Yet, if I understand not amiss, it is made a cause of death for any to possess the Scriptures in his own tongue." "Yea, that is what the heretic Lollards do--read and expound the Scriptures in the vulgar tongue and after their own fashion," said Bertram.

"Have a care, Julian, how thou seemest to approve their methods; for there is a great determination in high places to put down at once and for all the vile doctrines which are corrupting all the land." "I approve no heresy," cried Julian eagerly.

"I do but ask why it be heresy to read the Word of God, and to have in possession a portion of it in the language of one's country." "Marry, dost thou not know that one reason is the many errors the translators have fallen into, which deceive the unwary and lead the flock astray ?" cried Edred eagerly.

"Brother Emmanuel has told me some amongst these, and there are doubtless many others of which he may not have heard.

A man may not drink with impunity of poisoned waters; neither is it safe to take as the Word of God a book which may have many perversions of His truth." Edred looked up at Brother Emmanuel for confirmation of this explanation.