Bede and the personae historicae.

Glastonbury Abbey, England.

"Bede’s Ecclesiastical History covers a number of centuries," writes Professor Schlect, "and numerous kingdoms and churches. There are many important characters. More than any man, however, the gospel is the main character of his work. It is invading pagan kingdoms. It overthrows unbelief and establishes itself. It suffers setbacks and apostasy, only to reappear and move forward. It is truly the main character of this work."

Agenda:

1. Pater noster.
2. Announcement: only memorize 4 stanzas of "The Ladder of St. Augustine" by Longfellow. Due in recitation next week (10/1).
3. Read Bede silently.
4. Reading Check Quiz: Books II-III
5. Lecture on Book I: Review and discuss
1. Describe the early stages of Augustine's mission in Britain.
2. What advice does Pope Gregory give Augustine regarding his relationship to the rest of the clergy?
3. What else Pope Gregory eventually send Augustine to aid the mission in Britain?
6. Review HW:
1. Memorize 4 stanzas of "The Ladder of St. Augustine" by Longfellow. Due in recitation next week (10/1).
2. Read Book III of Bede (10/2). 
3. Be perfect.