From Fierce Opponent to Gospel Preacher
I began my days at Cambridge as a fierce opponent of the Reformation, even preaching against the Protestant scholar Thomas Bilney. But Bilney sought me outโnot to argue, but to make his confession to me. As I heard his testimony of how Scripture had transformed his life, my own heart began to burn. "I learned more by this confession," I later wrote, "than in many years before."
From that moment, I became a preacher of the Gospel. I spoke plainly, for the plowman and the merchant, that they might understand God's Word. I denounced corruption in the Church and called England to repentance. King Henry VIII made me Bishop of Worcester, but when I could not in conscience accept certain religious policies, I resigned and faced imprisonment.
Preaching Under Persecution
Under King Edward VI, I preached freely again, proclaiming salvation by grace through faith. But when the Catholic Queen Mary took the throne, I knew my time had come. I was arrested and brought to Oxford for examination, charged with heresy for denying transubstantiation and affirming justification by faith alone.
Hugh Latimer Martyr Testimony at the Stake
On October 16, 1555, I was led to the stake alongside my dear brother Nicholas Ridley. We were bound back to back. As the flames were kindled, I turned to Ridley and spoke the words that would outlive us both: "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."
The fire rose quickly around me. I was an old man by then, and the flames were mercifulโI died swiftly, embracing the burning faggots and stroking my face with them as if welcoming death.
The Candle Still Burns
I had preached Christ my whole life. Now I sealed that testimony with my blood. The candle we lit that day still burns.
