243c Latimer, Hugh. (1485-1555) [and Augustine Bernher, ed]. Fruitfull sermons preached by the right Reuerend Father, and constant Martyr of Iesus Christ, M. Hvgh Latimer, newly imprinted with others not heeretofore set forth in print, to the edefying of all which dispose themselues to the reading of the same. ¶Seene and allowed according to the order appoynted in the Queenes Maiesties iniunctions.

London: Stationers, 1607

$1,850

Octavo, 7.4 x 5.3 in. Seventh edition. *i4, *b3, A-Z8, Aa-Tt8, Vv2. The copy is bound in modern polished calf; it is a library binding. Library stamps are found in purple ink on front and rear pastedowns and flyleaves, the title page, and two internal leaves. The title page is also signed and dated 1647. A small paper defect affects folio 186, removing part of the printed marginal note. Despite minor imperfections this is a reasonably well-preserved volume of Latimer’s famous sermons.

Latimer, an English bishop, was one of the chief promoters of the reformation in England. “The preaching of Latimer more than the edicts of Henry [VIII] established the principles of the reformation in the minds and hearts of the people; and from his preaching the movement received its chief color and complexion. The sermons of Latimer possess a combination of qualities which constitute unique examples of that species of literature. It is possible to learn from them more regarding the social and political condition of the period than perhaps from any other source, for they abound, not only in exposures of religious abuses, and the prevailing corruptions of society, but in references to many varieties of social injustice and unwise customs, in racy sketches of character, and in vivid pictures of special features of the time, occasionally illustrated by interesting incidents in his own life.” (EB)

“On Sunday, 1 January 1548, after eight years’ silence, Latimer preached the first of four sermons delivered at Paul’s Cross. He also, it would seem, preached on Wednesday the eighteenth, in the covered place called ‘the Shrouds’ outside Saint Paul’s, in his famous sermon ‘Of the Plough’ in which he declaimed against many public evils, especially ‘unpreaching prelates,’ and declared the devil to be the most assiduous bishop in England. […] On 8 January 1549 the House of Commons petitioned for the restoration of Latimer to his old bishopric of Worcester […]; but he was content to remain a court preacher merely. The seven sermons which he preached before the king in the following Lent are a curious combination of moral fervor and political partisanship, eloquently denouncing a host of current abuses, and paying the warmest tribute to the government at Somerset. He was indignant at the insinuation that it was the government of a clique, and would not last.”(DNB)

Gibson notes a reference to Thomas More’s “testimony to prevalence of open adultery” in Latimer’s 1550 sermon, ‘A Most Fruitful Sermon Preached before King Edward the Sixth and his most honorable counsell, in his court at Westminster.’ In the last years of his life “he is described by his attached Swiss servant [and clerk], Augustine Bernher, as being, although ‘a sore bruised man,’ over threescore and seven, most assiduous in preaching, generally delivering two sermons each Sunday, and rising every morning, winter and summer, at two o’clock to study.” A number of the sermons Latimer preached in 1552 were collected by Bernher and are published in the present volume. “When Latimer was committed to the Tower (13 Sept. 1553) Bernher attended him there, and next year waited on him and other bishops imprisoned at Oxford. […] Throughout the Marian persecution he was a constant friend of the martyrs. […] In the reign of Elizabeth he was rector of Sutton, or according to Tanner, of Southam, and was noted for the indignation he expressed against the priests who conformed to the ecclesiastical changes then enforced.”(DNB)

STC 15282; Gibson: Saint Thomas More (see pages 228-9).