Here haue I an occasion by the way somwhat to saye vnto you yea , for
the place that I alledged vnto you before oute of Hieremy the xlviii.
Chapter . (LATIMER-E1-H,21P.2)
And it was spoken of a spirituall worcke of God , a worke that was
commaunded to be done , (LATIMER-E1-H,21P.3)
and it was of sheddynge bloude and of destroying the cities of Moab .
(LATIMER-E1-H,21P.4)
For sayeth he curssed be he yat kepeth backe
hys sworde frome sheddynge of bloud . (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.5)
As Saule when he kepte backe the sworde from shedding of bloude , at
what tyme he was sent agaynst Amalech , was refused of God for beinge
disobedient to Goddes commaundementes , in that he spared Agag ye kyng
. (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.6)
So that , that place of ye prophet was spoken of them that wente to the
distruction of the cityes of Moab , amonge the which there was one
called Nebo , whyche was muche reproued for idolatrie , supersticion ,
pryde , auarice , crueltie , tiranny , and for hardenes of herte , and
for these sinnes was plaged of God and destroyed . (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.7)
Nowe what shall we saye of these ryche citizens of London ?
(LATIMER-E1-H,22P.8)
What shall I saye of them ? (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.9)
shal I cal them proude men of London , malicious men of London ,
mercylesse men of London . (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.10)
No , no , I may not saie so , (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.11)
they wil be offended wyth me than . (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.12)
Yet must I speake . (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.13)
For is there not reygning in London , as much pride , as much
coueteousnes , as much crueltie , as much opprission , as much
supersticion , as was in Nebo ? (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.14)
Yes , I thynke and muche more to . (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.15)
Therfore I saye , repente O London . (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.16)
Repent , repente . (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.17)
Thou heareste thy faultes tolde the , (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.18)
amend them (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.19)
amend them . (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.20)
I thinke if Nebo had had the preachynge yat thou haste : they wold haue
conuerted . (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.21)
And you rulers and officers be wise and circumspect ,
(LATIMER-E1-H,22P.22)
loke to your charge (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.23)
and see you do your dueties (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.24)
and rather be glad to amend your yll liuyng then to be angrye when you
are warned or tolde of your faulte . (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.25)
What a do was there made in London at a certein man because he sayd ,
and in dede at that time on a iust cause . Burgesses quod he , nay
butterflies . (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.26)
Lorde what a do there was for yat worde . (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.27)
And yet would God they were no worse then butterflies .
(LATIMER-E1-H,22P.28)
Butterflyes do but theyre nature , (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.29)
the butterflye is not couetouse , (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.30)
is not gredye of other mens goodes , (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.31)
is not ful of enuy and hatered , (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.32)
is not malicious , (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.33)
is not cruel , (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.34)
is not mercilesse . (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.35)
The butterflye gloriethe not in hyr owne dedes , (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.36)
nor preferreth the tradicions of men before Gods worde ;
(LATIMER-E1-H,22P.37)
it committeth not idolatry (LATIMER-E1-H,22P.38)
nor worshyppeth false goddes . (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.39)
But London can not abyde to be rebuked (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.40)
suche is the nature of man . (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.41)
If they be prycked , they wyll kycke . (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.42)
If they be rubbed on the gale ; they wil wynce . (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.43)
But yet they wyll not amende theyr faultes , (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.44)
they wyl not be yl spoken of . (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.45)
But howe shal I speake well of them . (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.46)
If you could be contente to receyue and folowe the worde of god and
fauoure good preachers , if you coulde beare to be toulde of youre
faultes , if you coulde amende when you heare of them : if you woulde
be gladde to reforme that is a misse : if I mighte se anie suche
inclinacion in you , that leaue to be mercilesse and begynne to be
charytable I would then hope wel of you , (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.47)
I woulde then speake well of you . (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.48)
But London was neuer so yll as it is now . (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.49)
In tymes past men were full of pytie and compassion
(LATIMER-E1-H,23P.50)
but nowe there is no pitie , (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.51)
for in London their brother shal die in the streetes for colde ,
(LATIMER-E1-H,23P.52)
he shall lye sycke at theyr doore betwene stocke and stocke . I can not
tel what to call it , and peryshe there for hunger ,
(LATIMER-E1-H,23P.53)
was there any more vnmercifulnes in Nebo ? (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.54)
I thynke not . (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.55)
In tymes paste when any ryche man dyed in London , they were wonte to
healp the pore scholers of the vniuersitye wyth exhibition .
(LATIMER-E1-H,23P.56)
When any man dyed , they woulde bequeth greate summes of money towarde
the releue of the pore . (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.57)
When I was a scholer in Cambrydge my selfe , I harde verye good reporte
of London (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.58)
and knewe manie that had releue of the rytche men of London ,
(LATIMER-E1-H,23P.59)
but nowe I can heare no such good reporte , (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.60)
and yet I inquyre of it , (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.61)
and herken for it , (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.62)
but nowe charitie is waxed colde , (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.63)
none helpeth the scholer nor yet the pore . (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.64)
And in those dayes what dyd they whan they helped the scholers ?
(LATIMER-E1-H,23P.65)
Mary they maynteyned and gaue them liuynges that were verye papists and
professed the popes doctrine (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.66)
and nowe that the knowledge of Gods word is brought to lyght , and many
earnestelye studye and laboure to set it forth now almost no man
healpeth to maynteyne them . (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.67)
Oh London London , repente (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.68)
repente , (LATIMER-E1-H,23P.69)
for I thynke God is more displeased wyth London then euer he was with
the citie of Nebo . (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.70)
Repente therfore (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.71)
repent London (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.72)
and remembre that same God $liveth {HELSINKI:lieth} nowe yat punyshed
Nebo , euen the same god and none other , (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.73)
and he wyl punyshe synne as well nowe as he dyd then ,
(LATIMER-E1-H,24P.74)
and he will punishe the iniquitie of London as well as he did then of
Nebo . (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.75)
Amende therfore (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.76)
and ye that be prelates loke well to your office ,
(LATIMER-E1-H,24P.77)
for right prelatynge is busye labourynge and not lordyng .
(LATIMER-E1-H,24P.78)
Therfore preache and teach (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.79)
and let your ploughe be doynge , (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.80)
ye lordes I saye that liue lyke loyterers , loke well to your office ,
(LATIMER-E1-H,24P.81)
the ploughe is your office and charge . (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.82)
If you lyue idle and loyter , you do not your duetie ,
(LATIMER-E1-H,24P.83)
you folowe not youre vocation , (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.84)
let your plough therfore be going and not cease , that the ground maye
brynge foorth fruite . (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.85)
But nowe me thynketh I heare one saye vnto me , wotte you what you say
? (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.86)
Is it a worcke ? (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.87)
Is it a labour ? (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.88)
how then hath it happened yat we haue had so manye hundred yeares so
many vnpreaching prelates , lording loyterers and idle ministers ?
(LATIMER-E1-H,24P.89)
Ye woulde haue me here to make answere and to showe the cause thereof .
(LATIMER-E1-H,24P.90)
Nay thys land is not for me to ploughe , (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.91)
it is to stonye , to thorni , to harde for me to plough .
(LATIMER-E1-H,24P.92)
They haue so many thynges yat make for them , so many things to laye
for them selues that it is not for my weake teame to plough them .
(LATIMER-E1-H,24P.93)
They haue to lay for them selues longe customes Cerimonyes , and
authoritie , placyng in parliamente and many thynges more .
(LATIMER-E1-H,24P.94)
And I feare me thys lande is not yet rype to be ploughed .
(LATIMER-E1-H,24P.95)
For as the saying is , it lacketh wethering (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.96)
this greare lacketh wetheringe (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.97)
at leaste way it is not for me to ploughe . (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.98)
For what shall I loke for amonge thornes but prickyng and scrachinge ?
what among stones but stumblyng ? What I had almost sayed
among serpenttes but stingyng ? (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.99)
But thys muche I dare say , that sence lording and loytrying hath come
vp , preaching hath come downe contrarie to the Apostells times .
(LATIMER-E1-H,24P.100)
For they preached (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.101)
and lorded not . (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.102)
And nowe they lorde (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.103)
and preache not . (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.104)
For they that be lordes wyll yll go to plough . (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.105)
It is no mete office for them . (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.106)
It is not semyng for their state . (LATIMER-E1-H,24P.107)
Thus came vp lordyng loyterers . (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.109)
Thus crept in vnprechinge prelates , (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.110)
and so haue they longe continued . (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.111)
For howe many vnlearned prelates haue we now at this day ?
(LATIMER-E1-H,25P.112)
And no meruel . (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.113)
For if ye plough men yat now be , were made lordes they woulde cleane
gyue ouer ploughinge , (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.114)
they woulde leaue of theyr labour and fall to lordyng outright , and
let the plough stand . (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.115)
And then bothe ploughes not walkyng nothyng shoulde be in the common
weale but honger . (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.116)
For euer sence the Prelates were made Loordes and nobles , the ploughe
standeth , (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.117)
there is no worke done , (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.118)
the people sterue . (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.119)
Thei hauke , (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.120)
thei hunt , (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.121)
thei card , (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.122)
they dyce , (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.123)
they pastyme in theyr prelacies with galaunte gentlemen , with theyr
daunsinge minyons , and with theyr freshe companions , so that
ploughinge is set a syde . (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.124)
And by the lordinge and loytryng , preachynge and ploughinge is cleane
gone . (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.125)
And thus if the ploughemen of the countrey , were as negligente in
theyr office , as prelates be , we shoulde not longe lyue for lacke of
sustinaunce . (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.126)
And as it is necessarie for to haue thys ploughinge for the
sustentacion of the bodye : so muste we haue also the other for the
satisfaction of the soule , (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.127)
or elles we canne not lyue longe gostly . (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.128)
For as the bodie wasteth and consumeth awaye for lacke of bodily meate
: so doeth the soule pyne a way for default of gostly meate .
(LATIMER-E1-H,25P.129)
But there be two kyndes of inclosynge to lette or hinder boeth these
kyndes of plougheinge . (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.130)
The one is an inclosinge to let or hinder ye bodily ploughynge , and
the other to lette or hynder the holiday ploughyng , the church
ploughinge . (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.131)
The bodylye plougheyng , is taken in and enclosed thorowe singulare
commoditie . (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.132)
For what man wyll lette goe or deminishe hys priuate commoditie for a
commune welth ? (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.133)
and who wyll susteyne any damage for the respe`cte of a publique
commoditie ? (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.134)
The other plough also no man is diligent to sette forward ,
(LATIMER-E1-H,25P.135)
nor no man wyll herken to it , (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.136)
but to hinder and let it , al mennes eares are open ,
(LATIMER-E1-H,25P.137)
yea and a greate meany of this kynde of ploughmen which are very busie
and woulde seme to be verie good worckmen . (LATIMER-E1-H,25P.138)
I feare me some be rather mocke gospellers then faythful
ploughmen . (LATIMER-E1-H,26P.139)
I knowe many my selfe that professe the gospel , and lyue nothyng there
after . (LATIMER-E1-H,26P.140)
I knowe them , (LATIMER-E1-H,26P.141)
and haue bene conuersaunt wyth some of them . (LATIMER-E1-H,26P.142)
I knowe them , (LATIMER-E1-H,26P.143)
and I speake it wyth an heauy herte , (LATIMER-E1-H,26P.144)
there is as litle charitye and good liuinge in them as in any other ,
accordyng to that which Christe sayed in the Gospel to the greate
numbre of people that folowed hym , as thoughe they had had an earneste
zeale to his doctrine , wher as in deede they had it not . Non qui
vidistis signa , sed quia comedistis de panibus .
(LATIMER-E1-H,26P.145)
Ye folowe me sayth he not because ye haue seene the
sygnes and myracles that I haue done , but because ye haue eaten the
breade and refreshed your bodyes . (LATIMER-E1-H,26P.146)
Therefore you folowe me , so that I thynke manye one nowe a dayes
professeth the gospel for the lyuynge sake , not for the loue they
beare to gods word . (LATIMER-E1-H,26P.147)
But they that wil be true ploughmen muste worke faythfullye for Goddes
sake , for the edifiynge of theyr bretherne . (LATIMER-E1-H,26P.148)
And as diligentelye as the husband man plougheth for the sustentacion
of the bodye : so diligently muste the prelates and ministers labour
for the fedinge of the soule : (LATIMER-E1-H,26P.149)
boeth the ploughes muste styll be doynge , as mooste necessarye for man
. (LATIMER-E1-H,26P.150)
And wherefore are magistrates ordayned , but that the tranquillitie of
the commune weale maye be confirmed limiting both ploughes .
(LATIMER-E1-H,26P.151)
But nowe for the defaulte of vnpreaching prelates me thinke I coulde
gesse what myghte be sayed for excusynge of them :
(LATIMER-E1-H,26P.152)
They are so troubeled wyth Lordelye lyuynge , they be so placed in
palacies , couched in courtes , ruffelynge in theyr rentes , daunceynge
in theyr dominions , burdened with ambassages , pamperynge of theyr
panches lyke a monke that maketh his Jubilie , mounchynge in their
maungers , and moylynge in their gaye manoures and mansions , and so
troubeled wyth loyterynge in theyr Lordeshyppes : that they canne
not attende it . (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.153)
They are otherwyse occupyed , (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.154)
somme in the Kynges matters , (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.155)
some are ambassadoures , some of the pryuie counsell , some to furnyshe
the courte , (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.156)
some are Lordes of the Parliamente , (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.157)
some are presidentes , and some comptroleres of myntes .
(LATIMER-E1-H,27P.158)
Well , well . Is thys theyr duetye ? (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.159)
Is thys theyr offyce ? (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.160)
Is thys theyr callyng ? (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.161)
should we haue ministers of the church to be comptrollers of the myntes
? (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.162)
Is thys a meete office for a prieste that hath cure of soules ?
(LATIMER-E1-H,27P.163)
Is thys hys charge ? (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.164)
I woulde here aske one question : (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.165)
I would fayne knowe who comptrolleth the deuyll at home at his parishe
, whyle he comptrolleth the mynte ? (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.166)
If the Apostles mighte not leaue the office of preaching to be deacons
, shall one leaue it for myntyng ? (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.167)
I can not tell you , (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.168)
but the sayinge is , that since priests haue bene minters , money hath
bene wourse then it was before . (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.169)
And they saye that euylnes of money hath made all thinges dearer .
(LATIMER-E1-H,27P.170)
And in thys behalfe I must speake to England . (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.171)
Heare my contrey England , as Paule sayed in his firste epistle to the
Cor. vi. Chap . (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.172)
for Paule was no sittynge bishoppe , but a walkinge and a preachynge
byshop . (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.173)
But when he wente from them , he lefte there behind hym the ploughe
goynge styll , (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.174)
for he wrotte vnto them (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.175)
and rebuked them for goynge to lawe and pleadynge theyr causes before
heathen Judges , (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.176)
is there , sayeth he vtterlye amonge you no wyse manne
, to be an arbitratoure in matters of iudgement ?
(LATIMER-E1-H,27P.177)
What ? (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.178)
not one all {COM:sic} that canne iudge betwene brother and brother ?
(LATIMER-E1-H,27P.179)
But one brother go to lawe wyth an other , (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.180)
and that vnder heathen Judges ? (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.181)
Constituite contemptos qui sunt in ecclesia : et cete .
(LATIMER-E1-H,27P.182)
Appoynte them Judges that are moost abiecte , and vyle in the
congregation , whyche he speaketh in rebukynge them
(LATIMER-E1-H,27P.183)
for sayth he Ad erubescenciam vestram dico . I speake
it to youre shame . (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.184)
So England I speake it to thy shame . (LATIMER-E1-H,27P.185)
Is there neuer a noble man to be a Lorde president , but it
muste be a prelate ? (LATIMER-E1-H,28P.186)
Is there neuer a wyse man in the realme to be a comptroller of the
minte ? (LATIMER-E1-H,28P.187)
I speake it to your shame , (LATIMER-E1-H,28P.188)
I speake it to youre shame . (LATIMER-E1-H,28P.189)
Yf there be neuer a wyse man , make a water bearer , a tinker , a
cobler , a slaue , a page , comptroller of the mynte .
(LATIMER-E1-H,28P.190)
Make a meane gentylman , a groome , a yeoman , make a poore begger
Lorde president : (LATIMER-E1-H,28P.191)
Thus I speake not that I would haue it so , but to your shame . Yf
there be neuer a gentleman meete nor able to be Lorde presidente .
(LATIMER-E1-H,28P.192)
For whye are not the noble men and yong gentlemen of England so brought
vp in knoweledge of God and in learnynge that they maye be able to
execute offices in the commune weale ? (LATIMER-E1-H,28P.193)
The Kynge hath a greate meanye of wardes (LATIMER-E1-H,28P.194)
and I trowe there is a courte of wardes , (LATIMER-E1-H,28P.195)
why is there not a schole for the wardes as well as there is a courte
for their landes ? (LATIMER-E1-H,28P.196)
Whye are they not set in scholes , where they maye learne ?
(LATIMER-E1-H,28P.197)
Or why are they not sent to the vniuersities that they maye be able to
serue the kyng when they come to age ? (LATIMER-E1-H,28P.198)
Yf the wardes and yonge gentlemen were well brought vp in learnyng and
in the knowledge of God , they woulde not when they come to age , so
much geue them selues to other vanities . (LATIMER-E1-H,28P.199)
And if the nobilitie be wel trayned in godly learnynge , the people
would folowe ye same traine . (LATIMER-E1-H,28P.200)
For truly such as the noble men be , suche wyll the people be .
(LATIMER-E1-H,28P.201)
And nowe the onely cause , why noble men be not made Lord presidentes ,
is because they haue not bene brought vp in learninge :
(LATIMER-E1-H,28P.202)
Therefore for the loue of God , appoynte teachers and $scholemaisters ,
you that haue charge of youth , (LATIMER-E1-H,28P.203)
and giue the teachers stipendes worthy their paynes , that they maye
brynge them vp in grammer , in Logike , in rethorike , in Philosophe ,
in {HELSINKI:in_in} the ciuile lawe , and in that whiche I can not
leaue vnspoken of , the word of God . (LATIMER-E1-H,28P.204)
Thankes be vnto God the nobilitie , other wyse is verie well broughte
vp in learninge and godlines , to the great ioye and comfort of England
, so that there is nowe good hope in the youth , that we shal an other
day haue a flourishinge common welth , considering theyr godly
education . (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.205)
Yea , and there be al ready noble men ynough though not so many
as I woulde wishe able to be Lorde presidentes , and wyse men
ynough , for the mynte . (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.206)
And as vnmeete a thynge it is for byshoppes to be Lorde presidentes or
priestes to be mynters , as it was for the Corrhinthians to pleade
matters of variaunce before heathen Judges . (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.207)
It is also a sclaunder to the noble men , as thoughe they lacked
wysedome , and learninge to be able for suche offices , or elles were
no men of consciences , or elles were not meete to be trusted , and
able for suche offices : (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.208)
And a prelate hath a charge and cure other wyse ,
(LATIMER-E1-H,29P.209)
and therfore he can not discharge his dutie , and be a Lorde president
to . (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.210)
For a presidentshippe requireth a whole man , (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.211)
and a byshoppe can not be two menne . (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.212)
A bishoppe hath his office , a flocke to teache , to loke vnto ,
(LATIMER-E1-H,29P.213)
and therfore he can not meddle wyth an other office , which alone
requireth a whole man . (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.214)
He should therfore gyue it ouer to whome it is meete , and laboure in
his owne busines , as Paule writeth to the Thessalonians .
(LATIMER-E1-H,29P.215)
Lette euerie man do his owne busines , and folow his callying .
(LATIMER-E1-H,29P.216)
Let the priest preache , and the noble men handle the temporal matters
. (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.217)
Moyses was a meruelous man , a good man . (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.218)
Moyses was a wonderful felowe , (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.219)
and dyd his dutie being a maried man . (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.220)
We lacke suche as Moyses was . (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.221)
Well , I woulde al men woulde loke to their dutie , as God hath called
them , (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.222)
and then we shoulde haue a florishyng christian commune weale .
(LATIMER-E1-H,29P.223)
And nowe I would aske a straung question . (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.224)
Who is the most diligent bishoppe and prelate in al England , that
passeth al the reste in doinge his office (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.225)
I can tel , (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.226)
for I knowe him , (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.227)
who it is I knowe hym well . (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.228)
But nowe I thynke I se you lysting and hearkening , that I shoulde name
him . (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.229)
There is one that passeth al the other , and is the most diligent
prelate and preacher in al England . (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.230)
And $will ye knowe who it is ? (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.231)
I wyl tel you . (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.232)
It is the Deuyl . (LATIMER-E1-H,29P.233)
In any wyse , let no suche a wone prepare vnto him self manye horsses .
etc. (LATIMER-E1-H,32L.235)
In speakynge these wordes , ye shal vnderstand , that I do not entend
to speake agaynste the strengthe , polysye , and prouision of a kyng ,
but agaynst excesse , and vayne truste that kynges haue in them selues
, more then in the liuing god the authour of al goodnes , and geuer of
all victory . (LATIMER-E1-H,32L.236)
Many horses are requisite for a king , (LATIMER-E1-H,32L.237)
but he maye not excede in them , nor triumphe in them , more then is
nedeful , for the necessary affayres and defence of the realme :
(LATIMER-E1-H,32L.238)
what meaneth it , that god hath to do wyth the kynges stable ?
(LATIMER-E1-H,32L.239)
But only he would be mayster of his horsses , the Scripture sayeth ,
(LATIMER-E1-H,32L.240)
In altis habitat . He dwelleth on hye , (LATIMER-E1-H,32L.241)
it foloweth . Humilia respicit . (LATIMER-E1-H,32L.242)
He loketh on lowe thynges , yea , vpon the Kynges stables . and vpon al
the offyces in hys house . (LATIMER-E1-H,32L.243)
God is great grand mayster of the Kynges house , (LATIMER-E1-H,32L.244)
and wil take accoumpt of euery one that beareth rule therin , for the
executing of their offices , Whether they haue iustly and truely serued
the kyng in their offices or no . (LATIMER-E1-H,32L.245)
Yea god loketh vpon the kynge hym selfe , if he worketh well or not .
(LATIMER-E1-H,32L.246)
Euery kyng is subiecte vnto God , (LATIMER-E1-H,32L.247)
and all other men are subiectes vnto ye king . (LATIMER-E1-H,32L.248)
In a king god requireth faith , not exces of horsses .
(LATIMER-E1-H,32L.249)
Horsses for a kynge be good and necessarye , if thei be wel vsed .
(LATIMER-E1-H,32L.250)
But horsses are not to be preferred aboue pore men .
(LATIMER-E1-H,32L.251)
I was ones offendid with the kynges horses , (LATIMER-E1-H,32L.252)
and therfore toke occasion to speake in the presens of the kynges
maiestye that dead is , whan Abbeis stode .
(LATIMER-E1-H,33L.253)
Abbeis were ordeyned for the comforte of the pore , Wherfore I sayde it
was not decent that the kings horsses shuld be kept in them as
manye were at that tyme the lyuynge of poore men therby
minished and taken a way : (LATIMER-E1-H,33L.254)
But after ward a certayne noble man sayd to me , what hast thou to do
with ye kinges horsses ? (LATIMER-E1-H,33L.255)
I answered , and sayd , I speake my conscience as goddes word directeth
me . (LATIMER-E1-H,33L.256)
He said horsses be ye mayntenaunces and parte of a kynges honoure , and
also of hys realme , wherefore in speakyng againste them ye are against
the kynges honoure . (LATIMER-E1-H,33L.257)
I answered . God teacheth what honoure is decente for the kynge and for
al other men accordynge vnto their vocations . (LATIMER-E1-H,33L.258)
God apoynteth euery king a sufficient lyuinge for hys state and degre
boeth-1 by landes and other customes . (LATIMER-E1-H,33L.259)
And it is lawfull for euery kyng to enioye the same goodes and
possessyons . (LATIMER-E1-H,33L.260)
But to extorte and take awaye the ryghte of the poore , is agaynste the
honoure of the kinge . (LATIMER-E1-H,33L.261)
And you do moue the kinge to do after that manner , then you speake
agaynste the honoure of the kynge . (LATIMER-E1-H,33L.262)
For I ful certifye you , extorcioners , violent opressers , in grossers
of tenamentes and landes , throughe whose couetousnes , villages decaye
and fall downe , the kinges leige people for lacke of sustinaunce are
famished and decayed . They be those whyche speke a gainst the honour
of the kynge . (LATIMER-E1-H,33L.263)
God requireth in the king and al magistrates a good herte , to walke
directlye in hys wayes . And in all subiectes , an obedience dewe vnto
a kynge . (LATIMER-E1-H,33L.264)
Therefore I pray god both the king and also we his people maye endeuer
$diligently to walke in his wayes , to hys greate honoure and our
profite . (LATIMER-E1-H,33L.265)
Let hym not prepare vnto him selfe to manye wyues . etc.
(LATIMER-E1-H,33L.266)
Al thoughe we reade heare that the kinges amongest the Iewes , had
libertye to take more wyues then one , we maye not therefore atempte to
walke in ordinatly and to thinke that we may take also many
wiues . (LATIMER-E1-H,34L.267)
For Christe hath for byden thys vnto vs Christians .
(LATIMER-E1-H,34L.268)
And lette vs not impute synne vnto the Iewes because they hadde many
wyues . (LATIMER-E1-H,34L.269)
For they hadde a dispensation so to do . (LATIMER-E1-H,34L.270)
Christe limiteth on wyfe vnto vs only-1 . (LATIMER-E1-H,34L.271)
And it is a greate thynge for a man to rule one wyfe ryghtly , and
ordinatly . (LATIMER-E1-H,34L.272)
For a woman is frayll and procliue vnto all euels ,
(LATIMER-E1-H,34L.273)
a woman is a very weake vessel , (LATIMER-E1-H,34L.274)
and maye sone deceyue a man , and brynge hym vnto euell .
(LATIMER-E1-H,34L.275)
Many examples we haue in holy scripture . (LATIMER-E1-H,34L.276)
Adam had but one wyfe , called Eue , (LATIMER-E1-H,34L.277)
and howe sone had she brought hym to consent vnto euell , and to come
to destruction , (LATIMER-E1-H,34L.278)
How dyd wycked Iesabell preuente kynge Hachabs herte from god and al
godlines , and finally vnto destruction . (LATIMER-E1-H,34L.279)
It is a very hard thynge for a man to rule wel one woman .
(LATIMER-E1-H,34L.280)
Therfore let oure kynge , what tyme hys grace $shall $be {TEXT:shalbe}
so mynded to take a wyfe to chose hym one whych is of god , that is ,
whyche is of the housholde of fayth . (LATIMER-E1-H,34L.281)
Yea let all estates be no lesse circumspect in chosynge her , takynge
great deliberation , (LATIMER-E1-H,34L.282)
and then shal not need dyuorsementes , and such myscheues to the euel
example and sclaunder of our realm , (LATIMER-E1-H,34L.283)
And that she be one as the kyng can fynd in hys hert to loue and leade
hys life in pure and chaste esposage , (LATIMER-E1-H,34L.284)
and then shall he be the more prone and redy to aduance gods glorye ,
punishe , and extirpe , the great lecherye vsed in this realme .
(LATIMER-E1-H,34L.285)
Therefore we ought to make a continuall prayer vnto god , for to graunt
oure kynges grace suche a mate as maye knyt hys hert and heres ,
accordyng to goddes ordynaunce and lawe , and not to consider and
cleaue onely to a politike matter or coniunction , for the enlargynge
of dominions , for suertye and defence of contres , settyng apart the
institution and ordinaunce of God . (LATIMER-E1-H,34L.286)
We haue nowe a prety litle shilling , in dede a very pretye one
. (LATIMER-E1-H,35L.287)
I haue but one think in my pursse , (LATIMER-E1-H,35L.288)
and the laste daye I had put it awaye almoste for an olde grote ,
(LATIMER-E1-H,35L.289)
and so I truste some wyll take them . (LATIMER-E1-H,35L.290)
The fynes of the siluer I can not se . (LATIMER-E1-H,35L.291)
But therin is prynted a fyne sentence : that is . Timor Domini fons
{ARBER:sons} vitae vel sapientiae . (LATIMER-E1-H,35L.292)
The feare of the Lorde is the fountayne of lyfe or Wysdome .
(LATIMER-E1-H,35L.293)
I wolde god this sentence were alwaies printed in the herte of the kyng
in chosynge hys wyfe , and in al hys officers . (LATIMER-E1-H,35L.294)
For lyke as the feare of God is fons sapientiae or vitae , so the
forgetting of god is fons stulticiae the fontayne of folishnes or of
death , althoughe it be neuer so politike , (LATIMER-E1-H,35L.295)
for vpon such politike matters death doth ensue and folowe .
(LATIMER-E1-H,35L.296)
All their deuorcementes and other lyke condiciones to the greate
displeasure of all myghtye God , whiche euylles I feare me , is much
vsed at these daies in the mariage of noble mens children , for
$ioining landes to landes , possessions , to possessions , neither the
vertuous educacion , nor liuinge being regarded ,
(LATIMER-E1-H,35L.297)
but in the infancy such mariages be made , to the displeasuer of god
and breach of espousals . (LATIMER-E1-H,35L.298)
Let the king therfor chose vnto him a godly wyfe , wherby he shal the
better liue chast , (LATIMER-E1-H,35L.299)
and in so liuyng all godlines shal encrease and ryghtewesnes be
maynteyned . (LATIMER-E1-H,35L.300)
Notwithstandyng , I knowe here after , some wyll come and moue your
grace towardes wantonnes and to the inclinacyon of the fleshe and vayne
affections . (LATIMER-E1-H,35L.301)
But I would your grace should beare in memorye , an hystorye of a good
king called Lewes , that trauelled towardes the holye lande
whiche was a greate matter in those dayes and by the waye
syckyned , beynge longe absente from hys wyfe . (LATIMER-E1-H,35L.302)
And vpon thys matter the phisitians dyd agre , yat it was for lacke of
a woman . (LATIMER-E1-H,35L.303)
And dyd consulte with the bishops therein , who dyd conclude
that because of the distance of hys wyfe beyng in an other
countrye he should take a wenche . (LATIMER-E1-H,36L.304)
Thys good kyng hering their conclusion would not assent there vnto ,
(LATIMER-E1-H,36L.305)
but sayde , he had rather be sycke euen vnto death then he wold breake
his espousals . (LATIMER-E1-H,36L.306)
Wo worth such consellers , bishops , nay rather bussardes .
(LATIMER-E1-H,36L.307)
Neuertheless if the king shoulde haue consented to their conclusyon ,
and accomplished the same , yf he had not chansed well , they wolde
haue executed the matter as I haue harde of two yat haue consulted
together , (LATIMER-E1-H,36L.308)
and according to the aduyse of his friend the one of them wroght where
the succession was not good . (LATIMER-E1-H,36L.309)
The other imputed a pese of reproche to hym for hys such counsell geuen
. (LATIMER-E1-H,36L.310)
He excused the matter sayeinge : that he gaue hym none other counsel ,
but if it had byne hys cause he woulde haue done likewise .
(LATIMER-E1-H,36L.311)
So I thinke the bishops wolde haue excused the matter , yf the king
should haue reproued them for their counsell . (LATIMER-E1-H,36L.312)
I do not rede that the King did rebuke them for their councel ,
(LATIMER-E1-H,36L.313)
but yf he had , I knowe what woulde haue ben their aunswere .
(LATIMER-E1-H,36L.314)
They would haue sayde , we geue you no worsse councel , then we wolde
haue folowed oure selues , yf we had ben in like case .
(LATIMER-E1-H,36L.315)
Wel sir , thys Kyng dyd wel , (LATIMER-E1-H,36L.316)
and had the feare of god before hys eyes . (LATIMER-E1-H,36L.317)
He wold not walke in bywalkes , where are many balkes .
(LATIMER-E1-H,36L.318)
Amongest many balkinges , is much stumbling (LATIMER-E1-H,36L.319)
and by stombling it chaunceth many tymes to fal downe to the ground .
(LATIMER-E1-H,36L.320)
And therfore , let vs not take any biwalkes , (LATIMER-E1-H,36L.321)
but let gods word directe vs , (LATIMER-E1-H,36L.322)
let vs not walke after , nor leane to our owne iudgementes and
procedynges of oure forfathers , nor seke not what they dyd , but what
$they shoulde haue done , of which thyng scrypture admonysheth vs
saying : Ne inclinemus praeceptis et traditionibus patrum neque
faciamus quod videtur rectum in oculis nostris . (LATIMER-E1-H,36L.323)
Let vs not inclyne our selues vnto the preceptes and tradycyons of oure
fathers , (LATIMER-E1-H,37L.325)
nor let vs do that semeth ryght in our eyes . (LATIMER-E1-H,37L.326)
But suerlye , we wyll not exchange oure fathers doynges and tradicions
, with scripture , but cheifely lene vnto them and to theyr
prescription , and do that semeth good in oure owne eyes .
(LATIMER-E1-H,37L.327)
But suerly that is goynge downe the ladder , Scala caeli as it was made
by the Pope came to be a Masse , (LATIMER-E1-H,37L.328)
but that is a false ladder to bringe men to heauen .
(LATIMER-E1-H,37L.329)
The true ladder to brynge a man to heauen is the knowledge and
folowynge of scripture . (LATIMER-E1-H,37L.330)
Let the kyng therfore chose a wyfe whych feareth god ,
(LATIMER-E1-H,37L.331)
let hym not seke a proude , wanton and one ful of rich treasures and
worldelye pompe . (LATIMER-E1-H,37L.332)
He shall not multyplye vnto hym selfe to muche gold and siluer .
(LATIMER-E1-H,37L.333)
Is ther to muche thynke you for a kynge ? (LATIMER-E1-H,37L.334)
God doeth alowe muche , vnto a kynge , (LATIMER-E1-H,37L.335)
and it is expediente that he should haue muche , (LATIMER-E1-H,37L.336)
for he hath great expenses , and many occasions to spende muche for the
defence and suertie of hys realme and subiectes .
(LATIMER-E1-H,37L.337)
And necessary it is that a kyng haue a treasure all wayeys in a redines
, for that , and such other affayres , as be dayly in hys handes . The
which treasure , if it be not sufficiente , he maye lawfully and wyth a
salue conscience , take taxis of hys subiectes . (LATIMER-E1-H,37L.338)
For it were not mete , the treasure , shoulde be in the subiectes
purses whan the money shoulde be occupied , (LATIMER-E1-H,37L.339)
nor it were not best for themselues , (LATIMER-E1-H,37L.340)
for the lacke there of , it myght cause both it , and all the rest that
they haue shold not long be theirs , (LATIMER-E1-H,37L.341)
And so for a necessarye and expedyent occacion , it is warranted by
goddes word to take of the subiectes (LATIMER-E1-H,37L.342)
But if there be sufficyente treasures , and the burdenynge of subiectes
be for a vayne thyng . So yat he wyl require thus much , or so much of
his subiectes whyche perchaunce are in great necessitie
, and penurye . Then this couetous intent , and the request
thereof , is to muche , whych god forbiddeth the king her in this
place of scripture to haue . (LATIMER-E1-H,38L.343)
But who shal se this to much , or tell ye king of this to much .
(LATIMER-E1-H,38L.344)
Thinke you anye of the Kynges preuye chamber ? (LATIMER-E1-H,38L.345)
No . (LATIMER-E1-H,38L.346)
For feare of losse of fauer . (LATIMER-E1-H,38L.347)
Shall any of his sworne chapelins ? (LATIMER-E1-H,38L.348)
No . (LATIMER-E1-H,38L.349)
Thei bee of the clausset (LATIMER-E1-H,38L.350)
and kepe close such matters . (LATIMER-E1-H,38L.351)
But the Kynge him selfe must se this to much , (LATIMER-E1-H,38L.352)
and yat shal he do by no meanes with the corporal eyes : Wherfore , he
must haue a paier of spectacles , whiche shall haue two cleare syghtes
in them , yat is , ye one is fayth , not a seasonable fayeth , which
shall laste but a whyle , but a fayeth , whiche is continuynge in God .
(LATIMER-E1-H,38L.353)
The seconde cleare sighte is charitie , whych is feruente towardes hys
Chrysten brother . (LATIMER-E1-H,38L.354)
By them two , must the Kynge se euer whan he hath to muche .
(LATIMER-E1-H,38L.355)