Brett's Books

The Life of Latimer

Who?


The Life of Latimer
by Reverend R. DeMaus
1887

Thoughts Going In

I got this book from the free stack at the library. I will probably stop saying that. And then, begin again whenever (as if such a day will ever come) I start getting my books from elsewhere.

In the meantime, I got this book from the free stack. I would not be reading it otherwise, as I know nothing about the book.

What appealed to me most was the age and the size of the book. This little tome is old: from 1887, the same year as my new coin (about which, I am sure, I will post elsewhere). And the book is small: pocket size, so maybe I will carry it around with me... but that is pretty unlikely. Oh, it also claimed to be illustrated, but a quick review (I don't consider a flip through cheating, it's part of the book selection process) shows a prominent lack of illustrations: one at the start, and I think that's it.

I know it's a religious book. And I am reading it next because:
  1. It's small, so the book is on top of my stack.
  2. I stopped reading the last book before the end, so I now have permission to do so, again: something that seems likely with this book.
And that's enough of a preview.

Shall we begin?

Notable Quotes

'Well, well, Mr. Latimer, I perceive that you somewhat smell of the pan: you will repent this gear one day.'

They have made it treason to your noble Grace to have the Scriptures in English.

There is no law against unknown vices.

Neither make nor suffer to be made any privy contract of matrimony.

Every county in England had its local deity, some image reputed to possess miraculous powers, the kissing or reverencing of which (always after an offering) was deemed a specific for various diseases; and their shrines were crowded with worshippers.

He ['an observant friar, John Forest by name'] had, it seemed, abused the confessional by teaching treason to his penitents; denying the lawfulness of Henry's assumption of the title of 'Supreme Head of the Church in England.'

It was the custom of the time that some one should preach at an execution of this sort.

The countless blessings of a purified religion -- the true source of our national greatness!

He was the very type of man that the English nation has always best understood and most highly appreciated.

Running Thoughts


The Debriefing

Latimer was martyred (burned at the stake) for refusing to believe (or at least, give lip service to) the idea that the Body & Blood of Christ is physically present in the Sacramental Offering.

Is it a ritual? A custom?

Or is it magic? The hand of God?

Truly, a silly reason to die.
Whatever.
Yeah, I think that covers it. Perhaps the Constitution has replaced the Bible for me. But no. As much as I'd like to believe in the Constitution, I no longer believe many others do... and it's value has always lain in it's collective worship.

Random heresy aside, reading this old time book was fun. I got a taste of how (some) folks thought from a time before. I am sure I shall read another old book (really old book) before too terribly long.

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I don't even believe in Christ, so why would I ever believe his body was physically present in the Sacrament?

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