¶ Here beginneth a right profitable treatise compendiously drawn out of many & divers writings of holy men/ to dispose men to be virtuously occupied in their minds & prayers. And declared the Pater noster. Aue. & Credo. in our mother tongue with many other devout prayers in like wise meedful to religious people as to the lay people with many other most wholesomest instructions/ as here after it shall follow. ¶ The famous doctor johan gerson Chancellor of Paris/ taking his ground of holy scripture. & according with all other doctors saith thus. over most merciful father lord god knowing our frailty & readiness to all sins. is ever ready during this wretched & mortal life/ by many & divers ways to forgive us our trespass/ & to grant & give us his grace/ if so be that truly we ordain unto him these truths following said & done with all our heart. The first/ thou shalt say. blessed lord I knowledge that I have sinned against thy goodness thus and thus rehearsing thy sins. And I am displeaseth therewith by reason of the which I do penance & will do. For I know well that I have grieved the & broken thy commandments. In the which thou only ought to be worshipped. The second say this truth. Good lord I have good purpose & desire with thine help to be right ware hereafter that I fall not in to sin/ & I intend to flee the occasions after the possibilyte of my power. The third is this. merciful lord I have a good will to make an hole confession of all my sins when place & time convenient may be had according to thy commandment & all holy church. These three truths who soever saith with his heart unfaynyngly in what place that ever it be/ he may be sure that he is in the state of health & grace & he shall have ever lasting life though he had done all the sins of the world. And if he deceased without any other confession for lack of a priest. as sleeping sudden death he should be save suffering afore hard pain of purgatory/ wherefore it is a good counsel that every christian man once or twice a day early or late/ or else at lest on holy days examine his conscience & remember if he may with all his heart unfaynyngly say these three truths/ & if he do he may be sure that he is in the state of grace. And if he may not. but is in will to sin again & to have his delectation with deed/ & will not flee the occasions of mortal sins & so drowned will not arise. as usurers. falls marchaun or that desiren vengeance with such other such may be certain that the pope may not assoiled 〈◊〉. Not for thy wholesome counsel is that such pray & give alms & do other good deeds after their power the god the rather may lighten their hearts. & the sooner torn them to goodness. Amen. ¶ This Pater noster/ taught our lord his disciples/ and all people by his gospel. ●Ader our that art in heavens/ hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come to thee. Thy will be do as in heaven so in earth. Our each daily breed give us to day. And forgive us our debts right as we forgive to our debtors. And lead us not in to temptation. But deliver us from evil Amen/ that is to say. So be it. ¶ This is the ave maria/ that Gabryell said saluting our blessed lady/ & it is the gospel. HEyll Mary full of grace/ the lord is with thee/ blessed be thou among women/ & blessed be the fruit of thy womb Jesus'. Amen. ¶ These been the articles of our Crede/ and our believe/ that who is baptized and trusteth in hem shall be saved. I believe in god fad almighty shaper of heaven & earth. And in Ihesu christ his only son our lord/ the which is conceived of the holy ghost/ borne of Mary the maid/ suffered pain & passion under Ponce pilate. crucified/ deed/ & buried/ he lighted down to hells. The three day he arose from death to live. He stied up in to heavens. He sitteth at the right side of god the father almighty From thence he is to come to dame both quick & deed. I trow in the holy ghost/ holy church universal/ coming of saints/ forgiveness of sins again rising of flesh/ & everlasting life. Amen. HOpe is trust by the mercy of god to be saved. And it standeth in the grace of our lord & our good works. ¶ charity is the end & the perfection of all the commandments of god/ and it standeth in the love of god above all things/ & thy neighbour as thyself ¶ These been the seven virtues against the seven vices. ¶ meekness against pride. ¶ As in boosting/ despising/ scorning/ high heart/ fairness/ cunning/ strength/ virtue/ pride of kin/ vain glory/ despite of other/ hypocrisy. ¶ patience against Wrath. ¶ As fighting/ chiding/ hurting/ beating/ waryeng/ cursing/ grudging/ desire of vengeance cruelness etc. ¶ charity against Envy. ¶ As glad of an other evil far/ & to be heavy & sorry of their welfare/ bac●ytynge/ sowing of discord/ scorning/ and such other. ¶ Largeness against covetise & Avarice. ¶ In winning/ in buying/ in selling/ in meeting/ in waing/ guile/ treachery/ sacrilege/ simony/ usury/ theft/ receiving of stolen goods/ wrong withholding of any duty to the church etc. ¶ Good occupation against Sloth. ¶ As idleness/ delight in sleep/ negligent to con the laws of god/ unlusty to the service of god/ myspending of time/ despair/ wanhope & such other. ¶ abstinence against gluttony. ¶ As in moche eating & drinking/ breaking of fast/ desiring of delicate meats & drinks etc. ¶ These been the five ghostly wits. Mind/ reason/ will/ imagination/ understanding. ¶ These been the five bodily wits. Hearing saying/ smelling/ tasting/ and touching. ¶ chastity against Lechery. ¶ As in thought/ will/ work/ in sight/ in feeling in puoking/ or sin against kind with many other ¶ The vij ghostly deeds of mercy. teach/ counsel chastity/ comfort/ forgive/ suffer/ & pray for thy enemies. ¶ The vij bodily deeds of mercy. Feed the hungry/ give drink to the thirsty/ cloth the naked/ herborowe the herbourles/ comfort the seek/ visit prisoners/ bury the deed. ¶ These following been the vij gifts of the holy ghost/ that every man should desire to have and keep. wisdom/ counsel/ knowing/ pity/ understanding/ strength/ and dread of god. ¶ These following be the four cardinal virtues ¶ Temperance. Is a mean betwixt to moche & to little/ & it standeth in taking sufficiently that needeth & in refusing that is to moche or to little utterly ¶ rightwiseness/ is a paying of a duty to each thing that it duly longeth unto/ as to god praising & thanking/ to thy neighbour love & charity/ & to thyself business to fulfil god's will & his commandment ¶ Prudence or wisdom. Is a virtue that departeth good from evil/ & it standeth in choosing good & refusing evil. ¶ Strength maketh any mighty and hardy to do great things for the love of god & in suffering patiently adversity/ and meekly taking prosperity. ¶ These been the vij sacrementes of holy cherche baptism/ wedlock/ the sacrament of the altar/ confirmation/ order/ penance/ & the last anointing. ¶ Here followen the ten commandment ¶ Worship no false god. In which is forboden witchcraft/ enchaūtemen●/ mawmentry/ reading of dreams/ & all misbelief & such other. ¶ Take not his name in vain. In which is foreboden all heresies/ forswearing of all mysmening/ unworship of god/ taking his name in vain & other ¶ hallow the holidays hearing devoutly thy service/ keeping the out of deadly sin/ & visit the poor/ & help to accord them that been at debate & such other. ¶ Worship thy fad & thy mother. God thy father holy church thy mod/ thy ghostly fads/ thy fleshly father & mod/ & people of age/ & prelate's of holy church. ¶ Slay no man with hand smiting/ nor with thy mouth in backbiting with heart cursing/ ne will any evil or vengeance. ¶ Do no lechery. In this is foreboden all spousebreche with bodily deed or ghostly/ & all wilful pollutions or provoking ●o the same. ¶ Do no theef●. as in stealing/ wrong getting/ treachery/ oker/ dysherytage of heirs. wrong amercymē●. falls measure wrong purchasing ¶ Bear no false witness/ in this is forboden tals buying/ backbiting/ falls accusing and all such other. ¶ Desire not thy neighbours wife. In this is not only foreboden the deed doing but also the desire & will of heart. ¶ Desire not thy neighbours thing/ as house/ land/ be'st/ servant nor any thing that is his. ¶ These vij things following should we have ever in our mind. THe sins that we daily do. The short time that we shall abide here. The uncertain of the day of our death. The unstableness & frailty of us. The straight & fearful judgement of god. The bitter & unspeakable pains ordained for sins. The everlasting loss of eternal glory. ¶ Here followeth a short remembrance for confession to all people/ & in especial to all religious folk. SEldom shalt thou find time in all the year in which thou shalt not have cause to shrive the of some of these following/ that is to weet of hasty or negligence saying the service of god/ or of losing of time/ or else of vain thought or of undue reverence to god or to our lady or his saint or to the other that been thy sovereigns. Or in forgetting god & his daily benefayt. & not thanking him for his creation & his redemption. & that he got the that mind to dispose the better than other been with such other. And also not thanking him for thy daily sustenance/ clothing & health of thy body & for remission of thy sins/ for thine inheritance of heaven with other Innumerable. Also remember thy wode words or noisome/ or else falls judgements in thy mind/ or falls suspicion. Al●● of any moving to wrath or to vain heaviness or vain gladness. also search in thy mind if thou have well spended the day & night without sin/ as if thou have prayed or read to little with such other. Also if thou have past thy bounds in words or in eating or drinking/ sleeping or laughing with such other. Also remember how thou haste kept the mandments of thy sovereign/ chastity/ poverty/ silence in places & hours according as thou art called for to do. Also if any person in word sign or deed thou haste offended & given any cause or occasion of grievance. Remember also if thou hast overskipped in the service of god any words/ verses/ or any inclinations & such other. And of the wavering of thy mind/ thine eyen/ & other unmannerly behaviour of all thy body. Also of thy unhonest & noisome thoughts/ that thou should mightily resist not tarrying with them by thy will. search also if thou have grudged for meet or drink or other necessaries for because they were not give to the after thy pleasure. Look also if thou have sinned in moche taking of meet & drink/ or any other necessaries more than need required etc. ¶ Saint bernard to a new beginner in religion. IF thou intend to please god & wouldest obtain grace to fulfil the same two things been to the necessary. first thou must withdraw thy mind from all transitory & earthly things as who say y● carest as little for them as there were none such things. The second is that thou give thyself to god/ that thou say nor do any thing/ but that only that y● verily believest should please god And in this wise following thou mayst get grace for the first. In all things count thyself vile & simple/ and as nothing in regard of virtue/ & believe all other to be good & better than thyself/ & so shalt thou most please god. What soever thou here or see of any religious person or of any other good people/ think alway that all is done & said for good intent though they seem the contrary/ for oft man by suspicion is beguiled. Displease no creature/ & utter no language to laud of thyself/ though it were to thine ●ost familiar & be loved fellow/ study ever more to keep more privy thy virtue than thy vice/ sp●ke never evil of any man or woman though i● be never ●o true/ & ●pen it not without it be in conf●ssyon/ & that when thou can not else show clearly thine own con●essyon. Be more glad to give thine ear when any man is praised/ than when any person is dispraised/ When thou speakest have few words/ true/ & lad & ever of god/ if any worldly person speak with y● and purpose or utter vain words/ as soon as thou mayst brebe out of such comunyca●ōn & talking & talk of god & of his virtues/ or else depart & give that to some goodly & ghostly occupa●ōn. What soever befall the or any other of thy friends give no charge of it/ if it be prosperity rejoice not there of/ if it be trouble or adversity be not sorry for it. But take or account all such things as nought & ever praise & thank god/ give charge as much as thou mayst to the weal & prosperity of thy soul flee places of moche speech as much as thou canst. For it is much bet● one to keep his tongue than to speak. After compline speak no word till the mass be done the next day following without a great cause require. When thou seest any thing that displeaseth thee/ see if the fault be in thyself & than have compassion/ if it be not/ think that it may be & so let all things be to the as it were in a glass to see thyself. grudge not against any person without thou see that thou may profit what soever cause thou have. Affirm neither deny nothing overthwartly/ but let thy nay or ye or thy doubt be powdered ever with salt/ that is to say/ let hem be spokan with discretion & patience. Be evermore aware of mocking & of scorning. If thou be light of countenance see it be but seld/ have thy communication but with few persons & shortly behave thyself so in all thy saying that thou speak not rather in a doubt than men should take authority or ground of thy saying. The second thou mayst obtain in this wise. give thyself with great devotion to pray & let thyn heart agree with that thou sayest both day & night. Remember also diligently that thou imagine the state of them/ in whose remembrance thou makest thy prayer. These three have alway in thy mind/ what thou were/ what thou art/ & what thou shalt be. By reason of thy body/ thou were foul slime of the earth/ & now thy body is the house of fylte & derte/ & hereafter it shall be worms mete. Also imagine the pains of them that been in hell & how that pain shall never have end/ & how they suffer all these pains for a little delectation & pleasure in sin. Also imagine the joy of paradise/ & how that shall never be finished & how shortly and soon it may be gotten. Than think what sorrow & wailing may be to them that for so little a thing here have lost so great joy continual. And when thou hast any thing that doth displease thee/ or else thou dreadest to have it/ think & if thou were in hell thou shouldest have that/ & all that thou wouldest not have/ & so shalt thou suffer all thing ●or crystus sake & his love. Also when thou hast any thing that pleaseth thee/ or else that thou desirest to have/ think & if thou were in paradise thou shouldest have it & all other things that thou wouldest desire. Also when there falleth any fest of any saint think on him what pain he suffered here for god's sake & how short his pains was. Than thine be how great joy he hath in heaven for that which is everlasting. And so thou mayst think that the tribulation or tourmentynge o● the good men is soon gone. And in like wise the joy of evil men fadeth anon. but good men with their tribulation here getteth eternal glory. And evil men with their overmuch joy here getteth everlasting pain. Furthermore when thou art accumbered with sloth & lackest devotion/ take this writing & imagine diligently all these things rehearsed. Than think of the time that thou lesest in vain idleness/ & think that they that been in hell would give all the world for so moche time to redeem they● sins if they might have it. When thou hast any trouble/ think that they that been in paradise shall never have such trouble. And when thou hast any spiritual consolation or comfort/ think that they that been in hell shall ever lack that. When thou ghost to bed or to thy rest/ think what thou h●●●●h●●ght/ what thou hast said/ what thou hast done ●hat day. And how profitable thou haste spend thy time/ the which was given the to spend it vertuously● to obtain everlasting life. If thou have spended it well/ give praising to god. And if thou have spended it evil/ weep & be sorry for it. And ●he next day if thou may/ defer not to be confessed. If thou have said or done any thing that greneth thy conscience sore/ eat no meet until thou be shriven & thou mayst. Now for a conclusion/ imagine in thy mind two cities/ one full of trouble & misery which is hell/ an other full of joy and comforts which is paradise. And how to one of these two ye must needs come. Than think in thyself what thing should cause the to do evil/ or what thing should draw the fro god. And I trow thou shalt find none such. I am certain if thou keep well all these that been written here. The holy ghost will be with the & teach the to keep them perfectly. Wherefore keep well all these precepts & commandments & leave none behind. Reed them twice in the week/ on wensdaye & saterdaye. And as thou findest thou hast done as it is written. give praising to god/ which is ever piteous & merciful in world withouten end Amen. ¶ A devout prayer for religious people/ or for them that enter in to religion. Remembering the terms/ and to do them in deed. IHesu my maker & saviour to thy will and ordinance I commit me every hour. beseeching the entirely for grace & mercy/ so that I may be one of them that shall be saved. teach me good lord thy commandments to fulfil/ and to do that I come fore/ eschewing all evil. give me grace to love the and to d●ede the above all thing. Remembering thy g●ete benefettes/ and ever to give the thanking. And to keep ever charity/ obedience/ patience/ silence/ with humility/ deeming ever the best/ say well/ tell the truth/ and never to lie. Loath to offend/ sorry for my sin/ and to help when need is/ & to serve the ever devoutly with meekness to have meed. Of the trespasses of other to have compassion/ with good counsel example & friendly consolation/ & to do after good preaching & holy saynt● lives/ keeping my tongue & conscience clean & to flee backbiting & strives/ & to give none occasion of grievance never grudging/ & flee idleness/ & to pray for the deed & quick alway be my business Taky●ge heed to my charges/ & do to them with good will/ glad to be correct of each creature/ & to leave mine own will. And ever to be ware to excuse my sin/ & to trust in mine own wit. Remembering that I come to religion for to do penance for sin/ & repugn against it/ & to cry for mercy to the Ihesu & to thy mother Mary. In whom I trust & shall serve/ & never for to vary Amen. V ¶ Dune fiat voluntas ●ua. R ¶ Sicut in celo et in ter●a. AL●iones nrans quesumus dne aspirando Oratio pueni et adiwando prosequere. ut ●●●ta nran operatio a te semper incipiat. et ꝑ te cepta fima●. Pe● xpm dnm nostrum Amen. ¶ This prayer following is good for them that understand not their service in latin. in singing. or saying. or that lack devotion in time of their said service. and would have it. blessed Ihesu cryst our lord god & saviour which I know well come in to this world not for them that were just & rightful/ but for sinners to redeem them by thy death & shedding of thy precious blood. Now merciful & piteous lord jesus christ forgive me & have mercy of me after thy great mercies/ & for thy cross & bitter passion. For I am a sinner/ & have grievously erred & offended the. Not for thy sweet Ihesu. I believe in thee/ & never denied the nor shall. Attend & behold good lord jesus my faith & intention/ the virtue of the words of holy prayers that I have said/ song/ or shall/ & behold not mine Inhabylyte & Ignorance. Wavering of mind & negligence. But grant of thy great goodness/ that the prayers with all other good deeds done by me/ or to be done may graciously profit me. And them that I am bound to pray for/ or that have need of prayer/ Whether they be living or deed/ to thincrease of thy mercies laud & glory & worship of thy blessed mother Mary & all saints Amen. ¶ thankings to our lord god for his daily gifts & benefits/ & is called. Deo gracias. almighty & everlasting lord god Ihesu christ. I worship the. I glorify the. I thank the now & ever shall for the making of me to thy similitude/ giving to me with angels wit/ reason & understanding/ and hast redeemed me with great pains unto death/ shedding thy precious blood plenteously for me/ & daily defendest 〈◊〉 from mine enemies ghostly & bodily/ preservable me to this time by thy grace/ both sleeping 〈◊〉 ●ynge from divers perils & deaths that o●●●● h●th fallen in & perished. And over these thou 〈…〉 me with thine holy commandments 〈◊〉 laws of grace & pity/ with holy sacra●●●●es of the church. And most in especial giving us thy blessed body & blood for destruction o●●ur sins increase of virtue & grace/ and singular comfort to all that been on live and deed. And besides these thou hast ordained angels/ & ●ll other thy creatures both of heaven & earth/ as son and moan/ fish & foul/ be'st and fruit/ w●●h all other Innumerable to serve me. And to the intent that I should love & serve again wi●h all mine heart devoutly. And also hast piteously suff●ed me when I have sinned. Not taking me 〈◊〉 to thy straight judgement to my lamp-oil p●rpetuell. Also I love thee/ and thank the in 〈◊〉 especial for that thou hast made me heir 〈…〉 of thy bliss in heaven perpetually/ whe●● I trus● to see the face to face with the father and ●he holy ghost in eternal peas and glory Amen ¶ For these blessed Ihesu & other thy benefits & gifts infinite I thanbe the with all my heart/ & I desire ever to serve thee/ to love thee/ to worship thee/ & magnify the here/ and in the worlds du●ynge withouten end. Amen. ¶ A prayer full profitable to them that shall say mass/ & here mass/ or to them that shall be houseled & comunyed/ and beside for all other that been on live or deed. IHesu my lord god/ my love & only comfort/ the which as priest most high & singular bishop offered thyself to god thy father/ an host & sacrifice most clean & undefouled on the cross for our guilt & redemption/ & hath given it unto us/ & left it in remembrance of thy great charity/ death/ & passion/ and therewith hast commanded us to eat/ & common this glorious sacrament of thy blessed body maked wonderfully by the virtue of the holy ghost for our daily health/ freelte/ & transgression. wherefore blessed jesus/ to the be laud and praising world withouten end. Amen. ¶ And for as much that by the holy ordinance the consecration thereof & offering up to thy high majesty for the quick and deed only belongeth to the order of priesthood. For thy good lord of thy great pity & grace. Make thy servant or servants. ¶ Here name ye whom ye will that shall say mass. N. and all other priests clean in body and soul. And deliver them of all unclean/ wicked vain/ and noisome thoughts/ and strength them against all their enemies/ and us also with thy glorious angels/ and confound all such that pursuen them and us/ and would make us to perish finally. ¶ Ihesu king of virgins/ & lover of chastity. Remember how frele that our substance & nature is/ & be merciful unto them & us as father/ lord/ & god/ after thy great mercy & for thy bitter passion. For to the is only appropered to be merciful/ without which no creature may be saved. Behold sweet Ihesu that our will is to worship thee/ & praise the in the best manner that we can or may/ and like as thou haste begun with us here/ so make us to continue in thine laud & service everlasting. And where it is so that they knowledge themselves unable to do this heavenly mystery. Fo● thy good lord Ihesu/ by thy grace make them able/ the which of sinners haste made full often and daily makest holy saints. And give them also thy dread & cleanness of heart with the river of ●eeres in all spiritual consolation. Make them to fel● & understand the sweetness of thy blessed presence/ & the great attendance of thy holy angels about hem at their celebrations. receive merciful Ihesu this high & holy sacrifice to the comfort of all that ben on line & deed/ & vouchsafe this day that it be to us & to all them a singular refreshing & feast/ that we so relieved with this breed of line & lamb Inmaculate/ borne of the blessed virgin Mary may joy in thy laud & glory eternally. Thou saidest by thy holy mouth. The breed that I shall give/ my body it is/ for the life of the world. Who that eateth me/ he shall live for me/ & he abideth in me/ & I in him. I am the breed of life that came down from heaven. He that eateth of this breed shall live without end. Now sweet breed of life make both them & us feel thy sweetness & love forsaking all vanities. Come in to our soul's/ & cleanse us ghostly & bodily/ sanctefye us Inward & outward/ & be a continual defence of soul & body/ so that we may come to thy kingdom/ there to be fed of therewith a marvelous & unspeakable sacy●te● Where ●fter we shall never have hunger ne thur●t/seyng● the than/ not as we now do/ in mysteries & of fer●e ho●e/ but then shall we see the face to face in glory● with thy father in unity of the holy ghost by all wo●●des Amen. ¶ Pater noster. ave maria. ¶ Here followeth a prayer to all saints/ examined and p●●●mned. ¶ Ad scām marian. Gaudem mt salvatoris felix fide flos decorꝭ Mundique solacium Nunc letare celi choris In hoc festo & languoris Nostri sis remedium ¶ Ad scons angelos. Gaude michael in hac die Gabriel raphaelque messie Angelorum ordines Vos precamur nobis pie Sitis causa melody Supra celi cardines ¶ Ad Patriarchas et ꝓphetas. Gaude ventre consecratus O baptista mire natus Sacer degens seculo Patriarchis sociatus Et ꝓphetis. vite flatus Fac finire iubilo ¶ Ad Apostolos et evangelistas. Gaude petre cum sodali Paulo. cristo speciali Lucens orbis climata Et caterna generali Vestra sita loco tali Nos cum eis adiuna ¶ Ad martyrs. Gaude 〈◊〉 spes anglorum Et georgi tutor horum Cum Edwardo nobili Tu laurenti rege lorum Vt tuamur poli chorum Cum favore stephani ¶ Ad. s. confessores. Gaude presul oh martin Nicholae. hugo. line. Posce nobis graciam Erkenwaldeque birine jam cum tuis augustine Da supremo gloriam ¶ An. s. virgines. Gaude virgo katherina Margareta. magdalena Cum brigitta. brigida Anna. fides. et cristina Nos seruando nunc divina Gens celorum iubila V. Letamini in dno. R. Et gloriamini. Oratio. Concede quesumus omnipotens deus. ut intercessio sancte dei genitricis marie sanctarumque omnium celestium virtutum. et beatorum patriarcharum. ꝓphetarum. apostolorum. evangelistarum. martirum. confessorum. atque virginum. et omnium electorum tuorum nos ubique letificet. ut dum corum merita recolimus patrocinia senciamus. Per eundem xr̄m dnm nostrum. Amen. ¶ Here followen the seven degrees of humility. ¶ Cast thy sight downward/ and show meekness/ both in thy heart and body. ¶ Beware of high speech & clamorous/ and see that thy words be few well set & reasonable. Be not light for to laugh/ but use ever sadness. ¶ Be still & keep silence/ till need require that answer must be had. Keep well the common rule as the holy place hath used. ¶ Think the most vilest of all other/ & so pronounce thyself. Knowledge the unworthy & not profitable to any thing/ & so believe in deed. ¶ Make oft confession of thy sins/ and that with great contrition. Keep patience in thy ● obedience at all thy pains & trouble. ¶ To all people be thou subject for thy masters sake/ thine own will forsake it/ and love it in no wise. ¶ And ever keep the from sin/ for fere of him above. Amen. ¶ Here followen the seven degrees of obedience. ¶ The first is to do that is commanded of thy sovereign without grudging. ¶ The second is to make none exception/ neither of the time/ neither of the deed that is to be done. ¶ The third is to be glad & cheerful in thy heart to do such deeds commanded without any compulsion/ setting a side all beastly conditions. ¶ The fourth is to be quick in such deed doing & le●ynge all other occupations for that time or any manner of excuse. ¶ The fifth is to do such things with all thy might and power/ thinking that thy reward shall be great. ¶ The sixth is to do them also with all meekness both in spirit and gesture. ¶ The seventh is to contynuye such obedience to the end of thy life/ ever following thy master Ihesu christ/ that was most obedient for thy sin unto death Amen. ¶ The seven degrees of patience thou mayst behold here. ¶ To evil done to the or adversity/ make no resistance. ¶ Do no evil for evil/ ne give an evil answer. ¶ ●oue thine enemy/ & do good for evil to him in recompense. ¶ grudge not against adversity/ but take it as sweet as incense. ¶ Acccompt it for best medicine/ and be glad in thy pain. ¶ Thank god therefore/ & look for more with all beny●olence. ¶ And when thou hast no grudging in these/ then mayst thou be fain. ¶ The xu degrees of charity. ¶ These make perfit charity after Paul's epistle. ¶ Be pacyente continually for any adversity. ¶ Liberal to the needy/ & do good for evil. ¶ Of other men's welfare. envy not ne be heavy ¶ Let not by thy crookedness good works to multiply. ¶ Swelle not inward by malice if thy nyghbour prosper. ¶ Love to be in low degree/ & loath to be high. ¶ To labour for other as thyself do thy utter devour. ¶ Be not moved for any cause to vengeance or to ire. ¶ Think none evil to another for any provocation. ¶ joy thou not in wickedness but sorrow thou rather. ¶ Be glad in truth & rightwiseness & hate dissimulation. ¶ For such right bear adversity or any tribulation. ¶ To that the church teacheth the put full credulyte. ¶ That god hath promised trust it well without defalcation. ¶ In hope abiding his reward and everlasting glory. Amen. ¶ A little Instruction for them that shall enter in to religion/ drawn out of the long rule of saint Iherom that he wrote to saint Eustochium etc. Love god above all thing/ & thy neighbour as thyself. In these two is fulfilled all the law & commandments of god & perfit charity without which can no man or woman be religious & come to heaven/ & the which had among them they make their place or monastery a paradise in earth & themselves professed therein angels full pleasant unto god. Wherefore among the spouses of god been one will/ one comfort/ one heaviness Remembering that he is prince of peace & charity. in whom they shallbe wedded unto. Forsake the desire of temporal goods/ for better it is to be rich with other in the world than to be poor in a monastery & to have a desire to have god. blessed be they saith our lord that been poor in spirit etc. ¶ The more noble that ye been & come of worshipful lineage the more ye shall meek yourself/ & ever be glad of poor & vile habit or clothing/ beware of obstentation & pride or to desire to be better arrayed than an other sister is. And remember that ye shall be professed & wed alike to one spouse Ihesu christ in one wis & vow/ which love none such syngular●te/ pomp & vain glory. For in his court shall not a kings daughter have prerogative afore an other in lower degree borne. ghostly life requireth no dignity temporal/ though all ye be never so meek/ yet your spouse was & is moche more meeker. See in your mind how that saint Peter was a poo●e fisher/ and Bartylmew a noble man of birth. nevertheless Peter was preferred & made prince of Bartylmew & of all the world. Beware of grutching the which greatly displeaseth god. Commend never yourself of any goods given or to be given of you or by yours to the monastery or else where/ but ever learn & use you to take the cross & to follow your spouse in penance/ & do that ye come for/ keeping obedience/ patience/ meekness/ silence/ prayer/ fasting/ & such other as your religion will give you instruction. And in any wise show meekness in your language/ countenance & all other behaviour/ & in especial to your heed & sovereign/ the which representeth christ your spouse/ & that in all obedience/ dread/ love/ & reverence. Never disputing of their will or of other that be your sovereigns/ but think that all is rightful that they do/ presume not to correct their judgements. For as by example if each man should have the guiding of a ship that they be within/ it should never prosper ne come to the haven that it desired. And as ye be professed deed to the world so be ye deed in other men's deeds. ¶ Also remember that ye must forsake your own will & offer it up & give it to god & to them that shall be your sovereign & heed for ever more. Enforce each one of you that shall come to religion to pass an other in obedience/ for than doubtless ye shall please god A true obediencer that hath utterly forsaken his own will/ know not any thing hard to do that is commanded of their sovereign ne any thing unrightful. ¶ Beware of idleness the which is mother of all sin & uncleanness/ so that by your office that ye be called to/ or by prayer/ reading/ writing/ lewing/ or other handewerkes doing/ ye may make your bodies daily weary & crucified. And thereby make your spirits the more quick and apt to the service of our lord in confusion of your enemy and increase of glory. ¶ Beware to be Inquysytyf/ or to muse on high matters and subtle. And leave them to worldly people● and to clerks/ for otymesthe letter may hurt you Think ever that ye had liefer die than one's to pass the clausures or bounds of your monastery. If ye have a faithful & a just friend/ to whom ye may open the secrets of your heart/ than ye have a great treasure/ for oft-times one shall be deceived & seldom can judge the troth in his own matters so well as other. Know your own sins & wail them & meddle with none other. Beware ever of detraction & flee it as it were a venomous serpent/ that the speaker thereof be your countenance & departing from them may be ashamed/ & therewith loath for ever so to speak or do. Moreover if ye will see your spouse Ihesu christ in your mind by contemplation ever keep your silence. For saint jerom saw many in Egypt among holy faders that vij yer●● together spoke not own word/ but only to god & to his saint. If the caas be so that ye must speak let it be in all peace & charity & with few words. Remembering that your spouse loveth no void ●lat●●ynge/ but would be with you alone in all quietness in your souls. Wherefore be ye afeard to displease him or to drive him out from you with strives or debate/ slanders/ oaths/ and such other/ ¶ Saint james counseleth each man to refrain his tongue/ saying that life & death been in the power of the same tongue/ writing thus. Who that refraineth his tongue he shallbe blessed in all his deeds etc. knowledge yourself at all times carrion and earth/ & the glory thereof is as a flower in the meadow. Abstain you as pilgrims from all desires of the flesh/ the which daily bataylleth against the soul. Abstain also from lies at all times/ as ye would from hell/ for them in no wise loveth Jesus' your spouse. And also beware to maintain or botrace such lies which is abominable in the sight of god. If there come any stranger unto you/ let him know by your heavenly talking & behaviour that ye be a well taught spouse of christ & that they may glorify in you & for you & be amended by you. Bear the words of saint jerom in your mind that saith thus. Trust me verily that there is no thing more perilous to a man. than is a woman/ & to a woman no thing more courageous than is a man/ for either of them is chaff & either is fire. And note this for a truth/ that privy talking lacketh no suspicion. That thing is not leeful to be seen/ that is not leeful to be desired. More than any man can suppose or write/ the devil rejoiceth when memory of o man is fixed & had in a woman's heart. There is no venom in the world so noisome to woman as is affection toward man of what soever cause it proceed or grow. Ye may see that the desire of worldly women is ever in vesture/ gold/ precious stone's/ & ornament outward of the body/ & therein they put their glory & felicity In so much that it sufficeth not them their lust given by nature only/ but they seek occasion & craft by the said premisses to increase their said lust & desires to their great damnation/ beware therefore of any costly habit or such vanities etc. Certainly saith the said saint jerom/ the principal desire is of such women that men should fest their eyen in the faces of them by the provocation & sight of their precious array. But they should consider though nature hath given to gold/ & such other a p●ecyosyte whereby they been praised/ what is that to the vile carcase that it hangeth upon/ the which is but a ●achell of dung brought forth of unclean seed & finally shall be worms mete. ¶ The words of saint jerom. O Thou most vilest & worse than any be'st how shamefast shouldest y● be in thy body if thou wouldest behold thyself/ that so in thine array avauncest thyself. And this blessed jerom saith. I take them for no religious women that be● clad in costlyous array or in wanton & pinched habits but he calleth them in latin. Pessimas meretrices et storta. Wherefore desire ye to go in vile & unshapely vesture. that wanton & dissolute persons may rather be provoked to scorn & laugh at you than to think evil or desire you/ for they say not truth that do ensure themselves with a glory to keep chastity in a costly or any shapely vesture/ ye shall be called ladies/ for because that ye shall be spoused to the king of all kings. Beware than & take heed with all meekness to your dignity/ in less than your spouse be grieved & make a divorce & so depart from you. If that ye wist & ones had tasted how sweet your spouse were. ye should have pleasure enough that passeth all worldly pleasyrs. This joy & pleasure had saint jerom & many other both of men & women/ keep the mansion of your spouse clean/ & garnish it with flowers of virtue/ and account yourself most vile & out cast of this world. Remember also how in your baptism ye forsook the world/ the envy/ and all their pride & glory/ the which now ye shall confer me under the greatest oath that may be/ & therewith receive our lord god in sacrament in this your first entering in to religion. Beware also of vain glory/ lifting up your visage & voice on high as women done in the world. Rebuking other or to speak of your noble blood or kindred/ for in the spousage and service of god/ the poorest man's daughter living shall be equal & like to the greatest kings daughter living in earth. Ye must forsake all such worldly pomp & vanity & take a new & a more sure noble dignity by your spouse Ihesu christ that never shall have end/ the poorest of you bringeth more to the monastery/ so that ye come with a meek heart and in will to forsake if that ye had never so much/ than she that bringeth moche with a proud heart/ and therewith to other would have it known Beware ever that no foul word or strive be among you that been deed folk in this world. But ever think that the trump of the last day of judgement soundeth in your ears/ and calleth you saying. Rise daughters Rise/ & come to your judgement. let ever your mind be with your spouse/ and with your mother blessed mary/ & the saints as often as ye sing or read. Remembering that god is there present and seethe what ye do let none see you from the service of god or unoccupied. In reading of prophets epistles/ gospels/ saints lives/ & other deeds of virtue doing/ having ever books in your hands/ studying or writing/ that people saying you may say. Behold here the servant of god/ & the lanterns of the world. Beware also of gluttony which is mother of all uncleanness & bocheres of chastity/ & keep your stomach rather void than to take to it superfluity wherthorugh ye shall not need to take medicines for a digestion. Use courteously to eat & not greedily nor hastily/ for therein may ye sin. It is written in the life of saint Benet that a religious woman with a gredenes received a wicked spirit in eating of lettuce in the garden. Also they that use to drink wine go not without fire in their bosom. And ever beware of drunkship/ remembering that abstinence & fasting is a sure medicine for all sickness. And by them cometh great virtue & grace. Not for thy beware of undiscrete abstinence/ which might cause you to have pain here & in time to come. When time is of reading at your meals & repast or any other good doctrine than beware of speech of laughing/ but take heed to the lecture. And knock privily your breasts & that if ye may with falling of tears/ after your meals rehearse your lectures or some notabilytees of sermons or other holy things that ye have herd or seen afore. And when ye pray be sorry for the Ignorance of the people & their sins/ & mind the souls that ye be specially bound to pray for with all other christian souls. And if ye will have the sweetness of contemplation/ cleanse your heart from all worldly things. And be as ye were deed among them & as ye were buried in your sepulchre the which betokeneth your monastery/ to the time ye arise & appear afore your spouse to have your reward of his glory. When ye shall go to your garden & seen the herber & green trees smelling the flowers & fruits with their sweetness/ marvel the great power of god in his creatures/ & then labour & engender in your mind/ or talking of devotion & lift up your heart to heaven/ & think verily that the maker of them that is your spouse in heaven is unspeakable fair/ sweet/ delectable/ and glorious But beware touch there nothing to a vain use or nicety of the world. After compline keep your tongue & take you to prayer & contemplation. And call to your mind such heavenly things that ye have herd or red afore. See in any wise that ye keep this point of god's law & of the law of nature. Do ever to an other as ye would be done unto ¶ Deo gracias. ¶ these short prayers following taught our lord saint Brigytte. say ye them oft in the day. Domine ihu xp̄e. ego cognosco me graviter peccasse. Et libenter volo emendare ꝑ tuam Miserere mei ꝓpter amaram passionem tuam. Dne ihu xp̄e. Redemisti nos in sanguine tuo. Laus sit tibi ꝓ amara passione tua. ¶ Pater nr̄. ave maria. ¶ Also use for to say daily kneeling in remembrance of the passion of our lord & his five wounds/ & of the great compassion of our blessed lady .v. Pater noster/ and .v. ave maria. & a Credo. ¶ Deus propicius esto michi peccatori. Ihesu fili dei miserere mei et tocius populi cristiani. Semper deo gracias. ¶ Pray for your brother Thomas Betton which for your souls that be come or shall come in to religion/ drew and made the contents of this little quayer & exhortation. necessary & needful to them that been come & shall come to religion. ¶ Learn to keep your books cleave etc. printer's or publisher's device INRI