as hath been set forth already.  Holiness made them priests, learning made them doctors, diligence made them profitable rectors of many congregations, and zeal for the gaining of souls made them notable preachers as hath been found in the case of many of them.  O happy day on which that great Gherard was born amongst us, for he was the fount and source whence flowed the waters of salvation to our land, so that what before his time had been parched became a pool, and the thirsty land, springs of water.

XI. Of the multiplication of the devout, especially of virgins.

From this time forth the fount that once was small began to grow by means of the rivulets aforesaid into abundant waters, that is, monasteries without number and congregations also which fed them, so that it should seem that the saying in Exodus was fulfilled which saith of the sons of Israel how that when Joseph died his seed was multiplied exceedingly and filled the land.  Thus it came to pass that the people, both men and women, loved a life of virginity, and in chastity emulated the dwellers in Heaven.  But above all there was a vast band of women that were virgins who despised the thought of motherhood, and spurned this flowery world with contempt, ever showing by their thoughts, their deeds, and their bearing, that they desired rather to be united to that Spouse Who is in Heaven.  What state is there to-day, what township or city in the whole province of Cologne but rejoiceth to have known the savour and scent of these same lilies?  Yet was there diversity in their lots, for as Paul doth testify of himself, so too was it with them; some having a savour of life unto life, and some a savour of death unto death.  But in this the matter of their election is most clearly shown, and likewise the fact that they were not of the world, because they ever bare the world’s hatred and persecution, sometimes suffering at the hands of parents and kindred, sometimes from rulers and the common folk of the cities and towns, beneath which persecution they bore themselves with all patience and humility; yet they suffered most greatly from false teachers and preachers who were zealous to assail with mad words, and to persecute a manner of life that they knew not, yet did not they not prevail.

XII. How a certain monk of Cologne was put to confusion.

For example, one such was preaching in Cologne at the time of the Prague heresy, and he said among other matter:  “Ye do go to Prague to contend with heretics whom ye might find readily in your midst—­even in St. Gereon’s Street”—­by which he signified the Sisters of the congregation who dwelt in the said street.  But the great ones of the city took the word very ill, saying that such a thing was never heard, namely, that heretics should dwell in the fair city of Cologne.  But why should I say more?  At length the matter was referred to the bishops and to the university, and, save that the monk had somewhat speedily sought refuge by flight, it would have conduced to his own detriment that he ever preached that word in Cologne.