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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Selections from the Table Talk of Martin Luther
+by Martin Luther
+
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+Title: Selections from the Table Talk of Martin Luther
+
+Author: Martin Luther
+
+Release Date: February, 2006  [EBook #9841]
+[This file was first posted on October 23, 2003]
+
+Edition: 10
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: US-ASCII
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, TABLE TALK OF MARTIN LUTHER ***
+
+
+
+
+This etext was prepared by Les Bowler, St. Ives, Dorset.
+
+
+
+
+SELECTIONS FROM THE TABLE TALK OF MARTIN LUTHER.
+
+
+
+
+TRANSLATED BY CAPTAIN HENRY BELL.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+Introduction by Professor Henry Morley.
+The testimony of Jo. Aurifaber, Doctor in Divinity.
+Captain Henry Bell's narrative.
+A copy of the order from the House of Commons.
+Selections from Table-Talk:-
+      Of God's Word.
+      Of God's Works.
+      Of the Nature of the World.
+      Of the Lord Christ.
+      Of Sin and of Free-will.
+      Of the Catechism.
+      Of the Law and the Gospel.
+      Of Prayer.
+      Of the Confession and Constancy of the Doctrine.
+      Of Imperial Diets.
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+
+Martin Luther died on the 18th of February, 1546, and the first
+publication of his "Table Talk"-Tischreden-by his friend, Johann
+Goldschmid (Aurifaber), was in 1566, in a substantial folio.  The
+talk of Luther was arranged, according to its topics, into eighty
+chapters, each with a minute index of contents.  The whole work in a
+complete octavo edition, published at Stuttgart and Leipzig in 1836,
+occupies 1,390 closely printed pages, equivalent to 2,780 pages, or
+full fourteen volumes, of this Library.
+
+The nearest approach to a complete and ungarbled translation into
+English was that of Captain Henry Bell, made in the reign of Charles
+the First, under the circumstances set forth by himself; but even
+that was not complete.  Other English versions have subjected
+Luther's opinions to serious manipulation, nothing being added, but
+anything being taken away that did not chance to agree with the
+editor's digestion.  Even the folio of Captain Bell's translation,
+from which these Selections have been printed, has been prepared for
+reprint by some preceding editor, whose pen has been busy in
+revision of the passages he did mean to reprint.  In these
+Selections every paragraph stands unabridged, exactly as it was
+translated by Captain Bell; and there has been no other purpose
+governing the choice of matter than a resolve to make it as true a
+presentment as possible of Luther's mind and character.  At least
+one other volume of Selections from the Table-Talk of Martin Luther
+will be given in this Library.
+
+Johann Goldschmid, the Aurifaber, and thereby true worker in gold,
+who first gave Luther's Table-Talk to the world, was born in 1519.
+He was a disciple of Luther, thirty-six years younger than his
+master.  Luther was born at Eisleben in 1483, and his father, a poor
+miner, presently settled at Mansfeld, the town in which Goldschmid
+afterwards was born.  Johann Goldschmid was sent by Count Albrecht
+of Mansfeld, in 1537, to the University of Wittenberg, where Luther
+had been made, in 1508, Professor of Philosophy, and where, on the
+31st of October, 1517, he had nailed his ninety-five propositions
+against indulgences to the church door at the castle.  Luther had
+completed his translation of the Bible three years before Johann
+Goldschmid went to Wittenberg.  In 1540 Goldschmid was recalled from
+the University to act as tutor to Count Albrecht's children.  In
+1544 Goldschmid was army chaplain with the troops from Mansfeld in
+the French war; but in 1545 he was sent back to Wittenberg for
+special study of theology.  It was then that he attached himself to
+Luther as his famulus and house-companion during the closing months
+of Luther's life, began already to collect from surrounding friends
+passages of his vigorous "Table Talk," and remained with Luther till
+the last, having been present at his death in Eisleben in 1546.  He
+then proceeded steadily with the collection of Luther's sayings and
+opinions expressed among his friends.  He was army chaplain among
+the soldiers of Johann Friedrich, of Saxony; he spent half a year
+also in a Saxon prison.  He became, in 1551, court preacher at
+Weimar; but in 1562 was deprived of his office, and then devoted
+himself to the forming of an Eisleben edition of those works of
+Luther, which had not already been collected.  In 1566 he was called
+to a pastorate at Erfurt, where he had many more troubles before his
+death.  Aurifaber died on the 18th of November, 1575.
+                              H. M.
+
+
+
+THE TESTIMONY OF JO. AURIFABER, DOCTOR IN DIVINITY, CONCERNING
+LUTHER'S DIVINE DISCOURSES.
+
+
+
+And whereas hitherto I have caused certain tomes of the Books,
+Sermons, Writings, and Missives of Luther to be printed at Eisleben,
+so have I also now finished this tome of his Discourses, and have
+ordered the same to be printed, which at the first were collected
+together out of the Manuscripts of these Divine Discourses, which
+that Reverend Father Anthony Lauterbach himself noted and wrote out
+of the holy mouth of Luther, and afterwards the same by me were
+collected into sure and certain Loci Communes, or Common-places, and
+distributed.
+
+And whereas I, Joannes Aurifaber, in the years 1545 and 1546, before
+the death of that most famous Divine, Luther, was much with and
+about him, and with all diligence writ and noted down many most
+excellent Histories and Acts, and other most necessary and useful
+things which he related:  I have therefore set in order and brought
+the same also into this tome.
+
+Now, forasmuch as very excellent declaration is made in this tome of
+all the Articles and chief points of Christian Religion, Doctrine,
+and Faith; and also therein are found necessary Rules, Questions and
+Answers, many fair Histories, all sorts of Learnings, Comforts,
+Advices, Prophecies, Warnings, and Admonitions:  I have therefore
+thought it a thing fitting to dedicate the same to your Highnesses,
+Graces, Honours and Worships, etc., as special favourers,
+protectors, and defenders of the Doctrines which God, through
+Luther, hath cleared again, to the end that by diligent reading
+therein, you may be president, and give good examples to others, to
+your subjects, citizens, etc., diligently to love, to read, to
+affect the same, and to make good use thereof, as being fragments
+that fell from Luther's Table, and therewith may help to still, to
+slake, and to satisfy the spiritual hunger and thirst of the soul.
+For these most profitable Discourses of Luther, containing such high
+spiritual things, we should in nowise suffer to be lost, but
+worthily esteem thereof, whereout all manner of learning, joy, and
+comfort may be had and received.
+               DR. AURIFABER, in his Preface to the Book.
+
+Given at Eisleben, July 7th, 1569.
+
+
+
+CAPTAIN HENRY BELL'S NARRATIVE:
+
+
+
+OR,
+
+RELATION OF THE MIRACULOUS PRESERVING OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER'S BOOK,
+ENTITLED "COLLOQUIA MENSALIA," OR, "HIS DIVINE DISCOURSES AT HIS
+TABLE," HELD WITH DIVERS LEARNED MEN AND PIOUS DIVINES; SUCH AS WERE
+PHILIP MELANCTHON, CASPARUS CRUCIGER, JUSTUS JONAS, PAULUS EBERUS,
+VITUS DIETERICUS, JOANNES BUGENHAGEN, JOANNES FORSTERUS, AND OTHERS:
+
+CONTAINING
+
+Divers Discourses touching Religion, and other Main Points of
+Doctrine; as also many notable Histories, and all sorts of Learning,
+Comforts, Advices, Prophecies, Admonitions, Directions, and
+Instructions; and how the same Book was, by God's Providence,
+discovered lying under the Ground, where it had lain hid Fifty-two
+Years; and was a few years since sent over to the said Captain Henry
+Bell, and by him translated out of the High German into the English
+Tongue.
+
+"I, CAPTAIN HENRY BELL, do hereby declare, both to the present age,
+and also to posterity, that being employed beyond the seas in state
+affairs divers years together, both by King James, and also by the
+late King Charles, in Germany, I did hear and understand, in all
+places, great bewailing and lamentation made, by reason of the
+destroying and burning of above fourscore thousand of Martin
+Luther's books, entitled His Last Divine Discourses.
+
+"For after such time as God stirred up the spirit of Martin Luther
+to detect the corruptions and abuses of Popery, and to preach
+Christ, and clearly to set forth the simplicity of the Gospel, many
+Kings, Princes, and States, Imperial Cities, and Hans-Towns fell
+from the Popish Religion, and became Protestants, as their
+posterities still are, and remain to this very day.
+
+"And for the further advancement of the great work of Reformation
+then begun, the aforesaid Princes and the rest did then order that
+the said Divine Discourses of Luther should forthwith be printed;
+and that every parish should have and receive one of the aforesaid
+printed books into every Church throughout all their principalities
+and dominions, to be chained up, for the common people to read
+therein.
+
+"Upon which divine work, or Discourses, the Reformation, begun
+before in Germany, was wonderfully promoted and increased, and
+spread both here in England and other countries besides.
+
+"But afterwards it so fell out that the Pope then living, viz.
+Gregory XIII., understanding what great hurt and prejudice he and
+his Popish religion had already received, by reason of the said
+Luther's Divine Discourses, and also fearing that the same might
+bring further contempt and mischief upon himself and upon the Popish
+Church, he therefore, to prevent the same, did fiercely stir up and
+instigate the Emperor then in being, viz. Rudolphus II., to make an
+Edict throughout the whole Empire, that all the aforesaid printed
+books should be burned; and also that it should be death for any
+person to have or keep a copy thereof, but also to burn the same:
+which Edict was speedily put in execution accordingly, insomuch that
+not one of all the said printed books, nor so much as any one copy
+of the same, could be found out nor heard of in any place.
+
+"Yet it pleased God that, anno 1626, a German gentleman, named
+Casparus Van Sparr, with whom, in the time of my staying in Germany
+about King James's business, I became very familiarly known and
+acquainted, having occasion to build upon the old foundation of a
+house, wherein his grandfather dwelt at that time when the said
+Edict was published in Germany for the burning of the aforesaid
+books; and digging deep into the ground, under the said old
+foundation, one of the said original books was there happily found,
+lying in a deep obscure hole, being wrapped in a strong linen cloth,
+which was waxed all over with beeswax, within and without; whereby
+the book was preserved fair, without any blemish.
+
+"And at the same time Ferdinandus II. being Emperor in Germany, who
+was a severe enemy and persecutor of the Protestant religion, the
+aforesaid gentleman and grandchild to him that had hidden the said
+books in that obscure hole, fearing that if the said Emperor should
+get knowledge that one of the said books was yet forthcoming, and in
+his custody, whereby not only himself might be brought into trouble,
+but also the book in danger to be destroyed, as all the rest were so
+long before; and also calling me to mind, and knowing that I had the
+High Dutch Tongue very perfect, did send the said original book over
+hither into England unto me; and therewith did write unto me a
+letter, wherein he related the passages of the preserving and
+finding out the said book.
+
+"And also he earnestly moved me in his letter, that for the
+advancement of God's glory, and of Christ's Church, I would take the
+pains to translate the said book, to the end that that most
+excellent divine work of Luther might be brought again to light.
+
+"Whereupon I took the said book before me, and many times began to
+translate the same, but always I was hindered therein, being called
+upon about other business, insomuch that by no possible means I
+could remain by that work.  Then, about six weeks after I had
+received the said book, it fell out that I being in bed with my wife
+one night, between twelve and one of the clock, she being asleep,
+but myself yet awake, there appeared unto me an ancient man,
+standing at my bedside, arrayed all in white, having a long and
+broad white beard hanging down to his girdle-stead, who, taking me
+by my right ear, spake these words following unto me:-'Sirrah! will
+not you take time to translate that book which is sent unto you out
+of Germany?  I will shortly provide for you both place and time to
+do it;' and then he vanished away out of my sight.
+
+"Whereupon, being much thereby affrighted, I fell into an extreme
+sweat, insomuch that my wife awaking, and finding me all over wet,
+she asked me what I ailed.  I told her what I had seen and heard;
+but I never did heed nor regard visions nor dreams; and so the same
+fell soon out of my mind.
+
+"Then about a fortnight after I had seen that vision, on a Sunday, I
+went to Whitehall to hear the sermon, after which ended I returned
+to my lodging, which was then in King Street, at Westminster, and
+sitting down to dinner with my wife, two Messengers were sent from
+the whole Council-board, with a warrant to carry me to the keeper of
+the Gatehouse, Westminster, there to be safely kept until further
+order from the Lords of the Council, which was done without showing
+me any cause {1} at all wherefore I was committed.  Upon which said
+warrant I was kept there ten whole years close prisoner, where I
+spent five years thereof about the translating of the said book;
+insomuch as I found the words very true which the old man, in the
+aforesaid vision, did say unto me:  'I will shortly provide for you
+both place and time to translate it.'
+
+"Then, after I had finished the said translation in the prison, the
+late Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Laud, understanding that I had
+translated such a book, called Martin Luther's Divine Discourses,
+sent unto me his chaplain, Dr. Bray, into the prison, with this
+Message following:-
+
+"'Captain BELL,
+   "'My Lord Grace of Canterbury hath sent me unto you, to tell you
+that his Grace hath understood that you have translated a book of
+Luther's, touching which book his Grace, many years before, did hear
+of the burning of so many thousands in Germany by the then Emperor.
+His Grace therefore doth desire you, that you would send unto him
+the said original book in Dutch, and also your translation; which,
+after his Grace hath perused, shall be returned safely unto you.'
+
+"Whereupon I told Dr. Bray that I had taken a great deal of pains in
+translating the said book, and was very loth to part with it out of
+my hands, and therefore I desired him to excuse me to his Grace,
+that I could not part from it; with which answer he at that time
+returned again to his master.
+
+"But the next day after he sent him unto me again, and bade him tell
+me that, upon his honour, the book should be as safe in his custody,
+if not safer than in mine own; for he would lock it up in his own
+cabinet, to the end no man might come unto it, but only himself.
+Thereupon I, knowing it would be a thing bootless for me to refuse
+the sending of them, by reason he was then of such great power that
+he would have them, nolens volens, I sent them both unto him.  Then,
+after he had kept them in his custody two months, and had daily read
+therein, he sent the said Doctor unto me, to tell me that I had
+performed a work worthy of eternal memory, and that he had never
+read a more excellent divine work; yet saying that some things
+therein were fitting to be left out; and desired me not to think
+long that he did not return them unto me so soon again.  The reason
+was because that the more he did read therein, the more desire he
+had to go on therewith; and so, presenting me with ten livres in
+gold, he returned back again.
+
+"After which, when he had them in his custody one whole year, and
+that I understood he had perused it all over, then I sent unto his
+Grace, and humbly desired that his Grace would be pleased to return
+me my books again.  Whereupon he sent me word by the said Dr. Bray,
+that he had not as yet perused them so thoroughly over as he desired
+to do; then I stayed yet a year longer before I sent to him again.
+
+"In which time I heard for certain that it was concluded by the King
+and Council that a Parliament should forthwith be called; at which
+news I did much rejoice.  And then I sent unto his Grace an humble
+petition, and therein desired the returning of my book again;
+otherwise I told him I should be enforced to make it known, and to
+complain of him to the Parliament, which was then coming on.
+Whereupon he sent unto me again safely both the said original book
+and my translation, and caused his Chaplain, the said Doctor, to
+tell me that he would make it known unto his Majesty what an
+excellent piece of work I had translated, and that he would procure
+an order from his Majesty to have the said translation printed, and
+to be dispersed throughout the whole kingdom, as it was in Germany,
+and as he had heard thereof; and thereupon he presented me again
+with forty livres in gold.
+
+"And presently after I was set at liberty by warrant from the whole
+House of Lords, according to his Majesty's direction in that behalf;
+but shortly afterwards the Archbishop fell into his troubles, and
+was by the Parliament sent unto the Tower, and afterwards beheaded;
+insomuch that I could never since hear anything touching the
+printing of my book.
+
+"The House of Commons having then notice that I had translated the
+aforesaid book, they sent for me, and did appoint a Committee to see
+it and the translation, and diligently to make inquiry whether the
+translation did agree with the original or no; whereupon they
+desired me to bring the same before them, sitting then in the
+Treasury Chamber.  And Sir Edward Dering, being Chairman, said unto
+me that he was acquainted with a learned minister beneficed in
+Essex, who had lived long in England, but was born in High Germany,
+in the Palatinate, named Mr. Paul Amiraut, whom the Committee
+sending for, desired him to take both the original and my
+translation into his custody, and diligently to compare them
+together, and to make report unto the said Committee whether he
+found that I had rightly and truly translated it according to the
+original:  which report he made accordingly, and they, being
+satisfied therein, referred it to two of the Assembly, Mr. Charles
+Herle and Mr. Edward Corbet, desiring them diligently to peruse the
+same, and to make report unto them if they thought it fitting to be
+printed and published.
+
+"Whereupon they made report, dated the 10th of November, 1646, that
+they found it to be an excellent Divine Work, worthy the light and
+publishing, especially in regard that Luther, in the said
+Discourses, did revoke his opinion, which he formerly held, touching
+Consubstantiation in the Sacrament.  Whereupon the House of Commons,
+the 24th of February, 1646, did give order for the printing thereof.
+
+"Thus, having been lately desired to set down in writing the
+relation of the passages above-said concerning the said book, as
+well for the satisfaction of judicious and godly Christians, as for
+the conservation of the perpetual memory of God's extraordinary
+providence in the miraculous preservation of the aforesaid Divine
+Discourses, and now bringing them again to light:  I have done the
+same according to the plain truth thereof, not doubting but they
+will prove a notable advantage of God's glory, and the good and
+edification of the whole Church, and an unspeakable consolation of
+every particular member of the same.
+      "Given under my hand the 3rd day of July, 1650.
+                           "HENRY BELL."
+
+
+
+A COPY OF THE ORDER FROM THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.
+                           24th February, 1646.
+
+
+
+WHEREAS Captain Henry Bell hath strangely discovered and found a
+Book of Martin Luther's, called his Divine Discourses, which was for
+a long time very marvellously preserved in Germany:  the which book
+the said Henry Bell, at his great costs and pains, hath translated
+into the English out of the German Tongue, which Translation and
+substance thereof is approved by Reverend Divines of the Assembly,
+as appears by a Certificate under their hands:
+
+It is Ordered and Ordained by the Lords and Commons assembled in
+Parliament, that the said Henry Bell shall have the sole disposal
+and benefit of Printing the said Book translated into English by him
+as aforesaid, for the space of fourteen years, to commence from the
+date hereof.  And that none do Print or Re-print the same but such
+as shall be licensed by the said Captain by Authority under his
+hand.
+                              HENRY ELSYNG.
+(Vera Copia.)
+
+
+
+
+LUTHER'S TABLE-TALK.
+
+
+
+
+OF GOD'S WORD.
+
+
+
+Of the Word of God; or the Holy Scriptures contained in the Bible.
+
+The Bible, or Holy Scripture, said Luther, is like a fair and
+spacious orchard, wherein all sorts of trees do grow, from which we
+may pluck divers kinds of fruits; for in the Bible we have rich and
+precious comforts, learnings, admonitions, warnings, promises, and
+threatenings, etc.  There is not a tree in this orchard on which I
+have not knocked, and have shaken at least a couple of apples or
+pears from the same.
+
+
+Proofs that the Bible is the Word of God.
+
+That the Bible is the Word of God, said Luther, the same I prove as
+followeth.  All things that have been and now are in the world, also
+how it now goeth and standeth in the world, the same was written
+altogether particularly at the beginning, in the First Book of Moses
+concerning the Creation.  And even as God made and created it, even
+so it was, even so it is, and even so doth it stand to this present
+day.  And although King Alexander the Great, the kingdom of Egypt,
+the empire of Babel, the Persian, Grecian, and Roman Monarchs, the
+Emperors Julius and Augustus, most fiercely did rage and swell
+against this Book, utterly to suppress and destroy the same, yet
+notwithstanding, they could prevail nothing; they are all gone and
+vanished; but this Book, from time to time, hath remained, and will
+remain unremoved, in full and ample manner, as it was written at the
+first.  But who kept and preserved it from such great and raging
+power; or, Who defendeth it still?  Truly, said Luther, no human
+creature, but only and alone God himself, who is the right Master
+thereof; and it is a great wonder that it hath been so long kept and
+preserved, for the devil and the world are great enemies unto it.
+The devil doubtless hath destroyed many good books in the Church, as
+he hath rooted out and slain many saints, concerning whom we have
+now no knowledge.  But, no thanks unto him, the Bible he was fain to
+leave unmeddled with.  In like manner Baptism, the Sacrament, and
+the Office of Preaching have remained among us against the power of
+many tyrants and heretics that have opposed the same.  These our
+Lord God hath kept and maintained by his special strength.  Homer,
+Virgil, and suchlike are profitable and ancient books; but, in
+comparison of the Bible, they are nothing to be regarded.
+
+
+By whom and at what Times the Bible was translated.
+
+Two hundred and forty-one years before the humanity of Christ, the
+Five Books of Moses, and the Prophets, were translated out of the
+Hebrew into the Greek tongue by the Septuagint Interpreters, the
+seventy doctors or learned men then at Jerusalem, in the time of
+Eleazar the High-priest, at the request of Ptolemeus Philadelphus,
+King of Egypt, which King allowed great charges and expenses for the
+translating of the same.
+
+Then, one hundred and twenty-four years after the birth of Christ,
+his death and passion, the Old Testament was translated out of
+Hebrew into Greek by a Jew, named Aquila (being converted to the
+Christian faith), in the time of Hadrian the Emperor.
+
+Fifty and three years after this Aquila, the Bible was also
+translated by Theodosius.
+
+In the three-and-thirtieth year after Theodosius, it was translated
+by Symmachus, under the Emperor Severus.
+
+Eight years after Symmachus, the Bible was also translated by one
+whose name is unknown, and the same is called the Fifth Translation.
+
+Afterwards the Bible was translated by Hieronymus (who first amended
+and corrected the Seventy Interpreters) out of Hebrew into the Latin
+tongue, which translation we use to this day in the Church.  And
+truly, said Luther, he did enough for one man.  Nulla enim privata
+persona tantum efficere potuisset.  But he had not done amiss if he
+had taken one or two learned men to his translation besides himself,
+for then the Holy Ghost would more powerfully have been discerned,
+according to Christ's saying, "Where two or three be gathered
+together in my name, there will I be in the midst of them."  And,
+indeed, said Luther, translators or interpreters ought not to be
+alone, for good and apt words do not always fall to one single man.
+And so long as the Bible was in the Church of the Gentiles, it was
+never yet in such perfection, that it could have been read so
+exactly and significantly without stop, as we have prepared the same
+here at Wittemberg, and, God be praised, have translated it out of
+Hebrew into the High German tongue.
+
+
+Of the Differences between the Bible and other Books.
+
+The Holy Scripture, or the Bible, said Luther, is full of divine
+gifts and virtues.  The books of the Heathen taught nothing of
+Faith, Hope, and Love; nay, they knew nothing at all of the same;
+their books aimed only at that which was present, at that which,
+with natural wit and understanding, a human creature was able to
+comprehend and take hold of; but to trust in God and hope in the
+Lord, nothing was written thereof in their books.  In the Psalms and
+in Job we may see and find how those two books do treat and handle
+of Faith, of Hope, of Patience, and Prayer.
+
+To be short, the Holy Scripture, said Luther, is the best and
+highest book of God, full of comfort in all manner of trials and
+temptations; for it teacheth of Faith, Hope, and Love far otherwise
+than by human reason and understanding can be comprehended.  And in
+times of troubles and vexations, it teacheth how these virtues
+should light and shine; it teacheth, also, that after this poor and
+miserable life there is another which is eternal and everlasting.
+
+
+What we ought chiefly to seek for in the Bible, and how we ought to
+study and learn the Holy Scriptures.
+
+The chief lesson and study in Divinity, said Luther, is well and
+rightly to learn to know Christ, for he is therein very friendly and
+familiarly pictured unto us.  From hence St. Peter saith, "Grow up
+in the knowledge of Christ;" and Christ himself also teacheth that
+we should learn to know him only out of the Scriptures, where he
+saith, "Search the Scriptures, for they do testify of me."
+
+We ought not, said Luther, to measure, censure, and understand the
+Scriptures according to our own natural sense and reason, but we
+ought diligently by prayer to meditate therein, and to search after
+the same.  The devil and temptations also do give occasion unto us
+somewhat to learn and understand the Scriptures by experience and
+practice.  Without trials and temptations we should never understand
+anything thereof; no, not although we diligently read and heard the
+same.  The Holy Ghost must be the only master and tutor to teach us
+therein, and let youth and scholars not be ashamed to learn of this
+tutor.  When I find myself in temptation, then I quickly lay hold
+and fasten on some text in the Bible which Christ Jesus layeth
+before me, namely, THAT HE DIED FOR ME, from whence I have and
+receive comfort.
+
+
+That we should diligently read the Texts of the Bible, and stay
+ourselves upon it as the only true Foundation.
+
+Whoso layeth a good foundation, and is a substantial Text-man, that
+is, he that is well grounded in the Text, the same hath whereupon he
+surely may keep footing, and runneth not lightly into error.  And
+truly, said Luther, the same is most necessary for a Divine; for
+with the texts and grounds of the Holy Scriptures I dazzled,
+astonished, and overcame all my adversaries; for they approach
+dreamingly and lazily; they teach and write according to their
+natural sense, reason, and understanding, and they think the Holy
+Scripture is a slight and a simple thing; like the Pharisee, who
+thought a business soon done when our Saviour Christ said unto him,
+"Do that, and thou shalt live."  The sectaries and seducing spirits
+understand nothing in the Scriptures; but with their fickle,
+inconstant, and uncertain books which they have devised, they run
+themselves into error.
+
+Whoso is armed with the Text, the same is a right pastor; and my
+best advice and counsel is, said Luther, that we draw water out of
+the true fountain, that is, diligently to read in the Bible.  He is
+a learned Divine that is well grounded in the Text; for one text and
+sentence out of the Bible is of far more esteem and value than many
+writings and glosses, which neither are strong, sound, nor armour of
+proof.  As when I have that text before me of St. Paul, where he
+saith, "All the creatures of God are good, if they be received with
+thanksgiving."  This text showeth that what God hath made is good.
+Now, eating, drinking, marrying, etc., are of God's making,
+therefore they are good.  But the glosses of the Primitive Fathers
+are against this text, for St. Bernard, Basil, Dominicus,
+Hieronymus, and others have written far otherwise of the same.  But
+I prefer the Text before them all, and it is far more to be esteemed
+of than all their glosses; yet, notwithstanding, in Popedom the
+glosses of the Fathers were of higher regard than the bright and
+clear text of the Bible, through which great wrong oftentimes is
+done to the Holy Scriptures; for the good Fathers, as Ambrose,
+Basil, and Gregory, have ofttimes written very cold things touching
+the Divine word.
+
+
+That the Bible is the Head of all Arts.
+
+Let us not lose the Bible, said Luther, but with all diligence and
+in God's fear read and preach the same; for if that remaineth,
+flourisheth, and be taught, then all is safe.  She is the head and
+empress of all faculties and arts.  If Divinity falleth, then
+whatsoever remaineth besides is nothing worth.
+
+
+Of the Art of the School Divines in the Bible.
+
+The art of the School Divines, said Luther, with their speculations
+in the Holy Scriptures, are merely vain and human reasonings, spun
+out of their own natural wit and understanding, of which I have read
+much in Bonaventura, but he had almost made me deaf.  I fain would
+have learned and understood out of that book how God and my sinful
+soul had been reconciled together; but of that there was nothing to
+be found therein.  They talk much of the union of the will and
+understanding, but all is mere phantasy and folly.  The right and
+true speculation is this:  "Believe in Christ; do what thou oughtest
+to do in thy vocation," etc.  This is the only practice in Divinity.
+Also, Mystica Theologia Dionysii is a mere fable, and a lie, like to
+Plato's Fables.  Omnia sunt non ens, et omnia sunt ens-All is
+something, and all is nothing; and so he leaveth all hanging in
+frivolous and idle sort.
+
+True and upright Divinity consisteth in the practice, use, and
+exercise; her foundation is Christ; she taketh hold by faith on his
+passion, death, and resurrection.  All those, said Luther, that
+concur not with us, and have not this doctrine before their eyes,
+the same do feign unto themselves but only a speculated Divinity,
+according to their carnal sense and reason, and according as they
+use to censure in temporal causes; for no man can divert them from
+these opinions, namely, "Whoso doth good works, and liveth an honest
+and civil kind of life, the same is an upright Christian, and he is
+well and safe;" but they are therein far deceived; for this is the
+truth indeed, "Whoso feareth God and trusteth in him, the same most
+surely will be well and safe at last."
+
+Therefore, said Luther, these speculating Divines belong directly to
+the devil in hell.  They follow their own opinions, and what with
+their five senses they are able to comprehend; and such is also
+Origen's divinity.  But David is of another mind; he acknowledgeth
+his sins, and saith, "Miserere mei Domini," God be merciful to me a
+sinner.  At the hands of these sophisticated Divines, God can
+scarcely obtain that he is God alone; much less can he find this
+favour of them, that they should allow only him to be good and just;
+nay, very hardly will they yield that he is an immortal God.
+
+
+The Depths of the Bible.
+
+The wise of the world, and the great ones, said Luther, understand
+not God's Word; but God hath revealed it to the poor contemned
+simple people, as our Saviour Christ witnesseth, where he saith, "I
+thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast
+hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them
+unto babes," etc.; from whence St. Gregory says well and rightly,
+that the Holy Scripture is like a water, wherein an "elephant
+swimmeth, but a little sheep goeth therein upon his feet."
+
+I remember a Fable, said Luther, which fitteth very well for these
+times, and for this purpose, discoursed of before.  A Lion, said he,
+making a great feast, invited all the beasts thereunto, and with
+them also he invited swine.  Now, as all manner and sorts of
+dainties were brought and set before the guests, the swine demanded
+if Brewer's grains might be had for them.  Even so, in these days it
+is with our Epicures; we Preachers bring and set before them in the
+Church the most dainty and costly dishes, as Everlasting Salvation,
+Remission of Sins, and God's Grace; but they, like swine, cast up
+their snouts, and root after Dollars, Crowns, and Ducats; and,
+indeed, said Luther, "what should a cow do with nutmegs?"  She would
+rather content herself with oat-straw.
+
+When we have God's Word pure and clear, then we are secure, we are
+negligent and regard it not, we think it will always so remain; we
+do not watch and pray against the devil, who is ready to tear the
+Word out of our hearts.  It goeth with us as with travellers, who,
+so long as they are on the right way, are secure and careless; but
+when they go astray into woods or by-ways, then they are careful
+which way to take, whether this or that way be the right:  even so
+are we secure by the pure doctrine of the Gospel; we are sleepy and
+negligent; we stand not in God's fear, nor defend ourselves with
+prayer against the devil.  But those that entertain errors are
+highly busied, yea, they are very careful and diligent how to keep
+and maintain the same.
+
+
+Of the future Want of upright and true Preachers of God's Word.
+
+In a short time, said Luther, will be such want of upright Preachers
+and Ministers, that people would be glad to scratch out of the earth
+these good and godly Teachers now living, if they might but get
+them; then they will see what they have done in molesting and
+contemning the Preachers and Ministers of God's Word.  Of Physicians
+and Lawyers there are enough, if not too many, to serve the world;
+but a country hath need of two hundred Ministers where one Lawyer is
+sufficient.  My most gracious Lord, said Luther, the Prince Elector
+of Saxony, hath enough of twenty Lawyers in all his territories, but
+he must have near six thousand Preachers and Ministers.
+
+
+That People, out of mere Wilfulness, do set themselves against God's
+Word.
+
+Had I known, said Luther, when I first began to write, what I now
+see and find, namely, that people had been such enemies to God's
+Word, and so fiercely had set themselves against the same, truly I
+had held my peace; for I never should have been so courageous as to
+have fallen upon the Pope, and to have angered him, and almost the
+whole Christian world with him.  I thought at first that people had
+sinned ignorantly, and out of human weakness, and not of set purpose
+and wittingly to endeavour to suppress God's Word; but it pleased
+God to lead me on in the mouth of the cannon, like a bar-horse that
+hath his eyes blinded, and seeth not who runneth upon him.  Even so
+was I, as it were, tugged by my hair to the office of preaching; but
+had I then known what now I know, ten horses should scarce have
+drawn me to it.  Moses and Jeremiah also complained that they were
+deceived.
+
+
+Of the Archbishop of Mentz, one of the Spiritual Princes Electors,
+his Censure of the Bible.
+
+Anno 1530, at the Imperial Assembly at Augsburg, Albertus, Bishop of
+Mentz, by chance had got into his hands the Bible, and for the space
+of four hours he continued reading therein; at last, one of his
+Council on a sudden came into his bed-chamber unto him, who, seeing
+the Bible in the Bishop's hand, was much amazed thereat, and said
+unto him, "what doth your Highness with that book?"  The Archbishop
+thereupon answered him, and said, "I know not what this book is, but
+sure I am, all that is written therein is quite against us."
+
+
+That the Bible is hated of the Worldly-wise and of the Sophists.
+
+Doctor Ussinger, an Austin Friar, with me in the Monastery at
+Erfurt, said once unto me, as he saw that I diligently read and
+affected the Bible, "Brother Martin, what is the Bible?  Let us,"
+said he, "read the ancient Teachers and Fathers, for they have
+sucked the juice and truth out of the Bible.  The Bible is the cause
+of all dissension and rebellion."
+
+This, said Luther, is the censure of the world concerning God's
+Word; therefore we must let them run on their course towards that
+place which is prepared for them.
+
+
+Of the Errors which the Sectaries do hold concerning the Word of
+God.
+
+Bullinger said once in my hearing, said Luther, that he was earnest
+against the sectaries, as contemners of God's Word, and also against
+those who attributed too much to the literal Word; for, said he,
+such do sin against God and his almighty power, as the Jews did in
+naming the ark "God."  But, said he, whoso holdeth a mean between
+both, the same is taught what is the right use of the Word and
+Sacraments.
+
+Whereupon, said Luther, I answered him and said, "Bullinger, you
+err:  you know neither yourself nor what you hold; I mark well your
+tricks and fallacies.  Zuinglius and OEcolampadius likewise
+proceeded too far in this your ungodly meaning; but when Brentius
+withstood them, they then lessened their opinions, alleging they did
+not reject the literal Word, but only condemned certain gross
+abuses.  By this your error," said Luther to Bullinger, "you cut in
+sunder and separate the Word and the Spirit; you separate those that
+preach and teach the Word from God who worketh the same; you also
+separate thereby the Ministers that baptize from God who commandeth
+it; and you think that the Holy Ghost is given and worketh without
+the Word; which Word, you say, is an external sign and mark that
+findeth the Spirit, which already and before possesseth the heart.
+Insomuch, according to your falsities, that if the Word findeth not
+the Spirit, but an ungodly person, then it is not God's Word;
+whereby you define and hold the Word, not according to God who
+speaketh it, but according as people do entertain and receive it.
+You will only grant that such is God's Word which purifieth and
+bringeth peace and life; but seeing it worketh not in the ungodly,
+therefore it is not God's Word.  You teach that the outward Word is
+like an object or a picture, which signifieth and presenteth
+something; you measure the use thereof only according to the matter,
+like as a human creature speaketh for himself; you will not yield
+that God's Word is an instrument through which the Holy Ghost
+worketh and accomplisheth his work, and prepareth a beginning to
+righteousness or justification.  In these errors are you drowned, so
+that you neither see nor understand yourselves.
+
+"A man might vex himself to death against the devil, who, in the
+Papists, is such an enemy to God's Word.  The devil seeth and
+feeleth that the external Word and preaching in the Church doth him
+great prejudice, therefore he rageth and worketh these errors
+against the same; but I hope God ere long will look into it, and
+will strike down the devil with these seducers.
+
+"A true Christian," said Luther, "must hold for certain, and must
+say, That Word which is delivered and preached to the wicked, to the
+dissemblers, and to the ungodly, is even as well God's Word as that
+which is preached to the good and godly upright Christians.  As
+also, the true Christian Church is among sinners, where good and bad
+are mingled together.  And that Word, whether it produceth fruit or
+not, is nevertheless God's strength, which saveth all that believe
+thereon.  And again, it will also judge the ungodly, as St. John
+saith in chap. v., otherwise they might plead a good excuse before
+God, that they neither ought to be nor could be condemned; for then
+they might truly allege that they have not had God's Word, and so
+consequently could not receive the same.  But," said Luther, "I say,
+teach and acknowledge that the Preacher's words, his absolutions,
+and the sacraments, are not his words nor works, but they are God's
+words, works, cleansing, absolving, binding, etc.; we are but only
+the instruments, fellow-workers, or God's assistants, through whom
+God worketh and finisheth his work.  We," said Luther to Bullinger,
+"will not endure these your metaphysical and philosophical
+distinctions and differences, which merely are spun and hammered out
+of human and natural sense and reason.  You say, It is a man that
+preacheth, that reproveth, that absolveth, comforteth, etc., and
+that the Holy Ghost worketh; you say, likewise, the Minister
+baptiseth, absolveth, and administereth the sacraments, but it is
+God that cleanseth the hearts, and forgiveth sins, etc.  Oh, no,"
+said Luther, "but I conclude thus:  God himself preacheth,
+threateneth, reproveth, affrighteth, comforteth, absolveth,
+administereth the sacraments, etc.  As our Saviour Christ saith,
+'Whoso heareth you, heareth me; and what ye loose on earth shall be
+loosed in heaven,' etc.  Likewise, 'It is not you that speak, but
+the spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.'"
+
+"I am sure and certain," said Luther, "when I go up to the pulpit,
+or to the cathedral, to preach or read, that it is not my word which
+I speak, but my tongue is the pen of a ready writer, as the Psalmist
+saith.  God speaketh in the Prophets and men of God, as St. Peter in
+his Epistle saith:  'The holy men of God spake as they were moved by
+the Holy Ghost.'  Therefore we must not separate nor part God and
+man according to our natural reason and understanding.  In like
+manner, every hearer must conclude and say, I hear not St. Paul, St.
+Peter, or a man speak; but I hear God himself speak, baptize,
+absolve, excommunicate, and administer the holy sacrament of the
+Lord's Supper, etc."
+
+Bullinger, attentively hearkening to this discourse of that holy
+man, Luther, fell down flat on his face to the ground, and uttered
+these words following:  "Oh, happy be the time that brought me
+hither to hear the divine discourse of this man of God" (Martin
+Luther), "a chosen vessel of the Lord to declare his truth!  And now
+I abjure and utterly renounce these my former errors, finding them
+convinced and beaten down through God's infallible Word which out of
+his divine mouth" (Martin Luther), "hath touched my heart, and won
+me to his glory."  After he had uttered these words lying on the
+ground, he arose and clasped his arms about Luther's neck, both of
+them shedding joyful tears.
+
+Ah, God! said Luther at that time, what an unspeakable comfort a
+poor, weak, and sorrowful conscience might have and receive, if it
+could but believe that such words and comforts were the words and
+comforts of God himself, as in truth they are; therefore we
+conclude, short and round, that God through the Word worketh, which
+is an instrument whereby we are instructed to know him in heart, as
+by this present and happy example of the conversion of this our
+loving brother, Bullinger, we apparently see and find.
+
+But whereas, said Luther, the Word produceth not fruit everywhere
+alike, but worketh severally, the same is God's judgment, and his
+secret will, which from us is hid; we ought not to desire to know
+it.  For "the wind bloweth where it listeth," as Christ saith; we
+must not grabble nor search after the same.
+
+If, said Luther, I were addicted to God's Word at all times alike,
+and always had such love and desire thereunto as sometimes I have,
+then should I account myself the most blessed man on earth.  But the
+loving Apostle St. Paul failed also thereof, as he complains with
+sighs of heart, saying, "I see another law in my members, warring
+against the law of my mind," etc.  Should the Word be false because
+it bringeth not always fruit?  Truly this art of determining and
+knowing the Word hath been in great danger from the beginning of the
+world, and hath endured much:  few people there are that can hit it,
+except God, through his Holy Spirit, teacheth it them in their
+hearts.  The Sectaries understand not the strength of God's Word.  I
+do wonder, said Luther, that they do write and teach so much of
+God's Word, seeing they so little regard the same.
+
+Ferdinand, Prince Elector of Saxony, used to say he had well
+discerned that nothing could be propounded by human reason and
+understanding, were it never so wise, cunning, or sharp, but that a
+man, even out of the selfsame proposition, might be able to confute
+and overthrow it; but God's Word only stood fast and sure, like a
+mighty wall which neither can be battered nor beaten down.
+
+
+Which are the best Preachers and the best Hearers.
+
+I, said Luther, esteem those to be the best Preachers which teach
+the common people and youth most plainly and simply, without
+subtlety, screwed words, or enlargements.  Christ taught the people
+by plain and simple parables.  In like manner, those are the best
+Hearers that willingly do hear and believe God's Word simply and
+plainly, and although they be weak in faith, yet so long as they
+doubt not of the doctrine they are to be holpen forward; for God can
+and will bear with weakness if it be but acknowledged, and that we
+creep again to the Cross and pray to God for grace, and amend
+ourselves.
+
+David saith, "I hate them that imagine evil things, but thy law do I
+love," and will show therewith that we ought diligently to regard
+the strength of the Word of God, and not to contemn it, as the
+enthusiasts do, for God will deal with us by such means, and by the
+same will also work in us.  Therefore the ancient Fathers say well
+touching this point, namely, that we ought not to look to the person
+baptizing or ministering the Sacrament, but we must look to God's
+Word.
+
+Our Lord God electeth from hearts, to whom he revealeth his Word,
+and therewithal he giveth them mouths to speak it; preserveth and
+maintaineth it, not by sword, but through his Divine Power.
+
+
+That we ought to direct all our Actions and Lives according to God's
+Word.
+
+God, said Luther, hath his measuring-lines, and his canons, which
+are called the Ten Commandments; they are written in our flesh and
+blood.  The contents of them is:  "What thou wouldest have done to
+thyself, the same thou oughtest also to do to another."  For God
+presseth upon that point, and saith, "Such measure as thou metest,
+the same shall be measured to thee again."  With this measuring-
+line, or measure, hath God marked the whole world.  They that live
+and do thereafter, well it is with them, for God doth richly reward
+them in this life; and a Turk or a Heathen may as well be partaker
+of such rewards as a Christian.
+
+
+Where God's Word is loved, there dwelleth God.
+
+Upon these words of Christ, "If a man loveth me, he will keep my
+Word, and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and
+make our abode with him," I say thus, said Luther:  Heaven and
+earth, the castles and palaces of all Emperors, Kings, and Princes,
+are no way sufficient to make a dwelling-place for God; yet, in a
+silly human creature that keepeth his Word he will dwell.  Isaiah
+calleth heaven his "seat," and earth his "footstool," but not his
+dwelling; therefore, when we long to seek after God, we shall be
+sure to find him with them that hear and keep his Word, as Christ
+saith, "He that keepeth my Word, I will come and dwell with him."
+
+A man could not speak more simply and childishly than Christ spake,
+and yet he confounded therewith all the wisdom of the worldly-wise.
+To speak in such a manner, said Luther, is not in sublimi, sed
+humili genere:  if I should teach a child, I would teach him in this
+sort:  "He that loves me, will keep my Word."  Here we see that
+Christ saith not, Abstain from flesh, from marrying, from
+housekeeping, etc., as the Papists teach, for that were even to
+invite the devil and all his fellows to a feast.
+
+
+That true and upright Christians are ready to suffer Death and all
+manner of Torments for the Gospel's sake, but Hypocrites do shun the
+Cross.
+
+Not long since, said Luther, I invited to my table, at Wittemberg,
+an Hungarian Divine, named Matthias de Vai, who told me that, as he
+came first to be a Preacher in Hungary, he chanced to fall out with
+a Papistical Priest.  Now, he was complained of by that Priest to a
+Friar that was brother to the Vaivoda, or Governor of Buda, and they
+were both summoned to appear before him.  The one much accusing the
+other, insomuch that the Friar could not reconcile nor take up the
+controversy between them, at last, and after long debate, the Friar
+said, "I know a way soon to discover the truth of this cause," and
+commanded that two barrels of gunpowder should be set in the midst
+of the market-place at Buda, and said unto the parties, "He that
+will maintain his Doctrine to be right, and the true Word of God,
+let him sit upon one of these barrels, and I will give fire unto it,
+and he that remaineth living and unburned, his Doctrine is right."
+Then Matthias de Vai leaped presently upon one of the barrels and
+sat himself down thereon; but the Papist Priest would not up to the
+other barrel, but slunk away.  Then the Friar said, "Now I see and
+know that the Faith and Doctrine of Matthias de Vai is the right,
+and that our Papistical Religion is false."  And thereupon he
+punished and fined the Papist, with his assistants, for wronging De
+Vai, in four thousand Hungarian ducats, and compelled him for a
+certain time to maintain one hundred soldiers at his own charge; but
+he licensed Matthias de Vai openly to preach the Gospel.  The Friar
+himself, recanting his religion, was converted and became a
+Protestant; whereupon Luther said, Never yet would any Papist burn
+for religion, but our people go with joy to the fire, as heretofore
+hath been well seen on the holy Martyrs.
+
+
+By what God preserveth his Word.
+
+God will keep his Word, said Luther, through the writing-pen upon
+earth; the Divines are the heads or quills of the pens, but the
+Lawyers are the stumps.  If, now, the world will not keep the heads
+and quills-that is, if they will not hear the Divines-then they must
+keep the stumps-that is, they must hear the Lawyers, who will teach
+them manners.
+
+
+That in Causes of Religion we must not judge according to human
+Wisdom, but according to God's Word.
+
+When the Pope and Emperor, said Luther, cited me to appear at Worms,
+Anno Domini 1521, at the Imperial Assembly, they pressed and
+earnestly advised me to refer the determining of my cause to his
+Imperial Majesty; but I answered the three spiritual Electors,
+Maintz, Tryer, and Cologne, and said, "I will rather surrender up to
+his Majesty his letters of safe-conduct which he hath given me than
+to put this cause to the determining of any human creature
+whatsoever."  Whereupon my master, the Prince Elector of Saxony,
+said also unto them, "Truly no man could offer more."  But as they
+still insisted and urged me touching that point, I said, I did not
+dare to presume, without great danger of running myself into God's
+wrath, and of the loss of my soul's health, to refer this Cause,
+which is none of mine, but God's Cause, to the censure of earthly
+counsel; for the same, before all ages, hath been had in
+consultation, hath been determined, censured, concluded, and
+confirmed by the great Council in Heaven, to be and remain the
+infallible, most certain and true Word of the High Majesty of God;
+and therefore altogether needless, yea, most presumptuous now it
+were, either to receive or to deliver it to the determination and
+censure of human and natural sense, wit, and wisdom, which is
+subject to nothing more than to error, especially in and concerning
+God's Word and divine matters.  And I told them flat and plain, I
+would rather expose myself to endure all the torments that this
+world, flesh, and the devil were able to devise and prepare than to
+give my consent thereunto.
+
+
+That in former Times it was dangerous studying the Holy Scriptures.
+
+In times past, as also in part of our time, said Luther, it was
+dangerous studying, when divinity and all good arts were contemned;
+and when fine, expert, and prompt wits were plagued with sophistry.
+Aristotle, the Heathen, was held in such repute and honour, that
+whoso undervalued or contradicted him was held, at Cologne, for the
+greatest heretic; whereas they themselves understood not Aristotle.
+The Sophists did much more darken Aristotle than illustrate him;
+like as that Friar did, who wasted two whole hours in a sermon about
+Christ's Passion, and concerning this question:  Utrum quantitas
+realiter distincta sit a substantia-whether the quantity in itself
+were divided from the substance?  He showed this example, and said,
+"My head might well creep through, but the bigness of my head could
+not;" insomuch that, like an idiot, he divided the head from the
+bigness thereof.  A silly grammarian might easily have solved the
+same, and said, The bigness of the head, that is, the big or great
+head.
+
+With such and the like fopperies were petty brains troubled, said
+Luther, and were instructed neither in good arts nor in divinity.
+Antipho, Chusa, Bovillus, and others were likewise miserably
+molested and plagued about bringing a thing which was round into
+four square, and to compare a straight line with a crooked.  But we,
+God be praised, have now happy times; and it were to be wished that
+the youth made good use thereof, and spent their studying diligently
+in such arts as at this time are green, and flourish.
+
+
+That the Jews have better Teachers and Writers of the Holy
+Scriptures than the Gentiles.
+
+When I read in the Psalter, said Luther, I do much admire that David
+had such a spirit.  Oh, what high enlightened people were among the
+Jews!  This David was a married man; he was a king, a soldier, and a
+preacher; he was busy in temporal affairs, yet nevertheless he wrote
+such an excellent surpassing book.  The New Testament was written
+also by men that were Jews, and the Apostles themselves were Jews:
+God would signify thereby that we should adore his Word, we should
+preciously esteem thereof, reverence, and love the same.  We
+Gentiles have no book that ruleth in the Church, therefore we are
+not comparable to the Jews; from hence it is that St. Paul maketh a
+very fine distinction or difference between Sarah and Hagar, and the
+two sons, Isaac and Ishmael.  Hagar was also a wife, but nothing
+near like Sarah; therefore it is a great pride, presumption, and
+wilfulness of the Pope, in that he, being but a human creature, will
+presume, without Scripture, to set himself against the Scripture,
+and will exalt himself above the same.
+
+
+Of Luther's Complaint of the Multitude of Books.
+
+The multitude of books, said Luther, is much to be lamented; no
+measure nor end is held in writing; every one will write books; some
+out of ambition to purchase praise thereby, and to raise them names;
+others for the sake of lucre and gain, and by that means further
+much evil.  Therefore the Bible, by so many comments and books, will
+be buried and obscured, so that the Text will be nothing regarded.
+I could wish that all my books were buried nine ells deep in the
+ground, for evil example's sake, in that every one will imitate me
+with writing many books, thereby to purchase praise.  But Christ
+died not for the sake of our ambition and vain-glory, but he died
+only to the end that his name might be sanctified.
+
+
+That God's Word will not be truly understood without Trials and
+Temptations.
+
+I, said Luther, did not learn my divinity at one only time, but I
+was constrained to search deeper and deeper, to which my temptations
+brought me; for no man, without trials and temptations, can attain
+to the true understanding of the Holy Scriptures.  St. Paul had a
+devil that beat him with fists, and with temptations drove him
+diligently to study the Holy Scripture.  I, said Luther, had
+cleaving and hanging on my neck the Pope, the Universities, all the
+deep-learned, and with them the devil himself; these hunted me into
+the Bible, where I diligently read, and thereby, God be praised, at
+length I attained to the true understanding of the same.  Without
+such a devil, we are but only speculators of divinity, and according
+to our vain reasoning we dream that so-and-so it must be, as the
+Monks and Friars in monasteries do.  The Holy Scripture of itself is
+certain and true enough; but God grant me the grace that I may catch
+hold on the right use thereof; for when Satan disputeth with me in
+this sort, namely, whether God be gracious unto me or no? then I
+must not meet him with this text:  "Whoso loveth God with all his
+heart, with all his soul, and with all his strength, the same shall
+inherit the kingdom of God;" for then the devil presently objecteth,
+and hitteth me in the teeth, and saith, "Thou hast not loved God
+with all thy heart," etc., which, indeed, is true, and my own
+conscience therein witnesseth against me; but at such a time I must
+arm myself and encounter him with this text, namely:  "That Jesus
+Christ died for me, and through him I have a gracious God and
+Father; Christ hath made an atonement for me," as St. Paul saith,
+"He is of God given unto us for wisdom, for righteousness, for
+holiness, and for redemption."
+
+Tyrants, sectaries, seducers, and heretics do nothing else but drive
+us into the Bible, to make us read more diligently therein, and with
+more fervency to sharpen our prayers.
+
+
+Of the Advice of the Bishop of Salzburg, how to qualify the
+Controversy between the Protestants and Papists, propounded to
+Luther shortly before his Death; touching which, Luther discoursed
+as followeth:
+
+At the Imperial Assembly at Augsburg, in the year 1530, the Bishop
+of Salzburg said unto me, "Four ways and means there are to make a
+reconciliation or union between us and you Protestants.  One is,
+that ye yield unto us.  To that you say you cannot.  The second is,
+that we yield unto you; but that we will not do.  The third is, that
+the one party, by force, should be compelled to yield to the other;
+but thereupon a great combustion and tumult might be raised.
+Therefore the fourth way or means were to be applauded and used,
+namely, that now being here assembled together, the one party should
+strive to thrust out the other, and that party which shall have the
+advantage, and be the stronger, the same should put the other party
+into a bag and expel them."  Whereupon I, said Luther, answered him
+and said, "This, indeed, were a very substantial course to settle
+unity and peace, wonderful wisely considered of, found out and
+expounded by such a holy and Christian-like Bishop as you are."  And
+thereupon I took letters out of my pocket, which shortly before I
+had received from Rome, and gave the same to the Bishop to read,
+which letter related a pretty passage that fell out there five weeks
+before, between some Cardinals and the Pope's Fool, written as
+followeth:-
+
+The said Cardinals had been in serious consultation how, and by what
+means, the Protestants in Germany might be convinced touching their
+error, and suppressed; but they saw the difficulty of it, in that
+the Protestants, in their books and writings, powerfully against the
+Papists, cited the sacred Scripture, and especially they opposed and
+withstood them with the doctrine of St. Paul, which were great
+blocks in the Papists' way, insomuch that they found it a business
+not so easily to be accomplished.  Then said the Fool unto the
+Cardinals, "I know how to give you herein an advice, whereby you
+easily may be rid and quitted of St. Paul, that his doctrines shall
+not be approved of; as thus:  The Pope," said the Fool, "hath power
+to make Saints; therefore let St. Paul be taken out of the number of
+the Apostles, and preferred to be a Saint, as then his dicta, or
+sayings, which are against you, shall no more be held for
+apostolical."  "This and your proposition," said Luther to the
+Bishop, "are of equal value."
+
+
+
+OF GOD'S WORKS.
+
+
+
+That human Sense and Reason cannot comprehend nor understand God's
+Works.
+
+In all things, and in the least creatures, yea, also in their
+members, God's almighty power and great wonderful works do clearly
+shine.  For what man, how powerful, wise, and holy soever, can make
+out of one fig, a fig-tree or another fig? or, out of one cherry-
+stone, can make a cherry or a cherry-tree? or what man can know how
+God createth and preserveth all things and maketh them grow?
+
+And truly we find and see printed the Holy Trinity in all good arts
+and creatures, as the almighty power of God the Father, the wisdom
+of God the Son, and the goodness of God the Holy Ghost.  Neither can
+we conceive or know how the apple of the eye doth see, or how
+understanding words are spoken distinctly and plainly when only the
+tongue is moved and stirred in the mouth, all which are natural
+things, as we daily see and act.  How then should we be able to
+comprehend or understand the secret counsel of God's Majesty, or
+search it out with our sense, wit, reason, or understanding?
+
+
+That no Man understands God's Works.
+
+No man, said Luther, is able to imagine, much less to understand,
+what God hath done, and still doth without ceasing.  Although we
+laboured and sweated blood to write but only three lines in such
+manner as St. John did write, yet were we never able to perform it.
+What, then, should we any way admire or wonder at our wisdom?  I,
+for my part, said Luther, will be a fool, and will yield myself
+captive.
+
+When one asked where God was before Heaven was created, St. Austin
+made answer thereunto and said, He was in himself.  And as another,
+said Luther, asked me the same question, I said, He was building
+Hell for such idle, presumptuous, fluttering spirits and
+inquisitors.  After he had created all things, he was everywhere,
+and yet he was nowhere; for I cannot fasten nor take hold of him
+without the Word.  But he will be found there where he hath bound
+himself to be.  The Jews found him at Jerusalem by the Throne of
+Grace (Exodus xxv.).  We find him in the Word and Faith, in Baptism
+and Sacraments; but in his Majesty he is nowhere to be found.
+
+It was a special grace in the Old Testament, when God bound himself
+to a certain place where he would be found, namely, in that place
+where the Tabernacle was, towards which they prayed; as first in
+Shiloh and Shechem, afterwards at Gibeon, and lastly at Jerusalem in
+the Temple.
+
+The Greeks and Heathens in after-times, said Luther, did imitate the
+same, and did build temples for their idols in certain places, as at
+Ephesus for Diana, at Delphos for Apollo, etc.  For where God built
+a church, there the devil would also build a chapel.  They imitated
+the Jews also in this, namely, that as the most holy was dark and
+had no light, even so and after the same manner did they make their
+places dark where the devil made answer, as at Delphos and
+elsewhere.  In such sort is the devil always God's ape.
+
+But, said Luther, whereas the most holy must be dark, the same did
+signify that the Kingdom of Christ no other way was to be taken hold
+of and fastened, but only by the Word and by Faith.
+
+
+That the Superfluity of temporal Wealth doth hinder the Faith.
+
+God, said Luther, could be rich soon and easily if he would be more
+provident, and would deny us the use of his creatures.  If he would
+but keep back the sun, that it should not shine, or lock up the air,
+detain the water, or quench out the fire-ah! then would we willingly
+give all our money and wealth to have the use of his creatures
+again.
+
+But seeing God so liberally heapeth his gifts upon us, we therefore
+will claim them as by right, in despite of him, and let him deny
+them us if he dare.  Therefore the unspeakable multitude of his
+innumerable benefits do hinder and darken the faith of the
+believers, much more of the ungodly.
+
+
+That God doth purchase nothing but Unthankfulness with his Benefits.
+
+God giveth sun and moon, said Luther, stars and elements, fire and
+water, air and earth, and all creatures; body and soul, and all
+manner of maintenance, of fruits, grain, corn, wine, and all that is
+profitable for the preserving of this temporal life; and, moreover,
+he giveth unto us his all-saving Word, yea, himself he giveth unto
+us.
+
+But, said Luther, what getteth God thereby?  Truly nothing else than
+that he is wickedly blasphemed; yea, that his only Son is pitifully
+scorned, contemned, and hanged on the gallows; his servants plagued,
+banished, persecuted and slain.  This is the thanks that he hath for
+his Grace, for creating, for redeeming, sanctifying, nourishing, and
+for preserving us:  such a seed, fruit, and godly child is the
+world.  Oh, woe be to it!
+
+
+Of God's Power in our Weakness.
+
+God, said Luther, placeth his highest office very wonderfully; he
+commits it to preachers that are poor sinners and beggars, who do
+utter and teach it, and very weakly do thereafter, or live according
+to the same.
+
+Thus goeth it always with God's power in our weakness; for when he
+is weakest in us, then is he strongest.
+
+
+Howsoever God dealeth with us, it is always unacceptable.
+
+How, said Luther, should God deal with us?  Good days we cannot
+bear, evil we cannot endure.  Giveth he riches unto us? then are we
+proud, so that no man can live by us in peace; nay, we will be
+carried upon hands and shoulders, and will be adored as gods.
+Giveth he poverty unto us? then are we dismayed, we are impatient,
+and murmur against him.  Therefore nothing were better for us than
+soon to be conveyed to the last dance, and covered with shovels.
+
+
+Of the acknowledging of Nature.
+
+Adam had no need of books, said Luther, for he had the Book of
+Nature; and all the Patriarchs and Prophets, Christ and his
+Apostles, do cite much out of that book; as, touching the sorrows of
+women bearing children, of the fellowship and community of the
+members of man's body, as St. Paul relateth such parables, and saith
+that one member cannot miss another:  if the eyes did not see,
+whither then would the feet go? how would they stumble and fall?  If
+the hands did not fasten and take hold, how then should we eat?  If
+the feet went not, where then would the hands get anything?  Only
+the maw, that lazy drone, lies in the midst of the body, and is
+fatted like a swine.  This parable, said Luther, teacheth us that
+mankind should love one another; as also the Greeks' pictures do
+teach concerning two men, the one lame and the other blind, who
+showed kindness the one to the other, as much as in them lay.  The
+lame guided the blind in the way, which else he neither knew nor
+saw, and the blind carried the lame, that else could not go; so that
+they both were helped and came forward.
+
+
+Of God's Goodness, if we could but trust unto him.
+
+Once, towards evening, came flying into Luther's garden two birds,
+and made a nest therein, but they were oftentimes scared away by
+those that passed by.  Then said Luther, O ye loving pretty birds!
+fly not away; I am heartily well contented with you, if ye could but
+trust unto me.  Even so it is with us:  we neither can trust in God,
+who, notwithstanding, showeth and wisheth us all goodness.
+
+
+That God made all Things for Mankind.
+
+God's power is great, said Luther, who holdeth and nourisheth the
+whole world, and maintaineth it; and it is a hard article where we
+say and acknowledge, "I believe in God the Father."  He hath created
+all things sufficiently for us.  All the seas are our cellars, all
+woods are our huntings; the earth is full of silver and gold, and of
+innumerable fruits, which are created all for our sakes, and the
+earth is a corn-house and a larder for us, etc.
+
+
+That God's creatures are used, or rather abused, for the most part
+by the Ungodly.
+
+The wicked and ungodly, said Luther, do enjoy and use the most part
+of God's creatures; for the tyrants have the greatest power, lands,
+and people in the world; the usurers have the money; the farmers
+have eggs, butter, corn, barley, oats, apples, pears, etc.; but good
+and godly Christians must suffer, be persecuted, must sit in
+dungeons where they can see neither sun nor moon, must be thrust out
+into poverty, must be banished, and plagued, etc.  But certainly it
+must be better one day; it cannot always so remain; let us have but
+patience, and steadfastly remain by the pure doctrine, and,
+notwithstanding all this misery, let us not fall away from the same.
+
+
+That God, and not Money, preserves the World.
+
+God only, said Luther, and not money and wealth, maintains and
+preserves the world; for riches and much money do make proud and
+lazy people:  as at Venice, where the richest people are, a horrible
+dearth fell among them in our memory, so that they were driven to
+call upon the Turks for help, who sent twenty-four galleys laden
+with corn, all which, as they almost were arrived, went down into
+the sea and sank before their eyes.
+
+Therefore, said Luther, great wealth and money cannot still the
+hunger, but rather occasioneth more dearth; for where rich people
+are, there it is always dear, and things are at high rates.
+Moreover, money maketh no man right merry, but much more pensive and
+full of sorrow; for they are thorns which do prick people, as Christ
+calls riches; yet is the world so mad that they will set thereupon
+all their joy and felicity.
+
+
+That God's corporeal Gifts are but little regarded.
+
+One evening, Luther saw cattle going in the fields, in a pasture,
+and said:  Behold, there go our preachers, our milk-bearers, butter-
+bearers, cheese and wool-bearers, which do daily preach unto us the
+faith towards God, that we should trust in him, as in our loving
+Father; he careth for us, and will maintain and nourish us.
+
+
+That God nourisheth all the Beasts.
+
+No man, said Luther, can account the great charges which God is at
+only in maintaining the birds and such creatures, which in a manner
+are nothing or little worth.  I am persuaded, said he, that it
+costeth God yearly more to maintain only the sparrows than the
+yearly revenue of the French King amounteth unto.  What then shall
+we say of all the rest of his creatures?
+
+
+That God is skilful in all Manner of Trades.
+
+God, said Luther, is skilful in all occupations and trades, in a
+most perfect and excellent manner; for, like a skilful tailor, he
+makes such a coat for the stag, which he wears nine hundred years
+together, and of itself it is not torn; also, like a good shoemaker,
+he gives him shoes on his feet, that last longer than the stag
+himself, etc.
+
+God gives this world, with all his works, to those people who, as he
+knows before, will anger, contemn, and blaspheme him.  What, then,
+may we think, will he give to those that through faith are
+justified, and do know that they, so justified, shall live and
+remain with him everlastingly?
+
+
+That God will be praised in all Languages.
+
+"All that hath breath, praise the Lord," saith the Psalm; thence it
+followeth that in all and every language, speeches, and tongues we
+should preach and praise the Lord.  Why then, said Luther, have the
+Pope and the Emperor forbidden to sing and pray in the German
+tongue?
+
+
+That God is willing we should make use of his Creatures.
+
+Our loving Lord God is willing that we eat, drink, and be merry, and
+make use of his creatures, for therefore he hath created them.  He
+will not have that we should complain, as if he had not given
+sufficient, or that he could not maintain our poor carcases; only
+that we do acknowledge him for our God, and thank him for his gifts.
+
+
+That God fills the Bellies of the Ungodly, but he gives the Kingdom
+of Heaven to the Good and Godly.
+
+We believe, said Luther, that God will give to us no better things
+than he giveth to the rich ungodly wretches in this world, to whom
+he gives an overplus, and the fill of good wine, money, wealth,
+power, honour, and all things that they would have or can desire.
+But the best wealth and treasure, which they do not desire, he
+denies them, namely, himself.  But he that hath not God, let him
+have else what he will, so is he, notwithstanding, more miserable
+than was Lazarus, that lay at the rich man's gate and was starved to
+death.  But it will go even so with them as it went with the
+glutton, that they everlastingly must hunger and want, and shall not
+have in all their power so much as the least drop of water, etc.
+
+If, then, said Luther, the almighty and liberal God in such wise
+doth heap blessings upon his worst enemies and blasphemers, with all
+manner of temporal goods and wealth, and gives to some also
+kingdoms, principalities, etc., then may we, that are his children,
+easily conceive what he will give unto us, who, for his sake must
+suffer-yea, what he hath already given us.  He hath given unto us
+his only-begotten Son, and with him hath bestowed all things upon
+us, so that through him we are God's children, and also heirs of his
+celestial treasure, and are co-heirs with Christ according to hope.
+
+
+Court Cards.
+
+God regards ungodly great Potentates, Kings, and Princes even as
+children regard playing at cards.  While they play, and have good
+cards, they hold them in their hands; then, afterwards, when they
+have bad cards, they are weary of them, and throw them under the
+bench.  Just so doth God with great Potentates.  While they are in
+the government, and rule well, he holds them for good; but so soon
+as they do exceed, and govern ill, then he throws them down from
+their seat, as Mary sings, and there he lets them lie.  Ut Regem
+Danioe.
+
+The Queen of Denmark, that was sister to the Emperor Charles and
+King Ferdinand, died at that time when her husband, King Christian,
+was taken prisoner, who was kept in prison twenty years.  And his
+son, who was the only heir of the kingdom, and was in the Court of
+the Emperor, died also at the Imperial Diet held at Ratisbon the
+same year, 1541.  God hath taken up and gathered together a fine and
+glorious game at cards, all of mighty Potentates, as Emperors,
+Kings, Princes, etc.; they scuffle and fight one with another;
+touching which, said Luther, I could show many examples done in our
+time, etc.
+
+"The Pope," said Melancthon, "for the space of these certain hundred
+years, hath been held for the principal Head of all Christendom.
+When he did but wink or hold up one finger, so must the Emperors,
+Kings, and Princes have humbled themselves and feared; insomuch that
+he was Lord of all Lords, King of all Kings on earth; yea, he was an
+earthly god.  But now comes Almighty God, throws down the Pope, and
+wins that great king with the ace (Luther), and there he lies.  This
+is God's government, as Mary sings in her Magnificat:  Deposuit
+potentes-He puts down the mighty from their seat, etc.
+
+"If I were rich," said Melancthon, "I would have artificially made
+me a game at cards, and a chess-board all of gold and silver, in a
+remembrance of God's game at cards, which are all great and mighty
+Emperors, Kings, and Princes, where he always thrusteth one out
+through another.  N. is the four of diamonds, the Pope is the six of
+diamonds, the Turk is the eight of diamonds, the Emperor is the king
+in the game.
+
+"At last comes our Lord God, divides the game, beats the Pope with
+Luther (he is the ace).  But the Pope is not yet quite dead; Christ
+hath begun to slay him with the spirit of his mouth, so that he is
+dead in the hearts of believing Christians.  I hope it is almost
+come so far that, in less than two hundred years, God will quite
+make an end of him, and of that antichristian idolatry, by his
+glorious coming."
+
+
+Whoso from his Heart can humble himself before God, he hath gained.
+
+Whoso can earnestly humble himself from his heart before God, he
+hath gained.  For God can do nothing but to be merciful towards them
+that humble themselves.  For if God should always be stern and
+angry, so should I, said Luther, be afraid of him as of the
+executioner.  And seeing that I must stand in fear of the Pope, of
+the Emperor, of the Papistical Bishops, and of other tyrants, which
+are God's enemies, to whom then should I fly and take my refuge, if
+I should also be afraid of God?
+
+
+That God preserves Nurture and Discipline.
+
+God's works and actions will be where good nurture and discipline is
+maintained, especially in wars, where a good government is settled;
+otherwise it goeth strangely, dissolutely, and ill, as in this time
+we see too well.
+
+When God will confound the wisdom of the wise, he makes them first
+mad and furious in their proceedings, as he dealt with the Popish
+Princes and Bishops at the Imperial Diet held at Augsburg.
+
+Let the adversaries rage and swell their fills, said Luther, and as
+long as they can.  God hath set the sea her bounds; he suffers the
+same to beat and rage with her waves, as if they would over-run,
+cover, and drown everything; yet, notwithstanding, they must not
+pass the shore and banks, although God keeps the waters in their
+compass, not with iron, but with weak walls of sand.  This discourse
+Luther held at that time when letters were written unto him from the
+Assembly at Frankfort, concerning the Papists, with their practices
+and exploits, intending to fall upon the Protestants in all parts.
+
+The second Psalm, said Luther, is one of the best Psalms.  I love
+that Psalm with my heart.  It strikes and slashes valiantly amongst
+the Kings, Princes, Counsellors, Judges, etc.  If it be true what
+this Psalm saith, then are the allegations of the Papists stark
+lies.  If I were as our Lord God, and had committed the government
+to my son, as he hath done to his Son, and that these angry
+gentlemen were so disobedient as they now are, I would, said Luther,
+throw the world into a lump.
+
+Mary, the poor child-maid of Nazareth, also combateth with these
+great Kings, Princes, etc., as she sings, "He hath put down the
+mighty from their seat," etc.  No doubt, said Luther, she had an
+excellent undaunted voice.  I, for my part, dare not sing so.  The
+tyrants say, "Let us break their bonds asunder."  What that is, said
+he, present experience teacheth us; for we see how they drown, how
+they hang, burn, behead, strangle, banish, and torture; and all this
+they do in despite of God.  "But he sits above in heaven, and
+laugheth them to scorn."  If, said Luther, God would be pleased to
+give me a little time and space, that I might expound a couple of
+small Psalms, I would bestir myself so boldly that, Samson-like, I
+would take all the Papists away with me.
+
+
+By reason of our stiff-necked Hardness, God must be both harsh and
+good too.
+
+I was, said Luther, very lately sharply reprimanded and taxed by a
+Popish flattering Courtier, a Priest, because with such passion I
+had written, and so vehemently had reproved the people.  But I
+answered him and said, "Our Lord God must first send a sharp pouring
+shower, with thunder and lightning, and afterwards cause it mildly
+to rain, as then it wetteth finely through.  In like manner, a
+willow or a hazel wand I can easily cut with my trencher-knife, but
+for a hard oak a man must have and use axes, bills, and such-like,
+and all little enough to fell and to cleave it."
+
+
+What that is, God is nothing, and yet he is all Things.
+
+Plato, the Heathen, disputed of God, that God is nothing, and yet he
+is all things; him followed Dr. Eck, and the Sophists, who
+understood nothing thereof, as their words do show, which no man
+could understand.  But, said Luther, we must understand and speak of
+it in this manner:  God is incomprehensible and invisible, therefore
+what may be seen and comprehended, that is not God.  And thus a man
+may speak also in another manner and wise:  As God is either visible
+or invisible; visible he is in his Word and Works, but where his
+Word and Works are not, there a man should not desire to have him,
+for he will be found nowhere else than where he hath revealed
+himself.  But these and such-like will find and take hold of him
+with their speculations, so that instead of God they take hold of
+the devil, and find him, for he will be also a god.  But I do truly
+admonish and warn every one that they abstain from such
+speculations, and not to flutter too high, but remain by the manger,
+and by the swaddling-clothes wherein Christ doth lie (in the Holy
+Scriptures), "in whom dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead
+bodily," as St. Paul saith (Col. ii.).  There a man cannot fail of
+God, but finds and hits upon him most certainly.  I would willingly
+that this rule might be observed after my death, namely:  Human
+comfort and Divine comfort are of two sorts:  human comfort
+consisteth in external visible help, which a man may see, hold, and
+feel; but Divine comfort consisteth only in words and promises,
+where there is neither seeing, hearing, nor feeling.
+
+
+That Children are God's special Blessings and Creatures.
+
+Dr. Jonas, inviting Luther to a dinner, had caused a bough, with
+ripe cherries, to be hung up over the table where they dined, in
+remembrance of the creation, thereby to put his guests in mind to
+praise the glorious God in his blessing and creating such fruits,
+etc.  But Luther asked him why he did not rather remember the same
+by his children that were the fruit of his body.  For, said he, they
+surpass and are far more excelling creatures of God than all the
+fruits of trees.  By them we see God's Power, Wisdom, and Art, who
+hath made them all out of nothing, hath given them in one year life
+and all members, so exquisitely hath created and will maintain and
+preserve them.  Yet, notwithstanding, we do not much regard it; nay,
+we are in such gifts of God blind and covetous, as commonly it
+falleth out that people when they have got children grow worse and
+more covetous; they rake and rend all they can, to the end enough
+may be left for their children.  They do not know that before a
+child comes to the world, and is born, it hath its lot; and already
+is ordained and determined what and how much it shall have, and what
+shall be thereout.  In the state of matrimony we learn and find that
+begetting and bearing of children stands and consists not in our
+wills and pleasures, for the parents can neither see nor know
+whether they be fruitful or no, nor whether God will give them a son
+or a daughter.  All this is done without our ordaining, thinking, or
+foreknowledge.  My father and mother did not think that they should
+have brought a superintendent into the world; it is only God's
+Creation which we cannot rightly understand nor conceive.  I
+believe, said Luther, that in the life to come we shall have nothing
+else to do than to meditate of our Creator, and of his celestial
+creatures, and wonder at the same.
+
+
+
+OF THE NATURE OF THE WORLD.
+
+
+
+Of the World, and of the Manner thereof.
+
+The world, said Luther, will neither have nor hold God for God, nor
+the devil for the devil.  And if a man were left to himself, and
+should be suffered to do after his own kind and nature, then would
+he willingly throw our Lord God out at the window; for the world
+regards God nothing at all, as the Psalm saith, Dixit impius in
+corde suo, non est Deus.  On the contrary, the god of the world is
+riches, pleasure, and pride, wherewith they abuse all the creatures
+and gifts of God.
+
+The Monks and Friars, in times past, boasted much of their
+contemning of the world, and they made use of that speech of St.
+Paul (Rom. xii.), "Be not conformed to this world;" from whence they
+would touch no money, as if it were against God to make use of
+riches, money, and wealth; whereas St. Paul and the whole Scriptures
+forbid but only the abuse of heart, wicked lust, desire, and
+inclination; as there is ambition, incontinency, revenge, etc.,
+which lusts do hang on the world; yea, they altogether flow and
+flourish.
+
+
+Of the Manner of People in Eating.
+
+We have the nature and manner of all wild beasts in eating.  The
+wolves eat sheep; we also.  The foxes eat hens, geese, etc.; we
+also.  The hawks and kites eat fowl and birds; we also.  Pikes do
+eat other fish; we also.  With oxen, horse, and kine, we also eat
+sallets, grass, etc.
+
+
+The Unthankfulness of Husbandmen and Farmers.
+
+The husbandmen and rich farmers, said Luther, are not worthy of so
+many benefits and fruits which the earth doth bear and bring unto
+them.  I give more thanks to our Lord God for one tree or bush than
+all rich farmers and husbandmen do for their large and fruitful
+grounds.  Yet, said he, we must except some husbandmen, as Adam,
+Noah, Abraham, and Isaac, who went out to see their grounds, to the
+end they might remember God's gifts in his creatures.  (Gen. xxiv.)
+
+The world will have night owls, said Luther, that is, sectaries,
+seducers, and unbelievers, about whom the birds do fly; that is, the
+world wonders at them, entertains them with great honour, and gives
+them money and wealth enough.
+
+
+The Gospel discovereth the Wickedness of Mankind.
+
+As the cold, said Luther, is always greater and more piercing in
+winter when the days begin to lengthen, and when the sun draws near
+unto us, for that maketh the cold thicker, and presseth it together:
+just so the wickedness of mankind is greater, that is, more visible,
+and breaks out when the Gospel is preached; for the Holy Ghost
+reproveth the world of sin, which the world neither can nor will
+endure.
+
+
+The World's Unthankfulness towards the Servants of God.
+
+He must be of a high and great spirit that undertaketh to serve the
+people both in body and soul, and nevertheless must suffer the
+utmost danger and highest unthankfulness.  Therefore Christ said to
+Peter, Simon, etc., "Lovest thou me?" and repeated it three times
+together.  Afterwards he said, "Feed my sheep," as if he would say,
+"Wilt thou be an upright Minister and a Shepherd? then love must
+only do it; thy love to me must do the deed, otherwise it is
+impossible."  For who can endure unthankfulness? to study away his
+wealth and health, and afterwards to lay himself open to the highest
+danger and unthankfulness of the wicked world?  Therefore he saith,
+"It is very needful that thou lovest me."
+
+The Pope and Turk, said Luther, have thoroughly revenged our cause,
+and have done to the world a great deal of right, as by scourging
+experience they have thoroughly been taught, for so the world will
+have it.  Upright and true servants of God they will not endure,
+nay, they murder them, therefore they must have such fellows, yea,
+and moreover, they must maintain and hold them in great honour and
+esteem, and yet nevertheless must by them be cursed and deceived.
+
+
+The World must have stern and fierce Rulers.
+
+The world, said Luther, cannot be without such stern Governors, by
+whom they must be ruled.  King Ferdinand, with his Popish tyranny,
+is even a fine liquorish bit for the world; therefore said God,
+through the Prophet Samuel, to his people of Israel that prayed for
+a King, He would give them a King, but this shall be his rule:  "He
+will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots,
+and to be his horsemen, and will take your daughters to be cooks,"
+etc.  As Ferdinand, the Prince Elector of Saxony, returned home from
+the election of the Emperor Charles at Cologne, he asked me how I
+liked the news, that they had elected Charles, King of Spain, to be
+Roman Emperor.  I answered him and said, "The ravens must have a
+kite."
+
+
+The World's highest Wisdom.
+
+The highest wisdom of the world is, said Luther, to trouble
+themselves with temporal, earthly, and vanishing things; and as it
+happeneth and falleth out with those things, they say, "Non putaram"
+(I had not thought it).  For faith is a certain and a sure
+expectation of that which a man hopeth for, and maketh no doubt of
+that which he seeth not, as the Epistle to the Hebrews saith:  Faith
+looks to that which is to come, and not to that which is already
+present.  Therefore a true Christian doth not say, "Non putaram" (I
+had not thought it); but he is most certain that the beloved Cross
+is near at hand, and will surely come upon him; therefore he is not
+afraid when it goeth evil with him, and he is tormented.  But the
+world, and those that live securely in the world, cannot brook
+misfortunes; they go on continually leaping and dancing in pleasure
+and delight, like the rich Glutton in the Gospel.  He could not
+spare the scraps to poor Lazarus, but Lazarus belonged to Christ,
+and he took his part.
+
+
+The Language and Doings of the World.
+
+Albertus, Bishop of Mentz, had a physician attending on his person
+who was a Protestant, and therefore the less in the Bishop's favour;
+the same, being covetous and puffed up with ambition, recanted his
+religion and fell to Popery, uttering these words:  "I will, for
+awhile, set Christ behind the door, until I be grown rich, and then
+I will take him to me again."  Such and the like blasphemous words
+do deserve the highest punishments, as befell that wicked
+dissembling wretch, for the same night he was found in his bed in a
+most fearful manner, with his tongue torn out of his mouth, as black
+as a coal, and his neck wrung in twain.  Myself, said Luther, at
+that time coming from Frankfort to Mentz, was an eye-witness of that
+just judgment of God.  If, said he, a man could bring to pass, and
+at his pleasure could set God behind the door, and take him again
+when he listed, then was God his prisoner.  They were words of a
+damned Epicure, and so accordingly he was rewarded.
+
+
+Luther's Comparison of the World.
+
+The world seems to me like unto a decayed house.  David and the
+Prophets are the spars; Christ is the main pillar in the midst that
+supporteth all.
+
+
+The World seeketh Immortality with their Pride.
+
+Whereas all people do feel and acknowledge, yea, do see, that they
+must die and vanish away, every one therefore seeketh here on earth
+immortality, that he may be had in everlasting remembrance.
+Sometimes great Princes and Kings sought it by causing great columns
+of marble stone and exceedingly high pyramids, buildings, and
+pillars four square to be erected, as at this time they do with
+building great churches, costly and glorious palaces and castles,
+etc.  Soldiers do look and hunt after great praise and honour by
+overcoming and obtaining famous victories.  The learned seek an
+everlasting name in writing books, as in our time is to be seen.
+With these and such-like, people do think to be immortal.  But on
+the true, everlasting, and incorruptible honour and eternity of God,
+no man thinketh nor looketh after the same.  Ah! we are poor, silly,
+and miserable people!
+
+
+What is to be considered in the executing of Offices.
+
+If, said Luther, the great pains and labour which I take sprang not
+from love and for the sake of him that died for me, the world could
+not give me money enough to write only one book, or to translate the
+Bible.  I desire not to be rewarded and paid of the world for my
+book; the world is too poor and simple to give me satisfaction.  I
+have not desired the value of one penny of my master the Prince
+Elector of Saxony, so long as I have been in this place.  The whole
+world is nothing else but a turned-about Decalogus, or the Ten
+Commandments backwards, a wizard, and a picture of the devil.  All
+contemners of God, all blasphemers, all disobedient; whoredom,
+pride, theft, murder, etc., are now almost ripe for the slaughter;
+neither is the devil idle, with Turk and Pope, heresies and other
+erroneous sects.  Every man draws the Christian liberty only to
+carnal excess, as if now they had free liberty and power to do what
+they list; therefore the kingdom of the devil and Pope is the best
+government for the world, for therewith they will be governed with
+strict laws and rights, with superstition, unbelief, etc.
+
+The world grows worse through the doctrine of God's Grace and
+preaching of the Gospel; for when they hear that after this life
+there is another, they are well enough content with this life, and
+that God should keep the other to himself; if they may have here but
+only good days, honour, and wealth, that is all they care for or
+desire.
+
+At the time of my being in Rome, said Luther, there died a Cardinal
+very rich, and left behind him great store of money; shortly before
+his death he made his will, and laid it in a chest where the money
+was.  After his death the chest was opened, and therein, by the
+money, was found lying a bull, written on parchment, with these
+words:
+
+   Dum potui, rapui; rapiatis, quando potestis.
+(I extorted and oppressed as long as I was able; while ye have
+power, get what you can.)
+
+Oh! said Luther, how finely, think you, must this Cardinal have
+departed and died?
+
+
+The World is full of Dissemblers and Blasphemers:  How many Sorts
+there be.
+
+Luther discoursing, in the presence of the Prince Elector of Saxony
+and other Princes, of the many sorts and differences of wicked
+persons, said:  Colax, Sycophanta, Cacoethes; these sins and
+blasphemies are almost alike the one to the other, only that they go
+one after another, as a man going up the stairs and steps ascends
+from one to another.
+
+Colax, in my opinion, is he that in Terence they name Gnatho, an
+ear-scratcher, a dissembler, a trencher-licker, one that talketh for
+his belly's sake, and is altogether a man-pleaser.  This is a sin of
+mankind, whose intent is to get all they can though others are hurt
+thereby.
+
+Sycophanta is such a dissembler, traitor, and backbiter that would
+earn a grey coat.  This sin is nearer allied to the devil than to
+mankind.  Gnatho acts his part in the comedies, but Sycophanta in
+the tragedies.  Phormio, in Terence, is a very honest person,
+nothing, or very little, stained with the other two vices.
+
+Cacoethes is a wicked villain, that wittingly and wilfully prepareth
+mischief.
+
+
+Of the Wealth and Treasure of the World.
+
+The Fuggars {2} of Augsburg, on a sudden, said Luther, are able to
+levy one hundred tons of gold (one ton of gold is one hundred
+thousand rix dollars, making, in English money, two-and-twenty
+thousand pounds sterling, and more), which neither the Emperor nor
+King of Spain is able to perform.  One of the Fuggars, after his
+death, left eighty tons of gold.  The Fuggars and the money-changers
+in Augsburg lent the Emperor at one time eight-and-twenty tons of
+gold for the maintaining of his wars before Padua.
+
+The Cardinal of Brixen, who died at Rome very rich, left no great
+sum of ready money behind him, but only there was found in his
+sleeve a little note of a finger's length.  This note was brought to
+Pope Julius, who presently imagined it was a note of money, and
+therefore sent for the Fuggars' factor that was then at Rome, and
+asked him if he knew that writing.  The factor said, "Yea, it was
+the debt which the Fuggars did owe to that Cardinal, which was the
+sum of forty hundred thousand rix dollars."  The Pope asked him how
+soon he could pay that sum of money.  He answered and said, "Every
+day, or, if need required, at an hour's warning."  Then the Pope
+called for the Ambassadors of France and England, and asked them if
+either of their Kings, in one hour's space, were able to satisfy and
+pay forty tons of gold.  They answered, "No."  "Then," said the
+Pope, "one citizen of Augsburg can do it."  And the Pope got all
+that money.  One of the Fuggars being warned by the Senate of
+Augsburg to bring in and to pay his taxation, said, "I know not how
+much I have, nor how rich I am, therefore I cannot be taxed;" for he
+had his money out in the whole world-in Turkey, in Greece, at
+Alexandria, in France, Portugal, England, Poland, and everywhere,
+yet he was willing to pay his tax of that which he had in Augsburg.
+
+
+Covetousness is a Sign of Death; we must not rely on Money and
+Wealth.
+
+Whoso hath money, said Luther, and depends thereon, as is usual, it
+neither proceeds nor prospers well with that person.  The richest
+monarchs have had bad fortune, and lamentably have been destroyed
+and slain in the wars; on the contrary, poor and unable people, that
+have had but small store of money, have overcome and had great
+fortune and victory.  As Emperor Maximilian overcame the Venetians,
+and continued wars ten years with them, who were exceedingly rich
+and powerful.  Therefore we ought not to trust in money and wealth,
+nor to depend thereon.  I hear, said Luther, that the Prince
+Elector, George, begins to be covetous, which is a sign of his death
+very shortly.  When I saw Dr. Goad begin to count his puddings
+hanging in the chimney, I told him he would not live long, which
+fell out accordingly; and when I begin to trouble myself about
+brewing, malting, and cooking, etc., then shall not I drive it long,
+but soon die.
+
+
+The Popes' Covetousness.
+
+The covetousness of the Popes has exceeded all others', therefore,
+said Luther, the devil made choice of Rome to be his habitation; for
+which cause the ancients have said, "Rome is a den of covetousness,
+a root of all wickedness."  I have also read in a very old book this
+verse following:
+
+      Versus Amor, Mundi Caput est, et Bestia Terrae.
+
+That is (when the word Amor is turned and read backward, then it is
+Roma), Rome, the head of the world, a beast that sucketh out and
+devoureth all lands.  Truly at Rome is an abominable trading with
+covetousness, for all is raked to their hands without preaching or
+church-service, but only with superstition, idolatry, and with
+selling their good works to the poor ignorant lay-people for money;
+therefore St. Peter describeth such covetousness with express and
+clear words when he saith, "They have an heart exercised with
+covetous practices."  I am persuaded a man cannot acknowledge the
+disease of covetousness unless he knoweth Rome; for the deceits and
+jugglings in other parts are nothing in comparison of those at Rome;
+therefore, anno 1521, at the Imperial Diet held at Worms, the State
+of the whole Empire made supplication against such covetousness, and
+desired that his Imperial Majesty would be pleased to suppress the
+same.
+
+At that time, said Luther, my book was presented to the German
+nobility, which Dr. Wick showed unto me.  Then the Gospel began to
+go on well, but the Pope's power, together with the Antinomians,
+gave it a great blow, and yet, notwithstanding, through God's
+Providence, it was thereby furthered.
+
+The Pope's power was above all Kings and Emperors, which power I
+opposed with my little book; and therewith also I assaulted the Bull
+on the Pope, and, by God's assistance, overthrew it.  I did not
+write that book on purpose against the Pope, but only against the
+abuses of Popedom; yet nevertheless it startled them quickly, for
+their consciences accused them.
+
+
+Princes do draw and tear Spiritual Livings unto them.
+
+The proverb is, said Luther, "Priests' livings are catching
+livings," and that "Priests' goods never prosper."  This we know to
+be true by experience, for such as have drawn spiritual livings unto
+them are grown poor thereby, and become beggars, therefore this
+Fable I like very well:
+
+There was an Eagle that made amity and friendship with the Fox; they
+agreed to dwell peaceably together.  Now when the Fox expected from
+the Eagle all manner of good offices and turns, he brought his young
+ones and laid them under the tree on which the Eagle had his nest
+and young ones; but the friendship between them lasted not long, for
+so soon as the Eagle wanted meat for his young (the Fox being out of
+the way), he flew down and took the young Foxes and carried them
+into his nest, and therewith fed his young Eagles.  When, therefore,
+the old Fox returned, and saw that his young were taken away, he
+made his complaint to the great god Jupiter, desiring that he would
+revenge and punish that injury of Jus violati hospitii.  Not long
+after, as the Eagle again wanted meat to feed his young, he saw that
+on a place in the field they sacrificed to Jupiter.  The Eagle flew
+thither, and quickly snatched away a piece of roast from the altar
+and brought the same to his young, and flew again to fetch more; but
+it happened that a hot coal hung to one of the pieces; the same,
+falling into the Eagle's nest, set it on fire; the young Eagles, not
+able to fly, were burned with the nest and fell to the ground.  Even
+so it usually fareth with those that rake and rend spiritual livings
+unto them, which are given to the maintaining of God's honour and
+service; such at last must lose their nests, that is, they must be
+left destitute of their temporal goods and livings, and besides,
+must sustain hurt of body and soul.  Spiritual livings have in them
+the nature of Eagle's feathers, for when they are laid to other
+feathers they devour the same.  Even so, when men will mingle
+spiritual livings (per fas aut nefas) with other goods, so must the
+same likewise be consumed, insomuch that at last nothing will be
+left.
+
+I have seen a pretty dog, at Lintz, in Austria that was taught to go
+with a hand-basket to the butcher's shambles for meat; now, when
+other dogs came about him, and would take the meat out of the
+basket, he set it down, bit and fought lustily with the other dogs;
+but when he saw they would be too strong for him, then he himself
+would snatch out the first piece of meat, lest he should lose all.
+Even so doth now our Emperor Charles, who, after he hath a long time
+defended the spiritual livings, and seeth that every Prince taketh
+and raketh the monasteries unto himself, doth also now take
+possession of bishoprics, as newly he hath snatched to himself the
+bishoprics of Utrich and Luttich, to the end he may get also partem
+de tunica Christi.
+
+
+A fearful Example of Covetousness.
+
+A covetous farmer, well known at Erfurt, said Luther, carried his
+corn to sell there in the market; but holding it at too dear a rate,
+no man would buy of him nor give him his price; he being thereby
+moved to anger, said, "I will not sell it cheaper, but will rather
+carry it home again and give it to the mice."  As he came home
+therewith, an innumerable number of mice and rats flocked about his
+house and devoured up all his corn.  And the next day following,
+going out to see his grounds, which were newly sown, he found that
+all the seed was eaten up, and no hurt at all done upon the grounds
+belonging to his neighbours.  This certainly, said Luther, was a
+just punishment from God, and a token of his wrath against the
+unthankful world.
+
+
+Wealth is the least Gift of God.
+
+Riches, said Luther, is the smallest thing on earth, and the least
+gift that God hath bestowed on mankind.  What is it in comparison of
+God's Word? yea, what is it to be compared with corporeal gifts, as
+beauty, health, etc.? nay, what is it to the gifts of the mind, as
+understanding, art, wisdom, etc.?  Yet are men so eager after it
+that no labour, travel, nor danger is regarded in the getting of
+riches; there is in it neither Materialis, formalis, efficiens et
+finalis causa, nor anything else that is good; therefore our Lord
+God commonly giveth riches to such from whom he withholds all
+Spiritual good.
+
+
+Giving to the Poor that truly stand in need of our Help.
+
+St. John saith, "He that hath this world's goods, and seeth his
+brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from
+him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?"  And Christ saith, "He
+that desireth of thee, give to him;" that is, to him that hath need
+and is in want.  He saith not to every idle, lazy, and wasteful
+companion, which commonly are the greatest beggars, to whom although
+one gave much and often, yet were they nothing helped thereby.  In
+this town, said Luther, no men are in greater want than the students
+and scholars.  The poverty here indeed is great, but idleness and
+laziness are far greater.  A man can scarcely get a poor body to
+work for money, and yet they will all beg.  There is, said he, no
+good government.  Though I were able, yet I would not give to those
+idle beggars, for the more one helpeth and giveth them, the more and
+oftener they come.  I will not cut my bread away from my wife and
+children, and give it to such; but when one is truly poor, to him I
+will give with all my heart, according to my ability.  And no man
+should forget that Scripture which saith, "He that hath two coats,
+let him part with one," etc.; for the Holy Scripture, in naming a
+coat, meaneth all manner of apparel that one hath need of, according
+to his state and calling, as well for credit as for necessity.  As,
+also, by "the daily bread" is understood all maintenance necessary
+for the body, therefore "a coat," in Scripture, is signified to be
+all usual apparel.
+
+
+The World will always have new Things.
+
+Before I translated the New Testament out of the Greek, said Luther,
+every one longed after it, to read therein, but when it was done
+their longing lasted scarce four weeks.  Then they desired the Books
+of Moses; when I had translated those, they had enough thereof in a
+short time.  After that they would have the Psalter; of the same
+they were soon weary; when it was translated, then they desired
+other books.
+
+In like manner, said he, will it be with the Book of Ecclesiasticus,
+which they now long for, and about which I have taken great pains in
+the translating thereof.  All are acceptable, so long and until our
+giddy brains be satisfied; afterwards they let them lie, and seek
+after new things; therefore in the end there must come errors among
+us.
+
+
+
+OF THE LORD CHRIST.
+
+
+
+That Christ warreth with great Potentates.
+
+On the 18th of August, 1535, Luther, receiving letters from
+Frankfort relating to the great preparations of the Emperor against
+the Protestants, said:  Our Saviour Christ will not wage wars with
+beggars, but with great and powerful Kings and Princes, as it is
+written, "Kings of the earth stand up, and the rulers take counsel
+together against the Lord, and against his anointed."  Well, on,
+said Luther, they will find their counsels altogether vain and
+frivolous, for Christ shall win the field.  We see also how the
+Prophets contended and strove with Kings, as the Kings of Babel and
+Assyria, etc.  In like manner Daniel, one of the chief Prophets,
+wrestled and strove with Kings, and they again resisted the
+Prophets.  All those Kings are gone, and lie in the ashes, but
+Christ remaineth, still, and will remain a King for ever.
+
+
+That it doth not follow because Christ did this and that, therefore
+we must also do the same.
+
+At this time, said Luther, there are those that allege Christ by
+force drove the buyers and sellers out of the temple; therefore we
+also may use the like power against the Popish bishops and enemies
+of God's Word, as Muntzer and other seducers, in the time of the
+common rebellion, anno 1525.  Christ did many things which we
+neither may nor can do after him.  He went upon the water, he fasted
+forty days and forty nights, he raised Lazarus from death after he
+had lain four days in the grave, etc.  Such and the like must we
+leave undone.  Much less will Christ have that we by force should
+set against the enemies of the truth, but he commanded the contrary,
+"Love your enemies, pray for them that vex and persecute you," etc.
+But we ought to follow him in such works where he hath annexed an
+open command, as, "Be merciful, as your Father is merciful;"
+likewise, "Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and
+humble in heart," etc., also, "He that will follow me, let him deny
+himself, take up his cross and follow me."
+
+
+That the weak in Faith do also belong to the Kingdom of Christ.
+
+The weak in faith, said Luther, do also belong to the kingdom of
+Christ, otherwise the Lord would not have said to Peter, "Strengthen
+thy brethren," Luke xxii.; and Rom. xiv., "Receive the weak in
+faith;" also 1 Thess. v., "Comfort the feeble-minded, support the
+weak."  If the weak in faith should not belong to Christ, where then
+would the Apostles have been, whom the Lord oftentimes (also after
+his resurrection, Mark xvi.) reproved because of their unbelief?
+
+
+That Christ is the only Physician against Death, whom
+notwithstanding very few do desire.
+
+A cup of water, said Luther, if a man can have no better, is good to
+quench the thirst.  A morsel of bread stilleth the hunger, and he
+that hath need seeketh earnestly thereafter.  So Christ is the best,
+surest, and only physic against the most fearful enemy of mankind,
+the devil, but they believe it not with their hearts.  If they knew
+a physician who lived above one hundred miles off, that could
+prevent or drive away temporal death, oh, how diligently would he be
+sent for!  No money nor cost would be spared.  Hence it appears how
+abominably human nature is spoiled and blinded; yet,
+notwithstanding, the small and little heap do stick fast to the true
+Physician, and by this art do learn that which the holy old Simeon
+well knew, from whence he joyfully sang, "Lord, now lettest thou thy
+servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation,"
+etc., therefore death became his sleep; but from whence came his
+great joy?  Because that with spiritual and corporeal eyes he saw
+the Saviour of the world-he saw the true Physician against sin and
+death.  Therefore it is a great trouble to behold how desirous a
+thirsty body is of drink, or one that is hungry of food, whereas a
+cup of water, a morsel of bread, can still hunger and thirst no
+longer than two or three hours, but no man, or very few, are
+desirous, or do long after the most precious Physician, although he
+lovingly calleth and allureth all to come unto him, and saith, "He
+that is athirst, let him come to me and drink" (John vii.); so, "He
+that believeth in me, from his body shall flow streams of living
+water."
+
+
+Of the Temple of all the Gods (except Christ), at Rome, called
+Pantheon.
+
+In the year 606, Emperor Phocas, the murderer of that good and godly
+Emperor Mauritius, and the first erector of the Pope's primacy, gave
+this temple Pantheon to Pope Boniface the Third, to make thereof
+what he pleased.  He gave it another name, and instead of All-Idols
+he named it the Church of All-Saints; he did not number Christ among
+them, from whom all saints have their sanctity, but erected a new
+idolatry, the Invocation of Saints.
+
+In my chronicle, said Luther, I expound the name of Bonifacius thus:
+Bonifacius is a Popish name, that is, a good form, fashion, or show,
+for under the colour of a good form and show he acted all manner of
+mischief against God and man.
+
+As I was at Rome, said Luther, I saw this church; it had no windows,
+but only a round hole on the top, which gave some light.  It was
+vaulted high, and had pillars of marble stone so thick that two of
+us could scarcely fathom one about.  Above, on the vault, were
+portrayed all the gods of the heathen, Jupiter, Neptune, Mars,
+Venus, and how else they are called.  These gods were at a union, to
+the end they might fool and deceive the whole world; but Christ they
+cannot endure, for he hath whipped them out.  Now are the Popes
+come, and have driven Christ away again; but who knoweth how long it
+will continue?
+
+
+That the World knoweth not Christ, nor those that are his.
+
+Even as Christ is now invisible and unknown to the world, so are we
+Christians also invisible and unknown therein.  "Your life," saith
+St. Paul (Coloss. iii.), "is hid with Christ in God."  Therefore,
+said Luther, the world knoweth us not, much less do they see Christ
+in us.  And John the Apostle saith, "Behold, what love the Father
+hath showed unto us, that we shall be called God's children" (1 John
+iii).  Therefore we and the world are easily parted; they care
+nothing for us, so we care less for them; yea, through Christ the
+world is crucified unto us, and we to the world.  Let them go with
+their wealth, and leave us to our minds and manners.
+
+When we have our sweet and loving Saviour Christ, then we are rich
+and happy more than enough, we care nothing for their state, honour,
+and wealth.  But we often lose our Saviour Christ, and little think
+that he is in us, and we in him; that he is ours, and we are his.
+And although he hideth himself from us, as we think, in the time of
+need for a moment, yet are we comforted in his promise, where he
+saith, "I am daily with you to the world's end;" the same is our
+best and richest treasure.
+
+
+Of the Name Jesus Christ.
+
+I know nothing of Jesus Christ, said Luther, but only his name; I
+neither have heard nor seen him corporeally; yet notwithstanding I
+have, God be praised, learned so much out of the Scriptures that I
+am well and thoroughly satisfied; therefore, I desire neither to see
+nor to hear him corporeally.  And besides this, when I was left and
+forsaken of all men, in my highest weakness, in trembling and in
+fear of death, when I was persecuted of the wicked world, then I
+oftentimes felt most evidently the divine power which this name
+(Christ Jesus) communicated unto me; this name (Christ Jesus)
+oftentimes delivered me when I was in the midst of death, and made
+me alive again.  It comforted me in the greatest despair, and
+particularly at the Imperial Assembly at Augsburg, anno 1530, when I
+was forsaken of every man; insomuch that, by God's grace, I will
+live and die for that name.
+
+And rather than I will yield, or through silence endure that Erasmus
+Roterodamus, or any other whosoever he be, should too nearly touch
+my Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus with his ungodly false doctrine,
+how fairly coloured soever it be trimmed or garnished, I say I will
+rather die; yea, it should be more tolerable for me, with wife and
+children, to undergo all plagues and torments, and at last to die
+the most shameful death, than that I should give way thereunto.
+
+
+That Christ and the Pope are set on, the one against the other.
+
+I, said Luther, have set Christ and the Pope together by the ears,
+therefore I trouble myself no further; and although I come between
+the door and the hinges and be squeezed, it is no matter, though I
+go to the ground; yet notwithstanding Christ will go through with
+it.
+
+
+Of the Pre-eminence of God's Word.
+
+Christ once appeared visible here on earth, and showed his glory,
+and, according to the divine counsel and purpose of God, he finished
+the work of redemption and the deliverance of mankind.  I do not
+desire that he should come once more, neither would I that he should
+send an angel unto me; and although an angel should come and appear
+before mine eyes from heaven, yet would I not believe him; for I
+have of my Saviour Christ Jesus bond and seal; that is, I have his
+Word and Spirit; thereon I do depend, and desire no new revelations.
+And, said Luther, the more steadfastly to confirm me in the same
+resolution, and to remain by God's Word, and not to give credit to
+any visions or revelations, I shall relate the following
+circumstance:- I being on Good Friday last in my inner chamber, in
+fervent prayer, contemplating with myself how Christ my Saviour hung
+on the Cross, how he suffered and died for our sins, there suddenly
+appeared upon the wall a bright shining vision, and a glorious form
+of our Saviour Christ, with the five wounds, steadfastly looking
+upon me, as if it had been Christ himself corporeally.  Now, at the
+first sight, I thought it had been some good Revelation:  yet I
+recollected that surely it must needs be the juggling of the devil,
+for Christ appeareth unto us in his word, and in a meaner and more
+humble form; therefore I spake to the vision in this manner:
+"Avoid, thou confounded devil; I know no other Christ than he who
+was crucified, and who in his Word is pictured unto me."  Whereupon
+the image vanished.
+
+
+That Christ is the Health and Wisdom of the Faithful.
+
+Alas! said Luther, what is our wit and wisdom? for before we
+understand anything as we ought, we lie down and die; therefore the
+devil hath good striving with us.  When one is thirty years old, so
+hath he as yet Stultitias carnales; yea, also Stultitias
+spirituales; yet it is much to be admired that, in such our
+imbecility and weakness, we achieve and accomplish so much and such
+great matters; but it is God that giveth it.  God gave to Alexander
+the Great, Sapientiam et fortunam, Wisdom and good success; yet,
+notwithstanding, he calleth him, in the Prophet Jeremiah, Juvenem, a
+youth, where he saith, "Quis excitabit juvenem" (A young raw milksop
+boy shall perform it:  he shall come and turn the city Tyrus upside-
+down).  But yet Alexander could not leave off his foolishness, for
+oftentimes he swilled himself drunk, and in his drunkenness he
+stabbed his best and worthiest friends; yea, afterwards he drank
+himself to death at Babel.  Neither was Solomon above twenty years
+old when he was made King, but he was well instructed by Nathan, and
+desired wisdom, which was pleasing to God, as the text saith.  But
+now chests full of money are desired.  "Oh!" say we now, "if I had
+but money, then I would do so-and-so."
+
+
+
+OF SINS AND OF FREE-WILL.
+
+
+
+Of the Fall of the Ungodly, and how they are surprised in their
+Ungodliness and False Doctrine.
+
+Our Lord God, said Luther, suffereth the ungodly to be surprised and
+taken captive in very slight and small things, when they think not
+of it, when they are most secure, and live in delight and pleasure,
+in springing and leaping for joy.  In such a manner was the Pope
+surprised by me, in and about his indulgences and pardons, which was
+altogether a slight thing.  The Venetians, likewise, were taken
+napping by Emperor Maximilian.
+
+That which falleth in Heaven is devilish, but that which stumbleth
+on earth is human.
+
+
+Of the Acknowledgment of Sins.
+
+It can be hurtful to none, said Luther, to acknowledge and confess
+their sins.  Have we done this or that sin, what then?  Let us
+freely in God's name acknowledge the same, and not deny it; let us
+not be ashamed to confess, but let us from our hearts say, "O Lord
+God! I am such-and-such a sinner," etc.
+
+And although thou hadst not committed this or that sin, yet
+nevertheless thou art an ungodly creature; and if thou hast not done
+that sin which another hath done, so hath he not committed that sin
+which thou hast done; therefore cry quittance one with another.  It
+is even as one said that had young wolves to sell; he was asked
+which of them was the best.  He answered and said, "If one be good,
+then they are all good; they are like one another."  If, said
+Luther, thou hast been a murderer, an adulterer, or a drunkard,
+etc., so have I been a blasphemer of God, because for the space of
+fifteen years together I was a Friar, and have blasphemed God with
+celebrating that abominable idol the Mass.  It had been better for
+me that I had been a partaker of other great wickednesses instead of
+the same; but what is done cannot be undone; he that hath stolen,
+let him henceforward steal no more.
+
+
+What our Free-will doth effect.
+
+I, said Luther, oftentimes have been directly resolved to live
+uprightly, and to lead a true godly life, and to set everything
+aside that would let or hinder; but it was far from being put in
+execution, even as it was with Peter, when he swore he would lay
+down his life for Christ.
+
+I will not lie nor dissemble before my God, but will freely confess
+I am not able to effect that good which I do intend, but must expect
+the happy hour when God shall be pleased to meet me with his grace.
+
+
+
+OF THE CATECHISM.
+
+
+
+Of the Virtues and Vices ooncerning the Ten Commandments.
+
+The Decalogus, that is, the Ten Commandments of God, are a looking-
+glass, and a brief sum of all virtues and doctrines, both how we
+ought to behave towards God and also towards our neighbour, that is,
+towards all mankind.
+
+There never was at any time written a more excellent, complete, nor
+compendious book of virtues.
+
+The duty of the First and Second Commandment is to fear God, to love
+and to trust in him; the contrary is sin and vice, an ungodly life,
+contemning of God, hatred, despair, etc.
+
+The duty of the Third Commandment is to acknowledge and to preach
+the doctrine of God's Word; the contrary is blaspheming of God, to
+be silent and not to confess the truth when need requireth.
+
+The duty of the Fourth Commandment is the external service of God,
+as the preaching of God's Word, hearing, reading, and meditating on
+the same, to the end we may make proof of our faith; the contrary is
+the despising of God's Word and the outward service of God, as the
+Holy Sacraments.
+
+The duty of the Fifth Commandment is obedience towards parents,
+tutors, and magistrates in those things which are not against God;
+the contrary is disobedience and rebellion.
+
+The duty of the Sixth Commandment is meekness, not to be desirous of
+revenge, not to bear malice; against this is tyranny, rage, hatred,
+envy, etc.
+
+The duty of the Seventh Commandment is continency and chastity;
+against the same is lasciviousness, immodest behaviour, adultery,
+etc.
+
+The duty of the Eighth Commandment is to do good, to give and lend
+willingly, to be liberal; the contrary is covetousness, stealing,
+usury, fraud, and to wrong in trading and dealing.
+
+The duty of the Ninth Commandment is to love the truth, not to
+backbite and slander, to speak well of all men; the contrary is
+lying, backbiting, and to speak evil of another.
+
+The duty of the Tenth Commandment is righteousness, to let every one
+possess his own; the contrary is to be miserable and unjust.
+
+The duty of this Commandment is to be without all covetous desires
+in the heart, to be content with that which one hath; against that
+are the lustings of the heart.  St. Paul saith the end of the
+Commandment is charity, out of a pure heart, and of a good
+conscience, and of faith unfeigned.
+
+
+
+BRIEF SENTENCES OF THE CATECHISM, ACCORDING AS LUTHER USED TO TEACH
+AND INSTRUCT HIS FAMILY AT HOME.
+
+
+
+Of the Ten Commandments of God.
+
+As the Faith is, so is also God.
+
+God stayeth not quite away, though he stayeth long.
+
+Despair maketh Priests and Friars.
+
+God careth and provideth for us, but we must labour.
+
+God will have the heart only and alone.
+
+Idolatry is the imagination of the heart.
+
+God giveth by creatures.
+
+God's Word placeth before our eyes the world, to the end we may see
+what a fine spark it is.
+
+God's Word is our sanctification, and maketh everything happy.
+
+Works of obedience must highly be regarded.
+
+All that govern are called Fathers.
+
+Shepherds of Souls are worthy of double honour.
+
+Magistrates belong not to the fifth Commandment.
+
+Wrath is forbidden in every man, except in the magistrates.
+
+All occasions of death are forbidden.
+
+Matrimony proceedeth freely in every state and calling.
+
+Matrimony is necessary and commanded.
+
+Matrimony forbidden and disallowed is against God's command.
+
+Matrimony is a blessed state, and pleasing to God.
+
+To steal is what one taketh unjustly.
+
+Unfaithfulness is also stealing.
+
+Thieving is the most common trade in the world.
+
+Great thieves go scot-free, as the Pope and his crew.
+
+Falseness and covetousness prosper not.
+
+Backbiting is meddling with God's judgment.
+
+Censuring, and to speak evil behind one's back, belongeth only to
+the magistrates.
+
+We must censure and reprove no man behind his back.
+
+We must judge charitably in everything.
+
+There are no good works without the Ten Commandments.
+
+To fear God, and to trust in him, is the fulfilling of all the
+Commandments.
+
+The first Commandment driveth on all the rest.
+
+
+Of the Creed.
+
+The Creed teacheth to know God, and what a God we have.
+
+In all cases we must make use of faith.
+
+God giveth himself unto us with all creatures.
+
+We must always drive on the article of Jesus Christ.
+
+The Holy Ghost bringeth Christ home unto us; he must reveal him.
+
+Where the Holy Ghost preacheth not, there is no Church.
+
+The works of the Holy Ghost are wrought continually.
+
+
+Of the Lord's Prayer.
+
+To pray is to call upon God in all need, which is made precious
+through God's command, and necessity stirreth up earnest and devout
+prayers, which are our weapons against the devil.
+
+The devil, the world, and our flesh is against God's Will.
+
+The devil hindereth and destroyeth the daily bread and all the gifts
+of God.
+
+God careth for our bodies daily.
+
+No man can live in the world without sin.
+
+No man can bring his own righteousness before God.
+
+We must forgive, as God forgiveth us.
+
+To forgive our neighbour, assureth us fully that God hath forgiven
+us.
+
+We are tempted three manner of ways-of the devil, of the world, and
+of our flesh.
+
+Temptations serve against the secureness of our flesh.
+
+Temptations are not overcome through our own strength.
+
+The devil would hinder all that we pray for.
+
+The devil goeth about to bring us into all manner of need.
+
+
+Of Baptism.
+
+Faith is annexed to Baptism.
+
+Faith must have before it some external thing.
+
+Faith maketh the person worthy.
+
+Baptism is not our work, but God's.
+
+Baptism is right, although no man believeth.
+
+No man must build upon his faith.
+
+Unbelief weakeneth not God's Word.
+
+
+Of the Lord's Supper.
+
+The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is of God's ordaining.
+
+The Word maketh a Sacrament.
+
+Christ in the Sacrament is spiritual food for the soul.
+
+Remission of sins is obtained only through the Word.
+
+Faith receiveth the forgiveness of sins.
+
+The Sacrament consisteth not in our worthiness.
+
+Faith and human understanding are one against another.
+
+Faith dependeth on the Word.
+
+As we hold of Christ, even so we have him.
+
+Faith is a Christian's treasure.
+
+The Gospel is the power of God.
+
+
+Good Works.
+
+Good works are nameless.
+
+A Christian's work standeth for the good of the neighbour.
+
+Faith in Christ destroyeth sin.
+
+The Holy Scriptures only give comfort, they forbid not good works.
+
+Christ is a general good.
+
+Christians do pray for and desire the last Day of Judgment.
+
+The Church heareth none but Christ.
+
+Christ is of a mean estate and small repute.
+
+In adversities we should show ourselves like men, and pluck up good
+spirits.
+
+Our whole life should be manly; we should fear God and put our trust
+in him.
+
+Faith maketh us Christ's heritage.
+
+We should aim at celestial honour, and not regard the contemning of
+men.
+
+Christ spareth us out of mere grace through the Word.
+
+The Gospel is altogether joyful.
+
+Grace condemneth all people's own righteousness.
+
+Salvation is purchased and given unto us without our deserts.
+
+Regeneration is the work only of the Holy Ghost.
+
+Human reason cannot comprehend nor understand the goodness and
+benefits of God.
+
+Good works are the seals and proofs of faith; for, even as a letter
+must have a seal to strengthen the same, even so faith must have
+good works.
+
+Faith hath regard to the Word, and not to the Preacher.
+
+The Preacher and the Word are two Persons.
+
+This natural life is a little piece of the life everlasting.
+
+Own imaginations and conceits spoil all things.
+
+The Gospel cometh of God, it showeth Christ, and requireth Faith.
+
+The Gospel is a light in the world, which lighteneth mankind, and
+maketh children of God.
+
+False Preachers are worse than deflowerers of virgins.
+
+Righteousness is obtained through faith, and not through works.
+Works make faith strong.
+
+A Preacher is made good through temptations.
+
+A Prince is venison in heaven.
+
+A person must be good before his works can be good.
+
+We must not be dejected, but believe and pray.
+
+No State or Calling is of any value to make one good before God.
+
+Faith endureth no human traditions in the conscience.
+
+The Saints oftentimes erred like men.
+
+We must distinguish offices from the persons.
+
+We hate punishment, but we love sin.
+
+God preserveth the sanctified, yea, even in the midst of errors.
+
+No great Saint lived without errors.
+
+A Christian's life consisteth of three points-of faith, love, and
+the cross.
+
+We command a Christian in nothing, he is only admonished.
+
+We must curb ourselves in our own wills and minds.
+
+All revenge among Christians is taken away; they must grow up and
+increase in the fruits of the spirit, among which love is the
+greatest, for she goeth about with the people.
+
+Human reason comprehendeth not, nor understandeth that Christ is our
+brother.
+
+Christ is given unto us that believe with all his benefits and
+works.
+
+Christ cometh unto us by preaching, so that he is in the midst of
+us.
+
+Without the Cross we cannot attain to glory.
+
+The Gospel cannot be truly preached without offence and tumult.
+
+The Holy Ghost maketh one not instantly complete, but he must grow
+and increase.
+
+We lose nothing by the Gospel, therefore we should venture thereupon
+all we have.
+
+To believe the Gospel, delivereth from sins.
+
+Works belong to the neighbour, faith to God.
+
+Those that censure and judge others, condemn themselves.
+
+Such as is the Faith, such is also the benefit.
+
+To doubt is sin and everlasting death.
+
+We know Christ when he himself is a schoolmaster in our hearts, and
+breaketh bread unto us.
+
+God's Word kindleth Faith in the heart.
+
+Faith is to build certainly on God's mercy.
+
+Christ requireth no seeming godliness, no hypocrisy nor dissembling,
+but the godliness of the heart.
+
+We are saved merely by grace and mercy, if we trust thereupon, but
+God must alter our hearts.
+
+The Law is nothing but a looking-glass.
+
+Christ carrieth us upon his back before his Father.
+
+Love regardeth not unthankfulness.
+
+
+
+OF THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL.
+
+
+
+That we ought to beware of Sophistry.
+
+If, said Luther, we diligently mark the world and the course
+thereof, we shall find that it is governed merely by weenings or
+conceits, Mundus regitur opinionibus.  Therefore sophistry,
+hypocrisy, and tyranny do rule and have the government in the world.
+
+The upright, pure, and clear Divine Word must be their handmaid, and
+be by them controlled; this the world will have.  Therefore let us
+beware of sophistry, which consisteth not only in a double tongue,
+in doubtful and screwed words, which may be construed any way, but
+also it blossometh, and flourisheth in all arts and vocations; it
+will likewise have room and place in religion; it hath usurped and
+got a fine painted colour, under the name of holy writ.
+
+Nothing is more pernicious or hurtful than Sophistry; every one
+knoweth it not; moreover, we are by nature prone and willing to
+believe lies rather than the truth.  Few people do know what an evil
+sophistry is.  Plato, the Heathen writer, made thereof a wonderful
+definition.  For my part, said Luther, I compare it with a lie,
+which is like to a snowball, the longer it is rolled the greater it
+becomes.
+
+Therefore I do not approve of such persons as do pervert everything,
+do under-value and find fault with other men's opinions, although
+they be good and sound; I like not such brains which can dispute on
+both sides, and yet conclude nothing certain.  Such sophistications,
+said Luther, are nothing but crafty and subtle inventions and
+contrivances to cozen and deceive people.
+
+But I like and love an honest and a well-affected mind, that seeketh
+after truth simply and plainly, not to go about with phantasies and
+cheating tricks.
+
+
+Whether we should preach only of God's Grace and Mercy, or not.
+
+Philip Melancthon demanded of Luther whether the opinion of Calixtus
+were to be approved of, namely, that the Gospel of God's Grace ought
+to be continually preached.  For thereby, doubtless, said
+Melancthon, people would grow worse and worse.  Luther answered him
+and said:  We must preach Gratiam, notwithstanding, because Christ
+hath commanded it.  And although we long and often preach of grace,
+yet when people are at the point of death they know but little
+thereof.  Nevertheless we must also drive on with the Ten
+Commandments in due time and place.
+
+The ungodly, said Luther, out of the Gospel do suck only a carnal
+freedom, and become worse thereby; therefore not the Gospel, but the
+Law belongeth to them.  Even as when my little son John offendeth:
+if then I should not whip him, but call him to the table unto me,
+and give him sugar and plums, thereby, indeed, I should make him
+worse, yea, should quite spoil him.
+
+The Gospel is like a fresh, mild, and cool air in the extreme heat
+of summer, that is, a solace and comfort in the anguish of the
+conscience.  But as this heat proceedeth from the rays of the sun,
+so likewise the terrifying of the conscience must proceed from the
+preaching of the Law, to the end we may know that we have offended
+against the Laws of God.
+
+Now, said Luther, when the mind is refreshed and quickened again by
+the cool air of the Gospel, then we must not be idle, lie down and
+sleep; that is, when our consciences are settled in peace, quieted
+and comforted through God's spirit, then we must show also and prove
+our faith by such good works which God hath commanded.  But so long
+as we live in this vale of misery, we shall be plagued and vexed
+with flies, with beetles, and with vermin, etc., that is, with the
+devil, with the world, and with our own flesh; yet we must press
+through, and not suffer ourselves to recoil.
+
+
+Against the Opposers of the Law.
+
+I do much condemn, said Luther, the Antinomians, who, void of all
+shame, reject the doctrine of the Law, whereas the same is both
+necessary and profitable.  But they see not the effect, the need,
+and the fruit thereof.  St. Austin did picture the strength, the
+office and operation of the Law, by a very fit similitude, namely,
+that it discovereth our sins, and God's wrath against sin, and
+placeth them in our sight; for the Law is not in fault, but our evil
+and wicked nature, even as a heap of lime is still and quiet until
+water be poured thereon, but then it beginneth to smoke and to burn,
+not that it is the fault of the water, but it is the nature and kind
+of the lime, which will not endure water; but if oil be poured upon
+it, then it lieth still and burneth not.  Even so it is with the Law
+and Gospel.  It is an exceedingly fair similitude.
+
+
+Of the Children's Faith.
+
+The little children, said Luther, do stand on the best terms with
+God Almighty concerning their lives and faith.  We old doting fools
+do torment ourselves and have sorrow of heart with our disputings,
+touching the Word, whether it be true or not:  "How can it be
+possible?" etc.  But the children with simple pure faith do hold the
+same to be certain and true, without all doubting.
+
+Now, if we intend to be saved, we must, according to their example,
+give ourselves only to the Word.  But the wicked and crafty spirit,
+before we be aware, can, master-like, draw the same away from us, by
+presenting new dealings and business to keep us in action.
+Therefore best it were for us soon to die, and to be covered over
+with shovels.
+
+The loving children do live innocently, they know of no sins, they
+are without malice, wrath, covetousness, and unbelief, etc.
+Therefore they are merry and possess a good conscience; they fear no
+danger, whether wars, pestilence, or death.
+
+They will take an apple rather than a crown; what they hear
+concerning Christ, of the life to come, etc., the same do they
+believe simply and plainly, and prattle joyfully thereof.  From
+whence Christ speaketh unto us old ones earnestly to follow their
+examples, where he saith, "Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom
+of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein."  For the
+children believe aright, and Christ loveth them with their childish
+sports.  On the contrary, he is an enemy to the wisdom of the world
+(Matt. xi.).
+
+
+Of an Example of Faith in the Time of Dearth.
+
+At Eisleben, said Luther, I was well acquainted with a godly matron,
+who, in the time of the last dearth, with two children, had suffered
+extreme want and need.  Now, when she had spent all her provision,
+and had nothing more to live upon, she trimmed herself with her
+children, and went towards a well or fountain to drink.  In her
+going she prayed that God would be pleased to preserve and keep her
+in that fierce time of dearth.  Upon the way a man met her,
+questioned and disputed with her whether she thought to get
+something to eat at the fountain.  She said, "Yea, why not? for all
+things are possible to God and easy to be done; he that fed the
+great multitude of the people of Israel forty years with manna in
+the wilderness, he can also preserve me and mine with drinking of
+water."  Now, as she remained steadfast in that mind, the man said
+unto her, "Behold! seeing thou art so confident in faith, go home,
+and thou shalt find three bushels of meal," etc.  And according to
+the man's word, so she found it.
+
+
+That Faith is the only Rule in Divinity.
+
+There is but one only rule and article in divinity.  He that knoweth
+not well the same is no divine:  namely, upright faith and
+confidence in Christ.  Out of this article all the others do flow
+and issue forth, and without this article the others are nothing.
+The devil, said Luther, hath opposed this article from the beginning
+of the world, and would long since willingly have rooted it out, and
+instead thereof have laughed in his fist.  Sorrowful, broken,
+tormented, and vexed hearts, said Luther, do well relish this
+article, and they only understand the same.
+
+
+Of the Consequences of Faith.
+
+Believest thou? then thou wilt speak boldly.  Speakest thou boldly?
+then thou must suffer.  Sufferest thou? then thou shalt be
+comforted.  For, said Luther, faith, the confession thereof, and the
+cross do follow one after another.
+
+
+That the Enemies of the Gospel must bear Witness to the Doctrine of
+Faith, that thereby we only are justified before God.
+
+John Frederick, Prince Elector of Saxony, told me himself, said
+Luther, that as Prince John, the eldest son of Prince George, was
+near the time of his death, he desired to receive the communion
+under both kinds.  But when his father was informed thereof, he
+caused an Austin Friar to be called to his son, to give him good
+instructions for his soul's health, and to advise him to receive the
+Sacrament sub una specie, or under one kind, and that he should tell
+his son he was the same Friar who was privately acquainted with
+Martin Luther, and was very conversant with him; and, the better to
+make the Prince believe him, the Friar said that Luther himself
+lately had advised certain persons to receive the communion under
+one kind.  Now, when this good and godly Prince was thus pitifully
+induced to give credit to the Friar's false information, he then
+received the communion under one kind.
+
+But when the Prince, his father, saw that his son drew near to his
+last gasp, and must needs die, then he comforted his son with the
+article of justification by faith in Christ, and put him in mind to
+have regard only to the Saviour of the world, and utterly to forget
+all his own works and deserts, and also that he should banish out of
+his heart the invocating of the saints.
+
+Now, when the son in his conscience felt great solace and comfort by
+these his father's admonitions, he asked his father why he did not
+cause the same comfortable doctrine to be preached openly through
+all his countries.  His father answered and said, "Loving child, we
+must say thus only to those that are dying, and not to the sound and
+healthful."
+
+Whereupon, said Luther, I told the Prince Elector that his Highness
+might perfectly discern how wilfully our adversaries do oppose the
+known truth.  Albert, Bishop of Mentz, and Prince George do know and
+confess that our doctrine is according to God's Word, and yet,
+because it proceedeth not from the Pope, they refuse it; but their
+own consciences do strike them down to the ground, therefore, said
+Luther, I fear them not.
+
+
+Of the Love towards the Neighbour.
+
+The love towards the neighbour, said Luther, must be like a pure and
+chaste love between bride and bridegroom, where all faults are
+connived at, covered, and borne with, and only their virtues
+regarded.
+
+Respecting ceremonies and ordinances, the kingdom of love must have
+the precedency and govern, and not tyranny.  It must be a willing
+love, and not a halter love; it must altogether be directed and
+construed for the good and profit of the neighbour; and the greater
+he be that doth govern, the more, said Luther, he ought to serve
+according to love.
+
+
+Of that Sentence, "Give, and it shall be given unto you."
+
+This is a true speech which maketh people poor and rich; it is that
+which maintaineth my house.  I ought not to boast, said Luther, but
+I well know what I give in the year.  If my gracious lord and
+master, the Prince Elector, should give a gentleman two thousand
+guilders, yet he should hardly maintain my housekeeping one year,
+and I have but three hundred guilders pension per annum; yet God
+giveth sufficient and blesseth it.
+
+There is in Austria a monastery which in former time was very rich,
+and remained rich so long as it willingly gave to the poor; but when
+it ceased in giving, then it became poor, and is so to this day.  It
+fell out that, not long since, a poor man came thither and desired
+alms, which was denied.  The poor man demanded the cause why they
+refused to give for God's sake.  The porter belonging to the
+monastery answered and said, "We are become poor;" whereupon the
+poor man said, "The cause of your poverty is this:  ye have had in
+this monastery two brethren; the one ye have thrust out, and the
+other is gone secretly away of himself.  For after the one brother,
+'Give' (Date), was put out and cashiered, so hath the other brother,
+'So shall be given' (Dabitur), also lost himself."
+
+And indeed the world is bound to help the neighbour three manner of
+ways-with giving, lending, and selling.  But no man giveth, but
+robbeth, scrapeth, and draweth all to himself; would willingly take
+and steal, but give nothing; neither will any man lend but upon
+usury.  No man selleth but he over-reacheth his neigbbour, therefore
+Dabitur is gone, and our Lord God will bless no more so richly.
+Beloved, said Luther, he that intendeth to have anything, the same
+must also give; a liberal hand was never in want nor empty.
+
+
+That giving must be done with a free Heart, without expecting a
+Requital.
+
+In an evening, Luther, walking abroad to take the air, gave alms to
+the poor.  Doctor Jonas, being with him, gave also something, and
+said, "Who knoweth whether God will give it me again or no?"
+Whereat Luther, smiling, answered him and said, "You speak as if God
+had not given you this which you have now given to the poor.  We
+must give freely and willingly."
+
+
+Of the expounding of the Prophet Isaiah's Speech:  "In Quietness and
+in Confidence shall be your Strength."
+
+This sentence was expounded by Luther in this way:  If thou
+intendest to vanquish the greatest, the most abominable and
+wickedest enemy, who is able to do thee mischief both in body and
+soul, and against whom thou preparest all sorts of weapons, but
+canst not overcome, then know that there is a sweet and loving
+physical herb which serveth for the same, and that herb is named
+Patientia.
+
+But thou wilt say, "How may I attain to this physic?"  Answer-Take
+unto thee faith, who saith; "No creature can do me mischief without
+the will of God."  Now, in case thou receivest hurt and mischief by
+thine enemy, the same is done by the sweet and gracious will of God,
+in such sort that the enemy hurteth himself a thousand times more.
+From hence floweth unto me, a Christian, the love which saith, "I
+will, instead of the evil which mine enemy doth unto me, do him all
+the good I can; I will heap coals of fire upon his head."  This,
+said Luther, is the Christian armour and weapon, wherewith to beat
+and overcome those enemies that seem to be like huge mountains.  In
+a word, love teacheth to suffer and endure all things.
+
+
+Of Comfort against Envy.
+
+A certain honest and God-fearing man at Wittemberg lately told me,
+said Luther, he lived peaceably with every one, hurt no man, but was
+still and quiet; yet notwithstanding, said he, many people were
+enemies unto him.  I comforted him in this manner, and said:  Arm
+yourself with patience, and give them no cause of envy.  I pray,
+what cause do we give the devil?  What aileth him to be so great an
+enemy unto us? but only because he hath not that which God hath.  I
+know none other cause of his vehement hatred towards us.  Therefore
+when God giveth thee to eat, then eat; when he causeth thee to fast,
+have patience; giveth he honour, take it; hurt or shame, endure it;
+casteth he thee into prison, murmur not; will he make thee a lord,
+follow him:  casteth he thee down again, so care thou not for it,
+nor regard it.
+
+
+That Patience is necessary in every Particular.
+
+I, said Luther, must have patience with the Pope; I must have
+patience with heretics and seducers; I must have patience with the
+roaring courtiers; I must have patience with my servants:  I must
+have patience with Kate my wife; to conclude, the patiences are so
+many, that my whole life is nothing but patience.  The Prophet
+Isaiah saith, "In being silent and hoping consisteth our strength;"
+that is, have patience under sufferings:  hope, and despair not.
+
+
+
+OF PRAYER.
+
+
+
+What Power Prayer hath.
+
+No human creature can believe, said Luther, how powerful prayer is,
+and what is it able to effect, but only those that have learned it
+by experience.
+
+It is a great matter when in extreme need, as then one can take hold
+on prayer.  I know, as often as I have earnestly prayed, that I have
+been richly heard, and have obtained more than I prayed for; indeed,
+God sometimes deferred, but notwithstanding he came.
+
+Ecclesiasticus saith, "The prayer of a good and godly Christian
+availeth more to health, than the physician's physic."
+
+O how great and upright and godly Christian's prayer is! how
+powerful with God; that a poor human creature should speak with
+God's high majesty in heaven, and not be affrighted, but, on the
+contrary, knoweth that God smileth upon him for Christ's sake, his
+dearly beloved Son.  The heart and conscience, in this act of
+praying, must not fly and recoil backwards by reason of our sins and
+unworthiness, and must not stand in doubt, nor be scared away.  We
+must not do, said Luther, as the Bavarian did, who with great
+devotion called upon St. Leonard, an idol, set up in a church in
+Bavaria, behind which idol stood one who answered the Bavarian and
+said, "Fie on thee, Bavarian"; and in that sort oftentimes was
+repulsed, and could not be heard:  at last, the Bavarian went away,
+and said, "Fie on thee, Leonard."
+
+But when we pray, we must not let it come to, fie upon thee; but
+must certainly hold, conclude, and believe, that we are already
+heard in that for which we pray with faith in Christ.  Therefore the
+ancients finely described prayer, namely, that it is, Ascensus
+mentis ad Deum, a climbing up of the heart unto God, that is,
+lifteth itself up, crieth and sigheth to God:  neither I myself,
+said Luther, nor any other that I know, have rightly understood the
+definition of this Ascensus.  Indeed, we have boasted and talked
+much of the climbing up of the heart; but we failed in Syntaxi, we
+could not bring thereunto the word Deum; nay, we flew from God, we
+were afraid to draw near unto him, and to pray through Christ, in
+whom the strength of prayer wholly consisteth; we always prayed in
+Popedom conditionaliter, conditionally, and therefore uncertainly.
+
+But let us pray in heart, and also with our lips; for prayer, by our
+loving God, supporteth the world; otherwise, without prayer, it
+would stand in a far more lamentable state.
+
+
+Of the Power of Prayer, and of the Lord's Prayer.
+
+Our Saviour Christ, said Luther, most excellently, and with very few
+words, comprehended, in the Lord's Prayer, all things both needful
+and necessary; but without trouble, trials, and vexations, prayer
+cannot rightly be made.  Therefore God saith, "Call on me in the
+time of trouble," etc., without trouble it is only a cold prattling,
+and goeth not from the heart; the common saying is "Need teacheth to
+pray."  And although the Papists say that God well understandeth all
+the words of those that pray, yet St. Bernard is far of another
+opinion, where he saith, "God heareth not the words of one that
+prayeth, unless he that prayeth heareth them first himself."  The
+Pope is a mere tormentor of the conscience.  The assembly of his
+greased and religious crew in praying was altogether like the
+croaking of frogs, which edified nothing at all.  It was mere
+sophistry, and deceiving, fruitless, and unprofitable.
+
+Prayer is a strong wall, and a fort of the church; it is a godly
+Christian's weapon, which no man knoweth nor findeth, but only he
+who hath the spirit of grace and of prayer.
+
+The three first petitions in our Lord's prayer do comprehend such
+great and celestial things, that no heart is able to search them
+out.  The fourth petition containeth the whole policy and economy,
+or the temporal and house-government, and all things necessary for
+this life.  The fifth prayer striveth and fighteth against our own
+evil consciences, against original and actual sins, which trouble
+the same, etc.  Truly they were penned by wisdom itself; none but
+God could have done the like.
+
+We cannot pray without faith in Christ the Mediator.  The Turks, the
+Jews, and the ungodly may rehearse and speak the words of prayer
+after one, but they cannot pray.  And although the Apostles were
+taught this prayer by Christ, and prayed often, yet they prayed not
+as they should have prayed:  for Christ saith, "Hitherto ye have not
+prayed in my name;" whereas, doubtless, they had prayed much, and
+spoken the words.  But when the Holy Ghost came, then they prayed
+aright in the name of Christ.  If praying and reading of prayer be
+but only a bare work, as the Papists hold it to be, then the
+righteousness of the law is nothing worth.  The upright prayer of a
+godly Christian is a strong hedge, as God himself saith, "And I
+sought for a man among them that should make up the hedge, and stand
+in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but
+I found none," etc.  Therefore, said Luther, when others do
+blaspheme, let us pray.  David saith, "He doth the will of them that
+fear Him, and heareth their prayers."
+
+
+That we must daily go on in Praying.
+
+I, said Luther, have every day enough to do to pray.  And when I lay
+me down to rest, I pray the Lord's Prayer, and afterwards take hold
+on two or three sentences out of the Bible, and so betake myself to
+sleep, then I am well satisfied.
+
+
+That Preachers ought to join their Prayers together.
+
+Dr. Aepinus, Superintendent of Hambrough, coming to Wittemberg to
+speak with Luther, who, after his dispatch, and at his taking leave,
+said, I commend myself and our church at Hambrough to your prayers.
+Luther answered him, and said, Loving Aepine, the cause is not ours,
+but God's:  let us join our prayers together, as then the cause will
+be holpen.  I will pray against the Pope and the Turk as long as I
+live:  and I like it well that you take such course at Hambrough,
+earnestly to pray against Mahomet and the Pope.
+
+
+Of the Power of Prayer.
+
+God always giveth more than we pray for; when we truly pray for a
+piece of bread, so giveth God a whole acre of land.  When my wife,
+said Luther, was sick, I prayed to God that she might live, so he
+not only granted that request, but also therewith he hath given us a
+goodly farm at Zolfdorf, and hath blessed us with a fruitful year.
+At that time my wife said unto me, Sir! how is it, that in Popedom
+they pray so often with great vehemence, but we are very cold and
+careless in praying?  I answered her, the devil driveth on his
+servants continually; they are diligent, and take great pains in
+their false worshipping, but we, indeed, are ice cold therein, and
+negligent.
+
+
+Of Luther's Prayer for a gracious Rain.
+
+In the year 1532, throughout all Germany was a great drought, the
+corn in the fields in a lamentable way began to wither.  On the
+ninth of June the same year, Luther called together the whole
+assembly into the church, and directed his prayer, with deep sighs,
+to God in the manner following:  "O Lord, behold our prayers for thy
+promise sake; we have prayed, and our hearts have sighed, but the
+covetousness of the rich farmers doth hinder and hem in thy
+blessing; for seeing that through thy gospel they are unbridled,
+they think it free for them to live and do what they please; they
+now fear neither death nor hell, but say, 'I believe, therefore I
+shall be saved;' they become haughty spiteful Mammonists, and
+accursed covetous cut-throats, that suck out land and people.
+Moreover, also, the usurers among the gentry in every place deal
+wickedly, insomuch, as it seemeth, thou, O God, wilt now visit us,
+together with them, with the rod; yet, nevertheless, thou hast still
+means whereby to maintain those that are thine, although thou
+sufferest no rain to fall among the ungodly."
+
+After he had said thus, he lifted up his eyes towards heaven, and
+said, "Lord God, thou hast through the mouth of thy servant David
+said, 'The Lord is nigh unto all that call upon him faithfully; he
+doth the will of those that fear him, and heareth their prayers, and
+helpeth them in their distress.'  How is it, Lord, that thou givest
+no rain, seeing we have cried and prayed so long unto thee?  'Thy
+will be done,' O Lord! we know that although thou givest not rain,
+yet, notwithstanding, thou wilt give us something better, a still, a
+quiet, and a peaceable life.  Now we pray, O Lord, from the bottom
+of our hearts.  If thou, O Lord, wilt not be pleased to hear and
+give us rain, then the ungodly will say, Christ thy only Son is a
+liar.  For he saith, 'Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye
+pray the Father in my name, the same he will give unto you,' etc.
+Insomuch that they will give thy Son the lie.  I know, O Lord, that
+we do cry unto thee from our hearts, with yearning and sighing, why
+then dost thou not hear us?"  Now, even the same day, and within the
+space of half an hour after the people went from church, it began to
+rain so sweet and mildly, which continued for a whole fortnight, so
+that the grounds thereby were changed and refreshed in a most
+miraculous manner.  This happened June 9, 1532.
+
+
+Of Papistical Prayer.
+
+The praying in Popedom, is a mere tormenting of the consciences, it
+is only a prating and tongue threshing, no praying, but a work of
+obedience.  From thence proceeded a confused sea-full of Horas
+Canonicas, the howling and babbling in cells and monasteries, where
+they read and sang the psalms and collects without all spiritual
+devotion, insomuch that they neither understood the words,
+sentences, nor the meaning.
+
+In what manner, and how I tormented myself, said Luther, with those
+Horis Canonicis before the Gospel came, which, by reason of many
+businesses I often intermitted, I am not able to express.  On the
+Saturdays I used to lock myself up in my cell, and accomplish what
+the whole week I had neglected.  But at last I was troubled with so
+many affairs, that I was fain oftentimes to omit also my Saturday's
+devotions.  At length, when I saw that Amsdorff and others derided
+such manner of devotion, then I quite left it off.
+
+It was a great torment, from which we are now delivered by the
+Gospel.  Although, said Luther, I had done no more but only freed
+people from that torment, yet they might well give me thanks for it.
+Innumerable laws and works were taught and imposed upon people
+without the spirit, as in the book, Rationale Divinorum, many
+abominable things are written.
+
+
+To Pray for Peace.
+
+Luther receiving a letter written unto him, from the Imperial
+Assembly, by Philip Melancthon, after the reading of it, he said,
+What Philip Melancthon writeth hath hands and feet, hath authority
+and gravity, it is of weight, contained in a few words, as always I
+have found by his letters.  But, I perceive, we must have wars; for
+the Papists would willingly go on, but they want a good stomach,
+neither may we endure the case to stand upon these terms.  Let it
+therefore proceed in nomine Domini; I will commit all things to God,
+and will be Crito in the play.  I will pray that God would convert
+our adversaries.  We have a good cause on our side.  Who would not
+fight and venture body and blood, pro Sacris, for the Holidom, which
+is God's Word?  And, besides, the temporal laws and statutes of
+policy do also concur and agree with our proceedings; for we always
+have desired and called for peace, but our Princes are provoked and
+drawn to defend themselves and their subjects, and of necessity must
+resist their power; our adversaries will not suffer us to live in
+peace.  This letter, said Luther, was written ten days since; by
+this time it is concluded what shall be done.  The everlasting
+merciful God give His grace thereunto!  Let us watch and pray, for
+Satan sleepeth not.
+
+
+Of Temporal Peace.
+
+Worldly and outward peace is one of the highest gifts of God; but we
+abuse it too much; every one liveth after his own will and pleasure,
+against God and the Magistrate.  Oh, how soundly will our gentry and
+farmers, in Germany, pay for this before one hundred and fifty years
+come to an end, as already they have done in Hungary and in Austria;
+but afterwards God will restore them again, and beat down Popedom.
+Let us not cease to pray.
+
+
+Of Unity and Concord.
+
+Through concord small things and wealth do increase, as the Heathen
+said; but dissension is dangerous and hurtful, especially in
+schools, in professions, high arts, and in the professors thereof,
+wherein the one ought to reach the hand to the other-should kiss and
+embrace each other.  But when we bite and devour one another, then
+let us take heed lest we be swallowed up together.  Therefore let us
+pray and strive; for the word of faith, and the prayers of the just,
+are the most powerful weapons; moreover, God himself sendeth his
+holy angels round about them that fear him.  We ought valiantly to
+fight, for we are under a Lord of Hosts, and a Prince of War;
+therefore with one hand we must build, and in the other hand take
+the sword-that is, we must both teach and resist.
+
+It is now time to watch, for we are the mark they shoot at; our
+adversaries intend to make a confederacy with the Turk; they aim at
+us, we must venture it; for Antichrist will war and get the victory
+against the saints of God, as Daniel saith.  We, said Luther, stand
+outwardly in the greatest danger, by reason of treachery and
+treason; the Papists endeavour with money to grease and corrupt our
+captains and officers.  An ass laden with money may do anything, as
+Cornelius Tacitus writeth of us Germans; we have taught them to take
+money; there is neither fidelity nor truth on earth.
+
+
+Of the Power of Prayer.
+
+The prayer of the heart, said Luther, and the sighs of the poor and
+oppressed, do make such an alarum and cry in heaven, that God and
+all the angels must hear the same.  O, our Lord God hath a sharp
+listening ear.
+
+
+Of the Sighing of the Heart.
+
+When Moses, with the children of Israel, came to the Red Sea, then
+he cried with trembling and quaking, yet he opened not his mouth,
+neither was his voice heard on earth by the people:  doubtless, said
+Luther, he cried and sighed in his heart, and said, "Ah, Lord God!
+what course shall I now take?  Which way shall I now turn myself?
+How am I come to this strait?  No help nor counsel can save us:
+before us is the sea; behind us are our enemies the Egyptians; on
+both sides high and huge mountains; I am the cause that all this
+people shall now be destroyed," etc.  Then answered God, and said,
+"Wherefore criest thou unto me?"  As if God should say, "What an
+alarum, a shrieking, and a loud crying dost thou make, that the
+whole heavens must ring therewith!" etc.  But, alas! said Luther, we
+read such examples as dead letters; human reason is not able to
+search this passage out.  The way through the Red Sea is full as
+broad, and wider far (if not further than Wittenberg lieth from
+Coburg, that is thirty Dutch miles, 120 English at least:  doubtless
+the people were constrained in the night season to rest, to bait and
+eat therein; for six hundred thousand men, besides women and
+children, would require a good time to pass through, although they
+went one hundred and fifty in rank and file.
+
+
+God's hearing Prayer.
+
+It is impossible that God should not hear the prayers which with
+faith are made in Christ, although God giveth not according to the
+measure, manner, and time which we dictate unto him; he will not be
+tied.  In such sort dealt God with the mother of St. Austin.  She
+prayed to God that her son Austin might be converted, but, as yet,
+it would not be; then she ran to the learned, entreating them to
+persuade and advise him thereunto.  At last, she propounded unto him
+a marriage with a Christian virgin, that thereby he might be drawn
+back, and brought to the Christian faith; but all would not do as
+yet.  But when our Lord God came thereto, he came to purpose, and
+made of him such an Austin, that he became a great light to the
+Church.  St. James saith, "Pray one for another, for the prayer of
+the righteous availeth much," etc.  Prayer, said Luther, is a
+powerful thing; for God hath bound and tied himself thereunto.
+Christ taught the Lord's Prayer according to the manner of the Jews-
+that is, he directed it only to the Father; whereas they that pray
+in the same manner, are heard for the Son's sake.  This was done
+because Christ would not be praised before his death.
+
+
+Of the Power of Prayer.
+
+As the King of Persia, said Luther, laid siege to the city Nasili,
+the bishop that was therein saw that he was too weak (by man's help)
+to defend the city against so mighty a king; wherefore he went upon
+the wall, lifted up his hands to Heaven, and prayed, in the sight of
+his enemies.  Whereupon immediately the eyes of the horses in the
+whole army in such sort were pestered with an innumerable multitude
+of flies stinging them, that with their riders they ran away, and so
+raised the siege, whereby the city was preserved.  In such a manner
+could God divert the wicked enterprises of the Papists against us,
+if we would diligently pray.
+
+
+That a True Christian Prayeth Always.
+
+The prayers of upright Christians are without ceasing; though they
+pray not always with their mouth, yet their hearts do pray
+continually, sleeping and waking; for the sigh of a true Christian
+is a prayer.  As the Psalm saith, "Because of the deep sighing of
+the poor, I will up, saith the Lord," etc.  In like manner a true
+Christian always carrieth the cross, though he feeleth it not
+always.
+
+
+Of the Strength of the Lord's Prayer.
+
+The Lord's Prayer, said Luther, bindeth the People together, and
+knitteth them one to another, insomuch that one prayeth for another,
+and together one with another; and it is so strong and powerful that
+it even driveth away the fear of death.
+
+
+
+OF THE CONFESSION AND CONSTANCY OF THE DOCTRINE.
+
+
+
+The word and article of justification (how we are justified and
+saved before God) expelleth and overcometh all sorrow, all
+perplexities, misfortunes, and adversities; and without this article
+there is neither help nor advice.
+
+We read in the histories of the Church, said Luther, that Julian the
+Emperor forced his servants and soldiers to deny Christ; but when
+many of them refused to do the same, he caused them to be executed
+with the sword, and they went joyfully to their deaths.  Among them
+was a proper youth, for whom earnest intercession was made, that he
+might be the first to die.  But Julian commanded to release him, in
+order to try whether he would remain constant or no.  Now, when he
+kneeled down and offered his neck to the block, the executioner was
+charged not to strike, but to let him rise again.  Then the youth
+stood up, and said, "Ah, sweet Jesu! am I not worthy to suffer for
+thy sake?"  These were words of a great faith, which overcometh the
+fear of death.
+
+When governors and rulers are enemies to God's Word, then our duty
+is to depart, to sell and forsake all we have, to fly from one place
+to another, as Christ commandeth.  We must make and prepare no
+uproars nor tumults by reason of the Gospel, but we must suffer all
+things.
+
+
+What Christ Requireth of us.
+
+Christ requireth nothing more of us, than that we should confess
+him, and speak freely and undauntedly of him.  But here thou wilt
+say, "Yea, if I do so, then I shall be struck on the lips."  Christ
+answereth thereunto, and saith, "Call upon me in the time of
+trouble, so I will hear thee, and thou shalt praise me."  And "He
+shall call upon me, and I will hear him, yea, I am with him in
+trouble, I will deliver him, and bring him to honour," etc.
+
+There is no lighter nor more easy work on earth than the upright and
+true service of God, to do what God commandeth in his Word; we
+should only believe and speak, but then certain it is that we shall
+suffer and be humbled with persecutions; but Christ hath promised to
+be with us, and to help us.
+
+
+That every Christian is Bound to Confess Christ.
+
+Every Christian, especially those in offices, should always be ready
+(when need requireth) boldly to stand up and confess his Saviour
+Christ, to maintain his faith and always be armed against the world,
+the sectaries, the devil, and what else he were able to produce.
+But no man will do this, except he be so sure of his doctrine and
+religion, that, although I myself should play the fool, and should
+recant and deny this my doctrine and religion, which God forbid, he
+notwithstanding would not yield, but say, if Luther, or an angel
+from heaven, should teach otherwise, "Let him be accursed."
+
+
+
+OF IMPERIAL DIETS.
+
+
+
+Of Imperial Diets and Assemblies in Causes of Religion.
+
+In the year 1518, the 9th of July, when I, said Luther, was cited
+and summoned, I came and appeared:  Frederick Prince Elector of
+Saxony having appointed me a great and strong convoy and safe-
+conduct.  I was warned in any case not to have conversation with the
+Italians, nor to repose any trust or confidence in them.  I was
+three whole days in Augsburg without the Emperor's safe-conduct.  In
+the mean time, an Italian came unto me, and carried me to the
+Cardinal Cajetan; and by the way he earnestly persuaded me to revoke
+and recant; I should, said he, need to speak but only one word
+before the Cardinal, namely, Revoco, and then the Cardinal would
+recommend me to the Pope's favour so that with honour I might return
+safely again to my master, the Prince Elector.  After three days the
+Bishop of Trier came, who, in the Emperor's name, showed and
+declared to the Cardinal my safe-conduct.  Then I went unto him in
+all humility, fell down first upon my knees; secondly, all along
+upon the ground; thirdly, when I had remained awhile so lying, then
+the Cardinal three times bade me arise; whereupon I stood up.  This
+pleased him well, hoping I would consider, and better bethink
+myself.
+
+The next day, when I came before him again, and would revoke nothing
+at all, then he said unto me, "What? thinkest thou that the Pope
+careth for Germany? or dost thou think that the Princes will raise
+arms and armies to maintain and defend thee?  Oh, no; where wilt
+thou remain in safety?"  I said, Under Heaven.  After this the Pope
+humbled himself, and wrote to our church, yea, he wrote even to the
+Prince Elector's chaplain, and to one of his counsellors, Spalatine
+and Pfeffinger, that they would surrender me into his hands, and
+procure that his pleasure and command might be put in execution.
+And the Pope wrote also to the Prince Elector himself after the
+following manner:
+
+"Although, as touching my person, thou art to me unknown, yet I have
+seen thy father, Prince Ernestus, at Rome, who was altogether an
+obedient son to the Church; he visited and frequented our religion
+with great devotion, and held the same in highest honour.  I wish
+and would that thy illustrious serenity would also tread in his
+footsteps," etc.
+
+But the Prince Elector well marked the Pope's unaccustomed humility,
+and his evil conscience; he was also acquainted with the power and
+operation of the Holy Scriptures.  Therefore he remained where he
+was, and returned thanks to the Pope for his affection towards him.
+
+My books, said Luther, in a short time went, yea, flew throughout
+Europe; therefore the Prince Elector was confirmed and strengthened,
+insomuch that he utterly refused to execute the Pope's commands, but
+subjected himself under the acknowledgment of the Scriptures.
+
+If the Cardinal had handled me with more discretion at Augsburg, and
+had dealt kindly with me when I fell at his feet, then it had never
+come thus far; for at that time I saw very few of the Pope's errors
+which now I see.  Had he been silent, so had I lightly held my
+peace.  The style and custom of the Romish court in dark and
+confused cases, was this:  that the Pope said, We by papal power do
+take these causes unto us; we quench them out and destroy them.  I
+am persuaded that the Pope willingly would give three Cardinals, on
+condition that it were still in that vessel wherein it was before he
+began to meddle with me.
+
+
+Of Luther's Journey and Proceedings at the Imperial Diet at Worms,
+Anno 1520.
+
+On Tuesday in the Passion week, said Luther, I was cited by the
+herald to appear at the Diet; he brought with him a safe-conduct
+from the Emperor, and many other Princes, but the safe-conduct was
+soon broken, even the next day (Wednesday), at Worms, where I was
+condemned, and my books burned.  Now, when I came to Erfurt, I
+received intelligence that I was cast and condemned at Worms, yea,
+and that in all cities and places thereabout it was published and
+spread abroad; insomuch that the herald asked me, whether I meant to
+go to Worms, or no?
+
+Although I was somewhat astonished at the news, yet I answered the
+herald, and said, although in Worms there were as many devils as
+there are tiles on the houses, yet, God willing, I will go thither.
+
+When I came to Oppenheim, in the Palatinate, not far from Worms,
+Bucer came unto me, and dissuaded me from entering into the town;
+for, said he, Sglapian, the Emperor's confessor, had been with him,
+and had entreated him to warn me not to go thither, for I should be
+burned; but rather that I should go to a gentleman there near at
+hand, Francis Von Sickingen, and remain with him, who willingly
+would receive and entertain me.  This plot the wicked wretches, said
+Luther, had devised against me, to the end I should not appear; for
+if I had contracted the time, and staid away three days, then my
+safe-conduct had been expired, and then they would have locked the
+town-gates, and without hearing, I should have been condemned and
+made away.  But I went on in all simplicity, and when I saw the
+city, I wrote presently to Spalatine, and gave him notice of my
+coming, and desired to know where I should be lodged.  Then they all
+wondered at my coming, which was so far from their expectation; for
+they verily thought I would have stayed away, as scared through
+their threatenings.  There were two worthy gentlemen (John Von
+Hirschfeld, and St. John Schott), who received me by the Prince
+Elector's command, and brought me to their lodging.
+
+No Prince came unto me, but only Earls and gentlemen, who earnestly
+looked upon me, and who had exhibited four hundred articles to his
+Imperial Majesty against those of the spirituality, and desired a
+redress and a removing of those their grievances, otherwise they
+themselves should be constrained to remedy the same; from all which
+grievances they are now delivered through the Gospel, which I (God
+be praised) have brought again to light.  The Pope at that time
+wrote to the Emperor, that he should not perform the safe-conduct;
+for which end all the Bishops also pressed the Emperor; but the
+Princes and States of the Empire would not consent thereunto:  for
+they alleged that a great tumult thereupon would arise.  I received
+of them a great deal of courtesy, insomuch that the Papists were
+more afraid of me than I was of them.
+
+For the Landgrave of Hesse (being then but a young Prince) desired
+that I might be heard, and he said openly unto me, "Sir, is your
+cause just and upright, then I beseech God to assist you."  Now
+being in Worms, I wrote to Sglapian, and desired him to make a step
+unto me, but he would not.  Then being called, I appeared in the
+Senate House before the Council and State of the whole Empire, where
+the Emperor, and the Princes Electors in person were assembled.
+
+Then Dr. Eck (the Bishop of Trier's fiscal) began, and said unto me,
+"Martin, thou art called hither to give answer, whether thou
+acknowledgest these writings to be thy books or no?"  (The books lay
+on a table which he showed unto me.)  I answered and said, "I
+believe they be mine."  But Hierome Schurfe presently thereupon
+said, "Let the titles of them be read."  Now when the same were
+read, then I said, "Yea, they are mine."  Then he said, "Will you
+revoke them?"  I answered and said, "Most gracious Lord and Emperor,
+some of my books are books of controversies, wherein I touch my
+adversaries:  some, on the contrary, are books of doctrine; the same
+I neither can nor will revoke.  But if in case I have in my books of
+controversies been too violent against any man, then I am content
+therein to be better directed, and for that end I desire respite of
+time."  Then they gave me one day and one night.  The next day I was
+cited by the Bishops and others, who were appointed to deal with me
+touching my revocation.  Then I said, "God's Word is not my word,
+therefore I know not how to give it away; but in whatsoever is
+therein, besides the same, I will show obedience."  Then Marquis
+Joachim said unto me "Sir Martin, so far as I understand, you are
+content to be instructed, excepting only what may concern the Holy
+Writ."  I said, "Yea;" then they pressed me to refer the cause to
+His Imperial Majesty; I said, I durst not presume so to do.  Then
+they said, "Do you not think that we are also Christians, who with
+all care and diligence would finish and end such causes?  You ought
+to put so much trust and confidence in us, that we would conclude
+uprightly."  To that I answered and said, "I dare not trust you so
+far, that you should conclude against yourselves, who even now have
+cast and condemned me, being under safe-conduct; yet, nevertheless,
+that ye may see what I will do, I will yield up into your hands my
+safe-conduct, and do with me what ye please."  Then all the Princes
+said, "Truly, he offereth enough, if not too much."  Afterwards they
+said, "Yield unto us yet in some articles."  I said, "In God's name,
+such articles as concern not the Holy Scriptures I will not stand
+against."  Presently hereupon, two Bishops went to the Emperor, and
+showed him that I had revoked.  Then the Emperor sent another Bishop
+unto me, to know if I had referred the cause to him, and to the
+Empire.  I said, I had neither done it, nor intended so to do.  In
+this sort, said Luther, did I alone resist so many, insomuch that my
+Doctor, and divers others of my friends, were much offended and
+vexed by reason of my constancy; yea, some of them said, if I had
+referred the articles to their consideration, they would have
+yielded, and given way to those articles which in the council at
+Costnitz had been condemned.  Then came Cocleus upon me, and said,
+"Sir Martin, if you will yield up your safe-conduct, then I will
+enter into dispute with you."  I, for my part, said Luther, in my
+simplicity, would have accepted thereof.  But Hieronimus Schurfe
+earnestly entreated me not to do the same, and in derision and
+scorn, answered Cocleus and said, "O brave offer, if a man were so
+foolish as to entertain it!"
+
+Then came a Doctor unto me, belonging to the Marquis of Baden,
+essaying, with a strain of high-carried words, to move me,
+admonished me, and said:  "Truly, Sir Martin, you are bound to do
+much, and to yield for the sake of fraternal love, and to the end
+that peace and tranquillity among the people may be preserved, lest
+tumults and insurrections should be occasioned and raised.  Besides,
+it were also greatly befitting you to show obedience to the Imperial
+Majesty, and diligently to beware of causing offences in the world;
+therefore I would advise you to revoke."  Whereupon, said Luther, I
+said:  "For the sake of brotherly love and amity I could and would
+do much, so far as it were not against the faith and honour of
+Christ."  When all these had made their vain assaults, then the
+Chancellor of Trier said unto me, "Martin Luther, you are
+disobedient to the Imperial Majesty; therefore you have leave and
+licence to depart again with your safe-conduct."  In this sort I
+again departed from Worms with a great deal of gentleness and
+courtesy, to the wondering of the whole Christian world, insomuch
+that the Papists wished they had left me at home.  After my
+departure, that abominable edict of proscribing was put in execution
+at Worms, which gave occasion to every man to revenge himself upon
+his enemies, under the name and title of Protestant heresy.  But the
+tyrants, not long after, were constrained to recall the same again.
+
+
+Of the Imperial Diet at Augsburg, Anno 1530.
+
+The Imperial Diet held at Augsburg, 1530, is worthy of all praise;
+for then and from thence came the Gospel among the people in other
+countries, contrary to the wills and expectations both of Emperor
+and Pope; therefore, said Luther, what hath been spent there should
+be grievous to no man.  God appointed the Imperial Diet at Augsburg,
+to the end the Gospel should be spread further abroad and planted.
+They over-climbed themselves at Augsburg, for the Papists openly
+approved there of our doctrine.  Before that Diet was held, the
+Papists had made the Emperor believe that our doctrine was
+altogether frivolous; and when he came to the Diet, he should see
+that they would put us all to silence, insomuch that none of us
+should be able to speak a word in defence of our religion; but it
+fell out far otherwise; for we openly and freely confessed the
+Gospel before the Emperor and the whole Empire.  And at that Diet we
+confounded our adversaries in the highest degree.  The Imperial Diet
+at Augsburg was invaluable, by reason of the Confession of Faith,
+and of God's Word, which on our part was there performed:  for there
+the adversaries were constrained to confess that our Confession was
+upright and true.
+
+
+Of the Confession and Apology which at Augsburg was exhibited to the
+emperor.
+
+The Emperor, said Luther, censured understandingly and discreetly,
+and carried himself princely in this cause of religion; he found our
+Confession to be far otherwise than the Papists had informed him-
+namely, that we were most ungodly people, and led most wicked and
+detestable kind of lives; and that we taught against the first and
+second tables of the Ten Commandments of God.  For this cause, the
+Emperor sent our Confession and Apology to all the universities; his
+council also delivered their opinions, and said:  "In case their
+doctrine were against the holy Christian faith, then they thought
+fitting that His Imperial Majesty should seek to suppress it with
+all his power.  But if it be only against ceremonies and abuses (as
+now it appeareth to be) then to refer it to the consideration and
+censure of learned people," etc.  This, said Luther, was good and
+wise counsel.
+
+Dr. Eck confessed openly, and said:  "The Protestants cannot be
+confuted and opposed out of Holy Scriptures."  Therefore the Bishop
+of Mainz said unto him, "Oh, how finely our learned Divines do
+defend us and our doctrine!"  "The Bishop of Mainz," said Luther,
+"holdeth our doctrine to be upright and true, but he only courteth
+the Pope, otherwise long before this time he would have played
+strange pranks with his Holiness."
+
+
+Of the Strength and Profit of the Confession and Apology of
+Augsburg.
+
+God's Word is powerful; the more it is persecuted the more and
+further it spreadeth itself abroad.  Behold the Imperial Diet at
+Augsburg, which doubtless is the last trumpet before the dreadful
+Day of Judgment.  How raged the world there against the Word!  Oh,
+said Luther, how were we there fain to pray the Pope and Papists,
+that they would be pleased to permit and suffer Christ to live
+quietly in heaven!  There our doctrine broke through into the light
+in such sort, that by the Emperor's strict command the same was sent
+to all Kings, Princes, and Universities.  This our Doctrine
+forthwith enlightened many excellent people, dispersed here and
+there in Princes' courts, among whom some of God were chosen to take
+hold on this our doctrine, like unto tinder, and afterwards kindled
+the same also in others.
+
+Our Apology and Confession with great honour came to light; the
+Papists' confutations are kept in darkness, and do stink.  Oh, said
+Luther, how willingly would I that their confutations might appear
+to the world; then I would set upon that old torn and tattered skin,
+and in such sort would baste it, that the flitches thereof should
+fly about here and there; but they shun the light.  This time
+twelvemonths no man would have given a farthing for the Protestants,
+so sure the ungodly Papists were of us.  For, said Luther, when my
+most gracious Lord and master, the Prince Elector of Saxony, before
+other Princes came to the Diet, the Papists marvelled much thereat,
+for they verily believed that he would not have appeared, by reason
+(as they imagined) his cause was too bad and foul to be brought
+before the light.  But what fell out?  Even this, that in their
+greatest security they were overwhelmed with the greatest fear and
+affrightments.  Because the Prince Elector, like an upright Prince,
+appeared so early at Augsburg, then the other Popish princes swiftly
+posted away from Augsburg to Innsbruck, where they held serious
+counsel with Prince George and the Marquis of Baden, all of them
+wondering what the Prince Elector's so early approach to the Diet
+should mean, insomuch that the Emperor himself thereat was
+astonished, and doubted whether he might come and go in safety or
+not.  Whereupon the princes were constrained to promise, that they
+would set up body, goods, and blood by the Emperor, the one offering
+to maintain 6,000 horse, another so many thousands of foot-soldiers,
+etc., to the end His Majesty might be the better secured.  There was
+a wonder among wonders to be seen, in that God struck with fear and
+cowardliness the enemies of the truth.  And although at that time
+the Prince Elector of Saxony was alone, and but only the hundredth
+sheep, while the others were ninety-and-nine, yet, notwithstanding,
+it so fell out that they all trembled and were afraid.  Now when
+they came to the point, and began to take the business in hand, then
+there appeared but a very small heap that stood by God's Word.
+
+But, said Luther, we brought with us a strong and mighty King, a
+King above all Emperors and Kings, namely, Christ Jesus, the
+powerful Word of God.  Then all the Papists cried out, and said,
+"Oh, it is insufferable that so small and silly a heap should set
+themselves against the Imperial power."  But, said Luther, the Lord
+of Hosts frustrateth the councils of Princes.  Pilate had power to
+put our blessed Saviour to death, but willingly he would not; Annas
+and Caiaphas willingly would have done it, but could not.
+
+The Emperor, for his own part, is good and honest; but the Popish
+Bishops and Cardinals are undoubtedly knaves.  And forasmuch as the
+Emperor now refuseth to bathe his hands in innocent blood, therefore
+the frantic Princes do bestir themselves, do scorn and contemn the
+good Emperor in the highest degree.  The Pope also for anger is
+ready to burst in pieces, because the Diet, in this sort, without
+shedding of blood, should be dissolved; therefore he sendeth the
+sword to the Duke of Bavaria, to proceed therewith, and intendeth to
+take the crown from the Emperor's head, and to set it upon the head
+of Bavaria; but he shall not accomplish it.  In this manner ordered
+God the business, that Kings, Princes, yea, and the Pope himself,
+fell from the Emperor, and that we joined with him, which was a
+great wonder of God's providence, in that he whom the devil intended
+to use against us, even the same, God taketh, maketh and useth for
+us.  Oh, wonder, said Luther, above all wonders!
+
+
+Of the Assembly of the Princes at Brunswick, 1531.
+
+When the Princes (professing the Augustinian Confession) held an
+assembly at Brunswick, then Luther received three letters, wherein
+was shown that the Prince Elector of Saxony journeyed five days
+through the Marquisate of Brandenburg, whereas Prince Henry of
+Brunswick would neither give him convoy nor permit him to go through
+his country.  But the Prince Elector of Brandenburg, in his country,
+gave him princely entertainment in every place, and many went out of
+Brunswick to meet and to receive him.  But the Landgrave of Hessen
+went on the other side, through Goslar, without a convoy.
+Christianus, King of Denmark, the second day of the assembly,
+delivered up the Confession of his Faith, and was held and esteemed
+a second David.  Whereupon Luther said, God of his mercy assist him
+for the sanctifying of his name.  But, said he, the pride of the
+Duke of Brunswick may easily redound to his own hurt and prejudice,
+who, contrary to all law and equity, denied a safe convoy to one of
+his best and truest friends.  Moses likewise desired a safe convoy
+to the King of the Amorites; but being denied, he thereby took
+occasion to raise war against him.  The Lord of Heaven grant us
+peace.  The same day other letters came to Luther from Brunswick,
+showing that the King of Denmark in person, the Ambassadors of
+England and France, and of many Imperial cities, were arrived there,
+among whom, some carried themselves very strangely towards those of
+the Protestant League.  Luther said, under the name and colour of
+the Gospel, they seek their own particular advantages, but in the
+least danger they are afraid.  These politic and terrestrial leagues
+and unions have no hand nor share in the Gospel:  God alone
+preserveth and defendeth the same in times of persecution.  Let us
+put trust and confidence in him, and with him; let us erect and
+establish an everlasting league, for the world is the world, and
+will remain the world.
+
+
+Of the Convention and Assembly of the Protestant State at Frankfort-
+on-the-Main, 1539.
+
+God, of his infinite mercy, said Luther, assist them at Frankfort-
+on-the-Main, that they may Christian-like consult and conclude, to
+the end that God's honour, the good and profit of the commonwealth
+may be furthered.  Indeed, it is a very small assembly; it hath a
+strange aspect to be held in an Imperial city; but forasmuch as they
+are thereunto constrained by the adversaries, they must be content.
+
+The Papists, void of shame, do unwisely undertake to possess
+themselves of the cities, and by fraud to draw thereunto their
+adherents; then they make show of keeping peace, but in the meantime
+they contrive how to separate and confuse the whole body, and of the
+members to make a massacre; they secretly fall upon Hamburg, upon
+Minden, and Frankfort.  They might more wisely go to work, if by
+open wars they assailed us.  At Augsburg they openly condemned us;
+and if those of our party had not been patient, it had presently
+gone on at that time.  Anno 1539, the 16th of February, Luther
+commanded public prayers to be made for the day at Frankfort, that
+peace might be confirmed.  For if the Landgrave be incensed, then
+all resistance will be in vain.  The Landgrave neither provoketh nor
+giveth occasion to wars; but, on the contrary, when he is provoked,
+he still seeketh peace; whereas, notwithstanding, he is better
+furnished and provided for wars than his adversary is, by 2,000
+horse, for Hessen and Saxon are horsemen; when they are set in the
+saddle, they are then not so easily hoisted out again.  As for the
+high-country horsemen, they, said Luther, are dancing gentlemen.
+God preserve the Landgrave; for a valiant man and Prince is of great
+importance.  Augustus Caesar was wont to say, "I would rather be in
+an army of stags, where a lion is general, than to be in an army of
+lions where a stag is general."
+
+The 25th of February, Luther prayed again with great devotion for
+peace, and for the day at Frankfort, that through civil wars (which
+are most hurtful), the religion, policy, and God's Word might not be
+sophisticated and torn in pieces.  Wars are pleasing to those that
+have had no trial or experience of them; God bless us from wars.
+
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+{1}  Whatsoever was pretended, yet the true cause of the Captain's
+commitment was because he was urgent with the Lord Treasurer for his
+Arrears; which, amounting to a great sum, he was not willing to pay;
+and to be freed from his clamours he clapped him up into prison.
+
+{2}  The name of a rich family.
+
+
+
+
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