sith_o almyghty_a god_n of_o his_o own_o kyndnes_n pity_n &_o mere_a motion_n before_z we_o ask_v it_o show_v to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o life_n let_v we_o therefore_o array_n &_o excercise_n our_o selue_fw-mi in_o the_o faith_n and_z in_o the_o obseruamce_n of_o good_a work_n &_o let_v we_o take_v upon_o we_o the_o journey_n of_o almighty_a god_n folowinge_n the_o law_n &_o ledinge_v of_o his_o gosple_o that_o we_o may_v deserve_v to_o see_v he_o in_o his_o kyngdomme_n of_o heaven_n which_o have_v thus_o call_v we_o to_o he_o by_o his_o grace_n in_o which_o kyngdomm_n if_o we_o intend_v to_o have_v a_o restinge_v place_n we_z must_v diligent_o inforse_n and_o indevor_n ourself_o to_o labour_v in_o good_a work_n without_o the_o which_o the_o say_v restinge_v place_n &_o kyngdomme_fw-fr can_v not_o be_v attaygn_v ¶_o but_o then_o ask_v we_o all_o mighty_a god_n with_o the_o prophet_n sa_v thus_o goode_n lord_n who_o shall_v dwell_v in_o thy_o heavenly_a kyngdomme_n and_o place_n or_z who_o shall_v make_v his_o rest_a place_n in_o thy_o holy_a mount_n of_o heaven_n after_o this_o interrogation_n dear_a suster_n say_v seynt_a benet_n let_v we_o here_o our_o lord_n answer_v and_o show_v to_o we_o the_o right_a way_n to_o his_o heavenly_a mansion_n ¶_o he_o almyghty_a god_n say_v shall_v dwell_v in_o my_o heavenly_a house_n that_o lyve_v without_o spot_n of_o sin_n and_o do_v rightful_a werke_n he_o that_o think_v true_o in_o his_o hart_n and_o work_v no_o desseyte_n with_o his_o tongue_n he_o that_o have_v do_v none_o evyll_n to_o his_o neighbour_n nor_o enterpryse_v none_o obprobriose_fw-la sclaunderose_n nor_o shameful_a thing_n to_o the_o hurt_n of_o his_o neighbour_n he_o that_o despise_v &_o put_v out_o of_o his_o hart_n our_o mortal_a foo_o the_o curse_a find_v and_o have_v utter_o bring_v he_o to_o nought_o with_o all_o his_o suggestion_n temptation_n and_o entisinge_n &_o have_v brokyn_n &_o resist_v they_o at_o the_o first_o monition_fw-la of_o they_o and_z steadfast_o hold_v his_o inward_a thought_n unto_o christe_n they_o that_o drede_v god_n &_o extol_v not_o theym selfe_o ne_o be_v proud_a of_o their_o good_a religiose_fw-la dede_n but_o suppose_v and_o thinkinge_v very_o the_o goodness_n which_o be_v in_o they_o not_z to_o be_v of_o themselves_o but_z of_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n do_v lawde_a and_o magnify_v god_n for_o his_o graciose_fw-la operation_n in_o they_o sa_v with_o the_o ê“phete_n thus_o not_o to_o we_o good_a lord_n not_z to_o we_o but_z to_o thy_o holy_a name_n gyve_v thou_o praise_v &_o glory_n as_o thapostell_n paul_n which_o do_v not_o impute_v any_o part_n of_o his_o pch_n &_o techinge_v to_o hinselfe_n but_o say_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n &_o not_o of_o myself_o i_o be_o as_o i_o be_o &_o ageyne_v he_o say_v he_o that_o joy_v or_o seek_v any_o laud_v or_o glory_n let_v hin_a joy_n in_o god_n &_o gyve_v laud_n &_o glory_n to_o hin_n whereof_o our_o lord_n speak_v thus_o in_o his_o gospel_n who_o so_o her_v these_o my_o word_n &_o do_v the_o same_o in_o deed_n i_o shall_v liken_v hin_n to_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o have_v buld_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n there_o come_v bitter_a storm_n both_o water_n &_o wyndê_n &_o brace_v into_o the_o house_n &_o yet_o it_o fall_v not_o down_o why_o for_o it_o be_v bueld_v upon_o a_o stedfaste_a stone_n ¶_o our_o lord_n which_o do_v accomplisshe_v &_o perform_v all_o these_o point_n and_o condition_n in_o his_o own_o person_n look_v daily_o that_o we_o shall_v make_v good_a and_z by_o our_o werke_n satisfy_v and_o conform_v we_o to_o these_o his_o holy_a monition_n and_o therefore_o the_o day_n of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v prolongue_v unto_o we_o and_o prorogue_v as_o a_o day_n of_o treuxe_n for_o the_o amendinge_a of_o our_o shrewd_a dede_n the_o apostell_n sa_v thus_o can_v thou_o not_o tell_v man_n that_z the_o longanimite_n patience_n and_o long_a sufferance_n of_o almyghty_a god_n be_v to_o induce_v and_o excyte_v the_o to_o repentance_n penance_n and_o reformation_n for_o our_o lord_n say_v of_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o pity_v i_o will_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_z i_o desire_v that_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o amend_v and_o live_v ¶_o now_o dear_a suster_n say_v seint_a benet_n when_o we_o ask_v our_o savioure_n of_o the_o dweller_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o his_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a mansion_n we_o hard_a by_o and_o by_o his_z precept_n how_o we_o may_v attaygne_v to_o it_o &_o to_o deserve_v to_o dwell_v in_o it_o and_o if_o we_o do_v the_o office_n of_o true_a inhabitantis_fw-la we_o shall_v be_v inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n therefore_o dear_a sister_n sayith_o seynt_a benet_n you_o must_v make_v ready_a your_o heart_n and_z your_o body_n to_o obey_v the_o precept_n and_o commandment_n of_o our_o rule_v by_o vertu_fw-fr of_o obedience_n and_o where_o thurgh_n the_o fragilite_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o infirmite_n of_o ourself_o we_o be_v insufficient_a and_o unhable_a so_o to_o do_v we_z shall_v beseech_v all_o mighty_a god_n that_o his_o grace_n may_v be_v to_o we_o aid_v &_o socoure_v in_o that_o behalf_n and_o if_o we_o will_v eschew_v the_o pain_n of_o hell_n &_o comme_fw-fr to_o everlasting_a life_n let_v we_o then_o while_o we_o have_v time_n and_o laysour_n and_o while_o we_o in_o this_o our_o mortal_a body_n live_v and_o may_v fulfil_v by_o the_o light_n of_o this_o present_a life_n all_o these_o forsayde_a pcepte_n diligent_o ren_fw-it and_o labour_n &_o so_o good_a workê_n do_v now_o that_o they_o may_v profit_n we_o in_o time_n to_o come_v ¶_o wherefore_o say_v seynte_n benet_n we_o must_v now_o orden_n a_o school_n of_o the_o service_n of_o almyghty_a god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v this_o pnsent_n rule_v in_o the_o which_o ordinance_n say_v seynt_a benet_n we_o trust_v to_o put_v nothing_o that_o hard_o be_v sharp_a or_z grevous_a albeit_o if_o any_o manner_n of_o thing_n for_o any_o reasonable_a cause_n pass_v by_o our_o say_a school_n &_o ordinance_n for_o the_o redressinge_v of_o defaulte_n and_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o charite_n the_o which_o thou_o shall_v think_v rigorouse_a or_o straiete_a thou_o shall_v not_o therefore_o be_v sudden_o afraid_a and_z for_o fere_n at_o a_o chop_n flee_v and_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o everlasting_a life_n seinge_n that_o it_o can_v be_v enter_v but_o with_o a_o hard_a &_o a_o straight_o begin_v for_o in_o process_n of_o time_n &_o by_o continuance_n of_o good_a conversation_n the_o way_n of_o the_o commaundementê_n of_o almyghty_a god_n is_z by_o thexcellent_a sweetness_n of_o his_o love_n &_o with_o glad_a hart_n easy_o &_o joyful_o walkyd_v and_o so_o this_o school_n of_o faint_a benet_n be_v ordeygn_v to_o the_o intent_n that_o we_o never_o depart_v from_o christis_fw-la instruction_n &_o pceptis_fw-la but_o always_o ê‘severinge_v in_o his_o doctrine_n in_o monasteris_n till_o dethe_v come_v upon_o we_o thurgh_n patience_n and_o tribulation_n bear_v so_o in_o we_o part_n of_o his_o passion_n that_o final_o we_o may_v deserve_v to_o be_v cytezin_n of_o his_o kyngedom_n of_o hevyn_n ¶_o here_o begin_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o holy_a fader_fw-mi seynt_a benet_n ¶_o the_o first_o chapter_n treat_v of_o four_o manner_n of_o monk_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v four_o diverse_a kyndis_fw-la or_o sect_n of_o monk_n ¶_o the_o first_o be_v of_o cenobitis_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o monasteriall_a person_n serve_v god_n to_o gedder_n or_o in_o congregation_n in_o monasteris_n under_o oon_o rule_v &_o oon_o abbot_n or_o oon_n priour_fw-la and_o of_o this_o sect_n or_o kind_n be_v mynchin_n seruinge_v to_o gedder_n in_o monasterê_n under_o oon_n rule_v and_z oon_o abbess_n or_o oon_n prioress_n ¶_o the_o second_o manner_n or_o sect_n be_v of_z anachoritê_n &_o eremitê_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_z they_o which_o not_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v takyn_n religion_n upon_o they_o but_z by_o long_a continuance_n &_o proufe_v in_o monasteris_n have_v learn_v and_o have_v experience_n thurgh_n the_o comfort_n of_o other_o to_z fight_v ageynste_n the_o suggestion_n &_o temptation_n of_o the_o devyll_n and_o so_o well_o they_o be_v arm_v and_o instruct_v by_o the_o good_a counsel_n of_o other_o that_z they_o may_v sure_o take_v upon_o they_o and_z be_v able_a to_o fight_v sole_a and_o solitary_o thurgh_n the_o help_n of_o all_o mighty_a god_n without_o the_o comfort_n of_o other_o against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o fesche_fw-it &_o against_o all_o other_o evyll_n thought_n ¶_o the_o iii_o kind_n manner_n or_o sect_n is_z of_o sarabite_n a_o sect_n detestable_a which_o live_v not_o under_o obedience_n of_o any_o suê‘ior_n ne_z under_o any_o rule_n that_o be_v good_a &_o approve_a nor_o be_v try_v in_o monasterê_n
¶_o here_o begyn_v the_o rule_n of_o seynt_a benet_n or_o asmoche_n as_o every_o ê‘sone_n ought_v to_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o keep_v or_o occomplisshe_v and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v can_v nor_o may_v not_o excuse_v he_o and_z for_o so_o moche_n also_o as_o the_o rede_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o a_o person_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v &_o execute_v except_z he_o understande_v it_o is_z to_o the_o executinge_v thereof_o no_o thing_n vailliable_a but_z only_a thing_n inutile_fw-la travel_v in_o vain_a and_o time_n lose_v ¶_o we_o therefore_o richard_n by_o the_o permission_n and_o sufferance_n of_o our_o lord_n god_n bisshope_n of_o winchester_n revoluinge_n in_o our_o mind_n that_o certain_a devoute_a and_o religiouse_a woman_n be_v within_z our_o diocese_n &_o under_o our_o pastoral_a charge_n and_o cure_v have_v not_o only_o profess_v they_o to_o thobseruance_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o holy_a confessoure_n seinte_v benet_n but_o also_o be_v bind_v to_o rede_n learn_v and_o understond_v the_o same_o when_o they_o be_v novice_n &_o before_o they_o be_v profess_v and_o also_o after_o their_o profession_n they_o shall_v not_o only_o in_o themselves_o keep_v observe_v execute_v and_o practice_v the_o say_v rule_v but_o also_o teach_v other_o their_o sister_n the_o same_o in_z so_o moche_v that_o for_o the_o same_o intent_n they_o daily_o rede_v &_o cause_n to_o be_v red_a some_o ê‘te_n of_o the_o say_a rule_n by_o one_o of_o the_o say_v sister_n among_o then selfe_o aswell_o in_o their_o chapter_n house_n after_o the_o redinge_n of_o the_o martyrologe_n as_o somme_fw-fr time_n in_o their_o fraitur_fw-la in_o time_n of_o refection_n and_o collation_n all_o the_o which_o redingê_n be_v always_o do_v in_o the_o latin_a tongue_n whereof_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n nor_o understondinge_a but_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o the_o same_o whereby_o they_o do_v not_o only_o less_o their_o time_n but_o also_o run_v into_o the_o evident_a danger_n &_o peril_n of_o the_o ê‘dition_n of_o their_o soul_n we_o the_o say_v bisshope_n know_v and_o consider_v the_o premise_n and_o remember_a that_o we_o may_v not_o without_o like_a peryll_n of_o our_o soul_n suffer_v the_o say_v religious_a woman_n of_o who_o soul_n we_o have_v the_o cure_n to_o continue_v in_o their_o say_a blindness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o say_v rule_v to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o observance_n whereof_o they_o be_v profess_v &_o special_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o the_o young_a novice_n may_v first_o know_v and_o understande_v the_o say_a rule_n before_z they_o ê“fesse_v they_o to_o it_o so_o that_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v mow_v afterward_o probable_o say_v that_z she_o wyste_v not_o what_o she_o profess_v as_z we_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o somme_fw-fr of_o they_o have_v say_v in_o time_n pass_v for_o these_o cause_n and_o special_o at_o thinstant_a request_n of_o our_o right_a dear_a and_o well-beloved_a doughter_n in_o our_o lord_n ihun_v thabbasses_n of_o the_o monasteris_n of_o rumsay_n wharwel_n seynt_a mary_n within_o the_o city_n of_o winchester_n and_o the_o prioress_n of_o wintnay_n our_o right_a religious_a diocesan_n we_o have_v translate_v the_o say_a rule_n into_o our_o moders_n tongue_n commune_v plain_a round_o englisshe_v easy_a and_z ready_a to_o be_v understande_v by_o the_o say_v devoute_a religiouse_a woman_n and_o by_o cause_n we_o will_v not_o that_z there_o shall_v be_v any_o lack_fw-mi amongis_fw-la they_o of_o the_o bokis_n of_o this_o say_a translation_n we_o have_v therefore_o above_o and_o beside_o certain_a book_n thereof_o which_o we_o have_v yeven_v to_o the_o say_a monasteris_n cause_v it_o to_o be_v imprint_v by_o our_o well-beloved_a richard_n pynson_n of_o london_n printer_n the_o xxii_o day_n of_o the_o monethe_n of_o january_n the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n m._n ccccc.xvi_n and_o the_o viii_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o our_o soverayne_a lord_n king_n henry_n the_o viii_o and_o of_o our_o translation_n the_o xuj_o ¶_o the_o rule_n of_o seynt_a benet_n ¶_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o trinite_a here_o ensue_v the_o ê“logue_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o black_a monkê_n &_o minchin_n made_z by_o the_o moo_v religiouse_a fader_fw-mi seynt_a benet_n which_o in_o the_o begin_v of_o the_o say_a prologue_n say_v thus_o fear_v and_o mark_v well_o my_o child_n the_o precept_n and_o commandment_n of_o our_o fader_fw-mi &_o master_n &_o diligent_o apply_v &_o inclyne_v the_o inward_a spiritual_a ever_o be_v of_o your_o hertes_o and_o glad_o perceyve_v and_o admit_v the_o fruitful_a admonition_n of_o your_o good_a &_o love_a fader_fw-mi and_o effectual_o accomplish_v and_o fullfyll_v the_o same_o so_z that_o by_o the_o labour_n and_o virtue_n of_o obedience_n you_o may_v return_v and_o come_v again_o to_o all_o mighty_a god_n from_o who_o you_o be_v depart_v &_o dissever_a thurgh_n idleness_n vice_n and_o disobedience_n ¶_o unto_o you_o all_o therefore_o my_o word_n be_v now_o derected_a and_o speak_v what_o so_o ever_o you_o be_v that_o will_v forsake_v and_o renounce_v your_o own_o wylles_n sensualyte_n and_o pleasure_n and_o take_v upon_o you_o the_o mighty_a and_o noble_a spiritual_a armure_n of_o obedience_n to_o do_v service_n to_o that_o noble_a and_o very_a true_a king_n almyghty_a god_n jesu_n christe_n ¶_o and_o first_o what_o so_o ever_o good_a purpose_n or_o werke_v you_o begin_v to_o take_v upon_o you_o you_o shall_v before_o you_o begin_v it_o ask_v and_o most_o instant_o desire_v the_o good_a lord_n to_o perform_v and_o make_v perfeyte_v your_o say_a purpose_n or_o werke_v that_o he_o which_o have_v vowchedsafe_v to_o accept_v we_o as_z in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o choose_a child_n be_v not_o at_o any_o season_n move_v displease_a or_o greve_v thurgh_n our_o evyll_n offence_n &_o misdeed_n ¶_o for_o at_o all_o seasone_n we_o aught_o for_o the_o great_a goodness_n that_o he_o have_v show_v unto_o we_o so_o to_o bow_v &_o obey_v unto_o he_o less_o that_o he_o as_o a_o displeased_a fader_fw-mi for_o our_o demerit_n not_o only_o disinheryte_v we_o as_o his_o unkind_a child_n but_o also_o as_o a_o ferefull_a lord_n &_o master_n ê“uoke_v by_o our_o evil_a dede_n condemn_v we_o as_o froward_a and_o unkind_a servant_n to_o perpetual_a pain_n because_o we_o die_v not_o our_o diligence_n to_o follow_v he_o to_o everlasting_a glory_n ¶_o therefore_o now_o at_o the_o last_o let_v she_o arryse_o holy_a scripture_n exciting_a we_o with_o these_o word_n time_n be_v now_o that_o we_o arrise_n from_o sleep_v &_o that_o we_o open_v our_o yes_o to_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o almighty_a god_n so_o that_o we_o may_v ê‘ceyve_v &_o here_o with_o attentyve_a ery_n what_o daily_o be_v command_v we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n sa_v thus_o ¶_o if_o you_o this_o day_n have_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o almyghty_a god_n be_v you_o not_o hard_a nor_o stobborne_a nor_o stop_v not_o the_o ery_n of_o your_o herte_n and_o also_o he_o say_v again_o he_o that_o have_v ery_n to_o here_o let_v he_o here_o what_o the_o holy_a goost_n say_v to_o all_o cristen_v people_n but_o what_o say_v he_o comme_fw-fr you_o my_o child_n and_o hear_v i_o i_o shall_v teach_v you_o to_o drede_v god_n renne_n you_o and_o be_v diligent_a while_o the_o light_n of_o life_n be_v a_o monge_v you_o less_o the_o derkenes_n of_o death_n catch_v you_o also_o all_o mighty_a god_n sing_v his_o faithful_a people_n &_o obedient_a servant_n &_o workman_n among_o the_o multytude_n of_o his_o people_n not_o only_o cryethe_v after_o the_o manner_n a_o foresaid_a but_o also_o he_o say_v &_o demand_v in_o this_o wise_n what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o will_v have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o desire_v to_o see_v good_a day_n and_o if_o thou_o hear_a these_o word_n will_v answer_v &_o say_v i_o be_o he_o almighty_a god_n than_o say_v to_o the_o ageyne_n if_o thou_o wool_fw-mi have_v true_a &_o everlasting_a life_n with_o draw_v &_o keep_v thy_o tongue_n from_o all_o evyll_n and_o suffer_v no_o fraud_n ne_o dissayte_n pass_v thurgh_n thy_o lip_n turn_v the_o from_o all_o evyll_n &_o do_v that_o be_v good_n seek_v out_o &_o pursue_v peax_n &_o follow_v the_o same_o and_o when_o you_o do_v after_o this_o manner_n say_v almighty_a god_n then_o shall_v my_o yes_n be_v open_a &_o fix_v upon_o you_o &_o my_o ery_n allway_o ready_a to_o your_o prayer_n &_o petition_n &_o before_o you_o shall_v call_v upon_o i_o i_o shall_v puent_v you_o &_o shall_v say_v low_o here_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o your_o desire_n ¶_o o_o dear_a suster_n say_v seynt_a benet_n what_o thing_n may_v be_v to_o we_o swet_o than_o this_o voice_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o manner_n a_o foresaid_a calling_n we_o to_o he_o be_v hold_v suster_n say_v seint_a benet_n
as_o gold_n be_v by_o the_o furnace_n but_o be_v more_o like_a unto_o lead_v supple_a &_o pliable_a to_o all_o vicis_fw-la and_o feign_v then selfe_o to_o be_v religiose_fw-la under_o the_o simulate_v habit_n &_o tonsure_v of_o religiose_fw-la man_n be_z in_o all_o their_o dede_n vain_a idle_a and_z worldly_a which_o by_o ii_o to_o geddre_fw-fr or_o iii_o to_o ged_a or_o elles_fw-fr by_o oon_o a_o lone_a lede_v their_o lyve_n without_o head_n or_o suê‘ior_n nor_o in_o abbaye_v or_o monasteris_n but_o where_o they_o lust_n folowinge_n their_o own_o appetite_n and_o desire_n and_o take_n volup_n tuosite_a for_o their_o law_n &_o reule_fw-fr for_o what_o so_o ever_o they_o conject_n or_o choice_n after_o their_o own_o myndê_n to_o be_v good_a that_o they_o call_v holy_a &_o what_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o their_o appetitis_fw-la be_v it_o never_o so_o good_a in_o deed_n they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a ¶_o the_o four_o kind_n or_o sect_n be_v of_o those_o that_o be_v vagabunde_n that_o ren_fw-it from_o ê“uince_n to_o province_n from_o cell_n to_o cell_n abide_v not_o in_o son_n place_n pass_v iii_o or_o four_o day_n ever_o wanderinge_v and_o never_o stable_n gyve_v themselves_o to_o glotony_n &_o other_o lust_n of_o the_o flesche_fw-it and_z in_o all_o their_o dede_n be_v worse_o than_o the_o sarabitis_fw-la of_o who_o most_o wretched_a conversation_n better_a it_o be_v not_o to_o meddle_v then_o to_o speak_v of_o they_o wherefore_o say_v seynt_a benet_n omittinge_n and_o overpassinge_v they_o let_v we_o through_o the_o help_n &_o succurre_fw-la of_o all_o mighty_a god_n intend_v to_o set_v a_o ordinance_n and_o to_o make_v a_o rule_n concern_v those_o monasteriall_a and_o religiose_fw-la ê‘son_n of_o who_o we_o speak_v of_o first_o that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o cenobitis_fw-la ¶_o the_o second_o chapter_n treat_v of_o what_o qualites_fw-la a_o abbess_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o abbess_n that_o may_v be_v able_a &_o worthy_a to_o take_v upon_o her_o the_o rule_n &_o governance_n of_o a_o monastery_n or_o congregation_n must_v all_o weigh_v call_v to_o her_o rememberaunce_n &_o consydre_n the_o name_n of_o the_o dignity_n that_o she_o be_v call_v by_o and_z labour_n effectual_o that_o her_o dede_n be_v accord_v to_o her_o name_n and_z in_o nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o dignity_n that_o she_o be_v call_v to_o for_z she_o occupi_v the_o place_n of_o almyghty_a god_n in_o the_o monastery_n in_o somoche_n as_o she_o be_v name_v after_o he_o thapostle_n sainge_v thus_o you_o have_v receyve_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o who_o you_o be_v make_v the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o who_o we_o cry_v all_o to_o geder_o to_o almyghty_a god_n &_o call_v hin_a abba_n pat_o that_o be_v to_o say_v fader_fw-mi of_o the_o which_o name_n all_o abbotte_n &_o abbass_n take_v their_o name_n thabbot_n to_o be_v to_o his_o covent_n a_o fader_fw-mi &_o thabbasse_n a_o mother_n and_o therefore_o the_o abbess_n shall_v nothing_o ordain_v teach_v ne_o command_v as_o god_n for_o bede_fw-mi she_o shall_v contrary_v to_o the_o commandment_n of_o all_o mighty_a god_n who_o room_n &_o authorite_n she_o have_v &_o occupi_v but_z her_o commaundementê_n &_o doctrine_n must_v be_v in_o such_o wise_a order_a &_o utter_v that_o they_o may_v take_v place_n and_z effectual_o work_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o her_o sister_n &_o disciple_n like_z unto_o the_o swerne_n and_o savour_n of_o the_o ryghtuisnes_n of_o all_o mighty_a god_n ¶_o thabbasse_n must_v always_o have_v in_o her_o mind_n that_o of_o her_o doctrine_n &_o of_o the_o obedience_n of_o her_o suster_n &_o disciple_n &_o of_o either_o of_o they_o to_o gedre_fw-fr that_o be_v to_o say_v aswell_o of_o her_o doctrine_n as_o of_o their_o obedience_n there_o shall_v be_v asleep_o straight_o examination_n &_o trial_n make_v in_o the_o fereful_a day_n of_o the_o last_o iugement_n ¶_o thabbasse_n must_v know_v also_o that_o what_o so_o ever_o damage_n incommodite_n lack_fw-mi of_o fruit_n or_o utilite_n our_o lord_n findith_v in_o his_o sheep_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o covent_n it_o shall_v be_v lay_v &_o impute_v to_o the_o charge_n blame_v &_o defaute_fw-fr of_o the_o shepherd_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o thabbasse_n albeit_o she_o may_v thereof_o discharge_v &_o acquit_v herself_o by_o this_o mean_a &_o by_o none_o other_o that_z be_v to_o say_v if_z so_o be_v that_o she_o have_v do_v her_o diligence_n to_o the_o trowblouse_n &_o obstinate_a flock_n &_o that_o with_o all_o her_o labour_n she_o have_v endeavour_v herself_o to_o the_o amendment_n of_o they_o be_v evyll_n dede_n than_o may_v she_o well_o for_o her_o discharge_n &_o acqâ—tall_n at_o the_o day_n of_o doom_n say_z to_o almyghty_a god_n with_o the_o ê“phet_n i_o have_v not_o hide_v ne_o keep_v within_o my_o breast_n thy_o justice_n nor_o rightuisnes_n i_o have_v show_v &_o declare_v to_o they_o thy_o trew_v i_o have_v declare_v thy_o wholesome_a communademente_n and_z they_o despisinge_v they_o have_v set_v my_o word_n &_o doctrine_n at_o nought_o and_o then_o in_o ê¯clusion_n everlasting_a death_n shall_v be_v their_o reward_n and_o punisshment_n worthy_a and_o conveninet_n to_o such_o a_o obstinate_a and_o disobedient_a flock_n not_o consyder_v nor_o regard_v their_o duty_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v ¶_o therefore_o when_o so_o ever_o any_o oon_n takithe_a upon_o her_o the_o name_n of_o a_o abbess_n she_o must_v rule_v and_o govern_v her_o disciple_n by_o two_o manner_n of_o doctrine_n that_o be_v to_o say_v she_z must_v show_v unto_o they_o good_a and_o holy_a thing_n by_o her_o wordê_n and_o doctrine_n and_o more_o large_o by_o example_n of_o her_o dede_n so_o that_o to_o they_o which_o have_v capacite_n of_o wit_n to_o understonde_v she_o must_v teach_v and_o declare_v the_o commandment_n of_o almyghty_a god_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_z to_o other_o that_o be_v dullarde_n hard_o wit_v &_o more_o simple_a of_o understand_v she_o must_v more_o open_o and_o large_o show_v and_o teach_v the_o commandment_n of_o almyghty_a god_n by_o her_o own_o dedê_n for_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o she_o forbedith_v her_o disciple_n by_o her_o word_n she_o must_v by_o her_o own_o dede_n show_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v less_o that_o she_o pchinge_v and_o techinge_v other_o be_v find_v reprovable_a in_o herself_o and_o less_o that_o god_n for_o such_o her_o sin_n and_o offence_n say_v unto_o she_o in_o this_o wise_n why_o do_v thou_o teach_v my_o ryghtuisnes_n and_o why_o take_v thou_o upon_o the_o to_o utter_v the_o word_n of_o my_o law_n and_o testament_n through_o thy_o mouth_n thou_o haste_v by_o thy_o dedê_n hate_v my_o doctrine_n and_o cast_v far_o from_o the_o my_o word_n and_o commandment_n and_o thou_o abbess_n which_o haste_n espy_v a_o little_a mote_n in_o the_o jye_n of_o thy_o sister_n haste_v not_o see_v a_o great_a block_n in_o thy_o own_o jye_n ¶_o the_o abbess_n shall_v neither_o put_v nor_o make_v any_o difference_n by_o tween_a person_n and_o person_n in_o the_o monastery_n neither_o she_o shall_v bear_v more_o love_n to_o one_o then_o to_o a_o neither_o except_o only_o to_o such_o as_z she_o find_v better_a than_o other_o in_o good_a dede_n in_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o religion_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n &_o in_o lowly_a obedience_n she_o that_o come_v of_o high_a or_o noble_a lineage_n or_o of_o a_o fire_n kynrede_fw-la shall_v not_o be_v pferrid_a in_o order_n of_o stondinge_v or_o unto_o office_n before_z ah_o neither_o of_o low_a birth_n or_o of_o a_o bond_n stock_n except_o there_o be_v some_o other_o reasonable_a cause_n than_o their_o birth_n as_o excellence_n in_o any_o manner_n of_o virtue_n and_o lerninge_v requiringe_v it_z and_z if_o any_o such_o cause_n reasonable_a be_v them_z the_o abbess_n according_a to_o their_o merit_n &_o aptness_n may_v favour_v dispose_v order_fw-fr &_o prefer_v in_o stand_a or_o other_o wise_n as_z she_o shall_v think_v right_a to_o require_v notwithstanding_o there_o diversite_a and_o condition_n of_o birth_n or_o any_o such_o other_o thing_n or_o ellê_n at_o they_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o order_n for_o be_v she_o bond_n be_v she_o free_a be_v she_o of_o noble_a or_z ignoble_a blood_n and_o lineage_n all_o be_v oon_o in_o our_o lord_n ihun_n chiste_o and_z under_o oon_n lord_n do_v bear_v equal_a borden_n of_o seruyce_n for_o god_n takith_v no_o consyderation_n ne_o regard_n to_o the_o person_n but_z to_o the_o vertuose_fw-la work_n and_o merit_n and_o make_v only_a difference_n by_o twyxe_n those_o person_n that_o he_o find_v more_o obedient_a and_o better_a than_o other_o in_o good_a werkê_n therefore_o the_o love_n &_o favour_n of_o thabbsse_n must_v be_v indifferent_a and_o equal_a unto_o all_o her_o susters_fw-mi and_o also_o oon_o discipline_n and_o correction_n must_v
he_o show_v that_z god_n be_v allweye_n present_a to_o our_o thought_n sa_v thus_o god_n serch_v what_o man_n think_v and_o what_o man_n delyte_n in_o and_o ageyne_v he_o say_v god_n know_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n also_o the_o prophet_n say_v good_a lord_n thou_o haste_v understande_v my_o thought_n afar_o and_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n shall_v make_v confession_n and_o be_v open_a unto_o the._n and_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o a_o religiose_fw-la person_n be_v very_o studiose_fw-la and_o diligent_a in_o withstondinge_v evyll_n thought_n at_o she_o say_v always_o in_o her_o hart_n then_o shall_v i_o be_v clean_a and_o immaculate_a before_o he_o when_o i_o keep_v i_o from_o sin_n and_o iniquite_v and_o also_o in_o like_a wise_n we_o be_v forbid_v to_o do_v our_o own_o will_v by_o cause_n scripture_n say_v unto_o us._n be_v thou_o contrary_a to_o thy_o own_o will_n and_o also_o we_o make_v intercession_n to_o god_n in_o our_o prayer_n that_o he_o will_v be_v fulfil_v in_o us._n therefore_o not_o without_o cause_n we_o be_v teach_v not_o to_o do_v our_o own_o will_v when_o that_o we_o take_v heed_n of_o that_o that_z holy_a scripture_n tech_v we_o sa_v certain_a way_n there_o be_v which_z seem_v unto_o man_n right_a good_a but_o the_o end_n overthrow_v a_o man_n and_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o deep_a pytt_n of_o hell_n moreover_o we_o be_v tawght_fw-mi in_o like_a wise_n when_o we_o be_v ware_n of_o that_o be_v say_v of_o negligent_a person_n in_o this_o manner_n they_o be_v corrupt_a and_o make_v abominable_a in_o their_o desire_n &_o wylles_n and_z for_o the_o exchuenge_n of_o the_o appetite_n of_o the_o flesh_n lat_fw-ge we_o believe_v and_o think_v that_o god_n be_v always_o so_o nyghe_a and_o present_a to_o we_o that_o they_o be_v ever_o opyn_a and_o manifest_a unto_o he_o sithen_v the_o prophet_n say_v to_o all_o mighty_a god_n before_o the_o and_o to_o the_o be_v know_v every_o of_o my_o desyrê_n lat_fw-ge we_o therefore_o beware_v of_o evyll_n lust_n or_o desire_v for_o even_o right_a at_o the_o entre_fw-fr into_o delectation_n stand_v death_n by_o deadly_a sin_v wheruppon_o scripture_n command_v sa_v follow_v not_o thy_o concupiscence_n and_o deris_fw-la therefore_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o god_n behold_v good_a &_o evyll_n and_o ever_o overloke_v from_o his_o heavenly_a mansion_n the_o child_n of_o man_n to_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o have_v any_o understand_v and_o seek_v he_o and_o moreover_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o our_o dede_n be_v show_v daily_o unto_o our_o maker_n by_o angel_n depute_v to_o our_o custody_n we_o must_v therefore_o dear_a suster_n say_v seynt_a benet_n needs_o beware_v every_o hour_n as_o the_o ê“phete_n show_v we_o in_o the_o psalm_n that_o god_n find_v we_o not_o in_o any_o time_n geve_v ourself_o unto_o that_o thing_n which_o be_v evyll_n or_o find_v we_o mutill_o or_o unprofitable_a and_o les_fw-fr that_o god_n spare_v we_o in_o this_o pnsent_n fife_z because_o he_o be_v full_a of_o pity_n &_o look_v that_o we_o shall_v turn_v and_o a_o mend_v say_z unto_o we_o in_o time_n to_o come_v thus_o and_o thus_o haste_v thou_o do_v and_z i_o have_v suffer_v &_o hold_v my_o peace_n ¶_o the_o second_o degree_n of_o humilite_n be_v when_o a_o religiose_fw-la ê‘son_n luff_v not_o her_o own_o will_v nor_o delyte_v to_o fulfil_v that_o thing_n that_o she_o desyrethe_o but_o follow_v the_o voice_n of_o all_o mighty_a god_n sa_v i_o have_v not_o come_v to_o fulfil_v my_o own_o will_v but_z his_o that_o have_v send_v i_o that_o be_v to_o say_v godê_n will_v my_o fader_fw-mi moreover_o scripture_n say_v after_o will_n follow_v pain_n and_o after_o the_o necessite_n which_o come_v of_o obedience_n come_v a_o crown_n for_o a_o reward_n ¶_o the_o third_o degree_n of_o humilite_n be_v that_o a_o reliose_fw-la person_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o every_o point_n of_o obedience_n submit_v herself_o to_o her_o superior_a follow_a the_o step_n of_o christe_n of_o who_o thappostell_n say_v he_o be_v obedient_a unto_o the_o fader_fw-mi of_o heaven_n yea_o unto_o death_n ¶_o the_o four_o degree_n of_o humilite_n be_v when_o a_o religiose_fw-la person_n for_o the_o virtue_n of_o obedience_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v hard_a and_o contrary_a to_o her_o mind_n yea_o and_o in_o wrong_n takith_v patience_n and_o suffer_a chidethe_v not_o grudgethe_v not_o ne_z therefore_o turnethe_v her_o mind_n from_o her_o good_a purpose_n the_o scripture_n of_o all_o mighty_a god_n sa_v who_o so_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n he_o shall_v be_v sauffe_v &_o again_o have_v a_o strong_a heart_n &_o suffer_v for_o all_o mighty_a god_n and_o moreover_o scripture_n show_v that_z ah_o feythfull_a person_n ought_v to_o suffer_v contrariose_fw-la thyngê_n and_o adversity_n for_o godê_n sake_n say_v unto_o god_n as_o in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o patient_a for_o the_o good_a lord_n we_o be_v punessh_v with_o death_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o none_o otherwise_o be_v we_o account_v but_z as_o sheep_n be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o slauthter_n and_o thus_o persi_v sure_o in_o hope_n of_o reward_n of_o almyghty_a god_n they_o consine_fw-la we_o joyfullly_n sa_v thyse_n word_n yet_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o have_v the_o victory_n and_o overhande_o by_o he_o which_o have_v love_v us._n moreover_o in_o a_o neither_o place_n holy_a scripture_n say_v goode_n lord_n thou_o haste_v prove_v we_o thou_o haste_v try_v we_o as_o silver_n be_v try_v in_o fire_n thou_o haste_v bring_v we_o into_o danger_n thou_o haste_v lay_v upon_o our_o back_n tribulation_n and_o by_o cause_n scripture_n will_v show_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v under_o a_o superior_a he_o contynuy_v sa_v thou_o haste_v ordain_v and_o set_v man_n to_o be_v over_o our_o head_n but_o what_o religiose_fw-la person_n fulfylling_a with_o patience_n the_o commaundiment_n of_o god_n in_o adversity_n and_o iniury_n the_o which_o when_o they_o be_v strycken_v upon_o that_o oon_n cheek_n offer_v the_o other_o which_z leave_v their_o mantel_n to_o he_o that_z take_v away_o their_o cote_n which_o when_o they_o be_v enforce_v to_o go_v oon_o mile_n ren_v ii_o which_o with_o the_o apostell_n paul_n suffer_v false_a brother_n &_o sister_n which_o suffer_v persecution_n &_o blessith_o or_o say_v well_o of_o other_o that_o say_v evyll_n of_o theym_n all_o these_o person_n keep_v this_o degree_n of_o humilite_n ¶_o the_o u_o degree_n of_o humilite_n be_v if_o a_o religiose_fw-la person_n hide_v not_o but_z by_o lowly_a confession_n show_v to_o the_o fader_fw-mi spirituell_fw-mi all_o evyll_n thought_n come_v to_o the_o hart_n and_o all_o her_o sin_n pryvy_o commit_v scripture_n exhort_v we_o to_o this_o thing_n say_v show_v unto_o god_n thy_o life_n and_o thy_o demeanoure_n and_o trust_v unto_o he_o and_o again_o he_o say_v make_v your_o confession_n unto_o our_o lord_n god_n in_o so_o moche_v as_o he_o be_v good_a for_o his_o mercy_n be_v without_o end_n and_o also_o the_o prophet_n say_v i_o have_v declare_v unto_o the_o my_o faute_fw-fr and_z i_o have_v not_o hide_v my_o iniquity_n i_o have_v say_v i_o shall_v confess_v ageynste_n myself_o my_o sin_n to_o all_o mighty_a god_n and_z thou_o good_a lord_n haste_v forgyven_v i_o the_o iniquite_v of_o my_o heart_n ¶_o the_o syxth_o degree_n of_o humilite_n be_v when_o a_o mynchyn_n be_v content_a with_o every_o vile_a work_n and_o low_a offyce_v &_o with_o the_o extremity_n of_o every_o low_a degree_n &_o that_o she_o iuge_fw-mi herself_o unworthy_a and_o unprofitable_a to_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v commit_v unto_o her_o sa_n with_o the_o ê“phete_n i_o be_o bring_v to_o nought_o &_o be_v not_o ware_n nor_o know_v it_o i_o be_o but_o as_o abeeste_n toward_o the_o good_a lord_n and_o yet_o be_o i_o allwey_a with_o the._n ¶_o the_o vii_o degree_n of_o humilite_n be_v if_z that_o a_o mynchyn_n in_o every_o behalf_n show_v herself_o to_o be_v inferior_a under_o all_o other_o &_o more_o vile_a person_n than_o any_o other_o and_z that_o she_o do_v thus_o not_o only_o with_o her_o tongue_n but_z also_o that_o she_o think_v it_o inward_o in_o her_o hart_n submitting_a herself_o and_o sa_n with_o the_o prophet_n i_o be_o a_o worm_n and_o not_o a_o woman_n the_z rebuke_n stock_n of_o man_n and_z outcaste_a of_o people_n new_a exalt_a now_o put_v down_o and_o confound_v and_o also_o it_o be_v write_v goode_n it_o be_v for_o i_o good_a lord_n that_o thou_o haste_v bring_v i_o under_o whereby_o i_o may_v learn_v thy_o commandment_n ¶_o the_o viii_o degree_n of_o humilite_n be_v that_z ah_o mynchyn_n do_v no_o thing_n except_o that_o that_z the_o common_a reule_fw-fr of_o the_o monastery_n or_o else_o the_o example_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o superior_n man_n of_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n and_o