The Marrow of Ecclesiastical History, Martin Luther

The Marrow of Ecclesiastical History · Martin Luther

p. 224MARTIN LVTHER

The Life of Martin Luther, who flourished Anno Christi 1500.

MArtin Luther was born at at Isleben in the Earldom of Mansfield, His birth.Anino Christ 1483. of good parents. His Fathers name was John Luther, His parentage.who first lived at Isleben, and p. 225afterwards removed to Manfield, where he had some metal Mines, and was chosen a Magistrate, and was grateful to all for the integrity of his life. His Mothers name was Margaret Lindeman, who was adorned with such Virtues as became an honest Matron, but especially she was eminent for chastity, the fear of God, and often calling upon his name. Assoon as this their son was capable of Learning,His education. they first trained him up in the knowledge and fear of God, and in the Exercise of other virtues under their own wings: Then their care was to educate him in humane Learning, for which end they set him to school to George Aemilius: and though at this time the darkness of Popery had much obscured the light of Truth,Gods providence. yet it pleased God to preserve in the Schools the Catechisms containing the Principles of Religion, the use of singing Psalms, and some forms of Prayer.

At fourteen years of age, he went to Magdeburg, where he lived a poor Scholar one year: From thence he was removed by his Parents to Isenach, Schola Illustris. He goes to Erford.where was a famous School, and where he first tasted the sweetness of Learning, and so after a while went thence to the University of Erford, His great proficiency.Anno Christi 1501. There he profited so much in the knowledge of Logick, and other Learning, that the whole University admired his wit.

At twenty years old,He is Master of Arts. he was made Master of Arts, and Professor of Physicks, Ethicks, and other parts of Philosophy. Then he betook himself to the study of the Law: but at the age of twenty one (being affrighted at the violent death of a faithful companion of his whom he dearly loved) he betook himself into the Augustine Monks Colledge in Erford, Means of his conversion.writing to his parents the reason why he changed the course of his life.

In the Library of that Colledge he met with a copy of a Latine Bible,The ignorance of those times. which he had never seen before and with admiration, observed that there were more portions of holy Scripture, then were read in the Churches, which made him wish that he had the like book: And it pleased God that not long after he obtained his desire,His study of the Scriptures. and fell close to the study thereof, some sickness and fear also whening him on in those studies.

Afterwards falling into a violent disease which threatned death,A prediction. an old Priest came to him, saying, Sir, be of good courage, your disease is not mortal: God will raise you up to afford p. 226comfort to many others: which also came to pass, and he was much cheared up by conference with that Priest, who largely discoursed with him about Justification by Faith, and explained the Articles of the Creed to him.

Then did Luther read over Augustines Works,His studiousness. where he found the same Doctrine of Justification by Faith frequently confirmed. He read over the School-men also, especially Occam, and in these studies he spent five years in that Collegde.

Anno Christi 1507. His ordination.he was made Presbyter: and John Staupicius endeavouring to promote the University of Wittenberg (then lately begun) knowing the wit and Learning of Luther, His remove to Wittenberg.removed him thither, Anno Christi 1508. when he was but 26 years old,He goes to Rome Anno Christi 1511. where by his labors he did much good; Three years after he was sent to Rome in the behalf of his Convent, where he saw the Pope, and the manner of the Roman Clergy, concerning which he saith;Popish profaneness. At Rome I heard them say Mass in such a manner as I detest them: for at the Communion Table I heard Curtisans laugh and boast of their wickedness, and others concerning the Bread and Wine of the Altar, Saying, Bread thou art, and Bread thou shalt remain; Wine thou art, and Wine thou shalt remain.

Upon his return from Rome, He is made Doctor of Divinity.he was made Doctor in Divinity at the charge of Duke Frederick, Elector of Saxonie, who heard him Preach,An. chr. 1512. and admired the foundness of his Invention, the strength of his Arguments, and the excellency of the things which he delivered.

Soon after he began to explain the Epistle to the Romans, and some Psalms, where he shewed the difference between the Law and Gospel; refuted Justification by Works, &c. And his demeanor agreed with his Doctrine; his speech seemed to come from his heart,He studies the Languages. not from his lips only. Then he betook himself to the study of the Greek and Hebrew.

This year 1517. was by the account of Scultetus the 356. from the Reformation of Religion in France by the Waldenses: the 146. from the first confutation of Popish Errors in England by John Wicklief. The 116. from the first year of the Ministry of John Huss, who opposed the Errors of Popery in Bohemia. The 36. year from the condemnation of Dr. Wessalia, p. 227who taught at Worms the same Doctrine before Luther was born, that Luther did afterwards.

Anno Christi 1517. John Tecelius brought Indulgences into Germany to be sold, averring that he had so large a Commission from the Pope,Popish blasphemy. that though a man had deflroured the blessed Virgin, yet for money he could pardon his sin: Luther's zeal being inflamed herewith,He opposeth Indulgences. it caused him to set forth some propositions against Indulgences, which so enraged Tecelius, that wheresoever he came he declamed against Luther, and set forth contrary positions, and not content therewith, he burned openly Luthers propositions, and the Sermon which he wrote about Indulgences: This caused the Students at Wittenberg to burn his positions also.

The Propositions which Luther set up, were 95 in number: After which he made this Protestation; His protestation.I Martin Luther, Doctor of the Order of the Eremites at Wittenberg, would have it publickly testified that, I have set forth certain Propositions against the Popes Indulgences as they call them; But albeit neither the famous and worthy School of ours, nor the Civil nor Ecclesiastical Power hath hitherto condemned me: yet (as I hear) there are certain men of a violent and bold wit, who dare to pronounce me an Heretick, as if they well understood and throughly knew the whole matter: But I beseech every one, as I have often done before, so now by the Christian Faith, that they either shew me a better way if it be revealed by God to any of them, or else let them submit their sentence to God and his Churches Judgment. For neither am I so rash that I would have my Opinion alone to be preferred before all others, neither am I so doltish that I would have the Word of God to be placed after Fables devised by Humane Reason.Many defend Luthers Doctrine.

Anno Christi 1518. Andrew Bodenstein, from his Native place called Caralostadius, with many other Divines of Wittenberg defended Luthers Doctrine by their writings. Also the Elector of Saxony of his own accord, without intreaty, took upon him the Patronage of Luther, neither would he suffer that he should be drawn to Rome. Also about the same time Luther (contrary to the advice of his friends) went to the Chapter of the Angustine Fryars held at Heidleberg to defend his Doctrine, and shew his obedience to their Summons. He was honorably entertained by the Bishop of Wurstburg, and at Heidleberg by Wolfgang the Count Palatine.

p. 228Amongst the Fryers there he disputed of 28 Paradoxes which he propounded out of St. Pauls Epistles concerning Justification by Faith without works. Bucer being present, and taking notes at this Disputation, wrote thus of it to Beatus Rhenanus. His sweetness in answering (saith he) was admirable, his patience in hearing was incomparable: you might have seen the acuteness of Saint Paul in resolving doubts, so that he brought them all into admiration of him, by reason of his short and pithy answers, and those taken out of the Storehouse of Gods holy Scriptures.

In his return when he was at Erford, he wrote to Jodocus, a Divine of Isenach, who had been his Master, wherein he thus expresseth himself: The whole Vniversity of Wittenberg is of my minde concerning the Doctrine of Faith and Works except one Licenciat, and also the Duke of Saxony: The Bishop of Brandenburg (who is my Ordinary) and many Prelates, and the more Ingenuous Citizens say with one mouth that they never knew Christ and the Gospel before.

August following,The Emperor is against him. Maximilian the Emperor, hearing of these Controversies between Luther & others, presently wrote to the Pope to provide timely remedies against those spreading evils (as he called them) promising, that whatever he should Decree about the same, he would see that it should take place through all the Provinces of the Empire.The Pope against him. Hereupon Pope Leo citeth Luther to Rome, which he also signified to his Legat Cardinal Cajetan in these words, Hearing that Luther defendeth certain ungodly opinions, estranged from those of the Church of Rome, which is the Mistris of Faith and Religion, out of my Fatherly affection desiring to repress his rashness, I have commanded the Bishop of Aeculan to cite him to Rome to answer those accusations that are laid against him. This the said Bishop hath done, yet Luther is so far from returning to soundness, that being stubborn in his Heresie, he hath set out writings much worse then the former, to my great grief and perturbation, &c. Then he proceeds to require the Cardinal to see that Luther were brought to Auspurg, and that he should implore the Emperour and Princes to set a guard upon him, and carry him to Rome: yet withall if he should repent, and voluntarily confess his fault, he bade the Cardinal pardon him, otherwise to interdict him from holy services, &c.

p. 229The Pope also wrote to the Duke of Saxony, The Pope writes to the Duke of Saxony.in which Letter after a few flatteries, he tels him that he heareth many and grievous complaints against Luther, (an undone man) who forgetting his Order and Profession doth many things very sawcily against the Church of God with great confidence: braging that he is defended with the favor of his Prince, and that he fears the authority of no man: which thing he presumes to be false and scandalous to the Prince: yet (saith he) I am willing to write to you, to admonish you to be mindeful of the dignity and splendor of your Ancestors, flying not only the fault, but also suspition of it, &c. After which he tels him that it properly belonged to the Church of Rome to judge in these causes of Religion, and therefore requires him at the request of his Legat to see that Luther be sent to Rome, that there he might be either censured or pardoned according to his deserts.

The Pope wrote also to the Master of the Augustine Monks,The Pope further persecutes him. exhorting him by his Authority to endeavour to recal Luther from his undertakings, and to sollicit him earnestly thereto both by Letters and learned men: withall telling him that this must be done speedily, whereby he might quench the flame that was but lately risen, whereas by delays it was to be feared that the danger would grow greater and greater; for the timely suppressing whereof he required him to use all his study, care, and diligence.

When Luther saw that he was called to Rome, Luther cited to Rome.he earnestly sollicited that his cause might be heard in Germany, before fit Judges appointed thereto, and in a place least subject unto danger. The University also of Wittenberg wrote to the Pope, giving a notable testimony unto Luther both for his Life and Learning: They said also that in regard of his sickliness, and the danger of the way,The University pleads for him. he could not go to Rome: they beseeched the Pope that he would think no otherwise of him then of a good man: that certain things indeed were propounded by him only for Disputation sake, not to define them: that his Adversaries interpreted him in the worse sense, and thereby much exasperated him: beseeching him to give credit to this their Testimony.

They wrote also to Charles Miltitius, a Germane, who was p. 230Chamberlain to the Pope, highly commending Luther, and desiring him to procure of the Pope that indifferent Judges might be appointed to hear his cause in Germany: presuming that he being a German, would favour his Country-man who was oppressed with slanders, and in danger of his life in an honest cause.

Prince Frederick also the Elector of Saxony, treated with Cardinal Cajetan, and so prevailed with him, that Luther should be called to Auspurg, there to plead his cause before the Cardinal.

About this time the Bohemians sent a Book to him written by John Huss, The Bohemians encourage Luther.encouraging him to constancy and patience, confesting that what he taught was sound and right.

In a Letter to Spalatinus he thus writes; In what matter soever I have not so roughly dealt with the Romanists, let them not ascribe it to my modesty,Luthers resolution. nor to their deserts, but to my respect to my Prince and his Authority, and to the common good of the Students of Wittenberg: His courage.As for my self, Contemptus à me est Romanus & favor, & furor: I contemn Romes favour and fury: Let them censure and burn all my books, I will do the like by theirs, and will put an end to all my humble observance of them, which doth but incense them more and more.

The Elector of Saxony telling Erasmus that he wondred at the Monks and Popes extreme hatred of Luther: Erasmus answered,The cause why Luther was so hated. Your Highness needs not wonder at it, seeing he deals against the Monks Bellies and the Popes Crown. And the same Erasmus being profered a great Bishoprick if he would write against Luther, Erasmus's testimony of him.answered, That Luther was too great a man for him to deal with, and that he learned more from one short page of Luthers writings, then from all Thomas Aquinas's great Books. Erasmus also in a Letter to the Archbishop of Mentz, saith, That many things were in the Books of Luther condemned by Monks and Divines for Heresie, which in the Books of Bernard and Augustine are reputed sound and godly.

About the same time Margaret, Caesars Aunt, who governed the Low-Countries, when the Masters of Lovan complained to her that the writings of Luther overthrew the whole Christian Common-wealth; she asked them, what kinde of man that Luther was? To whom they answered, An unlearned Monk: whereupon she replyed: Therefore do you who are many learned men, write against that one unlearned fellow: For sure p. 231the World will sooner beleive many learned, before one unlearned man.

Luther being cited,Luther cited to Ausburg. as we said before, to appear before Cardinal Cajetan at Auspurg, went thither, and having obtained a safe conduct from the Emperour Maximilian, he appeared before the Cardinal, where he justified his Doctrine, and profered to maintain the same either by Disputation or Writing: The Cardinal being much offended with him for his bold speech, would not suffer him to come before him any more: Hereupon Luther, Luther goes from Ausburg.after five or six days stay, when he heard no more from him, appealeth to the Pope, and so departeth home. But the Cardinal wrote after him to the Duke of Saxony, That as he tendered his own honor and safety, he should expel Luther out of his Dominions: This Letter the Duke sent to Luther, who wrote back again, that rather then he would any way indanger his Prince, he would depart thence, and go whitheresoever it should please the Lord to lead him. But the whole University of Wittenberg (seeing the cause of God in danger by this means to decline) wrote to the Prince,The University of Wittenberg stands for him. humbly beseeching him, that of his Princely Honor, he would not suffer Innocency to be thus oppressed by meer violence: but that the Error might first be shewed, and Luther be convicted of it, before he be pronounced guilty: Hereupon the Duke hearing Luther Sermons, and reading his Books with more diligence, began to favour his quarrel more then he did before, and thereupon wrote back to the Cardinal to this purpose:The Duke of Saxony pleads for him. That whereas he had promised that Luther should come to Ausparg that being done, he could do no more: That the Legat had also promised him that he would dismiss Luther in a friendly manner: But that it seemed a wonder to him that he would have forced Luther to a recantation before he had pleaded his cause: That there were many not only in his Jurisdiction, but in other places also that were learned and vertuous persons which did not condemn Luthers Doctrine, but they which opposed him were men drawn thereto through filthy covetousness: But if they would shew him his Error, he would then do therein the Office of a Christian Prince, as one that respected the glory of God, and desired to provide for the peace of his Conscience; and that whereas (beyond his expectation) he wrote that Luther p. 232should be prosecuted at Rome, and therefore required that either he should be sent to Rome, or banished his Dominions: he answered that he could not agree thereto: First, because his Error is not yet shewed him: Secondly, because it would be an intolerable loss to the University of Wittenberg, which he had lately founded, wherein were many Students and Learned men which loved Luther exceedingly, who had deserved so well of them; That Luther is still willing to come to a Disputation in a place not suspected, and to submit to the judgements of such as can bring any thing more right, or to answer by writing; That he thinketh it just that this be granted him, and requesteth that it may be so done, that so it may appear why he is counted an Heretick, and what himself ought chiefly to follow, assuring him that he will maintain no Error: And as he is unwilling to depart from the observance of the Church of Rome, so neither can he condemn Luther, till his Errors and Crimes be detected.

After the death of Maximilian, Popes malice.and the Coronation of Charles the fifth, the Pope sent to the Duke of Saxony by some Cardinals, requesting him, that he would cause all Luthers Books to be burnt; and that he would see Luther either to be executed in Saxony, or else that he would secure him, and send him to Rome; To which the Duke answered, That he was ready to shew his obedience to the Pope,The Dukes answer. but yet he could not send Luther to him, till his cause was heard before the Emperour, and till he was convicted of Error; and then if he recanted not, he should finde no favour at his hands.

About this time, many Adversaries being risen up against Luther, there was a Disputation appointed a Lipsick, to which Luther came accompanyed with Phil. Melancthon, Luther disputes at Lipsick.who was come to Wittenberg the year before: On the adverse party came John Eckius, a bold and confident Divine: This Disputation lasted fourteen days, which was after published in print by Luther and Petrus Mossellanus.

Presently after,Fryars and Bishops stir up the Pope against him. the Fryars grievously charged the Pope with neglect of his duty, in that minding his pleasures so much (whereunto he was wondrously addicted) he in the mean time neglected the care of the Church, in not timely suppressing the Doctrine of Luther: The Bishops also of Germany having condemned p. 233the Doctrine of Luther, wrote earnestly to the Pope against him, whereupon the Pope calling together the Cardinals, Bishops, Divines, and Canonists, referred the business wholly to their pleasures, who after much contention and wrangling amongst themselves, at last concluded that a certain day should be appointed for Luthers appearing, and that his Books should be burnt openly.

The Court of Saxony hearing these things,Luther intends a retreat. was somewhat troubled, which when Luther perceived, he began to bethink himself of retiring into Bohemia: which being taken notice of, Sir Francis of Sickingen, Sir Vlrick of Hutten, and Silvester of Scavenberg, a Noble Franconian, offered him both entertainment and patronage; intreating him not to go into Bohemia, but to come into Franconia, if the Romans curses did prevail, promising him an hundred Noble Horse-men of Franconia for his guard. Hereupon Luthers courage encreaseth, and he giveth notice to the Cardinal of Saint George, that if the Popes curses drave him out of Wittenberg, they should get nothing by it, seeing there were now, not only in Bohemia, but in the midst of Germany such as were able and willing to defend him against the Popes power: And then (saith he) being safe guarded by these Protectors, I shall more cruelly inveigh against the Romanists then if you let me alone in peace under my Prince.

Yet June 15.The Popes Bull against him. the Pope publisheth his Bull against Luther, and all his partakers: Forbidding upon pain of Excommunication, the reading or keeping any of his Books: commanding all men to apprehend him, and bring him to Rome: and interdicting all places where he should come.

This Bull in many places of Germany was opposed and torn in peices:The Bull answered. and Sir Vlrick Hutten published it with interlineary Glosses, and marginal Notes, to their great disgrace.

But before this came abroad Luther had published his Book De Captivitate Babylonica, wherein he professed that he was daily made more learned, wishing that his Books about Indulgences were burned, and that instead thereof this Position were set forth, Indulgences are the wickednesses of the flatterers of Rome.The Bull excommunicated. And when the Popes Bull came forth, Luther Excommunicated the Bull it self and the Authors of it; He also p. 234published a defence of all the Articles condemned by the Pope, appealing from the Pope to a Council.

After this the Cardinals, according to the their Commission, told the Duke,Luthers books burnt. that they could doe no less then burn Luthers Books; which accordingly they did: But Luther hearing of it,He burns the Bull. being accompanyed with all the University, he also openly burnt the Popes Decrees, and his Bull lately sent out against him. At which time he added these words, Because thou hast troubled the holy one of the Lord, eternal fire shall trouble thee.

A while after the Emperour Charles the fifth coming into Germany, Luther sent for to Worms.Prince Frederick of Saxony accompanyed him to Worms, from whence he wrote to Luther that he had obtained of the Emperour to hear him openly at the Diet: to which Luther answered, that it was very welcome news to him that the Emperor would take to himself the hearing of his cause, promising to do all which he could with a safe conscience, and not wronging the cause of Christ.

March the sixth, the Emperour sent for him, and withall sent him a safe Conduct, requiring his repair thither within 21 days:His friends disswade him. but many of his friends disswaded him from going, to whom he answered, That these discouragements were cast into his way by Satan▪ His courage.who knew that by his profession of the truth in so illustrious a place, his Kingdom would be shaken, and therefore if he knew that there were as many Divels in worms as Tiles on the Houses, yet would he go thither, &c.

April the sixteenth,He goes to Worms. Luther came to Worms: whereupon some perswaded the Emperor to deal with him as the Council of Constance had dealt with John Huss: But the Emperour said, That the Publik Faith was not to be violated. The next day Luther appeared before the Emperour, and a frequent Assembly of the Princes, at which time Eccius, a Lawyer, at the command of the Emperour, made a speech, in the end whereof he asked him whether he would recant and retract his works? To which Luther after deliberation,His answer to Eccius. answered, Of my Books (saith he) some tend to Faith and Piety; to these my Adversaries give an ample testimony: others are against the Pope and his Doctrine; should I revoke these, I should confirm his Tyranny: others are against private men who defend his cause; in these I confess, I p. 235have been too vehement, yet I cannot revoke them, unless I will set open a gap to the impudency of many. But Eccius told him that the Emperour was not satisfied with this answer, but required his recantation. To which Luther answered,His constancy. I beseech you, give me leave to maintain the peace of my own conscience, which, if I should consent to you, I cannot do. For unless my Adversaries can convince me by sound Arguments taken out of the holy Scriptures, I cannot satisfie my conscience. For I can plainly prove that both Popes and Councils have often erred grievously: and therefore it would be an ungodly thing for me to assent to them, and to depart from the holy Scriptures which is plain and only cannot err. And so he departed at that time. But the next day the Emperour sent his Letter to the Assembly of the Princes,The Emperour intends to proscribe him. wherein he wrote that his Ancestors had always professed the Christian Religion, and had observed the Church of Rome, which seeing Luther now opposed, and flood stifly to his opinion, it behoved him to proscribe him and his companions, and to provide fit remedies to quench that flame. Yet that he would keep the Publick Faith given him, so that he might return safe to his own home. The Princes were divided in their opinions;The Princes divided about it. but the major part held that he was not rashly to be condemned, because the Emperour being a young man, was instigated against him by the Pope and his Ministers.

A few days after the Bishop of Trevers appointed Luther to come unto him, with whom also some other of the Princes were assembled: at which time they used many Arguments to draw him to a recantation, and concluded that they perceived that if he refused, the Emperours purpose was to banish him out of the bounds of the Empire, and therefore they exhorted him seriously to think upon the same. Luther answered that he was very thankful to them that so great Princes would take so much pains for his sake who was so mean, and unworthy a person:Luther… courage. yet he told them that he would rather lose his life then depart from the manifest Truth of the Word of God, seeing its better to obey God then man, &c. Then was he commanded to withdraw: and there came to him one …aeus a Lawyer; who perswaded him to submit his writings to the judgement of Caesar and the Princes: To whom he answered, that he would not decline the judgement of Caesar, and the Orders of the Empire p. 236if they would be guided by the Word of God which (saith he) makes so plain for me, that unless they convince me of an Error, I cannot depart from mine opinion.

Shortly after the Emperor sent to him to depart home,He is proscribed. giving him 21 days for his return, commanding him neither by writing nor word to declare any thing to the people by the way. And after his departure the Emperour proscribed him. After the publication whereof,And se… way. Prince Frederick appointed certain Noble men, whom he most confided in, to convey him to a secret place thereby to avoid the danger, who accordingly conveyed him privately to Wartsburg, His Patmos.which he called his Patmos, where he continued ten moneths, and wrote divers useful Treatises. The Papists imployed Wizards to descrie him,Witchcraft frustrated. but they could not certainly design the place where he was.

In Luthers absence, the University of Wittenberg sollicited Prince Frederick to abolish the Mass out of his Jurisdiction,Reformation in his absence. shewing him the impiety of the same, and that it was invented but about 400 years before for the Popes profit, to which the Prince gave them a very prudent and pious answer.

Anno Christi 1522. Luther wrote to Melancthon, to provide him a lodging at Wittenberg: For (saith he) the Translation of the Bible will urge me to return.He translates the Bible. For having translated much of the Bible into Dutch in his Patmos, it was necessary for him to confer with learned men, and to have their help and assistance about the same.

In his absence, Justus Jonas, Caralostad, Phil. Melancthon, Ampsdorfius, &c. had removed private Mass, Images, auricular confession, Prayer to Saints, &c.

March the sixth, Luther came back to Wittenberg, His return to Wittenberg.and preached every day, taxing the Reformers in one of his Sermons, as if they had erred in abolishing the Mass: Not (saith he) because it's sinful to do it, but because they have not done it in a right order, &c. And as touching the pulling down of Images he said,He is displeased with the reformation. If any worship Images, they are to be abolished; otherwise they are to be endured: yet I wish they were all taken away because of the abuse of them, which we cannot dissemble.

Caralostadius was much netled with these and other such like speeches, who was the chief doer in these matters, saying that Luther would have all men enslaved to his authority, and would p. 237suffer no man to do or write any thing whereof himself was not the first Author.

Presently after Luther excused himself by Letters to Prince Frederick for returning to Wittenberg without his leave, and concludes that he returned to Wittenberg under a stronger protection then the Elector could give him;His faith. for saith he, God alone can order and promote the Truth without any mans excessive care, and helping hand: Therefore in this cause, he that most strongly trusts to Gods assistance, he most surely defends himself and others.

Anno Christi 1522. He printed the New Testament (translated by him in his Patmos) into the Germane tongue, and revised by Melancthon, whereat our King Henry the Eighth, and George Duke of Saxony were much troubled.

About this time Thomas Muncer, an Anabaptist, The rising of the Anabaptists.wrote a Fanatick Book against him and his Doctrine, and the Boors seduced by him, rose in Arms, publishing their demands, whereof these were some: That they might choose their own Ministers: That they might pay no Tithes, but of corn only, which also might be distributed partly to the Ministers, partly to the Poor, and other common uses. That they should not be used as servants, who were made free by the blood of Christ, &c. To these Proposals Luther wrote an answer,Luther unmasks them. That indeed Princes grievously offend by forbidding the sincere Preaching of the Gospel, and for overburdening of their subjects: But yet for these things the subjects may not take Arms against their Magistrates: That there was no reason why they should place their hope in the multitude, seeing God can easily destroy them: That they abused the Name of God, pretending it for their Sedition, as if they desired to promote the sincere glory of God, the Doctrine of the Gospel, Justice and Equity, whereas indeed they go about to take from the Magistrate the power that God hath given him, and whom God hath commanded them to obey. Afterwards he proceeded to examine their Demands, shewing that the most of them were contrary to the Law of Nature and Equity, telling them also how great their confusion would be, should they be granted. And for the rest, which seemed to be grounded upon any Equity, he referred them to be examined by the Lawyers. Lastly, he exhorted them lovingly and brotherly to lay down their Arms, and to p. 238obey their Magistrates: telling them that they might remove from those places where the Preaching of the Gospel is forbidden: but they may not oppose themselves violently against their Magistrates.

But when this admonition prevailed nothing,He deals more sharply with them. he wrote another Treatise, wherein he exhorted all men to join together for the utter subversion of these Theevish incendiaries, as for the quenching of a common fire.

Thomas Muncer (a phanatical Preacher) sowed the seeds of this Sedition,Muncer and Pseiffer the Incendiaries. and was holpen much by one Pseiffer: These vented their dreams, and told their followers that they should kill their Enemies as Mice in a Barn.The Anabaptists beaten. Hereupon some of the Princes assembled their Forces, and pitying this wretched seduced multitude, offered them peace if they would lay down their Arms, and depart home: But Muncer told his followers, that the Princes were afraid, and that by a Divine Revelation he could assure them of victory: Hereupon they came to a battel, wherein 5000 of them were slain, and the rest fled to Francusium: but the Princes pursuing them, took the City, put 300 more to death: and Muncer being taken, was brought before the Princes, who chid him for his proceedings, and then racked him to confess his complices: Upon the wrack he cryed out grievously, whereupon Prince George of Saxony said, But think upon the slaughter of the poor wretches, who being deceived by you, perished yesterday: Muncer and Pseiffer beheaded.Upon this Muncer laughed out right, and said, Why? they would be deceived. When he was to be beheaded, he was so faint-hearted that he could not rehearse the Apostles Creed: with him also was beheaded Pseiffer, and some others: and shortly after was finished that mournful war of the Clowns, whereinin several places were slain above fifty thousand, some say one hundred thousand.

Anno Christi 1525.Luthers marriage. Luther marryed Catherine a Bore…, who had formerly been a Nun. This Luthers freinds disliked very much, that he should marry at so unseasonable a time, when Germany weltred in the blood of the Clowns, and Saxony mourned for the death of Frederick their Prince: Melancthon excuses it.But Phil. Melancthon wrote thus to Camerarius. Perhaps some will wonder that Luther should marry in these unhappy times, as if he cared not for those mischiefs which are before our Eyes: But I p. 239think this was the occasion of it: you know well enough his course of life, that he is none of those that shun meetings; I think better to leave you to think the rest, then that I should write it: If any undecent thing be reported by the people of him, it's alye and a calumny. I judge also that nature compelled him to become as husband. If any thing seem unseasonable and unadvised, it must not trouble us too much: perhaps there is some hidden and divine matter in it, into which it becometh not us curiously to search, and because I see him sorrowful for the change of his condition, I labor to comfort him all that I can.

Anno 1527.His sickness. he fell sick of a congealing of blood about his heart; but by the drinking of the water of Carduus Benedictus, he recovered. Presently after (on a Sabbath day) he endured a spiritual temptation, which he called the buffeting of Satan: It seemed to him that swelling surges of the Sea did sound aloud at his left Ear, His Tentation.and that so violently, that dye he must, except they presently grew calm: afterwards when the noise came within his head, he fell down as one dead, and was so cold in each part, ut nec calor,How he recovered. nec sanguis, nec sensus, nec vox superesset: that he had remaining neither heat, nor blood, nor sense, nor voice; but when his face was sprinkled with cold water by Justus Jonas, he came to himself, and prayed most earnestly, and made a confession of his Faith, saying, That he was unworthy to suffer Martyrdom, which by his proceedings he might seem to run upon. He often mentions this tentation in his Letters to his Friends, and was confirmed in his Faith by receiving absolution from a Minister, and the use of the Sacrament.

Melancthon knowing the rage of the Papists,Melancthons fears. and Caesars threats to subvert the Gospel, was much troubled at it, and gave himself wholly up to grief,Luther encourageth him. sighs and tears; whereupon Luther wrote to him: In private conflicts I am weak, and you are strong; but in publick conflicts, you are found weak, and I stronger; An excellent speech.because I am assured that our cause is just and true: If we fall, Christ, the L…rd and Ruler of the World falleth with us▪ and suppose he fall, Mallem ruere cum Christo, quàm regnare cum Caesare, I had rather fall with Christ then stand with Caesar: I extremely dislike your excessive cares, with which you say, that you are almost consumed: That these reign so much in your heart, it is not from the greatness of the danger, but the greatness of your p. 240incredulity. Si piam, & justam causam defendimus, cur Dei promistis non confidimus? praeter vitam hanc misellam Satanas, & mundus nobis eripere nihil potest. At vivit, & in sempiternum regnat Christus, in cujus tutela consistit veritas: Is nobis aderit: is etiam causam hanc, quae non nostra, sed ipsius est, ad optatum producet finem. If the cause be bad, let us revoke it, and flie back: if it be good, Why do we make God a lyer? who hath made us so great promises: Cast thy care upon the Lord, &c. Be of good comfort, His faith.I have overcome the world. If Christ be the conquerour of the world, why should we fear it as if it would overcome us? A man would fetch such sentences as these upon his knees, from Rome or Hierusalem. Nolite igitur timere, estote fortes, & laeti, nihil solliciti, Dominus propè adest: Be not afraid; be couragious and cheerful: solicitous for nothing The Lord is at hand to help us.Luthers courage. And in another place when our King Henry the Eighth had written bitterly against him: Agant quicquid possunt Henrici, Episcopi, atque adeò Turca, & ipse Satan, nos filii sumus regni, &c. Let the Henries, the Bishops, the Turk, and the Divel himself do what they can; we are the children of the Kingdom, worshipping, and waiting for that Saviour, whom they, and such as they, spit upon and crucifie.

Concerning this his answer,Erasmus censures him. Erasmus thus writes, If (saith he) Luther commending the Kings good intention, had proceeded by strong Arguments, without violating the Kingly Majesty, in my judgement, he had taken a better course for the defence of his cause. For what made Luther in his Book to the King of England, to use these words, Come hither my Lord Henry, and I will teach you? Truly the Kings Book was written in Latine, and that not unlearnedly: But Luther thus excuseth himself,He defends his Book against King Henry the Eighth. If any man (saith he) be offended at my sharpness against the King, let him know that in that Book I dealt with senseless Monsters, who contemned my best and most modest writings, and by my humility and modesty were more hardned in their Errors: Besides I abstained from bitterness and lies, with which the Kings Book was stuffed. Neither is it any wonder, if I contemn and bite an Earthly King, when as he feared not at all in his writings to blaspheme the King of Heaven, and to profane his truth with virulent lyes.

p. 241Anno Christi 1523. A Diet was held at Norinberg in the absence of Caesar, wherein the Edict of Worms was made null: Of this the Popes Legat complained to the Princes, saying, That Luther was not punished according to the Emperours Edict; W…y Luther was not punished.To which the Princes answered: That the Court of Rome neglected Reformation: That Germany was so far inlightned by the Sermons and Writings of Luther, that if they should go about to put the Edict in Execution, great tumults would arise, and the people would be ready to think that they went about to oppress the Truth, and to put out the light of the Gospel, that so they might the better defend those manifest vices which could be no longer concealed.

The same year Luther published his Book Of the Dignity and Office of the Civil Magistrate. His writings.He wrote also to the Waldenses about the Adoration of the Sacrament. He published the Pentat…uch in the German tougue. He wrote to the Senate of Prague his Book De Instituendis Ministris Ecclesiae, and another about the avoiding the Doctrines of men: Besides divers others. What was judged of him for his constancy and resolution, may appear by this.

Upon a time a motion was made in the Consistory at Rome, that a great sum of mony should be profered to him to buy him off from opposing Popery;He will not be b…bed. but one wiser then the rest, cryed out, Hem! Germana illa bestia non curat aurum sed auram: That beast of Germany cares for no money, but seeks vain-glory.

Anno Christi 1529.He publisheth his Catechisms. he set forth both his Catechisms: the lesser, in January, the greater in October following.

The year after the Emperour summoned a Diet at Auspurg, giving the Publick Faith for the security of all men that would come to the Diet to set forth the Form of their Belief.

Hereupon the Prince Elector of Saxony to be the better prepared against this Diet, appointed Luther, Justus Jonas, Pomeran and Melancthon, to set down the form of Doctrine which the Saxon Churches, and those which accorded with them, did profess. Luther comprehended the sum of his Doctrine in seventeen Articles, which being revised by Phil. Melancthon, The Confession of Auspurg.and put into a better form, was afterwards called the Confession of Auspurg.

p. 242And whereas it was given out that the Emperour when he came into Germany would tread the Gospellers under his feet, the Protestant Princes met, and consulted together whether it were better to go to the Diet, or to meet the Emperour in Arms before he should pass the Alps.

Luther (who was always a Counsellor of Peace) disswaded them from taking Arms under the pretence of Religion,Luther perswades to peace. perswading them rather by Faith and Prayer to beg, and look for help from God, whose cause (saith he) himself will defend.

Upon this advice the Princes went to Auspurg, yet left Luther not far of in Coburg Castle to be nere at hand, but out danger, that his advice might be had in time of need. And when the Diet was met,A Diet at Auspurg. the Elector of Saxony sent to him to know whether the cause of Religion should be referred to the Judgement of the Emperour? This Luther would by no means have done: For (saith he) this honor is to be given to the Word of God only to be Judge of holy controversies.

Anno Christi 1535.Peace endeavoured between Luther and Zuinglius. the Landgrave of Hess sent for Bucer and Melancthon to Casells, to reconcile them together about the business of the Sacrament, where after much conference Melancthon mitigated the rigor of his opinion about Christs presence: and at his return to Wittenberg he carryed with him Bucers Declaration concerning that point, which when Luther had considered of, he began to hearken to an agreement with Zuinglius, writing most friendly to the Divines of Strasborough and to others that there might be a meeting appointed, wherein after deliberation, the desired concord might be confirmed. And accordingly Anno Christi 1536. Bucer and divers other Divines of Germany came to Wittenberg, where a form of concord was drawn up by Bucer, and subscribed by both parties: But Bucer therein striving to please both parties, pleased neither:Yet frust…ated. For the Helvetian Divines rejected it; and Luther understanding of Bucers various Exposition of it, was very wroth with him, and would no more reckon him amongst his friends: And so all hope of concord was taken away.

An. Chr. 1537. The Protestants being met at Smalcald drew up, and set forth the sum of their Religion and practice in a book called Articuli Smalcaldici, unto which Luther prefixed this preface.

p. 243Whereas Pope Paul the third summoned a Council the last year,Luthers preface to the Smalcaldian Articles. which was to meet at Mantua, and a little after adjourned it again without nominating time or place, so that it is not certain whether he will or can call it; And we also hoped that we should have been called to it: or else it was to be feared that we should be condemned not called: It was injoyned to me that I should gather and write the Articles of our Doctrine, that if perhaps the matter went on, it might be known what, and how far we would and could yeild to the Papists, and in what points we would constantly persevere: I have therefore written these Articles, and delivered them to our party, who have perused and received them with one consent, that they might be publickly presented, and explain the Confession of our Faith in the Council, if any one shall at length be assembled and held by the Pope and Popelings without lyes and deceit in a true, lawful and Christian manner.

But seeing the Court of Rome doth so fear a Christian and free Council and most fouly flyeth the light, so that all hopes of seeing such a Council is utterly taken away even from the Papists themselves, to the great offence of many of them, taking ill the negligence of the Pope herein: yea they easily from hence gather that the Pope had rather see the destruction of all Christianity, and the damnation of all souls, then to suffer a Reformation of himself and Courtiers, and the restraint of his Tyranny.

I thought fit therefore to publish these Articles, that if I be taken out of this life before a Council be called (which I trust and hope shall so come to pass) seeing these wicked flyers of the light labor so much to drive of and hinder a Council) That they I say, which live after me, should have my Confession and Testimony, and may adjoin and publish it with the Confession which I have formerly set forth, wherein I have hitherto persevered, and will (by Gods grace) persevere unto the end.

What shall I say? How shall I begin my complaint? For being yet alive, I Preach and read to others publickly and dayly; and yet not only my virulent Adversaries, but my false Brethren that say that they agree with us in opinion, dare bring and alleadge my own Doctrine and Writings against me, whilest I am alive, and see it and hear it, albeit they know that I teach otherwise; and they go about to adorn their own poyson with my labors, so to deceive and seduce the simple with my name: Good God, what then will be done after my decease?

p. 244I should answer to all things whilst I am alive: But how I pray you, can I alone stop all the months of the Devil? especially of them who being so full of poyson, will neither hear nor heed what I write: but wholly imploy themselves wickedly to pervert and deprave my words even in the least letters: Let the Devil and Gods wrath answer them as they deserve.

I oftentimes remember good Gerson, who oft doubted whether any thing that is good might be brought to light by writing. If writing be omitted, many souls are neglected which might have been delivered; and if it be done, presently the Devil is at hand with plaguy tongues full of slanders which corrupt all things, and fill them with poyson, that the profit of the writings may be hindred thereby. Yet what commodity they receive by this their malice, is manifest; for whereas by loading us with lyes they seek to draw away the simple from us, God so ordereth it by his Providence for the promoting of his own work, that their company decreaseth, and ours increaseth daily: for God hath confounded, and still will confound them and their lyes.

Lately there came a Doctor out of France to Wittenberg, who told us openly that his King was made to believe that we had no true Church amongst us, no Magistrates, no mariages, but that we all live promiscuously together like brute beasts. With what face will these false Informers look upon us before the Tribunal Seat of Christ in his last Judgement, who have so oft told their King such false and prodigious lyes? Christ who is the Lord and Judge of us all knows that they be lye us. God convert them that are to be converted that they may repent, and overwhelm the rest with eternal woe.

But to return to the matter: I could wish with all my heart, that a free and Christian Council were assembled, that provision might be made for many things that are amiss. Not that we have need of a Council; for our Churches are so enlightned, taught, and confirmed by the grace of God, with the pure Word of God and true use of the Sacraments, that we need not a Council, neither can a Council shew us a truer or better way: But there is need of one in many other regards: In many Bishopricks divers Parishes are destitute of spiritual food: yet the Bishops and Canons regard not the life of those poor men, for whom yet Christ dyed, so that they cannot hear the true Shepherd speaking to his Sheep: I fear Christ for p. 245this will call a Council of Angels to destroy Germany as he destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. Besides these affairs of the Church many things need Reformation in the Civil State: Great discords are amongst Princes: usury and covetousness overflow like a deluge: wantonness, pride, riot, garishness in apparrel, bellycheer, dicing, pomp, malice, stubornness of subjects, oppression, &c. so over-flow that they cannot be amended by ten Councils, and twenty Diets, &c. Our sins weigh us down, and suffer not God to be gracious to us, because instead of repenting we defend our abominations.

O Lord Iesus Christ, do thou summon and hold a Council, and redeem thy servants by thy glorious coming: The Pope and Pop…lings are p…st cure: therefore help us poor and distressed men who groan unto thee, and seek thee with our hearts, according to the grace that thou hast given us by thy holy Spirit, which liveth and reigneth with thee and the Father for ever, Amen.

Luther, His violence against the Sacramentaries.least he should seem to have yeilded any thing to the temperament of Bucer, which we spake of before, wrote to Albert of Brandenburg Duke of Borussia, exhorting him to shun the Sacramentaries and their Doctrine, and not to suffer it to cr…ep anywhere into his Dominions, least he should thereby so burthen his conscience with so great wickedness, that perhaps he should never be able to pacific it again. They of Zurick took this very ill, and they wrote also to the Duke of Borussia, requesting him not to Decree any thing against the Professors of their Faith.

A while after Luther wrote an Epistle to the Aldermen of Francfurt, wherein he called the Zinglians, Archdevils, and said they were to be driven out of Pulpits, and cast out of the Country.

He used to be very fervent in Prayer: Vitus Theodorus thus writeth of him, No day passeth wherein Luther spendeth not three hours at least in Prayer. Once it fell out (saith he) that I heard him: Good God!His power in prayer. what a spirit, what a confidence was in his very expression? with such a reverence he sueth for any thing, as one begging of God; and yet with such hope and assurance, as if he spake with a loving father, or friend, &c.

When the Papists charged him for a lyer, a promise-breaker, p. 246and an Apostate: Luther denying the former, yielded himself to be an Apostate,He justifies his turn from Popery. but a blessed and holy one, who had not kept his promise made to the Devil; saying, That he was no otherwise a revolter then a Mamaluke turning Christian, or a Magician renouncing his Covenant made with the Devil, and betaking himself to Christ.

When Philip Duke of Pomerania marryed Mary daughter to the Elector of Saxony, Luther being present, prayed for a blessing,Power of prayer. and taking Philip by the hand, said, The Lord God be with you, and keep your posterity from failing; But his wife continuing barren four years, all his male-stock was like to be extinct; yet at length, by Gods blessing, according to Luthers Prayer, he had seven sons by her, which wonderfully enlarged that Noble Family.

Luther falling sick of the Stone,Luther fal… sick. made his Will, in which he bequeathed his detestation of Popery to his friends and to the Pastors of the Church. He also beforehand made this verse, Pestis eram vivus; moriens ero mors tua Papa:

I living stopt Romes breath:

And dead, will be Romes death.

Yet it pleased God in a short space to give him ease,His recovery. and to restore him to his former health, which brought great joy to all his friends, and especially to Melancthon, who in an Epistle to him congratulated his recovery.

Anno Christi 1537.A Council of the Popes. The Pope appointed a Council at Vincentia for reforming the Church, of which Luther wrote a book, and by a picture in the Frontispiece shewed the Argument of it: wherein the Pope was pictured sitting in a high Throne,What it was like. with some Cardinals standing by, with Fox-tails on the end of long poles, as with brushes pretending to sweep the room, but presently after the dust setled again as before.

About this time the new Sect of the Antinomians did start up: 1538. Antinomians. Their opinions.The chief ring-leader was Joannes Agricola of Isleben, a familiar friend of Luthers: They held That repentance was not to be taught from the Decalogue: they opposed such as taught, p. 247that the Gospel was not to be preached to any but to such as were humbled by the Law: and they taught that whatsoever a mans life was, though impure, &c. yet he was justified, so that he beleived the Gospel: Luther confuted these.

Anno Christi 1540. there was a meeting appointed at Haganaw upon the Rhine, where the Divines were to meet, and in a friendly manner to debate their differences: But as Melancthon was going thitherward, he fell sick at Vinaria, made his Will, and prepared for death;He prays Melancthon well. whereupon Luther and Cruciger by long journeys hastened to him: and as soon as Luther saw how miserably he was wasted with his disease, with sighes and tears; he brake out into this speech, Alass! how pretious and profitable an instrument of the Church is miserably weakened, and ready to perish! and there withall falling upon his knees he prayed most earnestly for him: and Melancthon confessed, that if Luther had not come, he had dyed.

Anno Christi 1541.1541. He comforts Myconius. Luther wrote a consolatory Letter to Frederick Myconius, almost quite spent with a Consumption, affirming that he could have no joy to live if he dyed, and therefore wished that himself might first lay down his Earthly Tabernacle: concluding, that he was verily perswaded that his Prayers should be granted, as indeed it came to pass;Power of prayer. for Myconius out-lived him fix years, and would often say, That Luther obtained this for him by his Prayers.

Luther afterwards wrote his minde concerning Ceremonies,1543. His judgment about Ceremonies. (which he desired might be few, and tending to edification) and Excommunication, which he wished might be brought into the Church as a profitable Discipline, but could scarce hope to see it.

Anno Christi 1544.His Exposition upon Genesis. Novemb. 17. he finished his Explication of Genesis, which was his last publick reading in the University, which he thus concluded: Thus end I my Explication of Genesis; God grant that others may more rightly expound it then I have done: I cannot proceed further, my strength faileth; pray for me, that I may have a quiet and comfortable departure out of this life.

This year in Italy was spread a most impudent lye about Luthers death: which they called Horrendum, 1545.& in…ud tum miraculum, quod in aeternum laudandus D…us in foedam…te Mart. Lutheri p. 248& corpore & anima damnati, exhibuit, in gloriam Jesu Christi, at que in emendationem & consolationem piorum. The substance of it was this:A Popish lye about Luthers death. That when he saw he must die, he requested that his body should be set upon the Altar, and worshipped with Divine Worship: but when his body was laid in the grave, suddainly so great a stir and terror arose, as if the foundations of the Earth were shaken together: whereupon all that were present, trembling, and astonished, lift up their Eyes, and saw the sacred Host appear in the Air; whereupon they placed that upon the Altar: But the night following a loud noise and ratling, shriller then the former, was heard about Luthers sepulchre, which terrified all the City, and almost killed them with astonishment: in the morning when they opened the sepulchre, they found neither bodie, bones, nor clothes, but a sulphureous stink came out thereof, which almost overcame the standers by, &c. This Lye coming printed into Germany, Luther subscribed with his own hand,Luthers answer to it. I Martin Luther do profess, and witness under my own hand, that receiving this figment full of anger and fury concerning my death, I read it with a joyful mind and cheerful countenance: And, but that I detest the blasphemy, which ascribeth an impudent lye to the Divine Majesty; for the other passages, I cannot but laugh at Satans, the Popes and their complices hatred against me. God turn their hearts from their Diabolical malice; but if he Decree not to hear my Prayer for their sin unto death, then God grant that they may fill up the measure of their sins, and solace themselves with their libels, full fraught with such like lyes.

Anno Christi 1546. Luther (taking Melancthon and some others along with him) went into his own country, and returned in safety to Wittenberg again.He is sent for into his own Country. And not long after he was sent for back by the Counts of Mansfield to compose a difference amongst them about the borders of their Countries, and their inheritances. Luther did not use to meddle with such businesses, having all his life been accustomed only to deal in Ecclesiastical affairs: yet because he was born in that Country he would not be wanting to promote the peace of it. And therefore having preached his last Sermon at Wittenberg, January the 17. upon the 23. day he began his journey: and at Hall in Saxony, he lodged at Justus Jonas his house: and passing over the River p. 249with Jonas, and his own three sons, they were in danger of drowning: whereupon he said to Justus Jonas, He is in danger of drowning.Think you not that it would rejoyce the Devil very much, if I and you, and my three sons should be drowned? He was honorably entertained by the Earl of Mansfield, who sent an hundred Horse that conveyed him to Isleben, He comes to Isleben.being very weak, whereupon he said, that he never undertook any great business,His imployments. but he was attended with such sickness: yet after the use of some Fomentations he was pretily well, and attended the business about which he came, from the 29. of Ianuary to the 17. of February; During which time he preached some times in the Church, and twice administred the Lords Supper, and Ordained two to the work of the Ministry: At his Table he used holy conference, and was dayly very fervent in his Prayers.

The day before his death he dined and supped with his friends,His last sickness. discoursing of divers matters, and amongst the rest gave his opinion that in heaven we shall know one another, because Adam knew Eve at first sight, &c. After supper his pain in his breast increasing, he went aside and prayed; then went to bed and slept; but about midnight, being awakened with the pain, and perceiving that his life was at an end, he said, I pray God to preserve the Doctrine of his Gospel amongst us: For the Pope and the Council of Trent have grievous things in hand: After which he thus prayed, O heavenly Father, my gracious God, and Father of our Lord Iesus Christ, Luthers last Prayer.thou God of all consolation, I give thee hearty thanks that thou hast revealed unto me thy Son Iesus Christ, whom I believe, whom I profess, whom I love, whom I glorifie, whom the Pope and the rout of the wicked persecute and dishonour: His fai…h.I beseech thee Lord Iesus Christ receive my soul: O my heavenly Father, though I be taken out of this life, and must lay down this frail body; yet I certainly know that I shall live with thee eternally, and that I cannot be taken out of thy hands: God so loved the world▪ &c. Lord, I render up my spirit into thy hands, and come to thee: And again, Lord into thy hands I commend my spirit, thou O God of Truth hast redeemed me: and so, as one falling asleep, and without any bodily pain that could be discerned,His …. he departed this life February 18. Anno 1546. and in the great Clima…terial year of his life.

p. 250This was the Will which he made concerning his Wife with childe, His last will.and his young son: O Lord God, I thank thee that thou wouldst have me live a poor and indigent person upon Earth; I have neither house nor Land, nor possessions, nor money to leave: Thou Lord hast given me wife and children: them Lord I give back to thee; nourish, instruct, and keep them (O thou the Father of Orphans, and Iudge of the Widow) as thou hast done to me, so do to them.

When he was ready to dye, Iustus Ionas and Caelius said to him, O Reverend Father, do you dye in the constant confession of that Doctrine of Christ which you have hitherto preached? To which he answered Yea,His last word. which was the last word that he spake.

He was ever constant in the known Truth,His constancy. from the confession whereof he could never be removed neither by promises nor threats.

In the dismal Wars which followed, when Wittenberg was yeilded to the Emperour Charles, and he came to see Luthers Tomb, some of his Spaniards perswaded him that the body of Luther should be taken up and burned; the Emperour said, Suffer him to rest till the day of the Resurrection and Iudgement of all men.

When he was fitting himself for his journey to Isleben, he confessed to Melancthon that he had gone too far in the Sacramentary Controversie:He in part retracts consubstantiation. hereupon Melancthon perswaded him to explicate his minde by publishing some Book: but he answered, hereby I shall bring a suspition upon all my Doctrine as faulty, but when I am dead you may do as you see cause.

He was full of affections towards his children, gave them liberal education by keeping a Schoolmaster in his house to train them up in learning and godliness.

When he saw his daughter Magdalen ready to dye, he read to her Isay 26. 19. Thy dead men shall live; together with my dead body shall they arise, His daughters death.&c. Adding, My daughter enter thou into thy chamber in peace: I shall ere long be with thee. For God will not permit me to see the punishment which hangs over the head of Germany, whereupon he wept plentifully: but when he followed the Corps, he so restrained his affection that he shed not a tear.

p. 251He used to say, His sayings.that three things make a Divine: Meditation, Prayer, Tentation: and that three things were to be done by a Minister: 1. To read the Bible over and over. 2. To pray earnestly. 3. Always to be a learner. And that they were the best Preachers, who spake as to babes in Christ, in an ordinary strain, popularly, and most plainly. He said, That in the cause of God, he was content, totius mundi odium & impetum sustinere, to undergo the hatred and violence of the whole world.

He was very liberal to the poor:His charity. A poor Student asking him some money, he bade his wife give him some: but she pleading penury, he took up a silver cup, and gave it him. Also a friend sending him two hundred angels of gold, he bestowed them all on poor Students: and when the Elector gave him a new gown, he said, That he mas made too much of: for (saith he) if here we receive a full recompence of our labors, we shall hope for none in another life. And again he said, turning my self to God, Valdè protestatus sum, me nolle sic satiari ab eo, I said flatly that God should not put me off with these low things. And having a vein of metal offered him, he refused it, least he should incur the temptation of the Devil, who is Lord of treasure under the Earth. He never took any thing of Printers for his Copies.

On a time one brought him a stone that was found in the Mines in Mansfield, which had upon it the Image of the Pope with his tripple Crown: whereupon he said, Hem, oportet Papam revelari etiam per metalla, & metallicos. The Pope must be revealed even by metals and metal-diggers.

His private life was very exemplary:His private life. At dinner and suppertime he used often to dictate Sermons unto others: Sometimes to correct sheets from the Press: Sometimes with Musick to refresh his friends: He was very temperate both in meat and drink: Sometimes he used to fast four days together: and other sometimes to eat only a little bread, and an herring. As much as he could he avoided Feasts, that he might not spend time. In his converse with his friends he was pleasant, courteous and sociable mixed with gravity. He sometimes used recreations,His recreations. and amongst the rest, turning in a Lathe He would never be idle. He was very loving to and tender of his children,His care of his children. maintaining a Schoolmaster in his house to instruct them in Piety and Learning. He was very passionate, but soon appeased: Melancthon p. 252seeing him once in a passion said: Vince animos iram que tuam qui caetera vincis: whereupon he smiling, said, we will no longer dispute of these matters, and so he discoursed pleasantly of other things. He foretold▪ many things which afterwards came to pass. He was very healthful, but that sometimes he was troubled with the Headach,His diseases. especially towards his latter end, whereupon he feared an Apoplexy: and when his head was so out of order he used to say: Feri, Domine, fer… …lementer: ego paratus sum: quia verbo tuo à peccatis absolutus, & corpore & sarguine tuo pastus. His tentations.He was troubled with frequent tentations, whereupon he used to write, Valemus omnes praeter Lutherum ipsum, qui corpore sanus, foris a toto mundo, intus à Diabolo patitur, & omnibus Angelis ejus.

He was big of stature,His character. strong, and had such a sharp sight, that few could endure stedfastly to look upon him. Upon a time one was sent under pretence of private conference, to pistol him: Luther entertained him friendly, but withall, stedfastly looking upon him, the man was so terrified, that he took care for nothing but how he might run away: He had a gentle and clear voice. He lived chastly and holily in Wedlock above twenty years, and after his death left three sons, and his Widdow who lived seven years after him: who was much grieved that she was absent at his death, whereby she could not perform her last duty of love to him as she desired. Presently after his death the wars breaking forth,His wifes afflictions. she wandred up and down with her children as an Exile through many difficulties and dangers, and besides the inconveniences of her widdowhood which were many, she met with great ingratitude from many, from whom she expected better, considering how much her husband had deserved from the Church.

At length being returned to Wittenberg, after a while the Plague brake forth; wherefore removing with her children to Fergaw, as she was passing in a Wagon, the Horses affrighted at some thing, ran away, whereupon leaping out of the Wagon she bruised her self, and falling into a Lake of water she caught a disease, whereof she dyed three Months after, Anno Christi 1552.

One saith of him,Miracles. That Luther a poor Fryar should be able to stand against the Pope, was a great miracle: That p. 253he should prevail against the Pope, was a greater: and after all, to die in peace, having so many Enemies, was the greatest of all.

Again, it was no less miraculous that he should escape so many dangers:Special providences. for when a certain Jew was suborned to kill him by poyson, Luther had warning of it before hand, and the picture of the Jew sent him, whereby he knew him, and avoided the danger: concerning which himself thus writes: There is (saith he) here with us a certain Polonish Jew, that is hired with two thousand Crowns to poyson me: this is discovered to me by Letters from my friends: He is a Doctor of Physick, and one that dare undertake, and is ready to perform any villany, of incredible subtilty and dexterity.

One a time as Luther was walking in his Garden, the Devil appeared to him in the shape of a black Boar, but he slighted him, after which he vanished. Another time as he was sitting in a certain place on his stool, there was a great stone over his head in the vault, which being stayed up miraculously so long as he sate there, so soon as he was up, immediately it fell upon the place where he sate, being able to have crushed him in peices, if it had light upon him.

And again, a young man about Wittenberg, One gives himself to the Devil.being kept bare and needy by his Father, was tempted by the Devil to yeild himself body and soul to him upon condition to have his wish sastisfied with money, and thereupon an Obligation was made by the young man, written with his own blood, and delivered to the Devil. But presently after, the man began to decay in his health, so that (the thing being suspected,) he was brought to Luther, who examined him about it: but he, through fear and shame, long denyed to confess any thing, yet at last through Gods mercy he revealed the whole matter to him: where…n Luther much pitying his lamentable condition,… called the whole Congregation together, where he prayed with so much earnestness and affection, that the Devil was at last compelled to throw in his Obligation at the window.

And as he was mighty in Prayer,… so in his Sermons, God giving him such a grace, that when he preached, they which heard him, thought every one his own temptations severally to be noted and touched, whereupon some of his friends asking p. 254him the cause of it: Mine own manifold temptations and experiences (said he) are the cause of it. Wellerus also a Disciple of Luthers recordeth, that he oft heard his Master thus report of himself, That he had been often assaulted and vexed with all kinde of Temptations, save only unto the sin of c…vetousness.

Lutherus multa Latino, & vernaculo sermone scripsit,His works. quae diversis locis & temporibus separatim primum edita, & postea collecta, & in plures Tomos distributa. There is also lately printed in English his Colloquia mensalia, of which one thus writes: Praestitisset hos Sermones convivales in lucem nunquam emissos: Fortè adversariis procurantibus illi editi. Sin minus, videant ii qui Lutheranorum nomine superbiun…, quomodo modestiam, judicium, existimationem, & authoritatem Lutheri defendere queant. Sunt enim in iis, non dico multa, sed plurima, quae piae, castigatae que aures non solùm in conviviis Theologorum, sedetiam in lndis, at que theatris Comicorum non ferrent, &c.

Concerning his works he thus writes, His speech about his works.Above all things I request the pious Reader, and beseech him for our Lord Christ Jesus sake, that he read my Books with judgement, yea with much pitty; and let him remember that I was sometime a Fryar, and a mad Papist, and when I first undertook this cause so drunken and drowned in Popish Doctrines, that I was ready, if I could, to have killed all men, or to have assisted others in doing of it, who withdrew their obedience from the Pope but in one syllable: Such a Saul was I, as there are many at this day: neither was I so cold and frigid in defending the Pope as Eccius and some like him are; who seem to me to defend the Papacy rather for their bellies sake, then in good earnest: Yea, like Epicures they seem to me to deride the Pope, whereas I was serious in his cause, as one that trembled at the thoughts of the day of Judgement, and from my very heart desired to be saved. He would by no means endure that any should be called after his name: He would have none called Lutherans.For (saith he) the Doctrine which I teach is none of mine, neither did I dye for any man: neither would Paul 1 Cor. 3. 4, &c. endure such terms: Besides we are all Christians, and profess the Doctrine of Christ: And lastly, because the Papists use to do so, calling themselves Pontificians, whom we ought not to imitate. Melancthon gave this testimony of him; Melancthons testimony of him.Pomeran (saith he) is a Grammar…an, and explains the force of the words: I am a Logician shewing the context p. 255and arguments of things: Justus Jonas is an Orator, and speaks copiously and eloquently; but Luther is all, even a miracle amongst men: whatsoever he saith, whatsoveer he writes, peirceth into the soul, and leaveth wonderful stings in the hearts of men.

Many Epitaphs were made of him, amongst which these were some.

Roma orbem domuit; Romam sibi Papa subegit:

Viribus illasuis, fraudibus ist… s…is.

Quantò isto major Lutherus, major & illâ,

Istum, illam que uno qui dom…it calamo!

I nunc! Alciden memorato Graecia mendax:

Lutheri ad calamum ferrea clava nihil.

Theod. Beza.

Lutherus decimum confecit strage Leonem:

De clava noli quaerere, penna fuit.

Jo. Major.

He used often to say,A prediction. That, through Gods goodness, there should be no Wars in Germany in his life time: but (saith he) let the survivors look to it after my death.

Concerning the Doctrine of the Gospel he used to say that three things would destroy Christian Religion: First, Forgetfulness of the blessings received by the Gospel. Secondly, Security which reigns everywhere. Lastly, Worldly wisdom, which will seek to bring all things into order, and to support the publick peace by wicked Counsels.

He was of a sharp and quick wit:His character. Of a great and invincible minde: Constant in the known Truth, from the Confession whereof he could not be withdrawn either by threats or promises.

Many false reports were raised of him by the Papists, insomuch as King Ferdinands Ambassador went to see what a manner of man he was, telling him that it was reported in his Kings Court, that he never went abroad but armed and attended with his guard: that he spent all his time with Whores at Dice and Taverns: But (saith he) I am well accustomed to such lyes.

He had a very sharp and Satyrical stile;His stile. so that Eralmus p. 256used to say, Deus dedit h…ic postremae aetati propter morborum magnitudinem acrem medicum: God hath given to this latter Age, by reason of the greatness of its diseases, a sharp Physitian: And Charles the Emperour used to say, Si sacrificuli frugi essent, nullo indigerent Luthero: If Priests were not so dissolute, they would not need a Luther.

When this Emperour had taken Wittenberg, some of his Spanish souldiers would have digged up Luthers body, and burned it: but he said to them, Sinite ipsum quiescere, us que ad diem resurrectionis, Not….& judicii omnium: Let him rest till the day of Resurrection and of the Judgement of all things.