A06491:282
The chief and principal articles of the Christen faith to hold against the Pope, and all papists, and the gates of hell, with other three very profitable and necessary books the names or titles, whereof are contain in the leaf next following. Made by Doctor Marten Luther. To the reader. In this book shall you find Christian reader the right probation of the right old catholic Church, and of the new false Church, whereby either of them is to be known. Read and judge.The chiefe and pryncypall articles of the Christen faythe to holde againste the Pope, and al papistes, and the gates of hell, with other thre very profitable and necessary bokes the names or tyttels, whereof are conteyne in the leafe next followynge. Made by Doctor Marten Luther. To the reader. In thys boke shal you fynde Christian reader the ryght probation of the righte olde catholyke Churche, and of the newe false Churche, whereby eyther of them is to be knowen. Reade and iudge.
printed by S. Mierdman for Gwalter Lynne, 1548
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
This are ye, and so have I ben also. There have ye your new, of falling & run away church plain enough described, and clear enough set out ⟨image 71⟩before your eyes. For we knowledge not only. That ye with us are come out of the right Church, and have swymmed with us in baptism and are washed through the Blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as S. Peter here sayeth. But say also that ye are in the Church, and also abide therein. Yea verily, that ye therein sit and rule as saint Paul prophecieth.1 That the cursed Antichrist shall sit in the Temple of God (and not in a horse stable) &c.
This are ye, and so haue I ben also. There haue ye youre newe, of fallinge & runne awaye church playne ynough described, and cleare ynough set oute ⟨image 71⟩before your eyes. For we knowlegs not onely. That ye with vs are come oute of the right Churche, and haue swymmed with vs in bapfisme and are wasshed through the Bloude of oure Lorde and Sauioure Iesu Christ as S. Peter here sayeth. But saye also that ye are in the Churche, and also abyde therin. Yea verely, that ye therin sitte and rule as saynete Paule prophecieth.1 That the cursed Antichriste shall sitte in the Tempell of God (and not in a horse stable) &c.
But of the Church, or members of the Church, are ye no more. But in that holy Church of God, do ye execte this your new of falling Church, the whorehouse of the devil and innumerable whore domes and Idolatries or Novelties, whereby ye seduce, the Christened and redeemed souls with you. And devour them through hells mouth in the bottomless pit of hell, with innumerable flocks. To the horrible pitifulness and disquietness of heart, of all them that with spiritual eyes see and ⟨image 71⟩know the same.
But of the Churche, or membres of the Churche, are ye no more. But in that holy Churche of God, do ye execte this youre newe of fallinge Churche, the whorehouse of the deuill and innumerable whore domes and Idolatryes or Newelties, whereby ye seduce, the Christened and redemed soules with you. And deuoure them through helles mouthe in the botomles pytte of hell, with innumerable flockes. To the harrible pitiefulnes and disquietnes of harte, of all them that with spirituall eyes see and ⟨image 71⟩knowe the same.
But it is God, that through his won derfull almighty power, by you among so many abominations, & devilish whoredoms yet saveth the young babes, through baptism and some old folks, but very few that in their end have turned again to Christ, of which sort I have known a great number myself. So that for all this: The right old Church with her Baptism, and Gods word doth still remain among you. And your God the devil through so many new Idolatries with all your devilish whoredom was never able to destroy it clean.
But it is God, that through his wō derfull allmightie power, by you amonge so many abhominatiōs, & deuelyshe whoredomes yet saueth the yōge babes, through baptisme and some old folkes, but very few that in theyr ende haue turned agayne to Christe, of whiche sorte I haue knowen a greate nombre myselfe. So that for all this: The righte olde Churche with her Baptisme, and Gods worde dothe still remayne amonge you. And youre God the deuil through so many newe Idolatries with all youre deuelysshe whoredome was neuer able to destroy it cleane.
1Even as in the time of Elijah, when all (how be it they were all God's people, that is, such as were called the holy Church, and boasted that God which had brought them out of Egypt) was full of Baal, Idolatry and whoredom in all the whole land, that there was not one altar left for God. And yet for all that were reserved seven ⟨image 72⟩from thousand men, of all the multitude of thousands, among the which were the Chiefest and the best, which went all to the devil. And in the wilderness under Moses all dyed saving these two Joshua and Caleb.
1Euen as in the tyme of Elias, whē all (howe be it they were all Goddes people, that is, suche as were called the holy Churche, and boasted that God whiche had broughte them oute of Egypte) was full of Baall, Idolatrye and whoredome in all the whole lande, that there was not one aulter left for God. And yet for all that were reserued seuen ⟨image 72⟩frō thousand men, of all the multitude of thousandes, among the which were the Chyefest and the best, which went all to the deuill. And in the wildernes vnder Moses al dyede sauinge these two Iosua and Caleb.
God's work is called, Consummans and abbrevians, that he saveth a certain few by his grace. When the whole multitude in his wrath perisheth whereof S. Paul Rom. x. plenteously writteth.1
Goddes worke is called, Consummans and abbreuians, that he saueth a certein fewe by his grace. When the whole multitude in his wrath perissheth whereof S. Paule Rom. x. plenteously writteth.1
Even so did Daniel also prophesy long before.1 That under Antichrist should be a time of wrath, and such trouble as never was upon earth. And S. Paul which taketh his prophecy out of Daniel even there sayeth also.2 That God shall be displeased, & suffer to come mighty errors, because men received not the love of trueth that they might be saved.
Euē so did Daniel also propbecye longe before.1 That vnder Anthechrist shoulde be a tyme of wrath, and suche trouble as neuer was vpō earth. And S. Paull whiche taketh his prophecye out of Daniel euen there sayeth also.2 That God shalbe displeased, & suffce to come mightye erroures, because mē receyued not the loue of truethe that they might be saued.
1I pray you, let us behold our own histories, that is, The histories of the Christianity. Under Constantius the sun of Constantine was the indignation of God so great, that the heretics ⟨image 72⟩of the Arians, had taken in all the churches of the world, except twain. And notwithstanding at that time were the Bishops, and also the Arians them selves learned, wise, honest, honourable, & earnest men before the world. What should than be under the Bishop of Rome. Where as no Bishop knoweth nor exerciseth his office. But liveth Epicuryshly and hoggishly. There must needs be the very devil.
1I pray you, let vs behold oure owne hittories, that is, The histories of the Christianite. Vnder Constantius the sonne of Constantyn was the indignatiō of God so great, that the heretikes ⟨image 72⟩of the Arrians, had taken in all the churches of the world, excepte twa•n. And notwithstondinge at that tyme were the Bysshoppes, and also the Arrians them selues learned, wyse, honest, honourable, & earnest men before the world. Vvhat shoulde than be vnder the Bysshoppe of Rome. Vvhere as no Bysshoppe knoweth nor exercy seth his office. But lyueth Epicuryshly and hoggysshly. There must nedes be the very deuill.
Wherefore the miserable, blind, hardened Popish ashes, much less understand, What Church or God is then a Cow or Sow understandeth. The church is a high, deep, hidden thing, that no man may know her nor see. But only, must be taken & believed by the Baptism, Sacrament, and word, Mans doctrine, Ceremonies, Shaven Crowns, long gowns Bishops bats, & the hole popish rabblement doth lead far wide from it, even into the very hell. I omit that it should signify the Church. For to the church pertain also naked Children, ⟨image 73⟩man, woman, Ploughman & Citizen, which have neither shaven crowns Bishops hats, nor yet mass garments upon them.
Vvherefore the miserable, blynde, hardened Popyshe asshes, muche lesse vnderstande, Vvhat Churche or God is then a Cowe or Sowe vnderstandeth. The church is a hygh, depe, hydden thinge, that noman may know her nor see. But onely, must be taken & beleued by the Baptisme, Sacramente, and worde, Mans doctrine, Ceremonies, Shauen Crounes, longe gounes Bysshops battes, & the hole popyshe rablement doth leade farre wyde from it, euē into the very holl. I omitte that it shoulde signifie the Churche. For to the churche pertayne also naked Children, ⟨image 73⟩man, woman, Ploweman & Citegen, whiche haue neither shauen crounes Bysshoppes hattes, nor yet masse garmentes vpon them.
1Here might the papists peradventure desire, yea they will have it by compulsion. That such new Articles of their new Church, should besides the old Articles of the old Church be observed or suffered, if not they would have us to be heretics, and tyd out of the way. For the Popish Ass, is such a dull Ass, that he neither can nor will learn to discern between God's word and mans traditions. But keepeth both like.
1HEre myght the papystes paraduēture desyre, yea they will haue it by compulsion. That suche newe Articles of their newe Churche, shoulde besydes the olde Articles of the olde Churche be obserued or suffered, yf not they woulde haue vs to be heretikes, and tyd out of the waye. For the Popysshe Asse, is suche a dull Asse, that he neither can nor will learne to discerne betwene Goddes worde and mans traditions. But kepeth bothe lyke.
This do they declare thereby. That they now often have intended, to make with us an accord or agreement and made as though they would something abate, and that we should also abate some what, to the intent that both together might be stablished show be it they never minded the same earnestly. But only to rent us away and to trouble us.)
This do they declare thereby. That they nowe often haue intended, to make with vs an accorde or agreemēt and made as thoughe they woulde somethinge abate, and that we shoulde also abate som what, to thintēt that bothe to gether mighte be stablysshed showe be it they neuer mynded the same earnestly. But onely to rente vs away and to trouble vs.)
1Nevertheless men may see so much therein how that they have set them selves above God as the Antichristifshe blasphemers, Thinking that that the doctrine should be right as long as they will. And when they will no more that then it should no more be right. For they would have the authority, somewhat to abate thereof or not, at their pleasures. And even as they give it or take it, even so should we receive it. Offering us such an abominable filthnes, shameless, with out any semblance, very openly. Whereby they them selves declare, that they have no more a subtle devil, that rideth them ⟨image 74⟩as they had a certain hundred years a gone. But the comprehensible Tulpyn, Clubbish devil, that can colour him self no more for iniquity.
1Neuertheles men may see so muche therin howe that they haue sette them selues aboue God as the Antichristifshe blasphemours, Thinkynge that that the doctrine shoulde be right as longe as they will. And when they will no more that then it shoulde no more be right. For they woulde haue the authorite, somwhat to abate thereof or not, at their pleasures. And euen as they geue it or take it, euen so shoulde we receyue it. Offringe vs suche an abhominable filthnes, shameles, with oute any semblaunce, very openly. Whereby they them selues declare, that they haue no more a subtill deuill, that rydeth them ⟨image 74⟩as they had a certein hundreth yares a goue. But the cōprehēsible Tulpyn, Clubbyshe deuill, that can couloure hym selfe no more for iniquitie.
1For, seeing they offer them selves something to abate, desiring the same also of us, they do testify: That they regard as much, Mans doctrine, as Gods word. It lieth not in God him self to abate or change his own word. For he can not deny and alter him self. And his word abideth for ever. Wherefore whosoever should undertake to abate or alter it, the same must needs have a higher Power and authority then God him self. For he would not have altered Moses law, if he had not before by his word promised to alter it. Wherefore also no man will enterprise the same then the Antichrist, as Daniel. xij. & S. Paul do say.2 Which exalteth him self above God, namely the Papacy.
1For, seynge they offer them selues somthinge to abate, desyring the same also of vs, they do testifie: That they regarde as muche, Mannes doctrine, as Gods worde. It lyeth not in God hym selfe to abate or chaunge his own worde. For he can not denye and alter hym selfe. And his worde abydeth for euer. Vvherfore whosoeuer shoulde vndertake to abate or alter it, the same muste nedes haue a hyer Power and authorite then God hym selfe. For he would not haue altered Moses lawe, yf he had not before by his worde promysed to alter it. Vvherfore also noman will entreprise the same then the Antichriste, as Daniel. xij. & S. Paule do saye.2 Vvhiche exalteth hym selfe aboue God, namely the Papacye.
What should men now handle with such people, yea with such dull and gross asses, which suppose, that God's word is a reed which is ⟨image 74⟩moved with every blast of wind hither and thither, whereof they have the rule. Or (as they do rather think) that it is a counter, which after their damnable frowardness must signify according as they caste or lay it upon the rule. Even so prettily do they understand, what the church is, yea even therewith show they abundantly, that they despise God and his word highly and moreover set them selves above God and can not be his Church.
What shoulde men nowe handle with suche people, yea with suche dull and grosse asses, whiche suppose, that Goddes worde is a reede whiche is ⟨image 74⟩moued with euery blaste of wynde hither and thither, whereof they haue the rule. Or (as they do rather thinke) that it is a counter, whiche after their damnable frowardnes muste signifie accordinge as they caste or laye it vpō the rule. Euen so pretely do they vnderstande, what the church is, yea euen therewith shew they aboundātly, that they despise God and his word highly and moreouer sette them selues aboue God and can not be his Church.
The holy Christen Church. (I talk now with our own fellows. For with the Popish asses. Clutters and stones, is no understanding) seeing nor hearing, is not a reed nor Counter. No, she wavereth not, nor giveth back, as the devils harlot the Popish church, which like an aduou tress, thinketh that she ought not to cleave unto her wedded husband. But that she may lawfully swerve, give back, & admit, even as the whoremonger will have it. But she is (sayeth S. Paul)1 a pillar & ground of the trueth. She standeth sure (saith he) & is a sure ⟨image 75⟩ground. And not a false or deceivable ground. But a ground of trueth which neither lieth nor deceiveth, neither goeth about with any lies. But whatsoever wavereth or doubteth, the same can not be truth.
The holy Christen Churche. (I talke nowe with oure owne fellowes. For with the Popyshe asses. Clutters and stones, is no vnderstandinge) seynge nor hearing, is not a reede nor Counter. No, she wauereth not, nor geueth backe, as the deuills harlott the Popyshe church, which lyke an aduou tresse, thynketh that she ought not to cleaue vnto her wedded husbāde. But that she may lawfully swarue, geue backe, & admitte, euen as the whoremō ger will haue it. But she is (sayeth S. Paul)1 a pyller & ground of the trueth. She standeth sure (sayth he) & is a sure ⟨image 75⟩grounde. And not a false or deceyuable grounde. But a grounde of trueth which neither lyeth nor deceyueth, neither gothe aboute with any lyes. But whatsoeuer wauereth or doubteth, the same can not be truth.
And whereto were a Church of God profitable and necessary in the world, if she would waver, and be unstable of her words? Or institute every day some new knack, & now give this, and now take away that, yea where unto were such a God profitable, that would teach us so to waiver and to doubt? 1as the Theology of the Papists teacheth, that men must doubt of mercy. Whereof is written enough besides. For all though the Papists in all other causes had overcome, yet be they condemned in this Chief Article, that they teach. That we must doubt of the grace of God if we be not worthy enough before, through our own satisfaction, or merits, & intercession of saints. There be their Books, writings & seals Cloisters, Minsters, & also yet their ⟨image 75⟩bayly shaven Crowns and masses to bear witness.
And whereto were a Churche of God profitable and necessary in the worlde, yf she woulde wauer, and be vnstable of her wordes? Or institute euery daye some newe knacke, & nowe geue this, and nowe take awaye that, yea where vnto were such a God profitable, that woulde teache vs so to wayuer and to doubte? 1as the Theologie of the Papistes teachet, that men muste doubte of mercy. Vvhereof is writtē ynough besydes. For all though the Papistes in all other causes had ouercome, yet be they condēned in this Chyef Article, that they teache. That we muste doubte of the grace of God yf we be not worthy ynough before, through oure oune satisfaction, or merites, & intercession of saynctes. There be their Bookes, writtinges & seales Cloysters, Mynsters, & also yet their ⟨image 75⟩bayly shauen Crounes and masses to beare witnes.
