Chapter XVIII. Of his public profession of faith, and of his delivering… CHAPTER XVIII Of his public profession of faith, and of his delivering the true Gospel in his preaching
(1) I GERARD, who am called in the vulgar tongue "Groote," do declare in the presence of God Almighty and all the Saints, and before you and all men, that in regard to those things that are of faith, I have steadfastly preached and defended that faith which is certain, pure, and Catholic, resting upon Jesus Christ Himself Who is the chief corner Stone. Likewise that I have taught and spread abroad like seed, those doctrines and methods that are wholesome for morals, sure, undoubted, evangelical and apostolic, following the Divinely inspired
Scriptures and the interpretation and meaning given thereunto by the Saints and Fathers, namely: Ambrose, Gregory, Augustine, Jerome, Chrysostom, Dionysius, Bernard, Bede,
Isidore, Hugo and Richard: and the writings of these Fathers, together with those of other 53 Saints, I do hold and use as inspired.
Likewise as to those things which I have written and preached concerning Institutes made by men, the matter of the Decrees and Decretals, and above all concerning wicked and notorious wantons, I do hope that all men who have any intimate knowledge of the law may find that those things which I have laid down are either proved certainly and beyond doubt, or that (applying the same limits and qualifications which are given in my writings and discourses) such men may approve thereof as being somewhat safe, or probable, or likely to be true, subject always to the judgement of the Holy Roman Church, to whom with all humility I everywhere and always submit myself. And if any man—which God forbid—should say or feign that I have spoken aught against that Faith and sound doctrine which I everywhere defend, and should either expressly mention me by name as so doing, or (if he dare not so much) should speak more vaguely to that effect, and indirectly harass me by making use of the prejudices of Clerks or lay folk;—if anyone, I say, shall thus allude to, or openly defame me, his testimony shall be found to be lying and deceitful.
I do receive the doctrine of submission to the Bishop, to whom I pay deference in this respect, but if—which God forbid—any such accusation against me be found in the writings of our lord the Prince-bishop, I do make that answer which the blessed Bernard made to certain letters of the chief Pontiff which gave assent to an evil report. "Either our Pontiff hath been ensnared by lies, or he hath been overcome of importunity."
(2) Resolutions and Intentions set forth by Master Gerard in the name of the Lord, but 54 not confirmed by vows.
I purpose to order my life for the glory, honour, and service of God and the salvation of my soul; to prefer no temporal good either of the body, or of honour, or of fortune, or of knowledge, to my soul's salvation. To strive to excel in every godly endeavour of which I