Boldness
Hugh Latimer, the great English Reformer, once preached before Henry VII and offended Henry with his boldness. Latimer was commanded to preach the following weekend and make an apology. On the following Sunday after reading the text Latimer addressed himself as he began to preach:
Hugh Latimer, 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 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 when 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 gave Henry the same sermon he had preached the week before – only with more energy.
R. Kent Hughes, 1001 Great Stories & Quotes, 35-36.
