_Journal d'un bourgeois de Paris_, p.

237.] [Footnote 789: _Journal du siege_, p.48._Chronique de la Pucelle_, p.

275.] After this examination and inquiry, the doctors came to the following conclusions: "The King, beholding his own need and that of his realm, and considering the constant prayers to God of his poor subjects and all others who love peace and justice, ought not to repulse or reject the Maid who says that God has sent her to bring him succour, albeit these promises may be nothing[790] but the works of man; neither ought he lightly or hastily to believe in her.

But, according to Holy Scripture he must try her in two ways: to wit, with human wisdom, by inquiring of her life, her morals, and her motive, as saith Saint Paul the Apostle: _Probate spiritus, si ex Deo sunt_; and by earnest prayer to ask for a sign of her work and her divine hope, by which to tell whether it is by God's will that she is come.

Thus God commanded Ahaz that he should ask for a sign when God promised him victory, saying unto him: _Pete signum a Domino_; and Gideon did likewise when he asked for a sign and many others, etc.