Add MS 24332

This Middle Dutch prayer-book contains several standard texts typical in books of Hours, such as the Hours of the Holy Cross and the Seven Penitential Psalms, but also an unusual combination of the Hours of the Holy Spirit and of the Virgin Mary (ff. 63r-104r and ff. 134r-232r). The manuscript also contains a large section of prayers to Christ, the Virgin Mary and saints organised according to the liturgical year (ff. 262r). The 15th-century binding was produced in Maastricht (see Verheyden ‘Boekbanden uit Maastricht’ (1933-34), pp. 154-56, pl. 5). The manuscript’s contents leave no doubt that it was produced for a Franciscan community: it contains prayers dedicated to St Francis, one of which refers to him as ‘dear father and worthy patron’ [f. 379r: ‘soete vader ende werde patroen’], St Clare, and St Bernardino of Siena (ff. 333r-333v), a Franciscan priest.

The manuscript once contained a large number of printed images that, at some in the nineteenth century, were removed from, cut out or removed with their pages. The number of missing pages and cut-outs indicate that more than one hundred printed images are missing. Only two printed images have remained intact. A large number of engravings have previously been identified in the British Museum’s Department of Prints and Drawings (see Rudy, The Image, the Knife, and the Gluepot: Early Experiments in Combining Manuscript and Print, forthcoming in 2018). These printed images (museum numbers: 1861,1109.632, 1861,1109.634-1861,1109.635, 1861,1109.638-1861,1109.677 [including 1861,1109.675 +], 1861,1109.679-1861,1109.683, 1861,1109.685, 1861,1109.686, 1861,1109.688-1861,1109.693) provide further support for the manuscript’s provenance at a community of Franciscan tertiaries: one separate leaf (museum number: 1861,1109.665) contains a prayer to and woodcut of Saint Elzéar of Sabran, a Franciscan tertiary.

Contents:

ff. 1r-12v: A Calendar.

ff. 13r-13v: A table of Sunday Letters for feast days.

ff. 14r-14v: An instruction for using the prayer-books contents for commemorating Christ, the Virgin Mary and all saints, beginning ‘Jheronimus seet in eynre epistelen die hi voer sijnen calendier scrivet Dat ghein dach binnen den iaer en is sonder iaersdach . daer en sijn vijfdusent martelaren in ghedoet [etc.]’.

ff. 15r-16v: A table of contents for the prayer-book.

ff. 17r-17v: Computistical tables for Easter

ff. 19r-24v: Letters for days with liturgical feasts, days for visiting the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome, and a description of the liturgical year.

ff. 26r-27v: The Paternoster, Ave Maria, Apostle’s Creed, Ave Salus Mundi, Anima Christi in Latin.

ff. 27v-37r: The Benedicite; Kyrie Eleison; Jube, domine, benedicere; and prayers for the Communion (e.g. Benedictio Ante Mensam), with interlinear translations (rubricated) in Middle Dutch.

ff. 37v-41v: The Miserere, De Profundis, Requiem, Salve Regina, Ave Maria, Regina Coeli, and Gaude Dei genitrix virgo (imperfect) in Latin.

ff. 43r-43v: A prayer sequence on the lives of the Virgin Mary and Christ, imperfect.

ff. 45r-45v: A prayer sequence on the lives of the Virgin Mary and Christ, imperfect.

f. 47r: The ending of an unidentified prayer.

ff. 47r-59r: The Hours of the Holy Cross, ‘[rubric:] Eyn ghemein colect op elcke ghetide van den cruys ghetijden . metten [prayer:] Bidden wy here ihesu Christe des levendighen gods soen . sette dijn better passie . dijn pijn. dijn cruys . dijn doet . tusschen mijn siel [ende dijn ordel] [etc.]’.

ff. 63r-104r: A combination of the Hours of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, imperfect, beginning: ‘rijck mit des vaders voer gheloefden reden [etc.]’.

ff. 104v-118r: The Seven Penitential Psalms, imperfect, ‘[rubric:] Hier beghinnen die seven psalmen davids van penitencien Domine ne in furore .vi. [prayer:] [...] snellijc Glorie sij den vader ende den soen ende den heilighen gheist [etc.]’.

ff. 118r-134r: A litany of saints, ‘[rubric:] Letanien [prayer:] Heer ontfermt ons Criste ontfermt ons Criste hoert ons [etc.]’.

ff. 134r-232r: A combination of the Hours of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, ‘[rubric:] Tercie vanden heilighen gheist [prayer:] God wil dencken in mijn hulp Keer tot mich te hulpen haest Glorie sy den vader ende den soen ende den heilighen gheist [etc.]’.

f. 233v : A prayer to the Virgin Mary with indulgences attributed to Pope Eugene IV, imperfect ‘[rubric:] Dit maech men leesen op di ghetijden . Eugenius die vierde paus heeft ghegeven ccc daghe aflaets ende verlaet die versumenisse inden ghetijden Oracie [prayer:] Der overste glorioser ende onverscheidenre drivoldicheit ende der ghecruister menscheit ons heren ihesu Christi ende der alre salichster maghet ende moeder gods marien [etc.]’.

ff. 234r-237r: A list of indulgences, beginning imperfectly ‘Inden eersten heeft hi ghegeven xx daghe aflaets allen den ghenen die daer inder missen en neyghen alsmen den sueten naem ihesus oft maria noemt [etc.]’ [see Rudy, Rubrics (2017), pp. 40-41].

ff. 239r-250r: Prayers to Christ’s body parts, beginning imperfectly: ‘Gegruet sijstu myn salicheit . o die lieve heer ihesu Christe . Weest gegruet wilt my bequaem maken te bidden tot dinen heilighen cruce [etc.]’.

f. 250r: A short prayer to Christ, ‘[rubric:] Een cort schoen gebet . [prayer:] O alre barmhertickste ihesu ic bidde dy doer dyn bitter dooet ende dyn preciose bloit weest in die ure mijns doots mijn arme ziel barmhertich . Amen.’.

ff. 250r-252r: Salutations to Christ’s body parts: ‘[rubric:] Die paus Innocentius hefft ghegheven tot elcker grueten naevolghende .ccc. daghe aflaits . allen den ghenen die sij devoetelick ende myt aendacht lesende sijn . Jhesus maria . Anna Franciscus Clara [prayer:] Weest gegruet bevende hoeft des almechtigen gesont makes . dat welc voer ons mit doernen gecroent ende mitten riet wredelic gheslagen is [etc.]’.

ff. 252r-253v: Three prayers to Christ with indulgences, ‘[underlined:] Soe wie dese deprecor leest ende een Pater noster dair op die verdient mitter hulpen gods vj.^M vj.^C ende lxvj iaer aflaits van doetlicken sonden . Ende dat ander deprecor mit een Pater noster die verdient oic vj.^M vj^C ende lxvj iaer aflaits van doetliken sonden Ende dat derde Deprecor leest . die verdient vj.^M vj^C ende lxvj iaer aflaits . Ende al soe voel carenen van verloeren tijde . diemen bernen moest in vegevyer . [rubric:] dat yerste deprecor [prayer:] Ic bidde dy lieve heer ihesu Christe inder eeren dyns doots die geleden heeft dyne alre edelste menscheit aenden heiligen cruce ontfermt mynre nu ende inder uren mijns doots [etc.]’.

ff. 254r-258v: Prayers to the Virgin Mary at the canonical hours, ‘[rubric:] Hier beghinnen onser liever vrouwen ghetijden mettene . [prayer:] O Maria alre selichste maget . Ic bidde dy doer dat mynlicke lijden dijns moederlicken herte [etc.]’.

f. 258v: A poem on battling worldly temptations, ‘Wie sich kan lijden ende wilt strijden . / Teghen die natuer in desen tijden . / Die sal sich vervrouwen ende verbliden / Mit ihesus Christus in toecomenden tijden . / Ave maria gracia plena dominus tecum etcaetera’.

f. 258v: A scribal request to the reader to pray the Ave Maria for him/her, ‘Bidt voer den scryver om gods wil een Ave maria’.

ff. 258v-260r: A prayer before the Eucharist with indulgences attributed to Pope John XXI, ‘[rubric:] Item die die naevolgende gebet met devocien ende ynnicheiden ende met gewarigen rouwe van horen sonden spreken in tegenwoerdicheit des heiligen sacraments die gheeft die xxij^ste paus Jan al soe meningen dach aflaets als onse lieve here wonden hadde . [prayer:] O ghenadige goedertieren here ihesu Christe Ic bidde di doer die groete mynne daerstu dat menschelike geslecte mede mynnes [etc.]’.

ff. 260r-260v: Three Paternosters and Aves concerning the Passion with indulgences attributed to Pope Silvester, ‘[underlined:] Synte silvester seyt uter grondeloeser ontfermherticheit gods ende vander macht wegen my verleent Soe geve ic allen menschen die werdich syn aflaet tonfaen . alsoe menich iaer aflaets als binnen desen dage ende nachte droppelen waters sijn gevallen . Ende het hadde doen wtnemende seer gereghent Die lesen selen dese drie navolgende Pater noster ende Ave maria [prayer:] Den eersten pater noster ter eeren alle den lijden dat ihesus Christus leet van des witten donredaechs tot opten gueden vrydach dat hi aender galgen des crucen genagelt was [etc.]’.

ff. 262r-262v: Readings and prayers for New Year’s Day, ‘[rubric:] Hier volghen voel ghebeden van den heilgen . Die epistel op jaers dach [prayer:] Alre liefste mijn sich heer openbaert die ghenedicheit ende mensscheit des behelders ons gods [etc.]’.

ff. 264r-265v: A prayer to Christ, imperfect.

ff. 265v-267r: Prayers to the Three Magi, ‘Antiphona vanden heiligen dri coningen [prayer:] Wy eeren desen heilighen daech die verchiert is met drie miraculen [etc.]’.

ff. 267r-267v: A prayer to the Virgin Mary to be read for thirty days before an image of her, ‘[rubric:] Een ghebet van onser liever vrouwen ende is goet ghelesen xxx daghe voer onser vrouwen bielde [prayer:] Vrouwe heilighe moder gods ontfaet mijn ghebet om die eere ende om di minne dijnre dracht . ende in werdicheit des gheloefs [etc.]’.

f. 269r: The ending of an unidentified prayer.

ff. 269r-269v: A prayer to the Holy Face, ‘[rubric:] Eyn ghebet totten aengesicht Christi vronica [sic] [prayer:] God gruete u claer aensiche di om onsen wille bleec sijt worden aenden cruce swert van anxte [etc.]’.

f. 269v: A prayer to St Fabian and St Sebastian, ‘[rubric:] van sinte fabiaen ende sebastiaen gebet [prayer:] Wy bidden di here dat die hoeghe verdienste dijnre heiliger martelaers [etc.]’, imperfect.

f. 271r: The ending of a prayer to St Agnes.

ff. 271r-271v : A prayer to St Vincent, ‘[rubric:] van Sinte vincent ghebet’, imperfect.

f. 273r: The ending of an unidentified prayer.

ff. 273r-274v: Prayers concerning the conversion of St Paul, ‘[rubric:] [Van] sinte pauwels bekeringe antifon [prayer:] [O] gloriose liecht der heiligher kerken blinckender dan di sonne [etc.].

ff. 274v: A prayer for Candlemass, ‘[rubric:] Eyn antiffen van onser vrouwen liechtmisse Die collect van metten cxxij [prayer:] Simeon vervult metten heilighen gheist quaem inden tempel ende doen quamen Joseph ende Maria ende brachten dat kint Jhesum inden tempel [etc.].

ff. 276r-276v: A prayer to St Agatha, ‘[rubric:] van sinte Aechte gebet [prayer:] O salighe ende edel maghet sinte Aechte die voer alle dat lof des ghetruwen dienres lijdens verdient hebste met dijnen bloide god te verclaren [etc.]’, imperfect.

ff. 278r-278v: Prayers to St Gregory the Great, imperfect, beginning, ‘Ghegruet sijstu wtvercoren leeraer gregori biden loen dijnre salichen haldet seeghe die ghehele . heilighe kercke Die overmits di ewelijke in ghesat is [etc.]’.

f. 280r: The ending of an unidentified prayer.

ff. 280r-281v: A prayer to St Joseph, ‘[rubric:] Eyn ghebet van sinte joseph Marien brude [prayer:] [V]ervrouwet w o heilighe ioseph brudegom der glorioser maghet Maria een bequaem navolgher des groten patriarchen [etc.]’, imperfect.

f. 283r: The ending of an unidentified prayer.

ff. 283r-283v: Prayers concerning the Annunciation, imperfect, ‘[rubric:] van maria boetschap [prayer:] Ich gruete dy edele maecht Maria soect xxvi [etc.]’, imperfect.

ff. 285r-286v: A sequence of salutations to the Virgin Mary, imperfect.

ff. 286v-287r: Six prayer verses to the Virgin Mary, ‘[rubric:] vi verssen tot Maria gebet [prayer:] O werdighe moeder gods een ghenade ende een liecht des dachs [etc.];.

ff. 287r-290r: Three prayers to the Virgin Mary, ‘[rubric:] Eyn schoen ghebet tot onser liever vrou [prayer:] God gruete u Maria perle alre volmaectheit . Spieghel alre heilicheit . Wortel alre oetmoedicheit [etc.]’.

ff. 290r-290v: A prayer to the Virgin Mary, attributed to St Bernard of Clairvaux, ‘[rubric:] Eyn schoen gebet van maria dat bernardus plach te le[sen] [prayer:] Gloriose coninghinne der blijtscappen O fonteyne der goddiensticheit ende der ontfermherticheit O blinckende schijn des hemels ende suoetichet des paradijs [etc.]’.

ff. 290v-291r: A prayer to the Virgin Mary, ‘[rubric:] Noch ein van maria [prayer:] Ghegruet sijstu Maria een dochter des ewighen vaders Ghegruet sijstu Maria een moeder des ewighen soens Ghegruet sijst u Maria een bruit des heiligen gheist [etc.]’.

ff. 291r-292v: A prayer to the Virgin Mary, supposedly revealed by an angel to St Bernard of Clairvaux, ‘[rubric:] Dit gebet openbaerde di yngel sinte bernart van maria [prayer:] Weest ghegruet alre oetmoedichste dienstmaghet der heiliger drivoldicheit Maria [etc.]’.

f. 292v: A prayer to the Virgin Mary to be read at a particular hour, ‘[rubric:] Als die clock slaet keert u inwart tot u sel[ven] [prayer:] O mijn herte waer sydi . wat peysdi nu . sydi nu in die wonden Christi + God verlien ons eyn salighe vre te leven ende te sterven. Maria moder der gheanden . moeder der ontfermherticheit’.

ff. 292v-294r: Short prayers to the Virgin Mary, ‘[rubric:] Maria verwerck . dri grueten [mechtichste . a.] [wijste . b] [goedertierenste . c]’ [prayer:] Ghegruet sijstu alre . mechtichste [a] :. wijste [b] . goedertierneste [c] [etc.]’.

ff. 298r-301v: A prayer to the Virgin Mary’s heart attributed to St Bernard of Clairvaux, ‘[rubric:] Dit ghebet maecte sinte bernaert ter eeren onser liever vrouwen herte daer hij sonderlinghen gracie aen haer vercreech [prayer:] Ic spreke tot dijnre herten O suete maria ende aenbede dat als een heilich tempel gods Ende ic aenbede dat als een heilich tempel gods [etc.]’.

ff. 301v-303v: Five Salutations to the Virgin Mary, ‘[rubric:] Hier beghinnen vijf schone grueten van onser liever vrouwen marien der moeder Christi ende sijn seer nutte haer alle daghe ter eren ghelesen [prayer:] God gruete u goedertiren maria een blinckende dagheraet een morgen sterre ende een snel aer [etc.]’.

ff. 303v-305v: Prayers concerning the Seven Heavenly Joys of the Virgin Mary, revealed by her to a bishop, ‘[prayer:] Onse lieve vrouwe openbaerden eenen bisscop die seer heilich was Ende seide hem soe wie my daghelijcks eert met desen naevolghenden vrouden die wil ic weder vervrouden in sijnen lesten met mijnre teghenwordicheit ende van hem verdrijven alle anxt der vianden ende presenteren sijn ziele voer dat zensicht mijns lieven kindes Oratio [prayer:] Vervrouwet u heilighe gods moeder vander bloemen der meechdelijcheit Want ghij met sonderlingher eeren boven gaet die ghescierde princelijcheit der heiligher enghelen in werdicheit der gaven [etc.]’.

ff. 305v-307v: A prayer to Christ, attributed to the Virgin Mary when she held the body of Christ in her lap, with indulgences attributed to Pope Innocent IV, ‘[rubric:] Doen onse lieve here ihesus Christus vanden cruce ghedaen was ende van sijnre liever moeder marien in haren meechdelijken scoet ontfanghen was met groter compassien ende medelijden sprack sij dese naevolghende worde Ende soe wijse wt medelijden sprict Dien gheeft die paus Innocencius die vierde . vj^M . vj^.C. ende lxvi jaer Aflaets Ave maria [prayer:] [...] O vloyende fonteyne der ewicheit hoe bistu huden aldus verdroecht ende verdort [etc.]’, imperfect.

ff. 307v-309r: A prayer concerning the sorrows of the Virgin Mary, ‘[rubric:] Noch een ander devote ghebet van onser liever vrouwen [prayer:] Die werde moeder gods stont herde droevich bij den cruce daer haer lieve sone aenhinck daer doerghinc dat sweert des rouwen haer ghebenedijde hertte [etc.]’, imperfect.

ff. 309r-311r: Three Aves to the Virgin Mary for gaining her protection, ‘[rubric:] Soe wie die gloriose maghet maria bij hem wilt hebben in die stonde sijnre doot die leese haer alle daghe dese drye ghebedekens met dry Ave marien [...] [prayer:] [...] naeder grootheit sijnre moeghentheit u met hem inden trone der glorien met ontsprekelijcker groter eeren verhaven heeft [etc.]’ imperfect.

ff. 311r-311v: A prayer to the Virgin Mary with indulgences attributed to Pope Boniface, ‘[rubric:] Bonifacius die paus verleent allen menschen die dit ghebet spreken ter eeren onser liever vrouwen hondert Jaer Aflaets [prayer:] Ghegruet sijstu maria hoghe verheven stock . der lylien suverheit [etc.]’.

ff. 311v-312r: A prayer to the Virgin Mary to be recited before an image of the Madonna of the Sun and the Moon with indulgences attributed to Pope Sixtus IV, ‘[rubric:] Die paus sixtus die vierde heeft ghegeven xi^.M. Jaer aflaets soe dicke alsmen dese Oracy leset in staet van gracien voer onser vrouwen bielde inder sonnen ter eren dat sij ontfanghen is sonder erfsunde [prayer:] Weest ghegruet alre heilichste maria moeder gods coninghinne des hemels porte des paradijs vrouwe der werelt [etc.]’.

ff. 312r-312v: A prayer to the Virgin Mary, ‘[rubric:] Een ghebet van onser vrouwen [prayer:] Verblijt u onbesmette maget ende moeder des almechtighen gods [etc.]’.

ff. 312v-313v: An prayer concerning the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, ‘[rubric:] Een suet Anthiffen van onser liever vrouwen hiemelvaert [prayer:] Altemael suverlijc bistu mijne vriendinne . ende gheen vlecke en is in dij [etc.]’.

ff. 313v-314v: A prayer that the Virgin Mary supposedly read in her youth, ‘[rubric:] Een sonderlinge scoen gebet dat maria gods moeder plach te beden in haer ioecht tot gode [prayer:] O alder liefste lief ic offer dij mijn hertte mijn lichaem ende mijn ziele ende mijnen wille ende alle die crachten mijnre zielen [etc.]’.

ff. 316r-317v: Two prayers to St Ambrose, ‘[rubric:] Van sinte Ambrosius ghebet [prayer:] God gruet dij claer sterre ende lichtende radie derewigher sonnen [etc.]’, imperfect.

ff. 319r-319v: A prayer to St George, beginning ‘O here ich sonder schrielicke bid dijn bermherticheit . neder ghevallen tot dijnen voeten met herten ende met lichaem [etc.]’, imperfect.

f. 321r: The ending of an unidentified prayer.

ff. 321r-321v: A prayer to St Mark the Evangelist, ‘[rubric:] Van Sinte marcus ewangelist [prayer:] O heilighe ewangelista Marcus doer dijn heilige oetmoedighe ghebet verweerst mi vruchtbaerheit der penitencien in mijnen sondighen herte [etc.]’.

f. 321v: A prayer to St Quirinus, imperfect due to the loss of f. 322, ‘[rubric:] Van sinte querijn een ghebet pater noster [prayer:] Dese heilighe maertelaer sinte querijn heeft bekent die rechtverdicheit gods [etc.]’.

ff. 323r-323v: A prayer to St Katherine of Siena, imperfect, beginning, ‘O seer blinckende maghet Christi katherina van senis die welke bist eyn bruit cristi schinede van doechden als der sonnen radien [etc.]’.

ff. 323v-325v: Prayers to St James the Less and St Philip, imperfect, ‘[rubric:] Antiphona van sinte jacop ende sinte philippus [prayer:] Dat sijn die . die gheslagen ghinghen al verblidende vanden aenghesichte des raets [etc.]’.

ff. 326r-327v: A prayer concerning the Finding of the True Cross, ‘[rubric:] Eyn ymnen vanden heiligen cruis dat vonden waert [prayer:] Ghegruet sijstu heilige cruis. glorie der werelt . onse waerhoep . waerachtige vroude daghende teyken der salicheit [etc.]’.

ff. 327v-329r: A prayer about the Holy Cross, referred to as a letter, ‘[rubric:] Eyn epistel vanden heiligen cruis [prayer:] Dat cruys Christi + sy bi my Dat cruys Christi + is dat ic altijt aenbede Dat cruys Christi + is waerachtighe salicheit Dat cruys Christi + boven gheit die sweerden [etc.]’.

ff. 329r-329v: A prayer to Christ for remission of sins, ‘[rubric:] Eyn krachtich gebet [prayer:] O lieve here Jhesus Christus . reinicht mijn siele doer alle dat custelijc duierbaer bloet [etc.]’.

f. 329v: A blessing, ’[rubric:] Eyn segheninghe [prayer:] God wil my gheseghenen ende dat werde heilige cruys . Allet dat mych ontmoeet [sic] ende die goede god niet en groet dat moet verre wt mynen weghen gaen [etc.]’ [imperfect].

ff. 331r-331v: Prayers to St Servatius of Tongeren, imperfect.

f. 333r: The ending of an unidentified prayer.

ff. 333r-333v: A prayer to St Bernardino of Siena, imperfect, ‘[rubric:] VAn sinte bernardinus ghebet [prayer:] God gruet uch here vader Sinte bernardinus eyn versmaeder alre eerscher dinghen ende rijcheiden [etc.]’.

ff. 335r-335v: Prayers to St John the Baptist, imperfect.

f. 337r: The ending of an unidentified prayer.

ff. 337r-338r: A prayer to St Peter, ‘[rubric:] gebet van sinte peter [prayer:] O sine peter ewerdige voerste der apostelen . du hebste bekent ihesum onsen heer te wesen god ende mensche [etc.]’.

ff. 338r-338v: A prayer to St Peter and St Paul, imperfect, ‘[rubric:] van Sinte peter ende paulus [prayer:] O petrus overste priester Christi ende pauwelus edel leeraer der heidenen [etc.]’.

ff. 340r-340v: A prayer to St Paul, imperfect.

ff. 342r-342v: A prayer to St Remigius, imperfect.

ff. 343r-345v: Prayers concerning the Visitation, imperfect, ‘[rubric:] Eyn ghebet van onser vrouwen visitasi [prayer:] Alre goedertierenste maghet ende moeder gods Maria Ick bid u doer die blijtscap ende werdicheit die ghi hadt doen ghi onsen lieven heer Jhesuontfanghen hadt ende elysabeth uwe nichte visentierden [etc.]’, imperfect.

f. 347r: The ending of an prayer to St Margaret.

ff. 347r-347v: A prayer to St Margaret, ‘[rubric:] Eyn ander [prayer:] O salighe maghet margrieta ghi dient rust met uwen lieven brudegom in die ewighe glorie [etc.]’.

f. 347v: A prayer concerning the twelve Apostles, imperfect, ‘[rubric:] Vanden xij apostelen scheidinghe . van sinte peter [prayer:] O sinte peter prence der apostelen . stercke mich inden ghelouwe [etc.]’, imperfect.

ff. 349r-349v: A prayer to St James the Greater, imperfect.

f. 351r: The ending of an unidentified prayer.

ff. 351r-352r: A prayer to St Anne, imperfect, ‘[rubric:] Eyn schoen ghebet vander heiliger vrouwen Sinte Annen [prayer:] [D]at rijcke der hemelen ende alle die vrucht des paradijs hebdij verwonnen doer die vrucht dijns lichams die gloriose maghet Maria [etc.]’.

ff. 352r-354r: The Seven Joys of St Anne, ‘[rubric:] vij blitscappen van sinte Annen . Marien moeder [prayer:] Verblide dich o salighe vrouwe sinte Anna die nae den laster der onvruchtbaerheit drechtich ghewoerden biste [etc.]’.

f. 354r: A Salutation for Christ and the Virgin Mary, ‘[rubric:] eyn groet tot ihesus ende maria [prayer:] Weest ghegruet alre goedertierenste ihesu . Weest ghegruet Maria vol van gracien [etc.]’.

ff. 354r-354v: A prayer to be recited thrice before an image of St Anne, imperfect, ‘[rubric:] Dit ghebet salmen drijwerf spreken voer sinte Anna bielde [prayer:] Weest ghegruet Maria vol van gracien . die heer is metti . dijn gracie moet sijn altijt mit my [etc.]’.

f. 356r: The ending of an unidentified prayer.

ff. 356r-357r: Two prayers to St Joachim and St Anne, imperfect, ‘[rubric:] Eyn ghebet van Sinte joachim ende Anna [prayer:] Weest ghegruet o heilighe ouders Joachim ende Anna [etc.]’; the second prayer ends with an instruction to read the prayers on ff. 33, 34, and 35 (medieval foliation), which are missing.

ff. 357r-357v: A prayer concerning the chains of St Peter, ‘[rubric:] ghebet van sinte peters banden [prayer:] Die enghel des heeren stoent daer teghenwordich . eyn liecht scheen blinckende inder woninghen des kerkers [etc.]’.

f. 357v: A prayer concerning the Translation of St Stephen, ‘[rubric:] Die over voeringhe van sinte steven: pater noster’, imperfect.

ff. 359r-359v: Prayers to St Laurence, imperfect.

ff. 361r-361v: A prayer to St Clara, imperfect.

ff. 361v-362v: The Four Joys of St Clara, ‘[rubric:] van Sinte clara iiij blijtscappen [prayer:] Verblit u o salighe ioncfer sinte clara . die van gode vercoren sijt van ewicheit te wesen sijn gheminde bruit [etc.]’.

ff. 362v-363v : A prayer concerning the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, imperfect, ‘[rubric:] Antiffen vander hemelvaert Marian ix pater noster [prayer:] Altemael suerlijck bistu [etc.]’, imperfect.

f. 365r: The ending of an unidentified prayer.

ff. 365r-366r: A prayer to St Bernard of Clairvaux, imperfect.

ff. 366r-369r: Prayers to St Bartholomew, ‘[rubric:] Van sinte bartholemeus ghebet [prayer:] O edel sterre des hemels . bartholomeus blinckende claer dan die sonne [etc.]’.

ff. 369r-369v: Prayers to St Augustine, imperfect, ‘[rubric:] Van sinte Augustinus Antiffen [prayer:] Het is teghenwoerdich een vierlick dach in welcken die here busscop sinte augustinus vanden banden des vleisches ontbonden opghenomen is vanden enghelen [etc.]’.

f. 371r: The ending of a prayer to St John (the Evangelist ?).

ff. 371r-372v: A prayer to St Giles, ‘[rubric:] Van Sinte ghielis eyn ghebet [prayer:] Du biste salich o here vader sinte Egidius die nader doet dijnre alders Christum erfghenaem hebst ghemaect van dijnen goede [etc.]’.

ff. 373r-373v: Prayers concerning the Virgin Mary’s birth, imperfect, ‘[rubric:] van Maria gheboerte [prayer:] Dine gheboerte o joncfrouwe moeder gods heeft vroude geboetscapt alle der werelt [etc.]’; ending with an instruction to read prayers on ff. 119, 300, and 91 (medieval foliation).

ff. 374r-374v: A prayer for the Elevation of the Holy Cross, imperfect, ’[rubric:] Des heilighen cruis verheffinge [prayer:] Heere dat hout des levens is in dijnen Cruis gheapenbaert [etc.]’.

ff. 376r-376v: Prayers concerning the stigmatization of St Francis, imperfect, beginning ‘Een hemelsche claerheit heeft gheschenen . een nuwe sterre heeft geblinct . die heilighe franciscus is verclaert . een seraph heeft hem sich gheapenbaert [etc.]’.

ff. 378r-379v: Prayers to St Francis, imperfect.

ff. 379r-380v: Prayers concerning the Five Joys of St Francis, ‘[rubric:] v blijtscappen van sinte franciscus [prayer:] Verblijt u here vader sinte francisce navolger ende mynnaer der wet ende vermader alre tijtlijcker dinghen [etc.]’.

f. 380v: A prayer to St Lambert of Maastricht, ‘[rubric:] O lambrecht busscop ende martyr gebet [prayer:] O priester gods lamberte cristus martelaer bidt den heer voer dijn ynnighe dienres [etc.]’, imperfect.

f. 382r: The ending of a prayer to St Matthew.

ff. 382r-382v: A prayer to martyr saints, imperfect.

f. 384r: The ending of an unidentified prayer.

ff. 384r-384v: Prayers to St Michael, ‘[rubric:] gebet [prayer:] O heilige archangel sinte michael proest des paradijs dich eren alle die engelen ende heiligen gods [etc.]’, imperfect.

ff. 386r-386: A prayer to St jerome, imperfect.

f. 388r-389v: Prayers to Christ concerning the Passion, beginning ‘[rubric: Pater noster Ave [prayer:] O heer ihesu Christe Ic staen hier voer di als een arme bedelaer die arme is van doechden ende ghenade sueckt voer enen rijcken coninck [etc.]’.

f. 391r: The ending of a prayer to Christ concerning the Passion.

ff. 391r-394v: Prayers to St Francis, ‘[rubric:] Van sinte franciscus ghebet [prayer:] Gegruet sijstu alre heiligste vader francisce Eyn liecht des lants Eyn forme der oetmoedigher bruederen ende susteren Eyn spieghel der duechden [etc.]’.

f. 394v: A prayer to St Denis, imperfect, ‘[rubric:] Eyn ghebet van Sinte deonijs [prayer:] Ghegruet sijt ghi gloriose martelaers [etc.]’, imperfect.

f. 396r: The ending of an unidentified prayer.

ff. 396r-396v: Prayers to the Eleven Thousand Virgins, ‘[O] bloemen der rosen ende lelijen der dalen O preciose mertelerssen . ende onverwinlijcker margrieten ende wtvercoren onbevlecte joncfrouwen . ende groete vrindinnen gods .Ursula. Cordula. Pinnosa. ende alle ghy heilige elf dusent meechden [etc.]’, imperfect.

f. 398r: The ending of a prayer to St Quentin.

ff. 398r-401v: Prayers for saints (apostles, martyrs, confessors, abbots, virgins) whose feast days are not in the proper, imperfect, ‘[rubric:] Vanden heiligen die niet propers en hebben . Van eynen Apostel . Antiffen [prayer:] Die heer heeft gheswoeren ten sal hem niet berouwen [etc.]’, imperfect.

ff. 403r-405r: Prayers for All Saints, ‘[rubric] Van allen heiligen eyn ymnen [prayer:] O Jhesu behalder der werlt Den verloesten com te hulpen [etc.]’.

f. 405r: A prayer for All Souls or the soul of a deceased individual, ‘[rubric:] voer alle zielen . of bi sonder . N. [prayer:] Ter seelgher tijt Ende ter seelgher uren waert ons lief heer ihesus Christus geboeren [etc.]’.

ff. 405r-407r: Prayers for all Christian souls, ‘[rubric:] Eyn schoen ghebet voer alle gehelovege zeelen [rubric:] Oremus [prayer:] Heer mijn god ontfermt u over die sielen die by dy eghenen aenroper en hebben . den egheen troest ende is in hoeren lyden [etc.]’.

ff. 407v-408r: A prayer to St Hubertus, ‘[rubric:] Van sinte hubrecht ghebet v pater noster [prayer:] O sinte hubrecht heilighe busscop Weest gegruet een voer ghanger des volcks ende exemplaer der gherechticheit [etc.]’.

ff. 408r-408v: A prayer to St Leonard, ‘[rubric:] Van sinte leenaert ghebet bidt voer ons o. h. v. s. h. O. dat . w. wr der bel cristi, imperfect.

ff. 409r-409v: A cut out full page miniature

f. 411r: The ending of a prayer to St Martin.

ff. 411r-412 : A prayer to St Elizabeth, ‘[rubric:] van sinte elisabeth oracie [prayer:] Weest ghegruet schoene olyve boem Elyzabeth daer wt vloyet olye der bermherticheit allen menschen [etc.]’, imperfect.

ff. 412v-414r : A prayer to St Joachim and St Anne, imperfect.

ff. 414r-415v: A prayer concerning the Presentation of Mary, ‘[rubric:] presentasie marie gebet [prayer:] O alre devoetste vrouwe Sinte anna Ic bidde dy doer die grote vroude die gy hadt doen ghy w lief kint die werdyge maget Maria met ynniger devocien werdelijc oefferden inden tempel Dat gy my wilt vercrygen met uwer liever dochter aen hoeren enygen soen dat ich em eyn bequaem oefferhande moet syn in die ure mijns dootz [etc.]’, imperfect.

f. 417r: The ending of an unidentified prayer.

f. 417r: A saying attributed to St Jerome, ‘[rubric:] Jheronimus seet inden vleische gheleest ende niet naeden vleische Dat is meer eyns enghels leeven dan een menschelike leven : Gode en is niet bequame armoede sonder oetmoedicheit [etc.]’.

ff. 417r-417v: A prayer to St Trudo, ‘[rubric:] van sinte trudo ghebet [prayer:] O hoe eerlijck bijstu wtnemende belijder gods sinte Trudo die alle eertsche dinghen versmaet heves [etc.]’, imperfect.

ff. 419r-419v: A prayer to St Andrew, ‘[rubric:] van sinte andries ghebet ende seer schoen [prayer:] Weest ghegruet O lieve werdyghe vader Sinte Andries met sonderlingen privilegien verschiert [etc.]’.

f. 421r: The ending of a prayer to St Nicholas.

ff. 421v-422v: A prayer concerning the Immaculate Conception, ‘[rubric:] Vander ontfenkenisse onser liever vrouwen gebet [prayer:] Laet ons hoechlijcken vieren die ontfenckenisse die huyden is. der ewyger ioncfrouwen Marien der moeder gods [etc.]’.

f. 422v: A prayer to St Lucy, ‘[rubric:] Van sinte lucia ghebet’, imperfect.

f. 424r: The ending of an unidentified prayer.

ff. 424r-424v: A prayer to St Thomas the Apostle, ‘[rubric:] van sinte thomas gebet [prayer:] O Thoma heilige Apostel Die daer verdient hebt christum te tasten [etc.]’.

f. 426r: The ending of an unidentified prayer.

ff. 426r-427v: A prayer for Christmas, ‘[rubric:] van kersmis eyn antiffen [prayer:] Huyden is geboeren Christus huden heeft ide behouder geapenbaert huden singen die engelen inden hemel [etc.]’.

ff. 427v-428v: Prayers to St Stephen, ‘[rubric:] vanden heiligen maertelaer sinte steven eyn schoen ghebet Pater noster [prayer:] Weest ghegruet eersamighe Sinte Steven [etc.]’, imperfect.

ff. 428v-429v: A prayer to John the Evangelist, imperfect.

f. 429v: A prayer to the Holy Innocents, ‘[rubric:] vanden onnoeselen kinderen [prayer:] Dit sijnse die mette nwiven niet bevlect en sijn . Want sij Joncfrouwen sijn. ende volgen den lam na waer dattet henen gaet [etc.]’, imperfect.

f. 431r: The ending of a prayer to All Saints.

ff. 431r-433r: A prayer for Lent, ‘[rubric:] Vander vasten eyn schoen ymnen [prayer:] Gheleert wt verborgentheit der gheestelicker ghewoenten laet ons huyden dese vasten van .xl. daghen halden die seer kundich is [etc.]’.

ff. 433r-434r: A prayer to Christ for Complines during Lent, imperfect, ‘[rubric:] In die vasten te completen ymnus Alsmen slapen gheit [prayer:] Criste du bist een liecht ende dach . du ontdeckes die duisternissen des nachtes . ende du woerts geloeft een liecht des liechtes predickende een salijch liecht [etc.]’.

ff. 434r-437v: A prayer to Christ for Good Friday, ‘[rubric:] op den goeden vridach ghebet [prayer:] O alre suetste lam Christi o guoedertieren heer ihesu Christe Ic vermane w ende dancke w . des ellendighen staens . dat ghi van mijnnen voer my aender mynnen ramen des heiligen cruces stondes [etc.]’, imperfect.

ff. 437v-438v: A prayer for Easter, ‘[rubric:] [...] paesdach’, imperfect.

f. 438v: An instruction to read a prayer to St Francis for the consecration of a church, ‘[rubric:] Franciscus ghebet cccc xxxv antiffen op die kerck wyinge’.

ff. 440r-441r: ‘Mijn huys sal heiten een huys der bedingen seet die heer . In dien huyse alle die ghene die bidt . die ontfanct . ende die suect die vint . ende die cloept dyen sal opghedaen worden [etc.]’.

ff. 441r-441v: A prayer to the arma Christi, imperfect, ‘[rubric:] van allen den wapen ons heeren Antiphona [prayer:] Wy soelen allen loven die bermherticheit Christi [etc.]’.

ff. 443r-443v: A prayer concerning the Ascension, ‘[rubric:] Vander hemelvaert ons heeren [prayer:] O coninck der glorien heer der moeghentheit . die huyden een verwinre opgheclommen bist boven alle hemelen [etc.]’.

f. 445r: The ending of an unidentified prayer.

ff. 445r-446v: Prayers to the Trinity, imperfect, ‘[rubric:] Vander heiliger drivoldicheit [prayer:] Ich bid dich hemelsche vader dattu met dijnre godliker mogentheit alle creaturen die du ghescapen heves nae dinen heilighen bielde verliechten ende onthalden wils met dijnre godliker gracien [etc.]’.

ff. 446v-449r: Prayers for Corpus Christi, imperfect, ‘[rubric:] ymnen on sacraments dach [prayer:] Singet metter tongen die verborgen heilicheit des gloriosen lichams ende duerbaerren bloets welcke die vrucht des edelen lichams die conincc der Iuyden wtgestort heet om die werelt te verloessen [etc.]’.

ff. 449r-453r: Prayers before communion, ‘[rubric:] Eyn schoen ghebet als men ten heiligen scarament [sic] [prayer:] O ghenadighe ende almechtighe god . suete heer ihesus Christus Ic arme sundige mensche beghere nu te gaen ten werden heiligen sacramente ws heilichs lichams ende ws heilighen bloiets [etc.]’.

ff. 453r-454v : Prayers after communion, ‘[rubric:] nae die ontfenkenisse vanden heilighen sacrament [prayer:] Heer ic verenighe my mit w ende werket guede heer in my alle guede werken . ende blivet in sulcker wijsen by my dat ic ewelicke eens mit w blive [etc.]’.

f. 454v: A prayer for Rogation days, ‘Heilich god . heilich starck . heilich ende onsterflijc god . Erberme dich onser Amen’.

f. 456r: The ending of an unidentified prayer.

ff. 456v-458v: Prayers for in the morning and entering a church, ‘[underlined:] Des moerghens alsmen op steit Eyn oeffeninghe vanden daghe [prayer:] Here du salt opdoen mijn lippen Ende mijnen mont sal voert kundighen dijnen lof [etc.]’.

ff. 458v-459r: The Ave salus mundi, followed by three short salutations, ‘[rubric:] Ave salus in dutssen [prayer:] Ghegruet sijstu salicheit der werelt . woert des vaders . heilige hostie . ghewaer levendich vleis [etc.]’.

ff. 459v-460r: A prayer for remission of sins, ‘[underlined:] Leest iij pater noster ende iij ave maria der heiligen drivoldicheit . dat si u vil verlenen gracie ende ghenade denct aldus . wy is di ghene di bidt . weem is hi den hi bidt . ende woer om bidt hi [etc.]’.

ff. 460r-460v: An instruction to meditate on the Passion, followed by sayings of St Paul, St Jerome and St Bernard of Clairvaux, beginning ‘leest uwe penitencie ende ghetijden met devocien ende met alre ynnicheit hebdi dan tijt soe overdenct di passi Christi ende eert die moeder Christi ende alle heilgen ende sonderlinge daer ghi devocie toe hebt op dat si voer u bidden [etc.]’.

f. 460v: An instruction for Mass, beginning ‘Als ghi gaet tot enighen dienst gods ende sonderlinge totter missen soe suldi u blidelijc ende vlitelijc daer teghen bereiden [etc.]’.

ff. 460v-461v: A prayer to Christ, beginning ‘O lieve heer wilt mi verleenen u goddelike gracie ende ghenade . dat ic lieve heer mach staen inden staet der gracien dat ic goede werken verdienen maech ende inden staet der gracien staen maech [etc.]’.

f. 461v: A saying attributed to Augustine of Hippo, beginning ‘Augustinus seet ghelouft ende ghi hebt ontfangen [etc.]’.

ff. 462r-464v: Prayers for the Elevation of the Host, ‘[rubric:] gruiten alsmen dat heilige sacrament op heft [prayer:] Ghegruet sijstu salicheit der werelt [etc.]’.

ff. 466r-467r: Prayers concerning Christ’s Passion, imperfect.

ff. 467r-469r: Prayers concerning Christ’s Seven Last Words on the Cross, imperfect, ‘[rubric:] Vanden seeven woerden die onse lieve heer aenden heiligen cruce sprack [prayer:] O du here ihesu Christe aldaer u inden cruce hinghes inden lesten daghe dijns levens sprakes du .vij. woerde. die du woudes dat wi in onser ghedachten hielden [etc.]’.

ff. 469r-470r: imperfect, ‘[rubric:] Te noenen salmen dit leesen [prayer:] Ick dancke di o alre goedertiernste ihesu des yamerlicken staens dattu stondes aenden minnentlicken stammep des heilige cruces in groter bangicheit ende pijnen [etc.]’.

f. 470r: An instruction to read five Paternosters and Aves for the Five Sorrows of the Virgin Mary, ‘Die v we onser liever vrouwen [etc.]’.

ff. 470v-471r: An instruction to read seven Paternosters for the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary, imperfect, ‘[rubric:] Vanden seeven we onser vrouwen [prayer:] Den iersten wee. doen onse lieve heer inden tempel geoffert waert [etc.]’.

ff. 471r-474v: Prayers to Christ, imperfect, beginning: ‘O heilighe noet gods bidt voer my . in wat lijden dat ich sy [etc.]’.

ff. 474v-475r: Instructions for devotional exercises on different occasions, ‘[rubric:] Alsmen eten sal [instruction:] Alsmen eten of drincken sal soe ensalmen niet allein spisen den lichaem . Mer men sal meer spisen die siele metter lessen ende pinen di te onthouden . ende daer na te leven ende over taeffel salmen van goede spreken [etc.]’.

ff. 475r-475v: A prayer to Christ, ‘[rubric:] Eyn seer schoen ghebet [prayer:] O lieve heer god almaechtich ic arme sondighe mensche ic gheef my schuldich . dat ic u in desen daghe niet devoetlijc ghedient en hebbe [etc.]’.

f. 475v: Instructions for prayers concerning the Passion, beginning ‘Leest dri pater noster ende dri Ave maria met dri ghebedekens van sinte gregorius dat ierste . dat derde . dat achde [etc.]’.

ff. 476r-478r: Instructions for prayers to and meditations on Christ for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the days of the week, beginning ‘Ghedenck des lijdens dat onse heer leit van des witten donresdachs tot opden goeden vridach dat hi aender galgen der heiligen crucen ghenagelt was [etc.] [prayer:] O lieve heer ihesu Christe ontfermt u mijnder [etc.], imperfect.

ff. 478r-482v: Catechetical instructions, ‘[rubric:] Van biechten [prayer:] Ich sprack ich sael teghen my selven den heer belien mijn ongherechticheit Wy bidden dy dattu ons gheves gherechtighe bierhct . ghewarigen rouwe. verghiffenisse ende aefflaet van al onsen sonden [etc.]’; possibly influenced by Arnold van Gheyloven’s Gnotosilitos parvus.

ff. 483v-486r: A tract on preparation for communion, ‘[rubric:] Eyn vermaninge totten heiligen sacrament [prayer:] Als du begheers te gaen ten heiligen sacrament soe bereides di mit alre devocien ende ynnicheit met berouwe met biechten ende met penitencie [etc.]’.

f. 487r: An excerpt from a Middle Dutch translation of Jean Gerson, Opusculum tripartitum de praeceptis decalogi, de confessione et de arte moriendi, ‘[underlined:] Dit sijn dri waerheiden wtghegeven vanden Eerwaerdighe leeraer Jan gersson Cancellier van Parijs in opere tripertito [rubric:] Die ierste waerheit [text:] O heere almechtich eewich god . Ic heb overtreden dijn godlijc ghebot [etc.]’.

[ff. 25r, 25v, 42r, 42v, 44r, 44v, 46r, 46v, 59v-62v, 105r, 105v, 117r, 117v, 155r, 155v, 237v-238v, 261r, 261v, 263r, 263v, 268r, 268v, 270r, 270v, 272r, 272v, 277r, 277v, 279r, 279v, 282r, 282v, 284r, 284v, 294v-297v, 306r, 306v, 315r, 315v, 318r, 318v, 320r, 320v, 322r, 322v, 330r, 330v, 332r, 332v, 334r, 334v, 336r, 336v, 339r, 339v, 341r, 341v, 346r, 346v, 348r, 348v, 355r, 355v, 358r, 358v, 360r, 360v, 364r, 364v, 370r, 370v, 375r, 375v, 377r, 377v, 381r, 381v, 383r, 383v, 385r, 385v, 387r, 387v, 390r, 390v, 395r, 395v, 397r, 397v, 402r, 402v, 410r, 410v, 416r, 416v, 418r, 418v, 420r, 420v, 423r, 423v, 425r, 425v, 430r, 430v, 439r, 439v, 442r, 442v, 444r, 444v, 455r, 455v, 456r, 456v, 483r, 486r, 486v are blank].

Decoration:

The manuscript contains 61 modern leaves that replace medieval leaves, probably all originally with printed images; 39 illustrations have been cut out and 3 illustrations have been removed. The manuscript, in its current form, contains 2 intact printed images without colour and a remnant of a coloured printed image.

The subjects of the printed images are as follows:

f. 254r: A flower (pasted inside the initial ‘O’).

f. 307v: St John the Evangelist and the Virgin Mary, swooning (lower right margin).

f. 283v: A remnant of a coloured woodcut of the Annunciation (colour).

Large and small initials in blue and red throughout the manuscript.