Hugh Latimer was a popular preacher of the English Reformation known for his “homely, rustic touch…he spoke from the heart and his words went…to the heart.” His best known sermon is his “The Sermon of the Plough.” Read a couple of excerpts below.
And now I would ask you a strange question; who is the most diligent bishop and prelate in all England; that passes all the rest in doing his office? I can tell, for I know who it is; I know him well. But now I think I see you listening and hearkening that I should name him. There is one that passes all the other, and is the most diligent prelate and preacher in all England. And will ye know who it is? I will tell you–it is the Devil. he is the most diligent preacher of all others; he is never out of his diocese; he is never from his cure; you shall never find him unoccupied; he is ever in his parish; he keeps residence at all times; you shall never find him out of the way; call for him when you will, he is ever at home. he is the most diligent preacher in all the realm; he is ever at his plough; no lording or loitering can hinder him; he is ever applying his business; you shall never find him idle, I warrant you…Where the devil is resident, and has his plough going, there away with books and up with candles; away with bibles and up with beads; away with the light of the gospel and up with the light of candles, yea, at noonday; …up with man’s traditions and his laws, down with God’s traditions and his most holy Word; …Oh that our prelates would be as diligent to sow the corn of good doctrine as Satan is to sow cockle and darnel!…There was never such a preacher in England as he is.
–John Stott Between Two Worlds
Pastors, may this serve as a reminder that we live in a constant state of spiritual battle. I’m confident that the most diligent preacher of Sixteenth Century England is still working just a diligently today. The opposer of souls works regularly to spin the truth of God into a lie in the lives of the people we’ve been called to shepherd. Piper reminds us that we stand between heaven and hell when we preach(The Supremacy of God in Preaching). Work diligently for we know that the enemy is roaming the world as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.
To the work, men! It is a great task to which you have been called.
