English Spirituality in the Age of Wyclif

by Jeffrey, David Lyle

• ISBN13: 9781573831857
• ISBN10: 1573831859
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1988-12-01
• Publisher: Regent College Pub

Summary

John Wyclif is usually remembered as an early reformer and sponsor of the first complete translation of the Bible into English. Less widely understood, but crucial to his contribution to spiritual renewal in England and Europe, is the theological grounding he provides for individual faith experience. Wyclif lived in a time in which testimony concerning personal encounter with God began to overshadow and radically qualify formal presentation of a traditional dogma. This anthology, intended for the general reader and student alike, contains some of the best spiritual writings from the age of Wyclif, including a particularly rich representation from distinguished women. Fresh translations of classic texts by authors such as Richard Rolle, Julian of Norwich. Margery Kempe, the author of The Cloud of Unknouing, and Walter Hilton are accompanied by translations of work not previously available, including key writings of Wyclif and others on Scripture and the spiritual life. Extracts from the Wycliffite Bible are also included. David Lyle Jeffrey has provided an extensive historical introduction at the outset of the volume and has endeavored to offer as broadly representative a sampling of devotional writing in the period as possible. The resulting collection affords an introduction to spirituality in Wyclif's day that is both faithful and accessible. Contemporary readers will be able to acquire a sense of strong linkage between this period and our own and yet recognize differences of emphasis that offer a challenge to our reflection on matters of faith and life. Book jacket.

Author Biography

David Lyle Jeffrey is Distinguished Professor of Literature and Humanities at Baylor University, Waco, Texas.

Table of Contents

Illustrations	viii
Preface	ix
Introduction	1	(53)
Bibliography	54	(9)
I. Conversion and the Patterns of Spiritual Life
The Amending of Life	63	(30)
Richard Rolle
II. Prayer and Worship
from The Ladder of Perfection	93	(9)
Walter Hilton
Anonymous, Understanding the Lord's Prayer	102	(13)
Common Prayer
The Lord's Prayer in Six Translations	107	(1)
Other Scriptural Prayers	108	(7)
III. Hymns and Spiritual Songs
All Glory, Laud and Honor	115	(2)
William Herebert
Gold and Al This Werdis Wyn	117	(1)
John Grimestone
O Vos Omnes	118	(1)
John Grimestone
Anonymous, Pieta	119	(2)
Revert, Revert	121	(2)
James Ryman
Anonymous, Lord, Thou Clepedest Me	123	(1)
Anonymous, Adam Lay I-Bounde	124	(1)
Anonymous, I Synge of a Mayden	125	(1)
Anonymous, Hond by Hond	126	(1)
Magnificat	127	(1)
James Ryman
God Me Speed	128	(2)
John Trevisa
a Pastor's Evening Prayer	130	(19)
John Trevisa
IV. Meditation and Contemplation
from The Ladder of Perfection
Walter Hilton
On Meditation	133	(2)
Self-Knowledge and the Sight of God	135	(14)
Meditation on the Passion of Christ	149	(6)
Richard Rolle
The Law of Love	155	(7)
Richard Rolle
Ego Dormio	162	(13)
Richard Rolle
from The Form of Living
Richard Rolle
Amore Langueo	168	(1)
The Nature of Love	169	(5)
The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit	174	(1)
Anonymous, The Love of Jesus	175	(2)
Anonymous, Dance of the Cross	177	(6)
V. Mystical Spirituality
from the Fire of Love	183	(5)
Richard Rolle
Anonymous, from the Cloud of Unknowing	188	(9)
Catherine of Siena, from the Orcherd of Syon	197	(10)
Bridget of Sweden, from the Revelations	207	(3)
Julian of Norwich, from The Showings	210	(12)
from the Book of Margery Kempe	222	(7)
Margery Kempe
VI. The Spirituality of Everyday Life
from Epistle on the Mixed Life	229	(7)
Walter Hilton
Anonymous, Our Daily Work: A Mirror of Discipline	236	(29)
Anonymous, Enabling Grace	265	(7)
the Two Ways	272	(19)
Sir John Clanvowe
Anonymous, Loving Our Enemies	291	(9)
VII. Preaching and Pastoral Care
from The Duty of Pastors
John Wyclif
The Good Pastor	295	(1)
The Good Husbandman	296	(2)
Corrupt Preaching	298	(2)
from The Ladder of Perfection	300	(4)
Walter Hilton
from The Canterbury Tales	304	(13)
Geoffrey Chaucer
Christ's Chivalry	317	(3)
Nicholas Bozon
from The Festial	320	(7)
John Mirk
VIII. Scripture and Translation
from The Ladder of Perfection	327	(5)
Walter Hilton
from The Authority of Sacred Scripture	332	(20)
John Wyclif
from The Prologue to the Wycliffite Bible
John Purvey
Scriptural Authority and Spiritual Authenticity	339	(7)
In Defense of Translating Scripture	346	(6)
The Wycliffite Bible, selections	352	(4)
The Song of Hannah	356	(5)
Richard Rolle
The Song of Isaiah	361	(2)
Richard Rolle
Anonymous, Exposition of the Ave Maria	363	(8)
IX. Gospel and Culture
from Piers the Plowman	371	(13)
William Langland
Anonymous, of Servants and Lords	384	(16)
Gentilesse	400	(1)
Geoffrey Chaucer
Balade de Bon Conseil	401	(2)
G Geoffrey Chaucer
Anonymous, Courageous Witness	403