Extracts from the works of Peter of Blois, etc.
Introduction:
This 15th century manuscript contains extracts from the letters and works of the theologian
Peter of Blois (died 1203).
Peter of Blois (Petrus Blesensis) was a prolific medieval writer known for his letters,
sermons, and
theological treatises. The bulk of this manuscript (1r-94v) contains excerpts
from his epistolae. These are addressed
to ecclesiastical figures, and offer advice on matters of church governance,
discipline, and Christian doctrine.
The manuscript also contains extracts from a number of his theological works. These
include: “De amicitia
Christiana” on the importance and nature of Christian friendship; “De caritate
seu dileccione dei”, which focuses on
the concept of charity, and the obligation of Christians to love both God
and their neighbour. In addition, there are
extracts of “Contra perfidiam Judeorum" (Against the perfidy of the Jews),
which addresses theological arguments
against Judaism.
The manuscript belonged to the collection of
Robert Hare
(d. 1611), which he donated to the College.
1.
Extracts from the Letters of Peter of Blois
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: Hic sunt quedam electa de epistolis Petri Blesensis et non sunt epistole integer.
Incipit prologus in epistolis Petri Blesensis Bartholonensis Archidiaconi
Incipit: Magnifico domino h. dei gratia illustri regi Anglie
2.
Extracts from Peter of Blois, De amicitia Christiana
Language(s): Latin
Incipit: Inc. prol. Quoniam diminute sunt ueritates a filiis hominum...
Explicit: veteris tamen amicitiae vestigius aliqua reverentia semper impendenda est nisi eam
enormitis reatus eliminet
Extracts from Tractatus 1
3.
Extracts from Peter of Blois, De caritate seu dileccione dei
Language(s): Latin
Incipit: Incipit de caritate seu de dilectione Dei. Sicut precedentia docuerunt amicicia
vera.
Explicit: beatitudine apud
4.
Extracts from Peter of Blois, Contra perfidiam Judaeorum
Against the Perfidy of the Jews
Language(s): Latin
Incipit: Propositi nostri est non intexere de sancta trinitate.
Explicit: Explicit libellus contra perfidiam Judaeorum
5.
Peter of Blois, Sermo de omnibus sanctis
Language(s): Latin
Incipit: Mirabilis deus in sanctis suis in psalmo. Deus qui in se est mirabilis.
Explicit: Explicit
6.
Innocentius IIIIus uniuersitati fratrum minorum
Papal Letters, declarations and privileges related to the Friars Minor
Language(s): Latin
Incipit: Et si animarum affectantes profectus
Explicit: December pontificatus nostri Anno xii
7.
Table of Peter of Blois Letters
Language(s): Latin
In double columns.
8.
Instructions to prelates, Vocavit te nobilis ecclesia (Declaration of Clement IV)
Language(s): Latin
Incipit: Uocauit to nobilis ecclesia Carnotensis de subdito in prelatum.
Explicit: sermo adulatoris est longe a sacro eloquio alienus. Explicit
Form: codex
Support:
Paper.
Watermarks: church with cross above, (fols. 1 – 81);c.f. scales, c.f. Briquet 2438 or
Briquet 2429
(fols. 82 – 139).
They are mid-15th century, from Luxemburg, Strasbourg, northern Germany.
Extent: iii paper flyleaves + 139 folios + iii paper flyleaves
Dimensions (leaf):
288 × 204 - 220 mm.
Dimensions (written):
185 - 194 × 125 mm.
Collation
3 flyleaves, 124 (wants 1) 234 4
405 16 (wants 16) 66(wants 4-6); 3
flyleaves
Layout
Between 33 and 55 long lines, ruled in ink,
catchwords, quire signatures (start of quire)
Hand(s)
Two or more scribes. Gothic bookhand (cursive)
Decoration
Red (occasionally blue) penwork initials [2 l.] for Extracts and Declarations etc,
fols
1r to 134r
Binding
Twentieth century (Cambridge Conservation Consortium) red native dyed goatskin over paste
boards; previous 19th century binding kept with the manuscript.
Origin:
15th century (ca. 1450 – 1475)
; England
Provenance and Acquisition
Written on fol. 1 is: 'Liber Roberti Hare,
1565'
Bequeathed to Trinity Hall by
Robert Hare (d. 1611)
.
