Encyclopedia > Ecclesiastical History of the English People
The Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum (in English: Ecclesiastical History of the English People) is a work in Latin by the Venerable Bede on the history of the Christian church in England, and of England generally.
It is considered to one of the most important original references on Anglo-Saxon history. It is believed to have been written in 731, when Bede was approximately 60 years old.
Bede, Ecclesiastical History of the English People (http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/basis/bede-book1.html), Excerpts. From the Internet Medieval Sourcebook.
Thus the generality of the people readily embraced their opinions; the authors of the erroneous doctrines kept themselves in the background, and, like evil spirits, grieved for the loss of the people that were rescued from them.
The people stood round as spectators and judges; but the parties present differed much in appearance; on the one side was Divine faith, on the other human presumption; on the one side piety, on the other pride; on the one side Pelagius on the other Christ.
The parents rejoiced, and the people were astonished at the miracle; after which, the wicked opinions were so fully obliterated from the minds of all, that they ardently embraced the doctrine of the priests.
Having in mind to write a history of the Englishpeoples, he goes on to write a work filled with wonders, colourful characters, foul villains, and ever and ever again, miracles.
The Bede was an ecclesiast and saw all of history filtered through the glass of the Church.
To understand the northern English kingdoms of the early Middle Ages, one must consult the Bede; luckily, he is also a sympathetic fellow and draws us in, gently and knowingly, and offers us historical truths (especially close to his own time) as well as small sermons.
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