The Book of Homilies
Originally published in 1547 (Book 1) and 1563 (Book 2), this edition is The Two Books of Homilies appointed to be Read in Churches. Editor John Griffiths. Oxford: University Press, 1859.
CONSIDERING how necessary it is that the word of God, which is the only food of the soul, and that most excellent light that we must walk by in this our most dangerous pilgrimage, should at all convenient times be preached unto the people, that thereby they may both learn their duty towards God, their Prince, and their neighbours, according to the mind of the Holy Ghost expressed in the Scriptures, and also to avoid the manifold enormities which heretofore by false doctrine have crept into the Church of God;
Unto a christian man there can be nothing either more necessary or profitable than the knowledge of holy Scripture ; forasmuch as in it is contained God's true word, setting forth his glory and also man's duty. And there is no truth nor doctrine necessary for our justification and everlasting salvation, but that is or may be drawn out of that fountain and well of truth.
The Holy Ghost, in writing the holy Scripture, is in nothing more diligent than to pull down man's vainglory and pride ; which of all vices is most universally grafted in all mankind, even from the first infection of our first father Adam. And therefore we read in many places of Scripture many notable lessons against this old rooted vice, to teach us the most commendable virtue of humility, how to know ourselves, and to remember what we be of ourselves.