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Religious Life and the Gifts
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 30 August 2024
Extract
This extract is from a 15th-century MS. Laud miscell. 330 on the religious life, written probably for Benedictine nuns, relating the external and interior life to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit in an unusual order. The first chapter occupies almost half the work with a rambling commentary on the whole of the religious life, rule and customs as worked out under the guidance of holy fear. Of the other more brief chapters, the last two dealing with the higher gifts seem worthy of transcription. The unknown author's originality of approach and tender devotion, his shrewd insight into character and the directness and charm of his language raise the piece above the commonplaces of religious exhortation, so that it is still attractive and convincing to the simple of heart to whom it was dedicated four hundred years ago. The spelling has been modernised.
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- Research Article
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- Copyright
- Copyright © 1949 Provincial Council of the English Province of the Order of Preachers
References
1 The evidence for a Benedictine origin seems to arise from the emphasis on stability. On Fol. 22 we find: 'In profession thou art wedded to God in as much as thou hast made to him a byhest (promise) of obedience, of stableness in thy religion and also of true turning of manners. This recalls recalls the Benedictine formula of profession. There is no mention of poverty and chastity in this context.
2 cut, i.e., rend (Joel 2, 13).
3 Knowledge and so throughout.
4 At this time the sense of compassion had not been differentiated from 'piety' and 'pity' is used in both senses.
5 This preliminary section is quoted as being unusual and fruitful for consideration.
6 Separated: the old sense of avoid.
7 Relief = remnant.
8 Always with the sense of ‘food’.
9 intention.
10 set.
11 by nature.
12 security, certainty.
13 true.
14 tastes, apprehends, with a sense of pleasure.
15 sometimes, at times.
16 unless.
17 unwonted, unusual.
18 estrangeth; taking out of itself; with something of the classical meaning of madness.
19 dis-ease, discomfort.
20 powers.
21 Nily = inly, inward.
22 dost thou think?
23 desireth, is pleased.
24 requests.
25 out of, besides.
26 madness.
27 This little verse is often found written at the end of the MSS.