I die the king's faithful servant, but God's first

I die the king's faithful servant, but God's first

Thomas More, the renowned English lawyer, philosopher, and statesman, is often remembered for his unwavering commitment to his principles and his refusal to compromise his beliefs, even in the face of great adversity. One of the most famous quotes attributed to More is "I die the king's faithful servant, but God's first," which encapsulates his dedication to his faith and his refusal to betray his conscience for the sake of earthly power.

More's life and legacy are deeply intertwined with his religious convictions. As a devout Catholic in a time of great religious upheaval in England, More faced immense pressure to conform to the will of King Henry VIII, who sought to break away from the Catholic Church and establish himself as the head of the Church of England. Despite his loyalty to the king and his distinguished career in public service, More could not in good conscience support Henry's actions, which he viewed as a betrayal of his faith.

When More was asked to take an oath recognizing Henry as the supreme head of the Church in England, he refused, knowing that doing so would require him to renounce his allegiance to the Pope and compromise his beliefs. More's refusal to comply with the king's demands ultimately led to his arrest, trial, and execution for treason. Throughout his trial and imprisonment, More remained steadfast in his faith and his commitment to his principles, even as he faced the prospect of death.

The quote "I die the king's faithful servant, but God's first" is a powerful testament to More's unwavering devotion to his faith and his refusal to prioritize earthly power over his spiritual beliefs. By choosing to remain true to his conscience and his faith, even at the cost of his own life, More demonstrated the importance of staying true to one's principles and standing up for what is right, regardless of the consequences. More's legacy as a martyr for religious freedom and conscience continues to inspire people around the world to this day.