LATIMER, Hugh,

Fruitfull Sermons: Preached by the right Reverend Father, and constant Martyr of Iesus Christ, Master Hugh Latimer, newly imprinted with others not heretofore set forth in print, to the edifying of all which will dispose themselves...

      Printed at London : By Thomas Cotes, for the Companie of Stationers, 1635 . Cum Privilegio. 0 "Seene and allowed according to the order appointed in the Kings Majesties Injunctions." -Small 4to. 18.6cm x 14.5cm x 6cm. [10ff.]/ff.328 (numbered leaves). A very good full leather binding. Brown full calf (possibly 18th century) with simple gilt ruled border. Spine with 5 raised bands, gilt decorated compartments (rubbed) and original red leather title label: "Latimer's Sermons". Old marbled endpapers and plain free-endpapers (handmade paper). Engraved portrait frontis by G. Gif. trimmed and laid down, without loss. Printed title within double ruled border and small printer's vignette. Clean text throughout on lightly toned paper. A very good copy. See STC : 15283.5 .** Hugh Latimer (b. approx. 1485/90, d. October 16, 1555) was the bishop of Rochester, the bishop of Worcester, and after his death he became a famous Protestant martyr. Latimer was born into a family of farmers in Thurcaston, Leicestershire. From around 14 years of age he started to attend Peterhouse, Cambridge, and was known as a good student. After receiving his academic degrees and being ordained, he developed a reputation as a very zealous Roman Catholic. At first he opposed the Lutheran opinion of his day, but his views changed after meeting the clergyman Thomas Bilney. In 1510, he was elected a Fellow of Clare College, Cambridge and in 1522 became university preacher. He became noted for his reformist teachings, which attracted the attention of the authorities. During King Henry VIII's reign he was twice imprisoned in the Tower of London (1539 and 1546) . During the reign of Henry's son Edward VI, he was restored to favour as the English church moved in a more Protestant direction. However, when Edward's sister Queen Mary I came to the throne, he was tried for his beliefs and teachings in Oxford and imprisoned. In October 1555 he was burned at the stake outside Balliol College, Oxford. Latimer was executed beside Nicholas Ridley. He is quoted as having said to Ridley: "Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out." - See Wikipedia .