A Cloud of Witnesses, Part L · Section 11
Luther.
How devoted Dr. Martin Luther was to the Pope, See his Epistle to the Reader, before the first Tome of his Works, printed at Jena, An. 1612.when he first appeared, and what brought him upon the Stage, he himself tells us.
— Above all things, I desire the pious Reader, and that for the sake of our Lord himself, Christ Iesus, not onelyonly to read these things with judgement, but with much pity, knowing I was a Monk, and a most mad Papist, when I undertook this Cause, so drunk with, yea drowned in Popish Doctrines, that I was most ready to kill, and to co-work with the Murderers of all those who withdrew their obedience from the Pope in the least. So great a Saul was I, as there be yet many more. I was not so cold in defending the Papacy, as was Eccius himself, and such as he, &c. So that thon wilt find in my first writings very many and great things humbly conceded to the Pope, which now I account highest blasphemy, and do abominate. — At first I was alone, and most unfit and unable to handle so great matters; I call God to witness, that his Providence, not my own will and purpose, engaged me so far. When in the year 1517. Indulgences were sold most shamefully, I was then a Preacher, and a young Doctour of Divinity (as I was called) and began to disswade the people from hearkning to the Sellers of Indulgences, and therein I thought surely I had the Pope for my Patron, and upon that confidence was very valiant, seeing he doth in the Decrees condemn the immodesty of the Gatherers of money, so he calleth the Preachers of Indulgences. Thereupon I writ two Letters, one to the Arch Bishop of Moguntz, who had one half of the money for the Indulgences (I knew not then that the other half did belong to the Pope) the other to the Bishop of Branderburg; beseeching them to restrain the impudence and blasphemy of the Gatherers of the money. But the poor Monk was contemned. Being contemned I published a short Disputation, and a Sermon, concerning Indulgences, and afterwards my Resolutions, and that for the Popes honour, not that Indulgences might be condemned, but that good works of charity might be preferred before them. This was accounted troubling of Heaven, and setting the world on fire.
I am accused unto the Pope, and am cited to appear at Rome, and against single me rise up the whole Papacy. These things were done in the year 1518. whilst Maximilian the Emperour held a Council at Ausburg, in which Cardinal Cajetane was the Popes Legate. Him Prince Frederick, Duke of Saxony prevailed with, that I should not be compelled to go to Rome, but have my business heard and composed by himself.
Being called before him, poor I came on foot to Ausburg, upon the cost of and with Letters of Credence from Prince Frederick to the Senate, and some other good men, who disswaded me (after I was come) from going to the Cardinal till I had Caesars safe conduct. When the Cardinals Oratour was told by me so much, he was angry. What (said he) do you think that Prince Frederick will take up Arms for you? I answered, That I would by no means. Where then (said he) will you abide? I answered Under Heaven. But (said he) if you had the Pope and Cardinals in your power, what would you do? I would (said I) give them all reverence and honour.
— At my meeting with the Cardinal I made the following Protestation. See the first Tome of his Works, fol. 164.I Martin Luther an Augustine Frier protest, that I do reverence and follow the Church of Rome in all my sayings and doings, present, past, ond to come; and if any thing hath been or shall be said by me to the contrary, or otherwise, I count it, and will that it be counted and taken as though it never had been spoken. Having before this writ to Pope Leo the Tenth thus,Fol. 66. — I offer my self prostrate under the feet of your Holiness, with all that I am and have, Save me, kill me, call me, recall me, reprove me, condemn me, even as you please.
I will acknowledge your voice, the Voice of Christ residing and speaking in you. —
— Here see men in my case, how hard it is to rise out of errours generally received, and by long custome becomes as it were natural. How true the Proverb is, It is hard to leave customes, and custome is another nature: and how truly Austine saith; Custome if it be not resisted will become necessity. I who had then seven years read and taught the Scriptures most diligently, privately and publickly, and had some taste of the knowledge of Christ, viz. That we were justified and saved not by works, but by faith in Christ, and now defended publickly (he means in his Dispute with Eccius at Lipsia in the year 1519.) that the Pope is not by Divine Right Head of the Church; yet I did not see what naturally followeth thence, viz. That the Pope is therefore of necessity from the Devil, for what is not of God is necessarily of the Devil. I was (I say) so corrupted by example and the title of holy Church and Custome, that I granted to the Pope an humane right, which yet if it be not underpropt with Divine Authority, is a lye and divelish; for we must obey Parents and Magistrates, not because they command, but because it is the Will of God. Hence I can better bear those that do even pertinaciously cleave unto Popery, especially if they have not read the Scriptures, seeing I that so many years most diligently read them, did notwithstanding stick thereunto so firmly.— In the year 1519. the Pope sent Prince Frederick a golden Rose by Charles Miltitius, who perswaded me earnestly to be reconciled to the Pope, and to study the things of peace. I promised that I would most willingly do whatsoever truth and my conscience would allow, and assured him that I was most desirous of and studious for peace; and seeing I was drawn and necessitated to do what I did, what I did was not my fault. — Charles is accounted unwise, and the course he took imprudent; but in my judgement, if the Bishop of Moguntz and the Pope, before he had condemned me unheard, had taken the same course, the business had never come to this. — These things I relate good Reader, That if thou wilt read my little Works, thou mayest remember I am one of them, who (as Austine reports of himself) profit by Writing and Teaching; not one of those, who from nothing on a sudden become Chieftains. Farewell in the Lord, and pray for the increase of the Word against Satan, who is alwayes mighty and malicious, but now most furious and raging, knowing his time is but short, and that the Kingdome of his Pope is shaken. The Lord God confirm what he hath wrought in us, and perfect the Work he hath begun in us, to his own glory. Amen.
March 3. An. 1545.
Mr. Clark tells us,Clark's first Volume of Lives, pag. 230. That when they threatned to burn his Books, he writ thus to Spalatinus.
— As for my self, I contemn Rome's 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.
In his Epistle to Melancthon from Auslurg, See his Works, Tom: 1. fol. 163.when he appeared before Cajetan. — Here is nothing new or wonderfull, but that the City is filled my Name, and every one desires to see such a Boutefeau. Play the man as you do in rightly teaching the youth. I am willing for them and you to he sacrificed, if it please the Lord. I had rather die, and (which is most grievous to me) for ever want your most sweet company, then recant, and be an occasion to the most foolish and bitter enemies of all learning of destroying good learning. Italy is fallen into Egyptian darkness, so ignorant are all of Christ and the things of Christ, and yet we have these for our Masters and Teachers of faith and manners: So filled up is the anger of God against us. — Farewell my Philip, and by holy Prayer avert the Lords anger. —
When Cajetan wrote to Prince Frederick, either to send Luther to Rome, or to banish him out of his Dominions,See his Works, Tom. 1. fol. 176. he wrote unto the Prince as followeth. — I refuse not banishment, as seeing snares laid for me every where by my Adversaries, neither can I easily live any where in safety. But what should I a miserable and humble Monk hope for? yea what danger should I not fear? when they threaten your Excellency, so great a Prince, so great an Elector, so devout a favourer of the Christian Religion, I know not what misery, if you do not either send me to Rome, or banish me. Wherefore least any evil should happen unto you for my sake (which I am most unwilling of, behold I leave your Countrey, being resolved to go where my mercifull God pleaseth, and to commit the event to his Will. —
— I still rejoyce in the love of God, and give him thanks that Christ the Son of God hath counted me worthy to suffer in so holy a Cause. —
Novemb. 19. 1518.
In his Letter to Pope Leo the Tenth, April 6. 1520.Oper. Tom. 1. fol. 385. — I have indeed sharply inveighed against all wicked Doctrines, and been biting to my Adversaries for their impiety, of which I am so far from repenting, that I am resolved in contempt of mans judgement to persevere in that heat of zeal, after the example of Christ, who in his zeal calls his Adversaries a Brood of Vipers, blind, hypocrites, the children of Satan: and of Paul, who calls the Sorcerer the child of the Devil, full of all subtilty and wickedness; and others, dogs, &c. If his Hearers were tender and soft, they would account him biting and immodest. Who more biting then the Prophets? the wicked mad company of flatterers have made the ears of this age so delicate, that as soon as we perceive our own wayes not approved, we cry out we are bitten; and when we cannot repel the Truth on any other account, we avoid it under the pretence of railing, impudence, &c. But what is Salt good for, if it be not sharp? what a Sword if it will not cut? Cursed is the man that doth the work of the Lord negligently. — I contend with none but onelyonly about the word of Truth. In all other things I will yield to any, but cannot and will not desert and deny the Word. Neither you, nor any body else can deny, but the Court of Rome is more corrupt then any Babylon or S…dom. — I have therefore detested and could not endure that the people of Christ should be deluded under your Name and the Church of Rome, and so have resisted and shall resist them while I breath. — The Roman Court is desperate, the anger of God is come upon it to the full, it hates Councils, fears to be reformed, &c. and makes good her mothers character, We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed, let us forsake her.
— Hence I have been troubled good Le…, that you were made Pope in these dayes, who wast worthy of better. She doth not deserve you, and such as you but Satan himself, who doth indeed reign in that Babylon more then you your self. O would to God, that laying aside that which your deadliest enemies boastingly call your glory, you would be content with being a private Priest, and live upon your own inheritance. — What do you my Leo at Rome, but let the most wicked and accursed wretches use your Name and Authority to destroy mens estates and souls, to increase wickedness, to oppress faith and truth with the whole Church of God. O most unhappy Leo, you sit in a most dangerous seat. I tell you the truth, because I wish you well. If Bernhard did sympathize with his Eugenius ruling Rome in a more hopefull condition, though then very corrupt, what may not we complain, to whom in the space of three hundred years there is such an accession of corruption and perdition? It incomparably exceeds the wickedness of the Turks.
— Behold my Father Leo, upon what account I have so inveighed against that pestilent See. I am so far from speaking against your Person, that I hope I should do you the greatest courtesie,Fol. 386. if I should stoutly and fiercely destroy that your Prison, yea your Hell. — But this I never intended, but was forced to do so by my Adversaries.—When I was before Cardinal Cajetan, he might have made peace with a word, for I promised silence, and to put an end to my Gause, if he would command my Adversaries to do the same: but he justified my Adversaries, and required me to recant, which he had not in his instructions. Not Luther but Cajetan is to be blamed; for what followed afterwards, seeing he would not suffer me to be silent, when I most earnestly desired it. — Upon the occasion of Eccius challenging me to dispute with him, many Romish corruptions were brought to light.— Now the name of the Court of Rome doth stink in the world, and the Papal Authority languisheth, their famous ignorance is misliked, of which there would have been no mention, if Eccius had not interrupted the Treaty between me and Charles Miltitius. — Being yet perswaded to hearken to peace, &c, I come, holy Father, and humbly beg, that you would (if it may be) put to your helping hand, by bridling those Parasites, the great Enemies of Peace, whilst they pretend to be for peace. None may presume, that I will recant. I cannot bear the imposition of any Laws for the interpreting of the Word of God, which ought not to be bound, &c. These two things excepted, there is nothing that I cannot, yea will not do or suffer for peace. I hate contentions. I will provoke none; no more will I be provoked. If I be provoked, I will not be without a tongue for my Master Christ. — Take heed, my Father, of hearkning to those Syrens, who make you more then a meer man, even an half God, so that you may command any thing. — These are your Enemies, and seek your soul to destroy. — How unlike is Christ unto his Successors, who yet would be his Vicars? and I fear many are so too properly. A Vicar is of one absent. If the Pope be President, Christ being absent, what is he other then Christs Vicar? But what then is that Church, but a multitude without Christ? and what is such a Vicar, but Antichrist and an Idol? How much better do the Apostles, who call themselves the Servants of Christ present, not the Vicars of Christ absent? —
In his Appeal,See his Works, Vol. 2. fol. 258. Nov. 17. 1520. — Seeing Leo the Tent doth persevere hardned in his tyranny, and hath by his Bull condemned unheard, and unconvicted, and moreover as an Infidel and an Apostate doth flie and find fault with Councils, and most wickedly prefer his Tyranny before their Power, and most impudently doth require me to deny the Faith of Christ, &c. and to omit nothing that may shew him to be Antichrist, doth subject the Scripture to himself, and with incredible blasphemy trample thereupon, I Martin Luther do make it known to all, that I stick to my former Appeal from him to the next Council, &c. —
See his Works, Tom. 2. fol. 259.In a Letter of his to Herman Tulichins before his Treatise de Captivitate Babylonica Ecclesiae.— Whether I will or no, I am made more learned daily, so many and so great Masters contending with me. I have writ more then two years ago concerning Indulgences, but so, that I am now wonderfully sorry for the publishing of that Book; for I was then very superstitiously devoted to the Roman Tyranny, and therefore would not have Indulgences, which I saw so generally approved, altogether rejected. — Now O that I could perswade all Booksellers and others that read my Books, to burn those concerning Indulgences, and instead thereof receive this position, Indulgences are the wickednesses of the Flatterers of Rome. — Whereas then I denied the Popes primacy to be of Divine Right, I yielded it to be of Humane Right, — but now I know and am certain, that the Papacy is the Kingdome of Babylon and the power of Nimrod, that mighty Hunter, and therefore instead of what I have written of that subject take this position, Papacy is the mighty hunting of the Roman Bishop. —
Fol. 316, 317.— When the Cardinals burnt Luther's Books, he burnt the Popes Decrees, and his Bull lately sent out against him, and gives us the following account why he did so.
I Martin Luther, called Dr. of Divinity, do notifie to all that by my will, counsel, and help, the Books of the Pope of Rome were burnt, &c. and that (1) Because we have ancient examples for the burning of wicked and corrupt Books, Acts 19. (2) I am a Baptised Christian, and a Doctor of holy Scripture, and a daily Preacher, and therefore it belongs to me, my Condition, my Oath, my Office to abolish, at least to hinder perverse, false, seducing, and wicked Doctrines. And yet (3) I had not gone about this work, unless I had upon experience found the Pope and Pontificians Corrupters and Seducers, not onelyonly to erre and seduce, but after many admonitions by me given so hardned and bewitched, that they will not onelyonly not suffer themselves to be taught, but condemn and burn the Evangelical Doctrine to confirm their Antichristian & Diabolical abominations. — (5) Because by their burning of my Books Truth is endangered, &c. I have also, being moved, as I hope, by the holy Ghost, for the confirming and preserving the Christian Verity and the common people, have caused their Books to be burnt, having looked for their hopeless amendment. Let none therefore be moved by the sublime Titles of the Books, the Canon Law, The Decreetals, &c. but first see what is taught therein, and then judge whether they be burnt justly or unjustly. —
When Luther threw the Popes Bull into the fire,Fol. 320. Decemb. 10. 1520. Because (said he) thou hast troubled the holy One of the Lord, eternal fire shall trouble thee.
The same day in his Prelection on the Psalter he admonished his Hearers to take heed of Popish Institutions. That this burning was but a small business: it should be that the Pope, that is, the Papal See should be burned. Unless (said he with a grave countenance) ye do with all your hearts depart from the Popish Kingdome, your souls cannot be saved; so diverse is the Kingdome of the Pope from the Kingdome of Christ and the life of a Christian, that it would be safer to live in a Wilderness, and see no man, then to live in that Antichristian Kingdome. Let every one therefore, that hath any care of his own soul, take heed lest he deny Christ by assenting to Popery. Whoever will now be a Minister, he must perish either in this World, or that which is to come. If he dare not contradict the working of errour, in the World to come; if he doth contradict, in this World his life will be hazarded. For my part, I had rather run any danger here, then expose my Conscience to give such an account for Silence as God will require.☞ Therefore having heartily dissented from the Roman madness, I do now abominate that Babylonian Plague. And these things I will declare to my Brethren, as long as I live. If I cannot withstand so great a destruction of Souls, yet many of our own may be kept from running headlong to Hell. Let others do what they please. It is high time to repent.
Fol. 321.In his Letter to Prince Frederick Duke of Saxony before his Postills. — The Apostle requires that a Bishop should not onelyonly be mighty in Doctrine, but able to convince gain-sayers. Not that I account my self a Bishop, seeing the Riches and Mitre, by which a Bishop is now known, are wanting, but because whosoever fulfills the Office of preaching, dischargeth the Office of Bishop, who ought to be a two-handed Ehud, and kill Eglon: and I do set my self to the work of peace, being through the grace of God a bold Contemner of my Adversaries, though in the midst of Swords, Bulls, Trumpets, and Papistical Alarms, that cannot terrifie me. And indeed what cannot I do in him, who comforts me? —
Fol. 379.In his Letter to Iustus Ionas. — I fear lest whilst we fight valiantly for grace and good works, we do in the mean time deprive our selves of grace and good works. Truly having beheld these terrible dayes of anger, I desire nothing more, then that my head were a fountain of water, that I may weep for that late devastation of souls, which the Kingdome of Sin, and Perdition wrought. The Roman Monster sits in the midst of the Church, and boasts of his Deity, the Pontificials flatter him, the Sophisters obey him, and the Hypocrites will do any thing for him. In the mean time Hell enlargeth her bosome, and openeth her mouth beyond measure, and Satan sports in the ruining of Souls. — Pray to God for me, that I may be delivered from wicked and unbelieving men in this Babylon, and that my mouth may be opened to the praise of the glory of the grace of the Gospel of his Son. — Be of good courage, and fear not this Baal-phogor, seeing he is scarce Baal-zebub, a Fly, if yet we believe, seeing Jesus Christ is God blessed for ever. —
From the place of my Exile, June 8. 1521.
When he had safe conduct from the Emperour Charles the Fifth to come to and return from Wormes, Fol. 412dated March 6. 1521. he took his Journey thither; and though his Friends informed him in a Town near Wormes, that his Books were before his coming condemned in publick Proclamations, and therefore that it was dangerous for him to go, notwithstanding the Emparours promise, yet having heard all they could say, he told them, As for me, since I am sent for, I am resolved and certainly determined to enter the City in the name of our Lord Christ Iesus, yea although I knew that there were so many Devils to resist me, as there are Tiles to cover all the Houses in the whole World, &c.
At his first appearance before the Emperour, two things were demanded of him, Whether those Books there present were his, and whether he would recant their Contents or edhere thereunto? He granted the former; but as to the later, Forasmuch (said he) as the question concerneth Faith, and the salvation of Souls, and because it concerns the Word of God, then which nothing is of greater account, as well in Heaven, as on Earth, and which all ought duly to rererence, it will be rash and dangerous to pronounce any thing, before I be well advised, seeing through unadvisedness I may speak less then the business requires and more then truth, both which call to mind that of Christ, Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I deny before my Father in Heaven. I therefore humbly beseech the Imperial Majesty to grant me time to deliberate, so that I may satisfie the Question without any prejudice to the Word of God, and peril of my own soul. Whereupon a days time was granted him.
It is observable, that as he was going to appear, and whilst he was in that Assembly of Princes, Luther was exhorted by some present to be couragious and to play the man, and not to fear that onelyonly can kill the body, &c. and also, when thou art before Kings, think not what thou shalt speak; for it shall be given to you in that hour.
Fol. 413.When he appeared the next time, he answered thus, Most Serene Emperour, and your most Illustrious Princes, and most merciful Lords, I appear before you here at the hour prescribed unto me yesterday, in obedience to your Command, humbly beseeching for Gods mercy, that your renowned Majesty, and your most Illustrious Honours would be pleased benignly to hear this Cause, which is (I hope) the Cause of Righteousness and Truth. — As for my self I can affirm nothing but this, That I have taught and writ hitherto in singleness of heart, what I thought tended onelyonly to Gods glory, and the sincere instruction of Christs faithful Ones. — As for the second Question, I beseech your most Excellent Majesty, and your Honours to observe, that all my Books are not of one sort. There be some in which I have so Sincerely and Evangelically handled the Religion that consists in Faith and Observance, that my very Enemies are forced to be harmless, profitable, and worthy to be read of Christians. — If I should revoke these, what shall I do? Even I alone of all men, repugning the unanimous confession of all, shall condemn that Truth, which both Friends and Foes confess. Another sort of my Books inveigheth against the Papacy, and the Doctrine of the Papists, as those, who by their Doctrines and most wicked Examples have corrupted the whole state of Christianity in soul and body; for none can deny, nor hide it, seeing the experience and sad complaints of all are witnesses, that the Consciences of the Faithful are most miserably insnared, vexed, and tortured by the Popes Laws, and the Doctrines of men, and that the substance, especially of this famous Germany hath been, and is yet most tyrannically and by unworthy means devoured: When as they themselves by their Laws provide (as in Dist. 9. & 25. q. 1. & 2.) that the Popes Laws and Doctrines, that are contrary to the Scripture and the Sentiments of the Fathers, should be reprobated for erroneous. If therefore I should revoke these, I shall strengthen Tyranny, and open not onelyonly Windows, but Doors and wide Gates to so great wickedness, which is like to extend farther and with greater licentiousnesses, then ever it durst heretofore; and by the testimony of this my retractation, their most licentious Kingdome of Wickedness, and lest subject to punishment, most intollerable to the miserable common people, will yet be more confirmed and established, especially if this be bruited, that I have done this by the Authority of your most Excellent Majesty, and the whole R…man Empire. Good Lord! What a Cloak shall I be to their Wickedness and Tyranny? The third sort is of such, as I have writ against some particular persons, such who have laboured all that ever they could to maintain the Romish Tyranny, and to demolish the Religion which I have taught. I confess I have been more bitter against these, then became my Religion and Profession. Neither do I make my self a Saint, nor do I dispute concerning my Life, but concerning the D…ctrine of Christ. It is notwithstanding unsafe for me to revoke these; for this Recantation will occasion Tyranny and Wickedness to reign again more ragingly over Gods people, then ever Yet, seeing I am a man, and not God, I can no otherwise defend my Books, then Iesus Christ himself, my Lord, defended his Doctrine, who being examined about his Doctrine before Annas, and cufft by a Servant, said, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil. If the Lord himself, who knew he could not erre, did not refuse to have testimony given against his Doctrine, even by a most vile Servant; how much more then should I, that am but vile corruption, and can of my self do nothing but erre, desire and expect the testimony of any against my Doctrine? Therefore I beseech, for Gods mercy, your most Excellent Majesty, and your most Illustrious Honours, or any other of high or low degree, to give in his testimony, to convict my Errours, to confute me by the Scriptures of the Prophets or Evangelists and Apostles, and I will be most ready, when taught, to recant any Errour, yea will be the first that shall cast mine own Books into the fire. I suppose hereby it is manifest, that I have well weighed the perils and dangers, as also the divisions and dissentions, which have risen through the World by occasion of my Doctrine, of which I was yesterday gravely and sharply admonished: As for me, the face of things is very pleasant, when I see discords and dissentions stirred up upon the account of the Word; for such is the course, the lot, and event of the Gospel; for Christ saith, I came not to send Peace, but a Sword; I came to set a man at variance with his Father. — The Emperours Prolocutor telling him,Fol. 414. That he had not answered to the purpose, neither ought he to call in question, what hath been in time past defined and condemned in Councils, and therefore a plain and direct answer, whether he would recant or no, was demanded of him? Seeing therefore (said Luther) your most Excellent Majesty, &c. require a plain answer, I will give one, and that without horns or teeth; Unless I shall be convinced by Scripture testimonies, or evident reason; (for I believe neither Pope, nor Councils onelyonly, seeing it is evident, that they have often erred, and contradicted themselves) I am so evercome by the Scritures which I have alledged, and my Conscience is so captiv'd to the Words of the Lord, that I may not, neither will I recant at all; and that because it is neither safe nor honest to act against Conscience. Here I stand. I have nothing else to say. God be merciful to me.
The Princes consulted together upon this Answer given by Luther; and when they had examined it, the Prolocutor endeavoured to refell it, telling him, That it nothing availeth to renew disputation concerning things condemned by the Church and Councils, through so many Ages, unless it should be necessary to give a reason to every one of every thing that is concluded; but if this should be permitted to every one that gain ayeth the determination of the Church and Councils, to be convinced by the Scriptures, we shall have nothing certain and established in Christianity: And therefore the Emperour required of him a plain and direct Answer, either negative or affirmative, to this Question; Art thou resolved to defend all thy Works as Orthodox… Or wilt thou recant any thing in them? Then Dr. Martin besought the Emperour, that he might not be compelled to recant against his Conscience, captiv'd to and hindred by the holy Scriptures, without manifest Arguments to the contrary. The Answer (said he) that is required, is a plain and direct Answer. I have no other, then what I have already given. Unless my Adversaries can deliver my Conscience from captivity to those (they call) Errours by sufficient Arguments, I cannot get out of the Net, in which I am intangled. All things, which Councils have determined, are not therefore true; yea Councils have erred, and determined often things contrary to themselves: and therefore the Prolocutors Argument falleth. I can shew that Councils have erred, and therefore I may not revoke what is plainly and diligently exprest in Scripture.
Hereupon the Emperour resolved to pursue Martin Luther and his Adherents by Excommunication, and other means, that may be devised to extinguish his Doctrine, yet would not violate his Faith, but intended to give order for his safe return thither whence he was called, and certified the Princes Electors, Dukes, and the other Estates assembled so much in a Letter to them.
Before Luther had any Answer from the Emperour, Fol. 415.several of all ranks visited him, and conferred with him; among the rest the ArchBishop of Triers sent for him, and Dr. Vaeus in the presence of many Nobles protested that Luther was not called to dispute, but onelyonly the Princes had procured license from the Emperour benignly and brotherly to exhort him, &c. To whom he gave this Answer; Most gracious and illustious Princes and Lords, I give you most humble thanks for your clemency and singular good will, from whence proceedeth this admonition. I do indeed acknowledge my self altogether unworthy to be admonished by so Mighty Princes. I have not reprehended all Councils, but onelyonly that of Constence, and that because that Council hath condemned the Word of God, as appears in that this Article of Iohn Hus, That the Church of Christ is the Company of the Elect, is condemned by it. — I am ready to lose blood and life for you, so I be not compelled to revoke the manifest Word of God; in defence whereof, we ought rather to obey God, then man. Here I cannot avoid scandal. There be two manners of offences, at Manners and at Faith. — Now it is not in my power to make Christ not to be a Rock of Offence. — I am ready to obey Magistrates, how wickedly soever they live, so that I be not inforced to deny the Word of God.
Hereupon Dr. Vaeus admonished Luther to submit his Writings to the Emperours and the Princes judgement. He answered humbly and modestly, That he was so far from fearing their Examination, that he was content to suffer his Writings to be discussed most accurately of the meanest, so that it were done by the Authority of the Word of God and of the holy Scripture. The Word of God (said he) makes so clearly for me, that I may not yield, unless I be untaught, and taught better by the Word of the Lord. St. Austin writeth thus; I give this honour onelyonly unto the Canonical Books to believe them to be altogether true; as for other holy and learned Doctors I onelyonly so far believe them, as they write the truth. St. Paul bids us, Prove all things and hold fast that which is good. 1 Thes. 5. Gal. 1.He saith also, Though an Angel from Heaven should preach any other Doctrine, &c. Wherefore I humbly beseech you not to urge my Conscience, bound in Scripture bonds, to deny the so clear Word of God. In all other cases I will be most obedient to you.
The Marquess of Branderburg asking him, Whether he was not resolved not to yield, unless he were convinced by the holy Scripture: Yes (said he) most noble Lord, or else by clear and evident reasons.
Fol. 416.Afterwards Pentinger and Dr. Vaeus endeavoured to perswade Luther to let the Emperour and Empire to pass judgement upon his Writings simply and absolutely: He answered, That he was ready to do and suffer any thing, so that they would build on the Authority of the holy Scripture: Otherwise he could not consent; for God by the Prophet saith, Trust ye not in Princes, nor in the children, &c. Cursed is he that trusteth in man. When notwithstanding this answer they urged him more vehemently, he told them, Nothing is less to be permitted to mans judgement, then the Word of God. Then they prayed him to submit his Writings to the judgement of the next Council. He agreed thereunto, provided, That they pass judgement concerning them out of the Scriptures, and prove the contrary by testimonies thence.
Afterwards the Arch Bishop of Triers treated privately with him to perswade him; Luther told him, It was not s…fe for him to submit so momentous a business to them, who after they had called him under safe conduct, attempting him with new commands, had condemned his Opinion, and approved the Popes Bull. Afterwards the Arch Bishop desired Luther to shew what remedies there were in this case; He answered, None better then Gamalie… 's, who said,Act… … If this c…unsel or work proceed of men, it shall come to n…ught; but if it be of God, ye cannot destroy it. Caesar and the States may write to the Pope, that they are certain, If this his purpose … of God, it will of i…s own acc…rd come to n…ught within three, yea within two years. The Arch Bishop asking him, What if the same A…icles, which the …ouncil of Constance condemned, be collected out of your Writings to be submitted to a Cou…cil: I may not (said he) and I will not hold my peace concerning such; because I am certain the Word of God is condemned by their Decrees, therefore I will rather lose life and head, then abandon the manifest Word of the Lord.
When Luther was commanded by the Emperour to return within one and twenty dayes under safe conduct: He said, It is as pleaseth the Lord. Blessed be the Name of the Lord. I humbly give most hearty thanks to the Emperour, and all the Princes, &c. for so benign and favourable audience, and for safe conduct to come and return. I desire nothing of you, but a reformation by the holy Scripture; and that I do most earnestly desire. Otherwise I am ready to suffer all things, life and death, shame and reproach, for the Emperour and Empire, reserving nothing for my self, but onelyonly the free Word of God to be confessed and testified by me.
See his Works, Tom 2. fol. 477.In his Letter to his Father. — Know, dear Father, that your Son is come to this, to be most certainly perswaded, that nothing is before, nothing more holy, more religious then Gods command. But you will say, Didst thou ever doubt hereof? Truly I did not onelyonly doubt hereof, but I was altogether ignorant that it was so; and if you will suffer me, I am ready to demonstrate that this ignorance was common to you with me. — If you had known that Gods Command is to be preferred before all things, Fol. 478.you would by your Paternal Authority have taken away my Monks Cole; and if I had known it, I should not have entred into the Monastery without your leave, and against your consent. — But God hath caused all to work for good. — He would have me to experience the wisdome of the Universities, and the holiness of the Monasteries; that is, that they should be known to me by many sins and impieties, lest occasion should be given to wicked men to triumph over their future Adversary, that I condemned what I knew not. I therefore lived a Monk, though without crime, not without fault. — Will you now come and free me, my Father? The Lord hath come before you and freed me. — My Conscience is freed, which is the richest liberty. I am now a Monk and no Monk, a new Creature, not of the Pope, but of Christ. The Pope doth indeed create Puppets, that is, Idols like himself, in which Number I was once a poor seduced One, but now freed by grace. — Your authority over me doth indeed remain intire. But he that hath freed me, hath greater authority over me. —
Novemb. 21. 1521.
In his Epistle to Prince Frederick.Fol. 515. — The perils and dangers which seem to hang over your Person, Dominions, and Subjects, and especially my self, condemned by Edicts and Bulls, by the Popes and Emperours Authority upon my return are not unobserved; Certainly no less then a violent death is to be expected by me every hour. But what shall I do? God calls and urges me to return. — To this I am not induced by pride and contempt of the Emperour, or of your Excellency, or of any Magistrate; for although sometimes we must not do what is commanded by man, as when any thing is commanded contrary or repugnant to the Word of God, yet the Power and Authority is never to be contemned, but alwayes to be highly honoured. — But I am assured, that the beginning of my Preaching at Wittenberg came not from my self, but from God. Neither can any kind of persecution and death teach me otherwise; yea I think I prophesie rightly, That no terrours nor cruelty shall be able to put out this Light. —
Besides, Fol. 516.whilst I was absent from Wittenberg, Satan hath entred in among my flock, &c. and I have resolved rather to regard the great necessity of that Church, then the offending or pleasing your Excellency; yea, then the hatred and fury of the whole world. Certainly this is my flock, committed to me by the Lord; These are my children in Christ. Shall I doubt whether I should c…me to or stay from them, for whom I ought to lose my life, and chuse death, which I shall (God helping me) willingly and cheerfully. — I do also very much fear least some great and horrible insurrection be in Germany, to punish Germany's? contempt of, and ingratitude for the Blessings of God. We see with how great liking, applause, and concurrency the Gospel is received by very many; but many receive this Blessing carnally, they plainly see the truth, but do not walk in the truth as they ought. — The Ecclesiastical Tyranny is weakned and broken, and that was all I aimed at in my Writings. Now I see God will proceed farther, and will sometime do the same that he did to Ierusalem, when he overturned altogether both the Ecclesiastical and Political Government for persecuting the Gospel, and other outrages. I have lately begun to learn, that not onelyonly the Ecclesiastical, Spiritual, but the Political and Civil Authority ought to yield unto the Gospel, &c. Seeing therefore that God requires by Ezekiel, that we be as a Wall unto the people, I have thought it necessary to do all we can and ought by mutual counsels, studies, instructions, admonitions, exhortations, for the averting, or at least for the deferring …f the anger and judgement of God.
— This I dare affirm, and wish that your Excellency were assured thereof, that it is far otherwise concluded in Heaven, then in the Convention at Norinberg; and in short time we shall see, that they, who n…w dream that they have quite dev…ured and e…ten up the Gospel, have not so much as far fashi…n sake said Gr…ce (as the English expressi…n is) for these untouched dain…ies.
Mr. Cla…k saith he concludes, That he returned to Wittenberg under stronger Protection then the Elector could give him; for (saith he) God alone can order and prom…te the Truth without any mans helping hand; therefore in this Cause, he that most strongly trusts to Gods assistance, he most surely defends himself and others. See his Relation of Luther's Life, p. 237.— The Gospel begins to be …ppressed, and therefore herein I ought not to regard any mortal. I beseech theref…re your, Excel…ency to take in good part my coming home without your command, yea privity. You are the Lord of my body, and little fortunes, but Christ of the souls, to wh…m he hath sent me, &c. — I hope, being confident that my Lord Christ is stronger then our enemies, that he will defend me from their rage; if he will not, his good will be done: this I can confidently promise, that no peril shall come to your Excellency for my sake. —
An. 1522.
In his Letter to Sebastian Schlick, a Bohemian Nobleman. Fol. 517.— The loathsome death of the Papacy is at hand, and its unavoidable ruine approacheth; and (as Daniel saith) She comes to an end, and none shall help her. — In a short time I shall by my writings (Christ favouring of me) free the Bohemians from their reproach, and cause that the name of Popery shall be odious and abominable throughout the world, and that to be a Papist, and to be anathematized shall be all one. —
Iuly 15. 1522.
In his Answer to King Henry the Eighth's Book against him.Fol. 518. — Let not King Henry impute my sharpness against him to me, but to himself. — If seeing that meer corruption and a wretched worm dare knowingly belye the Majesty of my Heavenly King, it cannot but be lawfull for me for my Kings sake, to bespatter the King of England with his own dirt, and to trample under foot his Crown, filled with blasphemy against Christ. Fol. 520.— The Lord cleared up his Will by degrees unto me, till by the hand of the mighty Iacob, it came to this, that by evident and pure Scriptures I was convinced, that the Pope, Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Monks, Masses, and that whole Kingdome with their Doctrines and Ministries, are meer lies, idols, and the very abomination standing in the holy place, yea and the Scarlet Whore sitting upon the Beast, drunk with the blood of Christs Witnesses, and making the Kings of the Earth drunk with the cup of her fornications and abominations. — This Truth being discerned, I was forced to retract some of my Writings, and still do so, being sorry at the very heart I ever writ one syllable in favour of the Pope and his Kingdome. — Yea, I spake too modestly in my Treatise concerning the Babylonish Captivity of the Church in calling Papacy the Popes mighty hunting; for that from the example of Nimrod may be said of all profane civil Powers, to whom notwithstanding God would have us to be subject to honour them, and pray for them. I now say most truly, That Papacy is the most pestilent abomination of Prince Satan. —
Fol. 531.— Against the sayings of Fathers, Men, Angels, Devils, I set not ancient Custome, not multitude, but the Word of one Eternal God. Here I stand, sit, abide, glory, triumph over the Papists, Thomists, Henry's, Sophisters, and all the gates of Hell. The Word of God is above all. God is on my side, what should I care if a thousand Austines, a thousand Cyprians, a thousand Churches of Henry be against me. God cannot erre nor deceive, but Austine and Cyprian, as all the Elect may erre, Clarks first Volume of Lives, pag. 240.yea have erred. — Let the Henry's, the Bishops, the Turk, and the Devil himself do what they can, we are the children of the Kingdome, worshipping and waiting for that Saviour, whom they and such as they spit upon and crucifie. — If any be offended at my sharpness against the King, Fol. 534.let him take this Answer. — It is no great matter if I contemn and bite an earthly King, whenas he feared not at all in his Writings to blaspheme the King of Heaven. Clarks first Volume of Lives, pag. 241. Fox, Vol. 2. pag. 80.—
In the year 152…. a Diet was held at Norinberg in the absence of the Emperour, wherein the Edict of Wormes was made null: of this the Popes Legate complained to the Princes, saying, That Luther was not punished according to the Emperours Edict. The Princes Answer was, That the Court of Rome neglected Reformation: that Germany was so far enlightned with 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.
In the year 1525.Clark, … pag. 239. Luther married Katherine a Boren, who had formerly been a Nun; The change of his Condition troubled him, because of the unseasonableness of the time, it being then, when Germany weltred in the blood of the Clowns, and Saxony mourned for the death of their Prince, insomuch that Melancthon was fain to labour to comfort him all he could.
In his Letter to Melancthon, who was much troubled at the rage of the Papists, and Caesars threats to subvert the Gospel. — In private conflicts I am weak and you are strong, but in publick conflicts you are found weak, and I stronger, because I am assured that our Cause is just and true. If we fall, Christ the Lord and Ruler of the world falleth with us; and suppose he fall, I had rather fall with Christ then stand with Caesar. I extremely dislike your excessive cares, with which (you say) you are almost consumed. That these reign in your heart, it is not from the greatness of the danger, but the greatness of your incredulity.Pag. 240. If the Cause be bad, let us revoke it and fall back; if it be good, why do we make God a lyar? — Be of good comfort, I have overcome the world. If Christ be the Conquerour of the world, why should we fear as if it would overcome us? A man would fetch such Sentences as these upon his knees from Rome or Jerusalem. Be not afraid, …e couragious and cheerfull, solicitous for nothing, the Lord is at hand to help us.
When the Diet was met at Ausburg in the year 1530. the Elector of Saxony sent to Luther to know, Whether the Cause of Religion should be referred to the judgement of the Emperour? He answered, This honour is to be given to the Word of God onelyonly to be Iudge of sacred Controversies.
Pag. 244, 245.In his Preface before the Smalca…dian Articles. — In many Bishopricks divers Parishes are destitute of spiritual food, &c. I fear for this Christ will call a Council of Angels to destroy Germany, as he destr…yed Sodom and Gomorrah. — Our sins weigh us down, and suffer not God to be gracious to us; because instead of repenting, we defend our abominations. O Lord Jesus Christ, do thou summon and hold a Council, and redeem thy Servants by the glorious coming. The Popes and Popelings are past cure; therefore help us poor and distressed men, who groan unto thee, and seek thee with our hearts, &c.
Pag. 246.When the Papists charged him for an Aposta…e; he yielded himself to be one, but a blessed and holy one, who had not kept his promise made to the Devil; I am (said he) no otherwise a Revolter then a Magician, renouncing his Covenant made with the Devil, and betaking himself to Christ.
When he fell sick of the Stone, he made his Will, in which he bequeathed his Detestation of Popery to his Friends, and to the Pastours of the Church, having made before this Verse;
Pestis eram vivus, moriens …ro mortua Papa:
In English thus;
I living stopt Romes breath,
And dead will be Romes death.
In this last Prayer Feb. 18. 1546.Pag. 249. — I pray God to preserve the Doctrine of his Gospel among us; for the P…pe and the Council of Tren… have grievous things in hand. — O heavenly Father, my gracious God, and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, thou God of all consolation, I give thee hearty thanks that thou hast revealed to met thy Son Jesus Christ,Thee O Christ have I taught, thee have I trusted, thee have I loved, into thy hands I commend my Spirit, Ward, pag. 152. whom I believe, whom I profess, whom I glorifie, whom the Pope and the reut of the wicked persecute and dishonour. I beseech thee Lord Jesus 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. — Lord into thy hands I commend my Spirit, Thou O God of Truth hast redeemed me.
In this last Will. — O Lord God, I thank thee that thou wouldst have me live a poor and indigent person upon earth.Pag. 250. I have neither house, nor lands, nor possessions, nor money to leave. Thou Lord hast given me Wife and children. Them Lord I give back unto thee. Nourish, instruct, and keep them (O thou the Father of Orphans, and Judge of the Widow) as thou hast done to me, so do to them.
When he saw his Daughter Magdalen ready to die, he read to her Isa. 26.19. Thy dead men shall live together, with my dead body shall they arise, &c. Adding, My Daughter, Enter thou into thy Chamber in peace, I shall ere long …e with thee; for God will not permit me to see the punishment which hangs over the head of Germany.
Pag. 251.When the Elector gave him a new Gown, he said, I am made too much of; for if here we receive a full recompence for our labours, we shall hope for none in another life. I say flatly, That God shall not put me off with these low things.
In the Cause of God (said he) I am content to undergo the hatred and violence of all the world.
Pag. 252.When his head was out of order (as it used to be towards his later end) he would usually say, Strike Lord, strike mercifully, I am prepared; because by thy Word I am forgiven mine iniquities, and have fed upon thy body and blood.
He used to say that three things would destroy Christian Religion; Forgetfulness of the Blessings received by the Gospel: security, which reigns every where: and worldly wisdome, which will seek to bring all things into Order, and to support the publick Peace by wicked counsels
Pag. 256.Erasmus said of him, God hath given to this later age a sharp Physician, and that because of the greatness of its diseases.
Acts and Mon. Vol. 2. pag. 88.Mr. Fox saith of him, That Luther a poor Fryer should be able to stand against the Pope, was a great miracle: that he should prevail against the Pope was a greater: and after all, to die in peace, having so many enemies, was the greatest of all.
See M. Clark in the life of Myconius, pag. 313.When Myconius fell into a Consumption 1541. and wrote to Luther, That he was sick unto life, and not unto death. Luther wrote back, I pray Christ our Lord, our salvation and health, &c. that I may not live to see thee, and some others of our Colleagues to die and go to Heaven, and leave me here among the Devils alone. I pray God I may first lay down this dry, exhausted, and unprofitable Tabernacle. Farewell, and God forbid that I should hear of thy death, while I live. The Lord prolong thy life for me. This I desire; this I will, and let my will be done, (Amen) for this will hath the glory of God, not my pleasure, nor advantage for its end. By and by hopeless Myconius recovered and lived six years longer even till after Luther's death.
Hence Iustus Ionas speaking of him, saith, That man could have of God what he pleased.
He would by no means endure that any should be called after his Name;Pag. 254. for (said he) the Doctrine which I teach is none of mine; neither did Idie 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 nought not to imitate.