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…

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,² is to much, which God forbiddeth the king here in this place of scripture to have. But who shall see this to much,³ or tell the king of this to much. Think you any of the Kings privy chamber? No. For fear of loss of favour. Shall any of his sworn Chaplains? No. They be of the closet and keep close such matters. But the King him self must see this to much,⁴ and that shall he do by no means with the corporal eyes:⁵ Wherefore, he must have a payer of spectacles, which shall have to clear sights in them, that is, that one is faith, not a seasonable faith, which ⟨image 26⟩shall last but a while, but a faith, which is continuing in GOD. The second clear sight is charity, which is fervent towards his Christen brother. By them two, must the King see ever when he hath to much. But few there be that useth these spectacles, the more is their damnation. Not with out cause Chrysostom with admiration sayeth.