The Dead Yet Speaking, Biography 5
MARTINVS LVTHERVS.
The Life and Death of Martin Luther.
MArtin Luther was born at Isleben, Ann. Dom. 1483. November 10. at 9. a clock at night on Saint Martins day, and was cal…'d Martin. His parents brought him up in knowledge and feare of God, according to the capacitie of his tender yeeres, and taught him to read at home, and accustomed him to vertuous demeanour. The father of George Aemilius (as Luther often hath related) first put him to Schoole, where though the trueth was much darkned by clouds of Popery, yet God preserved still the heads of Catechisme, the Elements of the Cistoian Grammer, some Psalmes and formes of prayer.
At fourteene yeeres of age, he with Iohn Reineck, who proved a man of especiall vertue and authority in those parts, were sent to Magdeburg: thence by his Parents he was removed to Isenak, where was a Schoole of great fame; There he prefected his Grammer learning, and being of a very quick wit, and by nature fitted for eloquence, he soone surpassed his School fellowes in copiousnesse of speech and matter, and excelled in expression of his minde both in profe and verse.
He went to Erford Anno 1501. Where he fell upon the crabbed and thorny Logick of that age: which he soone attained, as one who by the sagacitie of his wit, was better able to dive into causes and other places of Arguments then others. Here, out of a desire of better learning, he read over Cicero, Livy, Virgil, and other monuments of ancient latine Authors.
When at Erphord he was graced with the degree of Master of Aarts at twinty yeeres of age, he read, as Professor, Aristotes Phisicks, Ethicks and other parts of Philosophy. Afterward his kindred seeing it fit that so worthy indowments of wit and eloquence should be cherishsd for the publque good, by their advise he betooke himselfe to the study of the Law. But not long after when he was 21. yeeres old, of a sudden besides the purpose of his parents and kindered (upon an affright from his faithfull mates violent death) he betooke himselfe to the Augustine Monks Colledge in Erphord. But before he entred the Monastry, he entertained his fellow studients with a cheerefull banquet: and thereupon sent them letters of valedictory; and sending to his parents the Ring & gown of his degree of Master of Arts, unfolded to them the reason of the change of his course of life. It much grieved his parents that so excillent parts should be spent in a life little differing from death. But for a moneths space no man could be admitted to speake with him: running over the Bookes thereof in order, he met with a copie of the Lanine Bible, which he never saw before; there with admiration he observed that there were moe Evangelicall and Apostolicall Texts then what were read to the people in Churches. In the Old Testamen… with great …ttention he read the story of Samuel and Anna hi… mother; and began to wish, that he was the owner of the like book; which not long after he obtained. Hereupon he spent his time on the Propheticall and Apostolicall writings, the fountaines of all heavenly doctrine, seeking thence to enforme his minde with Gods will, and to nourish in himselfe the feare of God, and true faith in Christ from true and undoubted grounds. Some sicknesse and feare whet him on to attempt these studyes more earnestly. It is said, that in this Colledge Luther in his younger years fell into a most violent disease, in so much that there was no hope of life; and that an ancient Preast came to him, and with these words comforted him; Sir, Be of good courage for your disease is not mortall; God will raise you up …o be a man who shall afford comfort to many other. He was often cheered up by conference with the ancient Priest; to whom he revealed his feares and scruples of minde.
Then he began to read Augustin… Works: where both in his Comment on the Psalmes, and in the book, Of the Spirit and letter, he found many evident places, which confirmed this doctrin concerning faith & the comfort which was before kindled in his breast. Yet did he not utterly cast of the reading of Gabriel and Camaracensis, writers on the Sentences, but was able to recite them by heart in a manner. He spent much time in often reading Occam, and esteemed him for acutenesse of wit before Thomas Acquinas and Scot…s: also he studiously perused Gerson. But chiefly he read often Austines Workes, and kept them well in memory. This earnest prosecution of his studyes he began at Erphord: and spent there five years in the Colledge.
In the year 1507. he put on the priests hood. The first Masse which he celebrated, was May 2. Domini Cantate. Then was he 24. years old. In this course he continued 15. years; to the year of our Lord 1527. At that time Iohn Staupicius, who endeavoured to promote the University of Wittenberg lately begun, desired that the study of Theology should there flourish, and well knew the wit and learning of Luther: and removed him to Wittenberg, An. 1508. when he was 26. years old. Here in regard of his daily exercises in the Schools & his Sermons, the eminency of his good parts did more and more shew themselves. And among other learned men, who attentively heard him Martinus Mellurstad commonly cal'd Lux mundi, the light of the world, often said of Luther: that there was in him so Noble a straine of wit, that he did verily presage, that he would change the vulger course of Studyes, which at that time was usuall in Schooles, and prevailed.
At Wittenberg Luther first explained Aristotles Logick and Physicks: yet intermitted not his study of Divinity. Three years after, that is Anno 1510. he was sent into Italy and to Rome in the behalfe of his Covent, for the deciding of some controversies among the Monkes. There he saw the Pope and the Popes palace, and the manners of the Roman Clergy. Concerning which he saith; I was not long at Rome, There I said and heard others say Masse: but in that manner, that so often as I call them to minde, I detest them. For at the tabe I heard among other matters some Curtisans laugh and boast, and some concerning the bread and wine on the Altar to say: Bread thou art, and bread thou shalt remaine; Wine thou art, and wine thou shalt remaine. He further addeth, that the Priests celeberated the Masses so hastily and perfunctorily, that he left of saying Masse, before he betook himselfe to the Gospell. And cryed out, A way with it, a way with it. In talke with his familiar friends he would often rejoyce at this his journey to Rome, and say; that he would not for 1000. florens have been without it. After his returne from Rome, Staupicious so advising, he was made Doctor in Divinity, after the manner of the Schools, and at the charge of Duke Fredrick Elector of Saxony. For the Prince heard him Preach, and admired the soundnesse of his invention, the strength of his arguments, and the excellence of the things which he dilivered. Now was Luther thirty years old, and had attained a maturity of Judgement. Luther himselfe used to professe, that he would have refused this honour, and that S…aupicius would have him permit himselfe to be grac…d with this degree, saying pleasently; That there were many businesses in Gods Church, wherein he would use Luthers helpe. Thi… speech then spoken in a complementall way, at length proved true by the event. Thus many presage… goe before great changes. Soon after he began (as the place required) to explaine the Epistle to the Romans and some Psalmes: which he so cleared, that after a long and darke night, there seemed a new day to arise in the judgement of all pious and prudent men. Here he shewed the difference of the Law and Gospell, and refuted an errour then most frequent both in the Schools and Sermons: nam…ly, that men b… their workes can deserve remission of their sinnes; and that menare just before God by observing the discipline commanded: as the Pharisees taught. Luther therefore recal'd mens mindes to the son of God, and (as Iohn Baptist) shewed them the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world.
And taught them that for Christ… sake their sins are forgiven, and that this benefit is received by faith. He cleared also other points of Ecclesiasticall truth: This beginning made him of great authority, and that much the more, because his demeanor was sutable to his doctrine, so that his speech seemed to come from his heart, not from his lippes onelyonly. For the saying is as true as old, foreign, A mans pious carriage makes his speech perswasive. Hence it was that men easily assented to him, when afterward he changed some of their rites. As yet he attempted not to doe it, but was a rigid observer of good order, and add…d something more strict then usuall. With the sweetnesse of this doctrine all godly minded men were inamoured, and much it affected the learned, that Ch…ist, the Prophets and Apostles were brought out of darkenesse and prison, and that the diff…rence of …he Law and the Gospell, of Gods Word and Phylosophy, (of which they read nothing in Thom…s, Scotus and their fellowes) now was manifested. Now also Luther betook himselfe to the study of the Greek and Hebrew tongues, that upon his knowledge o… the phraise and propriety of the Originall, he might more exactly judge of Doctrines grounded thereupon.
Luther being thus busied, into Misnia and Saxonie, Iohn Tecelius a Domanican Fryer brought Indulgences to be sold. This Tecelius arrived (as other matters, so especially) that he had so large a commission from the Pope, that though a man should have defloured the blessed Virgin, for money he could pardon the sin. And further he did not onelyonly give Pardon… for sins past, but for sins to come. Luthers godly zeale being inflamed with these proceedings, set forth certaine propositions concerning Indulgences. These he publickly affixed at the Church next to the Castle of Wittenberge, on All-Saint… Eve, Anno 1517.
When Luther perceived that the Positions were very well liked of, and entertained as sound and Orthodox; which he at first propounded to be discussed by Disputation, till the Church defined what was to be thought concerning Indulgences; he wrote to Ierom Bishop of Brandenburg, under whose Jurisdiction he was, and submitted what he had written to the Bishops judgement; and intreated him tha… he would dash out with his pen, or consume with the fire, what he thought unsound. The Bishop answered Luther, and declared that his desire was, that the setting forth of his arguments about those matters should a little while be deferred: and that he wished that the common talke about Indulgences had never been. Luther answered: I am content so …o doe; and had rather obey, then worke Miracles, if I could well do them.
In the year 1518… Luther, though most men disswaded him, yet to shew his observance of authority, went (for the most part on foot) to the Colledge of Hidleberg. In the Colledge of the Augustinians, now cal'd the Colledge of Sapience, he disputed about Justification by Faith.
Upon Luthers re…urne, he wrote an Epi…le to Iudocus a Divine and Phylosopher of Isenac, once his Tutour. Where he hath this speech; All the Doctors of Wittenberge (in the doctrine concerning grace and good workes) are of my Iudgement, yea the whole Vniversity, except one licentiat Doctor Sebastian: even the Prince himself and our Ordinary Bishop, and many of the Chieftains, and all the Ingenious Citizens with joynt consent affirme, that before they neither knew nor heard of the Gospell, nor of Christ. The Pope by Thomas Cajetan Cardinall cited Luther to Rome. Luther having notice hereof, mainly endeavoured that the cause might be handled in Germany under competent Judges: and at length he prevailed, by the mediation of Wittenberge University to the Pope, and by Charles Multitius a German the Popes Chamberlain, and the mediation of the Elector of Saxony to Cajetan then the Popes Legate, that at Auspurg before the Legate himselfe, Luther might plead his owne cause.
About the beginning of October, Luther came on foot to Auspurg, and upon assurance of his safety was admitted to the Cardinals presence. Who admonished him; first, To become a sound member of the Church, and to recant the errours which he had divulged: secondly, to promise that he would not againe teach his former doctrines: thirdly, that he would abstain from other Doctrines which would disturb the Peace of the Church. Here also it was objected to him, that he denyed the Merit of Christ to be a treasure of Indulgences: and that he taught that Faith was necessary for all which should come to the Sacrament. Luther intreated some time to deliberate thereon: and returned the next day, and in the presence of some witnesses and a Scribe, and four of the Empeours Counsellors, professed, that he gave the Church of Rome all due observance, and if he had spoken any thing dissenting from the judgement of the Church, he would reverse it: but could revoke no errour, being not yet convicted by Scripture of any, and did appeale to the judgement of the Church. But Luther not convinced as yet by Scripture, persisted in the truth. Yet at length fearing least the Cardinall should make more use of his power and greatnesse, then Scholarlike disputations, he appealed to Rome, and departed from Auspurg, October 20. Because the Cardinal charged him not to com into his presence, unlesse he would recant. Yet Luther left behind him an Epistle to the Cardinall, and affixed thereunto a formall appeale unto the Pope.
Cajetan tooke Luthers departure in ill part, and wrote to the Duke of Saxony, that he would either send Luther to Rome, or banish him out of his territories, and intreated him not to give credit to Luthers def…nders… and to take heed of staining the ill…strio…s Family, whence he was discended. The Elector returned answer; That now it was not in his power to doe this, because Luther was not convicted of any errour, and did much good service in the Vniversity, and did offer his cause to triall and disputation. The resolution of the Duke was more confirmed by an Epistle of Era…mus, and the intercession and vote of the Vniversity of Wittenberg. Here I may not passe over a notable proof… of Luther… Heroike courage. When Luther came to Auspurg, he by the counsel of such as the Prince Elector sent with him, waited three dayes for to have the Emperours Letters for his safety. In the meane time the Cardinall sent one for Luther; but he denyed to come, untill the Emperour granted what he desired. At this the messenger was offended and said; Do you think that Prince Frederick wil take up armes in your behalfe? I desire it not said Luther, in any wise. Then the Party… Where then will you abide? Luther answered, VnderUnder the cope of Heaven. The Italian replyed, Had you the Pope and the Cardinals in your power, what would you doe? I would said Luther, give them all due honor and reverence. At this the Messenger after the Italian manner biting his thumbs, went away.
Upon these dealing… Luthers spirit fainted not, yet least he should cause detriment or danger to any one, or derive suspition on his Prince, and that he might more freely deale with the Papall cure, would have gone into France or some other Country. But his friends on the contrary, counselled him to sticke firmely to Saxony: and that the Popes Legate should be certi…ied, that was ready in any safe place appointed him to make his answer. But Luther having se…led his resolution to depart, took his leave of the Prince Elector, and by a letter sent to him, November 29. thanked his Highnesse for all friendly offices of his love. The Prince sent that letter to the Legate: and appointed Luther to abide at Wittenberg. Of this Luther thus wrote; The Prince was fully minded that I should stay: but what his minde now is, since the Royall proceedings are published, and I have appealed to the Councell, I know not.
For he understanding by the Cardinal… Letter, that Judgement should passe on him at Rome, he made a new Appeale, saying, that he was forced of necessity to appeal from the Pope to the Councell ensuing, which was in many respects to be prefe…red before the Pope.
About the same time towards the end of the 18. yeare, the Pope sent Charles Multitius a Misnian Knight, and bestowed on Prince Frederick a golden Rose, according to custome consecrated by the Pope on the fourth Sund…y in Len… : and exhorted him to continu… in the faith of his ancestours. He was earnest with Luther to be reconciled to the Pope: and had seventy Briefes Apostolicall (as they call them) to shew; that if the Prince would deliver him out of his custody, for which cause the Pope sent him the Ro…e, in seventy Townes, the seventy Briefes should be set up, and so he should be brought safe to Rome. He further required of Luther, that he would have a regard to the Churches peac…; and promised to endeavous, that the Pope should doe the like: Luther freely promised most readily to doe what ever …e could with a saf… conscience in regard of Gods Truth: and affirmed that himselfe was d…s…rous and studious of peace, and tha… i… was no… his fault that these stirres arose; for n…cessity had urged him to doe, what he had done.
Frederick the Electo… a prudent and Religio… Prince neither yeelded to the Popes desire, nor vouchsafed his …ose any respect: though Multitius wornderfully boasted of it at Dresa, and said, Doctor M…rtin is in my power. About this time the Bohemians sending a book writen by Iohn Hu… to Luther, encouraged him to constancy and patience… and confessed that the Divinity taught by Luther was sound and right.
Matters b…ing growne to this height of dispute, and Luther having many adversaries; at Leipsick a towne in Misni… belong…ng to George Duke of Saxony Cosen-german to Prince Frederick, in the 19. year a Disputation was held. duplicate page duplicate page Thither c…me Andre… Carolostadius accompanied with Luther, Melancthon and Barninus Duke of Pomerania. He at that time was in office in the University of Wittenberg. Thither came also Iohn Eckius a Di…ine of Ingolstad. Hereupon, I…ne the 17. Iohn Eckius and Carolastodius began the Disputation about Free-will. Namely, whether there be in man any free will to doe good as of himselfe? that is, as they say; whether in congruity we deserve grace, when we doe what is in us to doe? Eckius granted that there is not in man a genuine and naturall power and ability to doe a good worke, but an acquired. On this poynt eight dayes were spent by his playing the Sophester. Lut…er could by no meanes obtaine leave of Duke George freely with his safety to dispute, and thereupon came not as a Disputer, but as an Auditor to Leipsick, under the protection granted to Carol…stadius.
In the year 1520. upon Multitius advise, Luther wrote to the Pope, and sent him his booke lately written concerning Christian liberty, and offered conditions of peace. About this time Frederick the Elector fell into a grievous …icknesse. Whereupon Luther moved by some of his friends, and out of Christian charity wrote the book called Tesseradecas to comfort him. Then also he wrote the book Of Confession of sins: in which he took occasion to speak of Vowes, and deplored their torturing of mens consc…ences. Charles the Emperour requested to hear Erasmus judgement concerning Luther, and wondred that so great & extream hatred should be raised by some Monks and the Pope against Luther, whose life and carriage he conceived to be commendabl…, and his doctrine not impious; Erasmus answered in a pleasant manner; That his Highnesse needed not wonder at that; for Luther had in his disputations dealt against the Monks bellies, and the Popes crowne.
It is reported that these advocates of the Pope did promise Erasmus a Bishoprick of rich revenew, if he would write against Luther. But he answered; That Luther was a man too great for him to write against; and that he learn…d more from one short page of Luthers writings, then from all Thomas Aquinas bookes. It is also said, that Margaret the Emperors Aunt, who ruled all Belgium; when the Magistri n…stri of Lovan complained, that Luther with his writings did subvert all Christendme, did demand what manner a man Luther was; when they answered, that he was an unlearned Monke, she replyed: Why then, s…e that all you learned men, being a great multitude, write aganst that one unlearned fellow: and doubtlesse the world will give more credit to many of you being learned, then to him being but one and unlearned.
Luther knowing what was don wth his writings, An. 1520. Decemb. 10. called the Students of Wittenberg together, and in a frequent assembly of learned men, before the gate o… Elister near to the great Colledg, where a fire was made, ca…t the Popes lawes and the Bull of Leo with some writings of Eckius, Emser, and others thereinto; and said, Because thou troublest Christ the holy one of God, eternall fire will trouble thee. The next day he expounded the Psalmes, and earnestly charded his auditors that as they loved the salvation of their souls, they should take heed of the Popes statutes. And in writing gave a reason presently of this his action.
Here Frederick Prince Elector obtained of the Emrerour to call Luther … to the Court held at Wormes in March An. 1521. Luther receiving the Emperours grant for his safety, went from Wittenberg.
Here many did dehort Luther from going to Wormes … Others said, that by the burning of his books, he might know what was the Popes censure concerning himselfe: Others told him of the usage of Hus and Sav…narola. But Luther with a resolute courage lightly regarded their advise, and said, that these disc…uragements were but cast into his way by Satan, who knew, that by the profession of of the Truth, especially in so illustrious a place, his kingdome would be shaken and indamaged. He further brak… forth into th…se words: If I knew that there were so many Devils at Wormes as tiles on the houses, yet would I goe thither. They say …he Duke of Bavaria his Iester, whether suborned by others, or by some instinct, met Luther at his enterance into the towne with a Crosse, as is wont in funerals, and sung with a loud voyce: W…lcome, com…st th… …ither, and much desired of us, who sate in darknesse.
On the twenty …ix of Aprill Luther taking his leave departed from Wormes. Casp. Sturmius a Messeng…r some hours a…ter followed him, and found him at Openheim. Luther being in his journey sent Letters backe both to Caesar and the Pirinces Elector… & Sta…s of ther Empire, commending himselfe and his cause to them; a…d said he was ready to doe any thing which was meet, except to revoke any thing… that he knew to be warranted by Gods word. Frederick the Elector … prudent Prince, seeing Luther to have incurred the hatred of all; that no danger might seize on him, …ommitted the bu…iness of conveying Luther into some safe place, where he might be free from accesse, to some faithfull friends of the Nobility, that there he sho…ld be kept priv…te, till Caesar was departed out of Germany. They pr…sently, faithfully and secretly conveyed him to the Castle of Wartenburg neear Is…nack: This place Luther afterward used to call his Pa…mos.
At length not enduring further delay and innovations, he returned from his Patmos to Wittenberg. In this 2…2. year the New Testament came forth, as it was translated into the German tongue in his P…mos, & afterward revi…ed some what by Melancthon. He wrote also a letter to the Bohemians conce…ning matters of great moment, and exhorted them to constancy in the truth whi…h they had received, and that the… would no… fall back to An…ich…ist for a vaine hope of peace: He also disswaded them from making thems…lves g…ilty of the innocent blood of John Hus an… Jerome of Prague.
About this time also, Luth… …onfuted Nicolas Stork, Thomas Muncer and other fanaticall ringleaders, and Prophet… broaching new d…ctrines, who pretended revelations Angilicall, and conferences with God, and denyed the B…ptisme of infants: and thereby sowed the seed of An…baptisme. These false prophets came from the Cygn…an Ci…y to Wittenberg, in Luthers absence, and molested Car…l…st…de and Melancthon. Now also Luther answered Henry the eight King of …, who as other adv…rsarie… also, … ou… a booke against Luther, and had given him by Pope Leo …he ti…le of D…fender of the Fai…h of the Church.
Then Luther set forth the book concerning …h… dignity and office of the Civill Magistrate. He also set forth the five books of Moses in the German tongue, …hr…e thousand years since the death of Moses. H… published also a book to the Senate of Prague, about ordaining of Minist…rs, and another, about avoyding the doctrine of men.
The year 1526. in October, Luther laid aside his Monkishhood: and declared his judgem…nt conc…rning the Synod to be called for determination of the Ceremonies. Now also Luther renewed the ordination of Ministers of the Gospell in the Church: Of whom Ge…rge Rorarius was the first… Lut…er being forty two years old, of a sudden and unexspect…dly m…rried Katherin a Bo…a a noble Virgin, late a Nun.
Luthers adversari…s not onelyonly observed the time of the marryage, but proclaimed the marriage to be inc…stuous, in which a Monk married a Nun. Hereupon the King of England in his Answer to Luther, stiles this marriage incestuou…, and there saith among other opprobries put upon Luther, that he could not have committed a …in of higher nat…re. Against these disgraces Luther thus animated himselfe, saying; If my marriage b… a worke of God, what wonder is there, if the flesh be offended at it? It is offended even at the flesh which God o… Creator took, and gave to be a ransome, and food for the salvation of the the world: if the world was not offended with me; I should be offended with the world, and should feare that it was not of God, which I have done. Now seeing the world is vexea and troubl…d at, I am confirmed in my course and comforted in God.
Then Luther wrote a consolatory letter to Iohn Husse of Breslow a Teacher of the Gospell, notwithstanding the scandall raised by the Hereticks, and their fighting against the Articles of our Faith: and in speciall manner he …nimated him against Schwenfeld and Cr…ntwald.
In the 27. year the Anabapti…s broached their new doctrin, about the not baptizing of infants; & were themselves rebaptised: they also taught community of goods. Both Luther and Zwinglius wrote against them, and the Magistrates punished them in divers places.
About the beginning of the year 1527. Luther fell suddenly sick of a congealing of blood about his hears, which almost kil'd him: but the drinking of the water of Carduus Benedictus, whose vertues then was not so commonly knowne, he was presently helped. This year also he put forth the Story of Leonard Keisar his friend, who was burnt for the Gospels sake, at the Command of William Duke of Bavaria.
In the beginning of the year 1529. Luther put fort… his greater and lesser Catec…ismes for the good of the und…r sort of people, and admonished the Pastors and Ministers that they would seriously attend their offices, and teach car… fully in the Villages. That they would preach still the same things … the same points and often presse them upon the people. Her… also Luther put forth a book against the Turk in the German tongue. In this year was held that solemne and numerous assembly before the Emperour & the States of the Empire, wch was printed & made known to all the Nations of Europe. Luther composed the seventeen Articles, before the Divines of Saxony took their journey to A…gusta: In these Articles he omitted scholastick disputes and point… unnec…ssary for the peoples instruction, and comprised the summe of wholsome and necessary doctrin for the salvation of mens souls and true piety.
Af…er this the Confession written by Melancthon according to Luthers direction and advise, was exhibited in the Latine and German tongues in Caesars palace, Iune 25. at two a clock in the afternoone, and was read by the Chancellor of Saxony before Charles the fifth, Ferdinando and all the El…ctors and Princes being assessors, and that with so shrill and loud a voyce, that not onelyonly in that large Hall, but also in the Court beneath and in the places adjoyning it was well heard. They who subscribed to this Conf…ssion were Iohn Duke of Saxony, George Marquesse of Brandenb…ugh, Ernest and Franci… brothers, Dukes of Brunswick and Lunenburgh; Philip Landgrave of Has…ia, Wolfgang Prince of Anhalt; and two Citi…s of the Empire, Norinberg and Reutling.
In the year 1533. Luther comforted the Citizens of Oschatz by his letter, who had been turned out for hi… confession of the Gospell; In his letter h… saith, The Devill i… …he Host, and the World is his Inne: so that where ever yo… come, you shall be sure to finde this ugly Hoste. In the year 1534. the German Bible translated by him, and brought into one body, was first printed, as the old priviledge dated at Bibliopol… under the Electors hands sheweth.
In the year 1535. this Bible was publish…d. Th…n the fancies of the Anabaptists began to appeare in Westphalia, and made a very great combustion. This year Lut…er began publickly to preach on Genesis, which taske …e ended (as himselfe was wont to ominate) with his life, six yeares after. In February the year following the Duke El…ctor of Saxony with the Confederate Princes and Cities, and their Divines held an Assembly at Smalcald fo… matters of Religion.
At this meeting Luther fell sick of a grievous disease, so that there was no hope of his life. He was pained of the stone, and obstruction in the bladder eleven dayes. Here he, though most of his friends disliked and reasoned against it, would be carried thence; the event proved his resolution good. George Sturk the Physitian being s…nt for from Erphord went along with him. Luther as he was carried along, made his Will; in which he bequ…athed his detestation of Popery to his friends and Pastors: as before in the house of Spalatinus in the year 1530. where he made thi… Verse.
Pestis eram vivus, moriens ero mors tua Papa.
I living, stopt Romes breath,
And Dead, will be Romes Death.
But the night after his departure thence he begen to be somewhat better.
He tooke delight to expresse some things in his owne tongue, and in Ryme. Of which some were to this sense and meaning.
Ea…e what is sodden well;
Dr…ke what is pure and cleare:
That th…u the truth doth tell,
To all let it appeare.
Speake not to all, what e…er thou doest know…
If thou …e well, keepe wisely were thou art:
Conserve with care, what ever is thine …ne,
Mischan… … …ooted comes like th'nimbling …art.
Be silent in …ue time, abstaine, sustaine,
Hold up thy head. Of need to none compl…ine;
Dispaire not of Gods helpe, thy state to …sy,
Who sends as…stance to us every day.
He was in his private converse of such behaviour that his life was a patterene of vertue. As he dined or supped, oftentimes he would dicta…e matter to be preached; sometimes corrected the faults of the presse, sometim…s he would recreate himselfe and others with Musick. He was by nature (which Melancthon would often wonder at) a moderate eater and drinker: and yet had no small or weake body: He hath beene seene for four d…yes together and being in health, to eate and drinke nothing at set meale times: and often at other times for many dayes to be content with a little bread and fish. I will say nothing how in the Cloysters he macerated himselfe with watchings, fasting, labors. Oftentimes being invited to Banquets, he went not, because he would not lose his time, I, said he, lose too much time by invitations to Feasts here in the City: I know Sa…n hath such an hand in it: that I may not deny it, and yet it doth me harme to accept the courtisy. In company he was familiar, pleasent courteous yet grave, as beseemed a man of his place. He was …ffable, and studious of truth.
Melancthon affirmeth, that he often found him …t prayer with great ardency and tears imploring God for the whole Church. He set apart every day a certaine time for the reading some Psalmes, and intermixt his owne prayers and teares with them. He often used to say; that he was offended with them, who either through Idlenesse or variety of imployment said, that it was enough to pray with groanes onelyonly. And for that end said he, formes of prayer are prescr…bed us by the will of God, that reading might in…l…me our mindes, yea that the voyce also might professe, wha… God we call upon.
When …e recreated his minde, and took it of from study, he delighted to play at Chesse, and was skilfull at it. He sometimes practised the art of Turning with his serv…nt Wolfgang; and would say, if the world should den… us s…stenance for my paines in Gods word, we would learne to get our living… with our hands. Sometimes he did play on an Instrument, sometimes shoote. He was carefull also of the neatnesse of his Garden, and desired of his friends variety of plants to furnish it: So that he had no vacant time. Of his imployments thus he writeth; I am very full of imployment preaching to the people might well require all my paines, my course of worshiping God and prayer might wholly busie m…, my paines b… expounding Scriptures by writing, my writing Epistles, my care of othe… mens affaires tak…t… up my time; my converse with my friends (which I use to call a feeding of my corps) doth very badly steale away a grea… part of my time. It was his usuall course either to meditate, or to read, or preac…, or to give good counsell to his friends: so that h… was never idle.
He was very liberall to the poore. On a time when a Stdents asked some money of him, he bad his wife give him some thi…g: and when she excused the matter in regard of their penury at that time: he tooke up a silver cup and gave it to the Schollar, and bid him sell it to the G…ld-smith, and keep the money for his o…a…ons. When a friend sent him 200. angels of gold from the metal-mines he bestowed them all on poore Students: When Iohn the Elector, gave him a new gowne… he said, that he was made to much of, for if here we receive a full recompence of our labours, we shall hope for none in another life. When the same Elector offered him a vayne of Metals at Sneberge: he refused it, lest he should incurre the tentations of the Divell, who is Lord of treasure under the Earth. He took nothing of Printers for his copies, as he writeth, saying, I have no plenty of money, and thus yet I deale with the Printers, I receive nothing from them …or recompence of my many Copies, sometimes I receive of them one copy. This I thinke is due to me, whereas other writers, yea translaters, for every eight leaves have an Angel. Concerning money given him thus he writeth; The hundreth Angels given me I roceived by Tanbenhem, and Schart gave me fifty: that I stand in feare, that God will give me my reward here. But I protested that I would not so be satisfied by him, I will either presently repay it or spend it. For what should I doe with so much money? I gave one halfe of it to P. Prior, and made him a joyfull man.
He was very lovingly affectioned towards his children, and gave them liberall education: He kept in his house a School-master to traine them up in good arts and a godly life. When he saw Magdalen his eldest daughter ready to dye, he read to her in Esay 26.19. Thy dead servants shall rise againe, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing ye that dwell in the dust: For thy dew is at the dew of hearbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. Come my people, enter into thy chambers, and shut thy doores about thee: Hide thy selfe as it were for a litt…e moment, untill the indignation be over-past,. My daughter enter thou into thy chamber with peace, I shall ere long be with thee. For God will not permit me to see the punishments hanging over the head of Germany. And upon t…is wept plentifully. But in publick when he went a long with the Herse he bridled his affection, and was not seen to shed one teare. And as all men of excellent spirits have a zealous anger in due place: So Luther by nature was vehement, but yet placable: As appeareth in this, that when Melancthon much moved to passion once came unto him, and all the rest were very mute, Luther uttered this Verse.
Vince animos iràm que tuam, qui caeterà vinci….
Thine owne heart overcome, thy fury tame,
Who all things else hast stoutly overcame.
And then smiling, said… we will not further dispute of this matter, and turned his speech to other occasions.
He foresaw and foretold many things, as the combustion which rose in Germany; saying I am very much afraid, that if the Princes give eare to Duke George his ill counsell, there will arise some tumult, which will destroy all the Princes and Magistrates in all Germany, and ingage in it all the Clergy. Of the death of Frederick Elector of Saxony, thus he writeth, If God in heaven hath resolved in wrath to deale with us, that neither our prayres, nor counsels of amendment can hinder it, let us obtaine this that our Josias may sleep in peace, though the world be left to goe into its Babylon.
Of the covetousnesse, of Germany and the dearth there, thus he speaketh. We feare Famine, and we shall suffer it, and finde no remedy for it. And when as without necessity, we are solicitous to prevent Famine, like wicked and incredulous Gentles, and neglect the word of God and his work; he will permit shortly a dismall day to come upon us, which will bring with it whole W…inloads of ceares; which he shall neither have power or meanes to escape. Diverse other things he also foretold.
He had his health competently well, but that sometimes he was troubled with the headach, especially in his elder yeares. Whereupon he was afraid of some violent Apoplexie: and when he felt a swimming in his head, or noyse in his eares, he used to say, Lord Iesu, smite me gently, for I am absolved from my sins according to thy word, and am fed unto life eternall by thy body and blood. Thine Apostle John and our Elector were taken out of this world, by this kinde of death. He endured often tentations, whereupon he said, All here are in health except Luther, who is …ound in body, and without suffers at no mans hand in the world: onelyonly the Divel and all his Angels vex him.
He was of an indefferent stature, of strong body, of so Lion-like a quicknesse of his eyes, that some could not endure to looke directly upon him, when he intentively beheld them. They say that one of mild spirit, who could not endure in private to talke with Luther; was courteously used by Luther, yet was so pierced with the quicknesse of his eyes, that being amazed he knew no course better then to run from him. His voyce was mild and not very cleare; whereupon, when on a time there was mention at table about Pauls voyce, which was not very perfect and full: Luther said, I also have a low speech and pronuntiation. To whom Melancthon answered, But this small voyce is heard very farre and neere.
In the year 1544. the 17. of November he finished his explication of Genesis: which was his last publicke reading in the University, which he concluded with these words: Thus end I my explication on Genesis; God grant that others may more rightly and truely expound it; then I have done I cannot proceed farther therein, my strength faileth me, pray for me, that it would please God to grant me a quiet and comfortable departure out of this life.
In the year 1546. Luther accompanyed with Melancthon vi…ted his owne Country, and returned againe in safety. Not long after, the Councell of Trent being begun, and having …te once or twice, Luther was called againe by the E…rles of Mansfield to his owne Country, for to compose a dissention among them concerning their bounds and heritages. Luther was not wont to deale in matters of this nature, having been versed in sacred studyes all his life time: but because he was borne at Isleben, a towne in the territories of Mansfield, he was willing to doe his Country service in this kind. Wherfore making his last Sermon at Wittenberg the 17. day of Ianuary, he to…ke his journey on the twenty third day: And at Hall in Saxony lodged at Iustas Ionas his house, where he stayed three dayes because of the ro…ghn…sse of the waters, and preached the 26. of Ianuary upon Pauls Conversion. On the 28. day being Thursday at Hall he passed over the river with Iustas Ionas and his owne three sons, and being in danger of drowning said to Dr. Ionas; Thinke you not, that it would rejoyce the Divell very much, if I and you and my three sons should be drowned? When he came to the Earles of Mansfield, he was entertained by a hundred horsemen or more of the Court, and was brought into Isleben very honourable, but very sick, and almost past recovery: which thing he said did often befall him when he had any great businesse to undertake. But using some meanes for cure of his infirmity, he sate at supper with the company; and so continued to doe from the 29. of Ianuary to the 17. of February, and treated of the dfferences, for whose determination he came thither. In this time he preached sometimes, and twice received the Lords Supper, and publickely received two Students into the sacred order of the Ministery. And at his lodging used much godly conference at Table with his friends, and every day devoutly prayed. The day before his death, though he was somewhat weake, yet he dined and supped with his company; and at supper spak of divers matters, and among other passages asked, Whether in heaven we should know one another? when the rest desired to heare his judgement thereof. He said, What befell Adam? he never saw Eve, but was at rest in a deep sleep when God formed her, yet when he awaked and saw her, he asketh not, what she was, nor whence she came; but saith, that she was flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone. Now how knew he that? He being full of the Holy Ghost, and endued with the knowledge of God, thus spake. After the same manner we also shall be in the other life renewed by Christ; and shall know our parents, our wives and children, and all about us, much more perfectly, then Adam knew Eve at her bringing to him.
After supper, when he went aside to pray, as was his custome, the paine in his breast began to increase: whereupon by the advise of some there present, he tooke a little Vnicornes horne in wine: and after that slept quietly an houre or two on a pallat neer the fire. When he awaked, he betooke himselfe to his chamber, went to bed, & bidding his friends good nght, admonished them, who were present to pray God for the propagation of the Gospell; because the Councell of Trent and the Pope would attempt wonderfull devises against it. Having thus said, after a little silence he fell a sleep: But was awaked by the violence of his disease after midnight. Then complained he againe of the narrownesse of his breast, and perceiving that his life was at an end, he thus implored Gods mercy, and said.
O heavenly father my gratio…s God, and Father of our Lord Iesus Christ, thou God of Consolation, I give the all hearty thanks, that thou hast revealed to me thy Son Iesus Christ; whom I beleeve, whom I professe, whom I love, whom I glorifie, whom the Pope of Rome and the rout of the wicked persecute a…d dishonour. I beseech thee, Lord Iesus Christ …o receive my soul. O my gracious heavenly Father, though I be taken out of this life, though I must now lay downe this frail… body: yet I certainely know, that I shall live with with thee eternally, and that I cannot be taken out of thy hands. He added moreover. God so loved the world, that he gave his onelyonly begotten Son, that every one, who beleeveth in him should not perish, but have life everlasting. And that in the 68. Psalme. Our God is the God of salvation: and our Lord is the Lord, who can deliver from death. And here taking a medicine and drinking it, he further said, Lord I render up my spirit into thy hands and come to thee. And againe, Lord into thy hands I commend my spirit, thou, O God of truth hast redeemed me. Here as one falling asleep and without any bodily pain, that could be discerned, he departed this life. And when Doctor Ionas and Caelius said, O reverend father doe you dye in the constant confession of… that doctrine of Christ, which you have hitherto preached? He answered so as he might be heard: yea, which was the last word he spake. Thus he in his native Country, not having seen it many years before, dyed much lamented by many. This …ell on the eighteen day of Febru. on the day in the Calender ascribed to Concord, about three a clock in the morning, in the great climactericall year of his age. Soon after his body put into a coffin of Lead, was carried in funerall manner to the Temple of Isleben: where Iustas Ionas preached.
Then the Earles of Mansfield desired that his body should be interred within their territories: But the Elector of Saxony, required that he should be brought bark to Wittenberge. In the returne thereof, which way so …v…r it went, it was honourably attended, and with much griefe accompanied out of each Princes Dominion: and at lengh upon the twenty two of February in the afternone, was brought to Wittenberg, and was carried into the Temple neare adjoyning to the Castle, with such a troope of Princes, Earles, Nobles, their living as students, and other people, that the like was seldome or never se…n in that towne. When the funerall rites were perforned, Pomeranus preached to an ass…mbly of many thousands. And after that Melancthon with many teares and …ighe… made a funerall Oration. When this was don, the coffin with his body was put by the hands of divers learned men, into the tombe near to the Pulpit, in which he had made many learned Sermon… before divers Princes, Electors, and the Congregation of many faithfull Christians. In a brazen plate his picture, lively deciphered was there set up, with Verses by it to this effect.
This Sepulchre great Luthers Corpes contanes
This might su…ice: yet, read these following strains.
HEre, in this Vrne doth Martin Luther res…,
And sweetly sleep in hope to rise most blest.
By whose rare pains, firme faith and Christs free Grace;
Which formerly, thick Fogs of Error base.
And Duskie Clouds …j W…rks desert hid quite,
Were well reduced to their ancient Light.
For, when blind Superstition ruled All,
And did fair Trnth, long time, suppresse and thrall;
He, by Gods Word and Spirits inspiration,
The Gospels Light re-spred, for every Nation.
And, well-instructed by Pauls sacred voyce,
(Scorning Romes Cheats,) to teach pure Truth, made choyce.
And as John Baptist in the Wildernesse,
Did Gods Lamp, who heals Sin Preach and expresse:
So (O Sweet Christ) did Luther cleare thy booke,
When all the World was caught with Errors …ooke.
And what the difference was betwixt the Law
(Whose tables Moses brake, though God he saw
VponUpon Mount-Sinai) and the Gospell sweet,
Which heales Sin conscious hearts, which Gods wrath meet.
This difference lost to th'World he did restore,
That so Christs gifts of Grace might shine the more;
He stoutly did oppose Romes Cheats and Charmes,
And Papall rule, which wrought Gods Saints great harmes.
Exhorting all, Romes idols for to flye,
He many souls wan to true piety.
And, mauger all Romes threats and snares most slie,
Finisht in Faith, his Course most valiantly.
Dying in peace, his Soule with Christ doth rest,
Crown'd with immortall Glory, truely blest.
For which rare Doctor, let both high and low
Blesse God, that they so clear Christs truth doe know.
And pray the Lord that these his Gospels rayes
May to the World shine-forth for datelesse dayes.
Philip Melancthon.
Dead is grave Luther, worthy all due praise,
Who set forth Christ, in Faiths illustrious rayes.
His Death the Church laments, with sighs sincere,
Who was her Pastour, nay, her Patron deare,
Our Israels Chariots and Horsemen rare;
Is dead, with me let All sad Sables weare;
Let them their griefe in groaning verses sing,
For such sad Knells, such Orphans best may ring.
Theodore Beza.
Rome tam'd the World, the Pope tam'd Rome, so great;
Rome rul'd by power, the Pope by deep Deceit.
But, how mor… large, than theirs, was Luthers Fame,
Who, with One Pen, both Pope and Rome doth tame?
Goe, fictious Greece, goe tell Alcides, then,
His Club is nothing to great Luthers Pen.
John Major.
By Luthers labours Leo the tenth is slaine;
Not Hercles Club, but Luthers Pen's his bane.
Joachim a Beuft.
When Luther dy'd, then with him dy'd most sure
A Crown, and credit of Religion pure.
His Soul soar'd up to heaven, on Concords day,
Which tended Luther thither, on his way:
Deare Christ, since Discord followed with Coats rent,
Give to thy Spouse Elijahs ornament.
Upon his Tomb-stone the University of Wittenberg, as to her beloved father, engraved.
MARTINI LVTHERIS. THEOLOGIAE D. CORPVS. H. L. S. E. QVI ANNO CHRISTI M.D…XLVI.XII. CAL. MARTII EISLEBII IN PATRIAS. M. O. C. V. AN. LXIII.M.III.D.X.
Luthers writing were published at Wittenberg and Iene in severall Towns both in Latine and German tongue. Part of them were expositions of Scriptures, part doctrinall, part polemicall. Of these this was his own judgement. A…ove all I beseech the godly Reader, and I beseech him for our Lord Iesus Christs sake, that he would read my writings judiciously and with much pi…ying my case.
In Wedlock he lived chastly and godly above twenty yeers, and when he dyed, left three sons and Catharin de Bora a widdow, who lived after his death seven years. To her it was a great griefe that her husband died in a place far from her, so that she could not be with him, and performe the last conjugall offices to him in his sicknesse. In the time of the war which presently followed, she wandred up and down with her orphants, and in banishment was exposed to many difficulties and dangers: And besides the miseries of widowhood; which are full many, the ingratitude of many did much afflict her, for where she hoped for kindenesse in regard of her husbands worthy and noble deserts of Gods Church, often she was put of with great indignity. When afterward her house at Wittenberg in time of pestilence was infected, she for her childrens safety, as became a godly mother, betook her selfe to Torg, where was also an University. But in the way, when the horses affrighted ran out and seemed to indanger the waggon, she amazed not so much for her owne, as her childrens preservation, lept out of the Waggon, whereby poore wretch she grievously bruised her body in the fall, and being cast into a poole of cold water, caught thereby a disease, of which she lay sick three months in banishment, and pining away at length dyed quietly in the year 1552.
Welfare those gentle Quil… (whose ere they be)
Whose meritorio…s labours shall set free
The Urne imprisoned Dust of that renown'd
Thrice famous Luther: Let his head be crown'd
With sacred Immortality, and rais'd
Much rather to be wondred at then prais'd.
Let B…bes unborn, like fruitfull plants bring forth
To after dayes new Monume…ts of his worth,
And time out lasting Name: that Babels Whore
And all his bald-pa…e panders may ev'n rore
For very anguish, and then gnaw and bite
Their tongues for malice and their nailes for spite;
Whilst men made perfect in his well know story
May all turne Patr…os, and protect his Glory.