty aues a pater noster at euery tenth . Than he dydde it . And a grete tyme after he was sent for a n●cessite vnto another abbaye / & passed thorowe a wodde & was taken with theues in saynge his aue marye . And as the capytayne of the sayd theues behelde him he sawe a whyte doue the whiche toke of roses out of his mouthe . And demaunded hym what it was that he sayd / and from whens proceded the sayd roses . The said relygyous shewed how the sayd abbot had instructe him to serue the vyrgyn Marye as it is sayd . And the sayd theues conuerted them / restored the others goodes and were relygyous in the abbaye of the sayd monke & defyned wele theyr dayes . &c. Another example semblable . It is wryten in the promptuarye of the dyscyple that a relygyous had of custome to make the chaplet vnto the vyrgyn marye in sayeng a hondreth tymes aue maria . &c. And as he yode by the countree whan he came vnto a wodde a thefe the whiche wolde slee hym sawe that a fayre chylde toke the roses in his mouthe & made of them a chaplet . The sayd thefe was ameruaylled to se that demaunded of the sayd relygyous the cause & what it was that he sayd . He sayd that he salued the vyrgyn marye in saynge aue maria . For to be short the thefe corrected him of his ●●rsed lyfe . &c. By these examples here a man shold vnderstonde that aue maria the whiche is the salutacyon angelyke p●easeth moche vnto the vyrgyn marye / & for as moche as it is often sayd and comune it behoueth to declare it in ryght ample wyse .

B. Fyrst the aungell sayd vnto the vyrgyn marye . Aue. That is for to saye god the salueth . He gyueth vs example that we sholde salue the persones whan we arryue vpon them in sayng . God the salue . god saue you / or blysse you . Maria. God the salue marie . This name marye is interpreted maris stella / sterre of the see . Of this sterre spake the prophete balaam that ●●aid Orietur stella ex iacob . And also a sterre appered to the kynges on crystenmas daye towarde oryent that conduyted theym to Ihesus / & to the vyrgyn marye . And by this the aungell salued the vyrgyn marie in saynge vnto her aue maria . God salueth the sterre of the see / fayre / clere / & shynyng● / For also as the maryners haue a sterre in the fyrmament moche clere and fayre & verytable that conduyteth theym by night & redresseth them whan they are wronge & ledeth theym vnto good porte . Semblably marye the whiche is interpreted sterre of the see / is she that conduyteth all the errauntes & strayers / & ledeth them vnto the porte of salute . And for this sayeth saynt bernarde . Si in●urgunt venti temptationum &c respice stellam voca marian . In periculis : in angustiis : in rebus diebus : marian īuoca : non recedat ab ore : non recedat a corde : vt impetres eius auxilium : ipsam sequens non deuias : ipsam rogans non desperas : ipsam cogitans non erras : ipsa tenente non corruis : ipsa ꝓtegēte ●ō metuis : ipsa duce non fatigaris : ipsa ꝓpitia ꝑuen●es ad terrāviuētiū . After the wordes of the sayd saynt bernarde / in all ●ekenesses necessytees / & aduersytees / & in all temptacyons & daungers what so euer they be that a man fyndeth hym in / hym behoueth to haue his recours of hert & of mouthe vnto this ster●e that is marye / & a man shal haue all that that he requyreth Example of a man that as he fel in to the see he called the vyrgyn marye the which brought hym safe vnto lande . And bycause that marye socoureth in suche wyse the creatures in all necessytees call ye marye serue ye marye / honoure ye marye / kepe ye the feestes of marye & wele shal happe you . Gratia plena . The aungell sayd vnto the vyrgyn marye . God the salue ful of grace . Marye was replenysshed with grace for she was fulfylled with the holy ghost / from the wombe of her moder as sayeth the gospell . Spiritussāto replebitur adhuc ex vtero matris sue / & whan she conceyued . Vn̄ luce . i. Spiritussctūs suꝑueniet in te & virtus altissimi obumbrabit tibi . Also she was replenysshed with the sone of god whan she bare hym in her wombe . Also she was replenysshed with all humylyte as it apperethe by the answer that she made vnto the aungell . Ecce ancilla dn̄i: fiat michi secundum verbu tuum . Also she was replenysshed with charyte / with beaute / bounte / holynesse and beatytude / & without commyttyng ony sin Vnde cant . iiii . Tota pulcra es maria & macula non est in te . And for asmoche as she is replenissh●● with so many of goodnesses / loue we marye / serue we marye / kepe we the feestes of marye / & wele shal come vnto vs . Dns tecum . The aungell sayd vnto the vyrgyn marye . God is with ye. god is euermore with the vyrgyn marye . He was with her in the concepcyon . He was in her in her wombe .ix. monthes . He was in her in chyldynge & nourysshyng / & bare hym in to the temple / in to egypte and was obeyssaunt vnto Ioseph & vnto her as sayeth the euangelyst . Erat subditis illis . Agayn the cursed chyldren that wyll haue domynyon aboue faders & moders . &c. / Als● the vyrgyn marye was with god in the tyme of his passyon & assencion / & sytteth by him . Vn̄ psal Astitit regīa a dextris tuis in vestitu deaurato circundata varietate / They ben of one amyte / of one pryue counsayle & sytte togyder of one Iugement & in paradyse . And that that the vyrgyn wylleth & requyreth for her seruauntes it is done & accomplisshed . And therfore loue we marye / serue we marye / calle we marye / kepe we the feestes of marye & wele shall happe vs . Benedicta tu in mu●ieribus . The aungell sayd vnto the vyrgyn Marye / thou arte blyssed amonges all women & aboue all women . Thou arte more blyssed than the vyrgyns / than the women maryed / & than the wedowes . Vn̄ cant . ii . Sicut li●ium inter spinas sic amica meaīter filias . Fyrst thou arte more blyssed & fayre than the vyrgyns . For thou arte the floure of vyrgynyte & of maydenhede / of all purete / beaute and holynes / & the examplayre of al chastyte & womanhede . And soo thou vowed vyrgynyte & kepte it in all estates / wherfore thou arte floure of vyrgynyte / vnto this vyrgynyte is appropryed these wordes . Elores mei fructus honoris & honestatis . that is to say . My floures ben fruytes of honour & of honeste as the floure delys the rose / the violet / & th● gelofre . The said floures haue in them foure thynges that is in the vyrgyn marye . Primo they haue beaute to beholde / odour to smell / they decore them that bere them / & auaylleth vnto the medecynynge . &c. Semblably the virgyn marye is the moost fayrest rose of all the women as sayd is . Sicut lilium . Also her sone was the moost fayrest of all the men / Vnde psal. Speciosus forma p̄filiis hoīm She was fayre withoute foulenes / she dyde neuer mortall synne / nor venyell . Vn̄. cant ii.i. Tota pulcra es amica mea & macula non est in te . Et alibie . Pulcra facie : sed pulchrior fide . Secundo she had the odour of good renommee . Vn̄. Beatam inedicent omnes generationes : & illud . Nardus mea dedit odorem suauitatis . &c. Tertio she decoreth them that serue her / & the place where is her remembraunce . Quarto she is of valour apprecyable for to helpe in all necessytees . &c. The vyrgyns the whiche kepe vyrgynyte ben of the housholde of the vyrgyn marye / & shall haue retrybucyon an hondreth double . And yf they corrupt virgynyte they lese the sayd treasour / & shall not be of the nombre of vyrgyns . Also the vy●gyn marye is more fayre than the wyues . For she was maryed vnto Ioseph & conceyued not of him / but of the holy ghost luce. i. Spiritus sanctus suꝑueniet in te & virtus altissimi obumbrabit tibi . Also she bare the sone of god & gaue him souke / & abode vyrgyn after chyldynge / in chyldynge / & before childynge . Virgo ante ꝑtū : virgo in ꝑtū et virgo post ꝑtū : virgo īuiolata ꝑmā●isti She was the veray moder of Ihe●us for thre thynges . Prima bycause that the body of our lorde toke humanyte in the wombe of the vyrgyn marye moost pure & clene Secunda he had place & rest in her precyous wombe . Tertia he had nourysshyng of her body / & by that she is the moder of the sone of god . Also she is moder of the kynge of aungelles & sayntes of paradyse . She is moder of the kynge of kynges the whiche gouerneth the heuen & the erth . Regem qui celum terramque regit . She is moder of the lorde of lordes / of the ●uge of Iuges and mayster of all . She is moder of grace & of mercy . Vn̄. hymnus Maria matur gratie matur mine . &c. She is moder of grace / for she encreaseth theym in goodnes that are in the estate of grace / & also vnto synners / for she hathe pite & compassyon and prayeth for them . She ●ydeth agayne the enmye Tu nos ab hoste ꝓtege . And also she he●peth at the dethe . Et hora mortis suscipe . Also she is moder & nouryssher of orphelyns / beggers & wedowes / & her sone nouryssheth all the worlde / & therfore a man may say that she is blyssed amonges the women maryed / & aboue all those the whiche hathe wele kepte maryage . Bn̄dictatu i● mulieribus . Loue we than marye / serue marye / honour we her / kepe we her feltes & all good shall come vnto vs . Also the vyrgyn marye is more blyssed than the wedowes . She was wedowe .xiiii. yere / & she gouerned her chastely & purely so that neuer man ne synned in her / neyther by sight nor otherwyse / yet was she the moost fayre woman of the worlde as sayd is She was so full of grace & of bounte that the grace of her enlumyned those that behelde her so that they had no wyll to synne nor do ylle And therfore men maye saye . Bn̄dictatu in mulieribus .i. intur oes mulieres . Et b●nedictus fructus ventris tui . The fruyte of the wombe of the vyrgyn marye is right blyssed / for all goodnes of it is proceded . By the sone that she bare peas was made by the inobedyence of Adam & of eue . Also by the fruyte the whiche is yssued oute of the wombe of the vyrgyn marye paradyse hathe be opened to all good & loyal crystyens And the yates of helle hathe be broken & the holy soules taken out & put in to paradyse . Also by the greate myracles & by the grete thynges that the sone of the vyrgin sayd & dyde saynt marcelle said vnto our lorde . illud luce. xi . Beatus venter qui te portauit : et vbera q suxisti . The wombe and pappes of the vyrgyn marye were ryght blissed / whan they had borne & gyuen souke so precyous fruyte as the sone of god / Ihesus is enterpreted sauyour & redemptour of all the worlde / in lyke wyse as it is sayd / the whiche brynge v● vnto his blysse Amen .

A. Another example of hym that knewe no good but aue maria . Cxx.

MEn fynde by wrytynge that a man of armes renounced vnto all yll / & made hym relygyous of the ordre of chartreux the whiche in his lyfe ne myght lerne no good thynge but these two wordes aue maria / but he said them right deuoutly of herte & of mouthe togyder / & of tyme he repeted them / & so vsed his lyfe . After his departynge there ●prange frome hys graue a fayre flourdelys whyte . And on the leues of the floure was wryten in lettres of golde aue maria . The people meruayled of this thynge . For to be shorte it was founde that the sayd flouredelys proceded from his mouthe / & that it was for that that he had honoured the vyrgyn marye with those wordes aue maria .

B. Another example of hym that whiche kneled at the name of our lady . Cxx.

IT is wryten that there was a relygyous that loued soo moche the vyrgyn marye that whan h● herde her name spoken of he kneled downe / & wrote it wi●h gold azure or yelowe . At the laste he was seke / & another relygyous that laye nere vnto his bedde herde on a nyghte how the vyrgyn marye with grete lyght & company of aungelles came to fetche hym & sayd vnto him for as moche as thou hast wryten my name / & had it in so grete reuerence I shall make thyn to be wryten in the boke of lyf & so he deyed . &c.

C. Another example of the moder the whi●he taught vnto her chylde to salue the vyrgyn marye . Cxx.

MEn fynde by wrytynge that a goode moder taught wele her chylde / & lerned hym to salue the vyrgyn marye & to go euery daye on his knees to saye aue maria before her ymage that was in her chambre . The sayd chylde was so accustomed & loued so moche the vyrgyn marye that whan he was beten he yode to complayne hym to the sayd ymage / and also he bare often a party of his porcyon that he ete & put it before the chylde of the vyrgyn marye . And it fortuned one daye that he fell in the water before his sayd moder / & was drowned / she ranne to fetche people to drawe hym oute all dyscomforted . and whan she came agayne / she founde hym where he yode oute of the water & played hym with two apples . He was demaunded how he came out / he answerd that the vyrgyn marye that he saluted / had drawen hym out & had gyuen hym the two apples .

D. Another example how the vyrgyn marye ayded a woman to chylde in the see of the mounte of saynt myghell . Cxx.

VIncent sayth in the myrrour hystoryall in the fyrste partye of the eyght booke that a woman with chylde the tyme comen for to chylde put herselfe on the waye to the mount of saynt myghell in one of the solempnytees with dyuers persones . And whan they were on the sandes the sygnes appered that the see came . The people had fere & toke them for to crye inferinge the dethe / & began for to renne towarde the mounte of saynt myghell . The woman with chylde myght not flee / but abode in grete fere & trauayll / & wyst not what to do saue for to call the ayde of the vyrgyn marye & saynt myghell . And grete multytude of people lamented her on the ryuage of th● see cryenge towarde heuen for the helpe of the vyrgyn marye . for to abredge the vyrgyn marye came to the ayde of the sayd woman / couered he● and was as in a sure place / & kepte her from the water in suche maner that neuer droppe of water touched her / & also she was delyuered of a sone in the myddes of the see / without hauynge fere / for she was well kepte . Whan that the see was withdrawen / the vyrgyn marye shewed her the waye / And after the sayd woman came to the ryuage with her chylde / & founde the people to whom she recounted the myracle . &c.

E. Another example of a ●ayn●er that the vyrgyn marye defended / and kepte from hauynge ylle . Cxx

THe disciple recyteth in his promptuarye of the vyrgyn marye that there was a paynter that paynted in a chirche the ymage of the deuyl the moost horryblest that he myghte / & also paynted the ymage of our lady the moost fayrest and with the fayrest colours that he might fynde And the deuyll hym demaunded why he made that / and he answerde bycause it was soo as the payntynge shewed . And then the deuyll by enuye made the tymbre to falle that he stode on bycause he sholde fall downe / & as he began to fall the ymage of our lady paynted toke him by the hande so that he myght not fall / & kepte hym frome the malyce of the d●uyll . And the ●ynners withdrewe them from yll doynge in beholdyng the sayd ymages / the one horryble and the other fayre . & ● .

F. Another example of the good & honoure that the vyrgyn marye dydde vnto a thefe the whiche fasted the saterdayes in her honour and absteyned hym from ylle sayenge . Cxx.

IT is wryten in dyalogo cesarii As men saye that there was a thefe in a forest renommed ryght yll for that that he pylled slewe & dyde many ylles with many compaignons . And he founde a monke precher in the waye vnto whom he sayd that he sholde sle him yf he yode not after him And in walkynge the sayd monke demaunded hym what he was / & what operacyon he dyde . He answerde I am a thefe so gretely renōm●d the whiche hathe so to name And the sayd monke sayd vnto him / thou wakest moche dredest thou not the peryll of thy soule . He answerd no / no more than a beest . And the sayd monke asked hym what had ben his lyfe / he answerd whan I was a chylde I stryued with my felawes & after I was a thefe / & to be shorte I neuer dyde no good dede / but euer dyde ylle & nowe am I the mayster of theues / and the monke sayd vnto hym . Dredyst thou the paynes of helle the whiche ben made redy for the for thy cursed dedes / he answered . Of the soule without doubte she is lost And the monke the whiche wolde conuerte hym sayd vnto hym . Yf I shewe vnto the how thou shalte be saued wylte thou do it He sayd ye . And the monke counsayled him that he sholde faste euery saterdaye in the honour of our lady / in doynge none ylle that daye / & that the vyrgyn marye sholde be the meane that he shold be saued . And the said thefe therto consented & vowed . He kepte that vowe & letted his felowes also to do ylle And the people that his felowes toke on that daye he delyuered them in the honour of the vyrgyn marye . Also on the saterday he ne armed hym ne bare staffe of defence . And on a saterdaye his enemyes founde him and his felowes dysarmed for the saterdaye he was taken & neuer wolde defende hym / albeit he had be more stronge Also he ne excused him . Whan he was led in to the cyte and that he was knowen he was Iuged to be hanged . How be it afterwarde the Iuges were moued with pite as men byleue by the vyrgyn marye and toke theyr counsayll togyders / & wolde that he ne sholde deye . But he said that he wolde nothynge soo / & that he loued better that he sholde wepe his synnes here than in hell And the Iuges sayd to hym wylte thou be byhedede . He answerde & sayd I care not what the payne be so that I deye . And they said vnto hym / wylt thou haue a preest He answerd ye ben al crysten men . I confesse vnto you my synnes I ne dyd neuer no good deed . &c. but onely that I haue fasted the saterdayes there nedeth no preest Than he repented hym ryght bytterly in confessynge openly his synnes . And bare and endured the payne & dolour of the dethe wyllyngly for his synnes the whiche was vnto hym harde penaunce . To be shorte he was byheded without the cite . And the nyght folowynge the watche men watchynge in the cyte sawe in the place wher he was buryed lightes celestielles / & fyue fayre matrones the whiche vnburyed him the whiche set his heed vpon his body the whiche there toke agayne / & layde it honourably in a coffyn & bare it in to the cyte vnto the chirche dore / of the whiche matrones there were foure the whiche bare the said coffyn & hadde candelles in theyr handes / & the .v. was more fayrer than the other the whiche yode by with candelles / Whan the gardiens of the chirche sawe that they dredde and wende it had ben a fantasye vnto whom one of them sayd . Say vnto your bysshop that he burye honourably my seruaunt in the chirche in suche place the whiche hathe be byheded without the cyte . And yf he were neclygent that to do she menaceth hym . More ouer she named the vyrgyn marye . Whan the bysshop herde the sayd thynge & sawe the hede to be taken vnto the body dredde & called the clergy & buryed hym honourably / not as a thefe but as a martyr the whiche endured the dethe for his synnes . After that the sayd dede was knowen al the men of the prouynce fasted the saterdaye in the honour of the vyrgyn marye .

G. Another example how a thefe beheded ne myght deye without confessyon for that that he had fasted the saterdayes in the honour of the gloryous vyrgyn marye . Cxx.

IT is wryten in the promptuarye of the myracles of our lady that a thefe the whiche pylled a poore woman & he founde that she fasted the saterday from her enfance / & demaunded her the cause / She answerde that those the whiche fast the saterdayes in the honour of the blyssed vyrgyn marye ne sholde deye withoute true penaunce . And the said thefe toke this thynge agreably & fasted them . In th ende he had the heed stryken of / the whiche cryed confessyon confessyon / those the whiche present were meruaylled & gote him a preest for to confesse hym . After that the heed had be put agayne vnto the body & that he had made true confessyon he sayd . I had this gyfte of grace to confesse me by the gloryous vyrgyn marye for the whiche I fasted the saterdayes . The deuylles were about me but they ne myght nothynge do vnto me for the presence of the vyrgyn Marye & ben fledde for the holy confessyon . Whan he had spoken these wordes he deyed . &c.

H. Another example how the vyrgyn marye ayded vnto a thefe in his dethe bycause he had fasted on the saterdaye . cxx .

IT is wryten in the promptuary o● the dyscyple that ther was a grete thefe that neuer had done good dede / but onely that he had faste a saterday and made to synge a masse to th ende that the vyrgyn marye sholde conuerte hym before his dethe And the sayd masse & faste were so moche agreable vnto the vyrgyn m●rye that she appered vnto the sayd thefe vnto whome she sayd . I haue prayed my sone Ihesu cryste for the that thou sholdest conuerte the and also repente the of thy synnes . He hathe gyuen vnto the suche grace that before thy dethe thou shalte speke fyue wordes that shall delyuer thy synnes . Afterward this thefe was taken & holden in bandes / & on the thyrde daye was ledde to be hanged / & in the way god gaue vnto hym grete contrycyon / & in that true contrycyon he sayd the .v. wordes folowynge . Deus ꝓpitius esto michi peccatori . that is to say . God be mercyfull vnto me synner .

I. Another example how a thefe hanged myght not deye without receyuynge of his ryghtes thrughe our lady . Cxx.

IT is wryten in the promptuary of the myracles of oure lady / that there was a thef that fasted only brede and water the vygylles of the feestes of oure lady . / And whan he yode in theft he saluted her & prayed her that he ne sholde deye in mortall synne . And it befel that he was taken and hanged / but he ne might deye by thre dayes . He called those that whiche passed by & prayed theym that they wolde brynge a preest vnto hym / that whiche came with the Iuge & with the people / he was vnhanged / vnto whom he said that the vyrgyn marye susteyned hym on the gybet / & so was lette go / & lyued after holyly . &c.

K. Another example how a thefe was brused & myght not deye without confession / for he hadde fasted the vygyles of our lady . Cxx.

IT is wryten in the promptuary of the myracles of our lady that thre bredern were dysheryted of a knyght castyllan . And after that they watched the wayes in the nexte woddes & dyde many ylles . And that knyght toke two that he made to hange . The thyrde dredde & confessed hym vnto a relygyous the whiche warned hym to cease of doynge yll . He answerde I ne maye cease tyl that I haue stryken the knight with swerde or arowe that hath slayn my bredern . More ouer he sayd he wolde fast brede & water the foure euens of our lady / to th ende he deyed not without confessyon . The relygyous sayd that it was wel done to faste / but it shold not prouffyte yf he ceased not his synne . He yode forth and after was taken of the knyght that broke al his membres . And as he was ful of woundes he sayd he shold not deye tyll he were confessed & receyued his cre●tour . Than whan he had his ryghtes he deyed . &c.

A. Another example of a monke dyspenser the whiche was dronke vnto whom the enemye appered for to slee hym / And the vyrgyn marye kepte hym . Cxxi .

IT is wryten in the promptuary in the myracles of our lady that in an abbaye there was a dyspenser the loued perfytely the vyrgyn marye . Soo it happened one tyme that he was so dronke that he reled in the cloystre & ne myght fynde the way to the chirche . Than the deuyl came vnto hym in lykenes of an horryble bolle whiche wolde haue stryken hym with his hornes / but a ryght fayre damoysell put her bytwene them holdynge a rodde in her hande / & rebuked hym & put hym forth ryght strongly for that that he wolde doo ylle vnto her seruaunt / & hym commaunded that he sholde go his waye . Than he departed & the vyrgyn . And the said monke put him selfe in the waye agayne for to go vnto the chirche . And the enmye appered vnto him in semblaunce of a dogge enraged that wolde lepe in his face . And the fayre vyrgyn came yet agayne & put her betwene them the whiche deuyll fledde all confused / and the monke entred in to the monastery : Than the enmye came in semblaunce of a lyon enraged the whiche wolde deuoure hym / but the blyssed vyrgyn forgate not her frende came before that the enmye greued him & stroke him harde with her rodde / & commaunded hym to come no more agayne . And the enmye departed all confused / & the vyrgyn toke the monke by the hande & ledde hym in to the dortour & layde him in hys bedde / & put his pelowe vnder hys heed / & made the token of the crosse vpon hym . And whan the monke awoke he was wele . Our lady commaunded hym that he sholde confesse him & accomplysshe his penaunce And that afterwarde he sholde kepe him from fallynge agayne in to synne . And the monke her demaunded what she was / she answerde I am the moder of Ihesu crist And whan he herde that he fell vnto her fete & yelded vnto her graces / & she mounted in to heuen .

B. Another example how the vyrgyne Marye delyuered frome dampnacyon a clerke lecherous . Cxxi .

THe dysciple reciteth in the myracles of our lady that there was a vicious clerke that had alonely this goode dede that he sayd deuoutly the matyns of our lady And one daye as he passed thorowe a water for to accomplysshe his lecherye / he began to saye his matyns / & whan he had sayd aue maria gratia plena / he fell in to the water in sayng dns tecum / & was drowned / the deuylles toke his soule / but the vyrgyn Marye came to defende it / & bycause the deuylles had dyuysyon with her for the sayd clerke they yode in Iugement before god . And oure lady sayd that the clerke had ended his dayes in her seruyce and spake so that Ihesus commaunded that the soule shold retorne vnto the body . &c. Men fynde another example semblable of a monke secretayne that was drowned in seruynge the vyrgin marie as he yode to accomplysshe his lecherye / & the vyrgyn marye delyuered the soule in to the body to amende him . &c.

C. Another example how the vyrgyn marye & saynt peter delyuered a monke from dampnacyon . Cxxi .

IT is wryten in the promptuary of the myracles of our lady that there was a relygyous in the monastery of saynt peter the whiche lyued yll / whiche toke one tyme a playster medeynail for the helth of body with some freres . And after he deyed incontynent without confessyon & without the other sacraments . And as the deuylles ledde his soule in to hell saint peter had pyte of his monke / and yode to praye our lorde Ihesu cryste for his soule And our lorde sayd vnto hym how maye he be saued the whiche is deed in synne without doynge Iustyce . Whan saynt Peter herde his wordes he yode vnto the blyssed vyrgyn marye to th ende that she sholde praye for that soule . And whan the vyrgyn marye was before her sone / he sayd / Moder what aske ye . And whan she had requyred for the soule of the sayd relygyous Ihesus answerde . Syth that it pleaseth you that he haue pardon I graunt for your prayers that the soule retourne vnto his body for to do penaunce that he may be saued . Than saynt peter chased awaye the deuylles / & commaunded two aungelles to bere the soule in to the body / the whiche lyued wel after and recounted all the dede .

D. Another example of monkes that rose & brake theyr lycence . Cxxi

MEn fynde by wrytynge that ther were of monkes that rose before daye & yode in sportynge by a ryuer syde / spekynge fables & vayn wordes . And forthwith they herde a grete tempest of ores / & the monkes demaunded what they were / whiche answerd we ben enemyes of hell that bere the soule of the prouost to the kynge of fraunce apostate / for he was in relygyon & left it . Than the monkes had grete fere and sayd Vyrgyn marye praye for vs vnto your sone Ihesus . And the enemyes answerd ye haue done as wyse men to cal the ayde of the vyrgyn marye . For that that ye haue broken your lycences & are oute of your chirche at an houre not dewe we had put you vnto dethe & borne you with this soule here in to helle yf ye had not called the ayde of the vyrgyn marye . And incontynen● the monkes retourned vnto theyr monastery And the deuylles bare away the said soule . &c

E. Another example how he the which brake the arme of the ymage of the vyrgyn marye was strangled of the deuyll . cxxii

IT is wryten in the promptuary of the myracles of oure lady that a woman was pursewed of theues / & she hydde her behynde a pyller where the ymage was of the blyssed vyrgyn marye . And one of the theues wenynge to stone the sayd woman stroke with a stone the ymage of the enfent of the vyrgin marie & brake it . And incontynent grete haboundaunce of blode yode ●ute . Of the whiche thynge all those that sawe this thyng were a meruayled in praysynge god . And he that stroke that stroke was strangled of the deuyll before al. Another example wryten in the myracles of the vyrgyn marye that a Iewe caste an ymage of the vyrgyn marye within the draught And forthwith he was strangled . &c.

A. Another example that a woman the whiche deyed in synne was borne agayn in to her body for to do penaunce at the request of the vyrgyn marye for that that the sayd woman had serued her . Cxxii

THe disciple recyteth in his promptuarye & sayeth that a woman of honest conuersacyon commyt a synne in you the / the whiche she ne durste neuer to confesse / yet was she axed many tymes / but she had of custome to go as euery daye before the ymage of the vyrgyn marye and there wepe her synne vnto herselfe . And in th ende she deyed so / & before that she was buryed her spyryte came agayne vnto her body / by the meryte of the blyssed vyrgyn Marye / and after that she had confessed her synne vnto the preest she deyed & was saued . &c.

B. Another example how a man sholde be dampned & sentencyed vnto dampnacyon he was delyuered at the requeste of the vyrgyn marye and borne agayne in his body . Cxxii .

THe dyscyple recyteth in his promptuarye that as a man sholde be damned / the vyrgyn marye vnto whom he had done of seruyce prayed for hym vnto god her sone that he sholde yet gyue hym lyfe for to confeffe hym . And he accorded vnto her / but he sentencyed that he sholde be . xl yeres in purgatorye for to make satysfaccyon of his slouth / that is for his penaunce .

C. Another example how the vyrgyne marye ayded vnto a frere that whiche was enflambed in hate agayne the procurour of the couent . Cxxii .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders that there was at Rome a frere of the ordre of prechers the whiche ryght hardly treated the procuroure of the couente / Whan the pryour had vnderstonde thys thynge he enioyned vnto the sayd hater to saye euery daye seuen pater nosters / the whiche hater was more strongly troubled & enflammed agayne the sayd procuroure / And one daye he was seke & as deed / and he vnpuruayed of wytte / began to curse vnto his said broder & vnto his ordre . In th ende he sayd as the freres were in orayson . Moder of god / moder of god helpe me . It semed vnto him as he recompted that he was in brennynge fyre for his hate & his Ire / & said that for the paynes intollerables he had dyspeyred & blasphemed / And at the prayers of the freres & in callynge the ayde of the vyrgyn marye was restored vnto the fyrste lyfe / & in probacyon of trouthe he was all flayne .

D. Another example how the vyrgyn marye ayded in Iugement a man that was mercyfull & voluptuous . Cxxii .

THe dysciple reciteth that it is wryten that ther was a man full of mercye he was rauysshed & the Iugementes were shewed vnto him . In the whiche he sawe that many were presented vnto the Iuge . And one presented the almesdedes that he had done for the loue of god . And another the oraysons that he had done & sayd for the loue of god . Another presented the clothes wherwith he had clothed the ●oores . Another the werkes of mercye that he had done to the poores that he had lodged And the said man the whiche sawe the said thynges thoughte vnto hymselfe . Thou haste done more of the werkes of mercye than those here . Now thou shalt haue wele before this Iuge . So whan it came vnto his course the Iuge ne demaun●ed him how many werkes of mercy hast thou done / but he hym demaunded / what delyces & what voluptuosytees hast thou withdrawen from the for the loue of me . And he helde his peas / for he had euermore lyued in delyces . And the Iuge sayd vnto hym / hast thou not sene that I haue sayd in the gospel math. vii . Arcta est via q ducit ad vitam / that is to saye strayte is the waye that ledeth vnto life / that is vnto the realme of heuen . and incontynent the sayd man torned him vnto the vyrgy mary● / & vnto the sayntes that he had serued moost specyall / & r●quyred them that they wolde praye for hym / & that in tyme to come he sholde amende his lyf & purposed to weyke his body in f●stynges & abstynences & to serue god in tyme comynge . And it was so done . For at the prayer of the vyrgyn marye & of sayntes he came to lyfe agayne / & weyked his body all the dayes of his lyfe & lyued in grete abstynences / & was more mercyful vnto the poore than he ne had be & fyned his dayes in good consummacyon . &c.

E. Another example of a relygyous that whiche was in his dethe in Iugement before god . & the vyrgyn marye & the sayntes of paradyse dyde ayde hym . Cxxii .

THe disciple recyteth in his sermons that there was a yonge frere relygyous in the realme of englond in the coue●● of bery ryght deuoute the whiche relygyous was seke to the dethe / & in the presence of the suppryour & of fyue of his bredern he shytte his eyes with his hande & with full mouthe began to laugh . Vnto whom the said suppryour said . Wherfore laugh ye / & he sayd . That oure kynge saynt Edmonde martyris come / & here all the hous is replenysshed with aungelles . And he laughed agayne more ententyfly & sayd / Our lady is come salute we her . And after that that they had all sayd salue regina . &c. The seke man sayd . O how agreably hathe the vyrgyn marye taken this salutacyon & in reioysyng made laughyng After that the sayd seke frere adressed his eyen towardes the dore . And his coloure chaunged & said vnto them . Now is Ihesu cryste comen to iuge me . His membres were as deed / & he trembled so that he swet out of mesure . And as he was constytute before the Iuge in all drede he sayd somtyme ye / naye . And somtyme he prayed the vyrgyn marye that she ne wolde departe from hym / sometyme he reproued all his accusers / & amonges other he began to saye . / O Ihesus gy●e me this lytel . Vnto whom the suppryoure sayd . What is that dere broder / these lytell synnes ben they compted amonges the grete . And he sayd ryght greuously . Alas ye . And the sayd suppryour warned hym that he sholde not dyspeyre for our lorde is mercyfull . The sayd seke answered with a Ioyous face . It is a thynge verytable that he is full of mercye / and I yelde thankes vnto the blyssed vyrgyn marye ● vnto the sayntes the whiche assyst with her & the whiche hathe made intercession faythfully for me vnto Ihesu crist And after a lytell of tyme he deyed and rested in peas . &c.

Innocenti● ▪
A. Examples of people Innocentes & fyrste example . Of a chylde innocente the whiche kepte the ordre of the myneurs relygyous & ne wolde touche no moneye / & deyed wele . Cxxiii

IT is wryten in the boke of hony bees that there was a childe the whiche was borne of honest parentes / whan he was fyue yere olde / & that he had sene the ordre of the freres myneurs he requyred of his parentes that he myght receyue the habyte / & as they estymed that his wordes were childysshe / they knewe after verytably that the chylde toke hym to kepe the customes of the freres myneurs / for he yode barefoted & gyrde with a harde corde & kepte hymselfe in all maners to touche syluer or golde . And in this thynge there happened a meruayllous case . For there came marchauntes to lodge in his faders hous the whiche meruayled them to se suche a chylde in suche habyte / & to knowe yf he touched no moneye one of them caste a peny in to the cuppe wherin they dranke secretely / & with a lytell wyne gaue the cuppe vnto the chylde to drynke / whiche as he had dronke & sawe the peny he began to crye horrybly / & caste away the cuppe / & sayd with eyen eleuate . God all puyssaunt thou hast knowen that I not knowen hath violed myn ordre . Afterwarde he trembled and was pale as tendynge to the dethe . Whan his fader sawe that he ranne for the preest that absoyled hym / & shortly the dolour passed / The sayd chylde on the holy dayes gadred chyldren & taught them theyr paturnoster / & aue maria . And yf he sawe in theym that they were proude or vycyous he repreued them / in byddynge theym serue god . In the conuocacyons of this chylde the auncyentes ranne with the lytell chylde / and also delyted them ryght moche in his prudence and in his answers & documentes Whan he sawe his fader that swore or was dronke he had compassyon & in wepynge sayd vnto hym . Fader our preest sayth in the chirche that those the whiche do those thynges ne shall possede paradyse . And in a solempnyte he repreued his moder in wepyng afore her pewe felawes bycause she was pompously arayed / & sayd . My moder ryght dere fle the precyous clothynges that thou deserue not the paynes eternelles . And without taryeng by the wordes of the chylde his moder had horrour of suche clothes / & wolde no more vse theym / The maners & the gestes of that chylde shewed the perfeccyon of vertues / & the grace of god beynge in hym . The chylde had not yet seuen yeres accomplysshed whan he deyed . Whan dethe approched he confessed hym & requyred of the preest the sacrament of the aulter / but the preest denyed it hym for his youthe . And the chylde with grete grace of orayson stratched oute his handes vnto the heuen & sayd . My lorde Ihesu cryste thou hast knowen that my souerayne desyre is to haue ye. I haue demaunded the / & also I haue done that that I sholde do . And I hope that I shal not be voyde of thy presence . These thynges spoken the chylde cherid his parentes wepynge that present were & theym prouoked to lyue better . And amonges these wordes of exhortacyon / of orayson & of laudynge he yelded his spirite vnto god impolluted And incontynent the habyte of the ordre of the freres myneurs that was caste vpon hym ne appered more / that is they were neuer more sene after . And after his dethe in his buryeng some of the freres myneurs weren the whiche ne myght neuer say this psalme deprofundis / albeit they forced them and began agayne many tymes / the whiche gaue to vnderstonde that that holy soule ne had indygence of orayson . After the dethe of the chylde the fader and the moder prouffited so moche in the example of theyr sone that they lefte al delyces of the worlde And the fader was relygyous in ye●rdre of prechers & the moder in the ordre of women . And so they entred in to relygyon & serued debonayrly . &c. Vnto the example of this innocent we sholde lyue wele to y ende that we may deye we le / he was innocent that is without synne / & without yll wyll / he taught to do the good & to flethe yll . And so sholde we do to th ende that we may escape dampnacyon . For innocence & vertue kepe a man from peryl of dampnacyon eternell . Also god sayeth in the gospell that yf ony man kepe his commaundement without commyttynge synne that he ne shall be dampned . Vn̄ ioh .viii. Si quis sermonem meum seruauerit mortem non videbit in eternum . The said chylde kepte the worde of god . Than he ne ranne in to dampnacyon eternell . Also saynt gregorye sayth . Nulla nocebit aduersitas si nulla domineī iniquitas . That is to saye none aduersytee shall noye the as vnto the soule yf no synne haue domynyon in the / noo synne ne had domynyon in the sayd innocent : ergo . &c Also the holy ysydore sayth . Nec plaga : nec mors te trebitur si bene vixeris . That is to say / that neyther the plage / ne dethe shall fere the. Yf thou haue wele lyued . The sayd childe lyued wele without synne than the dethe ne noyed hym & by the consequent he is saued . And so shall be those the whiche lyued in innocence without synne . &c.

B. Another example of a scoler innocent the whiche chased the deuyll from ● mayden . Cxxiii .

THe disciple recyteth in his promptuarye that certayne relacyon was made of those the whiche were present & the whiche hadde sene that a mayden ryght moche daunced on a sondaye with many yonge men . Whan she was wery she retourned vnto the house / slepte & was posseded of the deuyl . She cryed the housholde arose & she was bounde for her woodnes . In the mornynge she was borne into the oratorye founded of the vyrgyn marye where many myracles were done . as the lytel scolers apperceyued her they ran after where she was tormented . Of the whiche chyldren one of the aege of .xii. yeres the whiche was m●re hardy and wyse than the other began to expelle the deuyl that h● sholde yssue out of the mayden . It was shewed that the deuyll was besyde the nau●l . The said chylde made with his thombe the sygne of the crosse vnder / & so by lytell & lytell thrughe the sygne of the crosse he chaced the ●euyll vpwarde & made him to come in to her mouthe / in the whiche all sawe it in the guyse of a grene orchyn pylled & foule . A meruayllous thynge / the people cryed that he forced to reentre in agayne And the chylde opposed in makynge the sygne of the crosse / & constrayned hym to yssue with grete vyolence . Whan he was out as sayd is in lykenes of an orchyn / he toke it hardely in his ryght hande & keste it in ● dytche where the rayne dyscended The whiche departed before all the people The hande of the chylde was blacke with tou●hynge of the mayden / but by the wasshynge of holy water it was made clene / By this chylde innocent without synne that dyde this myracle is to vnderstonde that the estate of innocencye is moche vtyle & agreable to god / but they muste haue symplesse & wysedome as the sayd chylde had . And by that that the mayde was a daunceresse & the doughter of the deuyll for to take & deceyue soules for her beaute and by her maners / the sayd deuyll had puyssaunce to entre in to her & tormente her / wherfore all daunceresses beware by her lest that the deuyll tormente you in helle / withouten ende . &c.

C. Another example that a lytel innocent impetred of Ihesu cryst pardon for an apostate . Cxxiii

THe disciple recyteth in his promptuarye & sayth that a lytel monke innocent spake with Ihesu cryste a lytell chylde in namynge hym his lytel broder / and was before the ymage of the vyrgyn marye that helde her sone in her armes . And Ihesu cryste answered & spake to hym amyably as broder to broder . And an auncyent monke that had be longe in apostasye herde this thynge / supplyed the lytel monke that he wolde praye his lytell broder that he wolde forgyue hym his synnes / and that he wolde receyue hym to mercy . And the lytell yonge Innocent obteyned of his lytell broder that requeste / & the auncyente was moche Ioyous . &c.

D. Another example that the orayson of chyldren innocentes auaylleth moche for the quycke & the deed . Cxxiii .

THe disciple reciteth in his sermons that it is wryten in many passages that a deuoute bysshop sawe in hys slepe a chylde fysshynge in a welle with a hoke of golde and with a lyne of syluer / and from the well drewe a fayre woman Whan he was waked he sawe that chylde in the chircheyarde the whiche prayed on a tombe / & he hym demaunded what he dyde there . He answerde I saye pater noster / & myserere for the soule of my moder And the holy man vnderstonde that the soule of that woman was delyuered frome purgatorye by the prayers of that chylde innocent / & that pater noster was the hoke of golde / & miserere was the lyne of syluer .

E. Another example of a chylde innocent the touched a hote hors shoe . Cxxiiii

THe dysciple reciteth that it is wryten in the boke of hony bees that ther was a chylde in the monastery of the ordre of saynt benet Innocent & ryght symple in his yonge aege . And one tyme his abbot ledde hym with him for recreacyon / & for cause to shoe his horses / the said abbot descended before the dore of a smyth / the whiche abbot meruaylled hym of the simplesse of the sayd chylde y toke a hote shoe in his naked hande & lyfte it vp without brennynge hym . Then the abbot & they that were presente were abasshed & honoured the innocence of the sayd chylde / & that thynge they proued often . After that the abbot & his people were occupyed in other thynges / & the sayd chylde entred within the house . The wyfe of the smyth set hym on her knees in meruayllynge her of the dede / & in playenge with hym . And the wyfe intysed the chylde in experte of malyce / & demaunded hym yf he wolde haue suche a wyfe as she was / & he said ye . The which ledde him hastely vnto bed as not knowinge & instructe hym . He promysed to do it / After the lyenge the chylde was dyspoylled of innocence / came to the forge & toke the hote shoe as he was accustomed but he was greuously brente / & ●●yed / of whiche thyng the abbot was moche troubled & thought in his courage that the soule ●as hurte within syth that he was hurt without & that innocence that had kepte hym before was no more in hym . Then the abbot led him agayne in to the abbaye / & enquyred hym dylygently for to tell the trouthe . He confessed the said dede symply . And after by grete teres trembled his dommage & dyde repente hym . &c.

F. Another example that the deuyl vnknewe the synnes of ● synneres after true confessyon / and said that she was a good woman . ●xxiii .

MEn fynde by wrytynge that god gaue dyuers goodes vnto a man & his wyfe beyng● in the cyte of ●ome / that whiche myght haue no children / and therfore they prayed god that they myght haue some / & he gaue them a sone / that whiche was so moche beloued of the moder that she held him often betwene her armes & slepte / & the fader of the sayd sone had a vyage to go to Iherusalem / & sayd vnto his wyfe whan he sholde departe that she sholde do almesse haboundauntly / & that she sholde kepe wele theyr sone . And she layde hym with her / & by the admonycyon of the deuyl had his company & was with chylde . Then she was moche angrye & fered the synne and the dyshonour of the worlde & of her husbande / & by the entysemente of the deuyll that admonesteth to do yll : qr peccatum peccatum atrahit / kylled her childe whan he was borne / without that ony body knewe it saue only god . Then the deuyl wolde that the synne were manyfest for to lese the wyfe came vnto rome in guyse of a doctour dyuyne astronomyer / the whiche deuyll tolde many th●̄ges to the romayns that sholde happen . And amonge the other thynges said that there was in rome a wyfe that had conceyued of her sone her husband beyng out the whiche had slayne her sayde chylde / And that yf the sayd synne were not auenged that god sholde make the cyte perysshe & all they . Then the romayns were moche abasshed & myghte not byleue that the sayd woman had done the synne for her holly lyfe that she ledde & her almes / was made to come before the sayd deuyne or doctour / the whiche accused her to haue done the sayd synne before al. The sayd woman that had done the sayd daye seruyce to the vyrgyn marye was sodaynly prouyded of that that she sholde answer & sayd . Syr ye accuse me of a grete thynge . And for to gyue answere I demaunde thre dayes of terme & I shall answer you . It was graunted . And the meane whyle she yode to confesse her to the pope / the whiche gaue her in penaunce to serue the vyrgyn marye / And whan it came vnto the terme establysshed the said woman was presented before the senatours of Rome / & before the said deuyll in guyse of a doctour / the whiche senatours sayd vnto the deuyl in guyse of a greate doctoure . Thou haste accused this woman vnto vs to haue conceyued of her sone & to haue slayne her chylde / here she is what sayest thou . And the deuyl answerd it is not this woman here . I neuer sayd yl of ●er / this here is a good woman the whiche dothe many good dedes . And also she hathe in her company marye the moder of god the whiche maketh me to fere . And for her it behoueth me depart / for I am a deuyll redy to deceyue folkes .

Virtus .
A. Examples of people vertuous / and fyrst example of vtues of .v. bredern . cxxiiii

THe dysciple recyteth in his promptuarye & sayeth that a holy abbot demaunded of fyue of his brederne / whiche ben the vertues that pleaseth you before other & how haue ye lyued syth that ye were relygyous . The fyrste sayd I haue in suche wyse lyued that I remembre euery daye my synnes with dolour of herte / & I am confessed of all that whiche I haue done to day The seconde sayd I haue deuysed all my tyme in two partyes the one to be employed in deuocyon & oraysons / the other in labours & in seruyces of the freres . And I haue dystrybute faythfully where I haue might vnto lytel & grete . The thyrde said I am all gyuen vnto the werkes of mercy & vnto compassyon / in suche wyse that I wepe with those that wepe / & I am Ioyful with them that are Ioyous . The .iiii. said I haue euermore gone & adioyned where I was dyspreysed . And I haue in suche wyse gouerned me to th ende that I may come to playne humylyte & pacyence . The v. said I haue lyued in suche maner that I neuer troubled no man & I was neuer troubled of ony . The sayd abbot requyred of god that these thynges here were vnto him reueled . And a voyce came fro heuen that sayd vnto hym . I gyue me . I suffre that I be founde . I sell me . I suffre that I be stolen I suffre that I be surmounted of man . And the abbot yet prayed god to knowe theym more euydently . Than he herde a voyce that sayd . I gyue me vnto the repentaunt . I suffred me to be founde in oraysons & labours I sell me vnto hym that hathe compassyon on his neyghbours / & that enioyeth them of theyr good & wele . I suffre that I be stolen of the humble & dyspreysed . And I suffre that I be surmounted of man the whiche ne troubleth none and holdeth hym in peas . Than the abbot requyred to knowe whiche was the best amonges them . Than a voyce came fro heuen the sayd . It is he that troubleth noo man / & is not troubled . &c. For to knowe what vertue is vnderstond the scryptures of saynt Austyn that sayth . qd virtus est quedam equalitas vite : vndique consonans rationi . That is the vertue is an equalyte of lyfe the whiche alwayes soundeth & conformeth vnto reason . Et crisos . dicit . qd virtus animi est recto de deo sentire et recte inter homines agere . That is to saye / the vertue of courage is felyng of god ryghtfully / & do wel ryght amonge the men Et hieronimus dicit qd sola apud deum libertas est non seruire peccatis : summa apud deum nobilitas est clarere virtutibus . That is to saye / onely lyberte towarde god is / serue not vnto synnes / & souerayne noblesse towardes god is resplendysshe by vertues / Et legitur in quarto ethicorum qd virtuosus bene vtitur quibu●cumque . The vertuous vse well in all thynges . Et in nono ethicorum dr̄ qd virtuosorum beatissimaē vita . The lyf is right blyssed of the vertuous . Et legi . in .ii. ethicorum . Virtus certior est : et melior omni arte . Vertue is more certeyne & better than all art & crafte . And one ought here to note that one sholde not be to Iuste / nor to vniuste for to fle the inconuenyentes that therafter may folowe / but one ought to take the meane . For it is wryten in .ii. ethico . qd omnis virtus consistit in medio : in oimbus medium est laudabile . &c.

B. Another example that four vertues were in foure hermytes . cxxiiii .

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders the foure hermytes wer● in one house / the whiche hermytes one tyme enquyred eche other of theyr vertues & for to shewe the moost specyall . One sayd that he was so humble that it semed hym that none was wors than he in all the worlde . The other sayd that he was pacyente . The thyrde sayd ● he herde gladly speke of god . The fourth sayd that he prayed gladly . And with one assent prayed god to gyue them knowlege wh●che was moost agreable to him / & they herde a voyce that sayd to them . The fyrst hath take me / the seconde holdeth me / the thyrde byndeth me / & the fourth bereth me wher he wyll . &c.

C. Another example of the excercyte of fyue sreres . Cxxiiii

THe dys●yple recyte●● in his promptuarye & sayth that an abbot had .v. freres / whiche he commaunded to tell theyr vertues . The fyrste sayd I haue made generall confessyon euery daye this ten yere The seconde sayd I haue studyed to haue good entencyon in orayson euery daye by xx . yeres . The thyrde sayd I haue ben meserycordyous asmoche as I myghte .xxx. yeres . The fourth sayd I haue troubled no persone by .xl. yeres / & haue susteyned al thynges pacyently . The .v. sayd I haue sought dyspreysynge by .l. yeres and haue founde none semblable to me in humylyte . Then the abbot prayed god that he wolde shewe whiche o● them were the beste . and a voyce sayd to hym . The fyrst gyueth him selfe to our lorde . The seconde fyndeth our lord . The .iii bereth our lorde . The .iiii. byeth our lorde . The .v. vaynquyssheth oure lorde . &c.

D. Another example how a man and his wyfe wer● in lyke in meryte vnto saynt pafuncius . Cxxiiii

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders that a holy fader named pafuncius requyred of god that he wolde shewe vnto hym vpon the erthe vnto whom he shold be semblable . And a voyce came vnto him the whiche sayd . Knowe thou that thou art lyke vnto the fyrste man of suche a strete nexte . Whan pafuncius herde these wordes he yode to knocke at the dore of his house . And the man ranne before hym as he had of custome to receyue his gestes / and wasshed his fete & set hym to dyner . And betwene the metes pafuncius requyred his hoost what his dedes were / what he studyed & vnto what operacyons he excersysed hym in . He answerde hym of thynges humbles . For he loued better that his goode dedes were hydde than publysshed . And the sayd pafuncius said vnto hym that it was reueled vnto hym of god that he was dygne to be in the companye of monkes / Than his thought was yet more humble & sayd that he ne was culpable of fewe good dedes / but syth that the worde of god hathe be spoken vnto the from hym a man may nothynge hyde . I shall tell than what I haue done amonge many the whiche ben in vs●ge . Thyrty yeres ben now accomplysshed that I haue had consentemente with my wyfe to kepe chastyte & contynence / & tha● none of vs hathe had ado with other I haue had thre sones of her / & that hath because wherfore I haue knowen her to haue lygnee . I neuer cease to receyue gestes / in refusynge noo body but gyuynge them theyr necessytees . I haue sytte in iugement . I haue not accepted the persone of my sone agayne Iustyce . The fruytes of labours of other neuer entred in to my house . In all noyses I haue put peas / no persones toke neuer my seruauntes in culpe / nor my beestes neuer hurt the fruytes of another . I neuer defended to laboure in my felde those that wolde sawe therin / & also I neuer toke of the better for to harme the worste / nor neuer suffred the riche to ouergo the poore . I haue studyed all my lyfe that I ne sholde wrathe no man . Yf I haue had Iugement to do yet haue I not condampned persone but I haue studied me to make peas . The instytucyon of my lyfe hathe be in these thynges by the grace & gyfte of god . Whan pafuncius hadde herde these wordes here he kissed his heed & blyssed hym . Bn̄dicat tibi duns ex syon vt videas bona que fecisti in iherusalem Thou haste wel & conuenably done these thynges beforsayd / but there faylleth one souerayne good dede / that is that thou leue all / & that thou folowe the true sapyence of god / the whiche thou ne mayst come to yf thou abiecte not thyselfe & deny thyself as the gospell telleth . Nisi abneges temet ipsum et tollas crucem tuam & sequaris xp̄m. Whan the sayd man had herde these wordes here without taryenge & without to ordre ony of the thynges of his house folowed the man of god & yode with hym in to deserte . In the whiche he gaue vnto him the ordre of conuersacyon spyrytuel & taught hym the excercytes of the parfyte studyentes & he gaue hymselfe vnto the scyence secrete . &c.

E. Another example that a mynstrell was semblable in meryte vnto saynt pafuncius . Cxxiiii

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders the one tyme saynt pafuncius requyred of god that he wolde shewe him vnto whome he were semblable in the worlde . The answere was gyuen vnto hym that he was semblable vnto a mynstrel that sought his lyuynge in suche a towne . Than he was abasshed of the answer & in dylygence yode vnto the towne to seche the man And whan he had founde hym he asked him moche what holy thynges & relygyeuses he had done / & how he had ledde his lyfe . / He answerde that he hadde be a man synner & of cursed lyfe . It is not longe tyme syth that I was a thefe / & haue put me to mayntene this excercitude myscheuous . & pafuncyus asked hym yf amonges the theftes yf he had ony good operacions . He answered I ne fele me culpable of no good dede but as I was amonges the theuys there was taken a vyrgyn consecrate vnto god that my felawes wolde deflore / & I put me in the medle and toke her awaye fro them / & by nyght ledde her in to the strete of her house withoute hauynge ony atouchement dyshonest . And in another tyme I founde a woman of honeste forme strayed in hermytage . I demaunded her fro whens / or wherfor / or how she was come in to that place . And she answerde ne demaunded me not I vnhappy wyfe and questyon me not of those causes / but and it please the to haue me for mayde / lede me where thou wylt . I woman peruerse & yll haue had a good husbande / the whiche is oftentymes beten traylled & put in torments / & is kepte in a dongeon bycause of dettes that he oweth . We haue had thre sones togyder that are also withdrawen for bycause of the sayd dette . And I right vnhappy that am sought for to be put in semblable paynes / fle frome place to place / & of pouerte & myserye am all abyden / and yet haue I ben thre dayes without etyng Whan I herde the sayd woman I had pyte / ledde her in to our denne & gaue her to ete / for she de●ed for hongre . I gaue her also thre hondreth shelynges for to delyuer her out of payne & seruytude / her husbande & her sones . Whan the said woman had the money she yode in to the cyte & delyuerd them from paynes . Then pafuncius sayd that he neuer dyde suche thynges . God hathe shewed me of the that thou hast not lesse of meryte towardes hym than I & therfore dysprayse not thy soule that shal haue suche meryte . Whan the mynstrell herde these wordes of pafuncius he caste awaye his pypes & wente with hym into his hermytage / & chaunged his songe seculer in to spyrytuell / & excercysed hym in fastynges / oraysons / afflyccyons / & to lyue straytly . And at the ende o● thre yeres he yelded vp his spyryte vnto god . &c.

F. Another example that a prouost & his wyf were semblables to an hermyte . cxxiiii

IT is wryten in the lyfe of faders that an hermyte was full of grete abstinences so that he ete but rotes & pouertees / made requeste to god that it pleased hym to shewe yf there were ony man in the worlde that were of strayter lyf than he . Then god reueled hym that he sholde go se the lyfe of the prouost of suche a towne . Th●rmyte yode . And whan he approched the said towne he founde the prouost on a fayre hors clothe with fayre clothes / & in his company many ryders & notable folk / so he was moche abasshed 〈◊〉 se soo greate pompes . Tolde to the prouost how god commaunded hym to se his lyfe . And the prouost badde hym go to his wyfe whiche sholde shewe hym theyr lyues . Then he yode to her the whiche shewed hym the state of the house And she made to preprayre vnto dynere of precious metes as she had accustomed And whan they were sette at dyner men brought the fyrst metes of good vyandes before them . And incontynente that they had be set vpon the table they were borne awaye agayne without ony thynge etyng of chem After men brought the seconde metes / & the thyrde / & euery of thyem better than other / & were borne awaye without ony thynge etynge . The hermyte seynge so good mete taken awaye fro before him demaunded them / but it was tolde hym that he sholde lyue that daye after the life of theym . And at the laste men broughte of musty brede all knaw●n with myse . And the wyfe of the prouost ete a lytell / & she ne ete of other / but al was gyuen & dystrybuted vnto the poore . After whan that euen tyde came to go to bedde the wyfe of the prouost sayd vnto the hermyte that they sholde goo to bedde togyder / the hermyte wolde not / but the wyfe sayd vnto hym that he shold / and that it behoued that he sawe how they lyued . Than whan they were layde & warme the hermyte was tempted of the synne of the flesshe to haue so fayre a woman by hym & wolde haue delte with her . Than she said / vp vp ryse we & do we as we haue accustomed my husbande and I And whan they were vp they yode in to a tubbe of colde water that was by the beddes syde . And they were there so longe that they trembled of colde . Afterwarde they yode to bedde / & whan they were hote agayne th● hermyte was tempted of lecherye / & wolde haue had her company . Than retourned they agayne in to the tubbe of col●● water . All the nyghte ne cessed they to do so . And the hermyte seynge that sayd vnto hymselfe that they ledde a more straytter lyfe than he ferre / & that it was reason that they had more grete meryte than he And the prouost that was so wele clothed was also a man of good Iustyce to punysshe the malefactours & to yelde vnto euery man that the whiche was his . &c.

G. Of fastynges / and abstynences of saynt Germayn . Cxxiiii .

IT is wryten the saynt germain was noble / for he was duke of Burgundye / & after was bysshop . He tormented his body by .xxx. yere soo that he ne ete of brede of whete / ne yet dranke of wine but two tymes in the yere that is to saye at crystenmas & Eester . And it was medled soo moche with water that it ne had but a lytell taste of wyne . Also in the .xxx. yeres he ne ete of pese ne of benes / ne salte for to haue sauour in his mouthe . For his refeccyon he ete fyrste of the asshes / & after of barly brede . In wynter ne yet in somer he had none other clothynge but onely the heere his robe & his rochet that is his habite the whiche he ne put of / but onely whan he gaue it vnto ony poore / or that he ne brake it . / His bedde was of asshes & besen with heere & with a sack / he ne had neuer vnder his heed ne vnder his sholdres feder / but waylled & bare the relyques of his sayntes aboute his necke . He ne vngyrded hym but seldom . That that he bare of abstynence in this present lyfe was aboue man . And after he dyde so many of myracles that yf the merytes ne had proceded men wolde hane wende that it had be a fantasye . &c.

H. Of the greate austeryte of two women . Cxxiiii .

IT is wryten in the boke of hony bees that there was a woman in the partyes of barbāce recluse in a lytell tabernacle that ware nexte vnto her flesshe an haubergon of mayle / & aboue the said haubergon she hadde an heere made of hogges brystilles the whiche prycked her flesshe thorowe the maylles of the sayd haubergon . She laye vpon the erthe naked & among the stones / & ete thre tymes alonely in the weke . And she put of asshes in her brede and ne ete but by weyght & mesure :

I. Another example . Cxxiiii .

THe disciple reciteth in his sermons that a vyrgyn was in her hermytage .xxxviii. yeres the whiche dwelled in a dytche & serued god deuoutely . And she neuer ete in the sayd hermytage but herbes fruytes & rotes / & in all that tyme she ne sawe noo man . And afterwarde two hermytes passed by her entred into the dytche there they founde her d●ed & put her in sepulcre . &c. By these examples of this boke a man may knowe by experyence that it is yll taken vnto synners dysobeyssaūtes vnto god / & that it is wele taken vnto the obedyentes . And therfore thou the whiche art in this worlde lyuynge myrre thy selfe in the example of thy neyghbour & knowe thou that it shall take the in lyke wyse as it is done vnto hym yf thou dysobey vnto god . Whan thou hast sene thy neyghbour fall in to an ylle passage & that it is inconuenyente of body or of soule / or to fall in to helle by his foly thou sholdest kepe the for to do as he dyde / or thou sh●lte not be wyse / but thou sholdest lerne the maners & condycyons of those the whiche hathe lyued holyly & vertuously in obeyeng vnto the commaundementes of god to th ende to go with hym in to the glorye of paradyse vnto th● whiche we may go cum illo qui est benedictus in secula seculorum . amen .

Here endeth the booke intytuled the floure of the commaundementes of god with many examples & auctorytes extr●cte as wel of the holy scryptures as of other doctours & good auncyent faders the whiche is moche prouffytable & vtyle vnto all people / lately translated out of Frensshe in to Englysshe in the yeres of our lorde . M. CCCCCix . Enprynted at London in Flete strete at the sygne of the sonne by Wynkynde Worde . The seconde yere of the reygne of oure moost naturell souerayne lorde kynge Henry the eyght of that name . Fynysshed the yere of oure lorde . M. CCCCC.x . the .xiiii. daye of Septembre .

wynkyn de worde

printer's device of Wynkyn de Worde