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SINCE he who hath receaued the least ta∣lent at Gods hands, is bound charitably to imploy the
same, in the seruice of him who freely bestowed it, and to the good of such as may be edified and benefitted spiritually by it; not hiding the same vnder a bu∣shell, or reseruing it to himselfe alone, which will become the more his owne by being charita∣bly communicated to others in a holy imitation of our Redee∣mers bounties, and graces vpon vs universally bestowed: I haue iustly feared, out of this respect, to conceale from others, vnited in the same band of Christian Faith, and Charity with me, and particularly from your
Venerable selfe, much respected by me, the Collection which I have lately made of the Blessed Virgin S. Wenefrides life: the reading whereof, will, I doubt not, help much to increase and perfit heauenly piety, and love eminently already, and exem∣plarly to many shining in You; delighted also to dilate the glory of God, & his Saints by workes like to this, which you haue by frequent letters, and earnest in∣treaties required of me.
I haue gathered the same, partly from the Ancient, and vndoubted Monuments of such
Monasteries, and Churches as this Blessed Virgin is knowne to haue liued in, and partly from the relation of sundry Ancient Priests, for their great learning sanctity of life, and Religious profession, made Venerable, & worthy of all credit, in their assertions, and depositions vnto me.
Three causes have moued me to publish the true knowledge of this Saints life, so by me at∣tayned vnto. The first, was a wholsome feare (as I haue said) to be reproued by my Eternall Iudge, for hiding vnder groūd,
and not imploying profitably as I ought the talent which he hath lent me. The second, was my es∣peciall loue, and deuotion to this most renowned Virgin and Mar∣tyr of our Countrey, that by her sanctity, and great merits heere by me declared, she might by faithfull soules be the more de∣uoutely honoured, serued, and prayed unto. The third, was a particular desire which I have charitably had to edifie my owne Brethren, humbly in their deuo∣tions, and instantly intreating this labour of me.
As for S. Wenefrides pre∣tended
iourney to Rome, and other particulars vulgarly on∣ly, and by persons of no credit fabulously reported, I haue who∣ly omitted them; and for borne likewise to set downe some other certaine, and vndoubted rela∣tions, concerning her life, because I would not be tedious, and ouer∣large in my manner of writing: this which I have heere gathered being sufficient, in my opinion, and yours also I hope, to declare the eminent sanctity and graces of this most sacred Virgin, by whose powerfull intercession, and your holy prayers, I hope to
receaue, at her heauenly spouses hands, some small reward of my labours, and paynes in this worke vndertaken.