The sermons of Maister Henrie Smith gathered into one volume. Printed according to his corrected copies in his life time.

THE EXAMINATION OF VSVRIE, IN TWO SERMONS.

To the Reader.

HEre thou hast the Sermōs which haue bene often desired, because of the matter fit for this Citie. One saith, that he would neuer speake to Vsurers, and Bribe∣mongers, but when they be vpon their death-beds: for hee which liueth by sin, re∣solueth to sinne, that he may liue. But when he go∣eth to hanging, Iudas himselfe will say, I haue sinned.* 1.1 If I speake not to Vsurers vpon their death-bed, yet I speake to Vsurers which shall he on their death-bed. Three things do giue me hope. One is, that all hearts are in the hands of God, to call them at what houre he list,* 1.2 and therfore Saul may become an Apostle.

The next is, that the third crow doth waken moe than the former, and therefore after the crowing of other, this Crow may happily bee heard.

The last is, that there is no sinne, but some men haue bene reclaimed from it, and so may V∣surers from their sinne.

Therefore goe my booke like Dauid against Goliah,* 1.3 and fight the Lordes battels against V∣surers. The Lord giue that successe to his doc∣trine in these leaues, that it may consume Vsu∣rers,* 1.4 as Ioshuah droue out the Chananites before him. If I could take but this one weede out of the Londoners garden, I were answered for my health, and my strength spent a∣mongst them. Reade with thy best mind, & thou shalt profit more.

Thine H. S.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Mat. 27. 4.
• * 1.2

  Act. 9. 15.
• * 1.3

  1. Sa. 17. 51
• * 1.4

  Iosh. 5. 1.