The Candle of Protestantism
Story★★★★“Play the man,” said Latimer to Ridley, when they were perishing in the flames. “We are lighting a candle in this country today that by the grace of God shall never be put out.” That’s where your Protestantism comes in. The condemnation of Roman Catholicism is that everything it touches withers.
Latimer and Ridley lit that candle for you. Mind that you take care of it. There has been a great deal of thimblerigging for some generations now with that candle. Mind you keep it burning.
I went into a house the other day, and I saw a figure on the mantelpiece. It was a candle extinguisher in the shape of a monk. Ah, the man that made that did not make a toy — he made a magnificent symbol. You have got it all there!
Mind and take care of that candle! It is the golden light of your guidance, the torch of your illumination, the star of your hope. Mind you take care of it. “And thou mayest add thereto.”
If you are a parasite you will live upon what your patriotic ancestors did; if you are a patriot you will make your own little contribution to the new and perfect civilization.
The point
Latimer encouraged Ridley at their execution, vowing they lit a candle for Protestantism that shall never be extinguished, embodying faithful witness unto death.