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.

¶The history of D. Martine Luther with his lyfe and doctrine described.

MArtine Luther, after he was growne in yeares,* 1.1 being borne at Isleben in Saxonie, an. 1483. was set to the Uniuersity, first of Magdeburg, thē of Erford. In this U∣niuersitie of Erforde, there was a certayne aged man, in the Couēt of the Agustines (who is thought to be We∣selus aboue mentioned) wyth whom Luther beyng then of the same order a fryer Augustine, had conference vppon diuers thinges, especially touching the Article of remissi∣on of sinnes, the whiche Article the sayd aged father ope∣ned vnto Luther after this sorte, declaring that wee must not generally beleue onely forgeunes of sinnes to be, or to belong to Peter, to Paule, to Dauid, or suche good men a∣lone: but that Gods expresse commaundements is, that e∣uery man should beleue particularly hys sinnes to be for∣geuen him in Christ: and further sayd, that thys interpre∣tation was confirmed by the testimonies of S. Barnerd, and shewed him the place,* 1.2 in the Sermon of the Annunci∣ation, where it is thus set forth: But adde thou that thou be∣leuest this, that by him thy sinnes are forgiuen thee. This is the te∣stimony that the holy Ghost giueth thee in thy heart, saying: Thy sinnes are forgiuen thee. For this is the opinion of the Apostle, that man is freely iustified by fayth.

By these wordes Luther was not onely strengthened, but was also instructed of the full meaning of S. Paule, who repeateth so many tymes this sentence: We are iustifi∣ed by fayth. And hauing read the expositions of many vp∣pon this place, he then perceiued as well by the purpose of the old man, as by the comfort he receiued in his spirit, the vanitie of those interpretations, which he had read before, of the scholemen: And so reading by litle and litle, with cō∣ferring the sayinges and examples of the Prophetes & A∣postles, and continuall inuocation of God, and excitatiō of fayth by force of prayer, hee perceiued y^e doctrine more eui∣dently. Then began he to read Saint Augustines bookes, where he founde many comfortable sentēces among other in the exposition of the Psalmes and specially in the booke of the Spirite and Letter,* 1.3 which confirmed this doctrine of fayth and consolation in hys hart, not a little. And yet he layd not aside the Sentenciaries, as Gabriell and Came∣racensis. Also he read the bookes of Occam, whose sub∣tilty he preferred aboue Thomas Aquine, & Scotus. He read also and reuolued Gersō: but aboue al the rest, he pe∣rused all ouer S. Augustines workes with attentiue cogi∣tation. And thus continued he his study at Erford, y^e space of 4. yeares in the Couent of the Augustines.

About this tyme one Staupicius a famous mā,* 1.4 who ministring his helpe to further the erection of an Uniuer¦sitie in Wittenberg, and endeuouring to haue schooles of Diuinitie founded in this new Uniuersitie: when he had cōsidered the spirite & towardnes of Luther, he called him from Erford, to place him in Wittenberg, in y^e yeare .1508. and of his age xxvi. There his towardnes appeared in y^e ordinary exercise both of hys disputations in the schooles & preaching in churches, where as manye wise and lear∣ned mē attentiuely heard Luther, namely D. Mellerstad.

This Mellerstad would oftentimes say, that Luther was of suche a marueilous spirit, and so ingenious,* 1.5 that he gaue apparant signifcation, that he would introduce a more compendious, easie, and familier maner of teaching and altar and abolishe the order that then was vsed.

There first he expounded the Logick and Philosophy of Aristotle, & in the meane while,* 1.6 intermitted no whit his study in Theolagy. Three yeares after, he went to Rome, about certayn contentions of the Monkes, and returning the same yeare, he was a graded Doctour:* 1.7 at the expenses of Elector Fredericke, Duke of Saxonie, according to the solemn maner of scholes: for he had heard him preach: well vnderstanded the quickenes of his spirite: dilligently con∣sidered the vehemency of hys wordes, and had in singular admiration those profound matters, whiche in hys Ser∣mons he ripely and exactly explaned. This degree Stan∣picius, against his will enforced vpon him, saying merely vnto him, that God had many thinges to bring to passe in hys Church by him. And though these wordes were spo∣ken merely, yet it came so to passe anone after, as many predictions or presages proue true before a chaunge.* 1.8

After this he began to expound the Epistle to the Ro∣mayns, & consequently the Psalmes: where he shewed the difference betwixt the lawe and the Gospell. He also con∣founded the errour that raigned then in schooles and Ser∣mons, teaching that men may merite remission of sinnes

by their proper works, and that they be iust before God by outward discipline, as the Phariseis taught. Luther dilli∣gently reduced the mindes of men, to the sonne of God. As Iohn Baptist demonstrated the lambe of God that tooke away the sinns of the world: euen so Luther shining in the church of a bright starre after a long cloudy and ob∣scure skye,* 1.9 expresly shewed that sinnes are freely remitted for the loue of the sonne of God, and that we ought fayth∣fully to embrace this bountifull gift.

These happy beginninges of so good matters, got him great authoritie, especially seeing his lyfe also was corres∣pondent to his profession. The consideration whereof al∣lured to him meruailously the hartes of his auditors, and also many notable personages.

All this while Luther yet altered nothing in the cere∣monyes,* 1.10 but precisely obserued his rule amōg his felowes he medled in no doubtfull opinions, but taught this onely doctrine, as most principall of al other to all men, opening & declaring the doctrine of repentance, of remission of sins of fayth, of true comfort in times of aduersitie. Euery man receaued good taste of this sweet doctrine, and the learned conceiued high pleasure to behold Iesus Christ, the Pro∣phets & Apostles, to come forth into light out of darcknes, wherby they began to vnderstand the difference betwixt y^e law and the Gospell: betwixt the promises of the law, and the promise of the Gospell: betwixt spiritual iustice, & ciuil things: which certainly could not haue bene foūd in Tho∣mas Aquine, Scotus, nor such like schoole clerkes.

It happened moreouer about this time, that manye were prouoked by Erasmus learned workes, to study the Greek & Latine tongues, who perceiuing a more gentle & ready order of teaching then before, began to haue in con∣tempt the Monkes barbarous and sophisticall doctrine: & specially such as were of liberall nature and good disposi∣tion. Luther began to study the Greeke and Hebrue tonge to this end, that after he had learned the phrase and propri∣etic of the tongues, and drawne the doctrine of the very fountaynes, he might geue more sound iudgement.

As Luther was thus occupyed in Germany, whiche was the yeare of our Lord 1516.* 1.11 Leo y^e x. of that name suc∣ceeding after Iulius. 2. was Pope of Rome. Who vnder pretence of warre against the Turke, sent a Iubile wyth his pardons, abroad through all Christen Realmes & do∣minions: whereby he gathered together innumerable ri∣ches and treasure. The gatherers and collecters whereof perswaded the people, that whosoeuer would geue x. shil∣lings, shuld at his pleasure, deliuer one soule from y^e payns of Purgatory. For this they held as a generall rule, that God would do,* 1.12 whatsoeuer they woulde haue him, accor∣ding to the saying: Quicquid solueritis super terram, erit solu∣tum in coelis &c. Whatsoeuer you loose vpon earth, the same shal be loosed in heauen. But if it were but one iotte lesse then x. shillinges, they preached that it would profite thē nothing. Ex Christia. Messeo lib. 20. Chro.

This filthy kind of the popes marchandise, as it spread through all quarters of Christian regions,* 1.13 so it came also to Germany, through the meanes of certayne Dominicke Fryers named Tecellius, who most impudently caused y^e Popes indulgences or pardons to be caryed & sold about the country. Whereupon, Luther muche moued with the blasphemous sermōs of this shameles Fryer, and hauing his hart earnestly bent with ardent desire to mayntayne true religion, published certayne propositions concerning indulgences, which are to be read in the first Tome of hys works,* 1.14 and set them openly on the temple that ioyneth to the Castle of Wittenberge, the morrow after the feastes of all Saintes, the yeare .1517.

This beggerly Fryer, hoping to obtaine y^e popes bles∣sing,* 1.15 assembled certayne Monkes & sophisticall diuines of his couent, & fortwith commanded thē to write something against Luther. And whilest he would not himselfe seeme to be dumme, he began not onely to enuey in his sermons but to thunder against Luther, crying: Luther is an here∣ticke,* 1.16 and worthy to be persecuted with fire: and besides this, he burned openly Luthers propositions, and the ser∣mon whiche he wrote of indulgences. This rage and fu∣mish fury of this Frier, enforced Luther to treat more am∣ply of the cause, and to mayntayne his matter.

And thus rose the beginninges of this controuersie, wherein Luther neyther suspecting ne dreaming of anye chaunge that might happen in the ceremonies, did not vt∣terly reiect the indulgences, but required a moderation in them: and therfore they falsely accuse him, which blase that he began w^t plausible matter, wherby he might get prayse. to the end that in processe of time, he might change the state of the common weale, and purchase authoritie, eyther for himselfe or other.

And certes, he was not suborned or styrred vp by them of the courte (as the Duke of Brumwike wrote:* 1.17) in so much that the Duke Frederick was sore offended that such contention and controuersie should arise, hauing regarde to the sequele thereof.

And as this good Duke Frederick was one of al y^e prin∣ces of our time, that loued best quietnes and common tran¦quilitie, neither was auaricious, but willingly bent to re∣ferre al his counsels to the common vtilitie of all the world (as it is easy to be coniectured diuers waies:) so he neither encouraged nor supported Luther, but often represented semblaunce of heauines and sorrow, which he bare in hys hart, fearing greater dissentions: But being a wise prince and following the Counsaile of Gods rule, and well deli∣berating therupon, he thought with himselfe that the glo∣ry of God was to be preferred aboue all thinges. Neyther was he ignoraunt what blasphemy it was, horribly con∣demned of God, obstinately to repugne y^e truth. Wherfore he did as a godly Prince should do: he obeyed God, cōmit∣ting himselfe to his holy grace, and omnipotent protectiō. And although Maximilianus the Emperor, Carolus K. of Spaine, & Pope Iulius had geuen commmaundement to the sayd Duke Fridericke, that he should inhibite Lu∣ther from all place and libertie of preaching: yet the Duke considering with himselfe the preaching and & writing of Luther and weighing dilligently the testimonies and pla∣ces of the Scripture by him alledged, would not withstād the thing, which he iudged sincere. And yet neyther did he this, trusting to his own iudgemēt, but was very anxious & inquisitiue to heare y^e iudgements of other, whiche were both aged, & learned. In the number of whom was Eras∣mus, whō the Duke desired to declare to him his opinion touching y^e matter of Martine Luther, saying & protesting that he would rather the ground shuld open and swallow him, then he would beare w^t any opinions, which he knew to be cōtrary to manifest truth: & therfore he desired him to declare his iudgement in y^e matter, to him freely & frendly.

Erasmus thus being entreated of the Duke, began thus iestingly and merely to answere the Dukes request,* 1.18 saying: that in Luther were two great faultes: first, that he would touch the bellyes of monks: the second, y^t he would touch the popes crown: which two matters in no case are to be dealt withall. Then opening his minde playnly to y^e Duke, thus he sayde,* 1.19 that Luther did well in detecting er∣rours, and that reformation was to be wished, and very necessary in the church: and added moreouer, that the effect of his doctrine was true, but onely that he wished in him, a more temperate moderation and maner of writing and handling. Wherupon Duke Friderick shortly after wrote to Luther seriously,* 1.20 exhorting him to temperate the vehe∣mency of his style. This was at the City of Colen, shortly after the Coronation of the newe Emperour, where also Huttenus, Aloisius, Marlianus, Ludouicus, viues, Halonius, with other learned men, were assembled together wayting vp∣on the Emperour.

Furthermore the same Erasmus, the yeare next folow∣ing that,* 1.21 wrote vp to the Archbishop of Mentz a certayne Epistle touching the cause of Luther. In whiche Epistle thus he signifieth to the Byshop: That many thinges were in the books of Luther condemned of monkes and Diuines, for he∣reticall, whiche in the bookes of Bernarde and Austen are redde for sound and godly.

Also, that the world is burdened with mens institutions, with schole doctrines and opinions,* 1.22 and with the tyrannye of begging Friers: which Fryers when they are but the Popes seruaunts and vnderlinges: yet they haue so growne in power and multitude, that they are nowe terrible both to the pope himselfe, and to all princes. Who so long as the pope maketh with them, so long they make him more thē a God. But if he make any thing agaynst their purpose or commoditie, then they wey his authoritie no more then a dreame or phantasie.

Once (sayd he) it was counted an heresie, when a man re∣pugned agaynst the Gospell, or Articles of the fayth. Now he that dissenteth from Thomas of Aquine, is an hereticke, whatsoeuer doth not like them, whatsoeuer they vnderstand not, that is here∣sie. To speake Greeke, is heresie. Or to speake more finely then they do, that is with them heresie. And thus much by the way, concerning the iudgement of Erasmus.

Now to returne and to entreate something orderly of the actes and conflictes of Luther with hys aduersaryes: after y^e Tecelius the foresayd Fryer, w^t his fellow monkes and Frierly fellowes, had cried out w^t open mouth against Luther, in mayntayning the popes indulgences, and that Luther agayn in defence of hys cause, had set vp propositi∣ons against the open abuses of the same, maruell it was to see how soone these propositions, were sparckled abroad in sundry and farre places, and howe greedely they were cat∣ched

vp in the hands of diuers, both far & near. And thus y^e contentiō of this matter increasing betwene them,* 1.23 Luther was cōpelled to write therof more largely & fully, thē other wise he thought: which was in y^e yeare of our Lorde. 1517.

Yet all this while, Luther neuer thought of anye alte∣ration to come of any ceremony, much lesse such a reforma¦tion of doctrine and ceremonies, as afterward did follow. But onely hearing that he was accused to the Bishop of Rome, he did write humbly vnto him: in the beginning of which writing, he declareth y^e vnordinate outrage of those his pardonmongers, whiche so excessiuely did pill & pole the simple people, to the great slaunder of the Church, and shame to his holines: and so proceeding in the ende of the sayd his writing, thus he submitteth himselfe.

* 1.24Wherefore (sayth he) most holy father. I offer my selfe prostrate vnder the feete of your holines, with all that I am, and that I haue. Saue me, kill me, call me, recall me, approoue me, reproue me, as you shall please. Your voyce, y^e voyce of Christ in you speaking, I wil acknowledge. If I haue deserued death, I shall be contented to dye: For the earth is the Lordes,* 1.25 and all the fulnes therof, who is to be bles∣sed for euer. Amen. This was the yeare of our Lorde. 1518.

After that Martine Luther, prouoked thus by Teceli∣us, had declared hys minde in writing lowly and humbly and had set vp certayn propositions to be disputed: not lōg after,* 1.26 among other monkes and Fryers, steppeth vp one Siluester de Priero a Dominicke Frier who fyrst began to publish abroad a certayne impudent and rayling Dia∣logue against him. Unto whom Luther answered agayn, first alledging the place of the Apostle. 1. Thes. v. That we must proue all thinges. Also the place. Gal. 2. That if an aungell from heauen do bryng an other Gospell, then that we haue recei∣ued, he ought to be accursed.

* 1.27Item, he alledged the place of Austen vnto Hierome, where the sayd Austen sayth: That he is wont to geue thys ho∣nour onely to the book of Canonicall Scripture, that who soeuer were the writers thereof, he beleueth them verily not to haue er∣red. But as touching all other mens writings, were they neuer so holy men or learned, he doth not beleue them therefore, because they so say, but in that respect as they doe agree with the Canoni∣call Scripture, which cannot erre.

* 1.28Item, he alledged the place of the Canon law: Clem. de Poenit. & remis. C. Abusionibus. Wherein he proued, y^t these pardonsellers, in their setting forth of the popes indulgen∣ses, ought to go no further by the lawe, then is enioyned them within the letters of their commission.

And in the latter part of his aunswer, thus Luther wri∣teth to the reader, Let opinions (sayth he) remayne opinions, so they be not yokes to the Christians. Let vs not make mens opi∣nions equall with the articles of fayth, & to the decrees of Christ, and Paule. Moreouer I am ashamed (quod he) to heare the common saying of this Diuine schole doctours, who hol∣ding one thing in the schooles, and thinking otherwise in their own iudgement, thus are wont, secretly among thē∣selues,* 1.29 and with their priuy friendes, talking together to say: Thus we do hold, and thus would I say, being in the schooles, but yet (be it spoken here amongst vs) it cannot be so proued by the holy Scriptures, &c. Ex. Paralip. Abb. Vrsperg.

* 1.30Next after this Siluester, stept forth Eckius, and im∣pugned the conclusions of Luther. Agaynst whom encoun¦tered D. Andraeas Bedenstein. Archdeacō of Wittenberg, ma∣kyng hys Apologie in defence of Luther.

Then was Martin Luther cited, the 7. of August. by one Hieronimus B. of Ascalon, to appeare at Rome. A∣bout which tyme Thomas Caietanus Cardinall, y^e popes Legate, was then lieger at the Cittie of Augusta, who be∣fore had beene sent downe in commission, with certayne mandates from Pope Leo,* 1.31 vnto that Citty: The vniuersi∣tie of Wittenberg vnderstanding of Luthers citation, eft∣soones directed vp their letters, with their publique seale to y^e pope, in Luthers behalfe. Also an other letter they sent to Carolus Miltitius the popes chamberlayne beyng a Germayne borne. Furthermore good Fridericke ceased not for his part, to sollicitate the matter with his letters & earnest suit, with Cardinall Caietanus, that the cause of Luther might be freed from Rome, and remooued to Au∣gusta, in the hearing of the Cardinall. Caietanus at y^e suyt of the Duke, wrote vnto the Pope, from whome he recea∣ued this answer again, the 23. of the foresayd month of Au∣gust,* 1.32 that he had cited Luther, to appeare personally before him at Rome, by Hieronimus Bishop of Ascalon, Audi∣tour of the chamber: whiche byshop dilligently had done, that was commaunded hym, but Luther abusing and contemning the gentlenes offered, did refuse not onely to come, but also became more bold and stubborne, continu∣ing or rather increasing in his former heresie, as by hys writing did appeare: Wherfore he wold that the Cardinal should cite and call vp the sayd Luther to appeare at the ci∣ty of Augusta before him, adioyning withall, the ayd of the princes of Germany & of the Emperour, if neede required so that when the sayd Luther shoulde appeare, he shoulde lay hand vpon him, & commit him to sate custody, and after he should be brought vp to Rome: and if he perceaued him to come to any knowledge or amendment of hys faulte, he should release him, and restore hym to the church again, or els he shuld be interdict, with al other his adherents, abet∣ters, & mayntainers, of what soeuer estate or cōdition they were, whether they were Dukes, Marqueses, Earles Ba¦rons. &c. Against all which persons and degrees, he willed hym to extende the same curse and malediction (onely the person of the Emperour excepted) interdicting by the cen∣sure of the church, all such landes, Lordships, Townes, te∣nementes, villages, as should minister any harbour to the sayd Luther, & were not obedient vnto the sea of Rome. Contrariwise to all such as shewed themselues obedient, he should promise full remission of all theyr sinnes. Like∣wise the pope directeth other letters also the same tyme, to Duke Friderick, complayning with many grieuous wor∣des, agaynst Luther.

The Cardinall thus being charged with iniunctions from Rome; according to his commission, sendeth with all speede, for Luther to appeare at Augusta before hym.* 1.33

About the beginning of October Martin Luther yeal∣ding his obedience to the Church of Rome, came to Augu¦sta, at the Cardinals sending (at the charges, of the noble Prince Electour) and also hys letters of commendation, where he remayned 3. dayes before he came to his speache: for so it was prouided by his frendes, that he shoulde not enter talke with the Cardinall, before a sufficient warrant or safe conduct was obtained of the Emperour Maximili∣an. Which being obteyned, eftsoones he entred,* 1.34 offeringe himselfe to the speach of the Cardinal, and was there recey¦ued of the cardinall very gently: who according to y^e popes commandement, propounded vnto Martin Luther three thinges, or as Sleaden sayth, but 2. to witte.

1. That he should repent and reuoke hys erroures.

2. That he shoulde promise from that tyme forward, to refrayne from the same.

3. That he shoulde refrayne from all thinges that myght by any meanes trouble the Church.

When Martin Luther required to be informed wher∣in he had erred,* 1.35 the Legate brought forth the extrauagants of Clement, which beginneth: Vnigenitus &c. because that he contrary to that Canon had held & taught in his 58. pro∣position, that the merites of Christ are not the treasure of indulgences or pardons. Secondly, the cardinall, contra∣ry to the seuenth proposition of Luther, affirmed that fayth is not necessary to him that receaueth the sacrament.

Furthermore, an other day in the presence of 4. of the Emperours Counsaile, hauing there a Notary and wit∣nesses present, Luther protested for himselfe and personal∣ly in this maner following.

In primis, I Martine Luther, a Fryer Augustine, pro∣test that I do reuerence and followe the Church of Rome in all my sayinges and doings, present, past, and to come:* 1.36 And if any thing haue bene or shalbe said by me to the con∣trary, I count it, and will that it be counted and taken as though it had neuer beene spoken. But because the Car∣dinall hath required at the commaundement of the Pope three thinges of me to be obserued:

1 That I should returne againe to the knowledge of my selfe.

2 That I should beware of falling into the same agayne here after.

3 That I shoulde promise to abstayne from all thinges which might disquiet the church of God:

I protest here this day, that whatsoeuer I haue sayde, seemeth vnto me to be sound, true and Catholicke: Yet for the further profe therof, I doe offer my selfe personally ey∣ther here or elswhere, publikely to geue a reason of my say¦inges. And if this please not the Legate,* 1.37 I am ready also in writing to aunswere hys obiections, if he haue anye a∣gaynst me: And touching these thinges, to heare the sen∣tence and iudgement of the Uniuersities of the Empyre. Basill, Friburge, and Louane. Hereof when they had re∣ceiued an answere in writing, they departed.

After thys Luther by and by prepareth an aunswere to the Legate, teaching that the merites of Christ are not committed vnto men: that the popes voyce is to be heard when he speaketh agreably to the Scriptures: that y^e pope may erre: that he ought to be reprehended, Act. 15. Moreo∣uer he shewed that in the matter of fayth. not onely y^e gene∣rall councell, but also euery faythfull christian is aboue the Pope, if he leaue to better authoritie and reason: that the

Extrauagant containeth vntruthes: that it is an infallible veritie, that none is iust: that it is necessary for hym that commeth to the receiuing of the sacrament, to beleue: that fayth in the absolution and remission of sinnes, is necessa∣ry that he ought not nor might not decline from the veritie of the Scripture: that he sought nothing but the light of the truth.* 1.38 &c.

But the Cardinall would heare no scriptures: he dis∣puted without scriptures, deuised gloses and expositions of his owne head, and by distinctions (wherewith the Di∣uinitie of the Thomistes is full) like a very Proteus, he a∣uoyded al thinges. After this, Luther being commaunded to come no more in the presence of the Legate, excepte he would recant, notwithstanding abode there still & woulde not depart. Then the Cardinall sent for Ioannes Stupitius, vicare of the Augustines, & moued him earnestly to bryng Luther to recant of his own accord. Luther taried the next day also, and nothing was sayd vnto him. The thyrd daye moreouer he taryed and deliuered vp his minde in writing in whiche,* 1.39 first he thanked him for his curtesie and great kyndenes which he perceaued by the words of Stupitius toward him, and therefore was the more ready to gratifie him in whatsoeuer kinde of office he could do him seruice: confessing moreouer, that where he had bene somewhat sharpe and eger agaynst the popes dignitie, that was not so much of his own minde, as it was to be ascribed to the importunitie of certaine which gaue him occasion. Notw^t∣standing, as he acknowledged his excesse therin, so he was ready to shew more moderation in that behalf hereafter, & also promised to make amendes for y^e same vnto the bish. & that in the pulpit, if he pleased. And as touching the matter of pardons, he promised also to proceede no further in any mention therof, so y^t his aduersaries likewise were bound to keep silence. But where as he was prest to retracte hys sentence before defended, forasmuch as he had said nothing but with a good conscience, and whiche was agreable to y^e firme testimonies of the scripture: therefore he humbly de∣sired the determination therof, to be referred to the bishop of Rome, for nothing could be more gratefull to hym, then to heare the voyce of the Church speaking &c.

¶Who doth not see by this so humble and honest sub∣mission of Luther, but that, if the Bishop of Rome woulde haue bene aunswered with any reason, or contented wyth sufficient meane, he had neuer bene touched any further of Luther. But the secret purpose of GOD had a farther worke herein to do: for the tyme nowe was come, when God thought good that pride shoulde haue a fall. Thus while the vnmeasurable desire of that B. sought more then inough,* 1.40 and like to Aesopes dogge, coueting both to haue y^e fleshe, and shadowe, not onely he missed that he gaped for, but also lost that which he had.

But to the purpose of our matter agayne: this writing Luther deliuered to the Cardinall the third daye after he was commanded out of his sight. Which letter or writing the Cardinall did little regard. When Luther sawe that he woulde geue no aunswere nor countenaunce to the letter, yet notw^tstanding he remayned after that, the fourth daye, and nothing was aunswered: the fift day likewise was pas¦sed with like silence, and nothing done. At the length, by the counsell of hys frendes, and specially because the Car∣dinall had sayde before, that he had a commaundement to imprison Luther and Iohn Stupitius the vicare, after y^t he had made and set vp hys appeale where it might be seen and read, he departed, thinking that he had shewed suche daungerous obedience long enough. Luther a beholder & a doer of these things, recordeth the same and sheweth the cause why he submitted himselfe to the church of Rome: de¦claring also, that euen those thinges, which are most true∣ly spoken, yet ought to be mayntayned and defended, with humilitie and feare. Some thinges he suppresseth and con∣ceileth, whiche he supposeth the reader to vnderstand not without griefe and sorrow. At length he protesteth that he reuerenceth and followeth the church of Rome in al thin∣ges,* 1.41 and that he setteth himselfe onely agaynst those, which vnder the name of the churche of Rome, goe about to set forth and commend Babylon vnto vs.

Thus you haue heard how that Luther being reiected from the speache and sight of Caietanus the Cardinall, af∣ter sixe dayes wayting,* 1.42 departed by the aduise of his frien∣des & returned vnto Wittēberg, leauing a letter in writing to be geuen to the Cardinall, wherein hee declared suffici∣ently, first his obedience in hys comming, the reasons of hys doctrine, his submission reasonable to the Sea of Rome, hys long wayting after he was repelled from the Cardinals speache, the charges of the Duke, and finally, the cause of his departing. Besides this letter to the Cardi∣nall, he left also an Appellation to the Byshop of Rome, from the Cardinall,* 1.43 which he caused openly to be affixed be¦fore his departure.

After that Luther was thus departed and returned a∣gayn into hys country, Caietanus writeth to Duke Fride¦ricke, a sharpe and a byting letter, in which first he signifi∣eth to him hys gentle intertaynment & good will shewed to reduce Luther from hys errour. Secondly, he complay∣neth of y^e sodayn departing of him, & of Stupicius. Third∣ly, he declareth y^e pernicious daunger of Luthers doctrine against the Churche of Rome. Fourthly, hee exhorteth the Duke, that as he tendereth hys own honour and safetye, & regardeth the fauour of the hye byshop, he will send him vp to Rome, or expell hym out of hys dominiō, forsomuch as such a pestilence breeding, as that was, coulde not, ney¦ther ought by any meanes long so to be suffered.

To this letter of the Cardinall,* 1.44 the Duke aunswereth agayne at large, purging both Luther, and himselfe: Lu∣ther, in that he following hys conscience grounded vppon y^e word of god, would not reuoke that for an errour, which could be proued no errour: & himselfe he excuseth thus, that where is required of hym to banish hym hys countrey, or to send him vp to Rome, it would be little honesty for him so to do, and lesse conscience, vnles he knew iust cause, why he should so do: Which if the Cardinall would or could de∣clare vnto him, there should lacke nothing in hym, whiche were the part of a Christian Prince to doe, and therfore he desireth hym, to be a meanes vnto the Byshop of Rome, that innocency and truth be not oppressed, before y^e cryme or errour be lawfully conuicted.

This done, the Duke sendeth the letter of the Cardi∣nall, vnto Martin Luther.* 1.45 Who aunswered agayne to the Prince, shewing first how he came obediently vnto Caie∣tanus, with the Emperours warrant: & what talke there was betweene them: how Caietanus pressed hym against his conscience and manifest truth, to reuoke these errours. First that the merites of Christes Passion, were not y^e trea¦sure of the popes pardons. Secondly that fayth was ne∣cessary in receauing the Sacramentes. Albeit in the first he was content to yeeld to the Cardinall. In the second, be∣cause it touched a great part of our saluation, he coulde not with a safe conscience relent, but desired to be taught by the Scripture: at least that the matter might be brought into open disputation in some free place of Germanye, where y^e truth might be discussed and iudged of learned men. The Cardinall not pleased w^t this, in great anger cast out of ma¦ny manacing words, neither would admit hym any more to hys presence or speache: whereas yet notwithstanding persisting in his obedience to the church of Rome, gaue at∣tendaunce, wayting vpon the Cardinals pleasure a suffici∣ent tyme.

At last, when no aunswere woulde come, after hee had wayted y^e space of v. or .vi. dayes, to his great detriment, & greater daunger, by the perswasion of hys friendes, he de∣parted. Whereat if the Cardinall were displeased, he had most cause to blame hymselfe. And now whereas the Car∣dinall threatneth me (sayth he) not to let the action fall, but y^t the proces thereof shalbe pursued at Rome vnlesse I ey∣ther come and present my selfe, or els be banished your do∣minions, I am not somuch greeued for myne owne cause, as y^t you should susteyne for my matter any daunger or pe∣rill. And therefore seeyng there is no place nor countrey,* 1.46 which can keep me frō the malice of mine aduersaryes, I am willing to depart hence and to forsake my coūtry, whe∣ther soeuer it shall please the Lorde to leade me: thanking God which hath counted me worthy to suffer thus muche for the glory of Christes name.

Here (no doubt) was the cause of Luther in great dan¦ger, beyng nowe brought to this strayte,* 1.47 that both Luther was ready to flye the countrey, and the Duke agayne was as much afrayd to keepe hym, had not the maruelous pro∣uidence of God (who had this matter in guiding) here pro¦uided a remedy, where the power of man did fayle,* 1.48 by styr∣ring vp the whole vniuersitie of Wittingberg, who seeyng the cause of truth thus to declyne,* 1.49 with a full and a general consent, addressed theyr letters vnto y^e Prince, in defence of Luther & of his cause, making their hūble suit vnto hym, y^t he of hys princely honour, would not suffer innocency and the simplicity of trueth so cleare as is the Scripture, to be foyled and oppressed by mere violence of certayne malig∣nant flatterers about the Pope: but that the errour first may be shewed and conuicted, before the partye be pro∣nounced gylty.

By the occasion of these letters the Duke began more seriously in hys minde to consider the cause of Luther, and to read hys workes, and also to harken to hys Sermons. Wherby (through Gods holy working) he grew to know¦ledge and strength, perceauing in Luthers quarrell more

then he did before. This was about the beginning of De∣cember. an. 1518.

* 1.50As this past on, Pope Leo playing the Lyon at Rome in the meane time in the month of Nouember, to stablishe his seate against this defection, whiche he ••eared to come, had sent forth new indulgences into Germany, & al quar∣ters abroad,* 1.51 w^t a new Edict, wherein he declared this to be the catholicke doctrine of the holy mother church of Rome Prince of al other churches, that Bishops of Rome which are successours of Peter, and vicares of Christ, haue thys power and authoritie geuen to release, and dispense, also to graunt indulgences auaylable both for the liuing and for the dead, lyeng in the paynes of purgatory. And thys dotrine he charged to be receiued of all faythfull Christen men, vnder payne of the great curse, and vtter separation from all holy Church.

This Popishe decree and indulgence, as a new Mar∣chandise,* 1.52 or Alestake to get money, being ••et vp in al quar∣ters of Christendome for y^e holy fathers aduauntage, came also to be receiued in Germanye about the moneth of De∣cember. Luther in the meane time hearing how they were about in Rome, to proceede and pronounce agaynst him, prouideth a certayne appeallation conceiued in due forme of law,* 1.53 wherein he appealeth from the pope to the general Councell.

When Pope Leo percoaued that neyther his pardons would prosper to his minde, nor that Luther coulde be brought to Rome, to assay how to come to his purpose by crafty allurementes, he sent his Chamberlayne Carolus Miltitius, aboue mentioned, which was a Germaine, in∣to Saxony to Duke Fridericke, with a golden rose, after y^e vsuall ceremony accustomed euery yeare to be presented to him, with secret letters also to certayne Noble men of the Dukes counsaile, to sollicite y^e popes cause, and to remoue the Dukes minde, if it might be from Luther.

But before Miltitius approched into Germany, Ma∣ximilian the Emperour deceased in the month of Ianuary an. 1519. At what tyme two there were which stoode for the election:* 1.54 to wyt Fraunces the Frenche king, and Charles king of Spayne, which was also Duke of Austriche, and Duke of Burgundy. To make this matter short, through the meanes of Fredericke, Prince Elector, (who hauing the offer of the preferment, refused the same) the election fell to Carolus, called Carolus the v. surnamed Prudence: which was about the end of August.

In the month of Iune before, there was a publike dis∣putation ordeined at Lypsia.* 1.55 which is a Cittie in Misnia, vnder the dominion of George Duke of Saxonie, vncle to Duke Fredericke. This disputation first began thorough the occasion of Ioannes Eckius, a Fryer, and Andraeas Caro∣lostadius, Doctour of Wittenberge. This Eckius had im∣pugned certayne propsitions or conclusions of Martine Luther, which he had written the yeare before, touching y^e popes pardons. Agaynst him Carolostadius wrote in de∣fence of Luther.* 1.56 Eckius agayne to aunswere Carolostadi∣us, set forth an Apology. Whiche Apology Carolostadius agayn confuted by writing. Upon this began the disputa∣tion, with safe conduct graunted by Duke George, to al & singular,* 1.57 persons, that would resort to the same. To thys disputation came also Martine Luther, with Philip Me∣lancthō, who not past a yeare before was newly come to Wittenberge, Luther not thinking then to dispute in anye matter, because of his appellation aboue mentioned, but onely to heare what there was sayd and done.

First, before the entry into the disputation, it was a∣greed, that the Actes should be penned by Notaryes, and after to be diuulged abroad. But Eckius afterward went backe from that, pretending that the penning of the No∣taries should be an hinderaunce & a stay vnto them, wher∣by the heate of them in their reasoning shuld the more lan∣guish and theyr vehemency rebayte. But Carolostadi∣us without Notaryes woulde not dispute. The summe of their disputations was reduced to certain conclusions.* 1.58 A∣mong which first came in question to dispute of free wyll, which the Greekes call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. That is, whether a man haue of himselfe, any election or purpose, to do that is good: or (to vse the termes of the schoole) whether a man of congruence, may deserue grace, doing y^t whiche in hym doth lye? Herein when y^e questiō was to be discussed, what y^e will of mā may do of it selfe, without grace: they through heat of contention (as the maner is) fell into other by mat∣ters and ambages, little or nothing appertayning to that which Carolostadius proposed.* 1.59 Eckius affirmed, that the pure strength to do good, is not in mans will, but is geuē of God to man to take interest & increase of man agayne, which first he seemed to deny. Then being asked of Caro∣lostadius whether y^e whole & full good worke that is in mā proceedeth of god: to this he answered; y^e whole good work but not wholy: graunting that the will is moued of God:* 1.60 but to cōsent, to be in mans power. Agaynst this reasones Carolostadius, alledging certain places of Austen, & name¦ly of S. Paule, whiche sayth,* 1.61 that God worketh in vs both to will and to performe. And this sentence of Carolostadius seemed to ouercome. Eckius for his assertion, in erred cer∣tayne escriptes out of Bernard, which seemed little to the purpose. And thus was a whole weeke lost about this cō∣tentious and sophisticall alteration betweene Eckius, and Carolostadius.

Luther (as was sayd) came, not thinking at all to dis∣pute, but hauing free libertie graunted by the Duke, & vn∣der the popes authoritie, was prouoked, & forced agaynst hys will to dispute with Eckius. The matter of their con∣trouersie was about y^e authoritie, of the Bishop of Rome.* 1.62 Here is fyrst to be admonished, that Luther before had set forth in writing this doctrine: y^t they which do attribute y^e preheminence to the church of Rome, haue no foundation for them, but out of the Popes decrees,* 1.63 set forth not muche past 400. yeares heretofore: whiche decrees he affirmed to be contrary to all auncient historyes, aboue a thousande yeares past, contrary also to the holy scriptures, and vnto Nicene Councell.

Agaynst this assertion Eckius set vp a contrarye con∣clusion saying,* 1.64 that they whiche holde that the supremacie and preheminence of the Church of Rome aboue all other Churches, was not before the time o•• Pope Siluester the first, do erre, for as much as they which succeeded in the see and fayth of Peter, were alwayes receiued for the succes∣sours of Peter, and vicars of Christ in earth.

This being the last of all the other Themes of Eckius yet thought he chiefly to begin with this against Luther, to bring him into more displeasure with the B. of Rome, wherein Luther himself much refused to dispute, alledging that matter to be more odious then necessary, for that pre∣sent time, and that also for the B. of Romes sake, he had much rather keepe silence in the same. Wherunto if he must needes be vrged, he would the fault should be vnderstan∣ded of all men to be where it was, namely in his aduersary which prouoked him thereunto, & not in himselfe. Eckius agayn clearing himselfe, translateth all the fault vnto Lu∣ther, which first in his treatise, De indulgentijs Papae, defen∣ded that before pope Siluesters tyme the church of Rome had no place of maioritie, or preheminence aboue other churches, & also before y^e Cardinall Caietanus affirmed y^e Pope Pelagianus wrested many places of the Scripture out of their sense, vnto hys owne affection and purpose. Wherefore the fault hereof (sayd he) to him rather is to be imputed, which ministred the first occasion.

Thus Luther being egged and strayned to dispute, whether he would or no,* 1.65 the question began to be propoū∣ded touching the supremacy of the Bishop of Rome: whi∣che supremacy Eckius did contend to be founded & groun∣ded vpon Gods law. M. Luther on the other side, denyed not the supremacie of the Byshoppe of Rome aboue o∣ther churches, neither denyed the same moreouer to be v∣niuersall ouer all churches: but onely he affirmed it not to be instituted by Gods lawe. Upon this questiō the dispu∣tation did continue the space of 5. dayes. During al which season.* 1.66 Eckius very vnhonestly & vncurteously demeaned himselfe, studying by all meanes how to bring his aduer∣sary into y^e hatred of the auditors, & into danger of the P. The reasons of Eckius were these. For so much as y^e chur∣che beyng a ciuill body, cannot be without an head,* 1.67 there∣fore as it standeth w^t Gods law, that other ciuill regimēts should not be destitute of theyr head▪ so is it by Gods law requisite that the pope should be the head of the vniuersall Church of Christ. To this M. Luther aunswered, that he confesseth & graunteth y^e Church not to be headles, so long as Christ is aliue, who is the onely head of y^e Church, nei∣ther doth the Churche require any other head beside hym, for so much as it is a spirituall kingdome, not earthly: and he alledged for hym the place of Collos. 1.* 1.68 Eckius agayne produced certayne places out of Hierome and Cyprian, whiche made very little to proue the primacie of the P. to hold by gods law.* 1.69 As touchīg y^e testimony of Bernard nei∣ther was y^e authoritie of y^e author of any great force in thys case, neither was the place alledged so greatly to y^e purpose.* 1.70

Then came he to the place of S. Math. 16. Tues Petrus &c. Thou art Peter,* 1.71 and vpon thys rock I will build my Church &c. To this was aunswered, that thys was a confession of faith, and that Peter there representeth the person of the whole vniuersall Church, as Austen doth expound it.* 1.72 Al∣so that Christe in that place meaneth himselfe to be the Rocke, as is manifest to collecte, both by hys wor∣des and order of the sentence, and many other coniec∣tures.

Likewise to the place of S. Iohn. Pasce oues meas: Feede my sheepe.* 1.73 Which wordes Eckius alleged properly and peculiarly to be spoken to Peter alone. Martin aun∣sweared, that after these wordes spoken, equall authoritie was geuen to all the Apostles, where Christ sayeth vnto them, Receiue ye the holy Ghost: whose sinnes soeuer yee re∣mit, they are remitted. &c. By these wordes (sayeth hee) Christ assigning to them their office,* 1.74 doeth teache what is to feede, and what he ought to be that feedeth. After thys Eckius came to the authoritie of the Councell of Con∣stance, alleging this amongst other articles, De necessitate salutis est, credere Rom. pontificem Occumenicum esse, That is, that it standeth vpon necessitie of our saluation to be∣leeue the Bishop of Rome to bee supreme heade of the Churche:* 1.75 alleging moreouer, that in the same Councell was debated and discussed, that the general Councel could not erre. Whereunto Martin Luther againe did answere discreetly, saying that al the articles which Iohn Hus dyd holde in that Councell, were not condemned for hereticall: with much other matter more. Againe, of what authoritie that Councel of Constance is to be estemed, that he leaft to other mens iudgemēts. This is most certain (said he) that no Councell hath such authoritie to make newe articles of faith. Here M. Luther began to be cryed out of by Eckius and his complices, for diminishing y^e authority of generall Councels. Although in deede he meane nothing lesse, but euer labored to confirme the authority of the same: yet was he called hereticke & schismaticke, and one of the Bohemes faction, with many other termes moe of reprochful contu∣mely. Eckius then graunted the authoritie of the Apostles to be equal: & yet not to folow therby, the authoritie of all Byshops therefore to be equall: For betwene Apostleship and ministerie (sayd he) there is great difference.

To conclude, Eckius in no case coulde abide that anye creature shoulde decline from any worde or sentence of the Popes decrees, or the cōstitutions of the forefathers. To this againe Luther answeared, grounding him selfe vpon the place ad Gal. 2. where S. Paule speaking of the princi∣pall Apostles,* 1.76 sayeth: And of them which seemed to be great, what they were before, it maketh no matter to mee, for God ac∣cepteth no mans person: neuerthelesse, they that were of some reputation, dyd auayle nothing at all, &c. Eckius to this said, that as touching the authoritie of the Apostles,* 1.77 they were all chosen of Christ, but were ordeyned Bishops of Saint Peter. And whereas Luther brought in the constitution of the decree, which sayeth, Ne Romanus pontifex vniuersalis E∣piscopus nominetur, &c. Yea let not the Bishop also of Rome bee called vniuersal Bishop, &c. To this Eckius aunsweared on this sort, that the Bishop of Rome ought not to be called vniuersal Bishop: yet he may be called (sayd he) Byshop of the vniuersall church. And thus much touching the que∣stion of the Popes supremacie.

From this matter, they entred nexte to Purgatorie wherein Eckius kept no order.* 1.78 For whē they should haue disputed, what power the Pope hath in Purgatorie, Ec∣kius turneth the scope of the question, and prooueth that there is Purgatorie, & allegeth for him the place of Ma∣chab. Luther leaning vpon the iudgement of Hierom, af∣firmeth the booke of Machabees not to be Canonical.* 1.79 Ec∣kius againe replyeth the booke of Machabees to be of no lesse authoritie then the Gospels. Also he alleged the place 1. Corinth. 3.* 1.80 Hee shall bee saued▪ yet so as it were by fyre. Moreouer he inferred the place of Math. 5. Agree thou with thine aduersary while thou art in the way with him,* 1.81 least he commit thee into prison, from whence thou shalt not escape, tyll thou hast payed the vttermost farthing.* 1.82 &c. To this he added also the place of the Psalmes: We haue passed through the fire and water.* 1.83 &c. Howe these places be wrasted to purgatory, let the reader discerne and iudge.

Then was inferred the question of indulgences, wher∣of Eckius seemed to make but a toy & a matter of nothing, and so passed it ouer.* 1.84

At last they came to the question of penance, touching which matter, the reasons of Eckius digressed much from the purpose, which went about to proue that there be some maner of paynes of satisfaction: whiche thing Luther dyd neuer deny. But that for euery particuler offence, such par∣ticuler penaunce is exacted of Gods iustice vpon the repē∣tant sinner, as is in mans power to remitte or l••lease, as pleaseth him: such penance neither Luther, nor anye other true Christian did admit. And thus haue ye the chiefe effect of this disputation betweene Luther and Eckius at Lyp∣sia.* 1.85 Which was in the month of Iuly. an. 151••.

About the beginning of the same yeare .151••. Uldericke Zuinglius came first to Zuricke, and there began to teach. Who in the 16. article, in his booke of articles, recordeth, that Luther and both at one time, one not knowing nor hearing of an other, began to write against the popes par∣dons and indulgences. Albeit if the time be rightly coun∣ted, I suppose we shall finde that Luther began a yeare or two before Zuinglius.* 1.86 Notwithstanding this doth Sle∣dan testifie, that in this present yeare, when Sampson a Franciscan, came with the popes pardons to Zurick, Ul∣dericke Zuinglius did withstand him, and declared hys chaffer and pardons to be but a vayne seducing of the peo∣ple, to inueagle away their money. Ex Sled Lib. 1.

The next yeare ensuing,* 1.87 which was 1250. the Fryers and Doctours of Louane, and also of Colen, condemned y^e bookes of Luther as hereticall. Agaynst whom Luther a∣gayne effectuously defended himselfe, and charged them with obstinate violence, and malicious impiety. After this within fewe dayes flasheth out from Rome the thunder∣bolt of pope Leo against the said Luther notwithstanding he so humbly and obediently before had reuerenced both the person of the pope, and agnised the authoritie of his see and also had dedicated vnto him,* 1.88 and bookes intituled De Christiana libertate: that is, of Christian libertye: In which booke these two poyntes principally hee discusseth and prooueth.

1 That a Christen man is free and Lorde of all thinges, and subiect to none.

2 That a Christen man is a dilligent vnderling and ser∣uaunt of all men, and to euery man subiect.

Moreouer, in the same yeare he set out a defence of all his articles, which the popes Bull had before condemned.

An other book also he wrote to the nobilitie of Germa∣nie,* 1.89 in the which booke he impugneth and shaketh y^e three principall walles of the papistes: the first whereof is this.

1 Where as y^e papistes say, that no temporal or prophane magistrate hath any power vpon the spiritualtie: but they haue power ouer the other.

2 Where any place of Scripture being in controuersie is to be decided, they say, No man may expound y^e scrip∣ture, or be iudged thereof, but onely the Pope.

3 When any Councell is brought against them, they say, that no man hath authoritie to call a Councell, but onely the Pope.

Moreouer, in the foresayd book diuers other matters he handleth and discourseth:* 1.90 That y^e Pope can stop no free Councell. Also what things ought to be handled in Coū∣cels. That the pryde of the pope is not to be suffered. What money goeth out of Germany yearly to the pope, moun∣ting to the summe of 3000000. Florences. The true mea∣ning of this verse he expoundeth: Tu supplex ora: tu protege, tu{que} labora. Wherein the three estates with their offices and dueties are described: to wyt, the minister the magistrate, & the subiectes. Furthermore in the sayd booke he prooueth and discusseth, that the Emperour is not vnder the Pope but contrariwise: that the donation of Constantine is not true, but forged: that priestes may haue wiues: that y^e voy∣ces of the people ought not to be seperate from the election of ecclesiasticall persons: that interdicting and suspending of matrimony at certayne times, is brought in of auarice: what is the right vse of excommunicatiō: that there ought to be fewer holy daies: that liberty ought not to be restrai∣ned in meates: that wilfull pouerty and begging ought to be abolished, what damage and inconuenience haue gro∣wen by the Councell of Constance: and what misfortunes Sigismund the Emperour susteined, for not keeping faith and promise with Iohn Hus and Hierom: that hereticks should be conuinced, not by fire and fagot, but by euidence of Scripture and Gods word, how schooles and vniuersi∣ties ought to be reformed: what is to be sayd and iudged of the popes Decretals, that y^e first teaching of children ought to begin with the Gospell. Item, he writeth in the same booke agaynst excessiue apparell among the Germaines. Also against their excesse in spyces. &c.

In this yeare moreouer followed not long after,* 1.91 the coronation of the new Emperour Carolus quintus: whiche was in the month of Octob. at Aquisgraue.

After whiche coronation being solemnised about the month of nouemb. Pope Leo sent againe to Duke Fride∣ricke two Cardinals, hys Legates: of whom the one was Hieronymus Aleander, who after a few wordes of high cō∣mendation first premised to the Duke touching his noble progenie, and other his famous vertues, they made two requestes vnto him in the Popes name: First that he would cause all bookes of Luther to be burned. Secondly,

that he woulde eyther see the said Luther there to be execu∣ted, or els would make him sure, and send him vp to Rome vnto the popes presence.

These two requestes seemed very strange vnto y^e duke who answering again to the Cardinals said, that he being long absent from thence,* 1.92 about other publique affayres, could not tell what there was done, neither did hee com∣municate with the doinges of Luther. Notwithstandyng this he heard y^e ••••kius was a great perturber not only of Luther, but of other diuers learned and good men of hys vniuersitie. As for himselfe he was alwayes ready to doe his duety, first in sending Luther to Ch••••etanus the Car∣dinall, at the cittie of Auguste, and afterward at y^e Popes commaundement would haue sent him away out of hys dominion, had not Meltituis the popes owne Chamber∣layne geuen contrary shewed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him still in hys owne country, fearing least y^t in other countryes he might do more harme, where he was lesse knowne: and so nowe also was as ready to doe his duety, where soeuer ryght & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 did so require. But for so much a•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this cause, he seeth muche hatred and violence 〈…〉〈…〉 the one part▪ and no errour yee conuicted on the other 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but that it had rather the approbation of diuers we•• learned & found men of iudgement: and for so much as also the cause of Lu¦ther was not yet heard before the Emperour therefore he desired the sayd Leg••tes to be a meane to the Popes holi∣nes, that certaine learned persons of grauitie and vpright iudgement, might be assigned to haue the hearing and de∣termination of this matter, & that his errrour first might be known, before he were made an heretique, or his books burned. Which being done, when he should see his errour by manifest and sound testimonies of scriptures re••••••ced, Luther should find no fauour at hys handes. Otherwise he trusted that y^e popes holines would exact no such thyng of him, which he might not with equitie and honour of his place and estate, reasonably performe. &c.

Then the cardinals, declaring to the duke agayn, that they could no otherwise do, but accordyng to the forme of theyr prescript commission,* 1.93 they must proceede: tooke the books of Luther, and shortly after set fire vpon them, and openly burnt them. Luther hearing this, in like manner called all the multitude of studentes and learned men in Wittenberge, and there taking the popes decrees, and the Bull lately sent downe agaynst him,* 1.94 openly and solemnly accompanied with a great number of people followyng him, set them likewise on fire, and burnt them, which was the tenth of December.

A little before these thinges thus passed betweene the Pope and M. Luther, the Emperour had commaunded & ordayned a sitting or assemble of the states of al y^e Empyre to be holden at the City of Wormes, agaynst the sixt day of Ianuary next ensuing. In the whiche assemble, through y^e meanes of Duke Fredericke, the Emperor gaue forth that he woulde haue the cause of Luther there brought before him, and so it was. For at what tyme the assemble was commenced in the city of Wormes, the daye and moneth a∣foresayd, which was the 6. of Ianuary, afterward vpon y^e sixt day of marche following, the Emperour through the instigation of Duke Fredericke,* 1.95 directed hys letters vnto Luther, signifying, that for so muche as he had set abrod certayne bookes, he therfore by the aduise of his pieres & princes about him, had ordayned to haue y^e cause brought befor him in hys owne hearing, and therefore he graunted hym licence to come and returne home agayne. And that he might safely and quietly so doe, and be therof assured he promised vnto him by publicke fayth and credite, in the name of the whole Empyre, his Pasport and safeconduite as by the instrument whiche he sent vnto hym, he might more fully be ascertayned. Wherefore without all doubte or distrust, he willed him eftsoones to make hys repayre vnto him, and to be there present the 21. day after the receit thereof: and because he shoulde not misdoubt anye fraude or iniurye herein, he assured to him his warrant and pro∣myse.* 1.96

M. Luther being thus prouided for his safeconduict by the Emperour, after he had bene first accursed at Rome vpon Maundy Thursday, by the popes censure, shortly af¦ter Easter speedeth hys iourny toward the Emperour, at Wormes. Where the sayde Luther appearing before the Emperour and all the states of Germany, how constantly he stoocke to the truth, and defended hymselfe, and aun∣swered his aduersaryes, and what aduersaryes hee had, here followeth in ful history with the actes and doings as there happened, according as in our former edition partly was before described.

¶The actes and doynges of Martin Luther, before the Emperour, at the Citty of Wormes.

IN the yeare of our saluation .1521. about seuentene dayes after Easter,* 1.97 Martin Luther entered into Wor∣mes, being sent for by the Emperour Charles the 5. of y^e name, &c. who the first yeare of hys Empyre, made an as∣semble of princes in the foresayd Cittie. And whereas M. Luther had published three yeares before, certayne propo∣sitions to be disputed in the towne of Wittenberge in Saxonie, against the tyranny of the pope (which notwith¦standing were torne in peeces, condemned and burned by y^e papistes, and yet by no manifest Scriptures, nor proba∣ble reason conuinced) the matter began to grow to a tu∣mult & vprore, & yet Luther mayntayned all this while o∣penly his cause against y^e clergy.* 1.98 Wherupon it seemed good to certain y^t Luther shoulde be called, assigning vnto hym an Heraulde of armes, with a letter of safe conduict, by the Emperour and Princes. Being sent for, he came, and was brought to the Knightes of the Rhodes place, where he was lodged, well entertayned, and visited of many Erles Barons, knightes of the order, Gentlemen Priestes and the comminaltie, who frequented his lodging til night.

To conclude, he came contrary to the expectatiō of ma∣ny, as wel aduersaries, as other. For albeit he was sēt for by the Emperours messenger, and had letters of safecon∣duct: yet for that a few dayes before his accesse, his bookes were cōdemned by publique proclamations, it was much doubted of by many y^t he would not come: and the rather, for that his frendes deliberated together in a village nye hand, called Oppenhime (where Luther was first aduer∣tised of these occurrentes) & many perswaded him not to aduenture him selfe to suche a present danger, considering howe these begynninges answered not to the fayth of pro∣mise made▪ Who whē he had heard their whole perswasiō & aduise, he answered in this wise: As touchyng mee,* 1.99 since I am sent for, I am resolued & certainly determined to en¦ter Wormes, in the name of our Lorde Iesus Christe, yea although I knew there were so many deuils to resist me, as there are tyles to couer the houses in Wormes.

The fourth daye after his repayre, a Gentleman, na∣med Ulricke of Pappenhim, Lieutenaunt generall of the men at armes of the empire, was commanded by the em∣perour before dynner, to repayre to Luther, and inioyne hym at foure of the clocke in the after noone, to appeare be∣fore the Emperial maiestie, the Princes Electors, Dukes, and other estates of the Empire, to vnderstande the cause of his sendyng for: Wherunto he willingly agreed, as hys duetie was.

And after iiij. a clocke Ulricke Pappenhim: and Cas∣per Sturm the Emperors Heraulde (who conducted M. Luther from Wittenberge to Wormes (came for Luther, and accompanied him through the garden of the knightes of the Rhodes place, to the Earle Palatines pallace: and least the people should molest him, that thrōged in, he was led by secrete stayres to the place where he was appointed to haue audience. Yet manye, who perceyued the pre∣tence, violently rushed in, and were resisted, albeit in vaint many ascended the galleries, because they desired to behold Luther.* 1.100

Thus standing before the Emperour, the Electours, Dukes, Earles, and all the estates of the Empire, assem∣bled there, he was first aduertised by Ulricke of Pappen∣him, to keepe silence vntil such time as he was required to speake. Then Iohn Eckius aboue mentioned,* 1.101 who then was the Bishop of Triers general officiall, with a loude and intelligible voyce, first in Latine, then in Dutche, ac∣cording to the Emperours commaundement, saide & pro∣poned this sentence in maner as ensueth, or like in effect.

Martyn Luther, the sacred and inuincible Emperiall maie∣stie hath enioyntd by the consent of all the estates of the holye Empyre, that thou shouldest be appealed before the throne of his maiestie, to the ende I might demaunde of thee these twoo poyntes.

First, whether thou confessest these bookes here (for hee she∣wed a heape of Luthers bookes written in the Latine and Dutch tongues) and which are in all places dispersed, intituled with thy name, be thine, and thou doest affirme them to be thine, or not Secondly, whether thou wylt recant and reuoke them, and al that is contayned in them, or rather meanest to stand to that thou hast written?

Then before Luther, prepared to aunswere, Mayster Ierome Scurffus, a Lawyer of Wittenberge,* 1.102 required that the tytles of the bookes should be read. Forthwith the foresaid Eckius named certayne of the bookes, and those principally whiche were imprinted at Basill, among the

whiche he nominated his Comentaries vpon the Psaltar his booke of good works, his Commentary vpon y^e Lords prayer, and diuers other, which were not contentions.

* 1.103After this Luther answered thus in Latine & in dutch, Two things are proponed vnto me by the Emperial ma∣iestie. First, whether I will auouche for mine, all those books y^t beare my name: Secondly, whether I will main∣tayne or reuoke any thing that hytherto I haue deuised & published. Whereunto I wil answere as breifly as I can,

In the first, I can do none other then recognise those bookes to be mine,* 1.104 which lastly were named, & certaynely I will neuer recant any clause therof. In the second to de∣clare whether I will wholy defend, or call backe any thing cōprised in them: forasmuch as there be questiōs of faith & y^e saluation of the soule (& this concerneth y^e word of God, which is the greatest & most excellent matter that can be in heauen or earth, & the which we ought duely euermore to reuerēce:) this might be accoūted in me a rashnes of iudge∣mēt, & euen a most dangerous attēpt, I•• I wold pronoūce any thing before I wer better aduised, cōsidering I might recite something lesse then the matter importeth, and more then the truth requireth, if I did not premeditate y^e whiche I would speake. The which two thinges well considered doth set before mine eyes this sentence of our Lord Iesus Christ, wherin it is said: Whosoeuer shall deny me before mē, I will deny him before my father. I require then for this cause and humbly beseech the Emperiall maiestie, to graunt me liberty and leysure to deliberate,* 1.105 so that I may satisfie the interrogatiō made vnto me, without preiudice of y^e worde of God, and perill of mine owne soule.

Wherupon the princes began to deliberate. This done Eckius the prolocutor pronounced what was their resolu¦tion, saying: Albeit M. Luther, thou hast sufficiently vn∣derstanded by the Emperoures commaundement, y^e cause of thy appearance here, & therfore doest not deserue to haue any further respite geuen thee to determine: yet the Empe¦rous maiestie of his mere clemencie, graunteth thee one day to meditate for thine answere, so that to morow at this instant houre thou shalt repayre to exhibite thyne opini∣on, not in writing, but to pronounce the same with liuely voyce.

This done, Luther was led to hys lodging by the he∣rauld. But herein I may not be obliuious, that in the way going to the Emperour & when he was in the assemble of princes, he was exhorted of other to be couragious, & mā∣ly to demean himself,* 1.106 and not to feare them that kil the bo∣dy, but not the soule: but rather to dread him that is able to send both body and soule to euerlasting fire.

Furthermore he was encouraged with this sentence: When thou art before kinges, thinke not what thou shalt speake: for it shall be geuen thee in that houre.* 1.107

The next day after foure a clocke, the Herauld came & brought Luther from his lodging to the emperors courte, where he abode till sixe a clocke, for that the princes were occupyed in graue consultations, abiding there and being enuironed with a great number of people, and almost smo¦thered for the prease that was there. Then after when the Princes were set, and Luther entred, Eckius the Officiall began to speake in this maner.

Yesterday at this houre, the Emperours maiestie as∣signed thee to be here M. Luther,* 1.108 for that thou didst affirm those books y^t we named yesterday to be thine. Further, to y^e interrogation by vs made, whether thou wouldest ap∣proue al y^t is contayned in thē, or abolish and make voyde any part therof, y^u didst require time of deliberation, which was graunted, & is now expyred. Albeit thou oughtest not to haue oportunitie graunted to deliberate, considering it was not vnknowne to thee wherefore we cited thee. And as concerning the matter of fayth, euery man ought to be so prepared, that at all times when soeuer he shalbe requi∣red, he may geue certayne & constant reason therof, & thou especiall being counted a man of such learning, and so long tyme exercised in Theologie. Then goe to, aunswere euen now to the Emperours demaund, whose bountye y^u hast proued in geuing thee leisure to deliberate. Wilt thou now maintayn all thy bookes which thou hast acknowledged, or reuoke any part of them, and submit thy selfe. The Of∣ficiall made this interrogation in Latine and in Dutche. Martine Luther answered in Latine and in Dutch in this wise, modestly and lowly, and yet not without some stout¦nes of stomacke and Christian constancie, so as his aduer∣saries woulde gladlye haue had hys courage more hum∣bled and abased, but yet more earnestly desired his recanta∣tion, wherof they were in some good hope, whē they heard him desire respite of time to make his answere.

His aunswere was this.

MOst magnificent Emperor, and you most noble prin∣ces and my most gentle Lordes,* 1.109 I appeare before you here at the houre prescribed vnto me yesterday: yelding the obedience that I owe, humbly beseeching for Gods mercy, your most renowmed maiesty, and your graces & honors, that ye will minister vnto me this curtesy, to attende this cause beningly, which is the cause (as I trust) of Iustice and verity. And if by Ignoraunce I haue not geuen vnto euery one of you your iust titles, or if I haue not obserued the ceremonies and countenaunce of the Court, offending against them: it may please you to pardone me of your be∣nignities, as one that onely hath frequented cloysters, and not courtly ciuylities. And first, as touching my self, I can affirme or promise no other thinge, but onely this, that I haue taught hitherto in symplycytye of minde, that which I haue thought to tende to Gods glory, & to the saluation of mens soules.

Now as concerninge the two articles obiected by your most excellente maiestye,* 1.110 whether I woulde acknowledge those bookes which were named, and be publyshed in my name, or whether I would mainteine & not reuoke thē: I haue geuē resolute answere to the first, in the which I per∣sist & shall perseuer for euermore, y^t these bookes be myne, and publyshed by me in my name, vnlesse it hath syth hap∣pened that by some fraudulent misdealing of myne ene∣mies there be any thyng foysted in them, or corruptly cor∣rected? For I will acknowledge nothing, but that I haue wrytten, and that which I haue wrytten, I will not deny.

Now to answeare to the second article, I beseech your most excellent maiestye, and your graces,* 1.111 to vouchsafe to geue eare. Al my bookes are not of one sort. There be some, in which I haue so simply and soundly declared & opened the religion of Christen faith and of good workes, that my very enemyes are compelled to confesse them to be profita∣ble and worthy to be read of all Chrystyans. And truely the Popes Bull (how cruell and tyrannous so euer it be) iudgeth certayne of my bookes inculpable, albeyt the same with seuere sentence, thundreth against me, and with monstruous cruelty condēneth my bookes, which books if I shuld reuoke. I might worthely be thought to neglect and transgresse the office of a true Christian, and to be one alone, that repugneth the publicke confession of all people There is an other sort of my books, which containe inuec∣tiues agaynst the Papacie, and other of the popes retinue, as haue with theyr pestiferous doctrine, and pernicious examples, corrupted the whole state of our Christianitie. Neyther can any deny or dissemble this, whereunto vni∣uersall experience, and common complaynt of all beare witnesses that the consciences of all faythfull men be most miserably entrapped, vexed, and cruelly tormented by the Popes lawes and doctrines of men. Also that the goodes and substaunce of Christen people are deuoured, especially in this noble and famous countrey of Germanye, and yet without order, and in most detestable maner, are suffered still to be deuoured, without all measure, by incredible ty∣ranny: notwithstanding that they themselues haue orday∣ned to the contrary in theyr owne proper lawes,* 1.112 as in the Distinct. 9. & .25. q. i. & .2. where they themselues haue decreed that all such lawes of popes which be repugnant to y^e do∣ctrine of the Gospell, and the opinions of the auncient Fa∣thers, are to be iudged erroneous, and reproued.

If then I shall reuoke these, I can do none other, but adde more force to theyr tyranny, and open not onely wyn¦dowes, but wide gates to theyr impiety, whiche is like to extend more wide, and more licenciously then euer it durst heretofore: And by the testimonie of this my retractation, their insolent kingdome shalbe made more licencious, and lesse subiect to punishment, intollerable to the cōmon peo∣ple, and also more confirmed and established, especially if this be bruited, that I. Luther haue done this by the au∣thoritie of your most excellent maiestie, and the sacred Ro∣maine empyre. Oh Lord, what a couer or shadow shall I be then to cloke theyr naughtines and tyranny?

The rest, or thyrd sort of my bookes are such as I haue written against certaine priuate and singular persons, to wyt, against such as with tooth and nayle labour to main∣taine the Romish tyranny, and to deface the true doctrine and religion, which I haue taught and professed. As tou∣ching these, I playnly confesse I haue bene more vehemēt, then my religion and professeion required. For I make my selfe no Sainct, and I dispute not of my life, but of the do∣ctrine of Christ.

And these I cannot without preiudice cal back. For by this recantacion it will come to passe, that tyrannie and impietie shall raigne, supported by my meanes, and so shal they exercise crueltie against people, more violently and ragyngly then before.

Neuertheles, for that I am a man, and not God, I can none otherwise enterprise to defend my bookes,* 1.113 then did my verye Lorde Iesus Christ defende his doctrine. Who being examined of his learning before Annas, and hauing receiued a buffet of the minister, sayd, If I haue spoken euill, beare witnesse of the euill.

If the Lord (who was perfect, and could not erre) re∣fused not to haue testimony geuē agaynst his doctrine,* 1.114 yea of a most vile seruaunt: howe much the more then I, that am but vile corruptiō, and can of my selfe doe nothing, but erre, ought earnestlye to see and require, if any will beare witnesse agaynst my doctrine?

Therfore I require, for Gods mercy, your most excel∣lent maiesty, your graces and right honorable Lordshyps, or what so euer he bee of high or lowe degree, here to lay in his testimony, conuict my errours, and confute me by the Scriptures, either out of the Prophetes or the Apostles, and I will be most ready (if I be so instructed) to reuoke any maner of errour: yea and will be the first that shall cō∣sume mine owne bookes and burne them.

I suppose hereby it may appeare, that I haue perpen∣ded,* 1.115 and well weyed before, the perils and daungers, the diuisions and dissentions which haue risē throughout the whole world, by reason of my doctrine, wherof I was ve∣hemently and sharply yesterday admonished. Concerning which diuisions of mens minds, what other mē do iudge, I know not, as touching my selfe, I conceiue no greater delectation in any thing, then when I behold discords and dissensions styrred vp for the word of God, For such is the course and proceeding of the Gospell. Iesus Christ sayth: I came not to send peace but a sworde.* 1.116 I came to set a man at vary∣ance with his father.

And further, we must thinke, that our God is maruel∣lous and terrible in his Coūcels, least perhaps that which we endeuour with earnest study to atchieue and brynge to passe (if we begynne first with condemning of hys worde) the same rebound agayne to an huge sea of euill: and least the newe raigne of this younge and bounteous Prince Charles (in whome next after GOD, we all conceaue singular hope) be lamentable, vnfortunate, and miserably begunne.

I could examplify this with authorityes of the Scrip∣tures more effectually,* 1.117 as by Pharao, the King of Baby∣lon, and the Kinges of Israel, who then most obscured the bright sunne of theyr glory, and procured theyr own ruine, when by sage councels they attempted to pacify and esta∣blish theyr Gouernementes and Realmes, and not by Gods Counselles: for it is he that intrappeth the wilye in theyr wylynesse, and subuerteth mountaynes before they be ware. Wherefore it is good, and Gods worke, to dreade the Lord.

I speake not this, supposing that so politique and pru∣dent heades haue need of my doctrine or admonition, but because I would not omit to profite my countrey, and of∣fer my duty or seruice that may tend to the aduancement of the same. And thus I humbly commend me to your most excellēt maiesty, and your honorable Lordships, beseching you that I may not incurre your displeasures, neyther be contemned of you,* 1.118 through the pursute of my aduersaryes. I haue spoken.

These wordes pronounced, then Eckius the Empe∣rors Prolocutor, with a sterne countenance beganne, and sayd, that Luther had not aunswered to any purpose, ney∣ther it behoued him to call in question, thinges in time past concluded and defined by generall Councels: and therefore they required of him a playne and direct aunswere, whe∣ther he would reuoke or no.

Then Luther: considering (sayde he) your soueraigne maiesty,* 1.119 and your honors require a playne aunswere: thys I say and professe as resolutely as I may, without doub∣ling or sophistication, that if I be not conuinced by testimo∣nies of the Scriptures, & by probale reasons (for I beleeue not the Pope, neither his generall Councels, which haue erred many times, and haue bene contrary to themselues) my conscience is so bound and captiued in these scriptures and word of God which I haue alledged, that I will not, nor may not reuoke any maner of thing, considering it is not godly or lawfull to do any thing against cōsciēce. Here∣vpon I stand and rest. I haue not what els to say. GOD haue mercy vpon me.

The princes consulted together vpon this answere ge∣uen by Luther: and whē they had diligently examined the same, the prolocutor began to repell him thus.

Martin (sayd he) thou hast more immodestly aunswe∣red,* 1.120 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 interrogati∣on 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 in∣iury. 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, wher∣in thou errest greatly. For what auayleth it to renue dispu∣tation of thinges so long time past condemned by y^e church and Councels, vnlesse it should be necessary to geue a rea∣son 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 coun∣cels, that he may once get his aduauntage,* 1.121 to be conuinced by the Scriptures, we shall haue nothing certayne and e∣stablished in Christendome.

And this is the cause wherefore the Emperours maie∣sty 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 Emperour, and the no∣bles, besought them, not to compell him to yeelde agaynst his conscience confirmed with the holy Scriptures, wyth∣out 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,* 1.122 with whose au∣thority onely they presse me, I am able to proue, that they haue both erred, and haue defined many times things con∣trary 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 ma∣nifest in the holy Scripture: that neyther of him it ought to be required, neither could he so do without impiety.

Wherunto the Official agayne answered, denying that any man could proue the Coūcels to haue erred. But Lu∣ther 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 folowing, when the Princes electors, Dukes, and other estates were assembled, the Emperour sent to the whole body of the councell, a certaine letter con∣teining in effect as foloweth.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The history of M. Luther with his life & doc∣trine described.
• * 1.2

  An excellent declaration of S. Bernard tou∣ching fayth.
• * 1.3

  The profite of S. Augustines bookes.
• * 1.4

  The institution of the Vniuersi∣tie at Witten∣berge. Staupitius.
• * 1.5

  The iudgement of Doct. Mel∣lerstad, vpon M. Luther.
• * 1.6

  Luther sent to Rome.
• * 1.7

  Fridericke Duke of Saxonie. Luther com∣mensed doctour.
• * 1.8

  Doct. M. Luther beginneth to read the Epistle to the Romains.
• * 1.9

  Luther taught Iesus Christ.
• * 1.10

  Erasmus ope∣neth the way before Luther.
• * 1.11

  ••x Christia. Massaeo. Lib. 20. Chronic.
• * 1.12

  10 shilling par∣dons.
• * 1.13

  Cecollus prea∣cher of the popes pardons.
• * 1.14

  Luthers propo∣sitions of par∣dons.
• * 1.15

  The first occasi∣on why Luther wrote against pardons.
• * 1.16

  The slaunder of Tecellus the Fryer.
• * 1.17

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Duke of Saxonie.
• * 1.18

  The iudge∣ment of E∣rasmus tou∣ching Lu∣ther.
• * 1.19

  Monkes be∣lies and the Popes crowne not to be tou∣ched.
• * 1.20

  Ex Chron. Casp. Pe••∣cer. lib. 5.
• * 1.21

  Ex epist. E∣rasm. ad Mogunti∣nensem.
• * 1.22

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 burdened 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.23

  Ex Para∣l••p. Abbat. Vrsperg.
• * 1.24

  The submis∣sion of Lu∣ther to the Pope.
• * 1.25

  Psal. 23.
• * 1.26

  The ragyng Dialogue of Syluester Prie••••as a∣gainst Lu∣ther.
• * 1.27

  The aun∣swere of Luther a∣gainst Syl∣uester.
• * 1.28

  Clem. De poenit. & re∣miss. C. A∣busionibus.
• * 1.29

  Ex Parali∣pominis Ab∣ba. Vrsperg.
• * 1.30

  Eckius wry∣teth against Luther. D. Andraeas answereth for Luther.
• * 1.31

  The vniuer∣sitie of Wit∣tenberge writeth to the Pope for Luther.
• * 1.32

  The Popes charge to his Legate against M. Luther.
• * 1.33

  Luther obedi∣ent to the Sea of Rome.
• * 1.34

  Luther appea∣reth before Car∣dinall Ca••e••a∣nus.
• * 1.35

  Three thinges put to Luther by the Pope.
• * 1.36

  Protestation of M. Luther be∣fore the Cardi∣nall.
• * 1.37

  The aunswere of Luther, with his propositions to the Cardinal.
• * 1.38

  Proteus was a monster noted in Poetes which could chaunge him selfe into al formes & like∣nes.
• * 1.39

  Luthers aun∣swere to the Cardinall.
• * 1.40

  Pride wil haue a fall. Aesopes dogge. All couet, all loose.
• * 1.41

  Luther obedi∣ent to the Sea of Rome.
• * 1.42

  An other letter of Luther to the Legate.
• * 1.43

  Luther ap∣pealeth frō the Cardi∣nall to the Pope. The letters of Caieta∣nus to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fridericke.
• * 1.44

  The Dukes aunswere to the Cardi∣nall for Lu∣ther.
• * 1.45

  Luthers let∣ters to duke Fridericke.
• * 1.46

  Luther rea¦die to be exiled.
• * 1.47

  The cause of Luther in great daunger.
• * 1.48

  Gods pro∣uidence.
• * 1.49

  The Vni∣uersitie of Witten∣berge wri∣teth to the Duke for Luther.
• * 1.50

  New indul∣gences set forth by Pope Leo.
• * 1.51

  The doc∣trine of the church of Rome.
• * 1.52

  The Popes Alestake to picke mens purses.
• * 1.53

  Luther ap∣pealeth frō the Pope to a general councell. Miltitius the popes chamber∣laine sent to duke Fride∣ricke.
• * 1.54

  The death of Maximi∣lian the Em∣perour. Charles the 5. elected Emperour, by the mea∣nes of Duke Fridericke.
• * 1.55

  The dispu∣tation at Lypsia.
• * 1.56

  Eckius a∣gainst Ca∣rolostadius.
• * 1.57

  Luther com¦meth to the disputation. Melancthon newlye come to Wittēberge.
• * 1.58

  The questiō of free will. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.59

  God geueth his grace to vsury.
• * 1.60

  Totum. Totaliter.
• * 1.61

  Phil. ••.
• * 1.62

  Luther dispu∣teth with Eckius▪
• * 1.63

  Luthers asserti∣on against the popes supremacy.
• * 1.64

  The assertion of Eckius for the supremacie.
• * 1.65

  Disputation be∣twene Luther and Eckius a∣bout the popes supremacy.
• * 1.66

  Ex paralio. Abbat. Vrsp.
• * 1.67

  The reasons of Eckius for the supremacy.
• * 1.68

  Hieron.
• * 1.69

  Ciprian.
• * 1.70

  Bernard.
• * 1.71

  Math. 16.
• * 1.72

  Luther aunswe∣reth to the place of S. Math.
• * 1.73

  Iohn. 21.
• * 1.74

  The aunswere of Luther to the place of S. Iohn. Pasce Oues me∣as.
• * 1.75

  The authoritie of the councell of Constance.
• * 1.76

  Gala. 2.
• * 1.77

  Here is good doctrine of Ec∣kius, I trowe.
• * 1.78

  The question of Purgatorie.
• * 1.79

  2. Mach. 12.
• * 1.80

  1. Corint. 3.
• * 1.81

  Math. 5.
• * 1.82

  Psal. 65.
• * 1.83

  The question of Indulgences.
• * 1.84

  The question of Penaunce.
• * 1.85

  When Vldericus Zuinglius came to Tigurie.
• * 1.86

  Luther and Zuinglus began both at one tyme to write a∣gainst the Pope.
• * 1.87

  Luthers bookes con∣demned at Louen, and Colen Pope Leos Bull against Luther.
• * 1.88

  Lutherus de libertate Christiana.
• * 1.89

  Lutherus ad Nobilita∣tem Ger∣maniae. Three wall or bul∣warkes of the papistes.
• * 1.90

  The booke of Luther to the Nobili∣tie, with the matter ther∣to contey∣ned.
• * 1.91

  Charles the Emperour crowned.
• * 1.92

  Duke Fri∣derickes an∣swere to the Popes Le∣gate•• for Luther.
• * 1.93

  The Popes Legates burne the bookes of Luther.
• * 1.94

  Luther bur∣neth the Popes de∣crees and Bulles at Wittēberg.
• * 1.95

  The Empe∣rours letter, with his safe cōduict sent to M. Luther.
• * 1.96

  M. Luther accursed at Rome of the Pope.
• * 1.97

  Anno. 1521.
• * 1.98

  Luther is sent for to Wormes.
• * 1.99

  Constancy in Luther.
• * 1.100

  Luther is brought before the Emperour.
• * 1.101

  Iohn Eckius propoundeth a∣gainst M. Lu∣ther.
• * 1.102

  Hierome Sch••••∣••ie.
• * 1.103

  M. Luthers aun∣swere.
• * 1.104

  Luther refuseth to reuoke his bookes.
• * 1.105

  Luther desireth respite to aun∣swere.
• * 1.106

  Luther is ex∣horted to be constant.
• * 1.107

  Math. 10.
• * 1.108

  Eckius againe propoundeth a∣gaynst Luther.
• * 1.109

  M. Luther aunswereth for him self.
• * 1.110

  Luther ge∣ueth a compt of hys fayth before the Emperour.
• * 1.111

  He deui∣deth hys workes into three parts.
• * 1.112

  The Pope proceedeth contrary to his owne doctrine.
• * 1.113

  He requi∣reth to be instructed if he haue erred.
• * 1.114

  Iohn. 18.
• * 1.115

  Dissentions and diuisiōs folow the doctrine of Christ, not for anye cause in the doctrine, but in the aduersary.
• * 1.116

  Math. 10.
• * 1.117

  Mans coun∣saile with out Gods worde and his feare, be vnfortunate
• * 1.118

  Luther pro∣uoked a∣gain to sub∣mit hym selfe.
• * 1.119

  Luthers ab∣solute aun∣swere.
• * 1.120

  Eckius a∣gaine repli∣eth.
• * 1.121

  The Papistes stande onely vp∣on their church and councels.
• * 1.122

  Generall coun∣cels haue erred, and haue bene cōtrary to them selues.