our House, or else
have gathered from the writings of others.

Some of the Elders who first dwelt in this House have told us that or
ever there was a monastery builded in this place, and before any man had
yet come hither to serve God, there did often appear to the shepherds and
to them that dwelt near, visions of men in white raiment who seemed to go
in procession round the mount: and the signification and meaning hereby
portended became clear enough afterward as time went by, when the
monastery by God's grace begun in this place by a few Brothers and
afterward finished with much toil came into being and a great company of
Brothers dwelt therein--for then it was seen how the Devout Congregation
of Canons Regular being clad in white raiment did serve God with
devotion, singing hymns and psalms and celebrating Mass; also reciting
the proper Canonical Hours to His praise every day, and praying for our
benefactors, both living and dead, especially for them that are buried in
this Monastery.

THE CHRONICLE OF THE CANONS REGULAR OF MOUNT ST. AGNES.

CHAPTER I

_Of the first founders of the Monastery at Mount St. Agnes, and how
Master Gerard Groote first pointed out this place to them_

The House of Mount St. Agnes, which lieth outside the walls of the town
of Zwolle, and on the eastern side thereof, had its origin and completion
in this way.

The place used to be called in the vulgar tongue Mount Nemel and lieth
not far from Zwolle, but one may traverse the distance in the space of an
hour. Now there were in the State of Zwolle certain faithful men who had
been turned wholly to God by Master Gerard Groote. These men had builded
them an house, in a suburb belonging to the city, near an ancient Convent
of Beguines, and here they served God humbly and with devotion. Amongst
these the chief was John of Ummen, a man dedicated to God, and greatly
beloved by Gerard; and with him there abode likewise Wychmann Rurinch,
Reyner, son of Leo of Renen, and two or three others that were well
disposed. Moreover, a certain Clerk that dwelt in those parts named
Wittecoep, had joined himself to them and lived among them devoutly.
There was also the mother of John of Ummen, named Regeland, a widow of
ripe age, who ministered to the necessities of these servants of God,
giving good heed to the care of the house as a faithful Martha. Most
gladly would she listen to the Word of God, and, like Mary, was never
sated with the sw