A05141:44
The first sermon of Master Hugh Latimer, which he preached before the Kings Majesty…The fyrste sermon of Mayster Hughe Latimer, whiche he preached before the Kinges Maiestie…
The first sermon of Master Hugh Latimer, which he preached before the Kings Majesty within his graces palace at Westminster. M.D.XLIX. the. viii. of March Cu[m] gratia et privilegio ad imprimendum solum.The fyrste sermon of Mayster Hughe Latimer, whiche he preached before the Kinges Maiestie wythin his graces palayce at Westminster. M.D.XLIX. the. viii. of March Cu[m] gratia et priuilegio ad imprimendum solum.
London: printed by John Day dwelling over Aldersgate, 1549London: printed by Iohn Day dwellynge ouer Aldersgate, 1549
Title page typeset from the transcription.
The first sermon Of M. Latimer.The fyrst sermon Of M. Latimer.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
In any wise,1 let no such a won prepare unto him self many horses. &c. In speaking these words, ye shall understand, that I do not intend to speak ⟨image 18⟩against the strength, policy, and provision of a king, but against excess, and vain trust that kings have in them selves, more than in the living god the author of all goodness, and giver of all victory. Many horses are requisite for a king, but he may not exceed in them, nor triumph in them, more then is needful for the necessary affairs and defence of the realm: what meaneth it, that god hath to do with the kings stable? But only he would be master of his horses: the Scripture sayeth,2 In altis habitat, He dwelleth on high, it followeth. Humilia respicte He looketh on low things,3 yea upon the Kings stables, and upon all the offices in his house. God is great grand master of the Kings house, & ⟨image 19⟩will take account of every one that beareth rule therein, for the executing of their offices: Whether they have justly and truly served the king in their offices or no. Yea God looketh upon the king him self, if he worketh well or not. Every king is subject unto God, and all other men are subjects unto the king In a king God requireth faith, not excess of horses. Horses for a king be good and necessary, if they be well used. But horses are not to be preferred above poor men. I was ones offended with the kings horses, and therefore toke occasion to speak in the presence of the kings majesty that dead is, when Abbeys stood. Abbeys were ordained for the comfort of the poor. Wherefore I ⟨image 19⟩said it was not decent that the kings horses should be kept in them (as many were at that time) the living of poor men thereby minished and taken away. But afterward a certain noble man said to me, what haste thou to do with the kings horses: I answered, & said, I speak my conscience as God's word directeth me. He said: horses be the maintenances and part of a kings honour, and also of his realm, wherefore in speaking against them ye are against the kings honour.