The sermons of Master Henry Smith gathered into one volume. Printed according to his…The sermons of Maister Henrie Smith gathered into one volume. Printed according to his…

Now after these cometh chambering and wantonness, and no marvel saith one, though the imps do follow, when the devil goeth before: for fullness of bread ⟨p. 351⟩went before the sin of the Sodomites. So when David had dined and was full, walking upon his palace, his eyes glanced, his flesh lusted, his heart consented, the fire burned, and there was no water to quench it. And therefore in that so great a champion as David did fall, let him that standeth take heed lest he fall. And seeing that thou in thy self art no stronger, or mightier, imitate and follow the example of those that are cunning wrestlers, who to cast down another will first fall down themselves: so we to overthrow our enemies must subject our selves, and humble our selves first by fasting and prayer.

Now after these commeth chambering and wantonnesse, and no meruaile sayth one, though the impes doe followe, when the diuell goeth before: for fulnesse of bread ⟨p. 351⟩went before the sinne of the Sodomites. So when Dauid had dined and was full, walking vpon his pallace, his eyes glaunced, his flesh lusted, his heart consented, the fire burned, and there was no water to quench it. And therefore in that so great a champion as Dauid did fall, let him that standeth take heede lest hee fall. And seeing that thou in thy selfe art no stronger, or mightier, imitate and followe the example of those that are cunning wrastlers, who to cast downe another wil first fall downe themselues: so we to ouerthrowe our enemies must subiect our selues, and humble our selues first by fasting and praier.

Sodom was burned, but the sins have escaped. Sweet words, soft attire, wanton behaviour, and such like, have conspired and agreed all together to set honesty to sale. And we use daily to pray that we be not led into temptation: and yet we do lead our selves into temptation. For our fair words, wanton gestures and dainty fare: with many other pleasures, do beckon unto sin: and if there be no wine why hangs the bushes? and if there be no wantonness, why is there any wanton, or unseemly, or ungodly attire?