of saying Masse before he betooke himselfe to the Gospell And cried out Away with it away 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 Staupicius so advising He was made Doctor of Divinitie A. 1512. he was made Doctor in Divinity after the manner of the schooles and at the Charge of Duke Frederike 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 delivered Now was Luther 30. yeares old Staupicius would have him Doctour and why and had attained a maturity of Judgement Luther himselfe used to professe that he would have refused this honour and that Staupicius would have him permit himselfe to be graced with this degree saying pleasantly That there were many businesses in Gods Church wherein he would use Luthers helpe This speech then spoken in a complementall way at length proved true by the event Thus many presages goe before great changes Luther expoundeth the Epistle to the Romans Soone 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 schooles and sermons namely that men by their workes can deserve remission of their sinnes and that men are just before God by observing the discipline commanded as the Pharisees taught Luther therefore recal'd mens mindes to the sonne of God as Iohn Baptist shewed them the Lamb of God He recal'd men to Christ who taketh away the sinnes of the world And taught them that for Christs sake their sinnes are forgiven and that this benefit is received by faith He cleared also other poyntes of Ecclesiasticall truth His manners and doctrine agreed 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 onely For the saying is as true as old 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 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 added something more strict then usuall The Prophets and Apostles cleared With the sweetnesse of this doctrine all godly minded men were inamoured and much it affected the learned that Christ the Prophets and Apostles were brought out of darknes prison that the difference of the Law and the Gospell of Gods Word Philosophy of which they read nothing in Thomas Scotus and their fellowes now Erasmus writings was manifested At this time also young students were invited to a mote exact study of the Latine Greek tongue whereupon many worthy and ingenious men were much affected with the sweetnesse of polite learning and abhorred the barbarous and sophistical style of the Monkes And now also Luther betook himselfe to the study of the Greeke and Hebrew tongues Luther studieth Greeke Hebrew that upon his knowledge of the phrase and proprietie of the originall he might more exactly judge of doctrines grounded thereupon An. 15 16. Jo. Tecelius sold Indulgences Luther being thus busied into Misnia and Saxonie Iohn Tecelius a Dominican frier brought indulgences to be sold This Tecelius was adjudged to death by Maximilian the Emperour and commanded to be throwne into the river Oenopente but was pardoned at the request of Frederike Duke of Saxony who as it befell was in those coastes at his condemnation This Tecelius averred 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 sinne And further he did not onely give pardons for sins past but for sins to come And not long after an Edict was set forth with Albertus the Archbishops arms which enjoyned the officers in especiall manner to commend the validitie of the indulgences The Pardoners also at certain rates gave license on dayes prohibited to eate milke cheese egges flesh Luthers Godly zeale being inflamed with these proceedings Luthers propositions about Indulgences The day of Indulgences confusion Tom. 2. epist. pag. 345. Tecelius his opposing Luther set forth certaine propositions concerning Indulgences These he publikely affixed at the Church next to the Castle of Wittenberg on All Saints Eve An. 1517. Hereupon Tecelius persisting in his old course and hoping thereby the more to oblige the Pope to himself calleth a Senate of Monks and Divines of his own stamp and sets them on work to write something against Luther In the meane time he himself might not be silent Nor would he onely preach against Luther but with open mouth cryeth and thunders that Luther was deservedly to be burnt as an Heretick and withall publikely cast Luthers propositions and his Sermon concerning Indulgences into the fire These violent courses of Tecelius and his complices Luthers temper in this cause necessarily put Luther upon a more copious declaration and defence of the Trueth Thus began these Controversies in which Luther aymed not at nor so much as thought of the change which followed nor indeed did altogether disallow of the Indulgences but desired a moderation in their use Yea it appeared that Luther would have been quiet so that his adversaries had been injoyned silence But when he saw that whatsoever the Popes crafty mony-gatherers insinuated to Albertus Archbishop of Mentz was defended and beleeved by the common sort and yet knew not that Tecelius was hired by Albertus to make those Sermons for the purchasing of his Bishops roab He the day before the Calends of Novemb. An. 1517. complained to the Archbishop by writing concerning their impious clamours and intreated that he by the authoritie of his place would call in their libels and prescribe to the Preachers some other forme of preaching their pardons so Luther Tom. 1. epist. p. 37.6 Luther writes to the Archbishop who answered him not himself saith At the same time Luther sent him Propositions concerning Repentance and Indulgences which he then first set forth These are extant Tom. 1. of Luthers works The Archbishop returned no answer to Luthers epistle Tecelius opposed contrary Positions made by Conrade Wimpin and others at Franckfort on Viadrus and compared the Pope with Peter and the crosse erected by the Pope with Christs crosse Tecelius his Theses burnt by the Students of Wittenb At Hal in Saxony the Students of Wittenberg publikely burnt in the market place Tecelius his Theses of
desired of Frederick Elector of Saxony Luther having notice hereof mainly indeavoured that the cause might be handled in Germany under competent Judges and at length he prevailed by the mediation of Wittenberg * Tom. 1. pag. 106. Vniversity 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 himself Luther might plead his own cause About the beginning of October On Saint Marks day Tom. 1. epist p. 83. What was required of him Luther came on foot to Auspurg in his hood borrowed of Wenceslaus Linkius and much wearied with the journey and upon assurance of his safetie 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 again 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 Cajetan defended the Pope Cajetan proved his own opinion by the decree of Clement the sixth and at large extolled the authoritie of the See of Rome as being falsly preferred before all Scriptures and Councels After much debating the matters Luther intreated some time to deliberate thereon and returned the next day and in the presence of some witnesses and a Scribe and foure of the Emperours Counsellors professed Luthers answer to the Cardinal that he gave the Church of Rome all due observance and if he had spoken any thing dissenting from the judgement of the Church be would reverse it but could reuoke no errour being not yet convicted by Scripture of any and did appeale to the judgement of the Church Hereupon the Legate sharply chiding Luther dismissed him and dealt with Staupicius to bring Luther to revoke what he had taught But Luther not convinced as yet by Scripture persisted in the trueth Yet at length fearing least the Cardinal should make more use of his power and greatnesse then Scholarlike disputations he appealed to Rome Tom. 1. epist p. 96. b. 99. b. and departed from Auspurg Octob. 20. Because the Cardinal charged him not to come into his presence unlesse he would recant Yet Luther left behind him an epistle to the Cardinal and affixed thereunto a formal appeale unto the Pope Cajetans Letter to the Duke of Saxony Cajetan took 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 intreateth him not to give credit to Luthers defenders and to take heed of staining the illustrious Family whence he was descended The Dukes answer The Elector returned answer That now it was not in his power to do this because Luther was not convicted of any errour and did much good service in the Vniversitie and did offer his cause to triall and disputation The resolution of the Duke was more confirmed by an Epistle of Erasmus and the intercession and vote of the Vniversitie of Wittenberg Here I may not passe over a notable proofe of Luthers Heroike courage When Luther came to Auspurg he by the counsell of such as the Prince Elector sent with him waited three dayes for to have the Emperours Letters for his safetie In the mean time the Cardinal sent one for Luther but he denyed to come untill the Emperour granted what he desired At this the messenger was offended and said Luthers conference with the Cardinals messenger Do you think that Prince Frederick will take up armes in your behalfe I desire it not said Luther in any wise Then the Partie Where then will you abide Luther answered Vnder the cope of Heaven The Italian replyed Had you the Pope and the Cardinals in your power what would you do I would said Luther give them all due honour and reverence At this the Messenger after the Italian manner biting his thumbs went away Upon these dealings Luthers spirit fainted not Luther was intended to goe from Saxony yet least he should cause detriment or danger to any one or derive suspicion on his Prince and that he might more freely deale with the Papall crue would have gone into France or some other countrey But his friends on the contrary counselled him to stick firmely to Saxony and that the Popes Legate should be certified that Luther was ready in any safe place appointed him to make his answer But Luther having setled his resolution to depart tooke his leave of the Prince Elector Tom. 1. epist pag. 120. and by a letter sent to him Novemb. 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 Royal proceedings are published and I have appealed to the Councel I know not For he understanding by the Cardinals Letter Luther appealeth from the Pope to the Councel An. 1518. that Judgement should passe on him at Rome he made a new Appeal saying that he was forced of necessitie to appeal from the Pope to the Councel ensuing which was in many respects to be preferred before the Pope About the same time towards the end of the 18 yeere Charles Multitius sent to bring Luther to Rome 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 Sunday in Lent and exhorted him to continue in the faith of his ancestours He was earnest with Luther to be reconciled to the Pope and had seventie 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 Rose in seventie Townes the seventie Briefes should be set up and so he should be brought safe to Rome But he opened the closet of his heart to Luther himself when he thus spake O Martin His speech concerning Luther Praef. Tom. 1. Luther Lat. worke at Wittenb I conceived you to be an old man and sitting in some solitary place as an ancient Divine in some private manner to have disputed your Tenents But now I see you to be in your best age and full of vigour Had I 25000. armed men I could not be confident that I could bring you to Rome for as I came hitherward I tried how men stood affected and found that where one man stood for the Pope three stood for you against him What Multitius did in this kinde was ridiculous for he asked of women and maids in the Innes
with his writing contrary to his expectation New Broiles thereupon Perhaps he will burst with rage and die like a miserable idiot I could wish that theevish Mericion had taken it in mine owne hand I am so farre from fearing that Satan though I wonder at Scheurferus that not delivered my letter up to them but that he is so familiar with my bitterest enemies I intreat you that with your congregation you would pray against that furious homecide and bloudy ruffian as a man possessed by more then one Devil and breathing out nothing but menaces and slaughter that it would please Christ to save him as he did Saint Paul or confound him For why should this unquiet and mischeivous vassall of Satan be offensive to heaven and earth An. 1530. The assembly at August and conformitie of Protest The remembrance of the thirtieth yeere will never be razed out while men live on earth for in this yeere was held that solemne and numerous assembly before the Emperour and the States of the Empire which was printed and made known to all the nations of Europe Read the Story * Tom. 5. Jer. Germ. Chitr B. 13. Sax. Sleid. b. 2. Luther wrote the seventeen Articles elsewhere We return to Luther He composed the seventeen Articles before the Divines of Saxony took their journey to Augusta In these Articles he omitted scholastick disputes and points unnecessary for the peoples instruction and comprised the summe of holesome and necessary doctrin for the salvation of mens soules and true pietie Other Princes and Cities who embraced the doctrin of Luther commanded their Divines to set down in writing a briefe declaration of the doctrin commonly taught in the Churches of their territories That these seventeen Articles written by Luther Luthers Articles followed by Melanct. were especially made use of by Melancthon in writing the Confession the very words and phrases in most of the Articles retained and the order and methode of the Articles much alike Joh. Elector of Saxony came first to August and the Epistle of Iohn Elector of Saxony dated from Augusta to Luther before Caesars coming do witnesse For Iohn Elector of Saxony came to Auspurg contrary to the opinion and exspectation of all men yea he came thither first of all the Princes accompanied with Iohn Frederik his sonne Francis Duke of Lunenburg his sisters sonne Wolfgang Prince of Anhalt his wives brother and these divines Ionas Philip Spalatinus and Islebius Luther abode at Coburg For when he went from Coburg he left Luther in the Castle because he was banished by the Pope and Emperour and was extreamly hated by the Pontificians yet would that he should remain in that place neere at hand that more easily and speedily he might be consulted with for any matter pertaining to Religion Luther that he might further the common good though he was absent wrote a book to the Bishops and other Divines of note in that assembly in which he deciphered fully what was the state of the Romane Church under the Popedome and opened their cruelty and exhorted them that they would not now omit the occasion of curing this sore He further shewed that the doctrin taught by himself was agreeable to that of the Prophets Apostles that all designes undertaken against God would be frustrate Melanct care in this assembly Melanct. knowing the rage of the Papists Caesars threats was very solicitous troubled thereat not so much for his own as for the issue of these matters and posterities sake and gave himself almost wholly up to griefe sighes and teares Luther having notice hereof did often cheere him up and comfort him by his letters These words are part of one of his epistles In private conflicts I am somewhat weake and you strong In his book written An. 1529. and on the contrary you in publique conflicts are somewhat weake I stronger If I may call that a private conflict which is between me and Satan for you are ready to die if you were called to it but feare the disaster of the publique cause But I am resolute and secure for the publique cause because I am assured that it is just and true that it is Gods and Christs and is not appaled with the guilt of sinne as I a private servant of God am compelled to trembling and palenesse For this cause like a secure spectator and do not regard the menaces and crueltie of the Papists 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 Nor do you alone strive to hold up Gods cause I constantly stand to you with my sighes prayers I wish I might also with my bodily presence For the cause is mine rather I say mine then all yours and attempted by me not out of any rash humour or desire either of glory or gain which thing the Spirit witnesseth to my conscience and the matter it self hath already plainly shewed and will more and more shew it even to the end Wherefore I entreat you for Christs sake not to forget Gods promises and the divine comforts where t is said Psal 55. Cast thy care upon the Lord have thine eyes fixt on the Lord Psal 27. play the man let thine heart be comforted The booke of the Psalmes and the Gospels are full of the like speeches Joh. 16. Be of good comfort I have overcome the world If Christ be the Conquerour of the world why should we feare it as if it would overcome us A man could finde in his heart to fetch such a sentence upon his knees from Rome or Jerusalem And in the same Epistle you would determine of these businesses according to your Philosophy by reason that is cum ratione insanire run wild with humane over-care and kill your self nor do ye see that this matter is beyond your reach and providence and I pray Christ to keep it that it come not into your hand and counsell which is a thing vehemently desired by you For then publikely and apparantly and suddenly we shall perish And in another Epistle Grace and peace in Christ In Christ I say not in the world Amen Concerning your apologie for your silence I will speake elsewhere I extreamely dislike your excessive cares with which you say you are consumed That these raigne so much in your heart is not from the greatnesse of the cause but the greatnesse of your incredulitie For there was greater cause of this in Iohn Hus his time then in ours Then again suppose there be great cause the Agent and chief mover in it is of great power for it is not our cause Why then do you continually and without ceasing macerate your self If the cause be faultie let us revoke it and flie back if it be good why do we make God a lyer who hath made us so great promises and bids us to be of a quiet
Papists Jesuits diversly play upon The truth of that matter A letter to Frankford he in this book unfoldeth as being the best Expositour of his own meaning He sent also a letter to the Senate and people of Frankford in which he exhorted them to take heed of Zwinglius doctrin and instructed them about the Confession An. 1534. Petrus Paulus Vergerius In the yeere 1534. the Elector of Saxony joyned in pacification with King Ferdinando This highly grieved Petr. Paulus Vergerius so that in the name of Pope Clement he expostulated the matter with Ferdinando This yeere Luther spent in preaching writing Treatises and Commenting And this yeere the German Bible translated by him and brought into one body was first printed as the old priviledge dated at Bibliopolis under the Electors hands sheweth An. 1535. P. Vergerius returneth into Germany In the 1535. yeer this Bible was published Then the fancies of the Anabaptists began to appeare in Westphalia and made a very great combustion This yeere P. Paul Vergerius was sent back by the Pope into Germany He spake to the Duke of Saxony about the holding a Councel at Mantua Luthers labours He also met with Luther and dealt with him about matters of Religion Then Luther wrote many Sermons and Epistles and a book in a popular way about prayer and a Preface to Vrbanus Rhegius book against the Monasterians New Valentinians and Donatists And when the Pope had appointed the Councel at Mantua Councel at Mantua Luther wrote certain asseverations and Theses against the Constantian as he call'd it the Obstantian Councell He sent also a consolatory writing to the Christians of Mittweid expulsed for the Gospels sake and a letter to the Archbishop of Mentz the last he calleth it yet he wrote many after it This yeere Luther began publiquely to preach on Genesis which taske he ended as himself was wont to ominate with his life six yeers after An. 1536. Concord between Luther and Bucer c. In the yeer 36. the forme of the Concord between Luther and Bucer and other Doctors in the Churches of upper Germany was written by Melancthon at Wittenberg And published in the end of May. In Bucers life This elsewhere we spake of and told who subscribed therunto This yeer Philip Duke of Pomerania at Torgaw married Mary daughter of Iohn Elect of Saxony and of Marg. of Anhalt Luther was at the marriage and prayed for Gods Blessing upon the new married couple When all the rites were performed Duke Philip reached out his hand to Luther at this Luther stood a while silent and still held his hand and with a loud voice said The Lord God be with you and keep your posteritie from failing Now when as Barnimus the Vnkle of Philip had no male children Philips wife for foure yeeres was barren so that all the Male stocke of the Duke of Pomerania was likely to be ere long extinct at length by Gods blessing according to the prayer of Luther he had seven sonnes by this wife and wonderfully enlarged that noble Family The Assembly at Smalcald In February the yeere following the Duke Elector of Saxony with the Confederate Princes and Cities and their Divines held an Assembly at Smalcald for matters of Religion that the Princes might deliberate about calling the Councel to Mantua and the Divines conferre about matters of doctrine Luthers articles there approved and to be exhibited to the Councel Hither therefore Luther and Melancthon were called Luther wrote Articles concerning the chiefe controverted heads of Christian doctrine These the other Divines did approve and these were to be exhibited in the Councel of Mantua if ever it were held and put up in the name of the Saxon and neere thereunto adjoyning Churches Commonly they are called the Smalcaldick Articles These were joyned to the Augustane Confession and the Apologie and Luthers Catechismes Luther sick of the stone 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 sent for from Erphord went along with him Luther as he was carried along made his will in which he bequeathed his detestation of Popery to his friends and the Pastors as before in the house of Spalatinus in the yeere 1530. where he made this Verse Pest is 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 began to be somewhat better Luthers recovery At Tambach the passages of his urine opened so that he voyded it in great abundance The joy at his recovery shewed by Melancthons Letter and called that Village the place of his happinesse This recovery of Luther was cause of great joy to many godly men even to all who loved Luther especially to Melancthon who signified the same to Luther in these words by his letter I heartily thanke the God of all mercy and our Lord Iesus Christ our high Priest interceding for us and compassionating our infirmities for your recovery from your dangerous disease I rejoyce at my heart both for your and the Churches sake that you enjoy your health againe and the rather because herein we behold the apparent love mercy of God to his Church Your letter expressing your recovery put cheerfulnesse into the countenances of the Princes and all good men they all acknowledg that the light of the Gospel hath been in these dayes made known to the world by your Ministry and know that they are beholding to you for it and foresee what a losse it would be to the Church if they should lose you Therefore with joynt votes they pray that long you may live among us and thanke God who hath restored you from death to life I hope God accepted of this their joy and thanks And I pray God for Christs sake to make you perfectly sound and healthfull Here we have not yet ended our deliberation about giving Caesars messenger an answer to his harsh dispute against our former answer So that neither yet is any answer given to the Pope The Duke of Wittenberg commendeth your noble courage who durst in such a disease travel and fly from this cave He mindeth to follow your example for having been eight dayes sicke he resolveth to be gone to morrow Christ graunt that I may shortly see you in good health I was much grieved for you that the more because being absent I could not performe any friendly office to you I was perplexed at some physical errours by which your disease was augmented so that no man can expresse how extreamity of griefe wrought upon me Nor am I yet freed from all griefe If your malady was onely a
well require all my paines my course of worshipping God and prayer might wholly busie me my paines in expounding Scripture by writing my writing Epistles my care of other mens affaires taketh up my time my converse with my friends which I use to call a feeding of my corps doth very badly steale away a great part of my time It was his usuall course either to meditate or to read or preach or to give good counsel to his friends so that he was never idle He was very liberall to the poore Luthers liberality On a time when a student asked some money of him he bad his wife give him some thing and when she excused the matter in regard of their penurie at that time he tooke up a silver cup and gave it to the Scholler and bid him sell it to the Gold-smith and keep the money for his occasions When a friend sent him 200. angels of gold from the metal-mines he bestowed them all on poore students When Iohn the Electour gave him a new gowne he said Mathes in his serm p. 144. 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 Electour offered him a vayne of Metals at Sneberg he refused it lest he should incurre the tentation of the Devill who is Lord of treasure under the Earth Tom. 2. ep pag. 342. He tooke 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 for recompence of my many copies How he dealt with Printers sometimes onely I receive of them one copie This I think 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 received 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 His loving affection to his children He was very lovingly affectioned towards his children and gave them liberall education He kept in his house a Schoole-master to traine them up in good arts and a godly life When he saw Magdalen his eldest daughter ready to die he read to her that 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 as 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 little 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 this wept plentifully But in publique when he went along with the Herse he bridled his affection and was not seene to shed one teare And as all men of excellent spirits have a zealous anger in due place His anger zeale 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 irámque tuam qui caetera vincis Thine owne heart overcome thy fury tame VVho all things els 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 Tom. 2. epist p. 10. p. 207. 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 Frederik Elector of Saxony thus he writeth Tom. 2. epist. pag. 10. If God in heaven hath resolved in wrath to deale with us that neither our prayers nor counsels of amendment can hinder it let us obtain this that our Josias may sleep in peace though the world be left to go into its Babylon Of the covetousnesse of Germany and the dearth there thus he speaketh We feare famine Tom. 2. epist. pag. 207. and we shall suffer it and finde no remedie for it And when as without necessitie we are solicitous to prevent famine like wicked and incredulous Gentiles 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 Wain-loads of cares which we shall neither have power or meanes to escape Divers other things he also foretold Of Luthers Heâ—lâ—â— He had his health competently well but that sometimes he was troubled with headach especially in his elder yeeres Whereupon he was afraid of some violent Aâ—oplexie 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 bloud 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 sound in body and without suffers at no mans hand in the world onely the Devil and all his Angels vex him Of Luthers person He was of an indifferent stature of strong body of so Lionlike a quicknesse of his eyes that some could not endure to look directly upon him when he intentively beheld them They say that one of mild spirit who could not endure in private to talk 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 lowe speech and pronuntiation To whom Melancthon answered But this small voyce is heard very farre and neere Of his wife and children after his â—eath In wedlock he lived chastly and godly above twentie yeers and when he died left three sonnes and Catharin de Bora a widow who lived after his death seven yeeres To her it was a great grief that her husband died in a place farre 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 warre which
the large Confession concerning the Lords Supper which were added for their direction There it is that Luther thus writeth to Amsdorf We * Tom. 2. ep p. 394. are visiters that is Bishops and we find poverty and scarsity every where The Lord send forth workmen into his harvest Amen And in another place to Spalatinus Ibid. p. 394. Our visitation goeth on of what miseries are we eye witnesses and how often doe we remember you when we find the like or greater miseries in that harsh natured people of Voytland Let us beseech God to be present with us and that he would promote the work of his poore Bishops who is our best and most faithfull Bishop against all the Arts and forces of Satan Amen And again In our visitation in the territories of Wittenberg we find as yet all pastors greeing with their people but the people not so forward for the Word and Sacraments Answer to Zwinglius and Oecolampadius The 1. part of the book called The Great Confession of the faith concerning the Lords supper dealeth with Zwinglius the 2. part with Oecolampadius and blameth both of them To this Oecolampadius and Zwinglius replyed at large and dedicated their books to the Prince of Saxony and Landgrave of Hessen Bucers Dialogue Bucer also in the German tongue answered Luther in a Dialogue where he maketh Sebaldus and Arbogastus speakers These are the last books which these men wrote against Luther Carolostade Epistle to Pontanus This yeer also Carolostadius wrote a letter to George Pontamus Chancellour of the Duke of Saxonie in which he layeth down the ground-work of his Tenents concerning the Lords supper This was answered by Luthers Epistle to the same Pontamus Luther therein admonisheth that care must be taken Luthers answer that no blemish be layd upon the Electour by whose connivence Carolostade doth there divulge his own dreams and heresies Luther also * Tom. 4. Ep. Ien. wrote to Carolostadius and confuted his Arguments and in the end of his letter graunteth that Christ alone doth give his body but denieth that thence it followeth that the Minister doth not give it by the Lords command An. 1529. The greater and lesse Catechisme In the beginning of the yeere 1529. Luther put forth his greater and lesser Catechismes for the good of the under sort of people and admonished the Pastors and Ministers that they would seriously attend their offices and teach carefully in the Villages That they would preach still the same things about the same points and often presse them upon the people Luthers booke against the Turk Here also Luther put forth a book against the Turk in the German tongue this he did partly because it was then reported that the Turk was comming upon Hungary and Germany which appeared true by his besieging of Vienna partly because some Pastors endeavoured to perswade the people that warre was not to be waged against the Turk Yea some proceeded to that height of folly that they desired that the Turk would come and lay his yoake upon them The assembly at Spire And when at that time there was held an Assembly at Spire where first arose the Name of Protestants and Luthers assistants whose helpe he used in translating the Prophets The name of Protestants were seperated he himselfe being sickly that he might be in some imployment in Melancthons absense translated the booke of Wisdome which was afterward revised by Melancthon and printed In October this yeere Philip Landgrave of Hessen Conference at Marpurg with a pious intent called together the Prime Doctors of the Saxon and Helvetick Churches Luther called Tom. 4. Ien. p. 4â—â— Among whom Luther beeing sent for returned this answer That little good was to be hoped for by that conference except the adverse part came thither to yeeld and that himselfe could not yeeld because he was assured that he was in the truth In this meeting the chiefe heads of Divinity were handled and concluded of No one point was with choler contended about nor did they depart alienated or divided in their affections by any controversie as elsewhere * The life of Oecolampadius and others is shewed In the last yeere a same was spread of a league made by some Popish Princes against the Duke of Saxonie and Landgrave of Hessen Of this thus Luther writeth to Wenceslaus Lincus Tom. 2. Ep p 386. Fame of the Popish Princes league Luthers letter about it That ungodly league of wicked Princes though they deny it what stirres hath it caused but I do interpret the sleight and poore excuse of Duke George as a confession of the fact But let them deny excuse dissemble it I know that that league was not a Chimera or a thing of no being a Monster cannot be but monstruous and conspicuous enough And the world knoweth well that they with most pertinacious mindes deeds edicts designes have hitherto publiquely attempted and still do attempt the like For they desire that the Gospel was abolished this none can deny But why write I thus to you who know this to be undoubtedly true I doe it onely that you may know that we will not trust that wicked crew though we offer them peace The Lord confound the Counsels of that * George Duke of Saxonie Morotates Moores bundle of folly who like Moab dares attempt more then he can effect and as ever so still is proud above his power Let us pray against such men-slayers Hitherto they have been forborn if again they plot any thing first we will pray to God then we will admonish Princes of them that they may be destroyed without pitty seeing they be unsatiable bloud-suckers and cannot be at rest unlesse they see Germany weltring in her bloud The letter intercepted This letter intercepted and brought to Duke George gave occasion of a great disaffection between the Duke and Luther as the letters written from each of them to the other fully manifest For Luther printed a treatise of letters privately sent and intercepted and on the other side George the Duke printed a preface to the Translation of the New Testament set forth by Emser This preface was full fraught with gall Luther thus saith of it I have received your letter friend VVenceslaus by which you certifie me Ep. Tom. 2. p. 389. what Duke George hath adventured to doe He required the same of me not long agone and afterward of our Duke when he could not prevayle he hath printed the coppie of it with an invective against me such is his notorious folly rayling fury They say that there are 8000. books printed which he transports into all coasts under his owne seale Thus shall poore Luther at length be kept down and Duke George shall triumph most gloriously To the Mart he will send them After I by some private meanes had got a coppie thereof I wrote an answere thereunto which shall be divulged at once
and contented mindes saying Cast thy care upon the Lord. The Lord is neere unto all them who being of a troubled heart call upon him Speaketh God these things into the wind or casts he these pearles to bruits I am often troubled but not perpetually Your Philosophy and not your Divinity doth thus vexe you the same befalleth your Ioachim As if it were possible that you should effect any thing with this unprofitable care I pray you tell me what can the Divell doe more then kill us I beseech you that seeing in all other matters you are a good souldier you would wrastle with your selfe as being your owne greatest enemie by providing such store of Armour for Satan against your selfe Christ once died for sin but for Justice and truth he shall not die but live and raigne If this be true what feare is there for the truth if he raigne But it will be cast downe by the wrath of God let us be cast downe with it but let it not bee done by our selves He who is become our father will be the father of our children I pray for you earnestly and I grieve that you make my prayers the most violent sucking-leech of cares to be fruitlesse I truly as concerning the cause whether it proceed from stupidity in me or from the Spirit Christ knoweth am not troubled much yea I have a better hope then ever I expected God is able to raise the dead He is powerfull also to maintaine his owne cause now ready to fall yea to raise it againe were it fallen and to advance it if it subsist If we be not worthy let it be done by others For if we be not sustained by his promises who I pray you are there in the world to whom they doe belong But more another time so that it be not to carry water into the Sea Christ with his spirit comfort teach and strengthen us all Amen If I perceive that the cause goeth not well with you or be indangered Luthers desire to come to the Assembly Apoc. 9.8 I shall not containe my selfe but shall come with speed unto you that I may see the gastly Jawes of Satans teeth as the Scripture calleth them From our wildernesse Ian. 25 An. 1530. After this the Confession written by Melancthon according to Luthers direction and advise The Protestants Confession was exhibited in the Latine and German tongues in Caesars palace Iun. 25. at 2. a clock in the afternoone and was read by the Chancellor of Saxony before Charls the fifth Ferdinando and all the Electors Princes being assessors that with so shrill loud a voice that not onely in that large hall but also in the Court beneath and in the places adjoyning it was well heard Who subscribed to it They who subscribed to this Confession were Iohn Duke of Saxony George Marquesse of Brandenburgh Ernest and Francis brothers Dukes of Brunswick and Lunenburgh Philip Landgrave of Hassia Wolfgang Prince of Anhalt and two Cities of the Empire Norinberg and Reutling After it was read the Princes judgement was threefold First Some thought fit that the Decree of Wormes should be pressed and the refractary compelled to it Secondly Others would have had the Confession examined by learned and pious men and then to be delivered to Caesar Thirdly Some desired that the Papists should exhibite a confutation of it to the Potestants and that the whole cause should be left to Caesars judgement It was commanded the Papist to confute it if they could To this last most of the Princes agreed Thereupon the Pontifician Divines of whom Iohn Faber and Eckius were chief were injoyned to prepare their confutation They wrote many things bitterly against the Protestants and rather multiplied revilings then arguments When therefore they were bid to new mould their writings the publication of the Pontifician refutation was deferred seven weekes from the exhibiting of the Confession Melancthon Luthers letter each to other In the mean space Luther and Melancthon conferred by their letters concerning many points controverted and discussed what might with a good conscience be yeelded to their adversaries especially concerning humane traditions and matters devised by men in Gods worship Luther also by many Epistles gravely written and by exhortations full of spirit and life which are indeed the treasures of all wholesome and powerfull comfort confirmed the hearts of the Prince Elector Luthers Exhortation and of Pontanus his Chancellour and their Collegues in the prosecution of their attempts for the common safety and peace of peace of the Church and State and posterity and for curing the apparent wounds thereof preventing the distractions of the Church the confusion of Opinions Luther writeth to Albertus Cardinal He sent also to Albertus of Mentz the Cardinal in the time of the Assemblies fitting a printed Epistle He was a man of chiefe authority amongst the rest wherefore Luther endeavoured to perswade him that seeing there was small hope to setle a concord in religion he would obtaine of the Emperour at least a graunt of Political peace At the same time Erasmus wrote a letter of the same argument to Campegius At length the Refutation of the Protestants Confession was new dressed and refined The refutation of the Confession read and on the third day of August was in Caesars Palace publiquely read before the States of the Empire The Emperour professed that he would persist in his opinion and requested the Duke of Saxony and such as joyned with him to give an assent But The copie of it hard to be got when as they could hardly obtain a copie of the confutation and that with these conditions that it should not be published nor transcribed nor any reply made thereunto and could not prevaile to have these conditions omitted the Archbishop of Mentz and his brother the Marquesse of Brandenburgh and Henry of Brunswick requested of the Emperour that he would give them leave to take a friendly course for the composing the controversie Arbiters of the cause When Caesar had yeelded thereunto there were of each partie seven at first and then secondly three chosen out of each seven who were to take a course for setling of concord Here when the Saxon partie seemed to yeeld too farre to the Pontifician Luther wrote thus to Melancthon Luthers admonition to Melancthon Concerning obedience to be performed to the Bishops as in jurisdiction and the common ceremonies I pray you have a care look to your self and give no more then you have lest ye should be compelled again to a sharper and more dangerous warre for the defence of the Gospel I know that you alwayes except the Gospel in those Articles but I feare lest afterward they should accuse us of breach of our covenant and unconstancy if we observe not what they please For they will take our graunts in the large larger largest sense and hold their own strictly more strictly and
Luther finding Melancthon pittyfully consumed with the disease weeping and sighing cried How excellent and usefull an instrument of the Church do we find miserably sick and almost dead And when he had saluted him Luther prayeth for Melancthon c. He fell down on his knees and heartily prayed for him and then performed what friendly offices he could by comforting admonishing and sometimes chiding the sick man Of this Melancthon thus wrote to Camerarius I cannot by words expresse what paines I have undergone into which sometimes I have a relaspe I perceived also that Doctor Luther was much afflicted in minde for me but he concealed his sorrow because he would not encrease mine And endeavoured to cheere me up with his noble courage sometimes comforting sometimes reproving me somewhat sharply Had he not come to me I had died This yeere Robert Barnes a learned Divine was burnt at London the last of Iune Robert Barnes burnt at London for witnessing to Gods truth He was familiarly known to Luther upon his coming to Wittenberg in the Embassie about the divorce made by King Henry His confession printed by Luther Luther caused the Confession of this his friend and the faithfull Martyr of Christ to be printed with his Preface and besides admonished the Pastours by another peculiar Treatise to inveigh against Usurers and Usury In the beginning of the yeere 1541. An. 1541. Myconius sick and comforted by Luther Luther wrote a consolatory letter to Frederik Myconius lamentably spent with a Consumption and affirmed that himself could have no joy to live if he died and thereupon wished that he himself might first lay down the tabernacle of his weake body and said that he was verily perswaded that his prayers should be granted for Myconius life As indeed it came to passe for Myconius out-lived Luther six yeers and would say that Luther obtained this for him by his prayers After Easter Bernard the infant sonne of Iohn of Anhalt was baptized at Dessaw Here Luther preached two Sermons to the Courtiers the Brother of the Prince of Anhalt and the Bishop of Brandenburgh which were printed He wrote also an Answer to a rayling book of one Iohn â—udding whom he calleth Hans Wurst Wherein he defended himself and his doctrin against the Papists and their Popish errours Tom. 7. Jen. He put forth also an Exhortation to prayer against the Turk and answered the Princes questions concerning Transubstantiation Free-will Justification by faith and other points About this time the Bishoprick of Neoburg by Sala was voyd There Nicolas Amsdorf a Divine born of a noble Family An. 1542. was enstalled by Luther at the command of the Elector of Saxony the Patron of that Diocesse and Iulius Pflugius whom the Canons of the Colledge chose was refused Luther placed him in the Bishoprick Ian. 20. An. 1542. This thing as many conceived gave occasion to other stirres and very much offended the Emperour who much affected Pfugius for divers respects Of this see more in Amsdorfs life After this Luther wrote a book in the German tongue and call'd it The Pattern of the inauguration of a true Christian Bishop The Alcoran in the German tongue He published at that time the Alcoran which by Richard a Dominican was translated into the vulgar tongue He added to it a faithfull admonition concerning the abandoning the Turks doctrin and affirmed that not the Turk but the Pope was Antichrist And upon a difference rising between the Elector of Saxony and Maurice concerning the territories and town of Wurceâ— so that warre was likely to ensue Luther with weightie reasons in his letters disswaded both the Princes from their designes He further also opened his judgement about a Position some yeeres agone by him propounded Namely that to warre against the Turk was nothing else but to fight against God who useth him as his whip to scourge us Now also he wrote a consolatory letter concerning abortive birthes and bringing forth dead children The yeers 1543 and 44 An. 1543. produced many great troubles and stirres For now the Sacramentary contention began afresh to Melancthons great grief Camerarius in the life of Melancthon whom some attempted to set at jarres with Luther Some there were also who sought to coole Luthers heat and spake little more favourably of the Rhenan Churches then of the Turks Wherefore when Christopher Froschoverus the Printer of Tigur sent Luther a copie of his Tigurin Bible then Printed Luther to the Printer to Tigur Luther admonished him by his letter that he should not publish anything which came to him from the Ministers of Tigur and that he had nothing to do with them nor would receive or read their books that the Churches of God could not joyne in Communion with them who already were running into the way of Perdition and would bring others into hell and damnation and that he would oppugne them with his prayers and books whilest he lived Luther writeth against the Jews And now Luther first wrote against the Jews and refuted their lies and their blasphemous conceit about Shemhamphoras the name of God expounded He also wrote his judgement His answer to C. Schwenckfeld and a short answer to Casp Schwenckfelds book and letter whom he bad not to mention him in his writings and sent him away with this answer The Lord reprove Satan who is in thee confusion befall the Spirit which called thee and the course which thou runnest and all the Sacramentarians and Eutychians who partake with thee and all thy blasphemies Thou doest as they of whom it was written they ran and I sent them not they spake and I commanded them not His judgement about ceremonies and excommunication He wrote also his minde to others concerning the Ceremonies and excommunication he desired that there should be few Ceremonies and they tending to edification and that excommunication should be brought into the Church as a profitable discipline but could scarce hope to see it He admonished the young students at Wittenberg to avoyd fornication with which some then were taxed yea he threatned that he would hold no societie with men of that ill condition Luther at Mersberg and tarried some time at Mersburg with the Prince of Anhalt But afterward he was call'd to his ordinary taske by the University sending for him an honourable Embassie A commentary upon Davids last words About this time he wrote an excellent Commentary upon the last words of David wherein he soundly and plainly declared the Article of the Trinitie the distinction of the persons Christs Deitie and humanitie An. 1544. Commentary on Genesis In the yeere 1544. he finished the first part of his Commentaries on Genesis in which he often blameth the Sacramentarians and foretelleth that after his death many would oppugne Luthers doctrin Then in September he published the briefe and last Confession concerning the Eucharist wherein he expressely explaineth what in the
and in his whole course manifesting l Lutheri vitam apud nos nemo non probat Eras Epis lib 5. a true correspondence of his life with his doctrine Much more I might here adde but will not longer detaine your Honour from the discourse it selfe I humbly beseech our gracious God who inabled D. Luther to be an excellent instrument for the reformation of the Christian Church for beating downe of errour and setting up of Gods Truth that he would implant in us all quiet temperate and Christian affections m Luther endured not to have any one called a Lutheran And Erasmus saith Prorsus odi ista dissidiorum nomina Christi sumus omnes lib. Ep. 2. and love of Christs Name still more and more perfect the setling of Truth and building up of his Church untill we all become living stones in the spiritual Temple fitted for our God The same God of peace crowne your Honourable selfe and all sincere promoters of Christian peace with peace externall and internall here and with eternall blisse hereafter So prayeth he who is Your Honours ever to be commanded Thomas Hayne Christian Reader DAvid a man after Gods owne heart as in other respects so especially in not forgetting any of Gods benefits but frequently and sweetly descanting on them in his sacred songs of praise among many other blessings mentions Gods gracious leading his people out of Egypt teaching them by the ministery of Moses and Aaron The like thankfulnesse to God should we shew in our a These are a chiefe and excellent work of the New Testament Church Rev. 4. Rev. 7.11 12. Rev. 153. hymns of glorie to God as for infinite other favours in these later times so especially for our comming out of the spirituall Egypt by the Ministery of Dr. Mart. Luther The goodnesse of God to the Israelites and Us is much alike in both these our deliverances For when Egypts tyrannie was growne to extremity and Romes heresies at full maturity God seasonably put to his hand and by Moses then bred up in Pharaohs Court and by D. Luther lately trained up in Monkery shewed a like mercy to us both However men did project to bend the excellent endowments of these worthy men to their owne purposes God turned them to better use and seasoning them with his grace fitted them for the confusion of the Old New Egypts God will be b When the event is seene then wee can observe how Godshand was in the worke plainly knowne to have matters of great importance at his owne disposing He of his great goodnesse directs to the right object his servants ardent zeale to do good as in judgement he lets the malicious and envious zeale of both Egypts persist in an evill course to their overthrow Hence it was that as God took off S. Paul from his blinde and unseasonable zeale for Moses Law in the Pharisaicall way and bent it to the advancing of the Gospell So he quelled Luthers raging fury and intent c As S. Paul did to vex and kil Christians Act. 9.1 22.19 to vex and kill the opposers of the Pope put a zealous spirit into him for the maintenance of sacred Truth and the downfall of Popish superstition And indeed rightly did Erasmus judge that d Epist B. 14. pag. 453. those corrupt times called for a sharpe and launcing and fearing Chirurgion to cure their long festered maladies For the worship of God and the truth of Religion was then as amongst the Israelites in Elias time much depraved and defaced and required a magnanimous and undaunted spirit like to that in Elias to reforme matters extreamly out of frame Erasmus saw full well how difficult a taske D. Luther underwent and for his owne part and undertaking was assured that if the e He foresaw that by these Novum saeculun brevi exoriturum lib. Epist 3. knowledge of good Arts of polite Learning of the Originall tongues of the Sacred Scripture florisht that the dark fogs of Popery could not long continue undispel'd And therefore he complyed with all f Even with George Duke of Sax. whom Luther found most opposite to the Gospell Eras epist B. 12 pag. 430. Princes and g Hee praised some for learning that they might strive to be praise-worthy for it Epist pag. 351. men studious of good letters whatsoever to make a knowing world and would in no wise though earnestly set upon both by loving intreaties and kinde usage as also by bitter calumnies and harsh railings of the Pontificians doe any thing of speciall moment against Luther He was confident that if Luther being violently opposed and maliced should faile yet the Truth of Christ by the light of all good literature and Gods blessing would maugre all the Papists malice get the upper hand and spread it selfe But God was abundantly gracious to D. Luther and made him as Ieremy h Ier. 1.18 a defenced citie an iron pillar and a wall of brasse against which his Antagonists could in no wise prevaile Had a spirit of pride or contention or any by-respect set Luther on work against the Pope or had he stood upon questions litigious or of an indifferent nature he could never have begun with that courage gone forward with that confidence come off with that honour which he did The blessing of God and a good conscience bore him out to take such incredible paines in reading preaching translating commenting disputing writing advising the Politicall State directing the Ecclesiasticall restraining the Papists fury from open war counselling some Protestants from too hastie proceedings preventing tumultuous designes avoiding secret traps set for him and in daily praying to God for the prosperity of the Gospell All true Christians will heartily blesse God for him and his resolute and happy beginning of Reformation if Papists who notoriously defamed and slandered him in his life time persist still to calumniate him after his death * Men may judge something now by the good effect of his labours God in the last day will be judge betweene them Luther was and who is not subject to such weaknesses as humanity makes incident to the best men He knew his slips he acknowledged them he craved pardon for them Yea he considering that he was a man and might erre intrusted his learned and faithfull friend i These two by conjoyning their studies setled truth whereas in the Councel of Trent though some Divines saw the Truth yet the major part confirmed errour Melancthon to revise and moderate some of his Tenents after his decease In briefe Luthers faith was admirably strong in his God his labours and studies of singular benefit to Gods Church his books and writings very many and learned his life most pious and therefore his death full of comfort and blessed Accept good Reader this Treatise now presented unto you in an English dresse out of the learned and laborious work of Melchior Adamus and expect the Lives of other
as he came what they thought of the Seat of Rome They not knowing the force of this speech answered What know we whether at Rome ye sit on wooden or stone seats He further required of Luther that he would have a regard to the Churches peace and promised to endeavour that the Pope should do the like Luther freely promised most readily to doe what ever he could with a safe conscience in regard of Gods Trueth and affirmed that himself was desirous and studious of peace and that it was not his fault that these stirres arose for necessitie had urged him to do what he had done Multitius also called unto him Tecelius the cheife original of these debates Multitius reproveth Tecelius and with sharp wordes and threates so daunted the man Tom. 1. ep Luth. p. 152. and 208. Tecelius his death till now a clamorous unaffrighted bold face terrible to all so that ever after he languished and with heartes griefe pined away Luther wrote a consolatory letter to him in this case but for feare of the Popes indignation he died Frederik the Elector a prudent and Religious Prince neither yeelded to the Popes desire nor vouchsafed his Rose any respect though Multitius wonderfully boasted of it at Dresa sayd Doctour Martin is in my power About this time the Bohemians sending a booke written by Iohn Hus to Luther encouraged him to constancy and patience The Bohemians encourage Luther and confessed that the Divinity taught by Luther was sound and right Matters being growne to this height of dispute and Luther having many adversaries at Leipsick a towne in Misnia belonging to George Duke of Saxony Cosen german to Prince Frederik Carolostadius dispute with Eckius in the 19. yeere a disputation was held Thither came Andreas Carolostadius accompanied with Luther Melanchthon and Barninus Duke of Pomerania He at that time was in office in the University of Wittenberg Thither came also Iohn Eckius a Divine of Ingolstad Hereupon the 17. day of June Iohn Eckius and Carolostadius 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 congruitie 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 abilitie to doe a good worke but an acquired On this point eight dayes were spent by his playing the Sophister Luther could by no meanes obtaine leave of Duke George freely with his safety to dispute and thereupon came not as a disputer but an as Auditor to Leipsick under the protection granted to Carolostadius Whereupon Eckius comming to Luthers Lodging said Luther invited by Eckius to dispute that he heard that Luther refused to dispute Luther answered How can I dispute seeing I cannot obtaine protection from George the Duke To this Eckius replied If I may not dispute with you I will no longer dispute with Carolost adius For I came hither to dispute with you If I can obtaine for you the Dukes leave will you dispute When Luther assented thereunto Eckius presently procured for him a publique grant of safety and liberty to dispute This Eckius did out of an assured confidence of victorie and renowne to himselfe by confirming that the Pope is the Head of the Church Whether the Pope be head of the Church Jura Divino Iure Divino by Divine right which Luther denied Hence Eckius tooke occasion at large to flatter the Pope and demerit his favour and to derive much hatred and envie on Luther This the bold champion stoutly attempted in the whole disputation but was not able to make good his cause or confute Luther Eckius chiefe arguments were Eckius his argument that the Church could not be without an head seeing it was a body consisting of severall members Then he produced the place in Matthew Thou art Peter c. and some speeches of St Ierome and Cyprian and the Councel of Constance where against the Articles of the Hussites it was concluded That it was necessary to salvation that men should beleeve that the Pope was the Oecomenicall Bishop or Christs vicar over the whole world Afterward they entred into dispute about Purgatorie and Indulgences but in briefe about repentance about remission both of sin and its punishment and about the power of priests The two last dayes Carolostadius disputed againe and on the 14. day of July the disputation ended This disputation was set forth afterward by Luther who granted that the Pope by humane right was head of the Church Epist Tom. 1. p. 176. Whereupon Duke George inviting Luther and Eckius to dinner and embracing both of them sayd Whether the Pope have his authority by divine or humane right Pope he is Luther afterward changed his opinion about this point Before this disputation at Leipsick Luther was desired by Charles Multitius to goe to Confluence there to plead his cause before him being the Popes Commissary But Luther excused himselfe and shewed that for many reasons he neither could nor ought to goe thither In the yeere 1520. upon Multitius advise Luther wrote to the Pope An. 1520. Luther wrote to the Pope and sent him his booke lately written concerning Christian liberty and offered conditions of peace About this time Frederik the Elector fell into a grievous sicknesse Whereupon Luther moved by some friends and out of Christian charity wrote the booke 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 consciences And whereas in an other Treatise written by him he had said that he judged it behoofefull if the Councel would so permit that the Lords supper should be administred to all in both kindes This speech because it directly crossed the last Lateran Councel was excepted against by many amongst whom was Iohn Bishop of Misnia who prohibited the the Churchmen under his jurisdiction to administer the Lords supper in both kindes and enjoyned them to suppresse Luthers booke Luther maintained his cause and answered his Edict In the mean time the Divines of Lovan consulting with Adrian Cardinal of Derthuse then in Spain and the Divines of Cullen by a decree censure some of Luthers bookes as wicked and worthy to be burnt The Divines of Lovan and Cullen oppose Luther and held it fit that Luther should recant his opinions When Luther heard of this he answered every particular punctually And because he found so many and so great adversaries he wrote to Charles the fifth newly created Emperour and intreating pardon for this his addresse Luther writeth to Charles the fifth Emperour humbly besought him that he would so long onely afford him protection as that he might give account of his proceedings and overcome or be overcome because it would well beseeme the Imperirial power not to permit
the innocent to be violently handled and trampled on by their wicked adversaries To the same purpose he wrote to other the Dukes and Lords of the Empire and shewed them how he began and was drawn into these attempts Not long after he wrote to Albertus Archbishop of Mentz Cardinal Luther writeth to the Archbishop of Mentz and in submissive manner shewed how he was condemned by two sorts of men one who never read his books the other who read them but with hearts full of hatred and prejudice The Archbishops answer The Bishop answered that he heartily desired that all sacred matters should be handled both by Luther and all other Divines as it was meet religiously reverently modestly without tumults envie contumely He said moreover that it was a griefe to him to heare that some great men disputed concerning the Primacie of Rome free-will and other sleight matters so he call'd them not much pertaining to a Christian indeed and that such like rash opinions could not be broached among the ignorant people but with incouraging them to disobedience He wrote also about the Lords Suppers celebrating in both kinds and about the Authoritie of Councels And shut up his letter with Gamaliels verdict If thy work be of God Tom. 2. Lat. Witt. pag. 48. it will stand firme and unmoveable if it was begun of envie or pride it will easily be blown away In like manner Luther wrote to Adolphus Bishop of Mersberg who answered him to the same purpose and admonished him that he would over-rule his pen with the love of Christ the Author of our peace At the same time it befell 1520. The Duke of Saxon maliced for Luther that Frederik Duke of Saxony had some occasion to send to Rome and gave the businesse in charge to Valentine a Dithleben a German He brought word back that the Elector was in disgrace at Rome for Luthers sake because he permitted his new opinions to be dispersed His excuse Tom. 2. Lat. Wittemb p. 50. The Prince hereupon thus wrote in his own defence and answered That he never defended the doctrine and books of Luther nor was of that bent and though he did heare that many learned men approved Luthers judgement yet he opened not his minde therein Further he said that Luther was ready to give an account of his doctrine before the Popes Legate so that he might be assured of safe conduct and that if his error was detected he would change his opinion and that Luther of his own accord would have departed out of those coasts had not Multitius perswaded to detaine him there rather then to permit him to settle elsewhere that so he might more freely and safely attempt some higher designe And therefore that there was no cause why any one should have an ill opinion of him Tom. 2. Lat. Wittenb pag. 51. c. The Popes Bull. To this Letter the Pope returned answer and sending a Copie of the Bull which Eckius had obtained desired that the Elector would make Luther to recant or if he refused so to do he would imprison him and keep him safe till he further declared his pleasure At this the Court of Saxony was somewhat * Tom. 1. epist pag. 249. Luther thought of a place to retire himself in troubled and Luther began to think of some retired place where he might conceale himself Some Noble Germans approvers of Luthers judgement hearing this offered Luther entertainment and protection as namely Francis a Sickengen Hulderike Hutten Sylvester de Schavenburgen Of whom the said Sylvester wrote to Luther and intreated him not to depart into Bohemia or into any other countrey but to come to him during the time of the Popes exasperation and menaces and promised that an 100. French Horse should attend his safetie Hereupon Luther taking courage admonisheth Spalatinus that this course should by the Letter of Duke Frederik be made known to the Cardinal of St. George These are Luthers words Tom. 1. epist I send you the Letter of Sylvester Schavenb the French Knight and were it not displeasing to you I desire that by the letter of the Prince notice may be given to the Cardinal of St. George whereby they may know that should they with their threats and curses expell me from Witten they should effect nothing else but to make a bad matter much worse For now there are not onely in Bohemia but even in the midst of Germany such Princes who both will and can defend me from the threats thundred out against me by mine adversaries And then perhaps it may so fall out that biding under their protection I shall more strongly bend my forces against the Romanists then if under the Princes government I should publiquely performe my place as Reader of Divinitie This unlesse God prevent it will doubtlesse be the issue of this matter Hitherto I have given all due respect to the Prince but then if I be provoked by ill usage I shall not need to submit unto him And therefore in what matters soever I have not so roughly dealt with them let them attribute my forbearance therein not to my modesty nor to their tyranny nor their deserts but to my respect to the Prince and to his authoritie as also to the common good of the Students of Wittenberg Concerning my self I venture upon the danger and contemne Romes both fury and favour Let them censure and burne all mine I will not be reconciled to them nor at any time hereafter joyne with them On the contrary I unlesse I can get no fire will burn all the Pontifician law the sink of heresies yea I will put an end to my humble observance which I have hitherto in vaine shewed and wherewith the enemies of the Gospel are more and more incensed Tom. 2. Lat. p. pag. 66. Book of Captivitie of Babylon Luther also before he saw the Popes Bull put forth his book Of the Babylonian Captivitie In which he wished that what he had written concerning Indulgences was abolished and this proposition divulged in stead thereof Indulgences are the wicked tricks of Romes flatterers And in stead of what he wrote against the Pope this Proposition The Popedome is a robustious Hunting practised by the Bishop of Rome Then he handled the Sacraments and acknowledged but three of the seven to be Sacraments of Christs Covenant The Pope called Antichrist He wrote also against the execrable Bull of Antichrist and call'd the Pope Antichrist and confirmed the Articles censured by the Bull. An. 1520. Charles the Emperour that yeere came to Aquisgran where with great solemnitie he was crowned Emperour About the Calends of Septemb. he with Frederik Elector of Saxony went to Colonia Agrippina At this time the controversies of Religion being hotly prosecuted the Elector would not suddenly do any thing of his own head in a matter of so great import but would try the votes of the most prudent and learned Clarkes Erasmus
then that Luther was first to be heard in the Councel before he was to be condemned The Popes Legate accuseth Luther The Popes Legate also accused Luther at the Norician assembly as being most like to Mahomet For as the Turkes by Polygamy so Luther taking away the vowes of Chastity doth loose the reines to all licentiousnesse and overthrow the state of the Church and therefore he might be condemned before he was heard besides as now he did shew his cruelty against the Ecclesiasticall state he would afterward doe the like against the Political In this yeere Christiern King of Denmark and his wife sister of Charles the fifth were expulsed their Kingdome for his too violent government And being in banishment at the Court of his Unkle Frederik Elector of Saxony heard Luther preach In the 24. yeere Clemens the 7. Laurent Campegius the Popes Legate made Pope in Adrians steed sent Laur. Campegius the Cardinal his Legate to Norinberg He wrote at large to Frederik the Elector and highly praysed the Popes good will and did undertake that a Councel should be called Then also Caesar and most of the Princes of the Empire pressed for the decree of Wormes Which thing when Luther had notice of he bewayled the state of Germany and complained of the blindnesse of men That yeare Erasmus Roterod. Erasmus wrote against Luther being much importuned thereunto perswaded by the King of England and Thomas Wolsey Cardinal wrote against Luther He put forth against his will as he wrote to Melancthon the Treatise concerning free-will What was Luhers judgement about the same that which he wrote to Spalatinus sheweth Tom. 2. epist 230. namely It is incredible how I disdaine the booke of Eras concerning free-will and yet I have scarce read eight leaves thereof It grieveth me to answer so unlearned a book of a man so learned That book was answered by Luther An. 1526. with which delay the mindes of learned men were held in suspence what would be the issue of the controversie This yeere was remarkable for the unhappy Sacramentary controversie The beginning and proceeding whereof is related in the life of Carolostade Zwingl and Oecolamp and I list not here to renew our griefe by opening the sore again About this time came forth the fanatick writing of Tho. Muncer of Stolberg Muncers writing against Luther and the Preacher of Alstet in which he disgorged his venemous fury against the Lutherans The book which he wrote against Luther was dedicated to Christ Prince of Princes He rayled on Luther because he wanted an Enthusiasticall spirit and had nothing in his writing but a carnall spirit The same Muncer wrote to Melancthon a letter plainly shewing his fanaticall spirit The Psalmes put forth c. Luther now put forth Davids Psalter in the German tongue a book against the seditious and an Epistle to Frederik and Iohn Princes of Saxony against the enemies of images and Enthusiasts who boasted of illumination and conference with God He also set forth a booke about the Exaltation of Benno a Bishop once of Misnia Of Benno Bishop of Misnia whose bones were on the sixteen day of May digged up at Misnia exalted and placed in a marble Tombe which act some took to be religious other jested and laughed thereat This yeere in October Luther laid aside his Monkishhood Luther casts away his monkish weed and declared his judgement concerning the Synode to be called for determination of the ceremonies saying thus I thinke it not very safe to call together a Councell of our men for the setling an uniformitie of Ceremonies Of calling a Counsel for it will set a bad example though it be attempted with a good zeale as appeareth by all Councels from the beginning So that in the Apostolicall Synode they did more treat concerning matter of action and Traditions then of faith In the Synodes after this they never disputed about faith but alwayes about opinions and questions that the name of Councels is more suspected and hated by me then the name of free will If one Church will not of its own accord imitate another in externall matters what need is there to compell them by the decrees of Councels which presently are changed into lawes and snares to intangle mens soules Rather let one Church freely follow the good example of another or let each Church enjoy her owne wayes Reformation in the Cathedal Church at Wittenberg Tom. 2. Ep. p. 246. 1525. so that the unitie of the spirit be kept intire in faith by the word of God though there be diversitie and outward ceremonies and elements of the world About this time the Priests of Wittenberg keeping their Popish rites were at length evicted and in the end of the yeere abrogating private Masse began a Reformation in the Cathedrall Church Luther had long pressed them to this and had written thus to Spalatinus in this yeere By Gods help I will abrogate private Masse or venture upon another designe The yeere 1525. The Boores rise in armes is famous by the rising of the Boores when this broyle was a hatching and the Rustick fury did not yet breake forth into taking up armes Luther did disswade all men from sedition as being a crime of very high nature He also handled the Articles of the Boores and shewed how most of them were contrary to the word of God He wrote also to the Princes and Nobilitie and put them in minde of their dutie Luther exhorts to quell them and by another Treatise exhorted all men to joyne for the subversion of the theevish insendiaries as for the quenching of a common fire This book was censured by some as too sharp but was at large defended by Luther The contention with Carolostade In the beginning of this yeere Luther answered Carolostadius his books intitling his book Against the Celestiall Prophets At Wittenberg then the chieftains of the Anabaptists were called Prophets The Anabaptists because they boasted of secret revelations and propheticall spirits the principall men were Muncer Ciconius Cellarius and his friend Carolostad Luther in the first part of his book speaketh of images private Masse and Carolostade and affirmeth that images were forbidden in the old Testament not in the new and that Carolostade was not expelled by his meanes The name of Masse and that the name of Masse was given by the Apostles to the Sacrament of the altar The subject of the second book was the Eucharist where he first dealt against Carolostades exposition of the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 This and then answered the Arguments of Carolostade and said that the words which is given for you have this sense The body which you eate in the bread ere long when it is not eaten shall be given for you And as it is not written Take the body and eate it so neither is it written Take the bread and eate it And that Christs speech
as strictly as they can In briefe I wholly dislike this agitation for concord in doctrin as being a thing utterly impossible unlesse the Pope will abolish his Popedome Concerning the Confutation this should have been added that it was a very cold one Of it thus Luther wrote to Melancthon Grace and peace in Christ the Lord over his enemies I thanke God who permitted our Adversaries to devise so fond a confutation Christ is come and reigneth Let the devils if they will turn Monks and Nunnes Nor doth any shape better become them then that in which they have hitherto set forth themselves to be adored by the world Then a little after this Did not I foretell you that you troubled your self in vain about traditions because that point exceedeth very much the capacitie of Sophisters There hath ever been disputation about laws amongst the wisest men and truly it requireth an Apostolicall abilitie to judge purely and surely thereof for there is no Author extant except Paul alone who hath written fully and perfectly of this matter Because it is the death of all humane reason to judge the law the spirit in this case being the onely Iudge What then can Sophisters here performe whose reason is blinded Well we have done our part and well satisfied them Now is the time of working together with the Lord whom I beseech to direct and preserve us Amen In that loving course for composing the differences by the Arbitratours when the point of invocation of Saints was handled and Eckius produced Iacobs speech Let my name be called upon those children Melancthon first answered and then Brentius said that there was nothing extant in all the Scripture of the invocation of Saints Hereupon Coclaus that he might step in as patrone to the Cause did thus excuse the matter That in the old Testament the Saints of God were not prayed unto because they were then in Limbo and not in Heaven Here Iohn Duke of Saxony concluded and said to Eckius Behold O Eckius the speech by you brought out of the old Testament notoriously defended The Confession of our partie which Caesar Ferdinandus his brother the Princes of Bavaria The Confession of the Protestants translated into divers tongues and some Bishops attentively listened unto and the other partie could not endure was translated into Italian for the Pope who was not very well skilled in Latine and into the English Spanish French Boemian Vngarian tongues The issue of all came to this The issue of matters in this assembly that though the Protestants did desire peace of Caesar and space farther to deliberate of the matter they could not obtain their desire The Confession it self was rejected and all who assented to it unlesse they suffered all matters to run in their old Tenour were brought into hazard of their lives and States there were some also appointed to execute Caesars decree Whereas therefore it was daily exspected that the Protestants should be warred against by the Pontificians Luther soon after the Assembly with a noble and Heroik spirit set forth a book to the Germans whose title was * Luthers admonition ad Germanos Warnungan seine liebe deutschen Wherein he exhorted them to embrace peace and shewed that they ought not to obey a wicked Edict and further by armes the persecution of the true doctrin of the Gospel and harmelesse Princes and Churches and fight for Idols and other abominations of the Papists Yet he did not counsell the Protestant side to take up armes before the Pontifician faction should in the Emperours name invade them with warre But if they should resist and defend themselves with force of Armes when they were set upon he excused them from being traduced and condemned as seditious persons and shewed that they must be conceived to stand onely upon their own and their peoples defence Luther studies in the wildernesse at Coburgh Before we leave the wildernesse of Coburg and come thence with Luther observe first what books he there wrote Besides some mentioned before of the rest he thus writeth to Melancthon Though I have been troubled with wearinesse of the taske and head ache and have laid aside Ezekiel yet do I in the meane time translate the small Prophets and in one week more I hope shall finish them by Gods help For now onely Haggai and Malachi remain undone I busie myself herein rather for the comfort I reap by them Luthers ardent prayers then that I am able to undergo the pains Secondly know the fervency of his prayers in this wildernesse of which Vitus Theodorus who accompanied him at Coburg thus wrote to Melancthon No day passeth in which Luther spendeth not three houres at the least and they are the houres most fit for studie in Prayer Once it so fell out that I heard him praying Good God what a spirit what a confidence was in his very expressions with such reverence he sueth for any thing as one begging of God and yet with such hope and assurance as if he spake with a loving father or friend I know saith he that thou art a father and our God I know therefore assuredly that thou wilt destroy the persecuters of thy children If so be thou please not so to doe thy danger will be joyned with ours this businesse is wholly thine we adventured not on it but were compelled thereunto Wherefore thou wilt defend us When I heard him praying in this manner with a cleare voyce as I stood a farre off my mind also was inflamed with a singular kind of ardency because I observed how passionately how gravely how reverently he in his prayer spake of God and urged Gods promises out of the Psalmes as one assured that what he asked should come to passe I doubt not therefore but that his prayers will much advance and further the desperate cause treated of at the Assembly When in that assembly the chiefe and almost the sole dissention between Luther and the Protestants was about the Lords supper this liked the Papists but grieved the Potestants Bucer therfore by the consent of the Duke of Saxony and his Magistrates consent Bucer goeth to Luther went from Auspurg to Coburg to see what agreement could be made betweene him and Luther Nor did he receive a crosse answer but diversly the businesse was hindred Thither also came Vrbanus Regius * See Regius his life for to consult with Luther An. 1531. An. 1531. An interpretation of Caesars edict Luther mildly wrote an Interpretation of Caesars Edict not against the Emperour but against the Princes and Bishops who were the chiefe instruments of the Civill broyles In this he defended diverse chiefe heades of Christian Religion As the Eucharist in both kindes that the Church might erre the Masse and free will he disallowed and shewed that we are justified by faith not by workes Of this point observe his remarkable profession I Martin Luther an unworthy preacher of the Gospel of our
Lord Iesus Christ thus professe and beleeve That faith alone without respect to our good workes doth justify us before God An exelent Protestation of M. Luther and that this Article cannot be overthrown by the Roman Emperour or the Turk or the Tartarian or the Persian nor by the Pope or all his Cardinals Bishops Sacrificers Monks Nunnes Kings Princes Potentates of the world and all the Devils This Article will they nill they will stand Hell gates cannot prevayle against it The spirit of God doth dictate this unto me this is the true Gospel For thus the Article in the mouth of all Christian children hath it I beleeve in Iesus Christ crucified and dead Now no man died for our sinnes but Iesus Christ the sonne of God the one and onely sonne of God I say it again again Iesus the one and onely son of God redeemed us from our sinnes This is most surely grounded undoubted Doctrin this the whole scripture crieth out aloud though the devils all the world storme and burst with anger at it And if he alone take away the sinnes of the world we verily cannot doe it with our workes and it is impossible that I can lay hold on Christ otherwise then by faith he is never apprehended by my good workes And seeing faith alone layeth hold on our Redeemer and not our workes the concomitants of our faith it abideth undoubted truth that faith alone before our works or without our works considered doth this which is nothing else but to be justified but to be redeemed from our sinnes Then good works follow our faith as the effects and fruits thereof This doctrin I teach and this the Spirit of God and the whole Christian Church delivereth for truth In this I will persist Amen With these two writings The Admonition to the Germans and The interpretation of Caesars Edict Luther madded the nest of the Popish Hornets who thereupon put forth a book against him but without any mans name to it Luther sharply answered this book In the book Weber den Wrucht c. and gravely acquitted himself of the crimes objected against him that is That he denyed the yeelding obedience to Caesar that he himself was a Trumpet for rebellion and sedition that all things written by him concerning the designes of the Pope were figments and lies But he proved them to be true by many remarkable sayings and deeds of the Pontificians which are contained in * Tom. 5. of his works at len p. 304 c. An. 1532. his German writings and other books by him set out this yeere In the yeere 32. by Gods goodnesse and the intercession of the Archbish of Mentz and the Elector Palatine the Emperour a First peace to the Protestants granted Peace to the Protestant Churches upon some certain conditions propounded to the Duke of Saxony especially Which that he should most willingly embrace Luther by his b Sleid. B. 8. p. 205. letter seriously perswaded the then present Elector and his sonne Frederik who soone after succeeded his father For this very yeere the 16 day of August that godly Duke a most constant confessour of the Evangelicall truth departed this life For the perpetuating of whose memory Luther made two funerall Sermons and Melancthon a funerall oration at his buriall which expressed the Idea or Character of a good Prince An. 1533. Luther comforted the Oschatz In the yeere 1533. Luther comforted the Citizens of Oschatz by his letter who had been turned out for the confession of the Gospel In his letter he saith The Devil is the Host and the World is his Inne so that where ever you come you shall be sure to find this ugly Hoste A controversie with George Duke of Saxony He answered also the Elector of Saxony to this question How farre it is lawfull to take up armes in our own defence Especially now there was a great controversie betweene Luther and George Duke of Saxony who of old hated most vehemently Luther and his doctrin Therefore that the Protestant partie might not be inlarged by his peoples embracing it he bound them all by oath not to receive Luthers doctrin He also provided that the Citizens of Leipsick who coming to Confession after the Papists manner and then received the Sacrament should have a ticket given them which afterward they should redeliver to the Senate About seventie were found without tickets For these consulted with Luther what they should do Luther answered That they should do nothing contrary to their consciences as men which firmely beleeved that they should receive the Sacrament in both kinds and that they should undergo any extreamitie In the Epistle are these words Seeing now Duke George dareth undertake to dive into the secrets of mens consciences he is worthy to be deceived because he will be the Devils Apostle Hereupon Duke George wrote to the Elector of Saxony his cousen German and accused Luther both of giving him base language and also of stirring up the people under his command to rebellion The Elector wrote this to Luther and told him that unlesse he can cleare himself he must receive condigne punishment Upon this occasion Luther refuted this accusation and denyed That he ever counselled them to resist their Prince but that patiently they would endure their banishment And that he was so farre from infringing the authoritie of the Magistrate that no man did more stoutly confirme it or more fully declare it George the Duke called the Devils Angel And that George the Duke was called the Devils Angel for the Subjects sake because they should not thinke that the Edicts were a lawfull Magistrates but the devils Luther comforts the banished Citizens of Leipsick He joyned thereunto an epistle to them of Leipsick to comfort them in their banishment and to counsell them cheerfully to undergo their present calamitie and to give God thanks for giving them courage constancy He told them that this rejoycing of their adversaries was neither sound nor lasting and that it would perish sooner then any man thought and that all attempts of the enemies of the Gospel were hitherto frustrate by Gods singular favour into the ground Luthers lesse Apologie He wrote also a briefe Apologie in which he cleareth himself of these crimes objected against him Namely that he was a lyer a broâ—ker of his promise an Apostate Here denying the former he yeelded himself to be an Apostate or revolter but a blessed and holy one who had not kept his promise made to the Devil and that he was no other revolter then a Mammeluke who turneth Christian or a Magician who renouncing his covenant made with the Devil betaketh himself to Christ To these passages he added divers things concerning Monkery Of the dispute with the Devil And again in a new Treatise he oppugned private Masse and their consecration of Priests In this Treatise he related his Disputation with the Devil which the