Stout High Latimer was Bishop to Henry V111 while Protestantism was in favour with the throne of England, and on New Year's Day, according to the prevailing custom, he took his New Year's gift to present to the King. It was unusual for the King's Bishop to present something costly and so, brave old Hugh, in keeping with his fervour and zeal, presented the King of England with what he believed to be the most costly gift of all and also, what that particular King of England stood most in need of – a copy of God's Word. In keeping with his zeal, too, however, he determined that the Word of God was all the better for being "applied", and as he handed his gift over to Henry, he turned down one page to mark the text which says, "But whoremongers and adulterers will God judge."
Henry could have reacted violently and Hugh Latimer could have paid dearly for his vigour, but instead the King expressed his thankfulness for his bishop's faithfulness.
When the time for the Bishop's sermon before the King had come, Hugh Latimer again spoke very plainly. This time, however, Henry was of no mind to accept his bishop's rebukes and he ordered the Godly old preacher to appear again before him on the following Sabbath and make amends for his utterances. When that day arrived, Latimer stood in his pulpit before the King and began by reminding himself that it was, indeed, the King that he appeared before who could banish him from his office, or the realm, or from this earth as he might see fit. "Hugh Latimer," he began his sermon, "dost thou know before whom thou art this day to speak? To the high and mighty monarch, the king's most excellent majesty, who can take away thy life if thou offendest; therefore take heed that thou speakest not a word that may displease! But then consider well, Hugh, dost thou not know from whence thou comest; upon whose message thou art sent? Even by the great and mighty God! Who is all present! And who beholdeth all thy ways! And who is able to cast thy soul into hell! Therefore, take care that thou deliverest thy message faithfully." He then proceeded with the same message that he had preached the previous Sabbath, but with more emphasis and with more energy.
Henry's reaction could well serve as a lesson to any who imagine that we should aim to please men: "Blessed be God," he said, "that I have so honest a servant."
This Page Title – Hugh Latimer's New Year Gift The Wicket Gate Magazine "A Continuing Witness". Internet Edition number 76 – placed on line January 2009 Magazine web address – www.wicketgate.co.uk |