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AL best in this common sorrow my voice shall be troubled with dolour & tears: yet I must say somewhat in this frequent assembly, not (as the Pagans solemn custom was) to sing the Encomye of the dead, but rather to admonish this company of the marvellous government, & perils of the Church, that we may consider for what causes we ought to be careful & pensive, what things we have special need of, & to what examples we ought to direct our life. For although profane men beholding this horrible confusion in this mortal estate, supposing allthings are transported by adventure, and governed by Fortune: yet we confirmed with ⟨image 46⟩many evident testimonies of God, let1 us separate the Church from the ungodly multitude, let us persuade our selves the same hath been preserved, and ruled by divine providence, & •et us perpen• what is the policy of the same. Let us acknowledge the true governors, and endeavour to frame our cou••e conformable to theirs. Let us ••ec• Guides & cove••ent Instructors, whom we may godly imitate & have in reverence. It shall be most expedient for so meditate and speak of these weighty & grave matters, as of ten & when mention shall be made of the Reverend man Martin Luther, our dearly beloved Master. Whom we must tenderly love & commend, since we know that he was divinely raised to be a Minister of the Gospel, although many profane men, & such as contemned the Gospel, hated him deadly. We ought also to collect testimonies,2 whereby we may demonstrate his doctrine contained no seditious opinions injuriously and with temerarious affection sown, as the Epicurean sect imagineth, but that by his doctrine, the will and faithful ⟨image 47⟩worshipping of God, & his holy scriptures are expressed, & the word of God y• is, the glad tidings of Jesus Christ sincerely announced. Al be it in these Dracions accustomably made in this place, we were wont orderly to depaint the particular ornaments of them, whom we praised: yet I omitting that member of Oration, intend to treat only of this principal article, Ecclesiastical function. For the wise & godly will deliberate & determine in them selves resolutely this:
AL best in thys common sorrow my voyce shalbe troubled wyth dolour & teares: yet I must saye somewhat in thys frequent assembly, not (as the Paganes solemne custome was) to sing the Encomye of the dead, but rather to admonish this companye of the marueilous gouernment, & perils of the Church, that we may consider for what causes we ought to be careful & pensiue, what thinges we haue special neede of, & to what examples we ought to direct our lyfe. For although prophane men beholding this horrible confusion in thys mortall estate, supposing althinges are transported by aduenture, and gouerned by Fortune: yet we confirmed wyth ⟨image 46⟩many euident testimonies of God, let1 vs separate the Church from the vngodly multitude, let vs perswade our selues the same hath bene preserued, and ruled by diuine prouidence, & •et vs perpen• what is the policye of the same. Let vs acknowledge the true gouernours, and endeuour to frame our cou••e conformable to theirs. Let vs ••ec• Guides & coue••ent Instructors, whom we maye godly imitate & haue in reuerence. It shalbe most expedient for so meditate and speake of these waighty & graue matters, as of ten & when mencion shall be made of the Reuerend man Martine Luther, our dearely beloued Maister. Whom we must tenderly loue & commende, synce we know that he was diuinely reysed to be a Minister of the Gospel, although many prophane mē, & suche as contempned the Gospel, hated him deadlye. We ought also to collect testemonies,2 whereby we may demonstrate his doctrine contayned no sedicious opinions iniuriously and wyth temerarious affection sowen, as the Epicurean sect imagineth, but that by hys doctrine, the wil and faythful ⟨image 47⟩worshipping of God, & hys holy scriptures ar expressed, & the word of God y• is, the glad tidyngs of Iesus Christ sincerely announced. Al be it in these Dracions accustomably made in this place, we wer wōt orderly to depaint the particular ornamentes of them, whō we praysed: yet I omit•yng that member of Oration, entend to treate only of this principal article, Ecclesiastical function. For the wise & godly wyll deliberate & determine in them selues resoluteli this:
If Luther hath manifested the necessary doctrine of salvation in y• Church, great thanks are to be given to God, who hath raised him, & we must commend his industry, faith, constancy, & many other his celestial virtues, and endeavour the memory of this man may be embraced and reverenced of every man.
If Luther hath manyfested the necessarye doctryne of saluacion in y• Church, great thankes are to be geuen to God, who hath raised him, & we must commend hys industry, faith, constancy, & many other hys celestiall vertues, and endeuour the memory of thys man may be embraced and reuerenced of euery man.
Let this then be the Proem of my Oration. The Son of God (as Paul saith) sitteth at the right hand of the everlasting father, & ministereth good things to men, that is, the voice, of the Gospel, & the holy ghost, and to distribute these gifts, he raiseth Prophets, Apostles, Doctors & Pastors, • ⟨image 47⟩taketh these out of our congregation, such as do learn, who profess, hear & embrace the Prophets & Apostles1 writings. And calleth not only those to this warfare, which have ordinary power, but also he denounceth war against them often times, by Doctors chosen of an other estate. It is most comfortable, & a pleasant spectacle to consider the Church of all ages, & to remember the bounty of God, who from time to time hat sent successively godly Doctors, to the end that when the first were in battle consumed, other might supply their ranks to achieve that the former begun.
Let thys then be the Proeme of my Oration. The Sonne of God (as Paule sayth) sitteth at the right hand of the euerlasting father, & ministreth good things to men, that is, the voice, of the Gospel, & the holy ghost, and to distribute these giftes, he rayseth Prophets, Apostles, Doctors & Pastors, • ⟨image 47⟩taketh these out of our congregacion, such as do learne, who professe, heare & embrace the Prophetes & Apostles1 writings. And calleth not only those to this warfare, which haue ordinari power, but also he denounceth warre against them often times, by Doctors chosen of an other estate. It is moste comfortable, & a pleasaūt spectacle to consider the Churche of all ages, & to remember the bountye of God, who from time to time hat sent successiuely godly Doctors, to thend that when the first were in battayl consumed, other might supply theyr rankes to atchieue that the former begonne.
The continual order of y• first fathers1 Adam, Seth, Enoch, Methuselah Noah Shem is notorious. This Shem living & inhabiting the country nigh to Sodom, when the people had forgotten the doctrine of Noah, & every where honoured Idols, Abraham was raised to be Shem's companion to assist him, to perform this great work. After succeeded Isaac, Jacob Joseph, y• which Joseph in y• universal territory of Egypt (which then excelled all other kingdoms in y• world) illumined the light of doctrine. ⟨image 48⟩Then followed Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Elijah, Elisha, whose Auditor was Isaiah. After Isaiah cam Jeremiah, after Jeremy, Daniel, after Daniel Zechariah, immediately succeeded Esoras and Omas, after Onias the Maccabees. Then after ensued Simeon, Zechariah, John Baptist, Jesus Christ, & the Apostles. It is convenient to consider this continual sequel, for that it is an evident testimony of Gods presence in the Church.
The cōtinual order of y• first fathers1 Adam, Seth, Enoch, Mathusalē Noe Sem is notorious. This Sem liuing & inhabiting the country nigh to Sodome, when the people had forgotten the doctrine of Noe, & euery wher honored Idols, Abraham was raysed to be Sems compagniō to assist hym, to performe this great worke. After succeded Isac, Iacob Ioseph, y• which Ioseph in y• vniuersal territori of Egipt (which thē excelled all other kingdōs in y• world) illumined the light of doctrine. ⟨image 48⟩Then folowed Moses, Iosue, Samuel, Dauid, Elias, Elizeus, whose Auditor was Esay. After Esay cam Ieremy, after Ieremye, Daniel, after Daniel Zachary, immediatly succeded Esoras and Omas, after Onias the Machabees. Then after ensued Simeon, Zachary, Iohn Baptist, Iesus Christ, & the Apostles. It is conuenient to consider thys continual sequele, for that it is an euidēt testimonye of Gods presence in the Church.
After the Apostles followed an other1 flock, the which albeit weaker, yet adorned with the testimonies of God, as Polycarp, Ireneus, Gregory Neocesariē, Basil, Austen, Prosper, Marimus, Hugo, Bernard, Tau lerus, and many other in divers places. All be it this last age was more gross, and stuffed with ordures, yet God preserved always some remnants. And it is clear the Gospel hath received much light by the preaching of Luther.
After the Apostles followed an other1 flocke, the whych albeit weaker, yet adorned wyth the testimonyes of God, as Policarpe, Ireneus, Gregory Neocesariē, Basile, Austen, Prosper, Marimus, Hugo, Bernard, Tau lerus, and many other in diuers places. All be it thys last age was more grosse, and stuffed wyth ordures, yet God preserued alwayes somme remaintes. And it is cleare the Gospell hath receiued much light by the preachyng of Luther.
Then must we collocate him among this select & blissful Troupe of godly and excellent Mirrors, whom God hath sent to gather & restore his ⟨image 48⟩Church, that we may understand this was the principal flower of human kin•• ▪ Solon, Themistocles, Scipio. Augustus, were excellent & worthy men, who established and governed large Realms & great Empires: yet were they mu•• inferior then these our Guides. Esa• John Baptist, S. Paul, Austen, and Luther. It is necessary for us to understand these differentes in the Church.
Then muste we collocate hym among this select & blisful Troupe of godly and excellent Mirrours, whom God hath sent to gather & restore hys ⟨image 48⟩Church, that we may vnderstand this was the principal flower of humaine kin•• ▪ Solon, Themistocles, Scipio. Augustus, were excellent & woorthy men, who established and gouerned large Realmes & great Empires: yet were they mu•• inferiour then these our Guides. Esa• Iohn Baptist, S. Paule, Austen, and Luther. It is necessary for vs to vnderstand these differentes in the Church.
What then are the absolute & true matters y• Luther hath manifested, which giveth great glory to his works, and maketh his praise live in the mouth of men? Many cry out that the Church is disturbed, & controversies planted in them, not easy to be unfolded. I answer to these: Such is the government of the Church, when the holy Ghost argueth the world, many dissentions grow through the perverse stubbornness of the wicked, & they are in fault, y• will not hear the1 Son of God, of whom the Father pronounceth: Hear him. Luther hath revealed the true & necessary doctrine, for it is most certain, there was wonderful gross darkness in the doctrine ⟨image 49⟩of repentance. This discussed, he declareth what is perfect penitence, which is the trusty port & assured comfort of the spirit astonied with the feeling of Gods anger. He hath illumined S. Pauls doctrine, which treateth, man is justified by faith. He hath expressed what difference is betwixt the Law & the Gospel, betwixt spiritual & civil Justice. He hath explained what is the true invocation of God, and revoked the Church wholly from all Pagan and profane lunacy and furor, who feign that God is invocated, when the spirits oppressed with Academical doubts, flee God. He hath exhorted to prayer in pure conscience, & hath guided us as it were by the hand to the only mediator the Son of God, sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and interceding for us, & not to Images and dead me, as the Infidels moved with horrible madness invocated Idols and senseless Stocks.
What then are the absolute & true matters y• Luther hathe manifested, which geueth great glory to his workes, and maketh hys praise liue in the mouth of men? Many cry out that the Church is disturbed, & controuersies planted in them, not easy to be vnfolded. I aunswer to these: Suche is the gouernment of the Churche, when the holy Ghost argueth the worlde, many dissentions growe through the peruers stubbornes of the wycked, & they are in fault, y• wyll not heare the1 Sonne of God, of whom the Father pronoūceth: Heare hym. Luther hath reueled the true & necessary doctrine, for it is most certain, ther was wonderfull grosse darknes in the doctrine
He hath also instructed other duties acceptable to God, and so a dourned and fortified civil life, as none to this day with more perfection. Further ⟨image 49⟩he hath sequestered childish institution of human ceremonies, y• customs and laws letting true invocation from necessary works. And that this heavenly doctrine manifested might come to posterity, he translated the Prophets and Apostles works, into his maternal tong, with such perspicuity, that his traduction giveth more light to the Readers, then the Commentaries of divers other.
He hath also instructed other dutyes acceptable to God, and so a dourned and fortefied ciuil life, as none to thys day wyth more perfection. Further ⟨image 49⟩he hath sequestred childish instituciō of humain ceremonies, y• customs aud lawes lettyng true inuocation from necessary workes. And that this heauenly doctrine manyfested might come to posteritye, he translated the Prophetes and Apostles workes, into hys maternal tong, wyth such perspi•uitye, that hys traduction geueth more lyght to the Readers, then the Commentaries of diuers other.
Hereunto he hath added many Enarrations, the which as Erasmus1 in time paste affirmed, passed all others, that be extant. And as it is reported of such as reedified Jerusalem that they builded with one hand, and held the sword with the other: even so Luther fought against y• enemies of Christian doctrine, and at that instant devised enarrations, replenished with heavenly doctrine, and in2 this exploit, he hath comforted and relieved the consciences of many with faithful Counsels.
Hereunto he hath added manye Enarrations, the whych as Erasmus1 in tyme paste affirmed, passed all others, that be extant. And as it is reported of such as reedified Ierusalem that they buylded with one hand, and held the sword wyth the other: euen so Luther fought agaynst y• enemyes of Christian doctrine, and at that instant deuised enarracions, replenished wyth heauenlye doctrine, and in2 thys exployte, he hath comforted and releued the consciences of many with faythfull Councels.
And as it appeareth the greatest part of his doctrine, surmounteth the compass of humane capacity, as the doctrine of remission of since & faith. ⟨image 50⟩So must we necessarily confess he was taught of God, and divers of us have seen his conflicts, in the which he learned, that we should persuade our selves this, that by faith we are heard and received of God.
And as it appeareth the greatest part of his doctrine, surmounteth the compasse of humayne capacity, as the doctrine of remission of syns & fayth. ⟨image 50⟩So muste we necessarilye confesse he was taught of God, and diuers of vs haue sene his conflictes, in the which he learned, that we should perswade our selues this, that by fayth we are heard and receaued of God.
The sincere & godly wits shall celebrate forever, the benefits which God hath conferred to his Church by Luther, and first they shall render thanks to God, then protest, they are much obliged to his learned labours: albeit the Atheists, who universally have the church in derision, esteem an• judge these true offices and duties, a childish pastime, a mere folly, and alienation of the mind.
The sincere & godly wyts shal celebrate foreuer, the benefites whyche God hath conferred to his Church by Luther, and fyrste they shall render thankes to God, then protest, they ar much obliged to hys learned labors: albert the Atheistes, who vniuersally haue the church in derisiō, esteme an• iudge these true offices and dutyes, a chyidysh pastime, a mere folye, and alienacion of the mynde.
He hath not excitated indissoluble disputations, neither proponed to the Church, the Apple of contention, nor published obscurities & enigmes. For he is easy to the faithful & godly, and such as be of sound understanding, & slanderously will not give judgement, by conference of sentences to consider what agreeth with the heavenly doctrine. and what dissenteth. And that more is, the godly are fully resolved▪ that these differentes were long ⟨image 50⟩since appointed. For since Gods pleasure is we should behold & know his will in the Prophets and Apostles works (in the which he hath manifested himself) we may not think his words are doubtful, as the leaves of Sibilla.
He hath not excitated indissoluble disputacions, neither proponed to the Church, the Apple of contencion, nor published obscurities & enigmes. For he is easy to the faythful & godly, and such as be of sound vnderstandyng, & sclaunderouslye wyll not geue iudgement, by conference of sentences to cō sider what agreeth with the heauenly doctrine. and what dissenteth. And that more is, the godly are fully resolued▪ that these differentes were longe ⟨image 50⟩synce appointed. For since Gods pleasure is we should behold & know hys wyll in the Prophetes and Apostles workes (in the which he hath manyfested hymselfe) we maye not thynke hys woordes are doubtfull, as the leaues of Sibilla.
But some (which were not perverse) have complained that Luther was1 more vehement, then n•de required. I will not dispute against any: but I answer this that Erasmus hath often said: God hath given this last age a sharp Physician, because of y• great diseases of the same, & therefore since he hath raised such an organ against the truths enemies, and against the proud and impudent, as he hath said to Jeremiah, behold I have placed my words in thy mouth, to the end thou shouldest destroy & edify, & also hath pleased him to set before their beards this Gorgon or buckler, in vain they quarrel with God. God governeth his Church not by mans Counsels, neither will have his organs all alike. This is a common thing, mean and moderate spirits cannot brook vehement motions, whether they be ⟨image 51⟩good or evil. Aristides beholding Themistocles enterprise great matters, with a pathetical incitation of the mind, whereof he had prosperous success, although he did gratulate the common weals prosperity: yet he laboured diligently to revoke Themistocles vehement mind from y• course.
But some (which wer not peruers) haue compiayned that Luther was1 more vehement, then n•de required. I wyl not dispute against any: but I aunswer this that Erasmus hath often said: God hath giuen this last age a sharpe Phisiciō, because of y• great diseases of the same, & therfore synce he hath reysed such an organe against the truthes enemies, and agaynst the proude and impudent, as he hath said to Ieremy, beholde I haue placed my wordes in thy mouth, to thende thou shouldest destroy & edefye, & also hath pleased hym to set before their beards this Gorgon or buckler, in vaine thei quarell wyth God. God gouerneth hys Church not by mans Counsels, netheir wyll haue hys organes all alyke. This is a common thing, mean and moderate spirites cannot brooke vehement motions, whether they be ⟨image 51⟩good or euyll. Aristides beholdynge Themistocles enterprise great matters, wyth a patheticall incitacion of the minde, wherof he had prosperous successe, althoughe he dyd gratulate the cōmon weales prsperity: yet he laboured diligētly to reuoke Themistocles vehement mynde from y course.
Neither I deny that sometimes vehement motions offend, there is none in this infirmity of Nature, void of spot. Yet if there be any such as the authentic writers have reported of Hercules, Cimon, and other, deformed & misshapen: yet apt and upright in excellent exploits. Certainly I must confess that these be good and praise worthy, and as S. Paul saith, if he do his duty well in the Church, observing faith, and a pure conscience, he is acceptable to God, and we ought to reverence him.
Neyther I deny that sometymes vehement mocions offend, ther is none in thys infirmity of Nature, voide of spot. Yet if ther be any such as the autentick writers haue reported of Hercules, Cimon, and other, deformed & misshapen: yet apt and vpryght in excellent exploictes. Certaynly I must confesse that these be good and praise worthy, and as S. Paule sayth, yf he do hys duty wel in the Church, obseruyng fayth, and a pure conscience, he is acceptable to God, and we oughte to reuerence hym.
We know that Luther hath been such, for constantly he hath maintained the sincerity of the Gospel, and retained an integrity of conscience. Now what is he (that hath known Luther) & is ignorant, with what1 humanity he was garnished? How af ⟨image 51⟩fable he was to all such as in familiar conference, or grave devise had to do with him. How void he was of contention & brawl, & yet among these virtues he had such a gravity, as decently became his calling. His manners were good, his words sweet and pleasant. Finally, allthings (as S. Paul saith) were in him true, honest, just, pure, amiable, & renowned, in so much that we may plainly perceive his vehemency proceeded of a zealous affection he bare to the truth, rather then of any natural sharpness, & here of not only we, but many are evident witnesses. As touching the rest of his2 life, which he prolonged to .lxiii. years, employing the same with fervent affection in the fear of God, & in all good & liberal sciences, if I had deliberated to say ought in his praise, what ample theme, what abundance of matter is ministered to me to frame an excellent & goodly Oration. No inordinate desires, no seditious counsels reigned in him. He exhorted to peace & dissuaded war. He meddled not private care with ecclesiastical causes, there by to enrich himself, or advance his friends. ⟨image 52⟩I judge this to be so great wisdom & virtue, that by humane diligence it cannot only be procured, but it behoveth high, vehement, & subtle minds (as it appeareth Luther's was) to be bridled divinely.
We knowe that Luther hath bene such, for constantly he hath mayntained the sinceritye of the Gospel, and retayned an integrity of conscience. Now what is he (that hath knowen Luther) & is ignoraunt, wyth what1 humanity he was garnished? How af ⟨image 51⟩fable he was to al such as in familiar conference, or graue deuise had to do wyth hym. How voyde he was of contencion & brawle, & yet among these vertues he had such a grauity, as decently became hys callyng. His manners wer good, his wordes swete and pleasaunt. Finally, althinges (as S. Paule saith) wer in him true, honest, iust, pure, amiable, & renoumed, in so much that we maye plainly perceyue hys vehemencye proceded of a zelous affection he bare to the truth, rather then of any natural sharpenes, & here of not onely we, but many are euidēt witnesses. As touching the rest of his
What shall I say of other his virtues? I often times came unawares1 upon him, when he with tears berayning his cheeks, prayed for the universal Church. He prescribed certain hours every day to recite some Psalms, and in pronouncing them, he expressed his affection, with mourning & tears. He rebuked ever those that through negligence, or other domestical business, said: they served God sufficiently, in making a secret zealous prayer, declaring to them that we have forms set forth by divine counsel, to the end that in reading we may awaken our minds, and with voice testify what God we call upon.
What shal I saye of other his vertues? I often tymes came vnwares1 vpon hym, when he wyth teares berayning hys chekes, prayed for the vniuersal Church. He prescribed certayn houres euery day to recite some Psalmes, and in pronouncing them, he expressed his affection, wyth mourning & teares. He rebuked euer those that through negligence, or other domestical busines, sayde: they serued God sufficiently, in makyng a secret zelous prayer, declaring to them that we haue fourmes set foorth by diuine counsell, to thend that in reading we may awaken our myndes, and wyth voyce testify what God we call vpon.
And when occasion was offered to enter in consultation about imminent dangerous, we always observed his marvellous constancy of courage, neither would he lurk appalled, neither represent any face ef ⟨image 52⟩fear, with the terror thereof. He leaned always to the Lord, as to his holy anchor, and never waved in any point of his faith.
And when occasion was offered to enter in consultacion about imminent daungerous, we alwaies obserued hys marueilous constancy of courage, neyther would he lurke appalled, neyther represent anye face ef ⟨image 52⟩feare, wyth the terrour therof. He leaned alwayes to the Lord, as to hys holye ancre, and neuer waued in anye poynt of hys fayth.
Further, he was so ingenious, that alone he considered what was necessary1 to be done in doubtful cases. Neither was he (as many suppose) negligent in the consideration of the public weal, neither ignorant of the minds and inclinations of other, but he well understood the state of the common weal, no man better, & perceived most prudently the natural dispositions and wills of them, with whom he was conversant. And albeit he was of a jolly & politic head: yet he most greedily red the Ecclesiastical Writers, old and new, & all the histories, the examples, whereof he converted with a singular dexterity, to the profit of mans life, and present affairs2
Further, he was so ingenious, that alone he considered what was necessary1 to be done in doubtful cases. Neither was he (as many suppose) negligent in the consideracion of the publicke weale, neyther ignoraunt of the myndes and inclinaciōs of other, but he wel vnderstode the state of the common weale, no man better, & perceyued most prudently the natural dispositions and wylles of them, with whō he was cōuersant. And albeit he was of a ioly & politicke head: yet he moste gredely red the Ecclesiasticall Wryters, old and new, & all the histories, the examples, whereof he conuerted wyth a syngular dexterity, to the profite of mans lyfe, and present affaires2
Of his eloquence we have everlasting testimonies, wherein certainly he was equivalent to any that excelled in art Oratory.
Of hys eloquenc•e we haue euerlasting testimonies, wherein certaynly he was equiualent to any that excelled in arte Oratory.
Then with good cause we may lament the lack of him, who in wisdom and liveliness of spirit was so ⟨image 53⟩excellent, so garnished with doctrine▪ so exercise▪ with vie, so adorned with many & those heroical virtues, so elected of God, for the restoration of the Church, and finally with so paternal affection, loving and embracing us, we are like Orphelius, deprived of a faithful and famous father. And albeit necessarily we must obey divine order: yet let us endeavour the memory of his benefits & virtues may remain immortal with us. And let us rejoice that presently he is in the blessed & sweet company of God & his well-beloved Son our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prophets and Apostles,1 whose so[…]etye through the faith he had in the Son of God, he hath daily desired, and attended. Whereas now he heareth his labours only approved by the judgement of God, and the testimony of all the heavenly Church, which he sustained for the propagation of the Gospel: but also taken out of this mortal body as out of a prison, and entered into a school adorned with more excellent doctrine, he beholdeth the essence of god, the two natures conjoined in the Son, ⟨image 53⟩and all the couns•• of h[…] creation and redemption of the church. The which divine m•ste••es ••r•ked, and with compendious oracles proponed he considered here only by faith, out now more •u•••nt. y veholdyng them, he rejoiceth & fervently inflamed with the love of God, he rendereth thanks for this so great & singular benefit.
Then wyth good cause we may lament the lacke of hym, who in wysedome and lyuelynes of spirite was so ⟨image 53⟩excellent, so garnished with doctrine▪ so exercise wyth vie, so adorned with many & those heroyical vertues, so elected of God, for the restauration of the Curch, and finally with so paternal affection, louyng and embracing vs, we are lyke Orphelius, depriued of a faythful and famous father. And albeit necessarelye we must obey diuine order: yet let vs endeuour ye memory of hys benefites & vertues may remayne immortal wyth vs. And let vs reioyce that presently he is in the blessed & swete company of God & his welbeloued Sonne our Lorde Iesus Christ, the Prophetes and Apostles,
There he learneth wherefore the Son of God is called the word and Image of the eternal Father, & how the holy ghost is the band of mutual love, not only betwixt the eternal Father and the Son, but also betwixt them and the Church. For he had learned the rudiments and principles of this doctrine in this mortal life, and mentioned oftentimes these celestial matters, the difference betwixt true and false invocation, the true knowledge of God, beholding the divine manifestations, & the discerning of the true God, from forged and invented Gods, & these matters he disputed very wisely & grave••
There he learneth wherefore the sonne of God is called the woord and Image of the eternal Father, & how the holy ghost is the band of mutuall loue, not onelye betwyxt the eternall Father and the Sonne, but also betwyxt them and the Church. For he had learned the ru••mentes and principles of thys doctrine in thys mortal lyfe, and mencioned oftentimes these celestiall matters, the difference betwyrt true and false inuocation, the true knowledge of God, beholdyng the diuine manifestacions, & the discernynge of the true God, from foreged and inuented Gods, & these matters he disputed very wisely & graue••
Many in this Auditory have heard him at certain times expressing this sentence: Ye shall see the heavens opened, ⟨image 54⟩and the Angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man. In the exposition of this, he exhorted his Auditors to plant in their hearts this singular consolation, the which affirmeth that the heaven is opened, that is to say, way made open for us to pass to God, the bar of Gods wrath removed from such as have recourse to the Son, that God is familiarly conversant with us now, and that he receiveth, governeth and conserveth such as invocate him. He admonished that that1 decree of God, which the Atheists exclaim to be fabulous, ought to resist all those human doubts & dreads, which keep back the wandering minds, that they dare not invocate God, and repose in him.
Many in thys Auditory haue heard hym at certayn times expressing this sentence: Ye shal see the heauens opened, ⟨image 54⟩and the Aungels of God ascendyng and descending vpon the sonne of man. In the exposicion of thys, he exhorted hys Auditours to plant in theyr hartes thys syngular consolacion, the whyche affirmeth that the heauen is opened, that is to say, way made open for vs to passe to God, the barre of Gods wrathe remoued from suche as haue recourse to the Sonne, that God is familiarlye conuersaunt wyth vs now, and that he receyueth, gouerneth and conserueth such as inuocate hym. He admonished yt that1 decree of God, which the Atheistes exclame to be fabulous, ought to resyst al those humaine doubtes & dreades, whyche keepe backe the wanderyng myndes, that they dare not innocate God, and repose in hym.
Further, he said that the Angels ascending and descending in the body of Jesus Christ, were the Ministers of the Gospel. Who first by Christ their Guide, ascended to God, & received of him the light of the Gospel, and the golly Ghost. Then after they descended, that is to say, they had the charge to profess and instruct among men.
Further, he sayd that the Aungels ascending and descending in the body of Iesus Christ, wer the Ministers of the Gospel. Who first by Christ their Guide, ascended to God, & receiued of hym the lyght of the Gospell, and the goly Ghost. Then after they descended, that is to say, thei had the charge to professe and enstruct among men.
He added this interpretation, that the very heavenly spirits which we commonly call Angels, beholding the Son, are instructed & r••oy•e in this marvellous conjunction of two natures, & for that they war under the Lord for the defence of the Church, they be also governed by his hand.
He added thys interpretacion, that the very heauenly spirites which we commonly cal Angels, beholding the sonne, are instructed & r••oy•e in this merueylous con•unction of twoo natures, & for that they war vnder the Lord for the defence of the Churche, they be also gouerned by hys hand.
He presently beholdeth these so excellent things, and as before he ascended and descended among the Ministers of the Gospel, by the conduction of Jesus Christ, so now he seeth the Angels sent by him, & hath equal fruition with them of the contemplation & consideration, of the divine wisdom and marvellous works of God. We remember well what incredible pleasure he conceived in reciting the policies of the Prophets, their counsels, dangers and deliverances, and how learnedly he conferred all times of the Church, that he well declared with what burning desire he longed to be in the society of these excellent personages. He embraceth these now & rejoiceth to have mutual conference in lively voice. These salute their loving companion ⟨image 55⟩newly repaired to them, and jointly yield thanks to God, that he assembleth and conserveth his Church.
He presently beholdeth these so excellent thynges, and as before he ascended and descended among the Ministers of the Gospell, by the conduction of Iesus Christe, so nowe he seeth the Aungels sent by hym, & hath equal fruicion wyth them of the contemplacion & consideracion, of the diuine wysdome and marueylous workes of God. We remember wel what incredible pleasure he conceiued in recityng the policies of the Prophetes, theyr counsels, daungers and deliueraunces, and how learnedlye he conferred al tymes of the Church, that he wel declared wyth what burnyng desyre he longed to be in the societye of these excellent personages. He embraceth these now & reioyceth to haue mutual conference in lyuelye voyce. These salute their louyng companiō ⟨image 55⟩newly repayred to them, and ioyntly yeld thankes to God, that he assembleth and conserueth hys Church.
Let us not doubt, but that Luther is in happy & blessed estate. & let us lament the loss & •acke of so virtuous & heavily a father, & as duty bindeth us to obey the wit of God, who hath reft us such a rare •ewel: so let us understand Gods pleasure is, we should consecrate to etern•••, y• memory of his virtues and benefits. Let us •hen in this apply ou• diligence, let us imitate as we be able, his virtues which is expedient for us to know, that is, the fear of God, faith, fervency in prayer, cleanness in ministry, chastity, diligence to eschew counsels tending to sedition, and desire to learn. And as it behoveth us, to remember the other faithful governors of the Church, whose histories we read, as Jeremiah John Baptist, & S. Paul. So let us consider oftentimes the doctrine and order of this reverend father, & herewith let us add prayer, and action of thanks, as it becometh us now to do in this assembly.
Let vs not doubt, but that Luther is in happy & blessed estate. & let vs lament the losse & •acke of so vertuous & heauely a father, & as duty byndeth vs to obey the wyt of God, who hath reft vs such a rare •ewel: so let vs vnderstand Gods pleasure is, we should cōsecrate to etern•••, y• memory of his vertues and benefites. Let vs •hen in thys apply ou• diligence, let vs imitate as we be able, his vertues which is expediet for vs to know, that is, the feare of God, fayth, feruecy in praier, cleannes in ministerye, chastity, diligence to eschew counsels tendyng to sedicion, and desyre to learne. And as it behoueth vs, to remēber the other faythful gouernours of the Churche, whose histories we reade, as Ieremy Iohn Baptist, & S. Paule. So let vs consider oftentymes the doctrine and order of thys reuerend father, & herewyth let vs adde prayer, and action of thankes, as it becōmeth vs now to do in thys assembly.
WE render thanks unto thee, O1 most puissant God, eternal father of our Lord Jesus Christ, founder of thy Church, together with thy Son coeternal our Lord Jesus Christ, & the holy ghost, wise, good, merciful, righteous judge, mighty & having power over allthings, for that thou gatherest unto thy Son an inheritance, & conservest the ministry of the Gospel, & now by Luther hast restored the same. And we pray thee with fervent affection that thou wilt conserve and govern henceforth the church, & seal in us thy true doctrine as Isaiah prayeth for his Disciples, & that thou wilt illumine our understā ding by thy holy ghost, that in truth we may call upon thee, and live holily.
WE render thankes vnto the, O1 most puissant God, eternal father of our Lord Iesus Christ, founder of thy Church, together with thy sonne coeternall our Lorde Iesus Christ, & the holye ghost, wyse, good, mercyful, ryghteous iudge, mighty & hauing power ouer althings, for that thou ga•her•st vnto thy sonne an enheritaunce, & conse•uest the ministery of the Gospel, & now by Luther hast restored the same. And we pray thee with feruent affection that thou wilt conserue and gouerne henceforth the church, & seale in vs thy true doctrine as Esay prayeth for his Disciples, & that thou wylt illumine our vnderstā ding by thy holy ghost, yt in truth we may cal vpon thee, and lyue holyly.
Furthermore, because the decease of excellent governors is often a presage or foreshowing of great inconveniences to come to such as shall succeed I and all those that profess ministry require you to consider the dangers whereunto the whole world is subject The Turks invade of one side, & on the other domestical enemies, threaten intestine wars. There •urke also every where licentious & insolent heads, ⟨image 56⟩who after they shall cease to fear Luther's censure & severe correction, will not stick audaciously to corrupt this doctrine of us faithfully taught.
Furthermore, because the decease of excellent gouernours is oftē a presage or foreshewing of great inconue niēces to come to such as shal succede I and al those that professe ministery require you to consider the daungers wherunto the whole world is subiect The Turkes inuade of one side, & on the other domestical enemies, threatē intestine wars. Ther •urke also eueri where licencious & insolent heades, ⟨image 56⟩who after they shal cease to feare Luthers censure & seuere correction, wil not stycke audaciously to corrupt this doctrine of vs faythfully taught.
Finally, that God may withdraw such inconveniences, let us apply our diligence to live well, & to study, & let us retain this sentence always impressed in our minds that as long as we shall conserve, hear, learn & love the pure doctrine of y• Gospel, we shall be the house & church of God as the Son of God saith: If any love me, he will observe my word, and my father will1 love him, & we will come to him and make our abode with him. Let us be allured with this singular promise, to learn the heavenly doctrine, & let us be throughly persuaded, that man kind & civil governments are conserved because of the church. Let us ponder this in our mind, & be encouraged with y• immortality y• is coming, to the which God hath called us, who truly hath not in vain manifested himself unto us by so many testimonies, nor with out good respect sent his Son, but tenderly loveth & careth for such as make account of his inestimable benefits. I have said.
Finally, that God may withdraw such inconueniences, let vs apply our diligence to lyue wel, & to study, & let vs retein this setēce alwaies impressed in our mindes that as long as we shal conserue, heare, learn & loue the pure doctrine of y• Gospel, we shal be the house & church of God as the sōne of God sayth: If any loue me, he wyll obserue my word, and my father wyl1 loue him, & we wyll come to hym and make our abode with hym. Let vs be allured with thys singular promyse, to learne the heauenly doctrine, & let vs be throughly perswaded, that mā kinde & ciuil gouernments are cōserued because of ye church. Let vs pōder this in our minde, & be encouraged wt y• imortality y• is cōming, to ye whych God hath called vs, who truely hath not in vayne manifested himself vnto vs by so many testimonies, nor with out good respect sent hys sonne, but tenderly loueth & careth for suche as make accompt of his inestimable benefites. I haue sayd.
