<P_I,1>

<heading>

PROLOGUE . (CMPURVEY,I,1.3)

Here bygynneth a prolog for alle the bokis of the Bible of the oolde
testament . (CMPURVEY,I,1.4)

CAP. I. (CMPURVEY,I,1.5)

</heading>

FYUE and twenty bookis of the olde testament ben bookis of feith , and
fulli bookis of holy writ ; (CMPURVEY,I,1.7)

the first is Genesis , (CMPURVEY,I,1.8)

the ij. is Exodi , (CMPURVEY,I,1.9)

the iij. is Leuitici , (CMPURVEY,I,1.10)

the iiij. is Numeri , (CMPURVEY,I,1.11)

and the v. is Deutronomye ; (CMPURVEY,I,1.12)

and these fyue ben the bookis of Moises , whiche ben clepid propurly
the lawe ; (CMPURVEY,I,1.13)

the vj. book is Josue , (CMPURVEY,I,1.14)

the vij. book is Judicum , that enclosith the story of Ruth ;
(CMPURVEY,I,1.15)

the viij. book , ix. x. and xj. and xij. and xiij. ben the foure bookis
of Kyngis and twey bookis of Paralipominon ; (CMPURVEY,I,1.16)

the xiiij. book is Esdre , that comprehendeth Neemye ,
(CMPURVEY,I,1.17)

and al is o bok anentis Ebreyes , as Jerom seith , (CMPURVEY,I,1.18)

but anentis Grekis and Latyns these ben twey bookis ; (CMPURVEY,I,1.19)

and the xv. is Hester , (CMPURVEY,I,1.20)

the xvj. is Joob , (CMPURVEY,I,1.21)

the xvij. is the Sauter ; (CMPURVEY,I,1.22)

the xviij. book , xix. and xx. ben the iij. bookis of Salamon ;
(CMPURVEY,I,1.23)

the first is Prouerbis , either Parablis , (CMPURVEY,I,1.24)

the ij. is Eclesiastes , (CMPURVEY,I,1.25)

and the iij. is Songis of Songis ; (CMPURVEY,I,1.26)

the xxi. book , xxij. xxiij. and xxiiij. ben the foure grete prophetis
; (CMPURVEY,I,1.27)

Isaie is the first , (CMPURVEY,I,1.28)

Jeremye is the ij . (CMPURVEY,I,1.29)

Ezechiel is the iij . (CMPURVEY,I,1.30)

and Daniel is the fourth ; (CMPURVEY,I,1.31)

the xxv. book is o book of xij. smale prophetis ; (CMPURVEY,I,1.32)

Osee is the first , (CMPURVEY,I,1.33)

Joel is the ij . (CMPURVEY,I,1.34)

Amos is the iij . (CMPURVEY,I,1.35)

Abdie is the iiij . (CMPURVEY,I,1.36)

Jonas is the fyuethe , (CMPURVEY,I,1.37)

and Michee is the vj . (CMPURVEY,I,1.38)

Naum is the vij . (CMPURVEY,I,1.39)

Abacuk is the viij . (CMPURVEY,I,1.40)

Sofonye is the ix . (CMPURVEY,I,1.41)

Aggeye is the x . (CMPURVEY,I,1.42)

Sacharie is the xi . (CMPURVEY,I,1.43)

and Malachie is the xij. ; (CMPURVEY,I,1.44)

and alle these xij. smale prophetis ben o book , and in this ordre .
(CMPURVEY,I,1.45)

And what euer book in the olde testament is out of these fyue and
twenty byfore seid , shal be set among apocrifa , that is , with outen
autorite of bileue ; (CMPURVEY,I,1.46)

therfore the book of Wisdom and Eclesiastici and Judith and Tobie be
not of bileue . (CMPURVEY,I,1.47)

The first book of Machabeies was founden write in Ebreu ,
(CMPURVEY,I,1.48)

and the ij. book of Machabeyes was writen first in Grek .
(CMPURVEY,I,1.49)

Jerom seith al this sentence in the prologe on the first book of Kyngis
. (CMPURVEY,I,1.50)

Also the book of Baruc and the pistle of Jeremye ben not of the
autorite of the bible anentis Ebreyes , ne the preyer of Manasses , as
Jerom witnessith , (CMPURVEY,I,1.51)

and how mich of the book of Hester and of Daniel is of autorite anentis
Ebreyes , and in Ebreu lettre , it is told in the same bookis by Jerom
hym self ; (CMPURVEY,I,1.52)

netheles Jerom , in suynge Ebreyes , comprehendith alle these bookis in
xxij. ; (CMPURVEY,I,1.53)

for Ebreies maken oo book of the first and ij. book of Kyngis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,1.54)

and clepen it Samuel , (CMPURVEY,I,1.55)

and thei maken oo book of the iij. and iiij. book of Kyngis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,1.56)

and clepen it Malachym , (CMPURVEY,I,1.57)

and thei comprehenden in oo book the ij. bookis of Paralipominon .
(CMPURVEY,I,1.58)

But certis , litel charge is of this rikenyng , whether the bookis of
Kyngis ben noumbred foure , as Latyns doen , either tweyn , as Ebreies
doen . (CMPURVEY,I,1.59)

Also litel charge is , whether Paralipominon be departid in ij. bookis
, as Latyns vsen , either be oo book aloone , as Ebreis doen ;
(CMPURVEY,I,1.60)

and so of the first book of Esdras and of Neemye , litel charge is ,
whether thei ben tweyne , as Latyns and <P_I,2> Grekis vsen , other oon
aloone , as Ebreyes vsen . (CMPURVEY,I,2.61)

Netheles it semeth , that Latyns and Grekis han more reson in this
rikenyng than Ebreies han , (CMPURVEY,I,2.62)

but hou euer these bookis ben noumbrid , alle these ben of autorite of
bileue , either of cristen feith . (CMPURVEY,I,2.63)

Thanne if the first book of Esdre and the book of Neemye ben noumbrid
for tweyne , as Grekis and Latyns vsen , and if men taken Judith for a
book of holy Scripture , as the general congregacioun of clergie dide
at the Seyne of Nicene , as Jerom witnessith in the prologe on Judith ,
thanne in the olde testament ben xxvij. bookis of bileue .
(CMPURVEY,I,2.64)

Also Eclesiastici was writen in Ebreu , (CMPURVEY,I,2.65)

and the book of Wisdom is not anentis Ebreies , (CMPURVEY,I,2.66)

but sowneth Grek eloquence , (CMPURVEY,I,2.67)

and summe olde writers affermen , that the Jew Filo made it .
(CMPURVEY,I,2.68)

Therfore as holy chirche redith Judith and Tobie and the bookis of
Machabeies , but resceyueth not tho among holy Scripturis , so the
chirche redith these ij. bookis Eclesiastici and Sapience to edifying
of the peple , not to conferme the autorite of techingis of holy
chirche ; (CMPURVEY,I,2.69)

Jerom seith this pleynly in the prologe on Prouerbis .
(CMPURVEY,I,2.70)

Also Jerom translatide the first book of Esdre and Neemye ,
(CMPURVEY,I,2.71)

and biddith that no man delite in the dremis of the iij. and iiij. book
of Esdre that ben apocrifa , that is , not of autorite of bileue ;
(CMPURVEY,I,2.72)

for anentis Ebreies the wordis of Esdre and of Neemye ben driuen in to
o book ; (CMPURVEY,I,2.73)

and the bookis of the olde testament , that ben not anentis Ebreies ,
and ben not of the noumbre of holy writ , owen to be cast fer awey ;
(CMPURVEY,I,2.74)

Jerom seith this in the prolog of Esdre . (CMPURVEY,I,2.75)

And therfore translatide not the thridde neither the fourthe book of
Esdre , that ben apocrifa ; but onely the first , and of Neemye , that
ben rikened for twey bookis anentis Grekis and Latyns , and ben of
autorite of bileue . (CMPURVEY,I,2.76)

Netheles apocrifa ben seid in twey maners , (CMPURVEY,I,2.77)

as Catholicon seith on this word apocrifa ; a book is seid apocrifum ,
either for the autor is vnknowen , and the treuthe therof is opyn ;
(CMPURVEY,I,2.78)

and hooly chirche resseyueth sich a book not to preuyng of feith , but
to lernyng of vertues ; (CMPURVEY,I,2.79)

and siche ben the bookis of Judith and other , whiche Seynt Jerom
noumbrith in the prologe on Regum ; (CMPURVEY,I,2.80)

either a book is seid apocrifum , for me doutith of the treuthe therof
; (CMPURVEY,I,2.81)

and holy chirche resceyueth not siche bookis ; (CMPURVEY,I,2.82)

and siche ben the book of the +gong childhed of the Sauyour , and the
book of the takyng up of the body of Seynt Marye to heuen ;
(CMPURVEY,I,2.83)

Catholicon seith this on that word apocrifa . (CMPURVEY,I,2.84)

But sothely alle the bookis of the newe testament , that is , foure
gospelleris , Matheu , Mark , Luk , and Jon ; xij. pistelis of Poul ,
vij. smale pistils , the Dedis of Apostlis , and the Apocalips ben
fulli of autorite of bileue ; (CMPURVEY,I,2.85)

therfore cristen men and wymmen , olde and +gonge , shulden studie fast
in the newe testament , (CMPURVEY,I,2.86)

for it is of ful autorite , and opyn to vndirstonding of simple men ,
as to the poyntis that be moost nedeful to saluacioun ;
(CMPURVEY,I,2.87)

and the same sentence is in the derkiste placis of holy writ , whiche
sentence is in the opyn placis ; (CMPURVEY,I,2.88)

and ech place of holy writ , bothe opyn and derk , techith mekenes and
charite ; (CMPURVEY,I,2.89)

and therfore he that kepith mekenes and charite hath the trewe
vndirstondyng and perfectioun of al holi writ , as Austyn preuith in
his sermoun of the preysing of charite . (CMPURVEY,I,2.90)

Therfore no simple man of wit be aferd vnmesurabli to studie in the
text of holy writ , for whi tho ben wordis of euerlastyng lif , as
Petir seide to Crist in the vj. chapitre of Jon ; (CMPURVEY,I,2.91)

and the Holy Gost stirede hooly men to speke and write the wordis of
hooly writ for the coumfort and saluacioun of meke cristen men , as
Petir in the ij. pistle in the ende , and Poul in xv. chapitre to
Romayns witnessen . (CMPURVEY,I,2.92)

And no clerk be proude of the verrey vndirstondyng of holy writ , for
whi verrey vndirstonding of hooly writ with outen charite , that kepith
Goddis heestis , makith a man depper dampned , as James and Jhesu Crist
witnessen ; (CMPURVEY,I,2.93)

and pride and couetise of clerkis is cause of her blindenes and eresie
, (CMPURVEY,I,2.94)

and priueth hem fro verrey vndir-stondyng <P_I,3> of holy writ ,
(CMPURVEY,I,3.95)

and maken hem go quyk in to helle , as Austyn seith on the Sauter , on
that word , Descendant in infernum viventes . (CMPURVEY,I,3.96)

<heading>

CAP. II. (CMPURVEY,I,3.98)

</heading>

THE old testament is departid in to thre parties , in to moral
comaundementis , iudicials , and cerimonyals . (CMPURVEY,I,3.100)

Moral comaundementis techen to holde and preise and cherishe vertues ,
and to fle and repreue vicis , (CMPURVEY,I,3.101)

and these comaundementis bynden euer , (CMPURVEY,I,3.102)

and han strengthe , (CMPURVEY,I,3.103)

for tho ben groundid in charite and reson , and in lawes of kynde .
(CMPURVEY,I,3.104)

Judicials techen domes and peynes for orrible synnes ,
(CMPURVEY,I,3.105)

and the iudicials of Moises lawe weren ful iust and profitable for men
, (CMPURVEY,I,3.106)

for tho weren ordeined of God , that may not erre in his domes , and
lawis , and workis . (CMPURVEY,I,3.107)

Netheles sithen Crist was maad man , and ordeyned lawe of mercy and of
charite , and wole not the deth of a sinful man , bot repentaunce and
saluacioun , cristen men ben not bounden to kepe the iudicials of
Moyses lawe , that was endid in the tyme of Cristis passioun .
(CMPURVEY,I,3.108)

But +git cristen lordis that han the swerd , and ben Goddis vikers , in
xiij. c=o=. to Romayns , moun punishe men , that trespassen openly , in
catel and bodyly prisoun , and somtyme bi bodily deth , whanne the
synne may not ellis be distried , neither the comynte may ellis be
stablishid in pees , as the foure doctours and other latter preuen
opynly by holy writ and resoun ; (CMPURVEY,I,3.109)

but looke that this be don for charite and comyn profit , with mercy
and compassioun of bretheren , not for couetise , nether pride ,
neither for veniaunce of a mannes owne wrong . (CMPURVEY,I,3.110)

Cerymonials techen figuris and sacramentis of the olde lawe , that
figureden Crist and his deth , and the misteries of holy chirche in the
lawe of grace ; (CMPURVEY,I,3.111)

and these cerimonials ceessiden outirly , as to obligacioun , in the
tyme of Cristis deth , (CMPURVEY,I,3.112)

and ben noyful and dampnable to men that kepen tho , (CMPURVEY,I,3.113)

and for that the gospel is prechid and knowen generally ;
(CMPURVEY,I,3.114)

for if tho cerymonyes ben kept now , the kepers of tho knowlechen ,
that Crist is not +git comen , neither suffrid deth for mankynde ;
(CMPURVEY,I,3.115)

and this knowleching is opyn heresie ; for whi the treuthe and fredom
of the gospel suffisith to saluacioun with out keping of cerymonyes
maad of God in the old lawe , and mych more with out cerimonyes of
sinful men and vnkunnynge , that ben made in the tyme of Antecrist ,
and of vnbyndyng of Sathanas , in xx. c=o=. of Apocalips .
(CMPURVEY,I,3.116)

Therfore as it is opyn eresie to seie , that the gospel with his
treuthe and fredom suffisith not to cristen mennes saluacioun with
outen kepyng of cerimonyes of Goddis lawe +gouen to Moyses , so it
semith opyn heresie to seie , that the gospel with his treuthe and
fredom suffisith not to saluacioun of cristen men with out kepyng of
ceremonyes and statutis of sinful men and vnkunnynge , that ben maad in
the tyme of Sathanas and of Antecrist . (CMPURVEY,I,3.117)

<heading>

CAP. III. (CMPURVEY,I,3.119)

</heading>

SYMPLE men of wit moun be edified mych to heuenly lyuyng bi redyng and
knowyng of the olde testament , (CMPURVEY,I,3.121)

for in the bigynnyng of Genesis they moun knowe , hou God made heuen
and erthe and alle creaturis of nou+gt , (CMPURVEY,I,3.122)

and made man to his owne ymage and licnesse , and to haue blisse in
body and soule with outen ende . (CMPURVEY,I,3.123)

Also men moun knowe , hou sore God punishide Adam and Eue for brekyng
of his comaundement ; and hou Abel plesid God by feith , mekenesse and
charite ; and hou Caym displeside hym by synnes , and specialli by
enuye , hatrede and manquellyng . Also hou Noe was loued of God , and
al the world , outaken viij. persones , was distried for synne ; and
hou for pride and other synnes God departid many langagis , that no man
vndirstood other in the tour of Babel ; and hou feithful and obedient
to God Abraham was , that he +gede out of his lond in to a straunge
cuntre , and was redy to sle his owne sone Isaac at the wille of God ,
and gat therfore mich reward of God ; and hou God distried Sodom and
Gommor , and other thre cytees , for leccherye and <P_I,4> other synnes
, that tho weren sunkun doun ; and the dede see is now where tho grete
cytees weren . Also hou trewe and obedient to God weren Isaac and Jacob
and Joseph , and hou God kepte hem in alle perels . (CMPURVEY,I,4.124)

Al this proces of Genesis shulde stire cristen men to be feithful , and
for to drede and loue God , and in alle thingis do his wille .
(CMPURVEY,I,4.125)

Also in Exodi men moun knowe , hou God kept his simple peple in Egipt ,
and encresside hem gretly in that lond , vndir the persecucioun and
tirauntrie of Farao , and deliueride hem by many miraclis , and
punishid Farao and his peple with ten stronge veniauncis , and fedde
hem meruelously in desert xl. +geris , where no duelling of men was
bifore , and made hem to ouercome the strong peple of Amalech .
(CMPURVEY,I,4.126)

Aftir this God tau+gte hem wyis gouernayle , (CMPURVEY,I,4.127)

and bitook to hem the ten comaundementis and other iudicials , to
punishe gretly opyn grete synnes . (CMPURVEY,I,4.128)

Also they weren ful bisy to make a costlew tabernacle to the onour of
God , by his bidding and techyng , that figuride holi chirche and
vertues in mennes soulis . (CMPURVEY,I,4.129)

At the laste God took gret veniaunce on hem for idolatrie , whanne thei
forsoken the feith and worshipyng of God , (CMPURVEY,I,4.130)

and onoureden +goten calues bi stiryng of the deuel .
(CMPURVEY,I,4.131)

And thanne Moyses was a trewe mediatour bitwix God and the sinful peple
, (CMPURVEY,I,4.132)

and seide thus to God , for gret trist of his mercy and ri+gtfulnes ,
and for gret charite to the peple , " either for+giue thou this trespas
to hem , (CMPURVEY,I,4.133)

either do me out of thi book in which thou hast writen me ; "
(CMPURVEY,I,4.134)

and for this deuout preier and greet charite of Moyses God sparede the
synful pepil , (CMPURVEY,I,4.135)

and distryede not sodeynly al the pepil , (CMPURVEY,I,4.136)

but took hem to mercy and grace . (CMPURVEY,I,4.137)

And this proces of Exodi shulde make men trysty in Goddis help , and to
be trewe in his loue , and eschewe his offence with al her my+gtis .
(CMPURVEY,I,4.138)

The iij. book clepid Leuitici techith men sacrificis due to God , and
for synnes of the peple , in the tyme of the olde testament , and that
no man vnworthi shulde ney+ge to the seruise and sacrifice of God .
(CMPURVEY,I,4.139)

These sacrificis owen not to be kept now , (CMPURVEY,I,4.140)

for tho figureden the passioun and deth of Crist , and remissioun of
synnes bi the blood and merit of Crist , in the lawe of grace .
(CMPURVEY,I,4.141)

Also this book techith men to absteyne fro wedlok of ny+g kyn and
affynyte , with ynne the ij. degre , (CMPURVEY,I,4.142)

and ordeyneth peyne of deeth for ydolatrie , and weddyng with ynne the
ij. degre of consanguynyte and affynite . (CMPURVEY,I,4.143)

At the last this book techith men to kepe Goddis heestis , and for to
loue her nei+gboris and to do equyte to hem , and werkis of mercy to
nedy men ; (CMPURVEY,I,4.144)

and comaundith iust wey+gtis and mesures , and domes ;
(CMPURVEY,I,4.145)

and forbedith strongly ydolatrye and wicche craftis and false
coniouryngis ; (CMPURVEY,I,4.146)

and tellith prosperite that shal come to hem that kepen Goddis heestis
, and veniaunce and peyne to hem that breken Goddis heestis .
(CMPURVEY,I,4.147)

And this proces of Leuitici shulde make cristen men aferd to breke
Goddis heestis , and ioyful to kepe tho to lyf and deth , for reward of
God in euerlastyng blisse . (CMPURVEY,I,4.148)

The iiij. book clepid Numeri tellith the noumbre of peple led out of
Egipt , bothe of lewid men and of prestis and of dekenys ; and how God
kept hem longe in the orrible desert , and punisshide hem alle bi deeth
, out taken Caleph and Josue , for grucchyng and mystriste to Goddis
word , and punisshide Marie , Moyses sistyr , with lepre , for
bacbytyng of Moyses , the mylde seruaunt of God . (CMPURVEY,I,4.149)

Also whanne God wolde haue distryed the peple for grucchyng a+gens hym
, Moyses preyede with al his herte for the peple that wolde stoone hym
to deeth . (CMPURVEY,I,4.150)

Also God techith there , that he that doth ony synne by pride shal be
deed , and that he that brak the sabot , +ghe by gaderyng of stickis ,
shulde be stooned of alle the peple . (CMPURVEY,I,4.151)

Also God punisshide soore Chore , Dathan , and Abyron , that weren
rebel a+gens Moyses and Aaron , and made discencioun in the peple , so
that the erthe openyde , and deuouride hem with here tabernaclis , and
al her catel , and thei +geden doun quyke in to helle .
(CMPURVEY,I,4.152)

+Git whanne the <P_I,5> peple grucchide a+geyns Moyses and Aaron , and
wolde sle hem vniustly , and God killide mony thousendis of the peple
herfore , Moyses bad Aaron preye , and offre encense for the peple ;
(CMPURVEY,I,5.153)

and so he ceesside the veniaunce . (CMPURVEY,I,5.154)

Also God techith there , that prestis shulen haue the firste fruytis
and the first boren thingis , and part of sacrificis and avowis and
offringis ; and dekenys shulen haue tithis of the peple , and +giue her
tithis , that is , the tenthe part of tithis whiche thei token of the
peple , to the hi+gest prest , and prestis and dekenys shulen holde hem
apayed with her spiritual part of tithis and offryngis , and take no
possessioun in the lond of her britheren , (CMPURVEY,I,5.155)

for God hymself shal be the part and eritage of prestis , in the myddys
of the sones of Israel . (CMPURVEY,I,5.156)

Also for Moyses and Aaron bileueden not fully to Goddis word , but
doutiden of his byheest at the water of a+genseying , God suffride not
hem for to entre in to the lond of byheest , (CMPURVEY,I,5.157)

but bothe weren deed in desert . (CMPURVEY,I,5.158)

Also in this book ben told the duellyngis of the children of Israel in
desert , and the batels whiche thei hadden a+geyns hethen men ; and of
Balaam hou he was huyrid to curse Goddis peple , and hou God compellyd
hym to blesse his peple , and to seye profesie of Crist .
(CMPURVEY,I,5.159)

And for the peple of Israel dide fornicacioun and idolatrie , God bad
Moyses hange alle the princis a+gens the sunne , that the strong
veniaunce of God were turned awey fro the peple of Israel .
(CMPURVEY,I,5.160)

And for as myche as Fynees the prest killide a duke of Israel , that
dide fornicacioun with an hethen womman , and dide this for feruent
loue to God , he gat of God euerlastyng presthod for hym and his seed ,
(CMPURVEY,I,5.161)

and turned awey Goddis wraththe fro the children of Israel .
(CMPURVEY,I,5.162)

Also there is tau+gt , who shal be eyr of a man ; and of halydayes ,
and sacrificis , and offryngis maade in tho ; and whiche avowis shulen
be holden , and whiche not ; and of batels ; and hou the preyes shulden
be departid among the peple , and what shulde falle to the prest ; and
hou the lond of byheest shulde be departid to xij. lynagis ;
(CMPURVEY,I,5.163)

and dekenys shulden haue citees to enhabite in tho , and the subarbees
to here sheep and beestys ; (CMPURVEY,I,5.164)

and citees of refuyt shulden be ordeyned for hem that shedden blood
vnwilfully , not of purpos , neithir hatrede byfore goynge ;
(CMPURVEY,I,5.165)

and he that is gilty of mannis deeth shal be slayn with outen ony
redempcioun . (CMPURVEY,I,5.166)

This proces of Numeri shulde stire cristen men for to loue here enemyes
, and do good to hem , as Moyses and Aaron diden , and to kepe Goddis
heestis , and shede not mannis blood vniustly . (CMPURVEY,I,5.167)

The fyfthe book clepid Deutronomye is a rehersyng and confermyng of al
the lawe biforegoyng , (CMPURVEY,I,5.168)

and styrith men gretly to kepe and teche Goddis heestis , and adde no
thing to tho , neither drawe awey ony thing fro tho ;
(CMPURVEY,I,5.169)

and first it techith , that wise men and my+gty shulen be maad iugis ,
and deme iustly the pore and the riche ; aftirward hou the Jewis
ouercamen Seon , the kyng of Hesebon , and token his lond and alle the
goodis therynne in to her owne possessioun , and dedyn in lyk maner to
Og the kyng of Basan , and to his lond and goodis . (CMPURVEY,I,5.170)

Ferthermore God comaundith men to kepe hise heestis , and adde no thing
therto , neither drawe ony thing ther fro , and that they drede and
loue God of al her herte , and al her soule , and al her strengthe ,
and eschewe ydolatrie , and serue and worshipe hym aloone ; and that
thei teche Goddis heestis to here sones , and thenke on tho heestis in
hous and weye , slepynge and wakynge . (CMPURVEY,I,5.171)

Also God comaundith his peple to eschewe weddyngis of hethen men and
wymmen to her children , lest they ben drawen to idolatrye ,
(CMPURVEY,I,5.172)

and bihetith many blessyngis to hem and miche encresyng of goodis , if
thei kepen treuly hise comaundementis , and that strong veniaunce and
distryyng shal come on the Jewis , if thei doen ydolatrie , and ben
vnobedient to God . (CMPURVEY,I,5.173)

Also God biddith hem haue mynde , that they weldiden the lond of
byheest , not for her owne ri+gtfulnesse and strengthe , but for the
synnes of men that duelliden therynne , and for the ooth of God which
he made to Abraham and to other hooly men . (CMPURVEY,I,5.174)

And thanne God remembrith to hem many grete synnis , to make hem war
that thei trespase no more , but that thei drede God <P_I,6> and loue
hym in alle her hert and soule , kepe hise comaundementis , and swere
by his name , and loue pilgrymes either comelyngis . (CMPURVEY,I,6.175)

Eft God biddith hem haue hise wordis in her hertis and wittis , and
haue tho for a singne in the hondis , and bytwyxe her y+gen , and that
they teche her sones to bithenke on the wordis of God euere , and that
they write the wordis of God on the postis and +gatis of her hous ; and
tellith and +giueth his blessyng to hem , if thei kepen hise heestis ,
and +giueth his curs to hem , if they breken hise heestis , and
worshipen aliene goddis . (CMPURVEY,I,6.176)

Also they shulen distrye the placis wherynne hethen men diden ydolatrie
, and distrye her auters , ymagis , woodis and ydols ;
(CMPURVEY,I,6.177)

and thei shulen make her sacrifices , and offre her tithis , and the
firste fruytis , and +giftis and avowis in the place which the Lord
hath chose to his name , (CMPURVEY,I,6.178)

and this was the temple of Jerusalem . (CMPURVEY,I,6.179)

Also a prophete , either a feynere of dremys , that wole styre men to
do ydolatrye shal be slayn , and so shal a frend either citee that doth
idolatrye , eithir styrith other men therto . (CMPURVEY,I,6.180)

Also thou shalt paye tithis of alle fruytis that growen in erthe , of
whete , of wyn , and of oyle , and the first boren thingis of neet and
sheep ; (CMPURVEY,I,6.181)

and in the thridde +gere thou shalt departe an othir tithe of alle
thingis that growen to thee , and kepe it with ynne thine +gatis , to
susteyne the dekene , pylgrym outher comelyng , fadirles child either
modirles , and wydue , that ben with ynne thy +gatis .
(CMPURVEY,I,6.182)

Also in the vij. +geer shal be remissioun of dette to citeseynes and
kynnesmen , netheles not to a pylgrym and comelyng , (CMPURVEY,I,6.183)

for he may be compellid to paye . (CMPURVEY,I,6.184)

Outirly a nedy man and begger shal not be among Goddis peple ;
(CMPURVEY,I,6.185)

but pore men shulen not fayle in the lond , (CMPURVEY,I,6.186)

therfore ryche men shulen helpe hem with loue , and helpe hem wilfully
in here nede . (CMPURVEY,I,6.187)

Thanne God techith of thre grete solempnetees , of pask , of the feeste
of woukis either pentecost , and of the feeste of tabernaclis ; and
that maystris and iugis shulen be ordeyned in alle +gatis either citees
by ech lynage , to deme the peple by iust doom , and take not +giftis
nether persones . (CMPURVEY,I,6.188)

Ferthermore God techith , that who euer is conuyct by tweyne eithir
thre witnessis , that he hath do idolatrie , he shal be stoonyd , first
by the witnessis , and thanne by al the pepil . (CMPURVEY,I,6.189)

He that is proud and wole not obeye to the comaundement of the hi+ge
prest , and to the doom of the iugis , in that that thei techen Goddis
lawe , shal be deed . (CMPURVEY,I,6.190)

Thanne God techith , what maner kyng the pepil shal make , and what
shal be his office . (CMPURVEY,I,6.191)

Aftirward God techith , that prestis and dekenys , and alle that ben of
the same lynage , shulen not haue part and eritage with the residue
pepil of Israel , (CMPURVEY,I,6.192)

for they shulen ete the sacrifices of the Lord , and the offringis of
hym , (CMPURVEY,I,6.193)

and thei shulen take noon othir thing of the possessioun of her
bretheren ; for whi God hym self is her eritage . (CMPURVEY,I,6.194)

Ferthermore God forbedith idolatrie , and to enquere coniourers , and
to kepe dremys and chiteryng of briddis ; (CMPURVEY,I,6.195)

and comaundith that no wicche neithir enchaunter be , and that men take
not councel at hem that han spiritis in cloos , neithir at false
dyuynours , neithir axe of deede men the trouthe . (CMPURVEY,I,6.196)

Also God shal reise a profete of her brethir , that is Crist the
Sauyour , (CMPURVEY,I,6.197)

and he that hath not hise wordis shal be punishid . (CMPURVEY,I,6.198)

A profete that wole speke by pride in the name of God that thing that
God bad not hym , eithir bi the name of othir goddis , shal be slayn .
(CMPURVEY,I,6.199)

Also vj. citees of refuyt eithir of fraunchise shulen be , that he that
sleeth a man , not by hatrede but a+gens his wille , be saued ,
(CMPURVEY,I,6.200)

and he that sleeth a man bi hatrede and bifore castyng , shal be slayn
with oute mercy , eithir raunsoun . (CMPURVEY,I,6.201)

He that is conuict to have seid fals witnessyng a+gens his brothir ,
shal haue the same peyne to which his brothir shulde be put , if he
hadde be gilty . (CMPURVEY,I,6.202)

Also prestis shulen coumforte hem that gon to iust batel , to haue
trist in God , and drede not her enemyes , and that ferdful men , and
thei that han newly byldyd an hous , eithir newly plauntid a vyne ,
eithir newly weddid a wyf , and not vsid hir , go not to batel ;
(CMPURVEY,I,6.203)

and first werryours shulen profre pees to a citee , (CMPURVEY,I,6.204)

and if the citee +gelde it self , men ther <P_I,7> ynne shulen lyue
vndir tribute , (CMPURVEY,I,7.205)

ellis alle men ther ynne shulen be slayn ; (CMPURVEY,I,7.206)

and this is vndirstonden of tho citees that be not +gouen in to
possessioun to the pepil of Israel . (CMPURVEY,I,7.207)

And there is teld the departyng of preyes , and what trees shulen be
kit doun in bisegynge . (CMPURVEY,I,7.208)

Also God techith what shal be doon , whanne a man is founden slayn ,
and the sleer is vnknowun . (CMPURVEY,I,7.209)

A child rebel to the fadir and modir , and that +giueth hym silf to
glotenye , leccherye and drunkennesse , shal be stoonyd of al the citee
. (CMPURVEY,I,7.210)

A man shal kepe the oxe and sheep of his brothir , that is strayed awey
, and bringe it a+gen to his brothir , and so of other beestis and of
ech thing ; (CMPURVEY,I,7.211)

and if thou knowist not , whose tho ben , thou shalt kepe tho stille ,
tyl thi brothir seke and resseyue tho . (CMPURVEY,I,7.212)

Who euer doth avoutrie , shal be deed ; (CMPURVEY,I,7.213)

if a man defoulith a virgyne , he shal wedde hir , and +giue l. siclis
of siluer to her fadir . (CMPURVEY,I,7.214)

Thou shalt not take a seruaunt to his lord , which seruaunt fledde to
thee , (CMPURVEY,I,7.215)

bot he shal duelle with thee in a place that plesith hym .
(CMPURVEY,I,7.216)

Noon hoore shal be of the dou+gtris of Israel , neithir a lechour of
the soones of Israel . (CMPURVEY,I,7.217)

Thou shalt not leene to thi brothir for vsure . (CMPURVEY,I,7.218)

If a man hatith his wife , he shal write and +giue to hir a libel of
forsakyng ; (CMPURVEY,I,7.219)

but this is forbedun of Crist in the gospel of M=t= .v=to=. ca=o=. and
xix ca=o= . (CMPURVEY,I,7.220)

Whanne a man hath take late a wyf , he shal not go to batel ,
(CMPURVEY,I,7.221)

neithir ony comyn office shal be put on hym , (CMPURVEY,I,7.222)

but oon +geer he shal be glad with his wif , and take heede to his hous
. (CMPURVEY,I,7.223)

He that proloyneth his brothir , which is a fre man , and sillith hym ,
shal be slayn . (CMPURVEY,I,7.224)

Thou shalt +gelde at ny+gt to a pore man his weed , (CMPURVEY,I,7.225)

and in the same day thou shalt paye to a nedy traueylour his huyre .
(CMPURVEY,I,7.226)

Fadris shulen not be slayn for the sones , neithir sones for the fadris
. (CMPURVEY,I,7.227)

Whanne thou repist corn in the feeld , and for+getist an handful , thou
shalt not turne a+gen to take it , (CMPURVEY,I,7.228)

but thou shalt suffre that a comelyng , fadirles child and wydewe take
it awey ; and so of gaderyng of olyues and of gaderyng of grapis .
(CMPURVEY,I,7.229)

Whanne twey men ben at debatyng , and the wif of oon wole delyuere hir
housbond fro the hond of the strenger , and take hym by the preuy
membris , sche shall leese her hond withouten eny mercy .
(CMPURVEY,I,7.230)

And there God forbedith false wei+gtis and mesures , a more and a lesse
. (CMPURVEY,I,7.231)

Also dekenes schulen pronunce and seie with hi+g vois to alle the men
of Israel , he is cursid that doth ydolatrie , eithir brekith eny
comaundement of God eithir doth a+gens eny part of the lawe of God ;
(CMPURVEY,I,7.232)

and al the peple schal seie , Amen . (CMPURVEY,I,7.233)

Also God biheetith greet prosperite to his peple , if thei kepe his
heestis , (CMPURVEY,I,7.234)

and thei schulen be blessid in citee and in feeld , (CMPURVEY,I,7.235)

and the fruit of her wombe and the fruyt of her lond shal be blessid ,
(CMPURVEY,I,7.236)

and alle thingis that perteynen to hem schulen be blessid ,
(CMPURVEY,I,7.237)

and thei schulen haue victorie of hire enemyes , (CMPURVEY,I,7.238)

and manye prosperites of soule and of bodi schulen bifalle to hem ;
(CMPURVEY,I,7.239)

and if thei kepen not Goddis heestis , thei schulen be cursid in cite
and feeld , (CMPURVEY,I,7.240)

the fruit of her wombe , and alle thingis that perteynen to hem schul
be cursid ; (CMPURVEY,I,7.241)

God schal sende hem hungir , thirst , pestilence , feuer and coold ,
brennynge and heete , and corupt eir , til thei perischen ;
(CMPURVEY,I,7.242)

enemyes schulen haue victorie , and conquere hem , and take hem
presoners ; (CMPURVEY,I,7.243)

and +git God schal punysche hem with huge veniaunce , that alle that
heeren ben astonyed . (CMPURVEY,I,7.244)

Natheles if whanne alle these veniances ben fallen on hem , thei
repenten verily in the herte , and turne a+gen to God , and obeyen to
hise heestis in al her herte and al her soule , the Lord shal haue
mercy on hem , and bringe hem a+gen to hire lond fro alle folkis ,
among whiche thei weren scaterid , (CMPURVEY,I,7.245)

and God schal blesse hem , and make hem to be of more noumbre than her
fadris weren , (CMPURVEY,I,7.246)

and schal turne alle the cursis on her enemyes ; (CMPURVEY,I,7.247)

and God schal +geue to hem aboundaunce in alle werkis of her hondis ,
and in alle thingis that perteynen to hem . (CMPURVEY,I,7.248)

Moises spac alle these wordis to al the puple of Israel ,
(CMPURVEY,I,7.249)

and bad hem drede not her enemyes , (CMPURVEY,I,7.250)

for God schal go bifore his peple , and ouercome her enemyes .
(CMPURVEY,I,7.251)

And Moises ordeyned Josue to be ledere of the peple bifore al the
multitude of the sones <P_I,8> of Israel . (CMPURVEY,I,8.252)

Moises wroot this lawe (CMPURVEY,I,8.253)

and +gaf it to prestis , the sones of Leuy , and to the eldre men of
Israel , (CMPURVEY,I,8.254)

and bad hem rede the wordis of this lawe bifore al Israel , in the
heeringe of alle men and wymmen , litel children , and comelingis ,
eithir conuersis to the feith of Jewis , that thei heere and lerne and
dreede oure Lord God , and kepe and fille alle the wordis of this lawe
. (CMPURVEY,I,8.255)

Moises bi Goddis comaundement wroot a greet song , (CMPURVEY,I,8.256)

and tau+gte it the children of Israel , that it schulde be into
witnessing a+gens hem ; (CMPURVEY,I,8.257)

and Moises clepide togidere alle the eldre men and techeris ,
(CMPURVEY,I,8.258)

and clepide heuene and erthe into witnessing a+gens hem ;
(CMPURVEY,I,8.259)

and whanne Moises hadde fillid alle the wordis of this greet song , he
styede into an hil , (CMPURVEY,I,8.260)

and was deed there , (CMPURVEY,I,8.261)

and God biryede him , (CMPURVEY,I,8.262)

and man knew not his sepulcre til into this day . (CMPURVEY,I,8.263)

Cristen men schulde myche reede and heere and kunne this book of
Deutronomye that conprehendith al the lawe of Moises , and disposith
men for to bileeue in Crist , and heere and kepe his wordis .
(CMPURVEY,I,8.264)

<heading>

CAP. IV. (CMPURVEY,I,8.266)

</heading>

The vj. book , which is clepid Josue , tellith in general , that Josue
brou+gte the peple into the lond of biheeste , and departide it bi lott
to hem ; and first how God bihi+gte to Josue that noon schulde mowe
a+genstonde him and his peple in alle the daies of his lijf ;
(CMPURVEY,I,8.268)

and God bihi+gte that Josue schulde departe bi lot to his peple the
lond of biheest ; (CMPURVEY,I,8.269)

and God comaundide him to kepe al the lawe , and bowe not fro it , but
thenke therinne bi daies and ny+gtis , that he kepe and do tho thingis
that ben writen therinne . (CMPURVEY,I,8.270)

Aftir this Josue sente aspies to bihoolde the lond and the citee of
Jerico ; (CMPURVEY,I,8.271)

and thei entriden in to the hous of a comun womman Raab ,
(CMPURVEY,I,8.272)

and weren sauid there bi counceil and helpe of the womman .
(CMPURVEY,I,8.273)

Thanne Josue bad the prestis take the arke of boond of pees of the Lord
, and goo bifore the peple , (CMPURVEY,I,8.274)

and thei diden so . (CMPURVEY,I,8.275)

And whanne the prestis camen with the arke to the brinke of Jurdan ,
the greet watir of Jurdan wente awey to the deed se ,
(CMPURVEY,I,8.276)

and the hi+gere wateris stooden stille as a wal , so that the peple
passide bi the drie botme , and the prestis stoodin on the drie erthe
in the myddis of Jurdan . (CMPURVEY,I,8.277)

Also Josue bad xij. men of xij. lynagis of Israel take xij. greete
stoonis fro the botme of Jordan , and sette tho in Galgalis , where the
peple settide tentis in the ny+gt aftir the passage of Jurdan , and
take xij. stoonis of the lond , and putte in the myddis of Jordan ,
where the arke hadde stoonde ; (CMPURVEY,I,8.278)

and bad that fadris schulden teche hire children , hou thei passiden bi
the drie botme of Jurdan , (CMPURVEY,I,8.279)

for God driede the watris theroffe , as he hadde do before in the reed
se , (CMPURVEY,I,8.280)

and the prestis and princis and al the peple obeyede to Josue .
(CMPURVEY,I,8.281)

Thanne Josue circumcide the peple that was vncircumcidid xl. +geer in
desert , (CMPURVEY,I,8.282)

and the peple made paask in the xiiij. day of the monthe at euentid ;
(CMPURVEY,I,8.283)

and Josue si+g an aungel of the Lord , which aungel was prince of
Goddis oost . (CMPURVEY,I,8.284)

Also the stronge wallis of Jerico felden doun at Goddis ordynaunce ,
whanne the prestis brayeden with vij. trumpis , and alle the peple
criede an hi+g in the vij. day of cumpassing of the citee .
(CMPURVEY,I,8.285)

And the peple of Israel distroiede and brente the citee and alle
thingis therinne , outaken Raab and tho that weren in her hous , and
outtaken gold and syluer , and vessels of bras and yroun , whiche thei
haleweden in to the tresorie of the Lord . (CMPURVEY,I,8.286)

Also for Achar dide a+gens Goddis bidding , and took to himself a thing
reserued to Goddis vs , he was stoonid and brent , (CMPURVEY,I,8.287)

and alle hise goodis weren brent with hym ; (CMPURVEY,I,8.288)

and til this punysching was doon on hym , the peple of Israel my+gte
not stoonde , (CMPURVEY,I,8.289)

but was ouercomen of hire enemyes . (CMPURVEY,I,8.290)

After this punysching of Achar Josue took the citee of Hay ,
(CMPURVEY,I,8.291)

and killede the king and al the peple , (CMPURVEY,I,8.292)

and distroiede and brente the citee , (CMPURVEY,I,8.293)

and hangide the king therof in a iebat . (CMPURVEY,I,8.294)

Thanne Josue bildide an auter to God in the hill of Hebal ,
(CMPURVEY,I,8.295)

and offride theronne brent sacrifice and peesible sacrificis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,8.296)

and wroot the Deutronomye of Moyses lawe on <P_I,9> stoonis .
(CMPURVEY,I,9.297)

And first he blesside the peple of Israel , (CMPURVEY,I,9.298)

and aftir these thingis he redde alle the wordis of blessing and of
cursing , and alle thingis that weren writen in the book of lawe ;
(CMPURVEY,I,9.299)

he lefte noo thing vntouchid of these thingis whiche Moises hadde
comaundid , (CMPURVEY,I,9.300)

but he declaride alle thingis bifore al the multitude of Israel , to
wymmen and litel children , and to comelyngis that dwelliden among hem
. (CMPURVEY,I,9.301)

Also men of Gabaon feyneden hem to be of fer cuntre ,
(CMPURVEY,I,9.302)

and bi this fraude thei gaten of Josue and other princis pees and lijf
; (CMPURVEY,I,9.303)

and for this fraude thei and alle hire successouris weren maad boonde ,
to bringe woode and watir to the seruise of the auter and of al the
multitude of Israel for euere . (CMPURVEY,I,9.304)

Also Josue by Goddis help ouercam v. greete kingis in oo day ,
(CMPURVEY,I,9.305)

and made hise princis trede on the neckis of these kingis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,9.306)

and aftirward hangide these kingis in v. iebatis , (CMPURVEY,I,9.307)

and he ouercam alle the kingis and her peplis that dwelliden in the
lond of biheest , that weren xxxj. kingis , (CMPURVEY,I,9.308)

and departide the lond of biheest to xij. lynagis of Israel bi lot ,
and citees of refuyt , and citees to prestis and dekenes to dwelle inne
, as God comaundide . (CMPURVEY,I,9.309)

This processe of Josue schulde stire cristene men to haue greet trist
in God , and dreede noo man neither peple , as longe as thei seruen
treuly Almy+gty God . (CMPURVEY,I,9.310)

The vij. book clepid Judicum tellith that the puple of Israel was
reulid with iugis , either domysmen , aftir the deeth of Josue , and
sumtyme bi a womman Delbora . (CMPURVEY,I,9.311)

Whanne the peple felde to greete synnes , and specialy to ydolatrie ,
God sente aduersaries on hem that turmentiden the Jewis ful sore , and
killide many thousendis of hem , and heeld othere vndir tribute and
greet thraldam . (CMPURVEY,I,9.312)

And whanne the peple repentide vereily , and criede to God with al her
herte , he sente help to hem , (CMPURVEY,I,9.313)

and reiside a iuge that ouercam her enemyes , (CMPURVEY,I,9.314)

and reulide hem wel in pees and in Goddis lawe . (CMPURVEY,I,9.315)

This prosces of Judicum schulde stire cristene men for to flee synne ,
and loue God that doith so greet mercy to hem that repentyn verili .
(CMPURVEY,I,9.316)

This book comprehendith the storie of Ruth , that was an hethene womman
, and lefte her nacoun , and ydolatrie , and bileeuede in God , and
kepte his lawe . (CMPURVEY,I,9.317)

Therfore sche was weddid to a noble man of the Jewis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,9.318)

and is set in the genelogie either kynrede of oure Sauyour .
(CMPURVEY,I,9.319)

This story schulde stire alle men to forsake her synne , and serue God
treuly in al hire lijf , for reward of heuenly blisse .
(CMPURVEY,I,9.320)

The first book of Kingis tellith , how the prest Ely and his sones
weren repreued and slayn , for thei gouerneden yuele Goddis peple , and
for her synne and necligence the peple dide myche synne , and was
ouercomen of hethene men , and the arke of God was taken of hethene men
, and thei killeden manye thousindis of the Jewis ; and how the trewe
chijld Samuel was a feithful prophete of the Lord , and gouernede wel
the peple in Goddis seruise and ri+gtfulnesse , and dide noon
extorcioun , neither took +giftis of eny man , neither coueitide eny
mannis good , but dide alle thingis in his offis iustly bifore God and
man . (CMPURVEY,I,9.321)

And whanne Samuel was eeld , he settide his sones iuges of Israel ;
(CMPURVEY,I,9.322)

and for thei bowide aftir auarice , and tooken +giftis , and
peruertiden doom , the peple axiden a king on hem , to greet
indignacoun of God and harm of hemself . (CMPURVEY,I,9.323)

Thanne Saul that was pore and meke , and sou+gte the assis of his fadir
, was maad king , (CMPURVEY,I,9.324)

and dide wel a lytel while , (CMPURVEY,I,9.325)

and aftirward for his pride and coueitise he was repreued of God , and
pryued fro the reume , bothe he and his kyn ; (CMPURVEY,I,9.326)

and pore Dauith was chosen king bi Goddis ordynaunce for his meeknesse
, mersy , and charite . (CMPURVEY,I,9.327)

Dauith sparyde Saul his enemye , that pursuede him to deeth vniustly ,
and was a traitour and blasfemere of God , (CMPURVEY,I,9.328)

and not oonly sparide him twyes bitaken in to his hoondis , whanne he
my+gte haue slayn him , and +git ascapide harmles , (CMPURVEY,I,9.329)

but also lettide hise men to smyte hym , whanne thei my+gten haue slayn
him , and scapid harmles . (CMPURVEY,I,9.330)

And +git the wickid tyraunt Saul pursuede him for enuye ,
(CMPURVEY,I,9.331)

<P_I,10>

and sou+gte his deth in manye maners , (CMPURVEY,I,10.333)

and euere God kepte Dauith in alle perrels , (CMPURVEY,I,10.334)

and +geldide peyne to Saul for his tyrauntrie and wickidnesse ,
(CMPURVEY,I,10.335)

and made him to be slayn of hethene men . (CMPURVEY,I,10.336)

This processe of the firste book of Kingis schulde stire prestis to be
not necligent in her offis , neither to be coueytous , and styre
seculer lordis to be meke and iust to God and men . (CMPURVEY,I,10.337)

The ij. book of Kingis tellith first , hou Dauith biweylide greetly the
deth of Saul and of Jonatas , and of Goddis peple ; (CMPURVEY,I,10.338)

and Dauith killede the man of Amalech that killede Saul outirly , aftir
the deeth wounde of Saul , and brou+gte to Dauith the coroune and bye
of Saul . (CMPURVEY,I,10.339)

Aftir this the lynage of Juda corounnede either anoyntide Dauith in
Ebron , that he schulde reyne on the hous of Juda ; (CMPURVEY,I,10.340)

and thanne was longe werre bytwixxe Hisboseth , sone of Saul , and
bitwixe the hous of Dauith ; (CMPURVEY,I,10.341)

Dauith encreside euere , (CMPURVEY,I,10.342)

and waxe strongere and strongere , (CMPURVEY,I,10.343)

and the hous of Saul dicreeside ech day ; (CMPURVEY,I,10.344)

and Dauith rengnide vij. +geer in Ebron , (CMPURVEY,I,10.345)

and gat vj. sones . (CMPURVEY,I,10.346)

Also Dauith made mychel sorewe for the deth of Abner , whanne Joab
hadde killid him bi treesoun . (CMPURVEY,I,10.347)

Also Dauith killide Baana and Rechab , that killeden bi treesoun
Hisboseth his enemye . (CMPURVEY,I,10.348)

Thanne al Israel cam in to Ebron , (CMPURVEY,I,10.349)

and anoyntide Dauith in to king of Israel , (CMPURVEY,I,10.350)

and Dauith regnede on Juda in Ebron vij. +geer and an half ,
(CMPURVEY,I,10.351)

and regnede in Jerusalem xxxiij. +geer on al Israel and Juda ,
(CMPURVEY,I,10.352)

and was xxx. +ger eeld whanne he began to rengne , (CMPURVEY,I,10.353)

and rengnede xl. +geer . (CMPURVEY,I,10.354)

Aftir this the noble king Dauith hadde twyes victorie of Filisteis .
(CMPURVEY,I,10.355)

Thanne Dauith took xxx. thousind chosen men of Israel to bringe to his
place the arke of God , for reuerence and deuocioun .
(CMPURVEY,I,10.356)

Dauith made greet mynstrelsye , (CMPURVEY,I,10.357)

and mekide himself bifore the arke , (CMPURVEY,I,10.358)

and suffride rebukinge of Mycol , the dou+gtir of Saul ;
(CMPURVEY,I,10.359)

therfore Dauith thougte to bylde an hous to the ark of God .
(CMPURVEY,I,10.360)

Thanne God telde to Dauith that his sone schulde bylde this hous ,
(CMPURVEY,I,10.361)

and the trone of the reume of Dauith schal be stable withouten ende ;
(CMPURVEY,I,10.362)

and this is fillid in Crist . (CMPURVEY,I,10.363)

Thanne Dauith hadde victorie of many londis , (CMPURVEY,I,10.364)

and made tho tributarie to Israel , (CMPURVEY,I,10.365)

and God kepte Dauith in alle thingis , to whiche he +ged forth .
(CMPURVEY,I,10.366)

And Dauith dide dom and ri+gtfulnesse to al his peple ,
(CMPURVEY,I,10.367)

and he dide mercy and curtesie to Myfyboseth , sone of Jonatas .
(CMPURVEY,I,10.368)

Aftir these thingis Dauith dwellide at home , whanne Joab and the oost
wente to bateile , (CMPURVEY,I,10.369)

and in this tyme Dauith dide auoutrie with Bersabee , the wijf of Vrie
, (CMPURVEY,I,10.370)

and procuride the deth of Vrie bi tresoun . (CMPURVEY,I,10.371)

Thanne God sente Nathan the prophete to repreue Dauith of this synne ,
(CMPURVEY,I,10.372)

and he took meekly his repreuyng , (CMPURVEY,I,10.373)

and knoulechide that he synnede a+gens God ; (CMPURVEY,I,10.374)

and God for+gaf the synne , (CMPURVEY,I,10.375)

but swerd and persecusioun +gede neuere awey fro his hous ,
(CMPURVEY,I,10.376)

for God killede the sone of Bersabee , (CMPURVEY,I,10.377)

and oo sone of Dauith killede another , (CMPURVEY,I,10.378)

and Absolon his sone roos a+gens him , (CMPURVEY,I,10.379)

and droof him out of Jerusalem , (CMPURVEY,I,10.380)

and sou+gte with stronge oost to slee him . (CMPURVEY,I,10.381)

Thanne Dauith +gede out of Jerusalem on his feet , (CMPURVEY,I,10.382)

and sti+gide with bare feet into the hi+gnesse of the hille of Olyuete
, (CMPURVEY,I,10.383)

and wepte , (CMPURVEY,I,10.384)

and al his peple wepte bittirly . (CMPURVEY,I,10.385)

And Dauith mekede him to God , (CMPURVEY,I,10.386)

and seide , " +gif God seith to me , thou pleesist not me , I am redy ,
(CMPURVEY,I,10.387)

do he that that is good bifore himself . " (CMPURVEY,I,10.388)

Thanne Semey , that was of the kyn of Saul , dispiside Dauith ,
(CMPURVEY,I,10.389)

and clepide him a manquellere , and a man of Belial , and a rauenour of
the rewme , (CMPURVEY,I,10.390)

and he curside Dauith , (CMPURVEY,I,10.391)

and castide stoonis and erthe a+gens Dauith , and a+gens alle the
seruauntis of king Dauith ; (CMPURVEY,I,10.392)

and whanne Abisay wolde slee this cursere , Dauith bad him suffre Semey
to curse him , (CMPURVEY,I,10.393)

and seide , God comaundide hym that he curse Dauith .
(CMPURVEY,I,10.394)

And the kyng seide to Abysay and to alle his seruauntis , " Loo ! my
sone that +gede out of my wombe seekith my lijf , that is , to slee me
, (CMPURVEY,I,10.395)

how myche more now this sone of Gemyny ; (CMPURVEY,I,10.396)

suffre +ge him to curse bi comaundement of the Lord ; if in caas the
Lord bihoolde my turment , and +gelde good to me for this cursing to
day . " (CMPURVEY,I,10.397)

Aftirward Absolon defoulide opynly his fadris wijfes bifore al Ysrael .
(CMPURVEY,I,10.398)

Thanne Achitofel +gaf a fel counceyl , to pursue Dauith in that ny+gt
with xij. thousandis of men , and sle him bifore that he were war ;
(CMPURVEY,I,10.399)

but this counceil was <P_I,11> distroied bi Goddis wille , and bi a
wijs conuceil of Chusy , the frend of Dauith . (CMPURVEY,I,11.400)

Thanne Absolon gaderide al the power of Israel to make opyn werre
a+gens his fadir ; (CMPURVEY,I,11.401)

natheles Dauith for pite and charite comaundide thre princis of his
oost to kepe Absolon alyue , that he my+gte repente , and be sauid .
(CMPURVEY,I,11.402)

And whanne Dauith knew that Absolon was slayn , he made so gret sorewe
, that almest he was deed , (CMPURVEY,I,11.403)

and al the peple was in poynt to forsake Dauith . (CMPURVEY,I,11.404)

Thanne for this perel Dauith lefte his moornyng , (CMPURVEY,I,11.405)

and sat opinly in the +gate , to conforte al his oost .
(CMPURVEY,I,11.406)

After this the counceil of al Israel cam to Dauith , that thei wolde
brynge him in to his rewme worschipfully ; (CMPURVEY,I,11.407)

and Dauith for+gaf the opyn tresoun to hem that thei hadden do bifore ,
(CMPURVEY,I,11.408)

and stiride swetly , men of Juda , that weren specialy his traytouris ,
to come and bringe hym in to his rewme , (CMPURVEY,I,11.409)

and for+gaf her tresoun , (CMPURVEY,I,11.410)

and he for+gaf the souereyn tresoun to Amasa , that was of his owne kyn
, and was prince of the oost of Absalon to slee Dauith ;
(CMPURVEY,I,11.411)

and Dauith swor to make this Amasa prince next Joab ,
(CMPURVEY,I,11.412)

and for+gaf the synne and cursing and tresoun to Semey ,
(CMPURVEY,I,11.413)

and swor that he shulde not dy+ge . (CMPURVEY,I,11.414)

+Git bifore that Dauith cam to Jerusalem , a new debate roos bitwixe
the men of Israel and the men of Juda , (CMPURVEY,I,11.415)

for this bringing a+gen of the king was not teld first to men of Israel
; (CMPURVEY,I,11.416)

and bi stiring of Syba , a man of Belial , that was of kyn of Saul , al
Israel was departid fro Dauith , (CMPURVEY,I,11.417)

and suede this Syba ; (CMPURVEY,I,11.418)

and in this tyme Joab killyde bi tresoun the noble kny+gt Amasa .
(CMPURVEY,I,11.419)

Thanne this Syba passide bi alle the lynagis of Israel til into Habela
, and into Bethmaka , (CMPURVEY,I,11.420)

and alle chosen men weren gaderid to him . (CMPURVEY,I,11.421)

And Joab and his oost bysegeden these citees , (CMPURVEY,I,11.422)

and wolde distroie the greet citee Habela , (CMPURVEY,I,11.423)

and a wijs woman of the citee sauid it bi hire counceil ,
(CMPURVEY,I,11.424)

and made Syba to be slayn , and al the peple to be sauid on bothe sydis
. (CMPURVEY,I,11.425)

Also vij. men of the kyn of Saul weren slayn of Gabaonytis , bi
suffring of Dauith , and bi counceil of God , (CMPURVEY,I,11.426)

for Saul killede wickidly the men of Gabaon ; (CMPURVEY,I,11.427)

and for this synne of Saul hungir was maad thre +geer in the daies of
Dauith ; (CMPURVEY,I,11.428)

and aftir this veniaunce don on the hous of Saul , God dide mersy to
the lond . (CMPURVEY,I,11.429)

Thanne is set a greet song of Dauith , which he spac to God , whanne he
hadde delyuered him fro the hond of alle his enemyes ;
(CMPURVEY,I,11.430)

thanne sueth the noumbre of stronge men of Dauith . (CMPURVEY,I,11.431)

At the laste Dauith for pride and a+gens the lawe noumbride the peple
of Israel , (CMPURVEY,I,11.432)

and therfore lxx. thousind of men weren deed bi pestilence .
(CMPURVEY,I,11.433)

Thanne Dauith repentide him sore , (CMPURVEY,I,11.434)

and mekide him to God , (CMPURVEY,I,11.435)

and seide thus , " I it am , that synnede , (CMPURVEY,I,11.436)

and I dide wickidly ; (CMPURVEY,I,11.437)

what han these men don that ben scheep , that is , symple and innocent
in comparisoun of me ; (CMPURVEY,I,11.438)

I biseche that thin hond be turnid a+gens me , and a+gens the hous of
my fadir . " (CMPURVEY,I,11.439)

Thanne God sente his profete Gad to hym , (CMPURVEY,I,11.440)

and bad him make an auter , and offre brent sacrifices and peesible
sacrifices ; (CMPURVEY,I,11.441)

and God dide mercy to the lond , (CMPURVEY,I,11.442)

and the veniaunce ceeside of Israel . (CMPURVEY,I,11.443)

The prosces of this ij. book ou+gte to stire kingis and lordis to mersy
and ri+gtfulnesse , and euere to be war of ydilnesse , that brou+gte
Dauith to auoutrie and othere myscheues , and euere to be meeke to God
and hise prestis , and sore repente of hire mysdeedis , and make
amendis to God and men , and wilfully for+geue wroongis don to hem ,
and euere be war of pride and extorcouns , leest God take veniaunce on
al the peple , as he dide on Dauith and his peple , and euere to be
pacient and mersiful , as Dauith was , to gete remissioun of synnes
bifore don , and to gete pees , and prosperite , and heuenly blisse
withouten ende . (CMPURVEY,I,11.444)

<heading>

CAP. V. (CMPURVEY,I,11.446)

</heading>

The thridde book of Kingis tellith first , how Adonyas , sone of Dauith
, wolde haue , regned , and Dauith in his lijf ordeynede Salomon to be
king , and he regnede bifore the deeth of Dauith . (CMPURVEY,I,11.448)

Thanne Adonyas fledde for dreede to the tabernacle of God ,
(CMPURVEY,I,11.449)

and heeld <P_I,12> the corneer of the auter , tyl Salamon seide , that
if he were a good man , he schulde not dye ; (CMPURVEY,I,12.450)

ellis , if yuel were founden in him , he schulde di+ge .
(CMPURVEY,I,12.451)

Thanne Dauith , in the tyme of his dy+ginge , chargide Salamon to kepe
wel Goddis lawe , and to quyte to the sones of Bersellay the trewthe
and kyndnesse of her fadir , and to punysche Joab for his trecherouse
manquelling of Abner and of Amasa in the tyme of pees , and to punysche
wisely Semey for his wrste cursing , which he dide to Dauith .
(CMPURVEY,I,12.452)

Aftir these thingis Salamon made Adonyas to be slayn ,
(CMPURVEY,I,12.453)

for he purposide gilefully to be king . (CMPURVEY,I,12.454)

And Salamon castide awey Abiathar , that he was not the prest of the
Lord , (CMPURVEY,I,12.455)

and exylide him also , (CMPURVEY,I,12.456)

for he assentide to Adonyas , (CMPURVEY,I,12.457)

and was traytour to the king . (CMPURVEY,I,12.458)

Also Salamon comaundide Joab to be slayn in the taber-nacle at the
auter , (CMPURVEY,I,12.459)

for he hadde slayn gilefully twey princis in pees , withoute wyting of
Dauith ; (CMPURVEY,I,12.460)

and the king ordeynede Sadoch prest for Abiathar . (CMPURVEY,I,12.461)

Thanne the king comaundide Semey , that he schulde not go out of
Jerusalem , (CMPURVEY,I,12.462)

and if he passide the stronde of Cedron , he schulde be deed ;
(CMPURVEY,I,12.463)

and Semey acceptide this ; (CMPURVEY,I,12.464)

and for he passide these boundis , the king comaundide him to be slayn
, (CMPURVEY,I,12.465)

and so he was slayn by comaundement of the king . (CMPURVEY,I,12.466)

Aftir these thingis the rewme was confermed in to the hondis of Salamon
, (CMPURVEY,I,12.467)

and he weddide the dou+gter of Faroo , king of Egipt .
(CMPURVEY,I,12.468)

Thanne God bad Salamon axe of him , what hym lykide ,
(CMPURVEY,I,12.469)

and he axide that God schulde +geue to him wijs herte , that he my+gte
deme his peple , and make discrescyoun eithir departyng bitwixe good
and yuel . (CMPURVEY,I,12.470)

And this axing pleeside God ful myche , (CMPURVEY,I,12.471)

therfore God +gaf to him a wijs herte and vndirstondinge , in so myche
that noon bifore hym was lyk hym , neithir schal rise aftir hym .
(CMPURVEY,I,12.472)

Also God +gaf to him richesse and glorie , that noon among kingis was
lyk him in alle daies bifore . (CMPURVEY,I,12.473)

Thanne for Salamon +gaf a wijs sentense of dom bitwixe twey comen
wymmen , that passide the wit of comun men , thei dredden the king ,
(CMPURVEY,I,12.474)

and seyin that Goddis wisdom was in him to make dom .
(CMPURVEY,I,12.475)

Thanne is toold the worschipeful meyne and houshoold of Salamon .
(CMPURVEY,I,12.476)

Aftir these thingis Salamon bildide a noble hous to himself , and a
famouse temple to God in Jerusalem . (CMPURVEY,I,12.477)

And aftir that the temple was fully maad , alle the eldre men and
princis of lynagis and dukis of meynes of the children of Israel weren
gaderid to king Salamon in Jerusalem , to bringe the arke of God fro
Syon in to his owne place in the temple . (CMPURVEY,I,12.478)

Thanne the king axide of God manye preieris , and profitis for hem that
preieden deuoutly in the temple , (CMPURVEY,I,12.479)

and God grauntide tho . (CMPURVEY,I,12.480)

Aftir these thingis God halewide the temple , (CMPURVEY,I,12.481)

and certyfiede to Salamon , that if he kepte alle his comaundementis ,
he shulde sette the trone of Salamons rewme on Israel withouten ende ;
(CMPURVEY,I,12.482)

and if the pepel of Israel and her children kepen not Goddis heestis ,
but worschipen alyen goddis , he schal do awey Israel fro the face of
lond which he +gaf to hem , (CMPURVEY,I,12.483)

and God schal caste awey fro his si+gt the temple which he halewide to
his name , (CMPURVEY,I,12.484)

and Israel schal be into a prouerbe and fable either tale to alle
peplis , (CMPURVEY,I,12.485)

and this hous schal be into ensaumple . (CMPURVEY,I,12.486)

Aftir this the qwene of Saba cam to Salamon , (CMPURVEY,I,12.487)

and hadde greet aray of men and of jewelis , (CMPURVEY,I,12.488)

and +gaf manye jewelis to Salamon , and he a+geen to hire .
(CMPURVEY,I,12.489)

Also Salamon tau+gte hire alle thingis that sche hadde in hire herte ,
(CMPURVEY,I,12.490)

and sche blessid God and Salamon and his seruauntis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,12.491)

and +gede into hire lond . (CMPURVEY,I,12.492)

Thanne Salamon made manye scheeldis and bokelers of gold ,
(CMPURVEY,I,12.493)

and made a greet trone of yuer , (CMPURVEY,I,12.494)

and clothide it with fyn gold . (CMPURVEY,I,12.495)

Thanne king Salamon was magnified ouer alle kyngis of erthe in
richessis and wisedom , (CMPURVEY,I,12.496)

and al erthe desyride to see his face , and to heere his wisdom , which
his God hadde +goue in his herte . (CMPURVEY,I,12.497)

Aftir alle these thingis Salamon , whanne he was eeld , louede gretly
manye hethene wymmen , (CMPURVEY,I,12.498)

and hadde a thousind wijues , principal and secundaries ,
(CMPURVEY,I,12.499)

and thanne his herte was bischrewid and peruertid bi tho wymmen , that
he suede alyen goddis , and worschipide hem . (CMPURVEY,I,12.500)

Therfore God reiside an aduersarie to Salamon in his lijf ,
(CMPURVEY,I,12.501)

and departide <P_I,13> his rewme in the tyme of Roboam his sone ,
(CMPURVEY,I,13.502)

and +gaf ten lynagis to Joroboam his seruaunt , (CMPURVEY,I,13.503)

and kepte oo lynage to his sone for the merit of Dauith his fadir .
(CMPURVEY,I,13.504)

And this departyng bifelde myche , (CMPURVEY,I,13.505)

for Roboam forsook the counceil of eelde and wijse men ,
(CMPURVEY,I,13.506)

and suede the counceil of +gunge men , (CMPURVEY,I,13.507)

and spac harde wordis to the peple . (CMPURVEY,I,13.508)

Thanne Roboam gaderide proudly al the hous of Juda , and the lynage of
Beniamyn , an c. thousind and iiij. score thousind of chosen men and
werrouris , that thei schulden fi+gte a+gens the hous of Israel , and
bringe a+gen the rewme to Roboam , the sone of Salamon ;
(CMPURVEY,I,13.509)

but God forbed this werre to Roboam and al his peple , for whi this
word of departyng of the rewme was don of God . (CMPURVEY,I,13.510)

Thanne Jeroboam made ij. golden caluys , (CMPURVEY,I,13.511)

and bad Israel worschipe tho , (CMPURVEY,I,13.512)

and sti+ge no more to Jerusalem , (CMPURVEY,I,13.513)

and seide , " Israel , lo ! these ben thi goddis , that ledden thee out
of the lond of Egipt ; " (CMPURVEY,I,13.514)

and he made vnworthi prestis of the laste men of the peple , that were
not of the sones of Leuy , (CMPURVEY,I,13.515)

and he made templis in hi+ge placis . (CMPURVEY,I,13.516)

Also whanne Jeroboam stood on the auter and castide encense , a man of
God cam fro Juda bi the word of God , (CMPURVEY,I,13.517)

and seide , " A sone , Josias bi name , schal be born to the hous of
Dauith , (CMPURVEY,I,13.518)

and he schal sle on this auter the prestis of hi+ge placis , that
brenne now encense in this autir , (CMPURVEY,I,13.519)

and he schal brenne boonys of men on this auter ; " (CMPURVEY,I,13.520)

and the prophete +gaf this singne , that the auter schal be cleft , and
the asche therinne schal be sched out . (CMPURVEY,I,13.521)

Thanne Jeroboam heeld forth his hond , (CMPURVEY,I,13.522)

and bad take that prophete , (CMPURVEY,I,13.523)

and his hond was drie , (CMPURVEY,I,13.524)

and hee my+gte not drawe it a+gen , (CMPURVEY,I,13.525)

and bi preier of the prophete the hond was heelid . (CMPURVEY,I,13.526)

And singne bifelde on the auter , as the prophete seide ;
(CMPURVEY,I,13.527)

and for that prophete eet breed in that place a+gens Goddis bidding ,
+ghe bi disseit of a fals prophete , the trewe prophete of God was
slayn of a lyoun in the wey homward . (CMPURVEY,I,13.528)

Aftir these wordis Jeroboam turnede not a+gen fro his worste weie ,
(CMPURVEY,I,13.529)

but a+genward of the laste peples he made prestis of hi+ge placis , who
euere wolde , (CMPURVEY,I,13.530)

fyllede his hond , (CMPURVEY,I,13.531)

and was maad prest of hi+ge placis ; (CMPURVEY,I,13.532)

and for this cause the hous of Jeroboam synnede , (CMPURVEY,I,13.533)

and was distroied , and doon awey fro the face of erthe .
(CMPURVEY,I,13.534)

Aftir this the prophete Ahia , that was blynd for eelde , knew the wijf
of Joroboam , that feynede hire to be anothir womman ,
(CMPURVEY,I,13.535)

and he bifore seide to hire , that hire syk sone schulde di+ge in hir
entryng in to hir hous , and that the hous of Jeroboam schulde be
distroied outtirly for his synnes ; (CMPURVEY,I,13.536)

and Israel schal be dryuen out of his good lond for the synnes of
Joroboam , that synnede , and made Israel to do synne .
(CMPURVEY,I,13.537)

Also the peple of Juda dide ydolatrie ; (CMPURVEY,I,13.538)

therfore the king of Egipt took awey the tresouris of Goddis hous , and
of the kingis hous , and the golden scheeldis of Salamon , for whiche
Roboam made scheeldis of bras . (CMPURVEY,I,13.539)

And batail was bitwixe Roboam and Jeroboam in alle daies .
(CMPURVEY,I,13.540)

Thanne Abia regnede thre +geer on Juda , (CMPURVEY,I,13.541)

and +gede in alle the synnes of his fadir . (CMPURVEY,I,13.542)

Aftir him roos king Asa in Juda , (CMPURVEY,I,13.543)

and he dide ri+gtfulnesse bifore God , (CMPURVEY,I,13.544)

and dide awey idolatrie and sodomytis fro the lond ,
(CMPURVEY,I,13.545)

and his herte was perfit with God in alle daies . (CMPURVEY,I,13.546)

And schortly amonge alle the kingis of Israel was noon feithful to God
; (CMPURVEY,I,13.547)

summe weren goode amonge the kingis of Juda ; (CMPURVEY,I,13.548)

and this figurith , that among men of hooly chirche be summe goode ,
(CMPURVEY,I,13.549)

but among eretikis is noon good outtirly , as Jerom seith .
(CMPURVEY,I,13.550)

Aftir manye yuele kingis of Israel roos Acab , the worste of alle
bifore hym , (CMPURVEY,I,13.551)

and he weddide Jesabel , an hethene womman , the dou+gtir of Mechaal ,
king of Sydonyes , (CMPURVEY,I,13.552)

and Achab dide manyfoold idolatrie . (CMPURVEY,I,13.553)

Thanne roos Elie the prophete , (CMPURVEY,I,13.554)

and seide to Acab , that in thre +geer and an half neither reyn neither
dew schal be . (CMPURVEY,I,13.555)

Aftir this the prophete Elye hidde himself in the stronde of Carith ,
a+gens Jordan , (CMPURVEY,I,13.556)

and drank watir , (CMPURVEY,I,13.557)

and was fed of rauenys there , whiche brou+gten to him breed and flesch
in the euentid and morewtid , (CMPURVEY,I,13.558)

and aftir that the stronde was dried up , God bad Elye go into Sarepta
of Sydoneyes , (CMPURVEY,I,13.559)

and there he was fed of a widewe , (CMPURVEY,I,13.560)

and the pot of mele and the pot of oile fallede not to the widewe , til
God +gaf reyn on the erthe . (CMPURVEY,I,13.561)

Thanne Elie reiside to lijf the deed chijld of a womman , at whom he
was myche susteyned . (CMPURVEY,I,13.562)

And aftir manye daies God bad Elye schewe him to Acab , that God
<P_I,14> schulde +geue reyn on the lond ; (CMPURVEY,I,14.563)

and Elie dide so ; (CMPURVEY,I,14.564)

and greet hungir was in Samarie . (CMPURVEY,I,14.565)

Thanne Elie apperide first to Abdie , that dredde God ,
(CMPURVEY,I,14.566)

and fedde an c. prophetis of God , whanne Jesabel killide the prophetis
of God ; (CMPURVEY,I,14.567)

and Elie swor to Abdie bi the Lord of oostis , that he wolde appere in
that day to Achab . (CMPURVEY,I,14.568)

Thanne Acab axide Elye , " Wher thou art he , that distrowblist Israel
? " (CMPURVEY,I,14.569)

And Elie seide , " Not I distrowblide Israel , but thou and the hous of
thi fadir , that han forsaken Goddis heestis , and han sued Balym , han
distroublid Israel . " (CMPURVEY,I,14.570)

Aftir this the prophete Elie conuyctid bi an opyn myracle viij. c. and
l. prophetis of Baal of opin ydolatrie , (CMPURVEY,I,14.571)

and killede hem alle with helpe of the peple , that bileeuede to God
for the greet myracle . (CMPURVEY,I,14.572)

And aftir this God sente greet rayn , (CMPURVEY,I,14.573)

and Elye ran bifore Acab to the citee Jesrael . (CMPURVEY,I,14.574)

Aftir these thingis Elye fledde for dreede of Jesabel , that manaside
to slee hym , (CMPURVEY,I,14.575)

and whanne he hadde fled into disert bi the jurney of oo day , he axide
of God to di+ge ; (CMPURVEY,I,14.576)

and whanne he slepte , an aungel bad hym rise , and eete breed baken
vndir aischis , and drinke watir ; (CMPURVEY,I,14.577)

and he +gede in the strengthe of that mete xl. daies and xl. ny+gtis ,
til to Oreb the hil of God ; (CMPURVEY,I,14.578)

and whanne he was hid there in a denne , and seide , that he was left
aloone a prophete of the Lord , and thei sou+gten to slei him , God bad
him go to Damask , and anoynte Asahel king on Sirie , and anoynte Hieu
king on Israel , and anoynte Elisee a prophete for him ,
(CMPURVEY,I,14.579)

and these thre schulden do veniaunce on trespasouris , and slee hem ;
(CMPURVEY,I,14.580)

and God lefte to himself vij. thousind of men in Israel , whois knees
were not bowid bifore Baal . (CMPURVEY,I,14.581)

Thanne it sueth how Elisee suede Elie . (CMPURVEY,I,14.582)

Aftir these thingis king Acab hadde twey greete and merueilous
victories a+gens Benadab , king of Sirie , (CMPURVEY,I,14.583)

for he blasfemede God of Israel . (CMPURVEY,I,14.584)

And for king Acab dide false mersy and killide not this blasfemere
Benadab , whom God bitook into hise hondis , God sente a prophete to
Acab , (CMPURVEY,I,14.585)

and telde thus , " For thou suffredist a man wrthi the deth to go fro
thin hond , thi lijf schal be for his lijf , (CMPURVEY,I,14.586)

and thi peple schal be for his peple . " (CMPURVEY,I,14.587)

Aftirward Jesabel the qwene made Nabath to be stonyd to deth bi false
witnesse , and assent of Acab , (CMPURVEY,I,14.588)

for he noolde chaunge neither sille his vyner to the king ;
(CMPURVEY,I,14.589)

and whanne Acab +gede doun to take possessioun of this vyner , God bad
Elye meete him , and seie thus , " Thou hast slayn (CMPURVEY,I,14.590)

and hast take possessioun ; (CMPURVEY,I,14.591)

the Lord seith these thingis , (CMPURVEY,I,14.592)

in this place wherinne doggis lickiden the blood of Nabath , thei
schulen licke also thi blood . " (CMPURVEY,I,14.593)

And Acab seide to Elye , " Wher thou hast founden me thin enemy ? "
(CMPURVEY,I,14.594)

And Elye seide , " I haue founde , for thou art seeld to do yuel in
Goddis si+gt , (CMPURVEY,I,14.595)

therfore God schal distroie and slee ech man of the house of Acab , and
+geue his hous as the hous of Jeroboam , and as the hous of Baasa ,
(CMPURVEY,I,14.596)

for Acab terride God to wraththe , (CMPURVEY,I,14.597)

and made Ysrael to do synne . (CMPURVEY,I,14.598)

Also doggis scholen ete Jesabel in the feeld of Jesrael ;
(CMPURVEY,I,14.599)

if Acab di+geth in the citee , doggis scholen ete him ,
(CMPURVEY,I,14.600)

if he dieth in the feeld , briddis of the eir schulen ete him . "
(CMPURVEY,I,14.601)

Noon othir was such as Acab , that was seeld to do yuel bifore God ;
forwhi Jesabel his wijf excitide him , and he dide abomynable ydolatrie
. (CMPURVEY,I,14.602)

Thanne Acab dide ful greet penaunce , (CMPURVEY,I,14.603)

and was mekid bifore God ; (CMPURVEY,I,14.604)

therfore God brou+gte not yn this yuel in his daies , but in the daies
of his sone . (CMPURVEY,I,14.605)

In the thridde +geer aftir these thingis , aboute iiij. c. prophetis of
Baal conuceiled Acab to make werre a+gens the king of Syrie for a citee
clepid Ramoth of Galaad , (CMPURVEY,I,14.606)

and bihi+gten victorie and prosperite to Acab . (CMPURVEY,I,14.607)

But Mychee , oo prophete of God , telde to Acab in Goddis name , that
the spirit of leesingis disceyuede him bi his false prophetis , and
that Acab schulde be slayn in that bateil ; (CMPURVEY,I,14.608)

and so it bifelde in deede , (CMPURVEY,I,14.609)

but Mychee was dispisid and beten of the false prophetis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,14.610)

and was prisonyd , purposid to be slayn of the king , whanne he cam
a+geen in pees ; (CMPURVEY,I,14.611)

and king Josophat , a good man , was in this bateile with cursid Acab ,
(CMPURVEY,I,14.612)

but Acab was slayn , (CMPURVEY,I,14.613)

and doggis lickeden his blood , (CMPURVEY,I,14.614)

and Josophat was sauid bi Goddis help . (CMPURVEY,I,14.615)

Thanne roos Ocosias , king of Israel , for Acab his fadir ,
(CMPURVEY,I,14.616)

and Ocosias worschipide Baal , (CMPURVEY,I,14.617)

and terride God to ire bi alle thingis which <P_I,15> his fadir hadde
do . (CMPURVEY,I,15.618)

This prosces of the iij. book of Kingis schulde stire kingis and lordis
, to be mersyful and pytouse on her sugetis that trespasen a+gens hem ,
and in alle thingis eschewe ydilnesse , leccherie , tresoun , ydolatrie
, and false counceilouris and vnwyse , and euere distroie synne , and
take counceil at hooly scripture and trewe prophetis , and triste not
to false prophetis , be thei neuer so manye , and crie faste a+gens oon
either fewe trewe men . (CMPURVEY,I,15.619)

<heading>

CAP. VI. (CMPURVEY,I,15.621)

</heading>

The iii.j book of Kingis tellith in general , how the rewme of Israel
and the rewme of Juda weren conquerid of hethene men , for manye synnes
which thei diden a+gens God and men , and weren obstynat , and dide not
fruytfull penance in due tyme . (CMPURVEY,I,15.623)

First it tellith in special , hou the wickid king Ocosyas sente to take
counceil at Belsabub , wher he my+gte lyue , and rekyuere of his
syknesse ; (CMPURVEY,I,15.624)

therfore God sente Elye , the prophete , to telle to him that he
schulde die , and go not doun of his bed . (CMPURVEY,I,15.625)

Thanne this king sent to Elye a prince on l. men , and l. men with hym
, to clepe Elye to the king ; (CMPURVEY,I,15.626)

and fijer cam doun fro heuene , (CMPURVEY,I,15.627)

and deuouride this prince , and l. men that weren with him ,
(CMPURVEY,I,15.628)

for in scorn thei clepiden Elye the man of God ; (CMPURVEY,I,15.629)

and in lyk manere fijer deuouride another prince , and l. men with him
; (CMPURVEY,I,15.630)

the thridde prince and hise l. that mekeden hem to God and to the
prophete , weren sauid on lyue . (CMPURVEY,I,15.631)

And God bad Elie go doun with hem to the king , and repreue him of his
synne , and telle to the king himself , that he schal die and go not
doun of his bed . (CMPURVEY,I,15.632)

Aftir this the prophete Elie schulde be rauyschid awey fro erthe ,
(CMPURVEY,I,15.633)

and Elisee knew this , (CMPURVEY,I,15.634)

and suede him in ech place til to rauysching ; (CMPURVEY,I,15.635)

and Elie smoot with his mantel the watris of Jordon ,
(CMPURVEY,I,15.636)

and tho weren departid therbi , (CMPURVEY,I,15.637)

and Elie and Elysee +geden ouere bi the drie botme therof .
(CMPURVEY,I,15.638)

Thanne Elie was rauyschid in a char of fijer fro Elisee ,
(CMPURVEY,I,15.639)

and sti+gede bi a whirlwynd in to heuene ; (CMPURVEY,I,15.640)

and the double spirit of Elye restide on Elisee , (CMPURVEY,I,15.641)

and with the mantel of Elye Elysee smoot twies the watris of Jordon ,
(CMPURVEY,I,15.642)

and in the secunde tyme tho weren departid , (CMPURVEY,I,15.643)

and Elysee passide ouere . (CMPURVEY,I,15.644)

Aftirward Elisee dwellide in Jerico , (CMPURVEY,I,15.645)

and heelide the watris fro bittirnesse and bareynesse , bi putting of
salt in the watir . (CMPURVEY,I,15.646)

Thanne Elysee sti+gede into Betel , (CMPURVEY,I,15.647)

and as he sti+gede bi the weye , litle children +geden out of the citee
, (CMPURVEY,I,15.648)

and seiden to him in scorn , " Thou ballard , sti+g up ! "
(CMPURVEY,I,15.649)

and he curside hem in the name of God , (CMPURVEY,I,15.650)

and twey beeris +geden out of the forest , (CMPURVEY,I,15.651)

and to-renten of hem xlij. children . (CMPURVEY,I,15.652)

After these thingis Joram , the king of Israel , and Josophat , the
king of Juda , and also the thridde king , that was king of Edom ,
weren in desert , (CMPURVEY,I,15.653)

and hadden no watir , (CMPURVEY,I,15.654)

and weren in poynt of perisching . (CMPURVEY,I,15.655)

These thre kingis camen to Elisee for helpe , (CMPURVEY,I,15.656)

and bi spirit of prophecie he bad hem make dychis , (CMPURVEY,I,15.657)

and thei si+gen neither wynd neither reyn , (CMPURVEY,I,15.658)

and the botme of dychis was fillid of watris ; (CMPURVEY,I,15.659)

and he bifore seide that God schulde bitake Moab in to the hondis of
these kingis , (CMPURVEY,I,15.660)

and thei schulden distroie citees , and feeldis , and trees ;
(CMPURVEY,I,15.661)

and thus it was don in dede . (CMPURVEY,I,15.662)

Also Elysee multypliede a litil oile , (CMPURVEY,I,15.663)

and made a pore widewe fille manye vessels therof , (CMPURVEY,I,15.664)

and bad hir paie her dettis bi sum therof , and that sche and her sones
schulden lyue bi the residue therof . (CMPURVEY,I,15.665)

Aftirward Elysee biforeseide to a good womman , that herbouride him
freely and largely , that sche schulde consceyue a sone ;
(CMPURVEY,I,15.666)

and whanne Elisee knew , that this sone was deed , he sente his
seruaunt Giesi with his staaf to reise him , (CMPURVEY,I,15.667)

and neither vois neither feeling was in the chijld .
(CMPURVEY,I,15.668)

Thanne Elysee entride in to a closet , where the chijld lay deed ,
(CMPURVEY,I,15.669)

and preiede to God , (CMPURVEY,I,15.670)

and lay on the chijld , (CMPURVEY,I,15.671)

and leide his mouth to the mouth of the chijld , and hise hondis on the
chijldis hondis , (CMPURVEY,I,15.672)

and the chijld +goxide vij. sithes , (CMPURVEY,I,15.673)

and openede his i+gen ; (CMPURVEY,I,15.674)

and Elisee bitook the chijld qwyk to his modir . (CMPURVEY,I,15.675)

Also Elysee , whanne hungir was in Galgala , heelyde the pot of noyful
mete , bi sendinge in of mele , that no <P_I,16> more bitternesse was
in the mete . (CMPURVEY,I,16.676)

Thanne Elisee made a litil breed to suffice to an c. men ,
(CMPURVEY,I,16.677)

and thei leften relijfs . (CMPURVEY,I,16.678)

Whanne the king of Sirie sente lettris to the king of Israel , that he
schulde cure Naaman of his lepre , and the king of Israel to-rente his
clothis for sorewe , Elysee bad , that Naaman schulde be waischen vij.
sithes in the water of Jordan , and so he schulde be curid ;
(CMPURVEY,I,16.679)

and thus it was don in deede . (CMPURVEY,I,16.680)

Thanne Naaman knoulechide , that noon other God is in al the erthe no
but oonly the God of Israel ; (CMPURVEY,I,16.681)

and Elisee took noo +gifte , (CMPURVEY,I,16.682)

+ghe freely profrede and preeside of Naaman . (CMPURVEY,I,16.683)

Thanne Giesy ran aftir Naaman , vnwytinge either not consentinge his
maistir , (CMPURVEY,I,16.684)

and made a lesing , that Elisee sente to him , that he schulde +geue a
talent of syluer and double chaunging clothis to twey +gunge men of the
sones of profetis . (CMPURVEY,I,16.685)

And Naaman constreynede him to take the double that he axide ,
(CMPURVEY,I,16.686)

and ordeynede twey children to bere bifore him . (CMPURVEY,I,16.687)

But herfore Elisee seide , that the lepre of Naaman schulde cleue to
Giesi and to his seede withouten ende ; (CMPURVEY,I,16.688)

and Giesi +gede out fro Elisee , (CMPURVEY,I,16.689)

and was a mesel as snow . (CMPURVEY,I,16.690)

Whanne the sonis of prophetis +geden to the wode , to hewe doun wode to
bylde placis to hem to dwellin inne , the irun of an axe felde doun in
to watir ; (CMPURVEY,I,16.691)

and Elisee castide doun the tree , either helue , (CMPURVEY,I,16.692)

and the irun houede , (CMPURVEY,I,16.693)

and was taken up therbi . (CMPURVEY,I,16.694)

Whanne the king of Sirie sette buschementis preuyly a+gens the king of
Israel , Elisee warned the king of Israel therof ; (CMPURVEY,I,16.695)

and whanne it was certified to the king of Sirie that Elisee telde his
preuytes to the king of Israel , the king of Sirie sente a greet
multitude of the oost to take Elysee , (CMPURVEY,I,16.696)

and whanne the oost cumpaside the citee Dotaym , wherinne Elysee was ,
God made this oost blynd at the preier of Elisee , (CMPURVEY,I,16.697)

and so he ledde hem into the myddis of Samarie , (CMPURVEY,I,16.698)

and whanne the king of Israel wolde slee hem , Elisee seide nay ,
(CMPURVEY,I,16.699)

but bad make redy a feeste to hem , (CMPURVEY,I,16.700)

and late hem go in pees to her lord . (CMPURVEY,I,16.701)

And whanne ful strong hungre was in Samarie , that wymmen eetyn her
owne children , oo womman axide doom of the king a+gens another womman
, that wolde not bi couenaunt bringe forth hir chijld to be etyn ,
whanne thei hadden eten the chijld of the first womman .
(CMPURVEY,I,16.702)

Thanne the king , that weeride the heire nexte his body , to-rente his
clothis for sorwe , (CMPURVEY,I,16.703)

and swoor strongly , that in that day he wolde girde of the heed of
Elisee . (CMPURVEY,I,16.704)

Elisee biforeknew the comynge of this messanger to do this deede ,
(CMPURVEY,I,16.705)

and bad men close the dore , and suffre not him for to entre ,
(CMPURVEY,I,16.706)

for his lord comith anoon aftir him to reuoke his ooth and sentence .
(CMPURVEY,I,16.707)

Thanne Elise seide in Goddis name , that to morewe in this tyme a
buschel of wheete flour schal be for oo stater , that is , a litel
quantite of moneye , as it were a peny , and twey buschellis of barly
for oo stater , in the +gate of Samarie . (CMPURVEY,I,16.708)

And Elisee seide to a gret duk , that bileeuede not this word , " Thou
schalt see it with thin i+gen , (CMPURVEY,I,16.709)

and schal not ete therof ; " (CMPURVEY,I,16.710)

and thus it was in dede , (CMPURVEY,I,16.711)

for whanne the oost of Sirie fledde by ny+gt , for drede that God made
among hem , thei leften alle her goodis , (CMPURVEY,I,16.712)

and fledden nakid , (CMPURVEY,I,16.713)

and coueitiden oonly to saue her lyues ; (CMPURVEY,I,16.714)

and whanne a buschel of wheete flour was seeld on the morewe for oo
stater , the king made that noble duk kepere at the +gate ,
(CMPURVEY,I,16.715)

and the companye trade him to deeth , as Elisee bifore seide .
(CMPURVEY,I,16.716)

Also Elisee spac to the womman whos sone he made to lyue ,
(CMPURVEY,I,16.717)

and bad hir and hir hous goo a pilgrimage either straunge lond , where
euere sche fond couenable , (CMPURVEY,I,16.718)

for God schal bringe strong hungir on the lond vij. +geer
(CMPURVEY,I,16.719)

and at the vij. +geeris ende the king restoride to hire alle hir
thingis , and alle the rentis of fieldis in the tyme of hir absence .
(CMPURVEY,I,16.720)

Benadab , king of Sirie , sent Asael to Elisee to enqueere whether this
king my+gte rekeuere of his syknesse ; (CMPURVEY,I,16.721)

and God schewide to Elysee , that Benadab schulde di+ge ;
(CMPURVEY,I,16.722)

and Elisee wepte ful sore , whanne he si+g Asael , (CMPURVEY,I,16.723)

for God schewide to him that Asael schulde be king of Sirie , and do
manye yuelis to the children of Israel , brenne of her strong citees ,
and slee bi swerd the +gunge men of hem , and hurle doun the litel
children of hem , and kerue wymmen with chijlde . (CMPURVEY,I,16.724)

Joram , the sone of Josophat , dide yuel in Goddis <P_I,17> si+gt , as
the hous of Acab dide ; (CMPURVEY,I,17.725)

for the dou+gtir of Acab was his wijf ; (CMPURVEY,I,17.726)

but God nolde distroie Juda , (CMPURVEY,I,17.727)

for Dauith his seruaunt , as he bihi+gte to him , to +geue a lanterne
to him and to hise sones in alle daies . (CMPURVEY,I,17.728)

Aftir these thingis Elisee bad oon of the sones of prophetis anoynte
Hyeu in to king on Israel , and sey to him ; " Thou schalt distroie the
hous of Acab , (CMPURVEY,I,17.729)

and God schal make it as the hous of Jeroboam , (CMPURVEY,I,17.730)

and doggis schulen ete Jesabel in the feeld of Jesrael ,
(CMPURVEY,I,17.731)

and noon shall berie hir . " (CMPURVEY,I,17.732)

And Hieu killide Joram , king of Israel , and Ocosias , king of Juda ,
and Jesabel the cursid quene ; (CMPURVEY,I,17.733)

and doggis etyn the flesch of Jesabel ; (CMPURVEY,I,17.734)

and hir flesch was a tord on the face of erthe . (CMPURVEY,I,17.735)

Thanne Hieu made lxx. sones of Acab to be slayn of hir keperis , and
nurschers ; (CMPURVEY,I,17.736)

and he killide xlij. men britheren of Ocosias ; (CMPURVEY,I,17.737)

and aftir this doinge Hieu feynede hym to worschipe Baal more than Acab
dide , (CMPURVEY,I,17.738)

and bi this feyning he gaderid to gidere alle the prophetis , and
prestis , and seruauntis of Baal in the temple of Baal ,
(CMPURVEY,I,17.739)

and killide hem alle , (CMPURVEY,I,17.740)

and castide out of the temple of Baal his ymage , (CMPURVEY,I,17.741)

and brent it , (CMPURVEY,I,17.742)

and drof it al to dust ; (CMPURVEY,I,17.743)

and distroiede the hous of Baal , (CMPURVEY,I,17.744)

and made gongis for it ; (CMPURVEY,I,17.745)

and so Hieu dide awey Baal fro Israel . (CMPURVEY,I,17.746)

Natheles Hieu +gede not awey fro the synnes of Joroboam ,
(CMPURVEY,I,17.747)

nether forsok golden caluis that weren in Betel and Dan ;
(CMPURVEY,I,17.748)

but for Hieu dide this veniaunce a+gens the hous of Acab , God seide ,
that his sones til the iiij. generacoun schulen sitte on the trone of
Israel . (CMPURVEY,I,17.749)

Thanne Atalia , the modir of Ocosias , whanne hir sone was deed ,
killede al the blood of the king , (CMPURVEY,I,17.750)

and regnide vi. +geer . (CMPURVEY,I,17.751)

But Joas , the sone of Ocosias king , was kept preuyly vj. +geer in the
temple of God , (CMPURVEY,I,17.752)

and in the vij. +geer he was maad king bi help of Joiada , the gret
prest , (CMPURVEY,I,17.753)

and Atalia was slayn . (CMPURVEY,I,17.754)

Therfore Joiada made a boond of pees bitwixe God , and the king , and
the peple , that hit schulde be the peple of God , and bitwixe the king
and the peple ; (CMPURVEY,I,17.755)

and the peple distroiede the auteris of Baal , (CMPURVEY,I,17.756)

and al to-braken his ymagis , (CMPURVEY,I,17.757)

and killeden Mathan , the prest of Baal , bifore the auter .
(CMPURVEY,I,17.758)

This Joas bigan to regne whanne he was vij. +geer eld ,
(CMPURVEY,I,17.759)

and regnede xl. +geer in Jerusalem , (CMPURVEY,I,17.760)

and dide ri+gtfulnesse bifore God in alle the daies in whiche Joiada
the prest tau+gte him . (CMPURVEY,I,17.761)

And Joas bad prestis take al the money that was offrid for priys of
soulis , and bi free wille , to make reperacoun of the temple ;
(CMPURVEY,I,17.762)

and for prestis weren neclygent in this reparacoun , Joas the king bad
the prestis +geelde the money to reparacoun , and take it no more .
(CMPURVEY,I,17.763)

And the chaunceler of the king and the bischop Joiada heelden out of
the arke the moneye , (CMPURVEY,I,17.764)

and +gauen it in to hond of maistris of werkmen , (CMPURVEY,I,17.765)

and thei spendeden it wel in this offis and necessarie reparacoun ;
(CMPURVEY,I,17.766)

and made noo rekenyng to souereyns , (CMPURVEY,I,17.767)

but treeteden this moneye in feith , eithir good conscience .
(CMPURVEY,I,17.768)

For as myche as Asael , king of Sirie , cam with his oost to werre
a+gens Jerusalem , Joas , king of Juda , took alle thingis which fadris
hadden halewid , and whiche he hadde offrid and al the syluer that
my+gte be founden in the tresouris of the temple of God , and in the
paleys of the king , (CMPURVEY,I,17.769)

and sente al to Asael , king of Sirie ; (CMPURVEY,I,17.770)

and he +gede awey fro Jerusalem . (CMPURVEY,I,17.771)

The seruauntis of Joas sworen togidere , (CMPURVEY,I,17.772)

and killeden him , (CMPURVEY,I,17.773)

and Amasias his sone regnede for hym . (CMPURVEY,I,17.774)

Joachas the sone of Hieu regnede on Israel , (CMPURVEY,I,17.775)

and dide yuel , as Joroboam dide . (CMPURVEY,I,17.776)

Therfore God bitook Israel in to the hondis of Asael , king of Sirie ,
and of Benadab his sone in alle daies , that there weren not left to
Joachas of al the peple of Israel no but v. hundrid horsmen , and x.
charis , and x. thousind of footmen . (CMPURVEY,I,17.777)

Thanne Joachas bisou+gte God , (CMPURVEY,I,17.778)

and he +gaf a sauyour to Israel , (CMPURVEY,I,17.779)

and Israel was delyuered fro the hond of the king of Sirie .
(CMPURVEY,I,17.780)

Thanne Elisee felde in to gret siknesse , bi which he was deed ;
(CMPURVEY,I,17.781)

and whanne Joas , king of Israel , cam to him , and wepte , Elisee bad
hym bringe a bowe and arewis , (CMPURVEY,I,17.782)

and bad him sette his hond on the bowe ; (CMPURVEY,I,17.783)

and Elisee settide his hondis on the kingis hondis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,17.784)

and bad him scheete out at the eest wyndow opened ; (CMPURVEY,I,17.785)

and Elisee seide , " This is <P_I,18> the arewe of Goddis helthe a+gens
Sirie , (CMPURVEY,I,18.786)

and thou schalt smyte Sirie , in Affech , til thou waaste it . "
(CMPURVEY,I,18.787)

Efte Elisee bad Joas smyte the erthe with a darte ; (CMPURVEY,I,18.788)

and whanne he had smyte thries , and styntide , and Elisee was wrooth
a+gens him , (CMPURVEY,I,18.789)

and seide , " If thou haddist smyte v. sithes , either vj. sithes ,
either vij. sithes , thou schuldust haue smyte Sirie til to the ending
, (CMPURVEY,I,18.790)

but now thou schalt smyte it thries . (CMPURVEY,I,18.791)

Elisee di+gede , (CMPURVEY,I,18.792)

and was beried , (CMPURVEY,I,18.793)

and whanne a deed bodi was beried in the sepulcre of Elisee , and hadde
touchid the boonys of Elyse , the man lyuede a+gen ,
(CMPURVEY,I,18.794)

and stood on his feet . (CMPURVEY,I,18.795)

Amasias , king of Juda , regnede ix. +geer , (CMPURVEY,I,18.796)

and dide ri+gtfulnesse in party , but not as Dauith .
(CMPURVEY,I,18.797)

He killide x. thousind men of Edom , (CMPURVEY,I,18.798)

and for pride therof he terride the king of Israel to werre ;
(CMPURVEY,I,18.799)

and Amasias was ouercomen in this bateile , (CMPURVEY,I,18.800)

and the king of Israel took him presoner , (CMPURVEY,I,18.801)

and brak the wal of Jerusalem bi iiij. c. cubitis ; (CMPURVEY,I,18.802)

and the king of Israel took awey al the gold and syluer , and alle the
vesselis that were founden in Goddis hous , and in the tresouris of the
king , (CMPURVEY,I,18.803)

and took pleggis , (CMPURVEY,I,18.804)

and turnede a+geen in to Samarie . (CMPURVEY,I,18.805)

At the laste the men of Amasias conspireden a+gens him ,
(CMPURVEY,I,18.806)

and he fledde in to Lachis , (CMPURVEY,I,18.807)

and thei sentyn thidir , (CMPURVEY,I,18.808)

and killede hym there , (CMPURVEY,I,18.809)

and birieden him in Jerusalem with his fadris ; (CMPURVEY,I,18.810)

and Asarie his sone regnede for hym in Jeruselem l. +geer
(CMPURVEY,I,18.811)

He dide ri+gtfulnesse in party , as Amasias his fadir dide ;
(CMPURVEY,I,18.812)

and God smoot hym with leepre til into the day of his deeth ;
(CMPURVEY,I,18.813)

and Joathas his sone gouernede the paleys , (CMPURVEY,I,18.814)

and deemyde the peple of the lond , (CMPURVEY,I,18.815)

and euere the kingis of Israel diden yuele , (CMPURVEY,I,18.816)

and +geden in the synnes of Jeroboam . (CMPURVEY,I,18.817)

And in the dayes of Manahen , king of Israel , Ful , the king of
Assiriens , took greet tribute of him , to make Manahen stronge in the
rewme . (CMPURVEY,I,18.818)

And in the daies of Facee king of Israel , that dide yuel in Goddis
si+gt , cam Teglath Falasar , king of Assur , (CMPURVEY,I,18.819)

and took manye placis in the lond of Israel , (CMPURVEY,I,18.820)

and he took Galaad , and Galilee , and al the lond of Neptalym ,
(CMPURVEY,I,18.821)

and translatide hem into Assiriens . (CMPURVEY,I,18.822)

Aftir ward Acas regnede on Juda xvj. +geer in Jerusalem ,
(CMPURVEY,I,18.823)

and +gede in the weies of kingis of Israel , (CMPURVEY,I,18.824)

and dide foul ydolatrie . (CMPURVEY,I,18.825)

And aftir these thingis Osee , the king of Israel , rengnede ix. +geer
, (CMPURVEY,I,18.826)

and dide yuel , but not as the kingis of Israel that weren bifore hym .
(CMPURVEY,I,18.827)

And this Osee was maad tributarie to Salmanasar , king of Assiriens ,
(CMPURVEY,I,18.828)

and whanne this Osee wolde be rebel , and paie not tribute to
Salmanasar , he biseegide Osee , (CMPURVEY,I,18.829)

and presonyde hym , (CMPURVEY,I,18.830)

and bisegide Samarie three +geer , (CMPURVEY,I,18.831)

and took it in the nynthe +geer of Osee , (CMPURVEY,I,18.832)

and translatide Israel into Assyriens . (CMPURVEY,I,18.833)

Thanne the scripture rehersith many grete synnes of the peple of Israel
, for whiche thei weren conquerid , and dryuen out of her lond .
(CMPURVEY,I,18.834)

Thanne the king of Assiriens brou+gte peple fro Babiloyne , and fro
manye othere hethene cuntreis , (CMPURVEY,I,18.835)

and settide hem in the citees of Samarie , for the children of Israel ;
(CMPURVEY,I,18.836)

and for this peple dredde not God , he sente in to hem lyouns , that
killeden hem ; (CMPURVEY,I,18.837)

therfore the king of Assiriens sente thidir oo prest of Israel , to
teche hem the lawe of God of Israel , (CMPURVEY,I,18.838)

and so thei worschipiden God of Israel , and hire hethene goddis
togidere . (CMPURVEY,I,18.839)

<heading>

CAP. VII. (CMPURVEY,I,18.841)

</heading>

Ezechie , king of Juda , rengnide xxix. +geer , (CMPURVEY,I,18.843)

and dide good bifore God bi alle thingis whiche his fadir Dauith hadde
do ; (CMPURVEY,I,18.844)

he distroiede hi+ge placis , (CMPURVEY,I,18.845)

and al to-brak ymagis , (CMPURVEY,I,18.846)

and hewyde doun wodis , (CMPURVEY,I,18.847)

and brak the serpent of brasse ; (CMPURVEY,I,18.848)

for the children of Israel brente ensense to it ; (CMPURVEY,I,18.849)

and he hopide in God . (CMPURVEY,I,18.850)

Therfore of alle the kingis of Juda was noon lyk him aftir him , but
neither among these kingis that weren bifore him . (CMPURVEY,I,18.851)

And in the xiiij. +geer of Ezechie , Senagerib , king of Assiriens ,
sti+gede to alle wallide citees of Juda , (CMPURVEY,I,18.852)

and took tho . (CMPURVEY,I,18.853)

Thanne Ezechie +gaf to hym al the syluer that was founden in Goddis
hous , and in the tresouris of the king , for he schulde goo awey , and
distrie not Jerusalem neither Judee ; (CMPURVEY,I,18.854)

and for Senagerib kepte not couenaunt , Ezechie rebellide a+gens him ,
in trist of Goddis help . (CMPURVEY,I,18.855)

Thanne Senagerib sente Rapsaces with strong oost to Jerusalem , to
blasfeme God , and make the peple +gelde hem to him for dreede .
(CMPURVEY,I,18.856)

Thanne Ezechie to-rente his clothis for <P_I,19> sorwe ,
(CMPURVEY,I,19.857)

and was hilid with a sak , (CMPURVEY,I,19.858)

and entride into Goddis hous , (CMPURVEY,I,19.859)

and sente the hi+ge prest and othere eelde men clothid with sakkis to
the prophete Isaie , that he schulde preie to God a+gens the blasfemye
of Assyriens . (CMPURVEY,I,19.860)

And Isaie seide , in Goddis name , that thei schulde not drede of thes
wordis of Assiriens , (CMPURVEY,I,19.861)

for God schal sende a spirit to Senacharib , (CMPURVEY,I,19.862)

and he schal here a messanger , (CMPURVEY,I,19.863)

and he schal turne a+gen into his lond ; (CMPURVEY,I,19.864)

and God schal caste hym doun bi swerd in his lond ; (CMPURVEY,I,19.865)

and whanne Senacherib +gede hoom to defende his lond a+gens the king of
Ethiopie , he sente blasfeme lettris to Ezechie , (CMPURVEY,I,19.866)

and seide , that his God my+gte not delyuere hym fro his hondis .
(CMPURVEY,I,19.867)

Therfore God counfortide Ezechie bi the prophete Isaie , that he
schulde not dreede Senacherib , (CMPURVEY,I,19.868)

for Senacherib schal not entre into Jerusalem , neither sende arwe into
it , neither ocupie it , neither biseege it ; (CMPURVEY,I,19.869)

but God schal defende and saue Jerusalem , for himself , and for Dauith
his seruaunt . (CMPURVEY,I,19.870)

And in that ny+gt the aungel of God killede in the tentis of Assiriens
an c. thousind and lxxxv. thousind ; (CMPURVEY,I,19.871)

and in the morewe tyde Senacherib +gede into his lond ,
(CMPURVEY,I,19.872)

and his owne sones killiden hym in the temple of his God Nestrach ,
while he worschipide Nestrach . (CMPURVEY,I,19.873)

Aftir this whanne Ezechie was syik to the deeth , Isaie seide to hym in
Goddis name , " Dispose thin hous , (CMPURVEY,I,19.874)

for thou schalt di+ge and not lyue . " (CMPURVEY,I,19.875)

And for Ezechie wepte greetly , God curide him , (CMPURVEY,I,19.876)

and made him go into the temple on the thridde day ,
(CMPURVEY,I,19.877)

and encreeside xv. +geer to his lif ; (CMPURVEY,I,19.878)

and in singne herof God made the sunne go bacward bi ten grees .
(CMPURVEY,I,19.879)

Aftir this doinge the king of Babiloyne sente lettris , messengeris ,
and +giftis to Ezechie , (CMPURVEY,I,19.880)

and bi pride he schewide alle hise tresouris and iewelis to the
messengeris . (CMPURVEY,I,19.881)

Therfor God seide bi Isaie to him , that daies schulen come , and alle
thingis in thin hous schulen be taken awey into Babiloyne .
(CMPURVEY,I,19.882)

And Ezechie seide , " The word of God is good ; (CMPURVEY,I,19.883)

oonly pees and treuthe be in my daies . " (CMPURVEY,I,19.884)

Aftir Ezechie Manasses his sone regnede lv. +geer in Jerusalem ,
(CMPURVEY,I,19.885)

and dide gret yuel in Goddis si+gt , and mychel ydolatrie ;
(CMPURVEY,I,19.886)

and the peple of Juda was disceyued of Manasses , that thei diden more
yuel than hethene men , whiche God distroiede fro the face of the sones
of Israel . (CMPURVEY,I,19.887)

And for Manasses dide these worste abomynacouns ouer alle thingis
whiche the men of Amereys diden , and he sched ful myche innocent blood
, til Jerusalem was fillid til to the mouth , God seide , that he wolde
bringe in yuelis on Jerusalem and Juda , that , who euere heerith ,
bothe hise eeris tyngle ; (CMPURVEY,I,19.888)

and he schal do awey Jerusalem , as tablis on boord ben wont to be don
awey , (CMPURVEY,I,19.889)

but God schal leue remenauntis of his eritage , and bitake hem in the
hond of her enemyes . (CMPURVEY,I,19.890)

Manasses diede , (CMPURVEY,I,19.891)

and was buried in the orcherd of his hous ; (CMPURVEY,I,19.892)

and Amon his sone regnede for hym ij. +geer , (CMPURVEY,I,19.893)

and dide yuel as his fadir dide , (CMPURVEY,I,19.894)

and forsook God , (CMPURVEY,I,19.895)

and seruede vnclennesses and ydolis , as his fadir dide ,
(CMPURVEY,I,19.896)

and worschipide thoo . (CMPURVEY,I,19.897)

And his seruauntis settiden tresoun to him , (CMPURVEY,I,19.898)

and killeden hym in his hous ; (CMPURVEY,I,19.899)

and the peple of the lond killiden alle men , that hadden conspyrid
a+gens the kyng Amon ; (CMPURVEY,I,19.900)

and for hym thei ordeyneden Josie his sone king to hem .
(CMPURVEY,I,19.901)

Josie bygan to rengne whanne he was viij. +geer eeld ,
(CMPURVEY,I,19.902)

and rengnede xxxj. +ger in Jerusalem ; (CMPURVEY,I,19.903)

and he dide that that was pleesaunt bifore God , (CMPURVEY,I,19.904)

and +gede bi alle the weies of Dauith his fadir . (CMPURVEY,I,19.905)

In the xviij. +geer of Josie he hadde besynesse that the temple of God
were reparailid ; (CMPURVEY,I,19.906)

and whanne the book of lawe was red bifore the king , he to-rente hise
clothis , (CMPURVEY,I,19.907)

and sente solempne messengeris to take counceil at God for himself and
his reume ; (CMPURVEY,I,19.908)

for he seide , that greet veniaunce of God is kynlid a+gens vs ,
(CMPURVEY,I,19.909)

for oure fadris herden not the wordis of this book , to do al that is
writen to vs . (CMPURVEY,I,19.910)

And God seide bi the prophetesse Olda , the wijf of Sellum , " I schal
bringe yuelis on this place , and on the dwelleris thereof , alle the
wordis of the lawe whiche Josie redde , (CMPURVEY,I,19.911)

for they forsooken me , (CMPURVEY,I,19.912)

and maden sacrifice to alyen goddis ; (CMPURVEY,I,19.913)

and for thou , Josiee , herdist the wordis of the book , and thin herte
was afeerd , and thou were meekid bifore me , and to-rentist thi
clothis , and weptist bifore me , therfore thou schalt di+ge in pees ,
that thin i+gen se not <P_I,20> alle these yuelis , whiche I schal
bringe in on this place . " (CMPURVEY,I,20.914)

Thanne Josie gaderide to hym alle the olde men of Juda and of Jerusalem
, (CMPURVEY,I,20.915)

and the king sti+gede into the temple of God , and alle men of Juda and
alle men that dwelliden in Jerusalem , prophetis and prestis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,20.916)

and al the peple styede with hym , (CMPURVEY,I,20.917)

and he redde to alle men heeringe alle the wordis of the book of
couenaunt of the Lord , that was founden in the hous of the Lord .
(CMPURVEY,I,20.918)

And the king stood on the grees , (CMPURVEY,I,20.919)

and smoot couenaunt bifore the Lord , that thei schulden go aftir the
Lord , and kepe alle hise heestis , and witnessingis , and cerymonies ,
in al the herte and in al the soule , (CMPURVEY,I,20.920)

and the peple assentide to the couenaunt . (CMPURVEY,I,20.921)

And the king bad the bischop and prestis and porters caste out of
Goddis temple alle vessels that weren maad to Baal , and to other ydols
; (CMPURVEY,I,20.922)

and he brent tho out of Jerusalem , in the valey of Cedron ,
(CMPURVEY,I,20.923)

and bar the dust of tho into Bethel . (CMPURVEY,I,20.924)

And he distroide ydolatrours , and the hous of lecchours that weren in
the hous of God ; (CMPURVEY,I,20.925)

and he distroide auteris and hi+ge placis of ydols , and ymagis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,20.926)

and took out boonys fro sepulcris , (CMPURVEY,I,20.927)

and brente tho on the autir in Bethel , that seruide to ydolatrie .
(CMPURVEY,I,20.928)

Also Josie dide awey alle templis of hi+ge placis , that weren in the
citee of Samarie , whiche the kingis of Israel hadden maad to terre the
Lord to wraththe ; (CMPURVEY,I,20.929)

and he dide to tho as he hadde do in Bethel , (CMPURVEY,I,20.930)

and he killide the prestis of hi+ge placis , whiche prestis weren there
ouer the auters , (CMPURVEY,I,20.931)

and he brente mennis boonys on tho auters . (CMPURVEY,I,20.932)

Also Josie made the puple to make a solempne pask , (CMPURVEY,I,20.933)

and such pask was not maad fro the daies of iugis , and alle kingis of
Israel and Juda , as was this pask maad , in the xviij. +geer of Josie
. (CMPURVEY,I,20.934)

And hee dide awey spiritis spekinge in mennis wombis , and false
dyuynouris , and figuris of ydols , and vnclennessis , and
abomynacyouns , that weren in the lond of Juda and of Jerusalem .
(CMPURVEY,I,20.935)

No king bifore him neither aftir him was lyk him , that turned a+gen to
God in al his herte , and in al his soule , and in al his vertu , bi al
the lawe of Moises . (CMPURVEY,I,20.936)

Natheles for the orrible synnes of Juda God turnede not awey fro his
strong veniaunce , (CMPURVEY,I,20.937)

but seide , that he wolde take awey Juda fro his face , as he dide awey
Israel , and that he wolde caste awey the citee Jerusalem whiche he
chees . (CMPURVEY,I,20.938)

Therfor Farao Nechao , king of Egipt , killide Josye in Magedo ,
(CMPURVEY,I,20.939)

and Joachas his sone was maad kyng for his fadir ; (CMPURVEY,I,20.940)

and he rengnede thre monethis in Jerusalem , (CMPURVEY,I,20.941)

and dide yuel bifore God bi alle thingis whiche his fadris hadden do ;
(CMPURVEY,I,20.942)

and this Farao prisonyde him in Reblatha , (CMPURVEY,I,20.943)

and took tribute of the lond , an c. talentis of syluer , and oo talent
of gold ; (CMPURVEY,I,20.944)

and this Farao made king Elyachym , the sone of Josie ,
(CMPURVEY,I,20.945)

and turnede his name Joachym ; (CMPURVEY,I,20.946)

and this Farao ledde Joachas in to Egipt ; (CMPURVEY,I,20.947)

and Joachym dide yuele bifore God bi alle thingis whiche his fadris
hadden do . (CMPURVEY,I,20.948)

And this Joachym was maad seruaunt thre +geer to Nabugodnosor , king of
Babilonie , (CMPURVEY,I,20.949)

and eft he rebellyde a+gens Nabugodnosor , (CMPURVEY,I,20.950)

and God sente theuis of Caldeys , and theuis of Sirie , and theuis of
Moab , and theuis of the sones of Amon into Juda , that he schulde
distroie it , as he spac bi his prophetis , and specialy for the synnes
of Manasses . (CMPURVEY,I,20.951)

This Joachym di+gede , (CMPURVEY,I,20.952)

and his sone Joakyn rengnide iij. monethis in Jerusalem ,
(CMPURVEY,I,20.953)

and dide yuel bifore God , as hise fadris hadden do .
(CMPURVEY,I,20.954)

In that tyme the seruauntis of Nabugodnosor sti+gede to Jerusalem ,
(CMPURVEY,I,20.955)

and biseegeden it . (CMPURVEY,I,20.956)

Thanne Nabugodnosor came to Jerusalem to ouercome it ,
(CMPURVEY,I,20.957)

and Joakyn , and his modir , and his seruauntis , and princis , and
chaumbirleyns +geden out to Nabugodnosor , (CMPURVEY,I,20.958)

and he translatide Joakyn and his oost , x. thousind , and many crafty
men in to Babiloyne ; (CMPURVEY,I,20.959)

and took alle the tresouris of Goddis hous , and of the kingis hous ,
(CMPURVEY,I,20.960)

and bet togidere alle the golden vessels , whiche king Salamon hadde
maad in the temple . (CMPURVEY,I,20.961)

And Nabugodnosor ordeynede Mathanye , the brother of Josie , to be
kinge , (CMPURVEY,I,20.962)

and clepide hym Sedechie , (CMPURVEY,I,20.963)

and he rengnede xj. +geer in Jerusalem , (CMPURVEY,I,20.964)

and dide yuel bifore God bi alle thingis that Joachym hadde do ;
(CMPURVEY,I,20.965)

for God was wrooth a+gens Jerusalem and Juda , til he castide hem awey
fro his face . (CMPURVEY,I,20.966)

And Sedechie +gede awey fro the king of Babilonye , (CMPURVEY,I,20.967)

and in the ix. +geer of Sadechie Nabugodonosor cam with al his oost ,
(CMPURVEY,I,20.968)

and bisegide Jerusalem til to the xi. +geer of Sedechie ,
(CMPURVEY,I,20.969)

<P_I,21>

and thanne the citee was broken , (CMPURVEY,I,21.971)

and Sedechie and his warriouris fledden bi ny+gt , (CMPURVEY,I,21.972)

and the oost of Caldeys pursuede and took him , (CMPURVEY,I,21.973)

and brou+gte him to Nabugodonosor in Reblatha . (CMPURVEY,I,21.974)

And Nabugodonosor spac dom with Sedechie , (CMPURVEY,I,21.975)

and killide hise sones bifore him , (CMPURVEY,I,21.976)

and puttide out his i+gen , (CMPURVEY,I,21.977)

and boond him with chaynes , (CMPURVEY,I,21.978)

and brou+gte hym in to Babiloyne . (CMPURVEY,I,21.979)

Thanne Nabusardan , the prince of the oost , brente Goddis hous , and
the kingis hous , and the housis of Jerusalem , (CMPURVEY,I,21.980)

and distroiede the wallis of Jerusalem in cumpas ; (CMPURVEY,I,21.981)

and he translatide into Babiloine the residue puple of Juda , outaken a
fewe pore men , vyntilieris and erthetilieris ; (CMPURVEY,I,21.982)

and he brak alle the brasen vessels and of metal in the temple ,
(CMPURVEY,I,21.983)

and bare the metal into Babilone . (CMPURVEY,I,21.984)

Thanne Nabugodonosor made Godolye to be souereyn of the peple left in
the lond of Juda , (CMPURVEY,I,21.985)

and thanne alle the dukis of kny+gtis camen to Godolie in Maspha ,
(CMPURVEY,I,21.986)

and he made an ooth to hem , that it schulde be wel to hem , if thei
wolden serue the king of Babilone . (CMPURVEY,I,21.987)

And Ismael , that was of the kingis blood , killide Godolye , and Jewis
and Caldeis that weren with him , (CMPURVEY,I,21.988)

and al the peple of Juda and the princis of kni+gtis fledden into
Egipte , for drede of Caldeys . (CMPURVEY,I,21.989)

At the laste , Euylmeradach , king of Babilone , reiside Joachyn fro
presoun , (CMPURVEY,I,21.990)

and settide his trone aboue the trones of othir kingis that weren with
hym in Babilone ; (CMPURVEY,I,21.991)

and Joachyn eet euere breed in the kingis si+gt of Babilone , in alle
the daies of his lijf . (CMPURVEY,I,21.992)

This prosces of Godolie and that sueth is teld largeliere in the ende
of Jeremye than heere in the ende of Kingis . (CMPURVEY,I,21.993)

This prosces of the iiij. book of Kingis schulde stire alle men , and
namely kingis and lordis , for to hate synne , as ydolatrie and
coueitise , and brekinge of Goddis heestis , for whiche the peple of
Israel and the peple of Juda was thus punschid , and conquerid of
hethene men , and for to loue vertues and kepinge of Goddis heestis ,
and distroyinge of opyn sinnes , for whiche manye goode kingis , as
Esechie , Josie , and many othere , hadden grek thank and socour of God
in manye greete perels , and blisse of heuene withouten ende .
(CMPURVEY,I,21.994)

God for his mercy graunte this blisse to vs ! (CMPURVEY,I,21.995)

Amen . (CMPURVEY,I,21.996)

<heading>

CAP. VIII. (CMPURVEY,I,21.998)

</heading>

The bookis of Paralypomynon ben ful nescessarie to vndirstonde the
stories of the elde testament , in so myche , as Jerom seith , that if
eny man withouten these bookis wole presume to haue the kunnynge of
hooly scripturis , he scorne himself , that is , disseyue eithir make
himself worthi to be scorned ; for whi the stories left out in the
bookis of Kingis be touchid in these bookis , and vnnumberable
questiouns of the gospel ben declarid by these bookis .
(CMPURVEY,I,21.1000)

The firste book of Paralypomynon tellith in the bigynnynge the
generacyouns fro Adam til to Jacob , and so forth til to Dauith ,
(CMPURVEY,I,21.1001)

and touchith schortly manye stories of Saul , and of Dauith , and of
Salomon , in the ende therof ; and how Dauith ordeynede prestis and
dekyns in her offis , and how and bi what seruise thei schulden serue
God . (CMPURVEY,I,21.1002)

The bigynnyng of the ij. book of Paralipomynon tellith hou Salomon
axide of God wisedom to deme his peple , (CMPURVEY,I,21.1003)

and God +gaf to him wisdom , and kunnyng , and richesse , and glorie ,
so that noon among kingis neither bifore neither aftir him was lyk him
. (CMPURVEY,I,21.1004)

Thanne is toold how Salomon byldide the temple of Jerusalem , and an
hous to himself . (CMPURVEY,I,21.1005)

Aftir this the queene of Saba cam to Salomon , (CMPURVEY,I,21.1006)

and brou+gte many precious iewelis to him , (CMPURVEY,I,21.1007)

and preuede his kunnynge and wisdom in many thingis .
(CMPURVEY,I,21.1008)

And alle the kingis of the erthe desyreden to see the face of Salomon ,
for to here the wisdom of God , which he hadde +goue in his herte .
(CMPURVEY,I,21.1009)

Aftir this it sueth hou Roboam departide the x. lynagis fro the hous of
Dauith bi his pride and harde wordis , and bi suynge of the counceil of
+gunge men ; (CMPURVEY,I,21.1010)

and whanne the rewme of Juda was confermyd to him , he forsook the lawe
of God , (CMPURVEY,I,21.1011)

and al <P_I,22> Israel dide the same with him . (CMPURVEY,I,22.1012)

Therfore God sente the king of Egipt with vnnoumbrable peple on hem ,
(CMPURVEY,I,22.1013)

and took awey the tresours of Goddis hous and of the kingis hous ,
(CMPURVEY,I,22.1014)

and thei serueden the king of Egipt , to knowe the dyuersite of Goddis
seruise , and of the seruise of the rewme of the londis .
(CMPURVEY,I,22.1015)

Aftir him regnede Abia , his sone , (CMPURVEY,I,22.1016)

and he tretide wijsely with the peple of Israel , that thei schulde
forsake her synne , and werrey not a+gens Goddis puple and the rewme of
Juda ; (CMPURVEY,I,22.1017)

and for thei wolde proudly werreye a+gens the rewme of Juda , and
a+gens this good counceil of Abia , he killyde of hem bi Goddis help v.
hundrid thousynd of stronge men . (CMPURVEY,I,22.1018)

Aftir this counceil Abia di+gede , (CMPURVEY,I,22.1019)

and Asa his sone rengnede for him ; (CMPURVEY,I,22.1020)

and in the daies of Asa the lond was in reste x. +geer ;
(CMPURVEY,I,22.1021)

and Asa dide that that was good and plesaunt in the si+gt of God ,
(CMPURVEY,I,22.1022)

and he distroiede auteris of ydolatrie , and hi+ge placis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,22.1023)

and he brak ymagis , (CMPURVEY,I,22.1024)

and hewyde doun wodis , (CMPURVEY,I,22.1025)

and comaundide the peple of Juda to seeke the Lord God of her fadris ,
and do his lawe , and kepe alle hise heestis . (CMPURVEY,I,22.1026)

He rengnide in pees , (CMPURVEY,I,22.1027)

and byldide stronge citees with wallis , and touris , and +gatis , and
lockis , (CMPURVEY,I,22.1028)

and he hadde in his oost thre hundrid thousind of Juda , of men beringe
scheeldis and speris , and of Beniamyn ij. hundrid thousind and lxx.
thousind of men of armes , and of archeris . (CMPURVEY,I,22.1029)

And he ouercam the king of Ethiopie , that cam with x. c. thousind men
and iij. c. charris ; (CMPURVEY,I,22.1030)

and Asa hadde the victorie , (CMPURVEY,I,22.1031)

for in trist of Goddis help he cam a+gens this gret multitude .
(CMPURVEY,I,22.1032)

Thanne the prophete of God seide to Asa and al his peple , " The Lord
is with +gow , (CMPURVEY,I,22.1033)

for +ge weren with hym ; (CMPURVEY,I,22.1034)

if +ge seeken hym +ge schulen fynde ; (CMPURVEY,I,22.1035)

and if +ge forsaken him he schal forsake +gou ; (CMPURVEY,I,22.1036)

many daies schulen passe in Israel withoute veri God , and without
prest , and techere , and lawe ; (CMPURVEY,I,22.1037)

and whanne thei turnen a+gen in her angwische , and crien to God , and
seekyn him , thei schulen fynde him . (CMPURVEY,I,22.1038)

Be +ge confortid , (CMPURVEY,I,22.1039)

and +goure hondis be not maad vnstedfast , for whi mede schal be to
+goure werk . " (CMPURVEY,I,22.1040)

And whanne Asa hadde herd these wordis , and profecie , he was
coumfortid , (CMPURVEY,I,22.1041)

and dide awey alle ydols fro al the lond of Juda and of Beniamyn , and
fro the citees whiche he hadde take of Effraym . (CMPURVEY,I,22.1042)

And he gaderide to gidere al the puple vndir him , (CMPURVEY,I,22.1043)

and he entride into Jerusalem , to make stronge the boond of pees ,
that thei schulden seeke the Lord God of her fadris in al her herte and
al her soule , (CMPURVEY,I,22.1044)

and he seide , " If eny man seekith not the Lord God of Israel , di+ge
he , fro the leeste til to the meeste , fro man til to womman . "
(CMPURVEY,I,22.1045)

And thei sworen with al hire herte and with al hire wille ,
(CMPURVEY,I,22.1046)

thei sou+gten God (CMPURVEY,I,22.1047)

and founden hym , (CMPURVEY,I,22.1048)

and God +gaf reste to hem bi cumpas . (CMPURVEY,I,22.1049)

And whanne the king of Israel werride a+gens Aza , Asa sente mychil
gold and syluer to the king of Syrie , to helpe him , and to werreye
a+gens the king of Israel , (CMPURVEY,I,22.1050)

and he dide so . (CMPURVEY,I,22.1051)

Thanne God blamyde Asa greetly , (CMPURVEY,I,22.1052)

for he triste in the king of Sirie , and not in God .
(CMPURVEY,I,22.1053)

" And therfor the oost of the king of Sirie ascapide fro thin hond , "
seide God , (CMPURVEY,I,22.1054)

" and also bateiles schulen rise a+gens thee in present tyme . "
(CMPURVEY,I,22.1055)

And Asa was wrooth a+gens the prophete , that telde this to hym ,
(CMPURVEY,I,22.1056)

and puttide him in the stockis ; (CMPURVEY,I,22.1057)

and God hadde ful gret indingnacoun on this thing ,
(CMPURVEY,I,22.1058)

and killide full manye men of the puple in that tyme .
(CMPURVEY,I,22.1059)

And in the ende of his lijf Asa hadde ful greet syknesse of his feet ,
(CMPURVEY,I,22.1060)

and in his syknesse he sou+gte not the Lord , (CMPURVEY,I,22.1061)

but triste more in the craft of lechis . (CMPURVEY,I,22.1062)

And Asa di+gede , (CMPURVEY,I,22.1063)

and Josophat his sone regnede for hym , (CMPURVEY,I,22.1064)

and was strong a+gens lsrael . (CMPURVEY,I,22.1065)

And king Josophat ordeynede noumbris of kni+gtis in alle wallid citees
of Juda , (CMPURVEY,I,22.1066)

and ordeynede strong hooldis in the lond of Juda , and in the citees of
Effrahym , whiche Asa his fadir hadde take . (CMPURVEY,I,22.1067)

And the Lord was with Josophat , (CMPURVEY,I,22.1068)

and he +gede in the firste weies of Dauith his fadir ,
(CMPURVEY,I,22.1069)

and he hopide not in Baalym , but in God Almy+gty ,
(CMPURVEY,I,22.1070)

and +gede in his comaundementis , and not bi the synnes of Israel .
(CMPURVEY,I,22.1071)

And God confermyde the rewme in the hond of Josophat ,
(CMPURVEY,I,22.1072)

and he hadde ful many richessis and myche glorie ; (CMPURVEY,I,22.1073)

and whanne his herte hadde take trist for the weies of the Lord , he
dide aweye also hi+ge placis and woodis fro Judea , where the puple
made offring out of <P_I,23> Jeru-salem a+gens the lawe .
(CMPURVEY,I,23.1074)

And Josophat in the iij. +geer of his rewme sente fyue of his princis ,
that thei schulde teche in the citees of Juda ; (CMPURVEY,I,23.1075)

and he sente ix. deknes with hem , and ij. prestis with hem ,
(CMPURVEY,I,23.1076)

and thei hadden the book of Goddis lawe , (CMPURVEY,I,23.1077)

and tau+gten the peple in Juda ; (CMPURVEY,I,23.1078)

and thei cumpassiden alle the citees of Juda , (CMPURVEY,I,23.1079)

and tau+gten al the peple . (CMPURVEY,I,23.1080)

Therfore the drede of the Lord was maad on alle rewmys of londis that
weren bi the cumpas of Juda , and dursten not werreye a+gens Josophat .
(CMPURVEY,I,23.1081)

And he hadde redy at his hond xj. c. thousind and lx. c. thousind of
kni+gtis , and men of armys , and archers , outaken othere whiche he
hadde set in wallid citees , and in all Juda . (CMPURVEY,I,23.1082)

And Filisteyis and Arabeyes brou+gten to Josophat +giftis and tributis
, and many thousindis of scheep and buckis of geet .
(CMPURVEY,I,23.1083)

And aftir this doinge Josophat was alyed to Acab , (CMPURVEY,I,23.1084)

and +gede with hym to bateile into Ramoth of Galaad ,
(CMPURVEY,I,23.1085)

and iiij. c. prophetis , that weren disseyued bi a spirit of lesing ,
excitide Acab to this werre , (CMPURVEY,I,23.1086)

and bihi+gte prosperite and victorie to him ; (CMPURVEY,I,23.1087)

but Mycheas , oo trewe prophete of God , telde to Acab that he schulde
di+ge in this bataile , (CMPURVEY,I,23.1088)

and so it was indeede ; (CMPURVEY,I,23.1089)

and Josophat , that was in moost perel of this bateile , was sauid bi
Goddis help . (CMPURVEY,I,23.1090)

Aftir this bateil Josophat turnede a+geen in pees to Jerusalem ,
(CMPURVEY,I,23.1091)

and a prophete of God mette him , (CMPURVEY,I,23.1092)

and seide , " Thou helpist the wickid man , (CMPURVEY,I,23.1093)

and art ioyned in frenschip to hem that haten God ,
(CMPURVEY,I,23.1094)

and therfor thou disseruedist the wraththe of God ,
(CMPURVEY,I,23.1095)

but goode werkis ben founden in thee , (CMPURVEY,I,23.1096)

for thou didest awey wodis fro the lond of Juda , (CMPURVEY,I,23.1097)

and madist redy thin herte to seeke the Lord God of thi fadris . "
(CMPURVEY,I,23.1098)

Therfore Josophat dwellide in Jerusalem , (CMPURVEY,I,23.1099)

and eft he +gide out to the peple fro Bersabe til to the hil of Effraym
, (CMPURVEY,I,23.1100)

and clepide hem a+gen to the Lord God of her fadris ;
(CMPURVEY,I,23.1101)

and he ordeynede iugis of the lond in alle stronge citees of Juda bi
ech place ; (CMPURVEY,I,23.1102)

and he comaundide thus to the iugis , " See +ge , what +ge owen to do ,
(CMPURVEY,I,23.1103)

for +ge vsen the dom not of man but of the Lord , (CMPURVEY,I,23.1104)

and what euer thing that +ge schal deme , schal turne into +gou ;
(CMPURVEY,I,23.1105)

the dreede of the Lord be with +gou , (CMPURVEY,I,23.1106)

and do +ge alle thingis with diligence ; for whi neither wickidnesse ,
neither taking of persoones , neither coueitise of +giftis , is anentis
+goure Lord God . " (CMPURVEY,I,23.1107)

And in Jerusalem Josophat ordeynede dekenes and prestis , and princis
of meynes of Israel , that thei schulde deme to the dwelleris therof
the doom and cause of God ; (CMPURVEY,I,23.1108)

and he comaundide to hem (CMPURVEY,I,23.1109)

and seide , " Thus +ge schulen do in the drede of the Lord feithfully ,
and in a perfit herte ; (CMPURVEY,I,23.1110)

ech cause that cometh to +gou of +goure britheren that dwellen in her
citees , bitwixe kinrede and kynrede , where euere is questioun either
doute of the lawe of comaundement of cerymonies of instifijngis ,
schewe +gee to hem , that thei do not synne a+gens the Lord , and
wraththe either veniaunce come not on +gow , and on +goure britheren ;
(CMPURVEY,I,23.1111)

therfore do +ge thus (CMPURVEY,I,23.1112)

and +ge schule not do synne ; (CMPURVEY,I,23.1113)

and Amarie , +goure prest and bischop , schal be souereyn in these
thingis that perteynyn to God . " (CMPURVEY,I,23.1114)

Aftir these thingis the sones of Amon , and the sones of Moab , and
with men of Ydume , weren gaderid togidere to werrye a+gens Josophat .
(CMPURVEY,I,23.1115)

Thanne Josophat +gaf him al to beseche God , (CMPURVEY,I,23.1116)

and prechide fasting to al Juda , (CMPURVEY,I,23.1117)

and al Juda was gaderid to biseeche the Lord ; (CMPURVEY,I,23.1118)

and Josophat knoulechide , that he hadde not power to a+genstonde so
greet a multitude of enemyes . (CMPURVEY,I,23.1119)

Thanne God coumfortide him and his peple bi a prophete , that thei
schulde not dreede this greet multitude of enemyes ,
(CMPURVEY,I,23.1120)

for God himself schulde fi+gte and ouercome her enemyes , without
strook of his peple ; (CMPURVEY,I,23.1121)

and so it was in dede . (CMPURVEY,I,23.1122)

At the laste , Josophat made frenschipe with Ocosie , king of Israel ,
whois werkis weren ful yuele , (CMPURVEY,I,23.1123)

and thei weren felowis to make schippis , that schulden go into Tarsis
. (CMPURVEY,I,23.1124)

Therfor God bi his prophete seide to Josophat , " For thou haddist
boond of pees with Ocosie , God hath smyte thi werkis , "
(CMPURVEY,I,23.1125)

and the schippis ben al to-broken (CMPURVEY,I,23.1126)

and my+gten not go into Tarsis . (CMPURVEY,I,23.1127)

Thanne di+gede Josophat , (CMPURVEY,I,23.1128)

and Joram his sone rengnyde for hym . (CMPURVEY,I,23.1129)

This Joram weddide the dou+gtir of Acab , (CMPURVEY,I,23.1130)

and killide <P_I,24> hise owne britheren , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1131)

and +gede in the weies of the kingis of Israel , as the hous of Acab
hadde do ; (CMPURVEY,I,24.1132)

and he dide ydolatrie , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1133)

and made the dwelleris of Jerusalem and also Juda to breke Goddis lawe
. (CMPURVEY,I,24.1134)

Therfor Edom and Lobna +geden awey fro his lordschipe ,
(CMPURVEY,I,24.1135)

for he hadde forsake the Lord God of his fadris ; (CMPURVEY,I,24.1136)

and therfore God reiside a+gens him Filisteys and Arabeys , that
coosteyen with Ethiopiens , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1137)

and thei distroieden the lond of Juda , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1138)

and token awey al the catel that was founden in the hous of the king ,
(CMPURVEY,I,24.1139)

and tooken awey his wijf and sones , outaken Joachas the +gungeste .
(CMPURVEY,I,24.1140)

And God smoot Joram with vncurable sorewe of wombe twey +ger , so that
he rotid on erthe , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1141)

and castide out hise entrailis , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1142)

and di+gede in worst syknesse . (CMPURVEY,I,24.1143)

And his sone Ocosias rengnyde for him , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1144)

and dide yuele as the hous of Acab , for whi his modir excitide him to
do wickidly ; (CMPURVEY,I,24.1145)

and thei of the hous of Acab weren his councelers into his deth ,
(CMPURVEY,I,24.1146)

and he +gede in the counceil of hem . (CMPURVEY,I,24.1147)

And therfore Hieu , whanne he distroyede the hous of Acab , killide
Ocosie , and the prince of Juda , and the sones of the britheren of
Ocosie . (CMPURVEY,I,24.1148)

After these thingis Joas waas maad king , bi the helpe of Joiada the
prest , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1149)

and the curside womman Atalia was slayn . (CMPURVEY,I,24.1150)

The prestis and grete men of the peple brou+gten out of Goddis hous the
sone of the king , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1151)

and settiden a coroun on his heed , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1152)

and +gauen in his hond the lawe to be kept , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1153)

and maden him king . (CMPURVEY,I,24.1154)

And Joiada made couenaunt bitwixen him and al the peple and the king ,
that thei schulden be the peple of God , that is , forsake ydolatrie ,
and kepe treuly Goddis lawe . (CMPURVEY,I,24.1155)

Therfore al the peple +gede into the hous of Baal ,
(CMPURVEY,I,24.1156)

and distroyeden it , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1157)

and braken the auters and symylacris , either ymagis of him ,
(CMPURVEY,I,24.1158)

and thei killeden bifore the auteer Mathan , the prest of Baal .
(CMPURVEY,I,24.1159)

This Joas dide wel in the tyme of Joiada , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1160)

and reparilide the temple of Jerusalem , that was distroyed bi Atalia
and hir sones ; (CMPURVEY,I,24.1161)

but aftir the deeth of Joiada he was flaterid bi the princis of Juda ,
(CMPURVEY,I,24.1162)

and thei felden to idolatrie , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1163)

and forsoken the temple of God . (CMPURVEY,I,24.1164)

And the wraththe of God was maad a+gens Juda and Jerusalem for his
synne , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1165)

and he sente prophetis to hem , that thei schulden turne a+gen to God ,
(CMPURVEY,I,24.1166)

and thei nolde heere these profetis . (CMPURVEY,I,24.1167)

And Sacarie , the prest and sone of Joiada , repreuede hem for this
synne , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1168)

and thei stonyden hym to deth in the purseynt of Goddis hous , by
comaundement of the king . (CMPURVEY,I,24.1169)

And whanne the +geer was endid the oost of Syrie sti+gede a+gens hym ,
(CMPURVEY,I,24.1170)

and cam in to Juda and Jerusalem , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1171)

and killide alle the princis of the peple , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1172)

and senten al the prey in to Damask to the king . (CMPURVEY,I,24.1173)

And certis whanne a ful litil noumbre of men of Sirie was comen , God
bitook in her hondis a multitude withouten ende , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1174)

for thei hadden forsake the Lord God of her fadris ,
(CMPURVEY,I,24.1175)

and thei vsiden schameful domes in Joas , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1176)

and +geden forth , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1177)

and leftyn him in greet sorewis ; (CMPURVEY,I,24.1178)

and his seruaunts risen a+gens him for veniaunce of the blood of the
sone of Joiada the prest , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1179)

and killiden him in his bed ; (CMPURVEY,I,24.1180)

and Joas was deed , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1181)

and Amasie his sone rengnide for him . (CMPURVEY,I,24.1182)

<heading>

CAP. IX. (CMPURVEY,I,24.1184)

</heading>

Amasie dide good in party , but not in a parfit herte ,
(CMPURVEY,I,24.1186)

and he killide hem that hadden slayn the king his fadir ,
(CMPURVEY,I,24.1187)

but he killide not her sones , as God bad in the lawe .
(CMPURVEY,I,24.1188)

This Amasie foond in al Juda and Beniamyn fro xx. +geer and aboue ,
xxx. thousind of +gunge men that +geden out to bateile , and heelden
spere and scheeld ; (CMPURVEY,I,24.1189)

and he hyride of Israel an c. thousind of ful stronge men for an c.
talentis of syluer , to fi+gte a+gens the sones of Edom .
(CMPURVEY,I,24.1190)

And a man of God seide to Amasie , " A ! thou king , the oost of Israel
go not out with thee , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1191)

for the Lord is not with Ysrael , and with alle the sones of Effraym ;
that if thou gessist that bateilis stonden in the strengthe of oost ,
the Lord schal make thee to be ouercomen of thin enemyes ;
(CMPURVEY,I,24.1192)

for it is propir to God for to helpe , and for to turne into fli+gt . "
(CMPURVEY,I,24.1193)

Therfore Amasie departyde awey the oost of Israel ,
(CMPURVEY,I,24.1194)

and tristily ledde forth his puple to bataile ; (CMPURVEY,I,24.1195)

and he hadde the victorie , (CMPURVEY,I,24.1196)

and killide xl. thousind of his enemyes in this bataile .
(CMPURVEY,I,24.1197)

And aftir this victorie Amasie worschipide the goddis of Edom ,
(CMPURVEY,I,24.1198)

and brente encense to hem ; <P_I,25> wherfor God was wrooth a+gens
Amasie , and sente to him a prophete , that schulde seie to him , " Whi
hast thou worschipid goddis that delyueriden not her puple fro thin
hond ? " (CMPURVEY,I,25.1199)

Whanne the prophete spac these thingis to him , he answeride to the
prophete , " Wher thou art a counceler of the king ?
(CMPURVEY,I,25.1200)

ceese thou , lest perauenture I slee thee . " (CMPURVEY,I,25.1201)

Therfore the prophete +gede awey , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1202)

and seide , " I woot that the Lord thou+gte to slee thee ,
(CMPURVEY,I,25.1203)

for thou hast doo this yuel , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1204)

and ferthermore thou assentidist not to my counceil : "
(CMPURVEY,I,25.1205)

and so it bifelde in deede , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1206)

for bi pride he terride the king of Israel to werre ,
(CMPURVEY,I,25.1207)

and nolde ceese for heleful counceil of the king of Israel .
(CMPURVEY,I,25.1208)

Therfore the king of Israel ouercam the puple of Juda ,
(CMPURVEY,I,25.1209)

and took Amasie , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1210)

and distroiede the wal of Jerusalem bi iiij. c. cubitis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,25.1211)

and took awey al the tresour and vessels whiche he foond in Goddis hous
, and in the kingis hous . (CMPURVEY,I,25.1212)

And aftir this doing Amasie fledde out of Jerusalem into Lachis , for
tresoun doon to him of his men ; (CMPURVEY,I,25.1213)

and thei senten , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1214)

and killiden him in Lachis . (CMPURVEY,I,25.1215)

And Osias his sone regnede for him lij. +geer in Jerusalem ,
(CMPURVEY,I,25.1216)

and sou+gte God in the daies of Sacarie , vndirstondinge and seeinge
God , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1217)

and whanne he sou+gte God , he louyde him in alle thingis ;
(CMPURVEY,I,25.1218)

and God helpide him a+gens Filisteys , and a+gens Arabeys , and a+gens
Ammonytis . (CMPURVEY,I,25.1219)

And Ammonitis payeden +giftis to Osias , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1220)

and his name was puplischid til to the entring of Egipt , for ofte
victories . (CMPURVEY,I,25.1221)

He bildide manye touris in Jerusalem , and also in wildirnesse ,
(CMPURVEY,I,25.1222)

for he hadde many beestis , and vynes , and vyntilieris ,
(CMPURVEY,I,25.1223)

for he was a man +gouen to erthe tilthe . (CMPURVEY,I,25.1224)

He hadde in his oost ij. thousynd and vj. c. princes of stronge men ,
and iij. c. thousind and vij. thousind and v. c. that weren able to
bateil , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1225)

and fou+gten for the king a+gens aduersaries ; (CMPURVEY,I,25.1226)

and his name +gede out fer , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1227)

for God helpide him , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1228)

and made him stronge . (CMPURVEY,I,25.1229)

But whanne he was maad stronge , his herte was reisid into his deth ,
(CMPURVEY,I,25.1230)

and he dispiside his Lord God , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1231)

for he +gede into the temple of God , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1232)

and wolde brenne encense on the auter of encense , a+gens the lawe .
(CMPURVEY,I,25.1233)

And whanne the bischop and many noble prestis a+genstodyn him , and
teldyn the lawe that was a+gens him , hee was wrooth ,
(CMPURVEY,I,25.1234)

and helde the censer , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1235)

and manaside hem ; (CMPURVEY,I,25.1236)

and anoon lepre roos in his forheed bifore the prestis in Goddis hous .
(CMPURVEY,I,25.1237)

Thanne the prestis puttiden him out , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1238)

and he hastide to go out , for drede , and for he feelide anon the
veniaunce of God . (CMPURVEY,I,25.1239)

Therfore king Osias was leprouse til to the day of his deth ,
(CMPURVEY,I,25.1240)

and dwellide in an hous departid . (CMPURVEY,I,25.1241)

And Joathan his sone gouernede the kingis hous , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1242)

and deemyde the puple of the lond . (CMPURVEY,I,25.1243)

And Joathan rengnyde xvj. +geer in Jerusalem , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1244)

and dide ri+gtfulnesse bifore God , bi alle thingis whiche Osias his
fadir hadde do , outaken this , that he entride not into the temple of
God ; (CMPURVEY,I,25.1245)

and +git the puple trespasside . (CMPURVEY,I,25.1246)

He byldide manye thingis , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1247)

and fau+gt a+gens the king of the sones of Amon , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1248)

and ouercam him ; (CMPURVEY,I,25.1249)

and the sones of Amon +gauen to hym an c. talentis of syluer , and x.
thousind corus of barly , and as manye of whete ; (CMPURVEY,I,25.1250)

and a corus conteyneth xxx. buschellis . (CMPURVEY,I,25.1251)

And Joathan was maad strong , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1252)

for he hadde dressid his weyes bifore his Lord God ,
(CMPURVEY,I,25.1253)

and he was deed , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1254)

and Achas his sone regnede for hym xvj. +geer in Jerusalem .
(CMPURVEY,I,25.1255)

This Acas dide not ri+gtfulnesse in Goddis si+gt , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1256)

but +gede in the weies of the kingis of Israel , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1257)

and made ymagis to Baal , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1258)

and dide manyfold ydolatrie ; (CMPURVEY,I,25.1259)

and God bitook him in to the hond of the king of Sirie , which king
smoot Acas , and took a gret prey of his rewme into Damask ;
(CMPURVEY,I,25.1260)

and Acas was bitaken to the hondis of the king of Israel ,
(CMPURVEY,I,25.1261)

and was smyten with a greet wounde . (CMPURVEY,I,25.1262)

And Facee , the sone of Romelye , killide of Juda vj. score thousind in
oo day , alle the werriouris ; (CMPURVEY,I,25.1263)

for thei hadden forsake the Lord God of her fadris ;
(CMPURVEY,I,25.1264)

and the sones of Israel tooken of hire britheren of Juda ij. c.
thousind of wymmen , and of children , and of damyselis , and prey
withouten ende , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1265)

and baren it in to Samarie . (CMPURVEY,I,25.1266)

And Obed , the prophete of God , seide to the men of Israel , that thei
hadden do greet cruelte , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1267)

and synned a+gens God , (CMPURVEY,I,25.1268)

and bad hem lede a+gen the prisoneris of Juda , " for whi <P_I,26>
greet veniaunce of the Lord nei+geth to +gou . " (CMPURVEY,I,26.1269)

Therfore the princes of Israel maden the werriouris to forsake the prey
, and alle thingis whiche thei hadden take ; (CMPURVEY,I,26.1270)

and the princis clothiden hem that weren nakid , (CMPURVEY,I,26.1271)

and refreschiden hem with mete , and drinke , and anoyntyng of oile ,
for traueile , (CMPURVEY,I,26.1272)

and senten hem hoom benyngly . (CMPURVEY,I,26.1273)

Thanne king Acas sente to the king of Assiriens , (CMPURVEY,I,26.1274)

and axide help ; (CMPURVEY,I,26.1275)

and Ydumeys camen , (CMPURVEY,I,26.1276)

and killiden manye men of Juda , (CMPURVEY,I,26.1277)

and tooken greet prey ; (CMPURVEY,I,26.1278)

and Filisteys tooken many citees of Juda , (CMPURVEY,I,26.1279)

and dwelliden in tho . (CMPURVEY,I,26.1280)

And God made low the puple of Juda for Acas the king of Israel , for he
hadde maad him nakid of help , and for he hadde dispisid God .
(CMPURVEY,I,26.1281)

And God brou+gte a+gens him Teglath Falasar , the king of Assiriens ,
that turmentide him , and distroiede , (CMPURVEY,I,26.1282)

for noon a+genstood . (CMPURVEY,I,26.1283)

Therfore Acas spoilide Goddis hous , and the hous of kingis and of
princis , (CMPURVEY,I,26.1284)

and +gaf +giftis to the king of Assiriens ; (CMPURVEY,I,26.1285)

and natheles it profitide no thing to him ; (CMPURVEY,I,26.1286)

and Acas , in the tyme of his anguysch , encreside dispising a+gens God
, (CMPURVEY,I,26.1287)

and offride sacrifices to the goddis of Damask , (CMPURVEY,I,26.1288)

and he seide , " The goddis of Sirie helpen hem , whiche goddis I schal
plese with sacrifices , and thei schulen helpe me , " whanne a+genward
thei weren fallyng to him , and to al Israel . (CMPURVEY,I,26.1289)

Therfor Acas rauyschide and brak alle the vessels of Goddis hous ,
(CMPURVEY,I,26.1290)

and closide the +gatis of Goddis temple , (CMPURVEY,I,26.1291)

and made to him auteris in alle corners of Jerusalem , and in alle the
citees of Juda , to brenne encense , (CMPURVEY,I,26.1292)

and terride God to wraththe . (CMPURVEY,I,26.1293)

And he di+gede , (CMPURVEY,I,26.1294)

and Esechiee his sone rengnide for him xxix. +geer in Jerusalem ;
(CMPURVEY,I,26.1295)

he dide that that was plesaunt in Goddis si+gt , bi alle thingis which
Dauith his fadir hadde do . (CMPURVEY,I,26.1296)

And he opynede the +gatis of Goddis hous , in the firste +geer of his
rewme , (CMPURVEY,I,26.1297)

and made prestis and dekenes to clense and halewe the temple and auter
of God , with al the vessels and purtenaunsis of the temple ;
(CMPURVEY,I,26.1298)

and he gaderide togidere alle the princis of the citee ,
(CMPURVEY,I,26.1299)

and sti+gide into Goddis hous ; (CMPURVEY,I,26.1300)

and thei offriden vij. boolis and vij. rammes , vij. lambren , and vij.
buckis of geet , for synne , for the rewme , for the sentuarie , and
for Juda . (CMPURVEY,I,26.1301)

And he seide to the prestis , the sones of Aaron , that thei schulden
offre on the auter of God , (CMPURVEY,I,26.1302)

and thei diden so . (CMPURVEY,I,26.1303)

And he ordeynede dekenys in the hous of God , with symbals and sautrees
and harpis , bi the ordynaunce of Dauith , and of Gad , the prophete of
the king , and of Nathan the prophete ; (CMPURVEY,I,26.1304)

for it was the comaundement of God bi the hond of hise prophetis .
(CMPURVEY,I,26.1305)

And dekenys stooden (CMPURVEY,I,26.1306)

and heelden the orgenys of Dauith , (CMPURVEY,I,26.1307)

and prestis heldyn trumpis . (CMPURVEY,I,26.1308)

And Esechie comaundide that thei schulden offre brent sacrifices on the
auter , (CMPURVEY,I,26.1309)

and whanne brent sacrifices weren offrid , thei bigunnen to singe
heryingis to God , and to sounne with trumpis and diuerse orgenys ,
whiche Dauith the king of Israel hadde maad redy for to sounne .
(CMPURVEY,I,26.1310)

And Esechie and the princis comaundiden to the dekenys that thei
schulden herie God with the wordis of Dauith , and of Asaph the
prophete . (CMPURVEY,I,26.1311)

And Esechie sente to al Israel and Juda , (CMPURVEY,I,26.1312)

and wroot epistlis to Effraym and Manasses , that thei schulden come to
Goddis hous in Jerusalem , and make pask to the Lord God of Israel .
(CMPURVEY,I,26.1313)

And it pleside the king {COM:sic} and al the multitude ,
(CMPURVEY,I,26.1314)

and thei demeden to sende messangeris into al Israel , fro Bersabee til
to Dan , that thei schulden come and make pask to the Lord God of
Israel in Jerusalem . (CMPURVEY,I,26.1315)

And currowris +geden out with epistlis , bi comaundement of the king
and of hise princes , in to al Israel and Juda , as the king hadde
comaundid , (CMPURVEY,I,26.1316)

and precheden , " Sones of Israel , turne +ge a+geen to the Lord God of
Abraham , of Isaac , and of Israel , (CMPURVEY,I,26.1317)

and he schal turne a+gen to the remenauntis that ascapiden the hondis
of the king of Assiriens ; (CMPURVEY,I,26.1318)

serue +ge to the Lord God of youre fadris , (CMPURVEY,I,26.1319)

and the wraththe of his strong veniaunce schal be turned awey fro +gou
; (CMPURVEY,I,26.1320)

for if +ge turnen a+gen to the Lord , +goure britheren and +goure sones
schulen haue mersy bifore hire lordis , that ledden hem prisoners ,
(CMPURVEY,I,26.1321)

and thei schulen turne a+gen into <P_I,27> this lond . "
(CMPURVEY,I,27.1322)

Therfore currouris +geden swiftly fro citee in to citee , by the lond
of Effraym and of Manasses til to Sabulon , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1323)

and thei scorneden and bymowiden the messengeris ; (CMPURVEY,I,27.1324)

natheles summe of Aser and of Manasses and of Sabulon assentiden to the
counceil , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1325)

and camen in to Jerusalem . (CMPURVEY,I,27.1326)

Goddis hond was maad in Juda , that he +gaf to hem oon herte ,
(CMPURVEY,I,27.1327)

and thei diden the word of God bi comaundement of the king and of
princis , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1328)

and many puplis weren gaderid in Jerusalem , to make the solempnite of
pask in the ij. monthe ; (CMPURVEY,I,27.1329)

and thei distroieden the auteris that weren in Jerusalem ,
(CMPURVEY,I,27.1330)

and thei distroieden alle thingis in which encense was offrid to ydolis
, (CMPURVEY,I,27.1331)

and castiden forth in to the stronde of Cedron . (CMPURVEY,I,27.1332)

Whanne these thingis weren halewid ri+gtly , al Israel +gede out , that
was founden in the citees of Juda , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1333)

and thei braken symylacris , either ymagis , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1334)

and hewiden doun wodis , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1335)

and distroieden hi+ge placis and auteris , and not oonly of al Juda and
Beniamyn , but also of Effraym and Manasses , til thei distroieden thoo
outtirly . (CMPURVEY,I,27.1336)

And Esechie ordeynede cumpanyes of prestis and of dekenis , bi her
departingis , ech man in his owne offis , as wel of prestis as of
dekenis , to brent sacrifices and peesible sacrifices , that thei
schulden mynystre and knouleche and singe in the +gatis of the castels
, eithir oostis , of the Lord . (CMPURVEY,I,27.1337)

And Esechie comaundide to the puple to +geue to prestis and deknes her
partys , that is , the firste fruytis and tithis , that thei my+gten
+geue tent to the lawe of God . (CMPURVEY,I,27.1338)

And there is teld myche of the paying and deeling of tithis and other
hooly thingis . (CMPURVEY,I,27.1339)

Thanne it sueth hou Sennagerib blasfemede God of Israel , and hou
Esechie counfortide the puple a+gens his blasfemye and pride .
(CMPURVEY,I,27.1340)

And Esechie and Ysaie the prophete preieden a+gens the blasfemye ,
(CMPURVEY,I,27.1341)

and crieden til in to heuene ; (CMPURVEY,I,27.1342)

and God sente his aungel , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1343)

and he killide ech strong man , and werriour , and prince of the oost
of the king of Assiriens , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1344)

and he turnide a+gen with schenschipe into his lond ,
(CMPURVEY,I,27.1345)

and hise owne sones killiden him bi swerd . (CMPURVEY,I,27.1346)

And God sauide Esechie and the dwelleris of Jerusalem fro the hond of
Senacherib , king of Assiriens , and fro the hond of alle men ,
(CMPURVEY,I,27.1347)

and +gaf to hem reste bi cumpas . (CMPURVEY,I,27.1348)

Aftir these thingis Esechie was syk to the deeth , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1349)

and he preiede to God , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1350)

and God herde him . (CMPURVEY,I,27.1351)

And the herte of Esechie was reisid to pride , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1352)

and wraththe was maad a+gens him , and a+gens Juda , and a+gens
Jerusalem . (CMPURVEY,I,27.1353)

And aftir he was meekid , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1354)

for his herte was reysid , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1355)

bothe he and the dwelleris of Jerusalem weren mekid ,
(CMPURVEY,I,27.1356)

and therfore the veniaunce of God cam not in the daies of Esechie .
(CMPURVEY,I,27.1357)

And Esechie was ful riche and noble , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1358)

and in alle hise werkis he dide welsumly , what euer thing he wolde .
(CMPURVEY,I,27.1359)

Natheles in the message of princes of Babilone , that weren sente to
him to axe of the grete wondir that bifel on erthe , God forsook him ,
that he was temptid , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1360)

and alle thingis weren knowen that weren in his herte .
(CMPURVEY,I,27.1361)

Thanne di+gede Esechie , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1362)

and Manasses his sone rengnide in Jerusalem lv. +geer .
(CMPURVEY,I,27.1363)

And Manasses dide yuele bifore God , bi abomynacioun of hethen men ,
which God distroiede bifore the sones of Israel , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1364)

and he byldide hi+ge placis , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1365)

and made auteris to Baalym , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1366)

and dide manyfold ydolatrie , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1367)

and seruede to wicche craftis , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1368)

and sette ydolis in the temple of God ; (CMPURVEY,I,27.1369)

and he disseyuede the puple of Juda and the dwelleris of Jerusalem ,
that thei diden yuel more than hethene men , which the Lord hadde
distroied fro the face of the sones of Israel . (CMPURVEY,I,27.1370)

And God spac to him and to his puple , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1371)

and thei nolden take heede ; (CMPURVEY,I,27.1372)

therfore he brou+gte on hem the princis of the oost of the king of
Assiriens ; (CMPURVEY,I,27.1373)

and thei tooken Manasses , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1374)

and bounden him with chaynes and gyues , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1375)

and ledde him into Babilone ; (CMPURVEY,I,27.1376)

and aftir that he was angwischid , he preiede his Lord God ,
(CMPURVEY,I,27.1377)

and he dide penaunce gretly bifore the God of his fadris ,
(CMPURVEY,I,27.1378)

and he preiede hertily , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1379)

and bisou+gte God , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1380)

and God herde his preier , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1381)

and brou+gte him a+gen in to Jerusalem , into his rewme .
(CMPURVEY,I,27.1382)

And Manasses knew that the Lord himself is God , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1383)

and he dide awey alien goddis , and symylacris , either idolis fro
Goddis hous , (CMPURVEY,I,27.1384)

and distroiede auteris whiche he hadde maad in the hil of Goddis hous
and <P_I,28> in Jerusalem , (CMPURVEY,I,28.1385)

and castide alle out of the citee , (CMPURVEY,I,28.1386)

and he restoride the auteer of God , (CMPURVEY,I,28.1387)

and offride on it sacrificis and herying , (CMPURVEY,I,28.1388)

and comaundide the puple of Juda to serue the Lord God of Israel ;
(CMPURVEY,I,28.1389)

and natheles the puple offride +git in hi+ge placis to her Lord God .
(CMPURVEY,I,28.1390)

Manasses di+gede , (CMPURVEY,I,28.1391)

and Amon his sone regnide for him ij. +ger in Jerusalem ,
(CMPURVEY,I,28.1392)

and he dide yuel in Goddis si+gt , as Manasses his fadir hadde do ,
(CMPURVEY,I,28.1393)

and offride and seruede to alle idolis , which Manasses hadde maad ;
(CMPURVEY,I,28.1394)

and he reuerenside not the face of God , as Manasses reuerenside ,
(CMPURVEY,I,28.1395)

and he dide many greetere trespasis ; (CMPURVEY,I,28.1396)

and whanne his seruauntis hadden conspirid a+gens him , thei killiden
him ; (CMPURVEY,I,28.1397)

and the puple killide hem that hadden slayn Amon , (CMPURVEY,I,28.1398)

and made Josie his sone king for him , (CMPURVEY,I,28.1399)

and he regnide xxxj. +geer in Jerusalem . (CMPURVEY,I,28.1400)

Josie dide that that was ri+gtful in Goddis si+gt ,
(CMPURVEY,I,28.1401)

and +gede in the weies of Dauith , his fadir , (CMPURVEY,I,28.1402)

and bowide neither to the ri+gt side neither to the lift side .
(CMPURVEY,I,28.1403)

In the viij. +geer of his rewme , whanne he was +git a chijld , he
bigan to seke the God of Dauith , his fadir , (CMPURVEY,I,28.1404)

and in the xij. +geer , aftir that he bigan , he clenside Juda and
Jerusalem fro hi+ge placis , and ymagis and ydolis .
(CMPURVEY,I,28.1405)

Thei distroieden bifore him the auters of Baalym , and the symylacris
that weren put aboue ; (CMPURVEY,I,28.1406)

he kittide doun , and altobrak wodis and grauen ymagis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,28.1407)

and scateride the relijfis on the biriels of hem that weren wont to
offre . (CMPURVEY,I,28.1408)

Ferthermore he brente the boonys of prestis in the auteris of idolis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,28.1409)

and he clenside Juda and Jerusalem , (CMPURVEY,I,28.1410)

and distroiede alle ydolis in the citees of Manasses and of Effrahym
and of Symeon til to Neptalym . (CMPURVEY,I,28.1411)

In the xviij. +geer of his rewme , whanne the lond and the temple of
God was clensid , he sente worthi men to reparaile Goddis hous ,
(CMPURVEY,I,28.1412)

and so thei diden in deede . (CMPURVEY,I,28.1413)

And Elchie , the gret prest , +gaf to Saphan , the scriueyn and
solempne messenger , the book of Goddis lawe , (CMPURVEY,I,28.1414)

and he bar it to the king ; (CMPURVEY,I,28.1415)

and whanne the king hadde herd the wordis of the lawe , he to-rente
hise clothis , (CMPURVEY,I,28.1416)

and he comaundede Elchie and othere grete men to goo , and preie the
Lord for the king , and for the resydues of Israel and of Juda , on
alle the words of the book of Goddis lawe ; " for whi greet veniaunce
of God hath droppid on vs , (CMPURVEY,I,28.1417)

for oure fadris kepten not the wordis of God , that thei diden alle
thingis that ben writen in this book . " (CMPURVEY,I,28.1418)

Therfore Elchie , and thei that weren sent togidere of the king ,
+geden to Olda , a profetesse , the wijf of Sellum ;
(CMPURVEY,I,28.1419)

and God seide bi hir that he schal bringe in on this place and
dwelleris therof yuelis , and alle cursinges that ben writen in this
book of Goddis lawe ; (CMPURVEY,I,28.1420)

for thei forsoken God (CMPURVEY,I,28.1421)

and sacrificiden to alyen goddis , to terre him to wrathfulnesse , in
alle the werkis of her hondis ; (CMPURVEY,I,28.1422)

" but for thou , king of Juda , herdist the wordis of the book , and
were meekid in Goddis si+gt , and weptist and to-rentist thi clothis ,
I haue herd thee , " seith God , (CMPURVEY,I,28.1423)

" and thou schalt be born in to thi sepulcre in pees ,
(CMPURVEY,I,28.1424)

and thin i+gen schulen not see al the yuel which Y schal bringe in on
this place , and on the dwelleris therof . " (CMPURVEY,I,28.1425)

And whanne Josie hadde herd these wordis , he clepide togidere alle the
eldre men of Juda and of Jerusalem , (CMPURVEY,I,28.1426)

and he sti+gide in to Goddis hous , (CMPURVEY,I,28.1427)

and alle men of Juda and the dwelleris of Jerusalem sti+giden togidere
, prestis and deknis , and al the puple fro the leeste til to the moste
, (CMPURVEY,I,28.1428)

and in audiense of hem the king redde in Goddis hous alle the wordis of
the book ; (CMPURVEY,I,28.1429)

and he stood in his trone , eithir seete of doom , (CMPURVEY,I,28.1430)

and smoot boond of pees bifore God , that he schulde go aftir God , and
kepe hise heestis , and witnessingis , and iustifyingis , in al his
herte and al his soule , and do tho thingis that ben writen in that
book whiche he hadde red . (CMPURVEY,I,28.1431)

And he chargide gretly on this thing alle men that weren founden in
Jerusalem and Beniamyn ; (CMPURVEY,I,28.1432)

and the dwelleris of Jerusalem diden bi the couenaunt of the Lord God
of her fadris . (CMPURVEY,I,28.1433)

Therfore Josie dide awey alle abomynaciouns fro alle the cuntreys of
the sones of Israel , (CMPURVEY,I,28.1434)

and made alle men , that weren residue in Israel , to serue her Lord
God ; (CMPURVEY,I,28.1435)

in alle the daies of his lijf thei +geden not awey fro the Lord God of
her fadris . (CMPURVEY,I,28.1436)

Aftirward Josie made pask in Jerusalem , (CMPURVEY,I,28.1437)

and <P_I,29> ordeynede prestis in hire officis , (CMPURVEY,I,29.1438)

and bad hem mynystre in Goddis hous , (CMPURVEY,I,29.1439)

and bad dekenis serue God and his puple Israel , and make hem redy bi
hire housis and kinredis in the departing of ech , as Dauith , king of
Israel , comaundide , (CMPURVEY,I,29.1440)

and bad hem serue in the seyntuarie , bi the meynes and cumpanyes and
dekenis , and that thei be halewid , and offre pask , and make redy her
britheren therto . (CMPURVEY,I,29.1441)

And Josie made such a pask , that noon was lyk in Israel , fro the
daies of Samuel the prophete , (CMPURVEY,I,29.1442)

neithir eny of the kingis of Israel made pask , as Josie dide , to
prestis , and dekenes , and to al Juda and Israel , and to the
dwelleris of Jerusalem ; (CMPURVEY,I,29.1443)

for he +gaf to al the puple that was founden in Jerusalem in the
solempnite of pask , xxx. thousinde lambrin and kidis and othere scheep
, and iij. thousind of oxun . (CMPURVEY,I,29.1444)

Aftir that Josie hadde reparelid the temple , Necao , king of Egipt ,
sti+gide to fi+gte in Cartamys , (CMPURVEY,I,29.1445)

and Josie +gede forth a+gens him , (CMPURVEY,I,29.1446)

and the king of Egipt seide to Josie , " I come not to day a+gens thee
, (CMPURVEY,I,29.1447)

but I fi+gte a+gens another hous , to whiche God bad and made me go in
haste ; (CMPURVEY,I,29.1448)

therfore ceese , thou king of Juda , to day a+gens God , which is with
me , lest he sle thee . " (CMPURVEY,I,29.1449)

Josie nolde turne a+gen , (CMPURVEY,I,29.1450)

but made himself redy to bataile a+gens the king of Egipt ,
(CMPURVEY,I,29.1451)

and assentide not to the wordis of the king of Egipt , spoken bi Goddis
mouth . (CMPURVEY,I,29.1452)

Therfore Josie was slayn of the king of Egipt , (CMPURVEY,I,29.1453)

and the peple of the lond made Joacas his sone king in Jerusalem .
(CMPURVEY,I,29.1454)

He regnide iij. moonthis in Jerusalem , (CMPURVEY,I,29.1455)

and the king of Egipt puttide him doun , (CMPURVEY,I,29.1456)

and condempnide the lond of Juda in an c. talentis of syluer , and in a
talent of gold , (CMPURVEY,I,29.1457)

and made Eliachym his brothir kyng for him on Juda and Jerusalem ,
(CMPURVEY,I,29.1458)

and turnide his name Joachym . (CMPURVEY,I,29.1459)

He regnide xj. +geer in Jerusalem , (CMPURVEY,I,29.1460)

and dide yuel bifore God . (CMPURVEY,I,29.1461)

Therfore Nabugodonosor took him , (CMPURVEY,I,29.1462)

and ledde him boundyn with chaynes into Babilone , (CMPURVEY,I,29.1463)

and baar thidir the vessels of Goddis temple ; (CMPURVEY,I,29.1464)

and Joakin his sone rengnide for him iij. moonthis and x. daies in
Jerusalem , (CMPURVEY,I,29.1465)

and dide yuel in Goddis si+gt . (CMPURVEY,I,29.1466)

Thanne Nabugodonosor sente men that ledden hym into Babilone and bare
out the preciouseste vessels of Goddis hous ; (CMPURVEY,I,29.1467)

and Nabugodonosor made Sedechie king on Juda and Jerusalem .
(CMPURVEY,I,29.1468)

He rengnide xj. +geer in Jerusalem , (CMPURVEY,I,29.1469)

and dide yuel in Goddis si+gt , (CMPURVEY,I,29.1470)

neithir was aschamyd of the face of Jeremye , the prophete , that spac
to him of Goddis mouth . (CMPURVEY,I,29.1471)

He brak the ooth maad too Nabugodnosor ; (CMPURVEY,I,29.1472)

therfore Nabugodnosor cam (CMPURVEY,I,29.1473)

and took hym , (CMPURVEY,I,29.1474)

and ledde him and alle the vessels and the tresouris of Goddis hous and
of the king and princis into Babilone , (CMPURVEY,I,29.1475)

and killide the puple , (CMPURVEY,I,29.1476)

and distroiede and brente Jerusalem ; (CMPURVEY,I,29.1477)

and the puple that was left alyue was led into Babilone ,
(CMPURVEY,I,29.1478)

and seruede the king and his sones , til the king of Perseys rengnide ,
and til l. +ger weren fullid , bi Goddis word seid bi the mouth of
Jeremye . (CMPURVEY,I,29.1479)

And Cirus , king of Perseys , comaundide to be prechid , +ghe bi
writinge in al his rewme , that Jewis schulden turne a+gen into Judee .
(CMPURVEY,I,29.1480)

<heading>

CAP. X. (CMPURVEY,I,29.1482)

</heading>

This proces of Paralypomynon in the j. and ij. book schulde stire
cristene kingis and lordis to distroie synne , and loue vertu , and
make Goddis lawe to be knowe and kept of her puple ,
(CMPURVEY,I,29.1484)

for heere thei mown se , hou sore God punschide yuele kingis , that
lyueden yuele , and drowen the puple to idolatrie , either other gret
synnes , and hou greetly God preyside , rewardide , and cherischide
good kinges , that lyueden wel , and gouernede wel the puple in Goddis
lawe , and opin resoun , and good conscience . (CMPURVEY,I,29.1485)

And thou+g kingis and lordis knewen neuere more of hooly scripture than
iij. stories of the ij. book of Paralypomynon and of Regum , that is ,
the storie of king Josophat , the storie of king Ezechie , and the
storie of king Josie , thei my+gte lerne sufficiently to lyue wel and
gouerne wel hire puple bi Goddis lawe , and eschewe al pride , and
ydolatrie , and coueitise , and other synnes . (CMPURVEY,I,29.1486)

But alas ! alas ! alas ! where king Jozophat sente hise princis , and
dekenes , and prestis , to ech citee of <P_I,30> his rewme with the
book of Goddis lawe , to techen opinly Goddis lawe to the puple , summe
cristene lordis senden general lettris to alle her mynistris , and
leegemen eithir tenauntis , that the pardouns of the bisschopis of Rome
, that ben opin leesingis , for thei graunten many c. +geeris of
pardoun aftir domes day , be prechid generaly in her rewmes and
lordschipis , (CMPURVEY,I,30.1487)

and if eny wijse man a+genseith the opin errouris of anticrist , and
teche men to do her almes to pore nedy men , to ascape the peynes of
helle , and to winne the blisse of heuene , he be prisoned , as a man
out of cristen bileue , and traytour of God , and of cristen kingis and
lordis . (CMPURVEY,I,30.1488)

And where king Ezechie made him ful bisy to clense Goddis hous , and do
awey al vnclennesse fro the sentuarie , and comaundide prestis to offre
brent sacrifice on Goddis auteer , and ordeynede dekenis in Goddis hous
to herie God , as Dauith and other prophetis ordeyneden , summe
cristene lordis in name , and hethene in condiscouns defoulen the
sentuarie of God , (CMPURVEY,I,30.1489)

and bringin in symonient clerkis , ful of coueitise , eresie , and
ypocrisie , and malice , to stoppe Goddis lawe , that it be not knowen
and kept , and frely prechid ; (CMPURVEY,I,30.1490)

and +git summe cristene lordis holden many prelatis and curatis in her
courtis and in seculer offis a+gens Goddis lawe and mannis opinly ,
(CMPURVEY,I,30.1491)

and withholden hem fro her goostly offis and helping of cristen soulis
; (CMPURVEY,I,30.1492)

and where king Josie prechide opinly Goddis lawe in the temple to al
the puple , and castide awey idolis , and brente the boonis of prestis
, that diden idolatrie , summe cristen lordis in name not in dede ,
preisen and magnifien freris lettris , ful of disceit and leesingis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,30.1493)

and make hire tenauntis and meyne to swere bi herte , boonis , nayles ,
and sydes , and other membris of Crist , (CMPURVEY,I,30.1494)

and pursuen ful cruely hem that wolden teche treuly and freely the lawe
of God , (CMPURVEY,I,30.1495)

and preisen , mayntenen , and cherischen hem , that prechen fablis ,
lesingis , and synful mennis tradiciouns , either statutis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,30.1496)

and letten greetly the gospel to be prechid , and holy writ to be
knowen and kept . (CMPURVEY,I,30.1497)

But wite these vnwyse lordis , that Elye the prophete , oon aloone
hadde the treuthe of God , and king Acab with viij. c. and l. prestis
and prophetis of Baal hadde the false part ; (CMPURVEY,I,30.1498)

and eft Mycheas , oon aloone prophete of God , hadde the treuthe a+gens
iiij. c. prophetis of Baal , that counceileden Acab go to werre to his
owne schenschipe and deth ; (CMPURVEY,I,30.1499)

so now a fewe pore men and idiotis , in comparisoun of clerkis of scole
, mown haue the treuthe of holy scripture a+gens many thousinde
prelatis and religiouse , that ben +gouen to worldly pride and
coueitise , symonie , ypocrisie and other fleschly synnes , moost
sithen these pore men desiren oonly the treuthe and fredom of the hooly
gospel , and of hooly scripture , (CMPURVEY,I,30.1500)

and accepten manis lawis and ordynauncis , oonly in as myche as thei
ben groundid in holy scripture , eithir good resoun , and comyn prophit
of cristen puple ; (CMPURVEY,I,30.1501)

and worldly prelatis and feyned relygious grounden hem on synful mennis
statutis , that sounnen pride and coueitise , (CMPURVEY,I,30.1502)

and letten the treuthe and fredom of Goddis lawe to be knowen and kept
, (CMPURVEY,I,30.1503)

and bringen cristen puple in nedeles tharldam and greet cost .
(CMPURVEY,I,30.1504)

But it is for to drede ful sore lest kingis and lordis ben now in the
formere synnes of Manasses ; (CMPURVEY,I,30.1505)

God graunte that thei repenten verily and make amendis to God and men ,
as he dide , in the ende ; (CMPURVEY,I,30.1506)

for thei setten idolis in Goddis hous , (CMPURVEY,I,30.1507)

and exciten men to idolatrie , (CMPURVEY,I,30.1508)

and scheden innocent blood in many maners , as Manasses dide .
(CMPURVEY,I,30.1509)

First thei setten in her herte , that schulde be the temple and
specialy chaumbre of God , the idole of coueitise , either of glotonie
, either of pride , either of other greet synnes , (CMPURVEY,I,30.1510)

for seint Poul seith , that oure bodies ben the temple of the Hooly
Goost , (CMPURVEY,I,30.1511)

and eft he seith , that auarice is the seruise of idolis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,30.1512)

and eft he seith , that glotouns maken her bely her God ;
(CMPURVEY,I,30.1513)

and God seith bi Job , that the deuil is king ouer alle the sones of
pride , (CMPURVEY,I,30.1514)

and Jhesu Crist seith , that the deuil is prince of this world , that
is , as Austin seith , of false men that dwellen in this world .
(CMPURVEY,I,30.1515)

Thanne thei that setten pride , either coueitise , either glotonie ,
either rauyn , in her herte , settyn idolis of <P_I,31> Baal , either
of the deuil , in the temple of God . (CMPURVEY,I,31.1516)

Specialy lordis setten idolis in Goddis hous , whanne thei maken
vnworthi prelatis either curatis in the chirche ; for whi such vnable
prelatis either curatis ben idolis , as God seith in xj. c. of Zacarie
to an vnable prelat , " A ! thou schepherde , and idole , forsakinge
the floc ; " wherfor Erchedekene in Rosarie , which is oon of the
famouseste doctouris , and of the popis lawe , writith thus , " an yuel
prelat is seid a rorynge lyoun , and a wolf rauysching prey ; "
(CMPURVEY,I,31.1517)

and in the xxxiiij. c. of Esechiel , he is seid to feede him self and
not the scheep ; (CMPURVEY,I,31.1518)

also he is seid to seke his owne profitis temporal ,
(CMPURVEY,I,31.1519)

therfore he is not of Goddis children , as Austyn seith in viij. cause
, j. questioun , c=o=. sunt quidam , (CMPURVEY,I,31.1520)

and for this thing power schal be taken awey fro him , as God seith in
the xxxiiij. c. of Ezechiel . (CMPURVEY,I,31.1521)

Also an yuel prelat is seid a wolf , as the lawe witnessith in lxxxiij.
distincioun c=o=. nichil ; (CMPURVEY,I,31.1522)

also for defaute of gouernaile he is seid a vnchaast dogge , as Austyn
witnessith in ij. cause vij. questioun , c=o=. qui nec ;
(CMPURVEY,I,31.1523)

also he is a crowe , either a rauen , for the blacknesse of synnes , as
the lawe witnessith there , in c=o=. non omnis ; (CMPURVEY,I,31.1524)

also he is seid fonned salt , not prophitable to eny thing , as the
lawe witnessith there , in c=o=. non omnis ; (CMPURVEY,I,31.1525)

also he is seid an hog , as the lawe witnessith in xliij. distinctioun
, in c=o=. in mandatis ; (CMPURVEY,I,31.1526)

also he is seid a cherl of cherlysched of yuel lijf , as the lawe
witnessith in xlvij. distinctioun , in the bigynnyng ;
(CMPURVEY,I,31.1527)

also he is seid a capoun , (CMPURVEY,I,31.1528)

for he hath the manere of an hen , (CMPURVEY,I,31.1529)

for as a capoun crowith not , so an yuel prelat crowith not in preching
; (CMPURVEY,I,31.1530)

also an yuel prelat gendrith not bi preching of Goddis word ,
(CMPURVEY,I,31.1531)

neithir he fi+gtith for hise sogetis ; (CMPURVEY,I,31.1532)

also as the capoun clepith not hennis , so an yuel prelat clepith not
pore men to mete ; (CMPURVEY,I,31.1533)

also as a capoun makith fat himself , so an yuel prelat makith fat
himself . (CMPURVEY,I,31.1534)

Therfore sithen he seekith plenteuousnesse , metis , and richessis , he
schal be put into the fijer of helle , as Jerom witnessith on Mychee ,
and in the xxxv. distinctioun , c=o=. ecclesie principes .
(CMPURVEY,I,31.1535)

Erchedekene writith al this in xliij. distinctioun , in c=o=. sit
rector , on the word muti . (CMPURVEY,I,31.1536)

Also a doumb prelat is an ydol , and not a very prelat ;
(CMPURVEY,I,31.1537)

a doumb prelat is not a very prelat , sithen he vsith not the offis of
a prelat , (CMPURVEY,I,31.1538)

bot he hath oonly the licnesse of a prelat , as an ydol that vsith not
the offis of a man is oonly lijk a man , but it is noo man ;
(CMPURVEY,I,31.1539)

therfore suche doumbe prelatis moun ri+gtfully be seid symylacris ,
either ydolis , of whiche it is seid in the vi. c=o=. of Baruk , " the
trees of hem ben maad fair of a carpenter , (CMPURVEY,I,31.1540)

and tho ben araied with gold and syluer , (CMPURVEY,I,31.1541)

and moun not speke , " (CMPURVEY,I,31.1542)

and thei that maken suche prelatis ben lijk hem , whiche makeris
schulen be dampned with suche prelatis , bi that word of Dauith ,
(CMPURVEY,I,31.1543)

" thei that maken tho ben maad lijk tho . " (CMPURVEY,I,31.1544)

But marke wel , that hethene men hadden symylacris of vj. kyndis , that
is , of cley , of tree , of bras , of stoon , of syluer , and of gold ;
(CMPURVEY,I,31.1545)

we moun fynd these vj. kyndis in yuel prelatis ; for whi symylacris of
cley ben fleschly prelatis , of whiche God seith in the sautir , " I
schal do hem awey as the cley of streetis ; " (CMPURVEY,I,31.1546)

symylacris of tree ben vnwise prelatis and boistous and without wit ,
of which it is seid in holy scripture , " a tree is wlappid in siluer ;
" (CMPURVEY,I,31.1547)

and these ben seid to be maad of nou+gt in to prelatis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,31.1548)

thes ben beestis clepid chymeres , that han a part of ech beest ,
(CMPURVEY,I,31.1549)

and suche ben not no but oonly in opynyoun , either speche , and not in
dede , neither in kynde ; (CMPURVEY,I,31.1550)

symylacris of bras ben thei , that han oonly worldly eloquence , for
whi brasse +geueth greet soun , in i. pistle to Corinth , xiij. c .
(CMPURVEY,I,31.1551)

" if I speke in the langagis of men and of aungels , and I have not
charite , I am maad as bras sounnynge ; " (CMPURVEY,I,31.1552)

symylacris of stoon ben thei , that ben broken fro ri+gtfulnesse and
vertu , for temporal strengthe , (CMPURVEY,I,31.1553)

these prelatis ben not the stoon which is set into the heed of the
corner , (CMPURVEY,I,31.1554)

but these ben the stoon of hirtyng and of sclaundre ;
(CMPURVEY,I,31.1555)

symylacris of syluer ben thei that ben maad bi moneye , eithir
richessis , whiche prelatis seyn , what wolen <P_I,32> +ge +geue to vs
, (CMPURVEY,I,32.1556)

and we schulen bitraie Crist to +gou ; (CMPURVEY,I,32.1557)

golden symylacris ben thei that ben maad oonly for worldly nobleie ,
for whi gold singnefieth nobley , (CMPURVEY,I,32.1558)

and therfore the heed of the ymage of Nabugodonosor was of gold in ij.
c. of Daniel . (CMPURVEY,I,32.1559)

Erchedekene tellith al this in xliij. distinctioun , c=o=. sit rector ,
on the word mutus . (CMPURVEY,I,32.1560)

Thou+g this doctour of the popis lawe be pleyn and scharp , he seith
treuthe sesonable , (CMPURVEY,I,32.1561)

for the chirche now acordith with hooly writ , and resoun , and comun
doctouris of holy scripture ; (CMPURVEY,I,32.1562)

for in xi. c. of Sacariee , God clepith an yuel prelat an ydol ,
(CMPURVEY,I,32.1563)

and in Ezechiel and other prophetis he licneth tyrauntis and
raueynouris to lyouns , woluis , beeris , and othere vnresonable
beestis , to dispise her synne . (CMPURVEY,I,32.1564)

Here lordis and other prelatis moun see in party , hou perilous it is
to ordeyne yuele prelatis eithir curatis in the chirche ,
(CMPURVEY,I,32.1565)

for as seint Gregory seith , in i. part of Pastoralis , ij. c=o=. noo
man harmeth more in the chirche , than he that doth weiwardly , and
holdith the name of ordre , eithir of holynesse ; (CMPURVEY,I,32.1566)

and the lawe seith de electionibus , c=o=. nichil , that no thing
harmeth more the chirche of God , than that vnworthi men be taken to
the gouernaile of soulis ; (CMPURVEY,I,32.1567)

and Grostede seith in his sermoun Premonitus a venerabili patre , that
to make vnable prelatis eithir curatis in the chirche of God , is to
haue come to the hi+gest degree of trespasis ; (CMPURVEY,I,32.1568)

also in his sermoun Dominus noster Jhesus Cristus , he writeth thus to
the pope , " he that bitakith the cure of soulis to a man vnmy+gti ,
vnkunnynge , either not wilful to kepe duly the soulis , is gilty of
alle the soulis , thou+g eny ascapith , and is sauid bi Goddis grace ,
(CMPURVEY,I,32.1569)

and he that bitakith the cure of soulis to him that is opinly vnable
therto , techith to sette more pris bi vnresonable beestis than by men
, and for to loue more erthly thingis , that passyn schortly , than
everlastinge thingis , and more than the deeth and blood of Goddis sone
; (CMPURVEY,I,32.1570)

and he that +geueth thus the cure of soulis to vnable men , is werse
than Eroude , that pursuede Crist , and worse thanne Jewis and hethene
men , that crucifieden Crist . " (CMPURVEY,I,32.1571)

Grostede seith this pleynly , (CMPURVEY,I,32.1572)

and preueth it opinly bifore the pope and al his clergie ;
(CMPURVEY,I,32.1573)

and thei that procuren beneficis and richessis to men , haten hem to
whiche thei procuren thus , as if thei procured hem to be set in the
cop of the chirche , in whirlwijndis and greet tempestis .
(CMPURVEY,I,32.1574)

Grostede seith this in his sermoun Scriptum est de leuitis ;
(CMPURVEY,I,32.1575)

and he that is necligent to drawe soulis out of the pit of synne , as
myche as he may , bi the ordre of lawe , and he that lettith him of his
werk , sleeth the soulis ; (CMPURVEY,I,32.1576)

and he that settith more prijs bi a fleschly scheep than a goostly
scheep , that is , mannis soule , settith more pris bi a peny than bi
the lijf of Goddis sone , which is worth al this world .
(CMPURVEY,I,32.1577)

A recheles curat , and that sleeth sogettis bi yuel ensaumple , and
withdrawing of Goddis word , is worse than vnresonable beestis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,32.1578)

and he is wrse than the crucifieris of Crist , (CMPURVEY,I,32.1579)

for he crucifieth him in hise membris . (CMPURVEY,I,32.1580)

Goode counceilouris thei ben aloone , that ben wijse men , and drede
God , for whi alle coueitouse men ben foolis , and vnwijse men ,
(CMPURVEY,I,32.1581)

and to be led bi the counceil of hem is to dispose of henne cotis bi
the counceil of foxis , and to dispose of foldis of scheep bi the
counceil of woluis . (CMPURVEY,I,32.1582)

Grostede seith this in a sermoun Premonitus a venerabili patre .
(CMPURVEY,I,32.1583)

See , +ge lordis and prelatis , that maken vnable curatis , for
fleschly affeccioun and +giftis , and specialy for pleyinge at the bere
, and othere vnleeful iapis , what tresoun +ge doon to God , and what
harm to Cristis chirche and +goure auaunseeis ; (CMPURVEY,I,32.1584)

+ge maken orrible abomynacoun of discoumfort stoonde in the hooly place
, (CMPURVEY,I,32.1585)

for +ge make anticrist to stonde at the hi+ge auter , in the stede of
Crist , (CMPURVEY,I,32.1586)

and trete the holy sacrament of Cristis flesch and his blood ful
vnworthily , (CMPURVEY,I,32.1587)

and as Parisience seith , whanne +ge maken a coueitouse prest to stonde
at the auter , +ge maken a maldworp stonde there , in the stede of
Crist ; (CMPURVEY,I,32.1588)

and whanne +ge maken a fonned bischop , that can not and loueth not
Goddis lawe , stonde <P_I,33> my-trid at the auter , +ge make an horned
asse stonde at the auter , in the stede of Crist ; (CMPURVEY,I,33.1589)

and so of othere vnresonable beestis , as lyouns , wluis , beeris ,
apis , dragouns , hoggis , horsis , doggis ; and othere viciouse
prestis , proude , coueitouse , raueynouris , wrathful , ypocritis ,
trecherouse , glotenouse , lecherouse , enuyouse , and bacbiteris ;
(CMPURVEY,I,33.1590)

and +ge transfiguren Satanas into an aungel of li+gt , whanne +ge maken
curatis either prelatis , that ben contrarie to Crist , to ocupie the
offis of bischop , abbot , either of prest . (CMPURVEY,I,33.1591)

Lordis and prelatis , that han sett suche idolis in Goddis hous , as
Manasses dide , sue +ge Manasses in very repentaunce , and making of
amendis to God and men . (CMPURVEY,I,33.1592)

Also lordis and prelatis exciten strongly men to ydolatrie ,
(CMPURVEY,I,33.1593)

for thei sweren custumably nedelesly , and ofte vnavisily and fals , bi
the membris of God , of Crist , and bi seintis , in so myche that ech
lord and greet prelat comynly makith to him an ydole of sum seint ,
whom he worschipith more than God ; (CMPURVEY,I,33.1594)

for comunly thei sweren bi oure Lady of Walsingham , seint Joon
Baptiste , seint Edward , seint Thomas of Caunterbury , and such othere
seintis , (CMPURVEY,I,33.1595)

and chargen more this ooth than thou+g thei sweren by the Hooly Trinite
; (CMPURVEY,I,33.1596)

and in al this thei onoren more these seintis than thei onouren the
Hooly Trinite . (CMPURVEY,I,33.1597)

Thou+g it were leeueful to swere bi seintis , this is ydolatrie , to
charge more an ooth maad bi suche seintis than bi God Almy+gty , either
bi the Hooly Trinite ; (CMPURVEY,I,33.1598)

natheles Crisostom witnessith on the v. c=o=. of Matheu , that to swere
bi eny creature , is to do idolatrie ; (CMPURVEY,I,33.1599)

for as Jerom there , and Decrees , in xxij. cause , j. questione ,
c=o=. si quis per capitulum , and c=o=. next bifore , and Decretals de
jure jurando , c=o=. et si Christus , witnessen pleynly , to swere bi a
creature is a+gens Goddis comaundement ; (CMPURVEY,I,33.1600)

and therfore Crist in the v. c=o=. of Math. , comaundith to swere , not
bi heuene , neither bi erthe , (CMPURVEY,I,33.1601)

and vndirstondith bi heuene and erthe creaturis of heuene and creaturis
of erthe ; (CMPURVEY,I,33.1602)

and in al the old lawe it is not founden , where God grauntith to swere
bi eny creature , but oonly bi his owne name , either bi himself ;
(CMPURVEY,I,33.1603)

and therfore the wise man seith in the xxiij. c=o=. of Ecclesiastici "
a man that swerith mychil schal be fillid with wickidnesse ,
(CMPURVEY,I,33.1604)

and veniaunce schal not go awey fro his hous ; " (CMPURVEY,I,33.1605)

and eft he seith , " thi mouth be not customable to swering , for whi
myche fallyng is in it ; (CMPURVEY,I,33.1606)

the nemyng of God be not customable in thi mouth , " that is , to swere
bi his name in veyn , either fals , either for an yuel ende ;
(CMPURVEY,I,33.1607)

" and be thou not medlid with the names of seintis , " that is , to
swere bi seintis , (CMPURVEY,I,33.1608)

" for thou schalt not be giltlees of hem . " (CMPURVEY,I,33.1609)

Here lordis and prelatis moun see how thei don opin ydolatrie , whanne
thei gessen to onoure seintis , (CMPURVEY,I,33.1610)

and hire opin deedis of ydolatrie and blasfemye ben opin bookis of
ydolatrie and blasfemye to hire sugetis ; (CMPURVEY,I,33.1611)

therfore , as Gregory seith in ij. bok of Pastrals v. c=o=. , prelatis
ben worthi so many dethis , hou manye ensaumplis of perdiscoun thei
senden to sogettis , (CMPURVEY,I,33.1612)

and in xxv. c=o=. of Numery , God bad Moises hange alle the princis in
iebatis a+gens the sunne , (CMPURVEY,I,33.1613)

for the peple of Israel dide leccherie and idolatrie bi ensaumple and
suffraunce of hem . (CMPURVEY,I,33.1614)

Now in Engelond it is a comyn proteccioun a+gens persecuscioun of
prelatis and of summe lordis , if a man is customable to swere nedeles
, and fals , and vnauisid , bi the boonys , nailes , and sidis , and
other membris of Crist , and to be proud and leccherous , and speke not
of Goddis lawe , and repreue not synne aboute him ;
(CMPURVEY,I,33.1615)

and to absteyne fro oothis nedeles and vnleeueful , and to eschewe
pride , and speke onour of God and of his lawe , and repreue synne bi
weie of charite , is matir and cause now whi prelatis and summe lordis
sclaundren men , and clepen hem lollardis , eretikis , and riseris of
debate and of tresoun a+gens the king ; (CMPURVEY,I,33.1616)

now Manasses settith idolis opinly in the temple of God ,
(CMPURVEY,I,33.1617)

and sterith men gretly to do idolatrie , and cherischen hem that breken
opinly Goddis heestis , and punysche hem soore , as hethene men either
eretikis , that bisien hem to lerne , kepe , and <P_I,34> teche Goddis
heestis ; (CMPURVEY,I,34.1618)

the iij. tyme lordis and prelatis bothe schedden innocent blood , as
Manasses dide , (CMPURVEY,I,34.1619)

for thei waastyn folily hire goodis in wakingis and pleyingis bi ni+gt
, and in rere-soperis and othere vanites , (CMPURVEY,I,34.1620)

and taken grete and vnmesurable taxis of the comyns ;
(CMPURVEY,I,34.1621)

and lesse lordis and prelatis doon greet extorciouns to pore men ,
(CMPURVEY,I,34.1622)

and taken pore mennis goodis , (CMPURVEY,I,34.1623)

and paien litil either nou+gt and out of tyme for tho .
(CMPURVEY,I,34.1624)

Therfore , as Mychee the prophete seith in iij. c. , thei hyilden pore
men , (CMPURVEY,I,34.1625)

and eten her flesch ; (CMPURVEY,I,34.1626)

and Grostede declarith wel this in his dicte that bygynneth thus , sint
lumbi vestri precinti , and in the xiij. dicte ; (CMPURVEY,I,34.1627)

and God seith in the Sautir of suche tirauntis , " thei deuouren my
puple as the mete of breed . " (CMPURVEY,I,34.1628)

How myche blood lordis scheden in werris , for pride and coueitise , by
counceil of false prelatis , confessouris , and prechouris , it passith
mannis wit to telle fully in this lijf ; (CMPURVEY,I,34.1629)

but of scheding of blood and sleeing of pore men , bi withdrawing of
almes , and in +geuynge it to dede stockis , either stoonis , either to
riche clerkis and feyned religiouse , were to speke now , if a man
hadde the spirit of goostly strengthe . (CMPURVEY,I,34.1630)

Now men knelyn , and preien , (CMPURVEY,I,34.1631)

and offren faste to dede ymagis , that han neither hungir neither coold
; (CMPURVEY,I,34.1632)

and dispisen , beten , and sleen Cristen men , maad to the ymage and
lycnesse of the Holy Trynite . (CMPURVEY,I,34.1633)

What onour of God is this to knele and offre to an ymage , maad of
synful mannis hondis , and to dispise and robbe the ymage maad of
Goddis hondis , that is , a cristen man , either a cristen womman .
(CMPURVEY,I,34.1634)

Whanne men +geue not almes to pore nedy men , but to dede ymagis ,
either riche clerkis , thei robbyn pore men of her due porcoun , and
needful sustenaunce assingned to hem of God himself ;
(CMPURVEY,I,34.1635)

and whanne suche offereris to dede ymagis robben pore men , thei robben
Jhesu Crist , as he seith in xxv. c=o=. of Math. , " that , that +ge
diden to oon of these leeste of myne , +ge diden to me , "
(CMPURVEY,I,34.1636)

and if thei schulen be dampned that +geuen not mete and drinke , and
othere nescessaries to pore men , as Crist seith , where schulen thei
become that robben pore men , and so Jhesu Crist himself ;
(CMPURVEY,I,34.1637)

and if these tweyne , that +geuen not lyflode , and that robben pore
men , schulen be dampned so depe in helle , where schulen false
techeris , stireris , and confessouris bicome , that stiren lordis and
riche men to robbe thus pore men , and to do this vndir the colour of
excellent almes and holynesse ? (CMPURVEY,I,34.1638)

But morne we sore for this cursidnesse , (CMPURVEY,I,34.1639)

and preie we to God with al oure herte , that sithen lordis and
prelatis suen Manasses in these opyn synnes , God stire hem to sue
Manasses in very penaunce , and make amendis to God and men , lest oure
reume be conquerid of aliens , either hethen men , for these opyn
synnes and many moo . (CMPURVEY,I,34.1640)

<heading>

CAP. XI. (CMPURVEY,I,34.1642)

</heading>

The firste book of Esdras tellith , how Cirus , king of Perseys , +gaf
lycence to Jewis to turne a+gen in to Jerusalem and Judee , and bylde
the temple of God in Jerusalem , and bad that other men in his rewme
schulden helpe to this bylding ; (CMPURVEY,I,34.1644)

and he +gaf the vessels herto whiche Nabugodnosor hadde take awey fro
Jerusalem . (CMPURVEY,I,34.1645)

Thanne is teld the noumbre of hem that turnede a+gen into Judee , vndir
Josue the prest , the sone of Josedech , and vndir Sorobabel , the duyk
; and hou thei bygunnen to bylde the auter and temple ; and what
letting thei hadden of enemyes , and what coumfort of God , and of hise
prophetis . (CMPURVEY,I,34.1646)

Thanne it is teld , what sorwe Esdras made , for the princis and
prestis and comyns token hethene wommen to wyues a+gens the lawe ; and
how the princis and the puple repentiden mekely and verily , and maden
amendis to God and men . (CMPURVEY,I,34.1647)

In the book of Neemye , which is clepid the ij. book of Esdras , is
teld , how Neemye gat graunt of the king to bylde the wallis of
Jerusalem , and how he and othere men , bothe prestis and othere ,
princis and comyns , bildiden the wallis , and +gatis , and lockis ,
and touris aboue , for defense a+gens <P_I,35> enemyes ; and how the
enemyes of Jewis purposiden with strong hond to slee Jewis preuely ,
and distroie hire werk . (CMPURVEY,I,35.1648)

Thanne half the part of +gunge men made the werk , (CMPURVEY,I,35.1649)

and half the part was redy to bateyle ; (CMPURVEY,I,35.1650)

with oon hond thei maden the werk , (CMPURVEY,I,35.1651)

and with the other thei helden the swerd ; (CMPURVEY,I,35.1652)

and eche of hem that bildide was gird with his swerd .
(CMPURVEY,I,35.1653)

Thanne it sueth how Neemye , duk of the puple , dide freely his offis ,
and took noo costis assingned to the duk , (CMPURVEY,I,35.1654)

and he dide thus for the pouert of the puple . (CMPURVEY,I,35.1655)

Aftir this doinge Esdras redde in the book of Goddis lawe , fro the
morewitide til to noon bifore the multitude of men and wymmen ,
(CMPURVEY,I,35.1656)

and dekenes made silence in the puple to here the lawe ;
(CMPURVEY,I,35.1657)

and Esdras redde in the book of Goddis lawe fro the firste day til to
the laste . (CMPURVEY,I,35.1658)

Thanne the children of Israel camyn togidere in fasting and in sackis ,
either heiris , (CMPURVEY,I,35.1659)

and erthe was on hem , (CMPURVEY,I,35.1660)

and the seed of the sones of Israel was departid fro ech alyen sone ,
(CMPURVEY,I,35.1661)

and thei stoden bifore the Lord , (CMPURVEY,I,35.1662)

and knoulechiden her synnes , and the wickidnessis of hire fadris ,
(CMPURVEY,I,35.1663)

and thei risiden togidere to stonde , (CMPURVEY,I,35.1664)

and thei redden in the book of lawe of hire God fouresithis in the day
, (CMPURVEY,I,35.1665)

and fouresithis in the ny+gt thei knoulechiden and heryeden hire Lord
God ; (CMPURVEY,I,35.1666)

and dekenes cryeden with gret vois to hire Lord God ,
(CMPURVEY,I,35.1667)

and baddin the puple rise and blesse God . (CMPURVEY,I,35.1668)

Thanne sueth the solempne confessioun of Esdras , how he knoulechide
first the glorious werkis of God , and aftirward the orrible synnes of
al the puple , and of hire fadris ; (CMPURVEY,I,35.1669)

and thanne al the peple made couenaunt , (CMPURVEY,I,35.1670)

and swor to kepe Goddis lawe , and to bie not in the sabat and haliday
of hem that brou+gten viteilis to selle ; (CMPURVEY,I,35.1671)

and thei bihi+gten to paie the firste fruitis to prestis , and tithis
to the dekenes , and to bringe al this to the temple of God .
(CMPURVEY,I,35.1672)

At the laste Neemye suffride neither Jewis neither straungeris sille
neither bie in the sabotis , not oonly in Jerusalem , but neither in
placis ny+g the wallis ; (CMPURVEY,I,35.1673)

and he rebuykede , and curside , and beet men , and made hem ballid ,
that token alien wommen to be hire wyues , as of Asotus , of Amon , and
of Moab ; (CMPURVEY,I,35.1674)

and chargide hem greetly in the Lord , that thei schulden not +geue
hire dou+gtris to the sones of hethen men , and take nou+gt of the
dou+gtris of hethen men to hire owne sones , and to hem self .
(CMPURVEY,I,35.1675)

This proces of Esdras and of Neemye schulde styre vs to be bisy to
biylde vertues in oure soule , aftir turnyng a+gen fro caitifte of
synne , and to fi+gte a+gens temptaciouns , and byilde faste vertues ,
as thei fou+gten with oon hond a+gens enemyes , and biyldeden with the
tothir hond ; (CMPURVEY,I,35.1676)

and we schulden be ful bisy to kepe the gostely sabot in goode werkis
and herying of God , sithen thei were so besy to kepe the figuratif
sabot . (CMPURVEY,I,35.1677)

Thou+g the book of Tobie is not of bileeue , it is ful deuout storie ,
and profitable to the symple puple , to maken hem to kepe patience and
Goddis heestis , to do werkis of mercy , and teche wel hire children ,
and to take wyues in the drede of God , for loue of children , and not
al for foul lust off body , neither for coueitise of goodis of this
world ; (CMPURVEY,I,35.1678)

and also children moun lerne heere bi +gunge Tobie to be meke and
obedient , and redy to serue fadir and modir in her nede .
(CMPURVEY,I,35.1679)

Therfore amonge alle the bookis of the elde testament symple men of wit
schulden rede and here ofte this book of Tobie , to be trewe to God in
prosperite and aduersite , and eschewe idolatrie , glotenye and
coueitise , and to be pacient in tribulacoun , and go neuere awey fro
the dreede and loue of God . (CMPURVEY,I,35.1680)

Thou+g the seene of clerkis , either general gadering of clergie , hath
take the book of Judith among the noumbre of hooly scripturis ,
natheles it is not of the canoun eithir feith of the bible anentis
Ebreis , (CMPURVEY,I,35.1681)

for thei resseyuen not the autoritie of this book ;
(CMPURVEY,I,35.1682)

natheles it was writen in Caldee langage , (CMPURVEY,I,35.1683)

and is noumbrid among stories , as Jerom witnessith on the prolog .
(CMPURVEY,I,35.1684)

But natheles this book comendith chastite and abstinence , penaunce and
wideuhood of Judith , and her loue <P_I,36> which sche hadde to
deliuere Goddis puple fro her enemyes , and to kepe the feith and
worschiping of God among his peple . (CMPURVEY,I,36.1685)

Also this book comendith the feith and treuthe of Achior , that was
conuertid to Goddis lawe bi myracle of sleeing of Olofernes , bi the
hondis of the widewe Judith . (CMPURVEY,I,36.1686)

Thanne Judith repreuede prestis (CMPURVEY,I,36.1687)

for thei temtide God , (CMPURVEY,I,36.1688)

and consentiden to deliuere the citee to enemyes , if God sente not
helpe to hem withinne v. daies , (CMPURVEY,I,36.1689)

and goode prestis tooken meekly this repreuyng of a womman ;
(CMPURVEY,I,36.1690)

and sche tau+gte hem hou thei schulden do penaunce for this trespas ,
and coumforte the puple to triste in God , and abyde his mercy and help
, at his owne wille . (CMPURVEY,I,36.1691)

Vs nedith not to excuse Judith fro lesingis and tresoun to Olofernes ,
(CMPURVEY,I,36.1692)

but we moun fauorably excuse hire fro deedly synne in this doinge , for
the greet loue that sche hadde to Goddis peple , and to slee Olofernes
, a blasfemyere of God , and distroiere of his lawe and peple ;
(CMPURVEY,I,36.1693)

and iustly God took this veniaunce on Olofernes , for his synnes and
harmes don to Goddis peple , and whiche he purposide to do , if he
my+gte lyue longe . (CMPURVEY,I,36.1694)

Of this proces proude werriouris schulden drede God , that made proud
Olofernes to be slayn of a womman , and al his greet oost to be
scaterid and distroied ; (CMPURVEY,I,36.1695)

and cristen men schulden be coumfortid greetly , for to haue ful trist
in God , and in his helpe , that so my+gtily delyuerede his puple fro
so greet an enemy and strong oost , withouten perisching of his peple .
(CMPURVEY,I,36.1696)

And sithen Judith hadde so greet preising for hire doinge , that was
medelid with manye synnes , myche more preising schulen thei haue in
heuene , withouten ende , that putten forth hem silf to be martirid for
Goddis cause , with trewe meenes of pacience and of charite .
(CMPURVEY,I,36.1697)

The book of Ester tellith first , how the qwene Vasti was forsaken for
hire pride , and was departid fro mariage of king Assuerus , and hou
Ester , for hire meekenesse , bewte , and Goddis grace was maad qwene
in the stide of Vasty . (CMPURVEY,I,36.1698)

Also the trewe Mardoche , the fadir in lawe of adopcioun of this womman
Ester , tau+gte hire to loue God , and kepe his lawe ,
(CMPURVEY,I,36.1699)

and sche was full meke and obedient to Mardochee , +ghe , whanne sche
was qwene , as to hire fadir in lawe . (CMPURVEY,I,36.1700)

Thanne Aaman , of the kinrede of Agag , conspyride bi sotil malice to
distroie al the peple of Jewis , in the lond of Assuerus ,
(CMPURVEY,I,36.1701)

and hadde graunt of the king , at his owne wille , (CMPURVEY,I,36.1702)

and the day of distroiyng and of sleeing of the Jewis was pupplischid
thour+g al the rewme . (CMPURVEY,I,36.1703)

Thanne Mardochee and the Jewis diden greet penaunce ,
(CMPURVEY,I,36.1704)

and maden gret sorwe , (CMPURVEY,I,36.1705)

and preieden God to helpe in that gret nede . (CMPURVEY,I,36.1706)

And Mardochee sente to Ester , that sche schulde do the same , and goo
to the king , in perel of hire lijf , to axe grace of him , and
reuoking of lettris and power grauntid to Aman , the enemy of Jewis .
(CMPURVEY,I,36.1707)

And aftir myche fasting , penaunce , and preier , Estir bitook hirself
to Goddis disposicioun , and to perel of her deth ,
(CMPURVEY,I,36.1708)

and entride to the king , +ghe , a+gens the lawe of the lond , whanne
sche was not clepid , to axe mercy and help of the king , for hirsilf
and al hire puple . (CMPURVEY,I,36.1709)

And God turnede the feersnesse and cruelte of the king to mekenesse ,
mersy , and benyngnite a+gens Ester , and the peple of Jewis .
(CMPURVEY,I,36.1710)

And thanne he reuokide the power grauntid to Aaman ,
(CMPURVEY,I,36.1711)

and leet hange him , as he purposide to haue hangid the trewe Mardochee
, (CMPURVEY,I,36.1712)

and +gaf general power to Jewis to slee alle hire enemyes in his empire
. (CMPURVEY,I,36.1713)

Aftir these thingis the king enhaunside Mardochee ,
(CMPURVEY,I,36.1714)

and made him grettist next the king , (CMPURVEY,I,36.1715)

and +gaf greet fraunchise and onour to the Jewis . (CMPURVEY,I,36.1716)

This story of Ester schulde stire men to be trewe to God and his lawe ,
and putte awey pride and enuye , and euere triste in God in alle
perrels ; (CMPURVEY,I,36.1717)

and tirauntis schulden be aferd to conspire a+gens Goddis seruauntis ,
leest God take veniaunce on hem , as he dide on this man Aaman , that
conspiride the deeth and general distroiyng of Jewis .
(CMPURVEY,I,36.1718)

The book of Job is ful sotil in vndirstonding , (CMPURVEY,I,36.1719)

for Job argueth a+gens hise enemyes , that wolden bringe hym out of
cristen feith , (CMPURVEY,I,36.1720)

and concludith many errouris that suen of hire false bileeue and
opynyon ; (CMPURVEY,I,36.1721)

and Job affermith not that al is soth that he spekith a+gens hise
aduersaries , (CMPURVEY,I,36.1722)

but concludith hem in hire fals <P_I,37> bileeue , that many errouris
suen therof ; (CMPURVEY,I,37.1723)

and for I haue declarid in party in the glos hou the harde sentensis of
Job schulen be vndirstonden , therfore I passe ouer li+gtly now .
(CMPURVEY,I,37.1724)

First this book tellith the kyn of Job , and hise richessis , and holy
lijf of him and hise children ; (CMPURVEY,I,37.1725)

and aftirward it tellith what tribulacoun bifelde to Joob in his catel
, in hise children , and in his owne bodi , and hou paciently he
suffride this , and thankide God in alle hise dissesis .
(CMPURVEY,I,37.1726)

Thanne his wijf , whom the deuel reseruede as a special instrument to
him , to disseyue Joob by his wif , as he disseyuede Adam bi Eue ,
counceld him to blasfeme God , and therbi di+ge ; (CMPURVEY,I,37.1727)

and Joob repreuede hire foly , (CMPURVEY,I,37.1728)

and seide , if we han resseyued goodis of Goddis hond , whi suffre we
not yuels , that is , peynes . (CMPURVEY,I,37.1729)

In alle these thingis Joob synnede not in hise lippis .
(CMPURVEY,I,37.1730)

Thanne sueth the disputing bitwixe Joob and hise freendis , almest til
to the ende of the book . (CMPURVEY,I,37.1731)

Job heeld strongly the treuthe of cristen feith , and specialy of the
rising a+gen of bodies at domis day ; (CMPURVEY,I,37.1732)

and hise freendis seiden many treuthis , (CMPURVEY,I,37.1733)

and medleden falsnesse , (CMPURVEY,I,37.1734)

and euere purposiden an yuel ende and falsed , (CMPURVEY,I,37.1735)

for thei helden that meede is +gouen oonly in this lijf for goode
werkis , and that no man is punyschid here , no but for synnes passid ,
(CMPURVEY,I,37.1736)

and as a man is punyschid more than an other in this lif , so he hath
synned more than another man lesse punschid ; (CMPURVEY,I,37.1737)

but al this is fals , as Joob preuith , and God confermith in the ende
. For whi reward of goode deedis is myche more in the lijf to comynge ,
thanne in present lijf , and a vertuose man is punyschid here for to
haue mede in heuene ; (CMPURVEY,I,37.1738)

and comunly a iust man hath more tribulacoun in this lijf thanne a
wickid man , as it is opin of Crist , that suffride heere myche dissese
, and of tyrauntis that han prosperite in this lijf .
(CMPURVEY,I,37.1739)

And therfore Joob telde opinly hise goode dedis to coumforte him a+gens
dispeir , to whiche hise frendis wolden bringe him ;
(CMPURVEY,I,37.1740)

but Joob dide this ouer myche , and with sum pride ,
(CMPURVEY,I,37.1741)

and iustifiede himself ouer myche , that hise freendis conseyueden that
he blasfemyde God , and preuede God vnri+gtful ; (CMPURVEY,I,37.1742)

and of thes twey poyntis Joob repentide in the ende .
(CMPURVEY,I,37.1743)

Thanne God for+gaf to him this litil synne , (CMPURVEY,I,37.1744)

and appreued his trewe sentense , (CMPURVEY,I,37.1745)

and dampnede the errour of hise aduersaries . (CMPURVEY,I,37.1746)

Thanne Job preiede , (CMPURVEY,I,37.1747)

and made sacrifice for hise aduersaries , (CMPURVEY,I,37.1748)

and God herde him , (CMPURVEY,I,37.1749)

and dide mercy to hem ; (CMPURVEY,I,37.1750)

and God addide alle thingis double , that Joob hadde ;
(CMPURVEY,I,37.1751)

and he hadde xiiij. thousind of scheep , and vj. thousind of camelis ,
and a thousind +gockis of oxen , and a thousind femal assis , and vij.
sones , and iij. dou+gtris ; (CMPURVEY,I,37.1752)

and Joob lyuede vij. score +geer aftir his turment ,
(CMPURVEY,I,37.1753)

and si+g hise sones and the sones of his sones til to the fourthe
generacoun . (CMPURVEY,I,37.1754)

This proces of Job schulde stire men to be iust of lyuyng , and to be
pacient in aduersitees , as Joob was , and to be stedfast in cristen
feith , and answere wijsely and meekly to eretikis and aduersaries of
oure feith , as Petir and Poul techen , and euere be meke and ful of
charite , and preie for oure enemyes , and looke aftir meede in heuene
, and not in erthe , for oure good deedis . (CMPURVEY,I,37.1755)

The Sautir comprehendith al the elde and newe testament ,
(CMPURVEY,I,37.1756)

and techith pleynly the mysteries of the Trinite , and of Cristis
incarnacoun , passioun , rising a+gen , stying in to heuene , and
sending doun of the Holy Gost , and preching of the gospel , and the
coming of Antecrist , and the general <P_I,38> dom of Crist , and the
glorie of chosen men to blisse , and the peynes of hem that schulen be
dampned in helle ; (CMPURVEY,I,38.1757)

and ofte rehersith the stories of the elde testament ,
(CMPURVEY,I,38.1758)

and bringith in keping of Goddis heestis , and loue of enemyes .
(CMPURVEY,I,38.1759)

Noo book in the eld testament is hardere to vndirstonding to vs Latyns
, (CMPURVEY,I,38.1760)

for oure lettre discordith myche fro the Ebreu , (CMPURVEY,I,38.1761)

and many doctouris taken litel heede to the lettre , but al to the
goostly vndirstonding . (CMPURVEY,I,38.1762)

Wel <P_I,39> were him that koude wel vndirstonde the Sautir , and kepe
it in his lyuyng , and seie it deuoutly , and conuicte Jewis therbi ;
(CMPURVEY,I,39.1763)

for manye men that seyn it vndeuoutly , and lyuen out of charite , lyen
foule on hemself to God , (CMPURVEY,I,39.1764)

and blasfemen hym , whanne thei crien it ful loude to mennis eeris in
the chirche . (CMPURVEY,I,39.1765)

Therfore God +geue grace to vs to lyue wel in charite , <P_I,40> and
sey it deuoutly , and vndirstonde it treuly , and to teche it opinly to
Cristen men and Jewis , and bringe hem therby to oure Cristen feith ,
and brennynge charite . (CMPURVEY,I,40.1766)

The Prouerbis either Parablis of Salamon teche men to lyue iustly to
God and man . (CMPURVEY,I,40.1767)

Ecclesiastes techith men to forsake and sette at nou+gt alle goodis in
the world , and to drede God , and kepe hise heestis .
(CMPURVEY,I,40.1768)

The Songis of Songis techen men to sette al hire herte in the loue of
God , and of hire nei+geboris , and trewe preching , and wilful
suffring of peyne and deth , if nede be . (CMPURVEY,I,40.1769)

Prouerbis speken myche of wijsedom and keping of Goddis heestis , in
comendinge trewe teching , and in repreuyng fals teching ,
(CMPURVEY,I,40.1770)

and Prouerbis treten mychel of ri+gtfulnesse , and iust domes and
gouernaunce , and of punysching of auoutrie and othere falsenessis
(CMPURVEY,I,40.1771)

<P_I,41>

and comenden myche iust lordis and sogetis , (CMPURVEY,I,41.1773)

and repreuen strongly wrongful lordis and rebel sogettis .
(CMPURVEY,I,41.1774)

Also Prouerbis techen derkly the mysteries of Crist , and of hooly
chirche , (CMPURVEY,I,41.1775)

and techen myche wijsdom and prudence , for the soule and the body .
(CMPURVEY,I,41.1776)

Therfore lordis , and iugis , and comuneris also , and namely prestis ,
schulden stodie wel this book , and rule hemself therbi , to saluacoun
of body and of soule . (CMPURVEY,I,41.1777)

Ecclesiastes is a ful sotil book , (CMPURVEY,I,41.1778)

for Salamon spekith in many persones , (CMPURVEY,I,41.1779)

and concludith her entent and sentence , not in appreuyng the sentence
of fleschly men , that preisen more bodily goodis and lustis of the
body than heuenly goodis and lyking of vertues , (CMPURVEY,I,41.1780)

and dampneth many errours of worldly men , (CMPURVEY,I,41.1781)

and schewith that al is vanite , til me come to the drede of God , and
keeping of hise heestis . (CMPURVEY,I,41.1782)

Therfore men moten bee wel war hou thei vndirstonden Salamon in this
book , that thei appreue noon errour , and dampne noo treuthe , for
mysconseyuing of Salamonys wordis , and the Hooly Goostis wordis in
this book . (CMPURVEY,I,41.1783)

The Songis of Songis touchen derkly the staat of the synagoge , fro the
gooing out of Egipt til to Cristis incarnacoun and passioun ;
(CMPURVEY,I,41.1784)

and thanne tho Songis touchen the staat of Cristis chirche , and of the
synagoge in the ende of the world , (CMPURVEY,I,41.1785)

and treetyn hi+gly of loue to God and nei+gebore also ;
(CMPURVEY,I,41.1786)

and this book is so sotil to vndirstonde , that Jewis ordeyneden , that
no man schulde stodie it , no but he were of xxx. +geer , and hadde
able wit to vndirstonde the goostly preuytees of this book ;
(CMPURVEY,I,41.1787)

for sum of the book seemith to fleschly men to sounne vnclene loue of
leccherie , where it tellith hi+g goostly loue , and greet preuytees of
Crist and of his chirche . (CMPURVEY,I,41.1788)

Therfore men moten be ful wel war to conseyue wel the wordis of the
Holy Goost in this book , and knowe whanne Crist spekith to the chirche
, either to the synagoge , and whanne the synagoge spekith to God , and
whanne the chirche spekith to Crist , and whanne God spekith to aungels
, patriarkis , and prophetis , and apostlis , and whanne these persones
speken to the synagoge either to the chirche , either a+genward .
(CMPURVEY,I,41.1789)

The book of Wijsedam , thou+g it be not a book of bileeue , techith
myche ri+gtfulnesse , (CMPURVEY,I,41.1790)

and preisith wysdom , (CMPURVEY,I,41.1791)

and repreuith fleschly men for hire false bileeue and yuel lyuynge ,
(CMPURVEY,I,41.1792)

and comendith myche iust men , sad in bileeue and vertuouse lyuynge ,
(CMPURVEY,I,41.1793)

and touchith myche of Cristis incarnacoun , his manheed and godheed
togidere , (CMPURVEY,I,41.1794)

and dampneth gretly idolatrie , and fals worschiping of idolis , and
false goddis . (CMPURVEY,I,41.1795)

Thou+g Ecclesiastici be no book of bileeue , it techith myche wisdom
and prudence for soule and body , (CMPURVEY,I,41.1796)

and hath myche the sentence of Prouerbis , (CMPURVEY,I,41.1797)

and comaundith men to thenke and speke of Goddis heestis , and for to
dreede God , and loue him , and euere haue mynde of deth , and of the
greet dom , to kepe men out of synne , and in parfit loue to God and
man . (CMPURVEY,I,41.1798)

Also it preisith myche almes and good preier , (CMPURVEY,I,41.1799)

and repreuith gretly extorcouns , and wrong , and false oothis , and
false mesuris , and false wey+gtis , and al fraude , preuy and apert ;
(CMPURVEY,I,41.1800)

at the laste it comendith goode men , (CMPURVEY,I,41.1801)

and herieth God , that delyuereth fro alle perrelis .
(CMPURVEY,I,41.1802)

If this book be wel vndirstonden , it is profitable bothe-1 to goostly
gouernours and bodily lordis , and iustisis and comyns also .
(CMPURVEY,I,41.1803)

The Prophetis han a general prologe for alle , (CMPURVEY,I,41.1804)

and for I declaride sumdel the grete profetis , and in party the litil
prophetis , and thenke soone to make an ende , with Goddis help , of
the glos on the smale prophetis , I thenke now to passe ouer withouten
eny tarying . (CMPURVEY,I,41.1805)

The firste book of Macabeis tellith hou gret distruccioun and cruelte
Antioke the noble dide a+gens the Jewis , and hou many thousindis he
killide of hem , that wolden holde Goddis lawe , (CMPURVEY,I,41.1806)

and brente the bookis of Goddis lawe , (CMPURVEY,I,41.1807)

and defoulide the temple of Jerusalem , (CMPURVEY,I,41.1808)

and compellide men , for drede of deth , <P_I,42> to do idolatrie , and
forsake God and his lawe ; (CMPURVEY,I,42.1809)

and he took vessels and tresouris in the temple , (CMPURVEY,I,42.1810)

and bar into his lond , (CMPURVEY,I,42.1811)

and he brente the citee of Jerusalem , (CMPURVEY,I,42.1812)

and distroiede the housis therof and the wallis therof in cumpas ;
(CMPURVEY,I,42.1813)

and he took the hi+ge tour of Dauith , (CMPURVEY,I,42.1814)

and sette men of armes therinne to lette men come to Jerusalem .
(CMPURVEY,I,42.1815)

And thei diden mychel harm to the puple of Israel ,
(CMPURVEY,I,42.1816)

and who euere heeld the bookis of Goddis testament and kepte his lawe ,
was slayn bi comaundement of Antiok the king , (CMPURVEY,I,42.1817)

and wymmen that circumcideden her children weren slayn , bi
comaundement of Antioke the king , (CMPURVEY,I,42.1818)

and thei hangiden children bi the neckis , bi alle the housis of men of
Israel , (CMPURVEY,I,42.1819)

and killiden hem that circumcideden children . (CMPURVEY,I,42.1820)

Thanne roos Matatyas , the prest , (CMPURVEY,I,42.1821)

and fledde fro Jerusalem into Modyn , (CMPURVEY,I,42.1822)

and biweylide gretly this distroying of the puple , of the temple and
citee , and of al the lond ; (CMPURVEY,I,42.1823)

and he a+genstood the king and hise mynistris , (CMPURVEY,I,42.1824)

and killide the kingis mynistris , that compellide men to do idolatrie
, (CMPURVEY,I,42.1825)

and he killide a man , that dide ydolatrie , (CMPURVEY,I,42.1826)

and distroiede the auter wheronne idolatrie was don .
(CMPURVEY,I,42.1827)

Thanne Matatias and hise sones fledden into hillis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,42.1828)

and leften alle thingis whiche thei hadden in the citee ,
(CMPURVEY,I,42.1829)

and manye men that sou+gten doom and ri+gtfulnesse , and wolden kepe
Goddis lawe , camen to hem in desert . (CMPURVEY,I,42.1830)

And hethen men maden werre on hem in sabatis , (CMPURVEY,I,42.1831)

and manye di+geden in her sympilnesse , (CMPURVEY,I,42.1832)

for thei nolden make bateil in sabatis . (CMPURVEY,I,42.1833)

Thanne manye Jewis were gaderid to him , (CMPURVEY,I,42.1834)

and maden a greet oost , (CMPURVEY,I,42.1835)

and weren redy to fi+gte in sabotis , (CMPURVEY,I,42.1836)

and thei killeden synners in greet wraththe . (CMPURVEY,I,42.1837)

And Matatias and hise freendis cumpassiden and distroieden auteris ,
(CMPURVEY,I,42.1838)

and circumcididen alle children , whiche thei founden in the coostis of
Israel , (CMPURVEY,I,42.1839)

and thei pursueden the children of pride ; (CMPURVEY,I,42.1840)

and the werk hadde prosperite in her hondis , (CMPURVEY,I,42.1841)

and thei gaten the lawe fro the hondis of hethen men and of kingis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,42.1842)

and +gaue not strengthe to the synful man . (CMPURVEY,I,42.1843)

And whanne Matatias was in point of deeth , he coumfortide hise sones
to putte hire lyues for the lawe of God , bi ensaumple of Abraham and
othere hooly men bifore goyng ; (CMPURVEY,I,42.1844)

and he ordeynede Judas Macabeus to be duk of bateil ,
(CMPURVEY,I,42.1845)

and ordeynede Symount his sone to be fadir and prest to hem ,
(CMPURVEY,I,42.1846)

for he was a man of counceil . (CMPURVEY,I,42.1847)

Thanne ben teld many batels of Judas Macabeus a+gens hethene men , and
of grete victories bi Goddis help . (CMPURVEY,I,42.1848)

Thanne Judas Macabeus made frenschipe with Romayns , for hire prudence
, ri+gtfulnesse and power . (CMPURVEY,I,42.1849)

And whanne Judas was deed in bateile , the peple ordeynede Jonathas ,
his brother , prince and duyk , for to holde werre a+gens hethen men .
(CMPURVEY,I,42.1850)

Thanne ben teld many bateiles of Jonathas , and victories whiche he
hadde a+gens hethen men . (CMPURVEY,I,42.1851)

Thanne Jonatas , aftir manye victories , sente to renule frenschip with
Romayns , and with Sparciatis , that weren of the kyn of Jewis ;
(CMPURVEY,I,42.1852)

and Jonathas and hise sones weren slayn at the laste , bi tresoun of
Trifon , that was an hethene man , and my+gty duyk .
(CMPURVEY,I,42.1853)

Thanne Symount was maad duyk of the peple , and in the stede of Judas
Macabeus and of Jonatas ; (CMPURVEY,I,42.1854)

and he dide manye bateiles and stronge , (CMPURVEY,I,42.1855)

and hadde greet victories a+gens hethene men ; (CMPURVEY,I,42.1856)

and Jewis hadden myche reste vndir hym ; (CMPURVEY,I,42.1857)

and he made stronge hooldis and citees in Juda , (CMPURVEY,I,42.1858)

and he renulide frenschipe with Romayns and Sparciatis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,42.1859)

and hadde myche glorie of his folc , and of hethene kingis .
(CMPURVEY,I,42.1860)

At the laste Symount and his twey sones weren slayn bi tresoun ,
(CMPURVEY,I,42.1861)

and Jon , his sone , was prince of prestis , aftir his fadir day ,
(CMPURVEY,I,42.1862)

and dide many bateiles a+gens hethene men . (CMPURVEY,I,42.1863)

The ij. book of Macabeis tellith myche the same sentence of the first
book , (CMPURVEY,I,42.1864)

and hath a fewe special poyntis , of Elyodorus , of Eleasarus , and of
the noble wydue and hire vij. sones . (CMPURVEY,I,42.1865)

Eliodorus was sent of the hethen king to take awey the tresouris of the
temple of Jerusalem , and bere tho to the king , (CMPURVEY,I,42.1866)

and thou+g the tresouris weren kept for the lijflode of widewis and
fadirles children , and summe weren another mannis goodis , Elyodorus
wolde algate bere <P_I,43> al to the king ; (CMPURVEY,I,43.1867)

but God made hym and his felowis soore aferd , (CMPURVEY,I,43.1868)

and Eliodorus was beten almest to the deth , of a ferdful oon sittinge
on a hors , that hadde twey +gunge men aboute him ;
(CMPURVEY,I,43.1869)

and Eliodorus was cast doun to the grounde , (CMPURVEY,I,43.1870)

and was born out on a bere , (CMPURVEY,I,43.1871)

and lay domb . (CMPURVEY,I,43.1872)

And whanne the hi+gest prest offride sacrifice , and preiede for the
helthe of Eliodorus , God grauntide lijf to him , (CMPURVEY,I,43.1873)

and he thankide God , and the hi+gest prest , (CMPURVEY,I,43.1874)

and +gede to the king (CMPURVEY,I,43.1875)

and tolde to him hou it stood ; (CMPURVEY,I,43.1876)

and he witnesside to alle men the grete werkis of God , whiche he hadde
seyn with hise i+gen . (CMPURVEY,I,43.1877)

Thanne is toold of the curside deedis of Jason the prest , that cam in
by symonye , and wolde bringe Jewis to idolatrie and sodomye , and to
forsake God and his lawe . (CMPURVEY,I,43.1878)

Thanne is teld of greet cruelte of Antioke , whiche he dide a+gens the
Jewis and the hooly place of Jerusalem ; (CMPURVEY,I,43.1879)

and God suffride this for the synnes of the peple , for whi God chees
not the folc for the place , but the place for the folc .
(CMPURVEY,I,43.1880)

Thanne Eleasarus ches to di+ge a scharp deeth , rathere than he wolde
breke Goddis lawe in a litil poynt , to ete pork , +ghe , to feyne to
ete pork . (CMPURVEY,I,43.1881)

Aftir this it sueth hou the blissid widewe and hire vij. sones were
martiride , for thei nolden breke Goddis lawe , and hou gloriously the
blessid modir coumfortid hem to take deeth with ioie for the lawe of
God . (CMPURVEY,I,43.1882)

This storie and proces of Macabeis schulde stire cristen men to holde
Goddis lawe to lijf and deth , (CMPURVEY,I,43.1883)

and if kni+gtis schulden vse the swerd a+gens eny curside men , thei
schulden vse it a+gens lordis and prestis principaly , that wolen
compelle men , for drede of prisoun and deth , to forsake the treuthe
and fredom of Cristis gospel ; (CMPURVEY,I,43.1884)

but God for his greet mercy +geue very repentance to hem , that thus
pursuen trewe men , (CMPURVEY,I,43.1885)

and graunte pacience , meekenesse , and charite to hem that ben thus
pursued ! (CMPURVEY,I,43.1886)

Amen . (CMPURVEY,I,43.1887)

<heading>

Cap. XII. (CMPURVEY,I,43.1889)

</heading>

But it is to wite that holy scripture hath iiij. vndirstondingis ;
literal , allegorik , moral , and anagogik . (CMPURVEY,I,43.1891)

The literal vndirstonding techith the thing don in deede ;
(CMPURVEY,I,43.1892)

and literal vndir-stonding is ground and foundament of thre goostly
vndirstondingis , in so myche as Austyn , in his Pistle to Vincent ,
and othere doctouris seyn , oonly bi the literal vndirstond-ing a man
may argue a+gens an aduersarie . (CMPURVEY,I,43.1893)

Allegorik is a goostly vndirstonding , that techith what thing men owen
for to bileeue of Crist either of hooly chirche . (CMPURVEY,I,43.1894)

Moral is a goostly vndirstonding , that techith men , what vertues thei
owen to sue , and what vices thei owen to flee . (CMPURVEY,I,43.1895)

Anagogik is a goostly vndirstonding , that techith men , what blisse
thei schal haue in heuene . (CMPURVEY,I,43.1896)

And these foure vndirstondingis moun be taken in this word Jeru-salem ;
for whi to the literal vndirstonding it singnefieth an erthly citee ,
as Loundoun , either such another ; (CMPURVEY,I,43.1897)

to allegorie it singnefieth hooly chirche in erthe , that fi+gtith
a+gens synnes and fendis ; (CMPURVEY,I,43.1898)

to moral vndirstondinge it singnefieth a cristen soule ;
(CMPURVEY,I,43.1899)

to anagogik it singnefieth hooly chirche regnynge in blisse either in
heuene , and tho that ben therinne . (CMPURVEY,I,43.1900)

And these thre goostly vndirstondingis ben not autentik either of
beleeue , no but tho ben groundid opynly in the text of holy scripture
, in oo place other other , either in opin resoun that may not be
distroied , either whanne the gospelris either other apostlis taken
allegorie of the eelde testament , and confeermyn it , as Poul in the
pistle to Galat. in iiij. c=o=. preveth , that Sara , the free wijf and
principal of Abraham , with Isaac hir sone , singne-fieth bi allegorie
the newe testament and the sones of biheeste ; (CMPURVEY,I,43.1901)

and Agar , the hand mayde , with hir sone Ismael , signefieth bi
allegorie the elde testament , and fleschly men that schulen not be
resseyued in to the eritage of God with the sones of biheeste , that
holden the treuthe and freedom of Cristis gospel with endeles charite .
(CMPURVEY,I,43.1902)

Also holy scripture hath <P_I,44> many figuratif spechis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,44.1903)

and as Austyn seith in the iij. book Of Cristen Teching , that autouris
of hooly scripture vsiden moo figuris , that is , mo fyguratif spechis
, than gramariens moun gesse , that reden not tho figuris in holy
scripture . (CMPURVEY,I,44.1904)

It is to be war in the bigynnyng , that we take not to the lettre a
figuratif speche , (CMPURVEY,I,44.1905)

for thanne , as Poul seith , the lettre sleeth , (CMPURVEY,I,44.1906)

but the spirit , that is , goostly vndirstonding , qwykeneth ;
(CMPURVEY,I,44.1907)

for whanne a thing which is seid figuratifly is taken so as if it be
seid propirly , me vndirstondith fleschly ; (CMPURVEY,I,44.1908)

and noon is clepid more couenably the deth of soule , than whanne
vndirstonding , that passith beestis , is maad soget to the fleisch in
suynge the lettre . (CMPURVEY,I,44.1909)

What euer thing in Goddis word may not be referrid propirly to oneste
of vertues neither to the treuthe of feith , it is figuratyf speche .
(CMPURVEY,I,44.1910)

Onestee of vertues perteyneth to loue God and the nei+gebore ;
(CMPURVEY,I,44.1911)

treuthe of feith perteyneth to knowe God and the nei+gebore .
(CMPURVEY,I,44.1912)

Hooly scripture comaundith no thing no but charite ,
(CMPURVEY,I,44.1913)

it blamith no thing no but coueitise ; (CMPURVEY,I,44.1914)

and in that manere it enfoormeth the vertues either goode condiscouns
of men . (CMPURVEY,I,44.1915)

Holy scripture affermith no thing no but cristen feith bi thingis
passid , present , and to comynge , (CMPURVEY,I,44.1916)

and alle these thingis perteynen to nursche charite , and make it
strong , and to ouercome and quenche coueitise . (CMPURVEY,I,44.1917)

Also it is figuratijf speche , where the wordis maken allegorie , ether
a derk lycnesse , either parabl , (CMPURVEY,I,44.1918)

and it is figuratyf speche in i. c. of Jeremye , (CMPURVEY,I,44.1919)

" to day I have ordeyned thee on folkis and rewmys , that thou draw up
bi the roote , and distroie , and bylde , and plaunte ; " that is ,
that thou drawe out elde synnes , and distroie circumstaunces either
causis of thoo , and bylde vertues , and plaunte goode werkis and
customys . (CMPURVEY,I,44.1920)

Alle thingis in holy scripture , that seemyn to vnwijse men to be ful
of wickidnesse a+gens a man himself , either a+gens his nei+gebore ben
figuratyf spechis , (CMPURVEY,I,44.1921)

and the preuytees , either goostly vndirstondinges , schulden be sou+gt
out of vs , to the feeding either keping of charite .
(CMPURVEY,I,44.1922)

Such a reule schal be kept in figuratif spechis , that so longe it be
turned in mynde bi diligent consideracioun , til the expownyng either
vndirstonding be brou+gt to the rewme of charite ; (CMPURVEY,I,44.1923)

if eny speche of scripture sounneth propirly charite , it owith not to
be gessid a figuratif speche ; (CMPURVEY,I,44.1924)

and for-beedith wickidnesse , either comaundith profyt either good
doynge , it is no figuratyf speche ; (CMPURVEY,I,44.1925)

if it seemith to comaunde cruelte , either wickidnesse , either to
forbede prophit , <P_I,45> either good doinge , it is a figuratijf
speche . (CMPURVEY,I,45.1926)

Crist seith , " If +ge eten not the flesch of mannis sone and drinke
not his blood , +ge schulen not haue lijf in +gou . "
(CMPURVEY,I,45.1927)

This speche semith to comaunde wickidnesse either cruelte ,
(CMPURVEY,I,45.1928)

therfore it is a figuratif speche , (CMPURVEY,I,45.1929)

and comaundith men to comune with Cristis passioun , and to kepe in
mynde sweetly and pro-fitably , that Cristis flesch was woundid and
crucified for vs . (CMPURVEY,I,45.1930)

Also whanne hooly scripture seith , " If thin enemy hungrith , feede
thou hym , if he thurstith , +geve thou drinke to hym , " it comaundith
benefice , either good doinge . (CMPURVEY,I,45.1931)

whanne it seith , " thou schalt gadere togidere coolis on his heed , "
it seemith that wickidnesse of yuel wille is comaundid .
(CMPURVEY,I,45.1932)

This is seid bi figuratijf speche , that thou vndirstonde , that the
coolys of fijer ben brennynge weylyngis , either moornyngis of penaunce
, bi whiche the pride of hym is mad hool , which sorwith , that he was
enemy of a man that helpith and releuith his wrecchidnesse .
(CMPURVEY,I,45.1933)

Also the same word either the same thing in scripture is taken sumtyme
in good , and sumtyme in yuel , as a lyoun singnefieth sumtyme Crist ,
and in another place it singnefieth the devyl . (CMPURVEY,I,45.1934)

Also sour dou+g is set sumtyme in yuel , where Crist seith , " be +ge
war of the sour dou+g of Farisees , which is ypocrisie ; "
(CMPURVEY,I,45.1935)

sour dou+g is sett also in good , whanne Crist seith , " the rewme of
heuenes is lyk sour dou+g , " etc . (CMPURVEY,I,45.1936)

And whanne not oo thing aloone but tweyne , either mo , ben feelid ,
either vndirstonden , bi the same wordis of scripture , thou+g that it
is hid , that he vndirstond that wroot , it is no perel , if it may be
prevyd bi othir placis of hooly scripture , that ech of tho thingis
acordith with treuthe . (CMPURVEY,I,45.1937)

And in hap the autour of scripture seith thilk sentense in the same
wordis which we wolen vndirstonde ; (CMPURVEY,I,45.1938)

and certys the Spirit of God , that wrou+gte these thingis bi the
autour of scripture , bifore si+g withoute doute , that thilke sentense
schulde come to the redere , either to the herere ,
(CMPURVEY,I,45.1939)

+ghe , the Holy Goost purueyde , that thilke sentence , for it is
groundid on trewthe , schulde come to the redere , either to the herere
, for whi what my+gte be purueyed of God largiliere and plentyuousliere
in Goddis spechis , than that the same wordis be vndirstonden in manye
maners , whiche maners , either wordis of God , that ben not of lesse
autorite , maken to be preued . (CMPURVEY,I,45.1940)

Austin in iij. book of Cristen Teching seith al this and myche more ,
in the bigynnyng therof . (CMPURVEY,I,45.1941)

Also he whos herte is ful of charite conprehendith , withouten eny
errour , the manyfoold abundaunce and largest teching of Goddis
Scripturis , for whi Poul seith , " the fulnesse of lawe is charite , "
and in another place , " the ende of lawe , " that is , the perfeccioun
, either <P_I,46> filling , of the lawe , " is charite of clene herte ,
and of good conscience , and of feith not feyned , "
(CMPURVEY,I,46.1942)

and Jhesu Crist seith , " thou schalt love thi Lord God of al thin
herte , and of al thi soule , and of al thi mynde , and thi nei+gebore
as thi self , (CMPURVEY,I,46.1943)

for in these twey comaunde-mentis hangith al the lawe and prophetis . "
(CMPURVEY,I,46.1944)

And as the roote of alle yuels is coueitise , so the roote of alle
goodis is charitee . (CMPURVEY,I,46.1945)

Charite , bi which we louen God and the nei+gebore , holdith sykirly al
the greetnesse and largnesse of Goddis spechis . (CMPURVEY,I,46.1946)

Therefore if it is not leisir to seeke alle holy scriptures , to
expounne alle the wlappingis of wordis , to perse alle the preuytes of
scripturis , holde thou charite , where alle thingis hangen ,
(CMPURVEY,I,46.1947)

so thou schalt holde that that thou lernydist there ;
(CMPURVEY,I,46.1948)

also thou schalt holde that that thou lernedist not ,
(CMPURVEY,I,46.1949)

for if thou knowist charite , thou knowist sum thing wheronne also that
hangith that in hap thou knowist not ; (CMPURVEY,I,46.1950)

and in that that thou vndirstondist in scripturis , charite is opin ,
(CMPURVEY,I,46.1951)

and in that that thou vndirstondist not , charite is hid ,
(CMPURVEY,I,46.1952)

therfore he that hooldith charite in vertues , either in goode
condiscouns , hooldith bothe that that is opyn and that that is hid in
Goddis wordis . (CMPURVEY,I,46.1953)

Austyn seith al this and myche more in a sermoun of the preysing of
charite . (CMPURVEY,I,46.1954)

Also vij. reulis of Tyconye and of Austyn declaren many derke thingis
of hooly scripturis . (CMPURVEY,I,46.1955)

The first reule is of Jhesu Crist , and of his holy spirit ;
(CMPURVEY,I,46.1956)

oo persoone of the heed and of the body , that is , of Crist and of
holy chirche , is schewid to vs in this reule , (CMPURVEY,I,46.1957)

for it is not seid in veyn to feithful men , " +gee ben the seed of
Abraham , " whanne ther is oo seed of Abraham , which seed is Crist .
(CMPURVEY,I,46.1958)

Doute we not , whanne scripture goith fro the hed to the body , either
fro the body to the heed , and natheles it goith not awey fro oon and
the same persone , for whi oo persone spekith in Isaie ,
(CMPURVEY,I,46.1959)

" he settide a myter to me as to a spouse , (CMPURVEY,I,46.1960)

and he onouride me as a spousesse with an ournement . "
(CMPURVEY,I,46.1961)

And natheles it is to vndirstonde what of these tweyne acoordith to the
heed , that is , Crist , and what acordith to the body , that is ,
hooly chirche , for whi a myter acordith to Crist , which is the spouse
, and an ournement acordith to hooly chirche , which is the spouse of
Crist . (CMPURVEY,I,46.1962)

The secunde reule , as Ticonye seith , is of the bodi of Crist , which
bodi is departid into tweyne , (CMPURVEY,I,46.1963)

but ceertis this bodi of Crist ou+gte not be clepid so ,
(CMPURVEY,I,46.1964)

for treuly it is not the bodi of Crist , which shal not be with him
withouten ende , (CMPURVEY,I,46.1965)

but it schal be seid of the veri bodi and of the medlid body of Crist ,
either of the veri bodi and feyned body of Crist ; for whi ypocritis
schulen be seid to be not with Crist , not oonly withouten ende , but
also now , thou+g thei seemyn to be in the chirche of Crist . Wherfor
this reule my+gt be clepid thus , <P_I,47> that it were seid of the
medlid chirche , that is , that conprehendith chosen men to blisse ,
and also ipocritis , that schulen be dampned . (CMPURVEY,I,47.1966)

And this reule axith a waking either diligent redere ;
(CMPURVEY,I,47.1967)

whanne it spekith of other men , it semith to speke now as to the same
men to whiche it spac bifore , (CMPURVEY,I,47.1968)

either it seemith to speke of the same men , whanne it spekith of
othere men ; as if oo body be of euer either , for temporal medlyng ,
and for comynyng of sacramentis . (CMPURVEY,I,47.1969)

To this reule it perteyneth , that the chirche seith in Songis , " I am
blac and fair as the tabernaclis of Cedar , as the skynnes of Salomon ;
" (CMPURVEY,I,47.1970)

the chirche seide that sche is euer either , for temporal vnite
withinne oo net of goode fischis and of yuel fischis ; for whi the
tabernaclis of Cedar parteynen to Ismael , that schal not be eir with
the sone of the free wijf . (CMPURVEY,I,47.1971)

The thridde reule is of byheestis and of lawe ; (CMPURVEY,I,47.1972)

this reule may be seid also of the spirit and lettre ;
(CMPURVEY,I,47.1973)

it may be seid also of grace and of comaundement ; (CMPURVEY,I,47.1974)

and Tyconie erride in seyinge , that werkis ben +gouen of God to vs for
meryt of feith , (CMPURVEY,I,47.1975)

but feith it silf is so of vs , that it is not of God to vs .
(CMPURVEY,I,47.1976)

The iiij. reule is of al and of party , whanne summ of a thing is set
for al , eithir a+genward al is set for a party . (CMPURVEY,I,47.1977)

The v. reule is of tymes , (CMPURVEY,I,47.1978)

and this is bi a figure clepid synodoches , whanne a part is set for al
, either al is set for oo part . (CMPURVEY,I,47.1979)

Oon euangelist seith , that it was don aftir viij. daies , whanne the
face of Crist schynede as the sunne , (CMPURVEY,I,47.1980)

and another gospeler seide , that it was don aftir vj. daies ;
(CMPURVEY,I,47.1981)

euer either my+gte not be soth , that is seid of the noumbre of daies ,
no but he that seide aftir viij. daies be vndirstonden to haue sett for
the hool day the last part of the day , sithen Crist bifore seide it to
come , and to haue set for the hool day the first part of the day , in
whiche he schewith , that the appering of Cristis face was fully don ;
and that he that seide aftir vj. daies , rekynede alle the hool daies
and the myddil daies , and noon other . (CMPURVEY,I,47.1982)

Bi this kynde of speche , bi which kinde al is singnefied by a part ,
thilk questioun of Cristis rising a+gen is asoiled ;
(CMPURVEY,I,47.1983)

the laste part of the day , wherinne Crist suffride deth , is taken for
al the day with the ny+gt passid bifore , (CMPURVEY,I,47.1984)

and the first part of Sunday , in whos morewitide he roos a+gen , is
taken for al Sunday and the ny+gt bifore goynge ; (CMPURVEY,I,47.1985)

and the Sabot with the hool ny+gt bifore goynge is al hool day and
ny+gt . (CMPURVEY,I,47.1986)

If these ny+gtis and daies be not taken thus , ther moun not be iij.
daies and iij. ny+gtis , in whiche he bifore seide , that he schulde be
in the herte of erthe . (CMPURVEY,I,47.1987)

Also this reule of tymes is taken for lawful noumbris , as ben vij. x.
and xij. and suche moo , (CMPURVEY,I,47.1988)

for ofte suche noumbris ben sett for al tyme , as this that Dauith
seith , " seuen sithis in the day I seide preysing , either herying ,
to thee , " is noon othir thing <P_I,48> than this , " his herying be
euere in my mouth . " (CMPURVEY,I,48.1989)

Also bi an c. and xliii. in Apoc. is singne-fied the vniuersite ,
either al the multitude , of seintis . (CMPURVEY,I,48.1990)

The vi. reule is of recapitulacoun , either rehersing a thing don
bifore , not in ordre , as it is sett ; for whi summe thingis ben seid
so , as if tho suen in the ordre of tyme , either ben teld bi
contynuyng of thingis , that is , that ben ioyned next togidere ,
whanne the telling is clepid a+gen preuyly to the formere thingis ,
that weren left out ; (CMPURVEY,I,48.1991)

and if men vndirstonden not such seying bi this reule , thei erren ;
(CMPURVEY,I,48.1992)

as in Genesis it is seid , " God plauntide paradys in Eden , at the
eest , and settide there the man that he foormyde , and God brou+gte
forth +git of erthe ech fair tre , " etc. ; this is seid bi
recapitulacoun . (CMPURVEY,I,48.1993)

In lyk maner there " the lond was of oo lippe , " that is , speche , it
is seid bi recapitulacoun . (CMPURVEY,I,48.1994)

The vij. reule is of the deuel and of his bodi , (CMPURVEY,I,48.1995)

for he is heed of alle wickide men , that ben his body in a manere ,
and schulen go with him in to the turment of euerlasting fijer , as
Crist is the heed of hooly chirche , which is his body , and schal be
with hym in rewme and glorie euerlastinge . (CMPURVEY,I,48.1996)

Also thei that haue lykinge for to studie in holy writ , schulen be
chargid , that thei kunne the kyndis and maners of spekingis in holy
scriptures ; (CMPURVEY,I,48.1997)

and thei that perseyue diligently (CMPURVEY,I,48.1998)

and holde wel in mynde , hou a thing is wont to be seid in holy
scripturis . (CMPURVEY,I,48.1999)

Also that is souereyn help and moost nedful , preie thei , that God
+geue to hem the veri vndirstonding of holy scripture ,
(CMPURVEY,I,48.2000)

for thei reden in tho scripturis , aboute whiche thei ben studiouse ,
that God +geueth wisdom , and kunnyng , and vndirstonding of his face ,
that is , +gifte and grace . (CMPURVEY,I,48.2001)

Also if her stodie is don with meek-nesse , and loue of cristen lore ,
it is of God . (CMPURVEY,I,48.2002)

Austyn writith al this in the iij. book of Cristen Teching , aboute the
myddil , and in the ende . (CMPURVEY,I,48.2003)

Isidre , in the j. book of Souereyn Good , touchith these reulis
schortliere , (CMPURVEY,I,48.2004)

but I haue hym not now , (CMPURVEY,I,48.2005)

and Lyre , in the bigyn-nyng of the bible , touchith more opinly these
reulis , (CMPURVEY,I,48.2006)

but I haue him not now , (CMPURVEY,I,48.2007)

and Ardma-can , in the bigynnyng of his book de Questionibus Armenorum
, +geueth many goode groundis to vndirstonde holy scripture to the
lettre , and goostly vndirstonding also , (CMPURVEY,I,48.2008)

but I haue him not now . (CMPURVEY,I,48.2009)

Also no thing may seme to be wijsere , no thing of more eloquence ,
than is hooly scripture , and the autours therof , that weren enspijrid
of God . (CMPURVEY,I,48.2010)

And thei ou+gten not to speke in other manere than thei diden ,
(CMPURVEY,I,48.2011)

and the prophetis , and moost Amos , weren ful eloquent ,
(CMPURVEY,I,48.2012)

and seint Poul waas ful eloquent in his pistlis . (CMPURVEY,I,48.2013)

Also the autouris of hooly scrip-ture spaken derkly , that the
preuyteis therof ben hid fro vnfeithful men , and goode men ben
exercisid , either ocupied , and that in expounnynge hooly scripture
thei haue a newe <P_I,49> grace , diuerse fro the first autouris .
(CMPURVEY,I,49.2014)

Austin , in the bigynnyng of the iiij. book of Cristen Teching .
(CMPURVEY,I,49.2015)

Also , as the litle richessis of Jewis , whiche thei baren awey fro
Egipt , weren in comparisoun of richessis which thei hadden aftirward
in Jerusalem , in the tyme of Salomon , so greet is the prophitable
kunnynge of filosoferis bookis , if it is comparisouned to the kunnynge
of hooly scripturis ; for whi what euer thing a man lernith withouten
hooly writ , if the thing lerned is veyn , it is dampned in holy writ ,
if it is prophitable , it is foundid there . (CMPURVEY,I,49.2016)

And whanne a man fyndith theere alle thingis whiche he lernyde
pro-fitably in other place , he schal fynde myche more plenteuously tho
thingis in hooly scrip-ture , whiche he lernede neuere in other place ,
but ben lerned oonly in the wondirful hi+gnesse and in the wondirful
meeknesse of hooly scripturis . (CMPURVEY,I,49.2017)

Austin seith this in the ende of ij. book of Cristen Teching .
(CMPURVEY,I,49.2018)

Also hooly scripture conteyneth al prophitable treuthe , and alle
othere sciencis preuyly in the vertu of wittis , either vndirstondingis
, as wynes ben conteyned in grapis , as ripe corn is conteyned in the
seed , as bowis ben conteyned in the rootis , and as trees ben
conteyned in the kernels . (CMPURVEY,I,49.2019)

Grostede , in a sermoun Premonitus a venerabili patre .
(CMPURVEY,I,49.2020)

Also hooly scripture wlatith sofymys , (CMPURVEY,I,49.2021)

and seith , he that spekith sofistic-aly , either bi sofymys , schal be
hatful , (CMPURVEY,I,49.2022)

and he schal be defraudid in ech thing , as the wijse man seith in
xxxvij. c. of Ecclesiastici . (CMPURVEY,I,49.2023)

If filosoferis , and moost the disciplis of Plato , seiden eny treuthis
, and prophitable to oure feith , not oonly tho treuthis owen not to be
dred , (CMPURVEY,I,49.2024)

but also tho schulen be calengid into oure vs , eithir profijt , fro
hem , as fro vniust possessouris . (CMPURVEY,I,49.2025)

And as Jewis token , bi autorite of God , the gold , and syluer , and
clothis of Egipcyans , so cristene men owen to take the trewe seyingis
of filosoueris , for to worschippe oo God , and of techingis of vertues
, whiche treuthis the filosoueris founden not , but diggeden out of the
metals of Goddis puruyaunce , which is sched euery where .
(CMPURVEY,I,49.2026)

So dide Ciprian , the swettest doctour and moost blessid martir ,
(CMPURVEY,I,49.2027)

so diden Lactancius , Victori-nus , and Illarie , and Greekis withoute
noumbre . (CMPURVEY,I,49.2028)

Austin in ij. book of Cristen Teching . (CMPURVEY,I,49.2029)

Bi these reulis of Austin and bi iiij. vndirstondingis of hooly
scripture , and bi wijs know-ing of figuratijf spechis , with good
lyuynge and meeknesse , and stodyinge of the bible , symple men moun
sumdel vndirstonde the text of holy writ , and edefie myche hemself and
other men ; (CMPURVEY,I,49.2030)

but for Goddis loue , +ge symple men , be war of pride , and veyn
iangling and chyding in wordis a+gens proude clerkis of scole and veyn
religions , (CMPURVEY,I,49.2031)

and answere +gee mekely and prudently to enemyes of Goddis lawe ,
(CMPURVEY,I,49.2032)

and preie +ge hertly for hem , that God of his greet mercy +geue to hem
very knowing of scripturis , and meekenesse , and charite ,
(CMPURVEY,I,49.2033)

and euere be +ge redy , what euer man techith eny treuthe of God , to
take that meekely , and with greet thankingis to God ;
(CMPURVEY,I,49.2034)

and if eny man in erthe , either aungel of heuene , techith +gou the
contrarie of holy writ , either eny thing a+gens resoun and charite ,
fle fro him in that , as fro the foul deuel of helle ,
(CMPURVEY,I,49.2035)

and holde +ge stedfastly to lijf and deeth the treuthe and freedom of
the hooly gospel of Jhesu Crist , (CMPURVEY,I,49.2036)

and take +ge mekely mennis seyingis and lawis , onely in as myche as
thei acorden with holy writ and good conscience , and noo ferther , for
lijf neither for deth . (CMPURVEY,I,49.2037)

<P_I,50>

<heading>

Cap. XIII. (CMPURVEY,I,50.2040)

</heading>

Also holy scripture is betere knowen bi licnesses and bi derknessis ;
(CMPURVEY,I,50.2042)

it doth awey anoyes , (CMPURVEY,I,50.2043)

and we owe to thenke and bileeue , that the thing that is writen in
holy scripture , +ghe , thou+g it be hid , either not knowen , is
betere and trewere than that we moun vndir-stonde bi vsself ;
(CMPURVEY,I,50.2044)

and worschipfully and heelfully the holy Goost mesuride so holy
scrip-turis , that in opyn placis he settide remedie to oure hungir ,
and in derk placis he wipte awey anoies ; (CMPURVEY,I,50.2045)

for almest no thing is seyn in tho derknessis , which thing is not
founden seid ful pleynly in other placis . (CMPURVEY,I,50.2046)

Therfore bifore alle thingis it is nedeful , that a man be conuertid bi
Goddis drede , and be mylde bi pite , either cristen religioun ; and
that he a+gensie not hooly scripture , wher it be vnderstonden , thou+g
it smyte eny synnes of oure , whether it be not vndirstonden , as if we
moun vndirstonde betere , either comaunde , either teche betere .
(CMPURVEY,I,50.2047)

Be the +gifte of drede and of pitee , me comith to degre of kunnyng ,
for whi ech fructuous man of hooly scripturis exercisith himself in
this thing , and to fynde noon other thing in tho , than for to loue
God for God himself , and for to loue his nei+gebore for God .
(CMPURVEY,I,50.2048)

Thanne thilke drede , bi which he thenkith on Goddis dom , and thilke
pite , bi which he must nedis bileeue and +geue stide to autorite of
holy bookis , conpellith hym to beweyle hymself , for whi this kunnyng
of good hope makith a man not to auaunce himself , but biweile himself
; (CMPURVEY,I,50.2049)

and bi this affeccioun , either good wille , he geetith with besy
preieris the coumfort of Goddis help , that he be not broken bi dispeir
; (CMPURVEY,I,50.2050)

and he bigynneth to be in the fourthe degre of goostly strengthe , in
whiche he hungrith and thirstith ri+gtfulnesse ; (CMPURVEY,I,50.2051)

thanne in the v. degree , that is , in the counceyl of mercy , he
purgith the soule , that makith noise and vnrestfulnesse of coueitise
of erthly thingis ; (CMPURVEY,I,50.2052)

and thanne he dispisith filthis of soule , (CMPURVEY,I,50.2053)

and louith God and nei+geboris , +ghe enemyes ; (CMPURVEY,I,50.2054)

bi this he sti+gith to the vj. degre , where he purgith the i+ge of
soule , bi which i+ge God may be seyn , as myche as he may be seyn of
hem that di+gen to this world , as myche as thei mowen ;
(CMPURVEY,I,50.2055)

for in so myche thei seen God in her soule , thour+g feith and loue ,
hou myche thei di+gen to this world ; (CMPURVEY,I,50.2056)

and in as myche as thei leuyn to this world , thei seen not God ;
(CMPURVEY,I,50.2057)

and in this degre , wherinne a man di+gith to the world , he neither
preferrith , neither makith euene himself , neither his nei+gebore ,
with the treuthe of hooly writ ; (CMPURVEY,I,50.2058)

therfore this hooly man schal be so symple and clene of herte , that
neither for plesaunce of men he be drawe awey fro treuthe , nether bi
cause to eschewe eny harmys of himself , that ben contrarie to this
lijf , (CMPURVEY,I,50.2059)

such a chiild sti+gith to verey wis-dom , which is the laste and the
vij. , which he vsith in pees and in reste . (CMPURVEY,I,50.2060)

Seint Austyn seith al this in the bygynnyng of the ij. book of Cristen
Teching . (CMPURVEY,I,50.2061)

Heere is a blissid entring bi these vij. vertues to the kunnyng of holy
scripture in this lifj , to haue here reste of soule , and aftirward
ful reste of bodi and soule in heuene , withouten ende .
(CMPURVEY,I,50.2062)

Alas ! what don proude and coueitouse wrecchis at hooly scripture ,
that seeken the world and fleschly eese , and wolen not conuerten hem
fro these cursidnessis ; (CMPURVEY,I,50.2063)

thei disseyuen hemself , and the puple that gessen hem wijse men ,
whanne thei ben opyn foolis ; (CMPURVEY,I,50.2064)

and maken hem-self deppere dampned , and other men also that suen her
folye , and blasfemyn God . (CMPURVEY,I,50.2065)

Thes worldly foolis schulden wite , that hooly lijf is a launterne to
bringe a man to very kun-nynge , as Crisostom seith ,
(CMPURVEY,I,50.2066)

and the drede and love of God is the bigynning and perfeccioun of
kunnyng and wijsdom ; (CMPURVEY,I,50.2067)

and whanne these fleschly apis and worldly moldewerpis han neither the
bigynnyng of wijsdom , neither desyren it , what doon thei at hooly
scripture , to schenschipe of hemself and of othere men ?
(CMPURVEY,I,50.2068)

As longe as pride and coveitise of worldly goodis and onouris is rootid
in her herte , thei maken omage to Satanas , (CMPURVEY,I,50.2069)

and offren to him bothe bodi and soule , and al her witt and fynding .
(CMPURVEY,I,50.2070)

Such foolis schulden thenke , that <P_I,51> wijsedom schal not entre
into an yvel willid soule , neither schal dwelle in a body soget to
synnes ; (CMPURVEY,I,51.2071)

and Jhesu Crist seith , that the fadir of heuene hijdith the prevytees
of hooly scripture fro wijse men and prudent , that is wijse men and
prudent to the world , and in her owne si+gt , and schewith tho to meke
men ; (CMPURVEY,I,51.2072)

therfore worldly foolis , do +ge first penaunce for +goure synnes ,
(CMPURVEY,I,51.2073)

and forsake pride and coveitise , (CMPURVEY,I,51.2074)

and be +ge meke , (CMPURVEY,I,51.2075)

and drede +ge God in alle thingis , (CMPURVEY,I,51.2076)

and love him over alle other thingis , and +goure nei+geboris as +goure
self ; (CMPURVEY,I,51.2077)

and thanne +ge schulen profite in stodie of hooly writ .
(CMPURVEY,I,51.2078)

But alas ! alas ! alas ! the moost abo-mynacoun that ever was herd
among cristen clerkis is now purposid in Yngelond , bi worldly clerkis
and feyned religiouse , and in the cheef universitee of oure reume , as
manye trewe men tellen with greet weylyng . (CMPURVEY,I,51.2079)

This orrible and develis cursednesse is purposid of Cristis enemyes and
traytouris of alle cristen puple , that no man schal lerne dyuynite ,
nei-ther hooly writ , no but he that hath doon his fourme in art , that
is , that hath comensid in art , and hath ben regent tweyne +geer aftir
; (CMPURVEY,I,51.2080)

this wolde be ix. +geer either ten bifore that he lerne hooly writ ,
aftir that he can comunly wel his gramer , thou+g he haue a good witt ,
and traueile ful soore , and haue good fynding ix. either x. +geer
aftir his gramer . (CMPURVEY,I,51.2081)

This semith vttirly the deuelis purpos , that fewe men either noon
schulen lerne and kunne Goddis lawe ; (CMPURVEY,I,51.2082)

But God seith bi Amos , on thre greete trespasis of Damask and on the
iiij. , " I schal not conuerte him ; " where Jerom seith , the firste
synne is to thenke yuelis , (CMPURVEY,I,51.2083)

the ij. synne is to consente to weyward thou+gtis ,
(CMPURVEY,I,51.2084)

the iij. synne is to fille in werk , (CMPURVEY,I,51.2085)

the iiij. synne is to do not penaunce aftir the synne , and to plese
himself in his synne . (CMPURVEY,I,51.2086)

But Damask is interpretid drinkynge blood , either birling blood .
(CMPURVEY,I,51.2087)

Lord ! whether Oxunford drinke blood and birlith blood , bi sleeinge of
quyke men , and bi doinge of sodomye , in leesinge a part of mannis
blood , wherbi a chijld myte be fourmed , deme thei that knowen ;
(CMPURVEY,I,51.2088)

and wher Oxunforde drinke blood of synne , and stirith othere men of
the lond to do synne , bi boold-nesse off clerkis , deme thei iustly ,
that seen it at i+ge , and knowen bi experiens . (CMPURVEY,I,51.2089)

Loke now wher Oxunford is in thre orrible synnes and in the fourthe ,
on which God restith not til he punsche it . (CMPURVEY,I,51.2090)

Sumtyme children and +gunge men arsistris weren deuout and clene as
aungels , in comparisoun of othere ; (CMPURVEY,I,51.2091)

now men seyn thei ben ful of pride and leccherie , with dispitouse
oothis , needles and false , and dispising of Goddis heestis ;
(CMPURVEY,I,51.2092)

sumtyme cyvylians and canonistris weren deuout , and so bisy on her
lernyng , that they tooken ful litil reste of bed ;
(CMPURVEY,I,51.2093)

now men seyn that thei ben ful of pride and nyce aray , enuye , and
coueitise , with leccherie , glotonie and ydilnesse ;
(CMPURVEY,I,51.2094)

sumtyme dyuynys weren ful hooly and deuout , (CMPURVEY,I,51.2095)

and dispisiden outtirly the world , (CMPURVEY,I,51.2096)

and lyueden as aungels in meeknesse , clennesse , souereyn chastite ,
and charite , (CMPURVEY,I,51.2097)

and tau+gten treuly Goddis lawe in werk and word ; (CMPURVEY,I,51.2098)

now men seyn , thei ben as deligat of hir mouth and wombe , and as
coueitouse as othere worldly men , and flateren , and maaken leesingis
in preching , to eschewe bodyly persecuscoun , and to gete benefices .
(CMPURVEY,I,51.2099)

The firste grete synne is generaly in the vniuersite , as men dreden
and seen at i+ge ; (CMPURVEY,I,51.2100)

the ij. orrible synne is sodomye and strong mayntenaunce thereof , as
it is knowen to many persones of the reume , and at the laste parlement
. (CMPURVEY,I,51.2101)

Alas ! dyuynys , that schulden passe othere men in clennesse and
hoolynesse , as aungels of heuene passen freel men in vertues , ben
moost sclaundrid of this cursid synne a+gens kynde .
(CMPURVEY,I,51.2102)

The iij. orrible synne is symonie , and forswering in the semble hous ,
that schulde be an hous of ri+gtfulnesse and hoolynesse , where yuelis
schulde be redressid ; (CMPURVEY,I,51.2103)

this symonie with portenauncis thereof is myche worse and more
abomynable than bodily sodomye . (CMPURVEY,I,51.2104)

+Git on these thre abomynacouns God wolde graciously conuerte clerkis ,
if thei wolden do very penaunce , and +geve hem hooliche <P_I,52> to
vertues ; (CMPURVEY,I,52.2105)

but on the iiij. most abomynacoun purposid now to letten Cristen men ,
+ghe prestis and curatis , to lerne freely Goddis lawe , til thei han
spendid ix. +geer either x. at art , that conprehendith many strong
errouris of hethene men a+gens Cristen bileeue , (CMPURVEY,I,52.2106)

it seemith wel that God wole not ceese of veniaunce , til it and othere
ben punschid soore ; (CMPURVEY,I,52.2107)

for it seemith that worldly clerkis and feyned relygiouse don this ,
that symple men of wit and of fynding knowe not Goddis lawe , to preche
it generaly a+gens synnes in the reume . (CMPURVEY,I,52.2108)

But wite +ge , worldly clerkis and feyned relygiouse , that God bothe
can and may , if it lykith hym , speede symple men out of the
vniuersitee , as myche to kunne hooly writ , as maistris in the
vniuersite ; (CMPURVEY,I,52.2109)

and therfore no gret charge , thou+g never man of good wille be poisend
with hethen mennis errouris ix. +geer either ten , (CMPURVEY,I,52.2110)

but euere lyue wel (CMPURVEY,I,52.2111)

and stodie hooly writ , bi elde doctouris and newe ,
(CMPURVEY,I,52.2112)

and preche treuly and freely a+gens opin synnes , to his deth .
(CMPURVEY,I,52.2113)

See therfore what Jerom seith on Amos , (CMPURVEY,I,52.2114)

God bifore seith yuels to comynge , that men heere , and amende hemself
, and be delyuered fro the perel nei+ginge , either if that thei
dispisen , thei ben punschid iustiliere ; (CMPURVEY,I,52.2115)

and God , that bifore seith peynes , wole not punsche men that synnen ,
but that thei be amendid . (CMPURVEY,I,52.2116)

Jerom seith this in the ende of the j. book of Amos .
(CMPURVEY,I,52.2117)

God , for His gret mercy , graunte that clerkis here the greet
veniaunce manasid of God , and amende hemself treuly , that God punsche
not hem ; (CMPURVEY,I,52.2118)

for if thei amenden not hemself , thei ben eretikis maad hard in her
synnes ; (CMPURVEY,I,52.2119)

but see what Jerom seith a+gens ere-tikis , and in comendinge of hooly
scripture ; (CMPURVEY,I,52.2120)

he seith thus on Amos , " Eretikis that seruen the wombe and glotonye ,
ben clepid ri+gtfully fattest kyin , either kyin ful of schenschipe . "
(CMPURVEY,I,52.2121)

" We owen to take hooly scripture on thre maneris ;
(CMPURVEY,I,52.2122)

first , we owen vndirstonde it bi the lettre , and do alle thingis that
ben comaundid to vs therinne ; the ij. tyme bi allegorie , that is ,
goostly vndirstonding ; and in the iij. tyme bi blisse of thingis to
comynge . " (CMPURVEY,I,52.2123)

Jerom seith this in the ij. book on Amos , and in iiij. c. of Amos .
(CMPURVEY,I,52.2124)

Natheles for Lyre cam late to me , see what he seith of the
vndirstonding of holy scripture ; (CMPURVEY,I,52.2125)

he writith thus on the ij. prologe on the bible : " Joon seith in v. c.
of Apoc. ' I sy+g a book written withinne and withouteforth in the hond
of the sittere on the trone ; ' (CMPURVEY,I,52.2126)

this book is holy scripture , which is seid writen without forth , as
to the literal vndirstonding , and withinne , as to the preuy and
goostly vndirstonding ; " (CMPURVEY,I,52.2127)

and in the j. prologe he declarith iiij. vndirstond-ingis of hooly writ
in this manere : (CMPURVEY,I,52.2128)

" Holy writ hath this specialte , that vndir oo lettre it conteyneth
many vndirstondingis , (CMPURVEY,I,52.2129)

for the principal autour of hooly writ is God himself , in whos power
it is , not oonly to vse wordis to singnifie a thing as men don ,
(CMPURVEY,I,52.2130)

but also he vsith thingis singnefied bi wordis to singnefie other
thingis ; (CMPURVEY,I,52.2131)

therfore bi the singnyfying bi wordis is taken the literal
vndirstonding , either historial , of holy scripture ,
(CMPURVEY,I,52.2132)

and bi the singnefying which is maad bi thingis is taken the preuy ,
either goostly vndirstonding , which is thre maneres , allegorik ,
moral , either tropologik , and anogogik . (CMPURVEY,I,52.2133)

If thingis singnefied bi wordis ben referrid to singnefie tho thingis
that owen to be bileeued in the newe testament , so it is taken the
sense of allegorik ; (CMPURVEY,I,52.2134)

if thingis ben referrid to singnefie tho thingis whiche we owen to do ,
so it is moral sense , either tropologik ; (CMPURVEY,I,52.2135)

If thingis ben referrid to singnefie tho thingis that scholen be hopid
in blisse to comynge , so it is ana-gogik sense . (CMPURVEY,I,52.2136)

The lettre techith what is doon ; (CMPURVEY,I,52.2137)

allegorie techith what thou owist for to bileeue ; (CMPURVEY,I,52.2138)

moral techith what thou owist for to do ; (CMPURVEY,I,52.2139)

anagogic techith whedir thou owist to go ; (CMPURVEY,I,52.2140)

and of these iiij. sensis , either vndirstondingis , may be set
ensaumple in this word Jerusalem ; (CMPURVEY,I,52.2141)

for bi the literal vndirstonding Jerusalem singnefieth a cyte , that
was sumtyme the cheef citee in the rewme of Jude , (CMPURVEY,I,52.2142)

and Jerusalem was foundid first of <P_I,53> Mel-chisedech ,
(CMPURVEY,I,53.2143)

and aftirward it was alargid , and maad strong bi Salomon ;
(CMPURVEY,I,53.2144)

bi moral sense it singnefieth a feithful soule , bi which sense it is
seid in lij. c. of Isaie , ' rise thou , rise thou , sette thou
Jerusalem ; ' (CMPURVEY,I,53.2145)

bi sense allegorik it singnefieth the chirche fi+gtinge a+gens synnes
and feendis , bi which sense it is seid in xxj. c. of Apoc. , ' I si+g
the hooly citee newe Jerusalem comynge doun fro heuene , as a spouse
ourned to hire housbonde ; ' (CMPURVEY,I,53.2146)

bi sence anagogik it singnefieth the chirche rengninge in blisse ,
(CMPURVEY,I,53.2147)

bi this sence it is seid in iiij. c. to Galat . ' thilke Jerusalem
which is aboue , which is oure modir , is free ; (CMPURVEY,I,53.2148)

and as en-saumple is set in oo word , so it might be set in oo resoun ,
and as in oon , so and in othere . " (CMPURVEY,I,53.2149)

Lire seith al this in the firste prologe on the bible .
(CMPURVEY,I,53.2150)

<heading>

CAP. XIV. (CMPURVEY,I,53.2152)

</heading>

Natheles alle goostly vndirstondinges setten bifore , eithir requyren ,
the literal vndir-stonding , as the foundement ; wherfore as a bylding
bowing awey from the foundement is disposid to falling , so a goostly
expociscoun , that discordith fro the literal sense , owith to be
arettid vnseemely and vncouenable , either lesse seemely , and lesse
couenable ; (CMPURVEY,I,53.2154)

and ther-fore it is nedful to hem , that wolen profite in the stodie of
holy scripture , to bigynne at the vndirstonding of literal sence ,
moost sithen bi the literal sense aloone , and not bi goostly sencis
may be maad an argument , either preef , to the preuyng , either
declaring , of a doute , as Austin seith in his Pistle to Vincent
Donatiste . (CMPURVEY,I,53.2155)

Seint Isidre , in the firste book of Souereyn Good xx. c. settith vij.
reulis to expounne hooly scripture , (CMPURVEY,I,53.2156)

and summe clepen these reulis the keies of scripture ,
(CMPURVEY,I,53.2157)

for bi these rulis the vndirstonding of scripture is openid in many
thingis . (CMPURVEY,I,53.2158)

The firste reule is of oure Lord Jhesu Crist , and of his goostly body
, which is holy chirche , for whi for the knytting togidrere of the
heed to the body hooly scripture spekith sumtyme of euer either vndir
oo resoun , as vndir oo persone , and passith fro oon to anothir ,
(CMPURVEY,I,53.2159)

in ensaumple in lxj. c=o=. of Isaie it is seid , " He clothide me with
clothis of helthe , (CMPURVEY,I,53.2160)

and he compasside me with clothing of ri+gtfulnesse , as a spouse maad
fair with a coroune , and as a spousesse ourned with hire brochis ; "
for whi this that is seid " as a spouse , " etc. is vndirstonden of
Crist , and this that sueth " as a spousesse " etc. is vndir-stonden of
holy chirche . (CMPURVEY,I,53.2161)

Also in the j. c. of Songis it is seid , " Kisse he me with the cosse
of his mouth , (CMPURVEY,I,53.2162)

for thi tetis ben betere than wyn ; " (CMPURVEY,I,53.2163)

for whanne it is seid , " kisse he me " etc. , it is the word of the
spousesse desiringe to haue the spouse ; (CMPURVEY,I,53.2164)

and this that sueth , " for thi tetis , " etc. is the word of the
spouse , preising the spousesse ; wherfore in such thingis , knyt so
togidere bi resoun biforeseid , a prudent redere owith to perseyue what
accordith to the heed , and what to the body . (CMPURVEY,I,53.2165)

The ij. reule is of the very body and of the feyned body of oure Lord
Jhesu Crist , for whi hooly chriche , which is the goostly body of
Crist , is a nett which is not drawen +git to the brinke ;
(CMPURVEY,I,53.2166)

therfor it hath yuele men meddlid with goode men til to the doom , in
whiche these schulen be departid fro hem , (CMPURVEY,I,53.2167)

and ther-fore in holy scripture yuele men ben preisid sumtyme with
goode men , with whiche thei ben medlid ; as in the xj. c. of Osee God
seith thus , " Israel is a chijld , and I louede him ; "
(CMPURVEY,I,53.2168)

and a+genward sumtyme goode men ben blamed with yuel men , as in j.
c=o=. of Isaie , (CMPURVEY,I,53.2169)

" An oxe knew his lord (CMPURVEY,I,53.2170)

and an asse knew the cracche of his lord , (CMPURVEY,I,53.2171)

but Israel knew not me (CMPURVEY,I,53.2172)

and my puple vndirstood not ; " (CMPURVEY,I,53.2173)

and sumtyme in the same resoun it is expressid what perteyneth to goode
men and what to yuele men , as in j. c=o=. of Songis it is seid , " I
am blac but fair , +ge dou+gtris of Jerusalem , as the tabernaclis of
Cedar , as the skynnes of Salamon ; " (CMPURVEY,I,53.2174)

these ben the wordis of the spousesse , which for resoun of yuel men
conteyned in the chirche , seith , " I am blac , " (CMPURVEY,I,53.2175)

but for resoun of goode men it addith , " but fair ; "
(CMPURVEY,I,53.2176)

and <P_I,54> this that sueth , as for ensaumple , " as the tabernaclis
of Cedar , " is referrid to yuele men ; for whi Cedar was the sone of
Ysmael , as it is seid in xxv. c=o=. of Genesis , of whom Sara-cenus
camen forth , (CMPURVEY,I,54.2177)

and this that is addid , " as the skynnes of Salamon , " is referrid to
goode men . (CMPURVEY,I,54.2178)

Therfore bi Salamon here is vndirstonden God himself , bi cristen
expocitouris and Ebreies ; (CMPURVEY,I,54.2179)

and therfore the skynnes of Salamon ben seid tho with which the
tabernacle was heelid , in which tabernacle goode men worschipiden God
. (CMPURVEY,I,54.2180)

The iij. reule is of the spirit and of the lettre ;
(CMPURVEY,I,54.2181)

this reule is expounned thus comunly , that the historial , either
literal sense , and the mystik , either goostly sense , is taken vndir
the same lettre , for whi the treuthe of the storie schal be holden ,
(CMPURVEY,I,54.2182)

and natheles it schal be referrid to the goostly vndirstonding .
(CMPURVEY,I,54.2183)

This reule may be expounned also in another manere , that it be
referrid oonly to the literal sense , as othere reulis ben ; aboute
which thing it is to see , that the same lettere hath sum tyme double
literal sense , (CMPURVEY,I,54.2184)

in ensaumple in j. book of Paralypomy-non , xvij. c=o=. , God seith to
Salamon , " I schal be to him in to a fadir , (CMPURVEY,I,54.2185)

and he schal be to me into a sone ; " (CMPURVEY,I,54.2186)

and this to the lettere is vndirstonden of Salomon , in as myche as he
was the sone of God , bi grace in +gungthe , wherfore Nathan the
prophete clepide hym , " amyable to the Lord " in ij. book of Kingis ,
xij. c . (CMPURVEY,I,54.2187)

Also the forseid autorite , " I schal be to hym in to a fadir , " etc.
is brou+gt in of Poul in j. c=o=. to Ebreis , as seid to the lettre of
Crist himself , (CMPURVEY,I,54.2188)

and this is opyn bi this , that Poul bringith it in to preue , that
Crist is more than aungels ; (CMPURVEY,I,54.2189)

but such preuynge may not be maad bi goostly sense , as Austin seith
a+gens Vincent Donatiste ; (CMPURVEY,I,54.2190)

forsothe the forseid autorite was fillid to the lettre in Salomon ,
natheles lesse parfitly , (CMPURVEY,I,54.2191)

for he was the sone of God oonly bi grace , (CMPURVEY,I,54.2192)

but it was fillid parfitlier in Crist , that was the sone of God bi
kinde ; (CMPURVEY,I,54.2193)

but natheles euer either expocisscioun is literal outtirly .
(CMPURVEY,I,54.2194)

Natheles the ij. expociscoun , which is of Crist , is goostly and preuy
in sum maner , in as myche as Salamon was the figure of Crist .
(CMPURVEY,I,54.2195)

The iiij. reule is of al and of part , for whi scripture passith fro
oon to the tothere , and a+genward , as in xiij. c=o=. of Isaie ,
(CMPURVEY,I,54.2196)

the scripture spekith first a+gens Babilone specialy , whanne it is
seid , " the birthen of Babi-lone , " (CMPURVEY,I,54.2197)

and thanne the scripture passith to vndirstonde the word generaly of al
the world , bi this that sueth , (CMPURVEY,I,54.2198)

" the Lord cometh fro the hy+gnesse of heuene , (CMPURVEY,I,54.2199)

and the vessels of his stronge veniaunce comen , that he distroie all
erthe ; " (CMPURVEY,I,54.2200)

aftirward the scripture turneth a+gen to speke a+gens Babilone specialy
, whanne it is seid , " Lo ! I schal rise on +gou Medeys , that schul
not seeke syluer ; " for whi Darius Medey , with Cirus , his cosyn ,
took Babilone , and killide Baltasar , the king of Babilone , as it is
seid in the v. c=o=. of Daniel . (CMPURVEY,I,54.2201)

The v. reule is of tymes , which reule bifallith in iiij. maners ;
(CMPURVEY,I,54.2202)

in oo manere bi a figure clepid synodoches , whanne a part of tyme is
set for al the tyme , as it is seid in the gospel , that Crist lay thre
daies in the sepulcre , (CMPURVEY,I,54.2203)

and natheles the first day and the thridde weren not hool daies .
(CMPURVEY,I,54.2204)

In another maner this reule bifallith for smale partys of tyme , that
ben noumbrid sumtyme in scripture , and sumtyme ben left out ,
(CMPURVEY,I,54.2205)

and bi this the scripture that spekith of sum noumbre of +geris , in
manye placis , settith sumtyme moo +geris , rekenynge the forseid smale
partys , (CMPURVEY,I,54.2206)

in another place it settith fewere +geeris , in leuyng out the smale
partys . (CMPURVEY,I,54.2207)

In iij. maner this reule bifallith , for that the rekenyng of +geeris
bigynneth in oo place at the formere terme , and in another place at
the latter teerme , as in xv. c=o=. of Genesis , it was said to Abraham
, that his seed schal be a pilgrym bi iiij. c. +geer , and in xij.
c=o=. of Exodi it is seid of this pilgrimage , that the dwelling of the
sones of Israel in the lond of Egipt was of iiij. c. +geer and xxx. ,
(CMPURVEY,I,54.2208)

for the rekenyng of this more noumbre bigynneth at the tyme , in which
it was seid to Abraham in xij. c=o=. of Genesis , " go out of thi lond
, " etc. , (CMPURVEY,I,54.2209)

and the rekenyng of the lesse noumbre bigynneth at the natyuite of
Isaac , (CMPURVEY,I,54.2210)

that was xxx. +geer aftir the goinge out <P_I,55> of Abraham fro Aran .
(CMPURVEY,I,55.2211)

The iiij. tyme this reule bifallith , for that hooly scripture spekith
of thing to comynge bi the maner of thing passid , as in the ix. c=o=.
of Isaie , (CMPURVEY,I,55.2212)

" a litil child was born to vs , " etc. ; (CMPURVEY,I,55.2213)

and this is to singnefie the certeynte of profecie , whos bifalling of
tyme to comynge is so certeyn , as if it were passid now ;
(CMPURVEY,I,55.2214)

and this is for certeynte of Goddis bifore knowing , bi whiche the
reuelacoun is maad to the prophete . (CMPURVEY,I,55.2215)

Natheles such maner of speche hath noo place , no but in profecie of
predestynacoun , either ful determynyng of God ; which prophecie is ,
whanne a thing to comyng in noun certeyn to mannis knowing , is schewid
to the prophete in that maner , bi which it is in the bifore knowing of
God , which bifore knowing of God bihooldith so without fayling thingis
to comynge , as thingis present and passid . (CMPURVEY,I,55.2216)

But in profecie of manaasinge , such maner of speech hath noo place ,
which profecie of manaas is , whanne eny peyne worthi to be brou+gt in
on a puple , either on a persoone , is schewid to the prophete , not bi
that that it is in the bifore knowing of God , but bi the ordre of
secunde causis , as bi the yuel disseryungis of men ; as is thilke
prophecie of Jonas iij. c=o=. , " +Git xl. daies , and Nynyue schal be
distroied ; " for whi the synnes of that citee hadden disseryud this
distroying ; (CMPURVEY,I,55.2217)

natheles for such a cause is chaung-able , therfore sumtyme the effect
, that is , peyne manaasid , sueth not , as heere ,
(CMPURVEY,I,55.2218)

for Nyny-uytis diden penaunce , (CMPURVEY,I,55.2219)

and so the Lord brou+gte not in the peyne manaasid .
(CMPURVEY,I,55.2220)

The vj. reule is of recapitulacoun , that is , rehersing of thing don
bifore , and of anticipacoun , either bifore takinge , that is ,
setting in of thing bifore that it is don ; (CMPURVEY,I,55.2221)

for in hooly scripture not euere stories and deedis ben writen in the
same ordre in whiche thoo ben don , (CMPURVEY,I,55.2222)

and therfore whanne lattere thingis ben sett bifore , it is seid
anticipacioun , either byfore taking , (CMPURVEY,I,55.2223)

and whanne the formere thingis ben set byhynde , it is seid
recapitulacoun , either rehersing of thing doon bifore , as in x. c=o=.
of Genesis it is seid of the sones of Noe , " the ilis of hethene
folkis in her cuntrees weren departid of these sones of Noe , ech man
bi his langage ; " (CMPURVEY,I,55.2224)

and withinne in the same x. c=o=. it is seid , " these ben the sones of
Cham , in kynredis and langagis , " (CMPURVEY,I,55.2225)

and aftirward it is seid in xj. c=o=. , " the lond was of oo langage
and of the same wordis ; " wherof it is opin , that this that is bifore
seid of the departyng of langagis , is seid bi anticipacoun ;
(CMPURVEY,I,55.2226)

in lyk maner in ij. c=o=. of Genesis , aftir that Moises in j. c=o=.
hadde discriued the creacoun , either making of nou+gt of heuene and of
erthe , and the departing and ournyng of the world , he seide , " these
ben the generacouns of heuene and of erthe , in the day in whiche tho
weren mad ; " wherof it is opin that this is seid bi recapitulacoun ,
either rehersing of thing don bifore . (CMPURVEY,I,55.2227)

The vij. reule is of the deuil and of his body , (CMPURVEY,I,55.2228)

for as Gregori seith in the x. Omelie , " Certys the deuil is heed of
alle wickid men , (CMPURVEY,I,55.2229)

and alle wickide men ben membris of this heed , " (CMPURVEY,I,55.2230)

and therfore for the knytting togidere of the heed to the membris , the
scripture that spekith of oon , passith in the same knytting to-gidere
of resoun to speke of the tother , as in xiiij. c=o=. of Isaie , where
the scripture spekith of the king of Babilone , that was a membre of
the deuil , it passith to speke of the prince of fendis , whanne it is
seid there , " Lucifer , that rysidist eerly , hou feldist thou doun
fro heuene ; " (CMPURVEY,I,55.2231)

and in the xxviij. c. of Ezechiel , where the scripture spekith of the
prince of Tire , it passith to speke of the deuil , whanne it is addid
, " thou , a singnet , either a prente , of the licnesse of God , were
ful of wisdom , and parfit in fairnesse , in the delices of paradys of
God . " (CMPURVEY,I,55.2232)

Lyre seith al this in the ij. prologe of Genesis . (CMPURVEY,I,55.2233)

Heere Lire re-hersith the sentence of seint Austyn , and of Isidre in
these reulis , (CMPURVEY,I,55.2234)

and declarith hem opinly bi holy scripture and resoun ,
(CMPURVEY,I,55.2235)

and countrith not Austin , (CMPURVEY,I,55.2236)

but declareth him ful mychel to symple mennis witt ;
(CMPURVEY,I,55.2237)

and addith more bi scripture and resoun , that Austin touchith not .
(CMPURVEY,I,55.2238)

<P_I,56>

Thou+g these reulis either keies of scripture bringen men to greet
vndirstonding thereof , +git men moten taken heede , what is seid of
Crist bi his godheed , and what bi his manheed , (CMPURVEY,I,56.2240)

for Crist bi his manheed , is seid lesse than the fadir ,
(CMPURVEY,I,56.2241)

and bi the godheed he is seid euene with the fadir ;
(CMPURVEY,I,56.2242)

and for as myche as Crist is bothe God and man , we graunten that God
is deedly , and di+gede on the crosse , not bi his godheed , but bi the
manheed of Crist , that was ioyned in oonhed of persone with the
godheed , (CMPURVEY,I,56.2243)

and we graunte , as the gospel doith , that man , while he was deedly
on erthe , was in heuene , (CMPURVEY,I,56.2244)

for his godheed was there , and he also bi resoun therof .
(CMPURVEY,I,56.2245)

Also we moun graunte wel , that a man made heuene and erthe ,
(CMPURVEY,I,56.2246)

for Crist bi his godheed , which Crist is and was man , dide thus .
(CMPURVEY,I,56.2247)

Also hooly scripture tellith ofte the thou+gtis of men , and ofte the
wordis and deedis ; (CMPURVEY,I,56.2248)

and whanne the thou+gtis , and wordis , and deedis of men ben contrarie
, oo gospeller tellith the thou+gtis , (CMPURVEY,I,56.2249)

and another tellith the wrdis ; (CMPURVEY,I,56.2250)

and bi this eguiuocacoun , either diuerse speking , thei ben acordid ,
+ghe , whanne thei seemen contrarie in wordis ; (CMPURVEY,I,56.2251)

also ofte in storial mateer scripture rehersith the comune opynyoun of
men , (CMPURVEY,I,56.2252)

and affirmeth not , that it was so in dede . (CMPURVEY,I,56.2253)

In this maner the gospel seith , that Joseph was the fadir of Crist ,
thou+g he neuere gendride Crist ; (CMPURVEY,I,56.2254)

for Marie , Cristis modir , was euere clene virgyne .
(CMPURVEY,I,56.2255)

Thus the gospel seith , that at the biheeding of Joon Baptist , Eroude
was soory , (CMPURVEY,I,56.2256)

and +git , as doctouris seyn , he was ful glad thereof ;
(CMPURVEY,I,56.2257)

but he feynede him sory for the puple , (CMPURVEY,I,56.2258)

and the puple gessid him sory . (CMPURVEY,I,56.2259)

Also thou+g scripture rehersith , hou hooly men lyueden , and comendith
hem greetly , it appreueth not alle hire deedis , (CMPURVEY,I,56.2260)

for many greete seyntis erriden foule in manye poyntis ;
(CMPURVEY,I,56.2261)

and thou+g scripture tellith the stories of yuel men and dampned , it
repreuith not herfore alle thingis whiche thei diden ,
(CMPURVEY,I,56.2262)

for thou+g thei weren hemsilf ful cursid , thei diden many goode deedis
of kynde , and sumtyme perauenture goode dedis of vertu , if thei weren
in grace for a tyme . (CMPURVEY,I,56.2263)

At the laste take +ge good heede , whanne scripture spekith bi
comaundement to all men , and whanne it +geueth comaundement to certeyn
persones of diuerse statis . (CMPURVEY,I,56.2264)

In the first poynt , alle men moten do , as it seith ;
(CMPURVEY,I,56.2265)

in the ij. tyme , the persoones of staatis specified moten nedis obeye
; (CMPURVEY,I,56.2266)

whanne scripture speketh oonly bi counceil , men moun be sauid , thou+g
thei do not the counceil , as ful many men and wymmen moun be sauid ,
thou+g thei take not virginite , neither contynence , neither +geuen
alle her goodis to pore men , (CMPURVEY,I,56.2267)

and +git these ben heere counceils of Jhesu Crist in the gospel .
(CMPURVEY,I,56.2268)

<heading>

CAP. XV. . (CMPURVEY,I,56.2270)

</heading>

For as myche as Crist seith that the gospel shal be prechid in al the
world , and Dauith seith of the postlis and her preching , " the soun
of hem +gede out into ech lond , and the wordis of hem +geden out into
the endis of the world , " and eft Dauith seith , " the Lord schal
telle in the scripturis of puplis , and of these princis that weren in
it , " that is , in holi chirche , and as Jerom seith on that vers , "
hooly writ is the scripture of puplis , for it is " maad , that alle
puples schulden knowe it , " and the princis of the chirche , that
weren therinne , ben the postlis , that hadden autorite to writen hooly
writ , for bi that same that the postlis writiden her scripturis bi
autorite , and confermynge of the Hooly Goost , it is hooly scripture ,
and feith of cristen men , and this dignite hath noo man aftir hem , be
he neuere so hooly , neuer so kunnynge , as Jerom witnessith on that
vers . Also Crist seith of the Jewis that crieden Osanna to him in the
temple , that thou+g thei weren stille stoonis schulen crie ,
(CMPURVEY,I,56.2272)

and bi stoonis he vndirstondith hethen men , that worshipiden stoonis
for her goddis . (CMPURVEY,I,56.2273)

And we Englische men ben comen of hethen men , (CMPURVEY,I,56.2274)

therfore we ben vndirstonden bi thes stonis , that schulden crie hooly
writ , (CMPURVEY,I,56.2275)

and as Jewis , interpretid knowlechinge , singnefien clerkis , that
schulden knouleche to God , bi repentaunce of synnes , and bi vois
<P_I,57> of goddis heriyng , so oure lewide men , suynge the corner
ston Crist , mowen be singnefied bi stonis , that ben harde and
abydinge in the foundement ; (CMPURVEY,I,57.2276)

for thou+g couetouse clerkis ben woode by simonie , eresie , and manye
othere synnes , and dispisen and stoppen holi writ , as myche as thei
moun , +git the lewid puple crieth aftir holi writ , to kunne it , and
kepe it , with greet cost and peril of here lif . (CMPURVEY,I,57.2277)

For these resons and othere , with comune charite to saue alle men in
oure rewme , whiche God wole haue sauid , a symple creature hath
translatid the bible out of Latyn into English . (CMPURVEY,I,57.2278)

First , this symple creature hadde myche trauaile , with diuerse
felawis and helperis , to gedere manie elde biblis , and othere
doctouris , and comune glosis , and to make oo Latyn bible sumdel trewe
; and thanne to studie it of the newe , the text with the glose , and
othere doctouris , as he mi+gte gete , and speciali Lire on the elde
testament , that helpide ful myche in this werk ; the thridde tyme to
counseile with elde gramariens , and elde dyuynis , of harde wordis ,
and harde sentencis , hou tho mi+gten best be vndurstonden and
translatid ; the iiij. tyme to translate as cleerli as he coude to the
sentence , and to haue manie gode felawis and kunnynge at the
correcting of the translacioun . (CMPURVEY,I,57.2279)

First it is to knowe , that the best translating is out of Latyn into
English , to translate aftir the sentence , and not oneli aftir the
wordis , so that the sentence be as opin , either openere , in English
as in Latyn , and go not fer fro the lettre ; (CMPURVEY,I,57.2280)

and if the lettre mai not be suid in the translating , let the sentence
euere be hool and open , (CMPURVEY,I,57.2281)

for the wordis owen to serue to the entent and sentence ,
(CMPURVEY,I,57.2282)

and ellis the wordis ben superflu either false . (CMPURVEY,I,57.2283)

In translating into English , manie resolucions moun make the sentence
open , as an ablatif case absolute may be resoluid into these thre
wordis , with couenable verbe , the while , for , if , as gramariens
seyn ; as thus , the maistir redinge , I stonde , mai be resoluid thus
, while the maistir redith , I stonde , either if the maistir redith ,
etc. either for the maistir , etc. ; (CMPURVEY,I,57.2284)

and sumtyme it wolde acorde wel with the sentence to be resoluid into
whanne , either into aftirward , thus , whanne the maistir red , I
stood , either aftir the maistir red , I stood ; (CMPURVEY,I,57.2285)

and sumtyme it mai wel be resoluid into a verbe of the same tens , as
othere ben in the same resoun , and into this word et , that is , and
in English , as thus , (CMPURVEY,I,57.2286)

arescentibus hominibus prae timore , that is , and men shulen wexe drie
for drede . (CMPURVEY,I,57.2287)

Also a participle of a present tens , either preterit , of actif vois ,
eithir passif , mai be resoluid into a verbe of the same tens , and a
coniunccioun copulatif , as thus , dicens , that is , seiynge , mai be
resoluid thus , and seith , eithir that seith ; (CMPURVEY,I,57.2288)

and this wole , in manie placis , make the sentence open , where to
Englisshe it aftir the word , wolde be derk and douteful .
(CMPURVEY,I,57.2289)

Also a relatif , which mai be resoluid into his antecedent with a
coniunccioun copulatif , as thus , which renneth , and he renneth .
(CMPURVEY,I,57.2290)

Also whanne oo word is oonis set in a reesoun , it mai be set forth as
ofte as it is vndurstonden , either as ofte as reesoun and nede axen ;
(CMPURVEY,I,57.2291)

and this word autem , either vero , mai stonde for forsothe , either
for but , (CMPURVEY,I,57.2292)

and thus I vse comounli ; (CMPURVEY,I,57.2293)

aud sumtyme it mai stonde for and , as elde gramariens seyn .
(CMPURVEY,I,57.2294)

Also whanne ri+gtful construccioun is lettid bi relacion , I resolue it
openli , thus , where this reesoun , Dominum formidabunt adversarij
ejus , shulde be Englisshid thus bi the lettre , the Lord hise
aduersaries shulen drede , I Englishe it thus bi resolucioun , the
aduersaries of the Lord shulen drede him ; and so of othere resons that
ben like . (CMPURVEY,I,57.2295)

At the bigynning I purposide , with Goddis helpe , to make the sentence
as trewe and open in English as it is in Latyn , either more trewe and
more open than it is in Latyn ; (CMPURVEY,I,57.2296)

and I preie , for charite and for comoun profyt of cristene soulis ,
that if ony wiys man fynde ony defaute of the truthe of translacioun ,
let him sette in the trewe sentence and opin of holi writ , but loke
that he <P_I,58> examyne truli his Latyn bible , (CMPURVEY,I,58.2297)

for no doute he shal fynde ful manye biblis in Latyn ful false , if he
loke manie , nameli newe ; (CMPURVEY,I,58.2298)

and the comune Latyn biblis han more nede to be correctid , as manie as
I haue seen in my lif , than hath the English bible late translatid ;
(CMPURVEY,I,58.2299)

and where the Ebru , bi witnesse of Jerom , of Lire , and othere
expositouris discordith fro oure Latyn biblis , I haue set in the
margyn , bi maner of a glose , what the Ebru hath , and hou it is
vndurstondun in sum place ; (CMPURVEY,I,58.2300)

and I dide this most in the Sauter , that of alle oure bokis discordith
most fro Ebru ; (CMPURVEY,I,58.2301)

for the chirche redith not the Sauter bi the laste translacioun of
Jerom out of Ebru into Latyn , but another translacioun of othere men ,
that hadden myche lasse kunnyng and holynesse than Jerom hadde ;
(CMPURVEY,I,58.2302)

and in ful fewe bokis the chirche redith the translacioun of Jerom , as
it mai be preuid bi the propre origynals of Jerom , whiche he gloside .
(CMPURVEY,I,58.2303)

And where I haue translatid as opinli or opinliere in English as in
Latyn , late wise men deme , that knowen wel bothe langagis , and
knowen wel the sentence of holi scripture . (CMPURVEY,I,58.2304)

And wher I haue do thus , or nay , ne doute , thei that kunne wel the
sentence of holi writ and English togidere , and wolen trauaile , with
Goddis grace , theraboute , moun make the bible as trewe and as opin ,
+gea , and opinliere in English than it is in Latyn .
(CMPURVEY,I,58.2305)

And no doute to a symple man , with Goddis grace and greet trauail ,
men mi+gten expoune myche openliere and shortliere the bible in English
, than the elde greete doctouris han expounid it in Latyn , and myche
sharpliere and groundliere than manie late postillatouris , eithir
expositouris , han don . (CMPURVEY,I,58.2306)

But God , of his grete marci , +geue to vs grace to lyue wel , and to
seie the truthe in couenable manere , and acceptable to God and his
puple , and to spille not oure tyme , be it short be it long at Goddis
ordynaunce . (CMPURVEY,I,58.2307)

But summe , that semen wise and holi , seyn thus , (CMPURVEY,I,58.2308)

if men now weren as holi as Jerom was , thei mi+gten translate out of
Latyn into English , as he dide out of Ebru and out of Greek into Latyn
, (CMPURVEY,I,58.2309)

and ellis thei shulden not translate now , as hem thinkith , for
defaute of holynesse and of kunnyng . (CMPURVEY,I,58.2310)

Thou+g this replicacioun seme colourable , it hath no good ground ,
neither resoun , neithir charite , for whi this replicacioun is more
a+gens seynt Jerom , and a+gens the firste lxx. translatouris , and
a+gens holi chirche , than a+gens symple men , that translaten now into
English ; (CMPURVEY,I,58.2311)

for seynt Jerom was not so holi as the apostlis and euangelistis , whos
bokis he translatide into Latyn , (CMPURVEY,I,58.2312)

neither he hadde so hi+ge +giftis of the Holi Gost as thei hadden ;
(CMPURVEY,I,58.2313)

and myche more the lxx. translatouris weren not so holi as Moises and
the profetis , and speciali Dauith , (CMPURVEY,I,58.2314)

neither thei hadden so greete +giftis of God , as , Moises and the
prophetis hadden . (CMPURVEY,I,58.2315)

Ferthermore holi chirche appreueth , not oneli the trewe translacioun
of meene cristene men , stidefast in cristene feith , but also of open
eretikis , that diden awei manie mysteries of Jhesu Crist bi gileful
translacioun , as Jerom witnessith in oo prolog on Job , and in the
prolog of Daniel . (CMPURVEY,I,58.2316)

Myche more late the chirche of Engelond appreue the trewe and hool
translacioun of symple men , that wolden for no good in erthe , bi here
witing and power , putte awei the leste truthe , +gea , the leste
lettre , either title , of holi writ , that berith substaunce , either
charge . (CMPURVEY,I,58.2317)

And dispute thei not of the holynesse of men now lyuynge in this deadli
lif , (CMPURVEY,I,58.2318)

for thei kunnen not theron , (CMPURVEY,I,58.2319)

and it is reseruid oneli to Goddis doom . (CMPURVEY,I,58.2320)

If thei knowen ony notable defaute bi the translatouris , either helpis
of hem , lete hem blame the defaute bi charite and merci ,
(CMPURVEY,I,58.2321)

and lete hem neuere dampne a thing that mai be don lefulli be Goddis
lawe , as weeryng of a good cloth for a tyme , either riding on an hors
for greet iourney , whanne thei witen not wherfore it is don ;
(CMPURVEY,I,58.2322)

for suche thingis moun be don of symple men , with as greet charite and
vertu , as <P_I,59> summe , that holden hem greete and wise , kunnen
ride in a gilt sadil , either vse cuyssyns and beddis and clothis of
gold and of silk , with othere vanitees of the world .
(CMPURVEY,I,59.2323)

God graunte pite , merci , and charite , and loue of comoun profyt ,
(CMPURVEY,I,59.2324)

and putte awei such foli domis , that ben a+gens resoun and charite .
(CMPURVEY,I,59.2325)

+Git worldli clerkis axen gretli what spiryt makith idiotis hardi to
translate now the bible into English , sithen the foure greete
doctouris dursten neuere do this ? (CMPURVEY,I,59.2326)

This replicacioun is so lewid , that it nedith noon answer , no but
stillnesse , eithir curteys scorn ; (CMPURVEY,I,59.2327)

for these greete doctouris weren noon English men ,
(CMPURVEY,I,59.2328)

neither thei weren conuersaunt among English men , (CMPURVEY,I,59.2329)

neithir in caas thei kouden the langage of English ,
(CMPURVEY,I,59.2330)

but thei ceessiden neuere til thei hadden holi writ in here modir tunge
, of here owne puple . (CMPURVEY,I,59.2331)

For Jerom , that was a Latyn man of birthe , translatide the bible ,
bothe out of Ebru and out of Greek , into Latyn , (CMPURVEY,I,59.2332)

and expounide ful myche therto ; (CMPURVEY,I,59.2333)

and Austyn , and manie mo Latyns expouniden the bible , for manie
partis , in Latyn , to Latyn men , among whiche thei dwelliden ,
(CMPURVEY,I,59.2334)

and Latyn was a comoun langage to here puple aboute Rome , and
bi+gondis , and on this half , as Englishe is comoun langage to oure
puple , (CMPURVEY,I,59.2335)

and +git this day the comoun puple in Italie spekith Latyn corrupt , as
trewe men seyn , that han ben in Italie ; (CMPURVEY,I,59.2336)

and the noumbre of translatouris out of Greek into Latyn passith mannis
knowing , as Austyn witnessith in the ij. book of Cristene Teching ,
and seith thus , " the translatouris out of Ebru into Greek moun be
noumbrid , (CMPURVEY,I,59.2337)

but Latyn translatouris , either thei that translatiden into Latyn ,
moun not be noumbrid in ony manere . " (CMPURVEY,I,59.2338)

For in the firste tymes of feith , ech man , as a Greek book came to
him , and he semyde to him silf to haue sum kunnyng of Greek and of
Latyn , was hardi to translate ; (CMPURVEY,I,59.2339)

and this thing helpide more than lettide vndurstonding , if rederis ben
not necligent , forwhi the biholding of manie bokis hath shewid ofte ,
eithir declarid , summe derkere sentencis . (CMPURVEY,I,59.2340)

This seith Austyn there . (CMPURVEY,I,59.2341)

Therfore Grosted seith , that it was Goddis wille , that diuerse men
translatiden , and that diuerse translacions be in the chirche ,
(CMPURVEY,I,59.2342)

for where oon seide derkli , oon either mo seiden openli .
(CMPURVEY,I,59.2343)

Lord God ! sithen at the bigynnyng of feith so manie man translatiden
into Latyn , and to greet profyt of Latyn men , lat oo symple creature
of God translate into English , for profyt of English men ;
(CMPURVEY,I,59.2344)

for if worldli clerkis loken wel here croniclis and bokis , thei
shulden fynde , that Bede translatide the bible , and expounide myche
in Saxon , that was English , either comoun langage of this lond , in
his tyme ; (CMPURVEY,I,59.2345)

and not oneli Bede , but also king Alured , that foundide Oxenford ,
translatide in hise laste daies the bigynning of the Sauter into Saxon
, and wolde more , if he hadde lyued lengere . (CMPURVEY,I,59.2346)

Also Frenshe men , Beemers , and Britons han the bible , and othere
bokis of deuocioun and of exposicioun , translatid in here modir
langage ; (CMPURVEY,I,59.2347)

whi shulden not English men haue the same in here modir langage , I can
not wite , no but for falsnesse and necgligence of clerkis , either for
oure puple is not worthi to haue so greet grace and +gifte of God , in
peyne of here olde synnes . (CMPURVEY,I,59.2348)

God for his merci amende these euele causis , (CMPURVEY,I,59.2349)

and make oure puple to haue , and kunne , and kepe truli holi writ , to
lijf and deth ! (CMPURVEY,I,59.2350)

But in translating of wordis equiuok , that is , that hath manie
significacions vndur oo lettre , mai li+gtli be pereil ,
(CMPURVEY,I,59.2351)

for Austyn seith in the ij. book of Cristene Teching , that if equiuok
wordis be not translatid into the sense , either vndurstonding , of the
autour , it is errour ; as in that place of the Salme , the feet of hem
ben swifte to shede out blood , the Greek word is equiuoik to sharp and
swift , and he that translatide sharpe feet , erride ,
(CMPURVEY,I,59.2352)

and a book that hath sharpe feet , is fals , (CMPURVEY,I,59.2353)

and mut be amendid ; as that sentence vnkynde +gonge trees shulen not
+geue depe rootis , owith to be thus , plauntingis of auoutrie shulen
not +geue depe rootis . (CMPURVEY,I,59.2354)

Austyn seith this there . (CMPURVEY,I,59.2355)

Therfore <P_I,60> a translatour hath greet nede to studie wel the
sentence , both bifore and aftir , and loke that suche equiuok wordis
acorde with the sentence , (CMPURVEY,I,60.2356)

and he hath nede to lyue a clene lif , and be ful deuout in preiers ,
and haue not his wit ocupied about worldli thingis , that the Holi
Spiryt , autour of wisdom , and kunnyng , and truthe , dresse him in
his werk , and suffre him not for to erre . (CMPURVEY,I,60.2357)

Also this word ex signifieth sumtyme of , (CMPURVEY,I,60.2358)

and sumtyme it signifieth bi , as Jerom seith ; (CMPURVEY,I,60.2359)

and this word enim signifieth comynli forsothe , (CMPURVEY,I,60.2360)

and , as Jerom seith , it signifieth cause thus , forwhi ;
(CMPURVEY,I,60.2361)

and this word secundum is taken for aftir , as manie men seyn , and
comynli , (CMPURVEY,I,60.2362)

but it signifieth wel bi , eithir vp , thus bi +goure word , either vp
+goure word . (CMPURVEY,I,60.2363)

Manie such aduerbis , coniuncciouns , and preposiciouns ben set ofte
oon for another , and at fre chois of autouris sumtyme ;
(CMPURVEY,I,60.2364)

and now tho shulen be taken as it acordith best to the sentence .
(CMPURVEY,I,60.2365)

Bi this maner , with good lyuyng and greet trauel , men moun come to
trewe and cleer translating , and trewe vndurstonding of holi writ ,
seme it neuere so hard at the bigynnyng . (CMPURVEY,I,60.2366)

God graunte to us alle grace to kunne wel , and kepe wel holi writ ,
and suffre ioiefulli sum peyne for it at the laste !
(CMPURVEY,I,60.2367)

Amen . (CMPURVEY,I,60.2368)