A67926:547
Acts and monuments of matters most special and memorable, happening in the Church. [vol. 2, part 1] with an universal history of the same, wherein is set forth at large the whole race and course of the Church, from the primitive age to these latter times of ours, with the bloody times, horrible troubles, and great persecutions against the true martyrs of Christ, sought and wrought as well by heathen emperors, as now lately practised by Romish prelates, especially in this realm of England and Scotland. Newly revised and recognised, partly also augmented, and now the fourth time again published and recommended to the studious reader, by the author (through the help of Christ our Lord) John Fox, which desireth thee good reader to help him with thy prayer.Actes and monuments of matters most speciall and memorable, happenyng in the Church. [vol. 2, part 1] with an vniuersall history of the same, wherein is set forth at large the whole race and course of the Church, from the primitiue age to these latter tymes of ours, with the bloudy times, horrible troubles, and great persecutions agaynst the true martyrs of Christ, sought and wrought as well by heathen emperours, as nowe lately practised by Romish prelates, especially in this realme of England and Scotland. Newly reuised and recognised, partly also augmented, and now the fourth time agayne published and recommended to the studious reader, by the author (through the helpe of Christ our Lord) Iohn Foxe, which desireth thee good reader to helpe him with thy prayer.
London: printed by John Daye, 1583London: printed by Iohn Daye, 1583
No title page in the transcription: set from the catalogue record.
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.
The princes consulted together upon this answer given by Luther: and when they had diligently examined the same, the prolocutor began to repel him thus.
The princes consulted together vpon this answere geuen by Luther: and whē they had diligently examined the same, the prolocutor began to repell him thus.
Martin (said he) thou hast more immodestly answered,1 then beseemed thy person, and also little to the purpose. Thou dividest thy books into three sorts, in such order as all that thou hast said, maketh nothing to the interrogation proponed: and therefore if thou haddest revoked those, wherein the greatest part of thine errors is contained, the Emperors Majesty, and the noble clemency of other would have suffered the rest that be sound, to sustain no injury. But thou doest revive and bringest to light again, all that the general Council of Constance hath condemned▪ the which was assembled of all the nation of Germany, & now doest require to be convinced with scriptures, wherein thou errest greatly. For what availeth it to renew disputation of things so long time past condemned by the church and Councils, unless it should be necessary to give a reason to every man of every thing that is concluded? Now were it so, that this should be permitted to every one that gaynestandeth the determination of the Church and councils, that he may once get his advantage,2 to be convinced by the Scriptures, we shall have nothing certain and established in Christendom.
Martin (sayd he) thou hast more immodestly aunswered,1 then beseemed thy person, and also litle to the purpose. Thou deuidest thy bookes into three sorts, in such order as all that thou hast sayd, maketh nothing to the interrogation proponed: and therefore if thou haddest reuoked those, wherein the greatest parte of thine errours is contayned, the Emperours Maiesty, and the noble clemency of other would haue suffered the rest that be sound, to susteyn no iniury. But thou doest reuiue and bringest to light againe, all that the generall Councell of Constance hath condemned▪ the which was assembled of all the nation of Germany, & now doest require to be conuinced with scriptures, wherin thou errest greatly. For what auayleth it to renue disputation of thinges so long time past condemned by ye church and Councels, vnlesse it should be necessary to geue a reason to euery man of euery thing that is concluded? Nowe were it so, that this should be permitted to euery one that gaynestandeth the determination of the Church and councels, that he may once get his aduauntage,2 to be conuinced by the Scriptures, we shall haue nothing certayne and established in Christendome.
And this is the cause wherefore the Emperors majesty requireth of thee a simple answer, either negative or affirmative, whether thou mindest to defend all thy works as Christian or no?
And this is the cause wherefore the Emperours maiesty requireth of thee a simple aunswere, either negatiue or affirmitiue, whether thou mindest to defend all thy works as Christian or no?
Then Luther turning to the Emperor, and the nobles, besought them, not to compel him to yield against his conscience confirmed with the holy Scriptures, without manifest arguments alleged to the contrary by his adversaries. I have declared and rendered (said he) mine answer simply and directly: neither have I any more to say, unless mine adversaries with true and sufficient probations grounded upon the Scripture, can reduce and resolve my mind, and refel mine errors, which they lay to my charge. I am tied (as I said) by the Scriptures, neither may I, or can with a safe conscience assent unto them. For as touching general Councils,1 with whose authority only they press me, I am able to prove, that they have both erred, and have defined many times things contrary to themselves: and therefore the authority of them, he said not to be sufficient, for the which he should call back those things, the verity whereof standeth so firm and manifest in the holy Scripture: that neither of him it ought to be required, neither could he so do without impiety.
Then Luther turning to the Emperour, and the nobles, besought them, not to compell him to yeelde agaynst his conscience confirmed with the holy Scriptures, wythout manifest argumentes alledged to the contrary by hys aduersaryes. I haue declared and rendred (sayd he) myne aunswere simply and directly: neyther haue I any more to saye, vnlesse mine aduersaryes with true and sufficient probations grounded vpon the Scripture, can reduce and resolue my minde, and refelle mine errours, which they lay to my charge. I am tyed (as I sayde) by the Scriptures, neither may I, or canne with a safe conscience assent vnto them. For as touching general Councels,1 with whose authority onely they presse me, I am able to proue, that they haue both erred, and haue defined many times things contrary to themselues: and therefore the authority of them, he sayd not to be sufficient, for the which he should call back those thinges, the verity wherof standeth so firme and manifest in the holy Scripture: that neyther of him it ought to be required, neither could he so do without impiety.
Whereunto the Official again answered, denying that any man could prove the Councils to have erred. But Luther alleged that he could, and promised to prove it, and now night approaching, the Lords rose and departed. And after Luther had taken his leave of the Emperor, divers Spaniards scorned and scoffed the good man in the way going toward his lodging, hallowing and whopping after him a long while.
Wherunto the Official agayne answered, denying that any man could proue the Coūcels to haue erred. But Luther alledged that he coulde, and promised to proue it, and now night approching, the Lordes rose and departed. And after Luther had taken his leaue of the Emperour, diuers Spaniardes scorned and scoffed the good man in the way going toward his lodging, halowing and whoping after him a long while.
Upon the friday following, when the Princes electors, Dukes, and other estates were assembled, the Emperor sent to the whole body of the council, a certain letter containing in effect as followeth.
Upon the friday folowing, when the Princes electors, Dukes, and other estates were assembled, the Emperour sent to the whole body of the councell, a certaine letter conteining in effect as foloweth.
Our predecessors, who truly were Christian princes,1 were obedient to the Romish Church, which Martin Luther presently impugneth. And therefore in as much as he is not determined to call back his errors in any one point, we cannot without great infamy and stain of honour, degenerate from the examples of our elders, but will maintain the ancient faith, and give aid to the see of Rome. And further, we be resolved to pursue Martin Luther and his adherents, by excommunications and by other means that may be devised, to extinguish his doctrine. Nevertheless we will not violate our faith, which we have promised him, but mean to give order for safe return to the place whence he came.
OVr predecessours, who truely were Christian princes,1 were obedient to the Romish Churche, which Martin Luther presently impugneth. And therfore in as much as he is not determined to call backe his errors in any one poynt, we cannot without great infamy and stayn of honor, degenerate from the examples of our elders, but will mayntayne the auncient fayth, and geue ayde to the see of Rome. And further, we be resolued to pursue Martin Luther and his adherentes, by excommunications and by other meanes that may be deuised, to extinguish his doctrine. Neuerthelesse we will not violate our fayth, which we haue promised him, but meane to geue order for safe returne to the place whence he came.
The Princes electors, Dukes,1 and other estates of the Empire, sate and consulted upon this sentence, on friday all the after noon, and saturday the whole day, so that Luther yet had no answer of the Emperor.
THe Princes electors, Dukes,1 and other estates of the Empire, sate and consulted vpon this sentence, on fryday al the after noone, and saterday the whole daye, so that Luther yet had no aunswere of the Emperour.
During this time, divers Princes, Earls, Barons, Knights of the Order, Gentlemen, Priests, Monks, with other the laity and common sort, visited him. Al these were present at all hours in the Emperors Court, and could not be satisfied with the sight of him. Also there were bills set up, some against Luther, and some, as it seemed, with him. Notwithstanding many supposed, and especially such as well conceived the matter, that this was subtly done by his enemies, that thereby occasion might be offered to infringe the safe conduct given him, the which the Roman Ambassadors with all diligence endeavoured to bring to pass.
During this time, diuers Princes, Earles, Barons, Knightes of the Order, Gentlemen, Priestes, Monkes, with other the laitie and common sort, visited him. Al these were present at al houres in the Emperours Courte, and could not be satisfied with the sight of him. Also there were bylles set vp, some against Luther, and some, as it seemed, with him. Notwithstanding many supposed, and especially such as wel conceiued the matter, that this was subtilly done by his enemies, that therby occasion might be offered to infringe the safe conduct giuen him, the which the Romane Ambassadours with all diligence endeuoured to bring to passe.
The Monday following, before supper, the Archbishop of Triers advertised Luther,1 that on Wednesday next he should appear before him, at nine of the clock ⟨p. 852⟩before dinner, and assigned him the place▪ On Saint Georges day a certain Chaplain of the Archbishop of Triers, about supper time came to Luther, by the commandment of the Bishop, signifying that at that hour and place prescribed, he must the morrow after have access to his master.
The Monday following, before supper, the Archebyshoppe of Triers aduertised Luther,1 that on Wednesdaye nexte hee shoulde appeare before hym, at nine of the clocke ⟨p. 852⟩before dynner, and assigned hym the place▪ On Sainte Georges daye a certaine Chapleine of the Archebishop of Triers, about supper tyme came to Luther, by the commaundement of the Byshop, signifying that at that houre and place prescribed, he must the morowe after haue accesse to his maister.
The morrow after saint Georges day, Luther obeying the Archbishops commandment,1 entered his palace, being accompanied thither with his said chaplain and one of the Emperors Heralds, and such as came in his company out of Saxony to Worms, with other his chief friends: where as Doctor Voeus, the Marquess of Bade's chaplain began to declare and protest in the presence of the Archbishop of Triers,2 Joachim Marquess of Brandenburg, George Duke of Saxony, the bishops of Augsburg and Brandenburg, the Earle George, John Bo•ke of Strasburg, Uerdcheymer and Peutinger Doctors, that Luther was not called to be conferred with, or to disputation, but only that the princes had procured licence of the Emperors majesty, through Christian charity, to have liberty granted unto them, to exhort Luther benignly & brotherly.
The morow after saynt Georges day, Luther obeying the Archbishops commaundement,1 entred his palace, being accompanyed thither with his sayd chaplayne and one of the Emperours Heraldes, and such as came in his company out of Saxony to Wormes, with other his chiefe frendes: where as Doctour Voeus, the Marques of Bades chaplein began to declare and protest in the presence of the Archbishop of Triors,2 Ioachime Marques of Brandeburge, George Duke of Saxonye, the bishops of Ausburge and Brandeburge, the Earle George, Iohn Bo•ke of Strasburge, Uerdcheymer and Peutinger Doctours, that Luther was not called to be conferred with, or to disputation, but onely that the princes had procured licence of the Emperors maiesty, through Christian charity, to haue liberty graunted vnto them, to exhort Luther beningly & brotherly.
He said further, that albeit the Councils had ordained divers things,1 yet they had not determined contrary matters. And albeit they had greatly erred, yet their authority was not therefore abased or at the least, not so erred, that it was lawful for every man to impugn their opinions: inferring moreover many things of Zacheus and the Centurion: Also of the constitutions and traditions and, of Ceremonies ordained of men, affirming that all these were established to repress vices, according to the quality of times: and that the Church could not be destitute of human constitutions. It is true (said he) that by the fruits the tree may be known, yet of these laws and decrees of men, many good fruits have proceeded:2 and saint Martin, saint Nicholas, and many other Saints have been present at the Councils.
He sayd further, that albeit the Councels had ordeyned diuers thinges,1 yet they had not determined contrary matters. And albeit they had greatly erred, yet theyr authority was not therefore abased or at the least, not so erred, that it was lawful for euery man to impugne theyr opinions: inferring moreouer many thinges of Zacheus and the Centurion: Also of the constitutions and traditions and, of Ceremonies ordeyned of men, affirming that all these were established to represse vices, according to the qualitye of tymes: and that the Church could not be destitute of human constitutions. It is true (sayde he) that by the fruites the tree may be known, yet of these lawes and decrees of men, many good fruites haue proceeded:2 and sainct Martin, saint Nicholas, and many other Sayntes haue bene present at the Councels.
Moreover, that Luther's books would breed a great tumult and incredible troubles, and that he abused the common sort with his book of Christian liberty, encouraging them to shake of their yoke, and to confirm in them a disobedience: that the world now was at another stay, then when the believers were all of one hart and soul, and therefore it was requisite and behovefull to have laws. It was to be considered (said he) albeit he had written many good things, and (no doubt) of a good mind, as De Triplice justitia, and other matters, yet how the devil now by crafty means goeth about to bring to pass, that all his works for ever should be condemned: for by these books which he wrote last, men (said he) would judge and esteem him, as the tree is known, not by the blossom, but by the fruit.
Moreouer, that Luthers bookes would breede a great tumult and incredible troubles, and that he abused the cō mon sort wich his booke of Christian liberty, encouraging them to shake of theyr yoke, and to confirme in them a disobedience: that the world nowe was at another stay, then when the beleuers were all of one hart and soule, and therfore it was requisite and behouefull to haue lawes. It was to be considered (sayde he) albeit he had writtē many good thinges, and (no doubt) of a good mind, as De Triplice iustitia, and other matters, yet howe the deuill now by craftye meanes goeth about to bring to passe, that all his workes for euer should be condemned: for by these bookes which he wrote last, men (sayd he) would iudge and esteeme him, as the tree is knowen, not by the blosome, but by the fruit.
Here he added something of the noon devil, and of the spirit coming in the dark,1 and of the flying arrow. All his oration was exhortatory, full of Rhetorical places of honesty, of utility, of laws, of the dangers of conscience, and of the common particular wealth, repeating offer this sentence in the proheme, middle, and epilogue of his oration: that this admonition was given him of a singular good will, and great clemency. In the shutting up of his oration, he added manacinges, saying: that if he would abide in his purposed intent, the Emperor would proceed further, and banish him from the Empire, persuading him deliberately to ponder, and to advise these and other things.
Here he added something of the noone deuil, and of the spirite comming in the darcke,1 and of the flying arrow. All his oration was exhortatory, full of Rhetoricall places of honesty, of vtility, of lawes, of the daungers of conscience, and of the common particular wealth, repeating ofre this sentence in the proheme, midle, and epilogue of his oratiō: that this admonition was geuen him of a singulare good will, and great clemency. In the shutting vp of his oration, he added manacinges, saying: that if he would abide in his purposed intent, the Emperour woulde proceede further, and banish him from the Empyre, perswading hym deliberately to ponder, and to aduise these and other thinges.
Martin Luther answered, Most noble Princes, and my most gracious Lords,1 I render most humble thanks for your benignities and singular good wills, whence proceedeth this admonition: For I know my self to be so base, as by no means I can deserve to be admonished of so mighty estates.
Martin Luther answered, Most noble Princes, and my most gracious Lordes,1 I render most humble thankes for your benignityes and singuler good wils, whence proceedeth this admonition: For I knowe my selfe to be so base, as by no meanes I canne deserue to bee admonished of so mighty estates.
