The revelations of St. Birgitta of Sweden. Volume 4 : 'The heavenly Emperor's Book to Kings', 'The Rule', and minor works

St. Birgitta of Sweden (1303-1373, canonized 1391) was one of the most charismatic and influential female visionaries of the later Middle Ages. Altogether, she received some 700 revelations, dealing with subjects ranging from meditations on the human condition, domestic affairs in Sweden, and ecclesiastical matters in Rome, to revelations in praise of the Incarnation and devotion to the Virgin. Her Revelations , collected and ordered by her confessors, circulated widely throughout Europe and long after her death. Many eminent individuals, including Cardinal Juan Torquemada, Jean Gerson, and Martin Luther, read and commented on her writings, which influenced the spiritual lives of countless individuals. Birgitta was also the founder of a new monastic order, which still exists today. She is the patron saint of Sweden, and in 2000 was declared (with Catherine of Siena and Edith Stein) co-patroness of Europe. Birgitta's Revelations present her as a commanding and dauntless visionary who develops a contemplative mysticism that is always interwoven with social engagement and a commitment to the salvation of the world. The varied styles of her revelations are dominated by frequent juxtapositions of memorable images and allegories that illustrate her fierce and fertile imagination, her sharp powers of observation and understanding, and her passionate and receptive storytelling powers. This fourth and final volume of the translation of the Revelations of St. Birgitta of Sweden , comprises The Heavenly Emperor's Book to Kings , The Rule , and Minor Works . While the complete collection of Birgitta's books--called Liber caelestis --ends with Books VII, the eighth book, also referred to as The Heavenly Emperor's Book to Kings , was added after her death. It was compiled by Alfonso of Ja�n, and is prefaced by his own treatise, titled The Hermit's Letter to Kings , which examines the ways in which revelations are tested and proven to be true visions conferred by the Holy Spirit. This volume also contains the Birgittine Rule, the Matins readings intended for the nuns, four prayers, and a collection of scattered revelations that lie on the periphery of the main corpus of texts. The translation is based on the recently completed critical edition of the Latin text and promises to be the standard English translation of the Revelations for years to come. Cover The Revelations of St. Birgitta of Sweden Volume 4: The Heavenly Emperor’s Book to Kings, The Rule, and Minor Works Copyright Acknowledgments Contents Abbreviations The Entire Birgittine Corpus Book VIII: The Heavenly Emperor’s Book to Kings Introduction A Thematic Anthology Epistola Solitarii A Propagandist “Mirror of Kings” Moral Reform in the Christian Community on Earth Imagery Note on the Translation The hermit’s letter to kings Chapter 1: A Treatise Addressed to Kings in Defense of Birgitta that Outlines how to Distinguish Divine from Diabolical Visions Chapter 2: A Set of Questions to Examine the Character of the Visionary Chapter 3: The Theory is Applied to Birgitta’s Character Chapter 4: The Different Ways in which Birgitta Received Visions and Revelations Chapter 5: An Examination of the Content of the Revelations using Authoritative Sources Chapter 6: Proof that her Visions were Authentic and not Deceptions of the Devil Chapter 7: A Recapitulation of the Above Chapter 8: An Introduction to Book VIII which is a Compilation around a Single Theme Addressed to Kings and Rulers Book VIII: The Heavenly Emperor's Book to Kings Chapter 1: Ecclesial and Worldly Power in the Government of the World are Represented by St. Peter and St. Paul Chapter 2: On the King’s Counselors Chapter 3: The King must Dress with Distinction Chapter 4: Ten Counsels for the King Chapter 5: The King Should follow the Example of the Saints and be given the best Advisors Chapter 6: How a King must Treat his Subjects Chapter 7*: A King Must Honor God More, or Else His Kingdom Will Be Divided Chapter 8*: A Revelation Describing the Virgin Mary’s Beauty Chapter 9: About a Queen whose Marriage was Irregular Chapter 10: The Queen is like a Gnawed Apple Core Planted in a Foreign Land to Bear Fruit Chapter 11: Christ Comments on the Motives of the King and Queen in Abstaining from Sexual Relations Chapter 12: Advice for a Husband and for a Queen Chapter 13*: The Struggle between a Good and a Bad Spirit in the Conscience of a Queen Chapter 14: The Queen Must Obey the Advice Given Chapter 15*: St. Agnes Describes a Proud Lady in a Carriage and Elaborates on the Symbolism of the Wheels Chapter 16: The King’s Favorite is Like a Wolf; and concerning a Queen who has Fallen Out of Favor Chapter 17: The King has Sought Help from Abroad to Gain Political Influence in this Kingdom; This Man is Like a Fox Chapter 18: A King should Have Excellent Counselors; with Images of a Forest or Desert Full of Wild Animals Within a Wall Chapter 19: The King is Warned not to Promote One of His Favorite Counselors Chapter 20: The King with Five Defective Servants and Five Effective Ones Chapter 21: The King Must Discipline a Man who has Derided Him Chapter 22*: Counsel for the Young Son of the Queen of Cyprus Chapter 23*: The People of Cyprus must Mend their Ways Chapter 24*: On a Doctor, and Two Imprisoned Men Chapter 25*: St. John Exhorts the King to Lead a Better Life Chapter 26*: St. Denis Prays for France Chapter 27*: The Kings of England and France are Like Two Ferocious Beasts Chapter 28*: A Proposal for Peace between England and France Chapter 29*: A Nobleman Named Israel Should not Reject a Position in Government; on his Death in Riga Chapter 30*: The King should Work to Rebuild the Church Chapter 31: The Sun and Moon Sink into an Abyss and a Dragon Rises up from a Snake-Infested Earth Chapter 32*: Peter and Paul are Compared with the Priesthood and the Laity. A New Ritual for Dubbing Knights is Outlined Chapter 33*: On Dissolute Knights Chapter 34*: On the Knight’s Armor Chapter 35*: A Dubbing Ritual for Knights Is Described Chapter 36*: Promise of Reward to Knights if They Convert to a Good Way of Life Chapter 37*: The Rewards of True Knightly Service are Described by Five Legions of Angels Chapter 38*: The King Must Root out Fortune-Tellers Chapter 39: The Swedish King asks for Advice about his Crusade Against the Pagans Chapter 40: Infidels must be Offered Peace before the Hand of Justice is Raised Against them Chapter 41*: On the Rights of Succession in the Country Chapter 42*: About a King on a Battlefield, and His Soldiers Whose Helmets Are Back to Front Chapter 43: About a King on a Battlefield, and His Soldiers Whose Helmets Are Back to Front Chapter 44*: A King of Sweden is Inclined to Pursue his Crusade for Worldly Reasons Chapter 45: The King should have a Fixed Number of Men on his Crusade; and be Careful to Keep his Promise Chapter 46: The Crusading Bishop must build a New Church Chapter 47: The Ungrateful King of Sweden did not Obey God on his Crusade, and Returned from the Crusade against Advice Chapter 48: The Trinity Appears in the Form of a Pulpit, a Golden Book, and Three Colored Rays; And on the Fate of Three Kings Chapter 49: On a King who lacks Compassion for his Subjects and Takes on Poor Counselors Chapter 50*: Four Virtuous Sisters Are Usurped by Four Worthless Ones Chapter 51*: A Message for the German Emperor to Spread the Message of Birgitta’s Revelations and Work for Recognition of the Rule Chapter 52: The Excommunicated King Should Seek Absolution Directly from the Pope Chapter 53: The King Must Visit the Pope with True Wisdom and Humility Chapter 54: The King Should Cast off Frivolity to Prepare for His Journey Chapter 55: Birgitta Must Not Hesitate to Make Known God’s Word Chapter 56: An Angel and a Devil Dispute Over the Advice They Have Both Given to a Living King; and the King’s Subjects Make Complaints Against Him from Hell and Purgatory Chapter 57: Affliction Has Come to the Kingdom Because of Three Sins Chapter 58*: Christ in Majesty Bids All Ranks of People to Listen to His Message The Rule of the Savior Introduction The Rule and the Revelations Supporting Documents The Rule and Other Monastic Orders A Double Order The Mother-House at Vadstena Culture at Vadstena The Order Outside Sweden Post-Reformation Survival Note on the Translation The Rule of the Savior Foreword, Chapter 1: Birgitta Receives her Revelations and Submits them to Clerical Scrutiny Prologue, Chapter 2: Christ will Plant a New Vineyard Because the Old Ones have been Laid Waste Prologue Continued, Chapter 3 Chapter 1: Christ Wants to Create a Rule for Nuns Chapter 2: Christ Forbids the Ownership of Private Possessions Chapter 3: On Beds and Bedding Chapter 4: On the Nuns’ Habit Chapter 5: On the Divine Office and the Office of the Virgin Chapter 6: On Silence Chapter 7: On the Nuns’ Separation from the Affairs of the World Chapter 8: On the Conditions under which the Nuns may Communicate with the Outside World Chapter 9: On Fasting Chapter 10: On the Probation and Reception of Nuns Chapter 11: On the Ceremony of Consecration Chapter 12: On the Numbers of Nuns, Priests, Deacons, and Lay Brothers within the Community Chapter 13: On the Men’s Clothing and their Consecration Chapter 14: On the Election of the Abbess and General Confessor Chapter 15: On the Brother-Priests’ Duties in Prayer and Preaching Chapter 16: On Confession Chapter 17: On Communion Chapter 18: On the Chapter Chapter 19: Prohibition on the Receipt of Gifts Chapter 20: On Dowries, Offerings, Alms, and Donations Chapter 21: On Altars, Ornaments, and Liturgical Books Chapter 22: On the Minimum Age for Admission to the Order Chapter 23: On Pious Work Chapter 24: On the Equal Distribution of Food Chapter 25: The Means of Communication Between the Male and Female Convents Chapter 26: Regulations for Visitations by the Bishop and the King Chapter 27: On the Open Grave in the Abbey Chapter 28: On the Importance of Observing the Rule Chapter 29: On the Miraculous Way in which the Rule was Revealed to Birgitta Chapter 30: Birgitta must Seek Papal Approval for her Rule Chapter 31: Birgitta is Reassured about Papal Approval and the Prosperity of the Order The Angel’s Discourse Introduction Cantus Sororum Birgittine Music and Singing The Angel’s Discourse and the Virgin Mary Prologue Chapter 1: Sunday: First Reading Chapter 2: Sunday: Second Reading Chapter 3: Sunday: Third Reading Chapter 4: Monday: First Reading Chapter 5: Monday: Second Reading Chapter 6: Monday: Third Reading Chapter 7: Tuesday: First Reading Chapter 8: Tuesday: Second Reading Chapter 9: Tuesday: Third Reading Chapter 10: Wednesday: First Reading Chapter 11: Wednesday: Second Reading Chapter 12: Wednesday: Third Reading Chapter 13: Thursday: First Reading Chapter 14: Thursday: Second Reading Chapter 15: Thursday: Third Reading Chapter 16: Friday: First Reading Chapter 17: Friday: Second Reading Chapter 18: Friday: Third Reading Chapter 19: Saturday: First Reading Chapter 20: Saturday: Second Reading Chapter 21: Saturday: Third Reading The Four Prayers Introduction A Latin Fragment Birgitta and Prayer Birgittine Meditations The Fifteen Oes Note on the Selected Text Notes The Four Prayers Prayer on Christ’s Passion and Death Prayer to Christ’s Body Prayer to the Virgin Mary Prayer to the Virgin’s Limbs Extravagant Revelations Introduction Drafts of the Monastic Rule A Fragmentary Biography Form and Dissemination Images Conclusion Note on the Translation Notes Extravagant Revelations Prologue (Ghotan): Prologue to the Heavenly Revelations Commonly called “Extra” Second Prologue Chapter 1: Christ Calls for Humility Among the Nuns at Vadstena Chapter 2: The Sick Should be Allowed Extra Bed-clothes Chapter 3: The Monastic Community at Vadstena Should Celebrate the General Office as well as the Office of the Virgin Chapter 4: All Ostentation in the Nuns’ Singing is to be Avoided Chapter 5: Petrus of Skänninge is Advised on the Hymns which he Composed for the Office of the Virgin Chapter 6: Christ Praises the Piety of Petrus of Skänninge Chapter 7*: Reassurance for the Composer of the Prayer of Praise Chapter 8: irgitta is Instructed to go to Rome; about her Life in Rome; and about the Hymn “Ave Maris Stella” Chapter 9: The Community at Vadstena must Recite the Seven Psalms Chapter 10: Organ Playing is Prohibited Chapter 11: Under what Circumstances the Monastic Community May Speak with Outsiders or Leave the Abbey Chapter 12: On Reading Aloud, Recreation, and Study at the Abbey Chapter 13: On Rules for Fasting Chapter 14: Dispensations may be Granted to Members of the Community who are Sick Chapter 15: Baths Should be Taken Regularly Chapter 16: The Period of the Novitiate may be Shortened for those about Whom there is no Doubt Chapter 17: On Humility, Obedience, and Careful Observation of the Rule for the Nuns Chapter 18: The Monks may use the Rituals of the Diocese where the Abbey is Situated Chapter 19: The Virgin Reassures Birgitta that Sufficient Numbers of People will Apply to join the Planned Order Chapter 20: On the Status of the Elected Abbess Chapter 21: Humility is an Essential Virtue in the Order Dedicated to the Virgin Chapter 22: On the Procedure for Consecrating the Abbess Chapter 23: The Brethren must Preach in a Simple Unembellished Style Chapter 24: The Virgin and Devil Argue about the Land Rights of Vadstena Royal Palace Chapter 25: Vadstena, Earlier a Place of Injustice, would be Sanctified by the New Abbey Chapter 26: Monastic Buildings had Started to be Built on the Royal Estate but were Later Demolished Chapter 27: King Magnus is Unworthy of Building the New Abbey Chapter 28: About the Monastic Church Chapter 29: Birgitta Sees the Future Monastic Buildings at Vadstena Chapter 30*: Instructions about a “House” (i.e., a New Monastery) Chapter 31: On the Symbolism of the Three Doors in the Monastic Church Chapter 32: On the Financial Contributions Required toward the Completion of a New Abbey Chapter 33: Four Laymen may be Designated for Worldly Matters Chapter 34: Guidance on the Thirteen Altars in the Abbey Church Chapter 35: Four Women and Two Men may Help in the Kitchens Chapter 36: On the Use of Spices Chapter 37: Where the Sacrament should be Kept and How it should be taken to Sick Members of the Community Chapter 38: On the Graves within the Monastic Church and in the Graveyard Chapter 39: The Virgin Prays for the Abbey at Vadstena Chapter 40: On Those Who Will Follow the Monastic Rule Dictated by Christ Chapter 41: Birgitta is Instructed to Travel to Rome to Work for the Abbey’s Foundation Chapter 42*: Birgitta Must Write to the German Emperor for Approval of the Rule Chapter 43: King Magnus is Instructed to Travel to Rome for the Remission of Sins and to Obtain Approval for the New Order Chapter 44*: Pope Urban V is Urged to Ratify the Birgittine Rule Chapter 45: Prior Petrus of Alvastra is Instructed to Write down the Monastic Rule Chapter 46: Birgitta is Instructed to Dictate the Monastic: Rule to Petrus Chapter 47: God Calls Birgitta to be his Bride and Mouthpiece Chapter 48: After Initial Hesitation Prior Petrus Becomes Birgitta’s Secretary Chapter 49: Christ Instructs Birgitta to let Alfonso Edit and Check all the Revelations Chapter 50: Christ and the Virgin Discuss the Work of Salvation Chapter 51: Instructions to the Swedish Archbishop to Promote Various Messages Chapter 52: Birgitta Asks the Virgin’s Help in Self-Discipline Chapter 53: Concerning Birgitta’s Sumptuous Bed Chapter 54: Birgitta’s Heart is like a Pot of Delicious Food Chapter 55: Brother Gerekinus at Alvastra had Apparitions Concerning Birgitta Chapter 56: Birgitta sees her Husband in Purgatory Chapter 57: Birgitta’s Temptations to Gluttony Chapter 58: Three Aspects of Birgitta’s Fasting Chapter 59: An Episode concerning the Relics of St. Louis of France Chapter 60: Birgitta Grants her Body the Necessary Refreshment, in Obedience to her Spiritual Father Chapter 61: Birgitta Follows Magister Mathias’s Advice to Drink Between Meals Chapter 62: A Devil Tempts Birgitta toward Pride Chapter 63: The Virgin Promises to Care for Birgitta and tells her to Obey St. Agnes’s Instructions and her Spiritual Leader’s Advice Chapter 64: On the Temptations that Concern Birgitta and her Circle Chapter 65: How Birgitta’s Servants should Arrange their Daily Life in Rome Chapter 66: While Returning from Santiago de Compostela1 with her Husband, Birgitta is Told that she will Visit the Holy Land Chapter 67: Birgitta is Comforted by the Virgin Shortly Before her Death Chapter 68: On the Same Occasion, the Virgin Explains what it is to Live and Die Spiritually Chapter 69: The Virgin Praises Katherina Ulfsdotter for Living Voluntarily in Rome with her Mother Chapter 70: Birgitta Gives Alms to Some Poor People Chapter 71: When Master Petrus of Skänninge was Overcome by Robbers he Showed Exemplary Courage Chapter 72: Before her Husband’s Death Birgitta is Promised Future Spiritual Gifts Chapter 73: Advice for King Magnus Eriksson Chapter 74: A Warning to the Swedish Knights; the King Should Support the Monastic Foundation Chapter 75: A Worldly Noblewoman is Threatened with Punishment and Told to Lead a Better Life Chapter 76: Birigtta’s Magister is Told to Continue to Raise his Voice Chapter 77: Sweden will Undergo Punishment Chapter 78: On Six Kings Chapter 79: Advice for two Men who Might Become Bishops Chapter 80: A Political Revelation in which Four Noblemen are Encouraged to Rise against the King Chapter 81: Birgitta Smells an Unpleasant Odor in the Presence of Evil People Chapter 82: A Call for People to Observe God’s Justice and Mercy as Revealed in History Chapter 83: On the Selfishness and Worldliness of Laymen, Priests, and People in Holy Orders Chapter 84: An Artist makes a Golden Image to Replace one that is Ruined by Moisture Chapter 85: Advice and Guidance to a Certain Bishop1 Chapter 86: On Laughter and Sorrow Chapter 87: Filling an Empty Bag or Jar is like Filling a Person with the Holy Spirit Chapter 88: The Circumstances under which Birgitta may Make Loans Chapter 89: The Virgin has Tools with which to Defend Herself and her Friends Chapter 90: Contemporary Franciscans are Criticized, and the Authenticity of the Indulgences at the Nearby Church is Upheld Chapter 91: The Potencies of Precious Gems are used to Describe the Potency of the Words Written in the Bible Chapter 92: St. Denis Appears to Birgitta and Comforts Her in Her Husband’s Illness Chapter 93: Birgitta Overcomes a Temptation of Pride Chapter 94: St. Denis Appears to Birgitta and Comforts Her in Her Husband’s Illness Chapter 95: Birgitta Expresses Concern about Leaving her Children when she Leaves for Rome Chapter 96: While Reading the Speculum Virginum Birgitta Hears a Voice Praising Virginity, Marriage, and Widowhood Chapter 97: An Event that Occurs during Birgitta’s Visit to the Benedictine Abbey of Farfa Chapter 98: Concerning the Death of Birgitta’s Daughter Ingeborg, at Riseberga Abbey Chapter 99: During a Pilgrimage in Italy Birgitta is Instructed to Moderate her Fasting Chapter 100: A Swedish Woman in Montefiascone has a Revelation Concerning Birgitta Chapter 101: A Revelation about one of Birgitta’s Female Companions who Died in Milan Chapter 102: On the Death of the Bishop of Orvieto Chapter 103: Birgitta has Economic Difficulties while in Rome Chapter 104: Concerning Bishop Hemming and Birgitta Chapter 105: Criticism of an Abbot at the Benedictine Abbey of Farfa Chapter 106: Birgitta Receives a Relic of the Cross and is Assured of its Authenticity Chapter 107: Birgitta Fears that she has to Move from a House by the Church of S. Lorenzo in Damaso in Rome Chapter 108: A Vision of Bishop Brynolf Algotsson1 of Skara Chapter 109: Prior Petrus is Cured of a Long-standing Headache Chapter 110: Queen Johanna of Naples gives Birgitta some Money during her Return Visit from Jerusalem Chapter 111: On a Pilgrimage Birgitta is Beset by Financial Difficulties and Advised to Turn to the Archbishop for Help Chapter 112: Birgitta’s Cook Repents in Purgatory for Telling her in Jest that her son Karl had been Hanged in Sweden Chapter 113: On the Liturgical Hours Composed by Birgitta and Master Petrus Chapter 114: The Master’s Ears will be filled with a Rush of Wind to Help his Composition Chapter 115: An Angel Describes Petrus’s Role as Birgitta’s Secretary Chapter 116: Birgitta Talks to God about her Love Additional Texts Introduction Three Letters in Latin Letter 1 Letter 2 Letter 3 Two Autographs in Birgitta’s Own Hand Autograph A (Corresponding to Book IV, ch. 49) Autograph B (Corresponding to Book VIII 56.97–102 and Extravagantes 80) Six Meditations in Swedish Four Birgittine-Norwegian Texts A Letter to Birger Ulfsson in Swedish Bibliography—Volume 4 Online Resources Place Names, Volumes 1–4 Personal Names, Volumes 1–4 Cited Works, Volumes 1–4 Subjects, Volumes 1–4 Images, Volumes 1–4 Biblical Citations and Allusions, Volumes 1–4 Date and Place of Origin, Volumes 1–4 Illustrations, Volumes 1–4 St. Birgitta of Sweden (1303-1373, canonized 1391) was one of the most charismatic and influential female visionaries of the later Middle Ages. Altogether, she received some 700 revelations, dealing with subjects ranging from meditations on the human condition, domestic affairs in Sweden, and ecclesiastical matters in Rome, to revelations in praise of the Incarnation and devotion to the Virgin. Her Revelations, collected and ordered by her confessors, circulated widely throughout Europe and long after her death. Many eminent individuals, including Cardinal Juan Torquemada, Jean Gerson, and Martin Luther, read and commented on her writings, which influenced the spiritual lives of countless individuals. Birgitta was also the founder of a new monastic order, which still exists today. She is the patron saint of Sweden, and in 2000 was declared (with Catherine of Siena and Edith Stein) co-patroness of Europe. Birgitta's Revelations present her as a commanding and dauntless visionary who develops a contemplative mysticism that is always interwoven with social engagement and a commitment to the salvation of the world. The varied styles of her revelations are dominated by frequent juxtapositions of memorable images and allegories that illustrate her fierce and fertile imagination, her sharp powers of observation and understanding, and her passionate and receptive storytelling powers. This fourth and final volume of the translation of the Revelations of St. Birgitta of Sweden, comprises The Heavenly Emperor's Book to Kings, The Rule, and Minor Works. While the complete collection of Birgitta's books--called Liber caelestis--ends with Books VII, the eighth book, also referred to as The Heavenly Emperor's Book to Kings, was added after her death. It was compiled by Alfonso of Jaén, and is prefaced by his own treatise, titled The Hermit's Letter to Kings, which examines the ways in which revelations are tested and proven to be true visions conferred by the Holy Spirit. This volume also contains the Birgittine Rule, the Matins readings intended for the nuns, four prayers, and a collection of scattered revelations that lie on the periphery of the main corpus of texts. The translation is based on the recently completed critical edition of the Latin text and promises to be the standard English translation of the Revelations for years to come. St. Birgitta of Sweden (1303-1373, canonized 1391) was one of the most charismatic and influential female visionaries of the later Middle Ages. Altogether, she received some 700 revelations, dealing with subjects ranging from meditations on the human condition, domestic affairs in Sweden, and ecclesiastical matters in Rome, to revelations in praise of the Incarnation and devotion to the Virgin. Her Revelations, collected and ordered by her confessors, circulated widely throughout Europe and long after her death. Many eminent individuals, including Cardinal Juan Torquemada, Jean Gerson, and Martin Luther, read and commented on her writings, which influenced the spiritual lives of countless individuals. Birgitta was also the founder of a new monastic order, which still exists today. She is the patron saint of Sweden, and in 2000 was declared (with Catherine of Siena and Edith Stein) co-patroness of Europe. Birgitta's Revelations present her as a commanding and dauntless visionary who develops a contemplative mysticism that is always interwoven with social engagement and a commitment to the salvation of the world.0