A05143:322
Twenty-seven Sermons
27 sermons preached by the right Reverend father in God and constant martyr [sic] of Jesus Christ, Master Hugh Latimer, as well such as in times past have been printed, as certain other coming to our hands of late, which were yet never set forth in print. Faithfully perused [and] allowed according to the order appointed in the Queens Majesties injunctions. 1. Hys sermon Ad clerum. 2. Hys fourth sermon upon the plough. 3. His. 7. sermons before king Edward. 4 His sermon at Stamford. 5. His last sermon before king Edward. 6. His. 7. sermons upon the Lords prayer. 7. His other. 9. sermons upon certain Gospels and Epistles27 sermons preached by the ryght Reuerende father in God and constant matir [sic] of Iesus Christe, Maister Hugh Latimer, as well such as in tymes past haue bene printed, as certayne other commyng to our handes of late, whych were yet neuer set forth in print. Faithfully perused [and] allowed accordying to the order appoynted in the Quenes Maiesties iniunctions. 1. Hys sermon Ad clerum. 2. Hys fourth sermon vpon the plough. 3. Hys. 7. sermons before kyng Edward. 4 Hys sermon at Stamforde. 5. Hys last sermon before kyng Edward. 6. Hys. 7. sermons vpon the Lordes prayer. 7. Hys other. 9. sermons vpon certayne Gospels and Epistles
London: printed by John Day, 1562London: printed by Iohn Day, 1562
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Now when he hath done and set out all his mind, at the last he cometh and desireth them to pray for him: but for1 what? Not to get a fat benefice or a bishopric. No no, saint Paul was not a hunter of benefices: He saith, pray that I may have utterance and boldness to speak. And this was requisite to his office: for though a preacher be well learned, but yet lacketh that boldness, is faint hearted, truly he shall do but little good for all his learning: when he feareth men more then god, he is nothing to be regarded. Therefore this is the thing that S. Paul so much desireth, to have boldness to speak: for when a preachers mouth is stopped so that he dare2 not rebuke sin and wickedness, no doubt he is not meet for this office. Now like as saint Paul required the Ephesi ans to pray for him that he may have utterance, for this was most necessary for his office: So let every one pray unto god & desire other to pray for him, that he may do the works of his vocation. As for an example when he is a married man, let him pray unto God that he may love his wife, cherish her, honour her, and bear with her infirmities.3 So likewise let all faithful servants call upon God, that may do the duty of their vocation. So likewise let magistrates be […] in prayer: For no doubt they have need, for they have a great charge committed unto them ⟨image 93⟩of God, therefore they have the more need of the help of god: yea let every good subject pray unto God for the magistrates, that they may do their duties according unto God's will and commandment. And no doubt this is a good prayer, when one faithful man prayeth for the other: such prayer shall not be in vain, God will hear it, and grant such faithful4 prayers. There be many men in the world which think that prayer is a will work, so that they may do it, or omit it: but it is not so, they be much deceived. For it is as necessary for me when I am in tribulation to call upon God, and I ought to do it as well under the pain of damnation, as well as I am bound to keep any of his commandments. By the virtue of this commandment, Thou shalt not steal, I may not take away other mens goods. So by this commandment, Thou shalt not commit adultery, I may not defile an other mans wife.