Preaching in the Age of Chaucer

5. Another anonymous sermon on the same gospel

speech has three purposes:

• make Creator's great deed known publicly
• restrain his neighbor, from sin
• reveal his own sin (42)

"He once was curious to test a woman's weakness and seduced his mother with alluring words to consent to the carnal act. Then, compelled by remorse, since he had sinned through his words, he swore off using words forever and bound himself to perpetual silence. This shows that he was sorry to have spoken, but never to have been silent. Therefore, beloved, when we loosen the bridle of silence and engage outwardly in speech, let us speak, not what might harm another person or in any way disturb him or draw or move him to something dishonest or sinful, but what may be to the praise and honor of our Creator and to the salvation of our neighbor." (44-5)

"It is fitting that people who must correct others in their vices and sins should themselves be unbound and free from them." (47)

cites Matthew 16:19; discusses Lollards; cites Augustine

• speaking confession is good; can't just be contrite in heart