Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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First Letter to the Corinthians is in Saint Paul's Letters.
NIV. 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power. 6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.
John Evelyn's Diary. 14th March 1652. I went to Lewisham, where I heard an honest sermon on 1 Cor. II 5-7, being the first Sunday I had been at church since my return, it being now a rare thing to find a priest of the Church of England in a parish pulpit, most of which were filled with Independents and Fanatics.
NIV. Or do you not know that the Lord's people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?.
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
John Evelyn's Diary. 21st March 1683. Dr. Tenison [aged 46] preached at Whitehall [Map] on 1 Cor. vi. 12; I esteem him to be one of the most profitable preachers in the Church of England, being also of a most holy conversation, very learned and ingenious. The pains he takes and care of his parish will, I fear, wear him out, which would be an inexpressible loss.
Haec autem omnia in figura contingebant illis: scripta sunt autem ad correptionem nostram, in quos fines saeculorum devenerunt.
NIV. These things happened to them as an example, and they have been written down as a warning to us, upon whom the end of the ages has come.
KJV. Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
Life of William Morris. Sed dico, Numquid non audierunt? Et quidem in omnem terram exivit sonus eorum et in fines orbis terra verba eorum. [See First Letter to the Romans Chapter 10 Verse 18]
Hac autem omnia in figura contingehant illis: scrip a sunt autem ad correptionem nostram, in quos fines seculorum devenerunt. [See First Letter to the Corinthians Chapter 10 Verse 11]
NIV. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
KJB. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
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NIV. 55 "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" 56 The sting of death is sin,(B) and the power of sin is the law.
John Evelyn's Diary. 21st November 1703. The wet and uncomfortable weather staying us from church this morning, our Doctor officiated in my family; at which were present above twenty domestics. He made an excellent discourse on 1 Cor. xv., v. 55, 56 [Note. This reference is somewhat confusing. Beleived to be to 1 Corinthians Chapter 15?], of the vanity of this world and uncertainty of life, and the inexpressible happiness and satisfaction of a holy life, with pertinent inferences to prepare us for death and a future state. I gave him thanks, and told him I took it kindly as my funeral sermon.
NIV. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
KJV. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
After 16th February 1896. Memorial at St Peter's Church, Tawstock [Map] to Marianne Sarah Sherard Lady Wrey [deceased]. Sacred To the memory of The Honble Marianne Sarah Wrey, the beloved wife of Sir Henry Bourchier Toke Wrey [aged 66] Bnrt and only child of the late Philip Castel [deceased] Lord Sherard. Born 4 April 1835, Died 16 Feb. 1896. She will ever be remembered as a most affectionate wife, a devoted mother; and a sincere & constant friend; "Steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." 1 Cor. XV. LVIII.
Marianne Sarah Sherard Lady Wrey: On 4th April 1835 she was born to Henry or Philip Sherard 9th Baron Sherard. On 6th September 1854 Henry Bourchier Toke Wrey 10th Baronet and she were married at Sidmouth, Devon. On 16th February 1896 Marianne Sarah Sherard Lady Wrey died.
NIV. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
John Evelyn's Diary. 19th March 1676. Dr. Lloyd [aged 39], late Curate of Deptford, but now Bishop of Llandaff, preached before the King [aged 45], on 1 Cor. xv. 57, that though sin subjects us to death, yet through Christ we become his conquerors.
If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
John Evelyn's Diary. 17th April 1685. Good Friday. Dr. Tenison [aged 48] preached at the new church at St. James's, on 1 Cor. 16, 22, upon the infinite love of God to us, which he illustrated in many instances. The holy Sacrament followed, at which I participated. The Lord make me thankfull. In the after noone Dr. Sprat, Bp. of Rochester [aged 50], preached in Whitehall Chapell, the auditory very full of Lords, the two Archbishops, and many others, now drawne to towne upon the occasion of the Coronation and ensuing Parliament. I supp'd with the Countesse of Sunderland [aged 39] and Lord Godolphin [aged 39], and return'd home.