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…

Is there to much think you for a king? God doeth allow much unto a king, and it is expedient that he should have much,¹ for he hath great expenses, and many occasions to spend much for the defence and surety of his realm and subjects.

Is there to muche thyncke you for a kynge? God doeth alowe muche vnto a kynge, and it is expedyente that he shoulde haue muche,¹ for he hath greate expenses, and many occasions to spend much for the defence and suertie of his realme and subiectes.

1. 1A king may have much, for his expenses are greatA kinge may haue muche, for his expences are great

And necessary it is that a king ⟨image 25⟩have a treasure always in a readiness, for that, and such other affairs, as be daily in his hands. The which treasure, if it be not sufficient, he may lawfully and with a salve conscience, take taxes of his subjects. For it were not mete the treasure should be in the subjects purses, when the money should be occupied, nor it were not best for them selves: for the lack thereof, it might cause both it, and all the rest that they have should not long be theirs.¹ And so for a necessary and expedient occasion, it is warranted by God's word to take of the subjects. But if there be sufficient treasures, and the burdening of subjects be for a vain thing. so that he will require thus much, ⟨image 26⟩or so much of his subjects (which perchance are in great necessity, and penury) Then this covetous intent, and the request thereof,