Latimer was disgusted, not only with the tricks of his enemies, but still more with their ‘troublesome unquietness;’[197] because by keeping him in London they obliged him to neglect his duties, and especially because they made it a crime to preach the truth. The archbishop, wishing to gain him over by marks of esteem and affection, invited him to come and see him; but Latimer declined, being unwilling at any price to renounce the freedom of the pulpit. The reformers of the sixteenth century did not contend that all doctrines should be preached from the same pulpit, but that evangelical truth should be freely preached everywhere. ‘I have desired and still desire,’ wrote Latimer to the archbishop, ‘that our people should learn the difference between the doctrines which God has taught and those which proceed only from ourselves. Go, said Jesus, and _teach all things_.... What things?... _all things whatsoever I have commanded you_, and not _whatsoever you think fit to preach_.[198] Let us all then make an effort to preach with one voice the things of God. I have sought not my gain, but Christ’s gain; not my glory, but God’s glory. And so long as I have a breath of life remaining, I will continue to do so.’[199] Thus spoke the bold preacher. It is by such unshakable fidelity that great revolutions are accomplished. [Sidenote: Latimer Excommunicated.] As Latimer was deaf to all their persuasion, there was nothing to be done but to threaten the stake. The charge was transferred to the Convocation of Canterbury, and on the 15th of March, 1532, he appeared before that body at Westminster. The fifteen articles were set before him. ‘Master Latimer,’ said the archbishop,’the synod calls upon you to sign these articles.’—‘I refuse,’ he answered.—All the bishops pressed him earnestly. ‘I refuse absolutely,’ he answered a second time. Warham, the friend of learning, could not make up his mind to condemn one of the finest geniuses of England. ‘Have pity on yourself,’ he said. ‘A third and last time we entreat you to sign these articles.’ Although Latimer knew that a negative would probably consign him to the stake, he still answered, ‘I refuse absolutely.’[200] The patience of Convocation was now exhausted. ‘Heretic! obstinate heretic!’ exclaimed the bishops. ‘We have heard it from his own mouth. Let him be excommunicated.’ The sentence of excommunication was pronounced, and Latimer was taken to the Lollards’ Tower. Great was the agitation both in city and court. The creatures of the priests were already singing in the streets songs with a burden like this: Wherefore it were pity thou shouldst die for cold.[201]