of people in the cities,
sought habitations that did befit them far from the places where men do
congregate, and having builded them poor little houses, determined to
lead a hidden life therein after the example of the ancient Fathers; but
in process of time, as their numbers and their goods increased, they took
upon them the habit of holy religion, for God so ordered it, and
converted their houses into Monasteries of the Order of Canons Regular,
thinking thereby to be the more profitable. This same memorable Master,
inspired with a spirit of prophecy, foretold this thing, namely, that the
number of the devout should increase mightily, for to a certain Priest,
who was his friend, and afterward became a Canon Regular at Zwolle (from
whom also I heard the saying), he said: "Behold, beloved, this good thing
which by God's help hath been here begun, shall be increased yet more,
and this little spark shall kindle many fires throughout all Holland and
Geldria."

Thanks be to God that as we have heard, so have we seen with our own eyes
the fulfilment of this prophecy, and that not only in the regions round
about, but also in the parts afar off and in the upper provinces. He had
it likewise in mind to found, with the help of certain friends, a
monastery for Regulars who should take the habit which he had seen in
Brabant in the house of John Ruesbroeck, but this purpose he committed to
the followers whom he had made firm in the faith of Christ, that they
should fulfil it, for death was beforehand with him, and this was,
indeed, fulfilled effectually by these same disciples in after days.

CHAPTER VI.

_Of the consecration of the Church, and the investiture of the first
Brothers in Windesem_.

In the year of the Lord 1387, on the day before the Feast of St. Luke the
Evangelist, the first Church of the Monastery in Windesem was consecrated
in Honour of the glorious Virgin Mary, Mother of God.

This place received the name Windesem from the village that lieth near to
it, and it is one mile from Zwolle, toward the south; near the eastern
side thereof is the River Yssel; also some space away is Hattem, the
strongest fortress in Geldria.

On this same day six Brothers made their profession and were invested
with the habit of the Order of Canons Regular, who observe the rule of
Augustine, the glorious Bishop and Father of our Order. The names of
these are as followeth:

Brother Henry of Huxaria, a Priest.

Brother We