Leynt-warden on the Festival of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary,
where and when the people were wont to offer to an image there, and
to the same the said abbot in his sermons would exhort them and
encourage them. But now the oblations be decayed, the abbot, espying
the image then to have a cote of silver plate and gilt, hath taken
away of his own authority the said image, and the plate turned to
his own use; and left his preaching there, saying it is no manner of
profit to any man, and the plate that was about the said image was
named to be worth forty pounds.

29. Item, the said abbot hath ever nourished enmity and discord
among his brethren; and hath not encouraged them to learn the laws
and the mystery of Christ. But he that least knew was most cherished
by him; and he hath been highly displeased and [hath] disdained when
his brothers would say that 'it is God's precept and doctrine that
ye ought to prefer before your ceremonies and vain constitutions.'
This saying was high disobedient, and should be grievously punished;
when that lying, obloquy, flattery, ignorance, derision, contumely,
discord, great swearing, drinking, hypocrisy, fraud, superstition,
deceit, conspiracy to wrong their neighbour, and other of that kind,
was had in special favour and regard. Laud and praise be to God that
hath sent us the true knowledge. Honour and long prosperity to our
sovereign lord and his noble council, that teaches to advance the
same. Amen.

By John Lee, your faithful bedeman, and canon of the said monastery
of Wigmore.

Postscript.--My good lord, there is in the said abbey a cross of
fine gold and precious stones, whereof one diamond was esteemed by
Doctor Booth, Bishop of Hereford, worth a hundred marks. In that
cross is enclosed a piece of wood, named to be of the cross that
Christ died upon, and to the same hath been offering. And when it
should be brought down to the church from the treasury, it was
brought down with lights, and like reverence as should have been
done to Christ himself. I fear lest the abbot upon Sunday next, when
he may enter the treasury, will take away the said cross and break
it, or turn it to his own use, with many other precious jewels that
be there.

All these articles afore written be true as to the substance and
true meaning of them, though peradv