Hannibal Gamon
The Praise of a Godly Woman
"The Praise of a Godly Woman" by Hannibal Gamon is a sermon written in the early 17th century. This work reflects on the virtues and ideals of a God-fearing woman, using the funeral of Frances Roberts as a focal point. The sermon likely discusses the spiritual significance of a woman’s relationship with God and the importance of her character in both earthly and divine respects. At the start of the sermon, Gamon addresses the purpose of praising the deceased, emphasizing that such commendation is vital for inspiring the living to emulate the virtues of the deceased. He references biblical passages to establish his argument that a woman who fears God is truly worthy of praise, contrasting her with those who may possess worldly attributes but lack divine qualities. The message sets the tone for a detailed exploration of what it means to embody godliness, looking particularly at the traits that define a commendable Christian woman, such as humility, fear of God, and unwavering commitment to virtue.