With the zeal for clearing old objects out of churches and old ideas out of men's minds went an equal zeal for edification, especially through a revival of preaching. It is to these years that we owe the sermons of Hugh Latimer [martyred 1555] which, although in style essentially medieval, belong in thought and intention to the days of reform. Racy, full of anecdote, reminiscence and humour, rich in homely English words like 'ugsomeness', 'dodipoles' and 'belly-cheer', these sermons are an indication of the vigour and courage and outspokenness which belonged to the New Age. Latimer has hard words to say about the pope–'that Italian bishop yonder, the devil's chaplain'– ... he attacks, also, his contemporaries, especially bishops ... [who] are so taken up with 'ruffling in their rents, dancing in their dominions ... munching in their mangers and moiling in their gay manors and mansions' that they have no time for preaching ... John R. H....
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