A88660:128
A word in season
A word in season: being the commentary of Dr. Martin Luther, on three selected Psalms: viz. the CXXIVth, CXXVth, and CXXIXth. With his commentary on some part of the fourth and fifth chapters of the First Epistle of St. Peter. Being of special use for the present times.
London: printed by George Larkin, 1685
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.
V. 2. Feed the flock of God, which dependeth upon you, caring for it, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy Lucre, but of a ready Mind.
Christ is the first and chiefest Pastor, who hath many Pastors under him; as he also hath many Flocks: whom being dispersed in sundry quarters of the World, he committeth to the charge and oversight of their Shepherds and Pastors, as in this Epistle of St. Peter, written into divers Countries and Regions, appeareth. But what is the charge of these Pastors to do? Forsooth, to feed the Flock of Christ. This word (Feed) the Pope hath raked and haled unto himself, whereby he goeth ⟨p. 51⟩about to prove himself Lord and Prince of all, and that it is in our own choice and Authority, to deal with the Sheep as he listeth himself. But alas, who is so ignorant that knoweth not what this word (Feed) meaneth: To wit, that the Pastors and Shepherds ought to provide Pasture for their Sheep, and to see them have their meat in convenient and due season, whereby they may grow to be fruitful: And moreover to watch that devouring Wolves rush not in among them, and tear the Flock in pieces? This word (Feed) signifieth nothing less then to kill and spoil.
Christ is the first and chiefest Pastour, who hath many Pastours under him; as he also hath many Flocks: whom being dispersed in sundry quarters of the World, he committeth to the charge and oversight of their Shepherds and Pastours, as in this Epistle of St. Peter, written into divers Countries and Regions, appeareth. But what is the charge of these Pastours to do? Forsooth, to feed the Flock of Christ. This word (Feed) the Pope hath raked and haled unto himself, whereby he goeth ⟨p. 51⟩