[La Nobla Leyçon (The Noble Lesson) is an ancient poem of the Vaudois or Waldenses, actually a lengthy statement of their faith.  The original is in an old French dialect and is rhymed.   I searched the web for a copy, but found pnly a photocopy of it in the English translation of Jean Paul Perrin’s history of the Waldenses.  I decided that I would copy out the translation made by Samuel Morland in the 1600’s and post it on my website for anyone who might be interested.  Today’s post is only the beginning of a very long poem.]

O brethren, give ear to a noble lesson.
We ought always to watch and pray,
For we see the world nigh to a conclusion.
We ought to strive to do good works,
Seeing the end of the world approacheth.
There are already a thousand and one hundred years fully accomplished,
Since it was written thus, “For we are in the last time”.
We ought to covet little, for we are at what remains, that is at the latter end.
We see daily the signs to be accomplished,
And that in the increase of evil, and the decrease of good.
These are the perils which the Scripture mentioneth,
In the gospels and Saint Paul’s writings:
As also, that no man living can know the end.
And therefore we ought the more to fear, as not being certain,
Whether we shall die today or tomorrow.
But when the Day of Judgement shall come,
Everyone shall receive their full reward,
Those that have done either well or ill.
Now the Scripture saith, and we ought to believe it,
That all men shall part two ways,
The good to glory, and the wicked to torment.
But he that shall not believe this departure,
Let him search the Scripture from the very beginning,
Since Adam was formed until this present time,
There he shall find, if he have understanding,
That few are the saved in comparison to the rest.
Wherefore every one that will do good works,
The honour of God the Father ought to be his first moving principle.
He ought likewise to implore the aid of his glorious son, the dear Son of the Virgin Mary,
And the Holy Ghost which lighteneth us in the true way.
These three (the holy Trinity) as being but one God, ought to be called upon,
Full of all power, wisdom, and goodness.
This we ought often to beg and pray for,
That he would enable us to encounter our enemies,
And overcome them before our end,
Which are the World, the Devil, and the Flesh:
And that he would give us wisdom accompanied with goodness,
That we may know the way of life,
And keep pure that soul which God hath given us.
Yes both soul and body in the way of charity,
So as we love the holy Trinity,
And our neighbour, for God hath commanded it.
Not only those which do us good, but those also which harm us.
Having hope in the King of heaven,
That at the end he may receive us into his glorious habitation.
Now he who shall not do what is contained in this Lesson,
Shall never enter into this house.
Though it be never so hard to be received by the wicked,
Which love gold and silver,
Which have the promises of God in contempt,
Who neither keep his Law and Commandments,
Nor suffer those who would to keep them,
But rather hinder them to the utmost of their power.